#chis are the best and no one can convince me otherwise

[plaguepups]

The lil old lady I petsit sometimes. She is roughly 16, believe it or not! She’s in great condition for her age, teeth are still nice too.

Wild cause her owner does like The Bare Minimum. But I got her to start staying on top of nail trims better in between when I get the chance to do them.

[cienie-isengardu]

I feel like if Bi-Han didn't love Kuai or was abusive it would've been stated. It'd also bring into question why Kuai would care to avenge him if he was treating him like trash. It's not Bi-Han is the only person he cares for, Tomas is literally right there. Like Kuai was jumping through hoops for this man and unless Bi-Han was some master manipulator which doesn't fit Bi-Han's personality since Bi-Han makes it really apparent when he doesn't like someone.

Seriously this is the guy who told Quan Chi his plan was insane to his face and Bi-Han's social skills are kind of lacking. You cannot convince me this guy was some puppet master. I'm not saying Bi-Han is dumb but he's not this master manipulator intent of using his brother's emotions.

Also why would he even bother? Seriously Bi-Han's main priority is survival, why would he care to manipulate his brother if he didn't care for him given it's not like he benefits from Kuai being around.

Kuai Liang was introduced as the younger brother of Bi-Han in Mortal Kombat II (November 1993) and their brotherhood has been a vital part of lore for literally three decades now. After such a long time, I too think if alive Bi-Han was ever meant to be seen as the abusive or uncaring brother, the source would outright say so already. Instead Mortal Kombat gives us a conflict between younger Sub-Zero and Noob Saibot, the resurrected yet corrupted by the dark magic version of Bi-Han. A corruption acknowledged by Kuai Liang himself, like he did in Mortal Kombat Armaggeddon:

And even within that conflict between alive Kuai Liang and Wraith Bi-Han, Noob Saibot was not always written as the vile creature out there to kill or hurt his younger brother for fun, which can be especially seen in an alternative timeline[1].

Did Kuai Liang idolize his brother? Most likely yes, as Bi-Han was his closest family he had and with unnaturally advanced ice skills, the older brother rose through ranks to the point Grandmaster acknowledged him as the most cunning Lin Kuei assassins. However it is not like Kuai Liang was completely blind to human Bi-Han’s flaws - the degree may vary from one source to another, like between one of the oldest Mortal Kombat comics (“he was stubborn in many ways”) and Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (“The dreams. For a long time, I thought the worst thing that I could become was my brother. I was wrong.”). The closest example I can think of in which Kuai Liang outright calling original Sub-Zero to be evil comes from Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm TV animated series (1996) and even then it was said in context of serving the forces of Darkness, not if Bi-Han was abusive brother[2].

Yet within strictly game timelines, Kuai Liang may be angry at Noob Saibot, he may be disappointed by his brother’s (post mortem) choices but as far as I managed to check, he had never accused Noob Saibot of not loving him, or being uncaring or abusive when the man was alive. In contrast, Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) actually gives us Smoke’s accusation that MK1!Bi-Han was always cold to him and though this is not necessarily equal to being abusive, the game hints at an uneasy relationship between those two brothers. I don’t think original and alternative Kuai Liang has ever accused his Bi-Han of anything similar. Quite opposite actually, in MK11 Kuai Liang stated he thought (alive) Bi-Han shared the same values as him - while Noob Saibot noted that Kuai Liang always mimicked him. What may itself imply Kuai Liang's principles were inspired by elder brother.

The source material uses the word “corrupted” specifically to describe Noob Saibot, as to highlight that Noob is not the Bi-Han’s original self. Kuai Liang uses that word, and of all people he is the one that knew the best what kind of man Bi-Han was once. Otherwise I believe younger Sub-Zero would already remark that Bi-Han as an evil Wraith is no different from his human self and so far Kuai Liang did not say anything like that.

This is especially seen in Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) and Kuai Liang’s anger is understandable as Noob Saibot supported Kronika and Cyber Sektor that attacked and killed his clan members. However, as Sub-Zero’s ending shows, when he decided to study each second of Bi-Han’s life to understand what made his older brother the way he was, he tried to understand why Bi-Han’s embraced “Sektor’s corruption” and why "reveled in the vile power given to him by Quan Chi"

not why Bi-Han did not love him, or abused, or manipulated. Those have never been a matter of doubt, only the process of adapting into the darker side of Lin Kuei and life as Wraith . So once again, corruption by power - or even being a merciless assassin, does not necessarily mean Bi-Han was a bad brother. I know that for the majority of fandom one equals the other, however Kuai Liang has never accused Bi-Han of being on purpose cruel or uncaring toward him. If anything, the problem lies in the fact that Bi-Han embraced all the bad things that happened to him. Again, like the ending says, Kuai Liang needed to reshape Bi-Han's life (events) not Bi-Han’s whole character to get back the beloved brother he missed. So the problem did not lie in Bi-Han’s character itself, but in things that happened to him. 

And frankly, there is a lot to say about the fact that Bi-Han rarely speaks about honor in contrast to Kuai Liang, and how in general he is more aware of Lin Kuei’s dark deeds than his brother ever was. The original Sub-Zero seems to be much more disillusioned with how the world works and thus better at adapting to its cruelty. He even warned Kuai Liang in the past to never trust anyone, especially a family, and it is like the opposite act to manipulation. At the same time, Kuai Liang too was accused of having a “frozen heart”.

I think that ultimately it all comes down to what fans want - a tragedy about two brothers that by twist of cruel fate are destined to be enemies or story about a survivor of abuse/pathological system coming in terms of his trauma and realizing his brother was not a good man and building for himself a new, healthier life. Each story has a great potential on its own, however I personally feel that Mortal Kombat has never truly gone with the second scenario. Kuai Liang being blind to his brother and clan’s darkness may make sense when he does not have an outside relationship that made him rethink his own brotherhood with Bi-Han. Yet Kuai Liang, even a much older, experienced man still recognizes Noob as the corrupted version of Bi-Han, not the same man just with a different outfit. Despite all the bad blood between him and the Wraith, he has never truly abbadon hope to save his brother’s soul, so at least to me, it doesn’t sound like a man freeing himself from abuse and trauma by rejecting an evil family. 

And also, if we agree that Kuai Liang was either so indoctrinated by the clan or lacked any other support to recognize the abuse when it happened to him, then the same benefit of doubt should be given to Bi-Han, as he grew up in the same pathological environment. You can’t excuse one survivor of abuse and then condemn the other. The brothers dealt with their trauma in different ways but this is not good victim vs bad victim contest.

As for Bi-Han manipulating anyone... he was introduced in Mythologies: Sub-Zero as the most cunning Lin Kuei assassin and Noob Saibot was too hinted to be smart and biding his time while serving Shinnok, Quan Chi and Shao Kahn. So I believe he could be pretty cunning when needed. But yes, the man doesn't feel like a person bothering with manipulation for the fun of it. Sub-Zero, like all cryomancers in general(?), was a pretty straightforward man. Like I mentioned before, from source material it seems to me he rather kept warning Kuai Liang about not trusting anyone (and he did that as Noob Saibot too in MK11's intro dialogues) than playing on his younger brother’s loyalty. But to be honest, we don't have enough sources to say for sure how growing up in Lin Kuei looked for both.

SIDENOTES:

[1] Sadly, MK11 did not fully utilize the conflict between Redemption (Kuai Liang) vs. Recognition (Noob Saibot!Bi-Han) alluded by the official BIOs and intro dialogues. Frankly, the mentioned game barely did anything with their brotherhood in main story mode, however the intro dialogues paint an interesting take on brothers feelings toward each other, especially Noob’s one toward Kuai Liang, as they differ from original timeline Noob. Back then he was out there “free from compassion” [MK Deception]

and at least twice tried to murder his brother (attack on Lin Kuei/MK Armageddon and Noob-Smoke’s ending/MK Deception), while in the MK11’s intro dialogues for example, he does not side with Frost - who from story mode perspective was the logical ally, as she wanted to kill Kuai Liang. Instead Noob openly dislikes and disrespects her and even criticizes his brother for trusting her in the first place. Similar thing happens with Geras ordering Noob to bring Sub-Zero to Kronika and suddenly Noob goes with his standard “only death are my kin” 

Geras: Bring your brother to Kronika. Noob Saibot: The dead are my clan now. Geras: Do you serve or do you not? 

while he has no problem acknowledging his and Kuai Liang’s brotherhood. The intro dialogues in second timeline definitely played a different angle than Noob as Bi-Han completely stripped of his humanity. And again, sadly NRS did not dwell on it in the main story.

[2] Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm actually referred to events from the Mortal Kombat film (1995), in which Liu Kang killed Sub-Zero thanks to Kitana’s advice to use an element “that brings life”. Even the scene of original Sub-Zero’s death was similar to the one from the movie, minus of course the violence/impaling itself. Yet the film outright stated that Scorpion and Sub-Zero were slaves under Shang Tsung’s power, so in that case, “Bi-Han” wouldn’t be on Mortal Kombat Tournament on his own free will for all we know.  The full dialogue about MK:DotR!Kuai Liang’s reasons for joining the good guys side below:

Sub-Zero: It is true, I was once Lin Kuei  and fought for the forces of darkness. But that was long ago…Back when my brother was still alive…It has been many years now since Liu Kang faced my brother in Mortal Kombat. [...] Sonya: So, why’d ya turn on your clan anyway? Jax: Girl, your parents ever teach you the word "tact?" Sub-Zero: After his death, I realized that my own brother was innately evil and without honor… I could no longer fight for what my clan believed in…That was when I decided to help you. Jax: Then why the disappearing act? Sub-Zero: In spite of what I knew, I was too filled with hate to go on. So I sought seclusion to try and find inner peace. Sonya: I guess what we’re all wondering is…can you ever really forgive Liu Kang for icing your brother? Sub-Zero: What Liu Kang did, he did to save Earth. He fought with honor and great purpose.

It was cartoon intended for children so it is make sense that brutality and complexity was reduced to acceptable norms, however A) “Kuai Liang” still didn’t call “Bi-Han” and evil/abusive brother and needed time to sort out his feelings, including hate (for Liu Kang) and  and B) saying “Bi-Han” and in general Lin Kuei were evil was the easiest way to explain why he changed sides than saying anything else (this point is actually relevant to “Kuai Liang”’s feeling for Lin Kuei/Bi-Han seen in the second episode - he may consider them evil but he would fight Scorpion to avenge what he did to Lin Kuei and wondered if Liu Kang could beat “Bi-Han” without Kitana’s advice so his feelings definitely aren’t one dimensional. I think it is safe to assume he was still processing his emotions and relationship with Lin Kuei/"Bi-Han") 

I guess this cartoon may be one of the reasons why people tend to consider Bi-Han to be an evil brother while painting Smoke as the only one Kuai Liang's brother that should matter. Still, a source is a source, so I’m bringing it to the table. 

[themovieblogonline]

One True Loves Review

One True Loves features Simu Liu (Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings), Phillipa Soo (Hamilton), and Luke Bracey (Point Break) star in this modern twist on a classic love story from NY Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Emma and Jesse are living the perfect life together until Jesse disappears in a tragic helicopter crash on their first wedding anniversary. Four years later, Emma has found happiness again and is about to marry her best friend when Jesse resurfaces, turning her world upside down and leaving her torn between two great loves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87EeZG2n2po Can I take a moment to just acknowledge everyone who's ever been trapped in the friend zone? This movie is for you. The Good The premise itself is just downright mesmerizing. I instantly relate to a situation I've never been in just on the concept. What would you do if you were married, that person died, and you met someone else just to find out your dead spouse isn't dead and wants you back??? That's an instant problem I think that everyone can empathize with even if we can't directly relate. I love this story concept a lot. I had a good time seeing how Emma handles this situation and the emotional conflict within her heart. There's so much to consider especially with time. Her husband is missing for years so what is the correct way to react to his sudden re-appearance?   One True Loves starts off really strong. I tip my hat to the production team for some strong direction and great performances here. The movie starts off very strong giving us a good view of the lives of Emma and Jesse's perfect life. Now, this is the type of life people dream of when young of an endless vacation with a loved one. I had a lot of fun watching Emma's love triangle develop with Jesse and Sam. One True Loves quickly brings us up to speed on Emma and Jesse's high school romance. It grows organically and continues into adulthood and results in marriage. I really feel great about their romance and I understand their attraction in a relatable way. One True Loves excels at being a romantic comedy with extra emphasis on comedy. This is no surprise as director Andy Fickman has a history of directing comedic films and the cast in this movie is very adaptable. Sam (Simu Liu) is incredibly funny in this movie and delivers some of the best jokes and visual gags in the entire movie. You could carve out his moments in the movie and have a believably funny sitcom but we get a sitcom in a movie. Michaela Conlin plays Emma's sister Marie and makes for a great one-two combo of comedy with Sam. She brings some well-timed dry humor and injects them into some otherwise emotionally heavy moments. There's a scene in the movie where she apologizes to Emma for convincing her to give up on her dead husband that had me in tears. The Bad The editing was rough. There are moments in the movie where scenes only last for a few seconds before transitioning to another scene. Unfortunately, the actors are giving some really good performances that are cut short. A few moments are really touching on some deep emotions that could be explored further but aren't. What undercuts this transition is that these scenes of deeply sad emotion get cut away to scenes that tell a quick gag and then switch back to the heavy emotion. the movie could have used some more time to let Phillipa do her thing. Some of the jokes don't land as well as intended. It's a combination of bad editing and some poorly delivered humor. There's a moment where we see Sam walk into the teachers' lounge at his job in a predictable joke. The main issue is that the scene undercuts one of the more emotional moments in the movie with Emma and her husband. Overall One True Loves is an adorably funny movie that had me laughing throughout the movie. Phillipa Soo is outstanding in this movie and flexes a lot of emotional range in her performance. I would have loved to see more of her scenes extended a bit longer. There are too many moments where Phillipa is acting her ass off but these scenes get cut short. Simu Liu is a highlight and delivers some of the funniest moments in the movie. I would have liked to understand this music teacher could just hijack his students for any given reason! One moment he's using them to impress Emma on a date and another moment he's unloading his emotional dilemma's on them during the school day.   I also can't help but wonder why didn't Sam have any adult friends he could talk to? Read the full article

[kunikinnie]

Hello:), May I request headcannons of Chuuya and Dazai (and Fyodor and Sigma if you write for them) having there child get kidnapped for almost a year but when they rescue there child the child ends up getting PSTD and other mental problems, ofc if this makes you uncomfortable feel free to ignore this<3

a/n: the angst writer in me lives once more HAHA I don't really write for either Fyodor or Sigma but I wanted to give it a shot anyway (sorry if they're a bit ooc ahh)

warnings: mental health issues, profanity, mentions of trauma

their child coming home after a year of kidnapping

featuring: Dazai, Chuuya, Fyodor, Sigma

Dazai Osamu

Those bastards must be really crafty for Dazai or even Ranpo not to find them immediately

During this period, his roots in the mafia will definitely show

The desperation and frustration would absolutely take over him

Once he manages to locate his child he'll raise hell in the enemy base, making them regret anything they ever did and may do

He'll proceed to coddle his child with as much affection and humor as possible

He'll feel like this is some form of retribution for his past - how many victims and families of theirs had to suffer the same way because of him?

Somehow he's even more determined to help them readjust to a more "normal" life, mostly by keeping them near the other members of the Agency

Hopefully the younger ones like Kenji and Kyouka can help them feel safe and loved (Dazai will also lowkey ask Kunikida for help because man's great with children u cannot convince me otherwise)

If the child needs therapy, I think he'll be a little hesitant at first simply because he's not sure if it will work

But after careful consideration and persuasion from his friends then he'll let them because he just wants the absolute best for his child

Dazai has been through hell and survived it so he'll do what's necessary for one of the most precious people in his life to conquer this and see the light once more

Nakahara Chuuya

Every day that passed when nothing turned up, his anger and frustration would double

He might not nearly be as shrewd as Dazai or Fyodor, but unlike them he has triple the resources and manpower to find his child

He'd blame himself a lot for not protecting them better and finding them sooner

You bet he'll make those bastards pay right there and then (but not as unnecessarily violent ofc)

As for helping his child, he'll do what must be done

Comfort and care is what they need and Chuuya can and will absolutely give that

Sure, the Port Mafia may be synonymous to the darkness of Yokohama, but that doesn't mean they're not human

If anything they care more for their own kind than anyone else

Chuuya will make sure that the child is surrounded by the more normal members of the mafia so they can readjust better

I can see him also be more overprotective (not that he wasn't already) especially when they go out

Someone he trusts (and there are only very few) must be with his child at all times - he's not going to risk it again

Also since he's busy, Chuuya will buy even more things for his child. Things like toys, games, whatever it is that can help them feel better. Money is not an issue

I think he'll also be the most "real" about it compared to the others. What I mean by that is the mafia life is not far from kidnappings, torture, and violence, so he'll do his best to help his child to overcome this and become stronger

But that doesn't mean he won't shower them with affection. More than anything, his child needs to know that they're loved and not alone in this world

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

His frustration is similar to Dazai's, but 100x more intense

Someone beat this meticulous devil of a man? He never thought it was even possible

But it infuriates him more that they had to hurt someone under his care

His pride is one thing but his child's safety is another

Which is why the moment he found and approached them and realized what had happened, his mind dove deeper into hell

While taking care of the child, he'll appear to be his normal cold and detached self, but inside the revenge he's plotting only gets more thorough and diabolical

He knows how people are when they're broken (as someone who knows how to break people) yet now that he wants to do the reverse, it's almost like he's at a loss

But don't you worry he will be the most gentle type of father he can manage to be (while still remaining cold, of course)

He definitely promises his child that there will be vengeance (perhaps he says this too often, whispering it to them every night like a lullaby lol)

I think he might even use that child's state as a "motivation for the future" and perhaps instill his ways into them

"I'll teach you how to deal with trash like that so you'll never get hurt again"

Sigma

Out of all those on this list, he'll be the least angry but the most depressed

He's been manipulated several times in his life, but to be held captive by strangers doing terrible things to you - his heart couldn't bear it

He whole-heartedly wishes it was him they took instead

Like Chuuya, he'll blame himself for losing his child - but to an even greater extent

It worsens as time passes since he feels useless even with his information exchange ability: Why couldn't he find his child sooner? What's the purpose of having it if he can't even protect this one person?

Once his child returns, he'll do his best to heed to their every need

When with his child or anyone else, he'll act all stoic. But the feelings of nervousness and being lost will come back to him when he's alone

Sigma's just so shocked and overwhelmed by the situation, but of course he'll never show that to anyone else

But he's determined to help his child regain their own reason for living

I think he'll be a bit clueless when it comes to caring for someone with severe mental health issues, but that's not going to stop him

Therapy? Oh sure no problem. If that's what they need and there's no bad side to it, then sure

"Doing normal things with them" is something Sigma is pretty good at, I think

He'll be with his child playing games (even if he doesn't understand half of what's happening), watching movies they like, and cooking/baking (I mean Sigma loves cookies, so yes)

That's how he best shows his love and affection, I think. They're his reason for living now - not that that wasn't clear before - and so he'll devote his time and energy to them, like a proper parent should

[fromthefishbowl]

10 italian songs that are terribly horny

Kind of a sequel of this post I wrote about the three Italian songs every Italian knows without fail, here comes another in the same vein and, as you might guess from the title of the post, they all are horny.

Because there’s absolutely no need to title your fic about Nicky losing his virginity after a Hozier song, when the Italian music scene of the 1970s has already blessed us with Cristiano Malgioglio!

Beware that this list features: threesomes, implied choking, implied masturbation, lengthy descriptions of dicks, and a whole lot of “dying”.

So, if you’re new to the Italian music scene, I bet you now have two questions: who is Malgioglio, and why is that “dying” in between quotes?

Cristiano Malgioglio is an Italian songwriter who has been working in the music industry since the early Seventies. Now known mostly for his flamboyant style and white strand of hair in his otherwise completely black head, he was a close friend of Fabrizio de Andrè, who was actually the one who introduced him to the music world. He has written a lot of songs that are LGBT+ themed and has always been very open about his sexuality, to the point that he has never even felt the need of coming-out. Out of the ten songs here presented, he has written three of them, and one of them is about one of his boyfriends.

As the censorship didn’t allow for song lyrics to be too explicit, songwriters and singers had found a way around it: rather than saying “coming” or “orgasming”, they would go with “dying”, which was a lot more elegant and could be inserted in literally every song without the censors being able to complain. And, trust me, there’s a lot of dying.

Here is the list, from the least horny to the most horny.

Chi Non Lavora (1970), by Adriano Celentano

Link to lyrics and translation here.

Commonly called Autunno Caldo (Hot Autumn), the workers strike that begun in 1969 and dragged itself into the August 1970 greatly influenced this piece (but for all the wrong reasons). Workers were demanding safer working conditions, which had been completely ignored up until that point. As the days went on and the more people joined the protests, the police got more and more violent, to the point that they had begun shooting people on sight. This caused a huge uproar from the protestors, and when the voice that people had been shot and harmed by the law enforcement, even more workers and even students joined the fight. Through a year of strikes, they forced the Italian government to create a new set of laws that would protect both workers and students.

The song mocks this movement: the singer complains about the fact that, since he is on a strike two days out of three, he cannot give his wife enough money and therefore she’s going on a strike too and won’t have sex with him. Basically this song is nothing but the woes of a privileged, extremely wealthy man who thinks that people protesting for the rights of a safe work environment is inopportune and stupid.

The only reason why I included this song is because “Chi non lavora non fa l’amore” (Those who don’t work don’t make love) is still very much used to this day. If you want a piece of media that actually explores the protests and the work environment of the time, I suggest watching La Classe Operaia va in Paradiso (The Working Class goes to Heaven), a movie from 1971.

10 Ragazze per Me (1969), by Lucio Battisti

Link to lyrics and translation here.

Lucio Battisti is a national treasure and if I’ll ever do more of these, he’s surely going to end up in more of them. Whereas De Andrè would write more traditional music and focus on the lyrics, Battisti’s music was a lot more danceable and his lyrics a lot lighter, usually focusing on loneliness and heartbreaks rather than social issues.

In this song, the protagonist is bragging about how he wants ten girls for himself, all for different reasons (one because she knows how to dance, the other because she’s a virgin, that other one because she has been with everybody but him). It is soon revealed, however, that the only reason why he’s doing it is because he’s still thinking about a very specific girl who broke his heart.

Remembering the note above, peep that “And red lips to die upon”.

Gelato al Cioccolato (1979), by Pupo

Link to lyrics and translation here.

First song written by Cristiano Malgioglio and also the one about his ex! And yes, it was sung by another man, but... oh, well. The lyrics are the same.

I feel like the only thing I need to say, about this song, is to quote it directly: “Chocolate ice cream, sweet and a little salty”. And that’s it, because the subtext is right there and it’s impossible to miss what it implies.

What I think should be added is the fact that the singer had absolutely no idea of what the song was about. Like none. It was only in 2007 that Malgioglio told him that he had been inspired to write it after spending a torrid summer in Tunisia, where he had gotten a boyfriend with whom he’d often get ice cream.

Carlo Martello Ritorna dalla Battaglia di Poitiers (1967), by Fabrizio de Andrè

Link to lyrics and translation here.

Translating this song absolutely murdered me: Paolo Villaggio, one of De Andrè’s best friends and an extremely important figure in Italian entertainment history, wrote it to play over Middle Ages sounding music, so the words chosen and the way sentences are structured are reminiscing of that time, and it was incredibly hard to find English words that matched.

This said, it’s possibly one of De Andrè’s most light-hearted songs (probably because he and Villaggio wrote it while their wives were giving birth to their sons), even if it does mention social issues.

King Charles Martel comes home from Poitiers but has lost the key to his wife’s chastity cage, so he doesn’t even go home before looking for another girl that can quench his thirst. He sees a beautiful maiden taking a bath and, seduced, convinces her to have sex with him. It is only when he has finished that she reveals that she’s actually a prostitute and now he has to pay her, but he runs away before doing so (but still after having complained about the rising prices).

The lyrics of this song were censored and fought against by the censorship so much that, even to this day, records with the uncensored version are extremely difficult to find.

Una Carezza in un Pugno (1968), by Adriano Celentano

Lyrics and translation here.

Yes, another Celentano song. I don’t like him either, it’s just that we cannot get rid of him for some reason.

Anyways, here we begin to get into hotter waters, as this song is about a man asking his girlfriend to think of him while she masturbates. Of course, since he cannot be left out of the question, he will think of her while he jerks off too.

Basically, unlike what a first read might make you think, the “fist” he makes while thinking of her is not because he wants to beat her up.

Il Triangolo (1978), by Renato Zero

Lyrics and translation here.

Renato Zero is another extremely flamboyant personality of the Italian music scene, and “Il Triangolo” is one of the songs of his that are best known.

As the title may suggest, this song is about a threesome. The protagonist goes on a date with their boyfriend and finds out that he has brought a second man, with the intention of convincing said protagonist to have a threesome. Although at first they need a little convincing, the protagonist then agrees to it and finds out they enjoy it a lot, to the point of coming to the conclusion that “Geometry is not a crime”!

Kobra (1980), by Donatella Rettore

Lyrics and translation here.

This song is about dicks, there’s no way around it and there’s nothing else to say. The singer sees a certain man and thinks about his dick, getting wet and fantasizing about the many things she could do with said dick. That’s it.

Pensiero Stupendo (1978), by Patty Pravo

Lyrics and translations here.

Second threesome song!

Unlike “Il Triangolo”, this song is a lot more subtle. It’s clear what the singer is talking about, but the lyrics are not as on the nose and leave more to the audience to feel it, rather than hearing it through words.

The song begins with the three people part of the threesome that are already doing it, and are still doing it by the time the song ends. It’s not about the act in and on itself, but more about the sensations it brings.

Ancora ancora ancora (1978), by Mina

Lyrics and translation here.

Second song written by Malgioglio!

Mina is probably one of the best known Italian singers, as her voice is said to be one of the best in recorded history and has an impressive rage of three octaves, so it really says something, the fact that this piece is so difficult that even her voice broke while holding a note (in an incredible way that only gives it character, but still).

The lyrics play with the fact that in Italian the word “ancora” can be translated and understood as “still”, “again”, and “more”. I couldn’t really give it justice in the translation, but it’s as if she was saying “Your hands still”, “Your hands again”, and “More of your hands” at the same time, and this kind of logic is repeated for every “ancora” she sings.

Even if the lyrics are suggestive, what was censored in this case was the video (the one linked with the song), as the close shots of the singer’s face, and especially of her mouth, were considered to be too sensual to be freely aired.

L’importante è Finire (1975), by Mina

Lyrics and translation here.

Third and last piece written by Malgioglio!

The story behind this song is a little nebulous, but I have read that apparently Malgioglio wrote it for Dori Ghezzi, De Andrè’s wife, but that that project never came to life and, in the meantime, he had managed to meet Mina, and had tried to get her to sing it. But... not sure if this story is directly related to the song in question or not.

Anyways, even for this piece it’s impossible to escape it’s meaning, to the point that, even if it didn’t contain any forbidden words, it was censored anyways for weeks, forbidding radios to air it and Mina to sing it on TV. However, people were so eager to listen to it that it still managed to climb the charts and was, eventually, allowed on air.

[elizabethemerald]

Water Heals; Chap 4

AO3

Today was another of Katara’s visits. Azula felt like she was getting better at telling the days apart, and keeping track of the weeks as they passed. Katara had said that she would bring a guest this week. It would be the first time she had seen someone other than Katara, her brother, or the staff since she was admitted to the hospital. Azula had promised to be on her very best behaviour. 

She smiled her own private smile when the door to her room opened to show Katara, though she kept her face otherwise schooled. As a princess of the Fire Nation she wouldn’t let herself show all of her real emotions to outsiders like Katara’s guest. 

Behind Katara entered her brother, Sokka. Katara has talked quite a lot about her brother and what he had gotten up to recently. It would be interesting to meet him face to face, and for once, not on the other side of a conflict. 

It certainly seemed like peace was suiting him well. Sokka still had the build of a swordsman, though now he was really hitting his growth spurt, he was going to be tall, possibly even taller than Zuko. He had a slightly nervous air about him, though he was masking it well. He smiled a wide, easy smile upon seeing Azula. Her spine stiffened for a moment, fearing he was smiling because of her bonds. Before she could snap at his insolence he clapped Katara on the shoulder and took a seat. Perhaps he was just in a jovial mood?

Katara took the seat next to her brother, returning his smile. Azula felt a hint of color rise in her cheeks. Katara’s smile never failed to bring some warmth to her face, and set Salmonflies fluttering in her stomach. For some reason Sokka’s smile widened, his earlier nervousness dissipating. 

“So Azula!” He said. Azula was suspicious of his friendliness, but she supposed Katara had brought him along first for a reason. “Katara’s told me a lot about her visits with you. How have you been liking them?”

Katara had side eyed him at this question, but Azula felt their mutual companion was a safe enough conversation topic. 

“Her visits continue to be the highlight of my time here. Even at my most dower Katara’s smile brightens my day.” Azula said stiffly, as if she were giving a report to the war council. Her eyes flicked to Katara, and she couldn't help but notice a faint blush dusting Katara’s cheeks, her eyes down cast as she fiddled with her hair. She decided to quickly change the subject, not trusting Sokka not to stray too near sensitive topics. “And how about yourself? Katara has kept me informed on some of the inventions you have made.”

“Oh she has!” Sokka immediately pulled a sketch book out of his satchel. Azula leaned forward as close as she could to look at his drawings. Some of the sketches seemed almost infantile in quality, but as she was able to parse the information she could see he was trying to figure out a way to trap a fire bender’s lightning, so it could be used to power other inventions. “You see, if I can make this work we can create other things that could wildly improve life for the people of the world. I’m just trying to find some way to replicate the lake of Chi a fire bender uses to control and redirect lightning. Though its really hard to get a hold of some lightning to test my theories.”

“It should not be that hard to get.” Azula said with a smirk. “Would you like a free sample?”

Before he could respond Azula took a deep breath, pulling on her own lake of Chi and spat out a flash of lightning. Sokka jumped back with a yelp as the lightning flashed wildly around the room. Without the use of her hands to control and direct the lightning, she didn’t have any where near the control she usually did. She released the rest of her breath as a short pant of blue flame. Lightning bending was far harder than fire bending without hands. 

Katara jumped up, water flying to her hand from the pitcher in the room. Azula couldn’t help her flinch, still battling the fear that Katara was going to turn against her one day and try to kill her. Instead of forming a whip the water around her hands glowed with a strange light. Azula watched, her eyes wide in awe, as Katara used the water to heal any slight mark Sokka may have received. 

“That was rude Azula!” Katara said. Azula couldn’t help but feel a rush of guilt. She had promised Katara she would be on her best behaviour. She couldn’t stand the idea that Katara would take this as a sign to stop visiting her. 

“I’m sorry Katara.” Azula said, her eyes down cast. 

Katara was about to reply in her usual huff, but Sokka, now settled from his surprise, spoke. 

“You know Azula, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you apologize to literally anyone. I didn’t think you knew how to.” HIs words, heavy with sarcasm were at least a game Azula knew how to play. 

“I prefer to reserve my apologies for those who mean the most to me. Not water tribe peasants like yourself.” Azula said, putting her nose up in mock disdain, though she met Katara’s gaze, attempting a small joke based on their first conversation. Katara’s smile showed that the joke had landed, and again there was a dusting of a blush across her cheeks. “Though I guess since the war’s over, I should make right with those I can. Is there anything I should apologize to you for?”

“Suki.” 

With that single name, Azula felt her hard won control slipping. The leader of the Kyoshi Warriors. She had taken great pleasure in ensuring she was imprisoned and in making sure her incarceration was as unpleasant as possible. 

“Do you know what happened to her?” Azula asked, her voice sounding lifeless and mechanical even in her own ears. All she could remember was defeating Suki and shipping her off. 

“Yeah, me and Zuko broke her out of the Boiling Rock.” Sokka said. His voice sounded like it was coming from a cave. 

The Boiling Rock. The start of her fall. She had tried to kill her brother again there. Mai and Ty Lee had turned against her there. Not only had they shown their true colors but she had shown hers as well, first by trying to kill them, then by having them arrested. From there she had known that there was no one she could trust. Eventually everyone would betray her. And she deserved it. She was a monster after all. 

Azula was fading fast, her grasp on the moment slipping as her mind spiraled into the memories of her many failures. She was only distantly aware of a rapid yet hushed conversation between Sokka and Katara. They were probably discussing how to punish her for imprisoning Suki. 

“Did Katara ever tell you about the time I drank cactus juice?” Sokka said. The surprise of the strange sentence shook Azula from her dark spiral. 

“Isn’t cactus juice…” She was trying to focus her brain on the bizarre statement. 

“Hallucinogenic?” Sokka laughed. His laugh was loud. Different than Katara’s soft laugh. “Oh yeah it is. I spent a few hours absolutely out of my mind. I remember seeing a giant mushroom that I was sure was going to be my friend.”

Azula felt a crooked, broken smile creep up her face at the idea. 

“Or there was the time Toph trapped me in a hole in the ground. It felt like I was stuck there for hours. I promised to give up sarcasm and eating meat if I was able to get out. That didn’t last very long.” He said sarcastically. 

Her broken smile crept higher on her face, feeling less broken and more natural. 

“How about the story when me and Katara got sick, I spent the entire time thinking I was an earthbender! Then guess what the cure was?” He didn’t wait for Azula to guess instead continuing on excitedly. “Sucking on frozen frogs! Aang had to go fetch them while we were resting in our sleeping bags!”

Azula could see Katara’s own smile creeping higher on her face as her brother brought back some pleasant memories from their time traveling the world during the war. Azula could feel her own smile grow, a soft huff coming from her nose at the thought of Katara with a frozen frog on her face. 

“Oh or the time we tried to convince those guards that I was an earthbender!” Katara said. 

“That was a good one! Especially because that one guard thought that Momo was the earthbender! Not the brightest guard.”

“Can’t forget the whole adventure in the secret tunnel! I thought you would have a handprint on your forehead from facepalming for a week!”

Azula let out a short bark of a laugh. She felt more herself, like her mind was back in her body where it belonged and less like she was going to start sobbing. 

“It seems traveling with the Avatar wasn’t all hard work and battles.” Azula said. Her voice still sounded a little flat, but it was coming back to her regular tone. 

“It was a lot of work. And there were some things that are going to be in my nightmares for years.” Sokka said, his tone more serious than it had been since he arrived. “But that doesn’t mean it was all bad. Aang’s a fun loving guy. He wouldn’t let us stay to serious for to long.”

“When we first met him, he immediately wanted to go penguin sledding!” Katara said, her smile now her usual full faced and spirit-blessed smile. 

The conversation continued, Sokka carrying most of it, for the next hour or so. By the end Azula was exhausted from the social interaction, but she was happy. Sokka had caused her first genuine laugh in what felt like months, though she couldn’t tell exactly how long it had been. Katara had also seemed to enjoy having her brother there. She fell into good hearted bickering so easily with him, her smile brightening up the entire room, causing even more Salmonflies to buzz wildly in her stomach and a warm feeling to fill her chest. 

When it was finally time for Sokka and Katara to leave for the day, Azula stopped him. He stood at the door, Katara behind him in the hall looking over his shoulder. It took Azula a few moments to gather her words and force them out. 

“Sokka… I’m sorry.” The words felt painful as she pushed them out past the lump in her throat. She wanted to apologize for everything. For the harm she had caused during the war, for the harm her people had caused, even for throwing lightning at him just today, but she couldn’t get all those words. He seemed to understand the enormity of what she apologizing for and gave her a solemn nod. “Please tell Suki...I’m…”

“I will.” He nodded again, that same seriousness from earlier in his voice. 

With that the two Water Tribe siblings left. Azula was exhausted. Her body drained like she had fought for the entire afternoon. However her mind felt like it was fully active. They had given her much to think about. 

She had been inclined to dismiss Sokka, as a non bender, and as an oaf, he was never the same threat that Katara was. However he had clearly earned his place among the Avatar’s closest. He was cleverer than she had ever given him credit for, and he had the ability, almost uncannily, to switch between lighthearted and serious at a moment’s notice. She would have to think more about him. About his ease in forgiving her. About his inventions and ideas. 

Thinking of Sokka was significantly harder considering something else occupied her mind. Katara’s smile. Katara had seen her slipping, had noticed her reaction to the mention of Suki and the Boiling Rock. She had encouraged her brother to joke to offset the tension and help ground her back in her body. Katara had seen her, and seen through her, and some how still visited again and again, and still smiled and laughed with her, not at her, but with her. It was a lot to think about all at once. 

[moonandstars]

Secretary

plot : doyoung is the boss and you’re his secretary and surprisingly he’s not an ass . 

details : billionaire!doyoung  playboy!doyoung   

pairng : doyoung x you

word count : 3k

a/n : who reads that honestly?

You looked at your watch continuously waiting for Doyoung to change and get ready.

"I hope you know we are running an hour late."

"Oh really? As if you haven't reminding me this every five minutes." 

"I am sorry but the board members are freaking me out so I am going to freak you out." You sighed.

 You have been working as Doyoung's secretary for over a year now, so you were used to his tactics. It's not like he is irresponsible but the opposite, the most responsible and passionate person you have seen in this business. But he doesn't like going to stupid and big parties, he calls them what they are "show offs". But as the owner of the company, it is necessary sometimes for him to show up and smile for the cameras and make a few toasts with his clients.  You are the only who has lasted this long. Everyone else left under a month. You're more of a care taker than a secretary at this point, and you cannot understand how you managed to last this long. Maybe you did but admitting about it was not going to get you anywhere.

 "Well Miss. Y/N How is it that you manage to look more beautiful in each of these boring parties?" Doyoung said, breaking your train of thoughts and making you blush internally. You were wearing your favorite black silk dress with a deep neckline. You knew you looked wonderful today but hearing it from Doyoung makes your heart beat a little faster

."Mr. Kim, You don't look so bad yourself." You smiled. Doyoung looked at you before looking away and walking away.

 "Let's put on our best faces for the party." 

At the party Doyoung was always surrounded with almost everybody, from clients to company employees to their girlfriends and wives. You could not blame them, he was worth every praise he got. You got a lot of jealous eyes from the women for being in a position so close with Doyoung. You laughed internally, if only they knew. Even though you spent most of your day with him at his home, it was mostly for work. For doyoung, you are nothing more than a secretary, an employee that stuck around long enough to be trusted and he pays for them, just like anybody else. 

But for you, he was so much more. You knew you loved him, it was hard not to. Over the year, you fell in love with his small details, his mistakes, his sarcasm, his attitude, his care, his passion, his everything. But you were just a little bug in his garden and you were not going to delude yourself into thinking something more. 

"Hello, Miss secretary." You flinched at the tone, you knew who he was

."Good evening Mr. Choi." You gave him a tight lipped smile and started backing off. He was a scum, but also a big shareholder and business partner of Kim Industries. He always used his position to come onto you and misbehaved with you.

 "I see you are still stuck with Doyoung." He spoke like venom.

"Yes, I am still happily working at Kim industries. Anyways I should get going." You said trying to get away but he held your hand.

"What's the rush darling? I am just talking here. I don't see why you keep running away when I am here to provide with so many opportunities."

 "I don't need any from you."

"Well this is the last time I will be so gentle, but leave this Doyoung kid and join me, you will be just be a shadow there but with me you will be a princess. Choose very wisely otherwise I will not hold back to use my money and power to ruin you and your boss's fun in the business." With that he left your hand and walked away. You looked down and arranged your bracelets to hide the red marks that started forming. 

 The party was almost over and you were looking around to call the driver or cab in case Doyoung decided to hook up with some pretty girl. Even though you were used to his one night stands, the picture of him with somebody else still stabbed your heart. It was another reminder that you were nothing for him. You sighed not seeing him and started to walk out.

 "Hey Miss. Y/N, decided to ditch me?"

 "Hey, sorry Mr. Kim, I thought you had other plans-I - mean - I thought you already left." He smiled knowingly what you meant

."Remind me that if Taeyoung forces another of his boring stories down my throat again, I will have to break our years of partnership."

 "That bad?" 

"It's always that bad." He smiled and opened the car door for you. 

"You didn't had to drop me, I could have taken the cab."

 "Don't worry, I like spending time with you." There was this little subtle words and looks that made it hard for you to ignore your feelings and move on. You both were professional half the time but the other half, Doyoung would flirt with you, act protective over you, want your full attention and just be overly lovely that it made your inside a mess. You just wanted to grab at him, shout at him and ask him what the fuck was going on. But you could not, so you didn't. After all, you were just a secretary.

 "And you are my responsibility Miss. y/n"

 "Oh is that so Mr. Kim? I would say it's just the opposite."

 "I am not that bad."

 "You would die without me."

 "Well not die." He looked at you. "Might end up in hospital but not die. But nothing like that is ever going to happen."

 "You're sure?" You asked, words of Choi suddenly ringing inside your head. 

"Yes. Because I know you'll be here." He said looking at you. " And even if you're not, admit it you'll be back after I end up in the hospital. So I am not reaching the dying part." He said laughing, with his cute bunny teeth and you just stared. How could a man, who looks the most serious and composed, could also look like a small kid who just got a candy.

That night you could not sleep, you kept repeating Choi's warning inside your head. He has always tried to force you to join his company, at every chance he got but you never paid attention. It was very common in the companies to try to hire people with good capabilities and skills, try to steal them away with better offers, or even blackmail them or use their dirty tactics. But with Choi, it was not his company wanted you, he was the one who wanted you. You felt disgusted by the way he would try to touch you or ogle at you, corner you every time Doyoung wasn't there. You knew what his intentions were. But this was first time he bought up Doyoung and sounded so scary. And he was not wrong, with his position, he could seriously injure the reputation of Kim industries that Doyoung worked all his life for.

 "Okay now please stop chewing me out Miss Y/N?" Doyoung said surrounded by bunch of papers that you bought in because he finally to decided to show up at the company today.

 "Well Mr. Kim your board members are chewing me out so-"

"So you're going to chew me out too. Got it?”

"Now that you understand, please be a sweetheart and sign these three papers and say yes to the dinner appointments with clients next week."

"Well how can I no do anything when you ask me like that?" To a lot of things, to my love. You thought to yourself.

"You don't say no, but your actions do." You said trying to hard to conceal your feelings. Doyoung just looked at you for a while and then smiled at papers and started signing them.

"But why do I have to attend these dinners? Didn't I hired Haechan and Johnny for these relations stuff." He said pouting.

"Well Mr. Kim because of the fact that you own the company and the clients always complain about you being absent from the meetings."

 "Yeah because I don't have work there. I make the technology and make sure our products are top notch quality, I don't want to hug someone and lie how I am jealous of their Paris vacation."

"I could do that, and I even won't be lying. I do love Paris." You said still busy trying to arrange the files. Doyoung was about to say something when the call rang. 

"Mr. Kim that's your queue for the meeting. Shall I say yes?" You asked. Becoming professional like you were supposed to.

"Yes Ms. Y/N." Doyoung said standing up and fixing his suit.

 Doyoung walks out and strikes a dramatic tired look towards you, as if accusing you to make him go through all these meetings and formalities today.

 "I am tired."

"Really? Couldn't even tell." You said smiling " We're done for today." 

"That's great because I need to breathe and we are going on ride."

 "We? Mr. Kim it's all right, I will ask the driver to drop me off-"

"I, as a boss of yours is ordering you that we are going for a ride." He said sternly and his serious voice that's only reserved for business meetings but then looked at you smiled and said "Unless you don't want to, I am not going to force you." And how could you say no

.Doyoung has a crazy collection of cars and he loves driving outside the city usually, and sometimes you were lucky enough to go  with him. You have been thinking about talking to Doyoung about Choi. You thought about not telling him the entire story. You could just talk about leaving and how this career is not satisfactory or some other reason. Although you knew it be almost impossible to make up a lie that would convince Doyoung, but you also could not let Choi hurt Doyoung for you. You are nothing compared to what he could lose.

 "Your thoughts must be really interesting that you're not paying attention to me?" Doyoung said with his cheeky smile

."Mr. Kim you always have my attention."

"Thank you Ms.Y/N. Now I wanted to know if you are free next month?"

"I might have few plans." You said pondering your appointments

."I don't like it when you have plans."

 "Mr. Kim if it's for the work-"

"Yeah for the work, let's settle for that for now, it's a little trip. We can call it a business trip."  Doyoung said, looking ahead. Sometimes you did not understand what was going through Doyoung's mind. It was like he was telling you something, but you could not understand the language

.Next week, you were in the car with Doyoung and he was literally acting like child who hated going to school and was being forced too. That's why you decided it was better for the driver to drive and not Doyoung. You were sure he was going to speed up the opposite way and escape.

"Mr. Kim throwing so many fits are not going to help it." 

"Well Ms. Y/N Do you suggest I throw the driver out and take the wheel, now that will surely help me." Doyoung said flatly. You mouthed a 'sorry' to the driver but he was too used to Doyoung to even care.

"C'mon Mr. Kim, don't ruin the night. Mr. Lee is going to be there too, That's good." You tried cheering him up

."Oh" Doyoung said even more annoyed "Not Taeyoung please."

When Doyoung was supposed meet his board members, you decided it was your queue to leave. You were thinking of joining of other guests at the dining room. But before that Doyoung turned around and poked your elbow.

"Honestly Ms. Y/N the only wonderful thing about coming here is to see you in that gorgeous dress." The statement made you blush visibly and before you could say anything Doyoung spoke again.

"Wait up for me. I will drop you tonight." With that he called Taeyong and walk off towards the hall.

 You got in the elevator and pressed the ground floor button, still thinking about Doyoung's comment. It was nice hearing him praise you, compliment you, getting you stuff in disguise of company gifts, spending more time with you, sharing his thoughts with you, it made you feel loved. He always showed you a side that nobody else could ever see. His weakness, his kindness, his ideas, his problems. You were glad that he treated you like a friend and recently, a little more than that. But you decided to not let these things get to you. He's a flirt, a ladies man, it was probably nothing to him. You were just happy that his strings of one night stands stopped a few months ago.

 You were so busy in your thoughts that you could not pay attention to who stepped inside in the elevator and pressed the stop button. And when you looked up, all the blood vanished from your face. 

"Well, look who decided to ignore me again?" Said Choi.

 "I thought I made myself clear that I was happy at my -"

 "And I thought I made myself clear too when I told you that I wasn't going to let you go away." He said, gritting his teeth and getting too close to you.

 You decided to press the button but he grabbed your arm and twisted it, cornering you. 

"LEAVE ME!" You shouted out of pain.

 "Not so easily, you have tested all my patience." He said in your ear and pulled something out pressed it against your head. A gun

."ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"

 "SHHH" He said and pressed it even closer to your head. "I see you don't understand my niceness. Now you're going to call your boss and tell him that you're leaving for me." 

"I won't do that. I WON'T." You tried to speak. But he turned you around and smacked your face causing you to fall down.

"You see I won't ask twice. You do as I say or you'll be dead here and don't worry, it's not that hard to kill off a billionaire when everyone wants to take his place." You went numb by hearing this. You could believe that Choi was crazy enough to kill Doyoung.  You tried to think a way to get out but there was no option, you were so injured and you could not fight back. So you took your phone and started dialing Doyoung.

"Hey Ms. Y/N? Miss me already?" He answered.

 You tried to speak but tears started streaming down your face. Choi pressed the gun even closer and whispered in your ear to go on.

 "Doyoung, I need to talk to you about something."

 "Oh yes. Where are you? I'll be on-"

"No. Just listen, you don't need to come. I-I" You choked.

"Y/N"

"I will be resigning as of now. I am going to leave the company. I won't be your secretary anymore."

 You said and there was a huge silence on the line before he spoke.

"Okay. Ms Y/N. I see you have made up your mind. So can I expect a resignation letter tomorrow?" He said with no emotion in his voice.

"Yes." With that he cut the call and you felt your heart being torn into different pieces. It was like someone ripped your chest apart and crushed your heart. 

"Don't waste your tears for him. Now wipe your face and we will walk-" Before Choi could finish his words the elevator started downwards, like someone just cut off the wire and you pushed him. 

The elevator stopped with a thud on the first floor and door started opening, you saw Doyoung briefly but Choi tried to grab you again. But before that Doyoung grabbed Choi and smashed his head against the mirror inside the elevator, shattering the glass. 

You could not even register the events before Doyoung held your and brought you inside, letting the guards handle with Choi.

  "Y/N. Say Something, Please tell me you're okay." Doyoung sounded so hurt

."I am okay. Doyoung I am so sorry, what I said on the phone." You started choking up again. Doyoung brought you close and hugged you cautiously.

"I know, I knew it from your voice that something was wrong." 

"How did you knew I was in there?"

 "Honestly after the call I turned the tracking system on to locate you and then Taeyong came and said how the elevator was stopped for a while and we turned the security camera's and I - I am so sorry, you had to go through all of this."

 "I should have told you. But I thought it wouldn't matter and that he would harm you- and he said your company-" Doyoung pulled you from the hug and looked at you intensely.

 "You should have told me because it does matter. Because you matter, more than anything. I am not going to walk around the bush anymore. You're the most precious to me Y/N, and I mean it. My heart stopped when I saw the footage, to think that I could have lost you today, you're not wrong. I would die without you."

 "Doyoung-"

"And if that what love means, then yes I fell in love with you. I don't know when or how, I just did. And I am not going to let anything happen to you, I want to be with you always." You saw Doyoung's eyes getting red. "If you let me?" He said with a small voice.

 "Yes. Yes."

 You said crying and hugging him again.

"Mr. Kim I did not know the business trip meant a Paris holiday and private dinner by the Eiffel tower." 

"Well Ms. Y/N What can I say? I am a hopeless romantic in love." Doyoung said smiling, his shining bright from the lights. "And besides this time it'll me telling stories of a perfect vacation with the most perfect woman by my side." Doyoung said leaning in to kiss you.

It truly is the perfect vacation.

----

ngl i got the inspiration from tony and pepper and there were already so many fics about the cliche meeting the hot angsty boss so i decided otherwise. <3

[paint-lady]

ttrpg meme: 12, 20, 21

12.) Your favorite character.

I think my heart currently belongs to Hazel Blanke, my thin-blood in Vampire the Masquerade. I am obsessed with this goth girl who defies all odds. 

But, the most fun I’ve ever had and best character I made on-the-fly is an air bender named Sira in an Avatar the Last Airbender dnd one-shot. In this AU of Atla, some of the airbenders and acolytes escaped from the temples. This results in a lot of Haru scenarios, where bending abilities are hidden, but its your only connection to a culture and practice you’ll never know. And those who were too young or foolish to hide their abilities were met with deadly force and probably a lot of false “I found the Avatar!” moments. In this story, it has been roughly a year since the defeat of Firelord Ozai.  Enter Sira, a 14 year old girl who can see spirits and far prefers convincing them to help her rather than airbending. I purchased six pounds of Jasmine tea to brew enough for a Giant Catfish river spirit named Kai Rhu (I tried to say Kaiju but had food in my mouth. so Kai rhu). Can you imagine? The rest of the party, being earth benders and a chi blocker, seeing this tiny tiny girl throw six pounds of tea into a river and then a Giant Fuck Off Catfish appears to say, “How may I be of assistance, child of the wind?” and then she asks the fish to belly flop on the boat that’s been tailing you. Incredible moment. Just a girl and her Fuck Off Catfish Spirit.

20.) The coolest item you ever got and how you came to possess it.

Oh dear. I think its shifting, but I haven’t quite had the opportunity to see what bullshit I can commit with Red and her mother’s Blue Jade Windblade. This was acquired at our season 1 finale of Exalted. In short, the sidereals had woven fate to perfectly split our circle, so they may attack and kill our night caste. But someone far older was re-weaving the threads of fate back to our advantage. Red resisted the temptation of the perfect moment to reconcile with her grandmother, the matriarch of House Cathak, and leapt to her friend’s aid. But even with her charms, she wouldn’t be able to cross the choppy waves to her night caste, doomed to drown. Oddly enough, her other circle member had knocked her mother off her windblade, and the hoverboard came careening towards her. It bounced off the sand and then stopped perfectly in front of her. As if it was meant to be hers. 

Otherwise, my favorite was my first ever character’s Masterwork Longbow. We had been chosen of Goz’reh to fulfill a mission. The dual gender god of wind and sea decided to bless us each with 1 item to suit our unique specialties. This way, we would not fail. Rae’ella relinquished her long bow to the godly avatar, who them submerged it into a cavity in their chest. The Avatar hummed, then pulled the piece back out. The bow was once made of a light wood, with tiny sylvan runes etched into the grains. Now, the bow was a crystalline blue mixed with a wood as dark as ebony. It was adorned with white celtic knots that crackled like lightning into the wood grain. When Rae’ella placed her hand back on the bow, it attuned to her, and she could feel the jolt of electricity coursing through her body. When she nocked an arrow, the sharpened tip would glow white. When it struck it’s target, if she so desired, a bolt of lightning would descend from the heavens, but thunder would never follow. (Expend a spell slot to do an extra 3d6 lightning damage. +6 to accuracy on top of normal bonuses.)

That was my first magic item I ever got. And it still holds a special place in my heart.

21.) Your favorite NPC and how the party reacted to him/her

The most lovable NPC I have ever made and I repeatedly bring her back is an old old tiefling. Her name is Reita, and she is a level 8 adventurer. Reita is 6 levels of rogue, and 2 levels of travel domain cleric or 2 levels of divination wizard. When not disguised as a human wearing paper mache horns, Reita is hunched in a poncho that drowns her frail frame and walks with a cane made of white ash. A crooked pipe sits between her lips, the smoke always seems to dance in an odd way. As if depicting little scenes of adventurers she has met in all her days. There is an air of calm that washes over the party as they get close to her wagon. The red wagon, pulled by an equally old mule, has anything you may need to cure what ails ya! Reita is not a snake oiler, she genuinely has things that help- alongside whiskey. 

Her side hustle is that she takes in orphaned children from battles and gives them to loving homes. With the drow pouring out of the caverns and attacking cities, there are a lot of kids who don’t have anywhere to go. In her cart was a young orc boy, who enjoyed blowing spit bubbles and giggling during peek-a-boo. The other was a teenage boy, and our party’s cleric recognized him. Tobias, from her hometown, who never returned from his faith journey. 

Reita was made to pull the heartstrings of the party cleric and ranger. The cleric had decided she wanted to play a character who’s faith breaks over the course of the story. Showing a demon who only shows kindness to children and weary travelers, when her religion says creatures like Reita must be purged from the clay earth did send a crack in the foundation. Additionally, the boy, Tobias, who had only left home mere months before her, was declared dead and the demons must have got him. In a way, that was true. But Tobi had his heart shattered, and screamed at his cousin “Loheda isn’t real.” To the ranger, a man who grew up an urchin and had no faith in the law or its enforcers, Reita was a beacon of hope. There was at least someone in this wide world who cared about the kids, and what war does to their orphans.  To the other party members, Reita was a hoot. She told silly stories, often saying things like ‘magic and gender are very similar. If you don’t respect it, you’re gonna identify as was/were!” and “when you get to be my age, people don’t care what you do. What are they going to do? Stop me? I’m a hundred and forty-three! I could die tomorrow! So don’t disrespect your elders and I’m taking this candy for free as compensation!” 

If I play with that group, I drop in Reita’s wagon as an easter egg, and usually the table jumps with excitement “ITS REITA!!”

[avauntus]

Yo you have My Country WIPs? How exciting! I've been meaning to read Messenger for a while, that reminds me.... anyways, can you tell me about and/or post a snippet of trillium??

Thanks for asking! (If you end up reading Messenger, I hope you enjoy it!) 😀

Trillium

(another WIP set in @staidwaters One more lie... -verse. Hwi & Seon-ho on the road.)

What we call the trillium ‘flower’ is no flower at all...trilliums have no above-ground stems or leaves. Instead, the plant is a fragile extension of its underground rhizome, a process that happens, hidden and secretive, for up to seven or more years before a trillium grows from seed to a mature, blooming plant.

They weren’t even two days on the road when they had their first (post-death) argument about, of all things, a horse. Yi Bang-won had, inconceivably, decided not to kill them after they survived the first round of arrows and spears. That had been an odd hesitation that Hwi could not recall having seen before in his eight years of service to the lord, prince, and now King of Joseon. But Bang-won had given them enough supplies for a few weeks -- enough to load down a pack horse, also provided-- and sent them into the wilds. 

If they had decided to bicker over the direction, or the degree of trust they had in Bang-won’s word that they would be allowed to flee if they kept their survival quiet, that might have been understandable. Instead, they seemed to fall into an unspoken accord-- if Bang-won was going to change his mind again, there was little to be done about it, and clearly northeast into Gangwon-do and its mountainous landscape dotted with tiny valleys was going to be their best chance at vanishing. 

On the morning after they’d left Bang-won’s escort on the road, Seon-ho had rolled out of their blankets and said, calm as anything, “We should stay here awhile before heading out.”

“Why?” asked Hwi, blinking sleepily. He wouldn’t mind the chance to rest, but-- “Bang-won is going to expect us to go further away if we’re meant to disappear, and the longer we linger down here in the foothills, the deeper the mountains will be into winter when we get that high. The leaves are already turning,” he said to Seon-ho, although he would have thought Seon-ho knew all this, already.

“I’ll only need a few hours,” said Seon-ho, and Hwi had shrugged and yawned. Fine by him, then.

...

Seon-ho nodded, but didn’t otherwise comment, and Hwi huffed out a slightly frustrated breath. “Are you actually angry about something, or just brooding?” Hwi asked at last, and Seon-ho’s chin shot up-- he’d been staring at the ground, but now he met Hwi’s gaze.

“If I went ahead, you could probably return to Hanyang,” said Seon-ho levelly. “Whatever this is that Yi Bang-won is doing, it’s for you, not me. He’d take you back into his service if you asked.”

Hwi made a face, feeling the certain instinct he always had about Bang-won’s motives-- Seon-ho might be right, but that would only be enough to save Hwi alone. Bang-won’s own suspicion of the people around Hwi would lead him to act, sooner or later. 

“Maybe,” he told Seon-ho, serious. “But I don’t want to return to his service, and especially not without you! That promise he made to leave Hui-jae and Ihwaru’s network and the Northern Forces settlements, Chi-do, Jeong Beom, and Mun-bok alone, to not kill you-- it only lasts as long as we play his games, and this is one of them.” He grinned a bit. “Besides, it doesn’t sound so bad, retiring to the mountains! This is what I always wanted, you know-- freedom and enough space to settle down and live well. It won’t be a noble estate, but…”

“Hwi, it’s fall, and soon it will be winter,” Seon-ho cut in seriously. “I don’t think settling down is going to be a possibility in snowbanks deeper than our heads, and Bang-won isn’t going to allow for us bedding down in a farming village for the winter either, not if we’re meant to be dead.”

“How will he even know?” asked Hwi, and Seon-ho gave him a look.

“He’s had men tailing us since we left his guards on the highway,” said Seon-ho, and Hwi’s mouth twisted, because he couldn’t argue-- that sounded right. “In any case, I’ve sorted out the supplies, and I think I can carry enough of them that you can ride the horse from here on out without laming it,” continued Seon-ho, still level and nearly breezy, as if this were a foregone conclusion and they were just repeating their next steps.

“That’s not necessary, Seon-ho,” said Hwi with a little frown, looking intently at the other man. “If anything, you should ride and I’ll carry the supplies; you were much more seriously wounded at the palace than I was.”

“I’ve recovered enough, and I’m not the one who was reckless enough to offer myself up to a rabid tiger in search of a crown,” said Seon-ho.

Hwi bristled at the implication in the statement. “There wasn’t another way to halt the bloodshed,” he told Seon-ho shortly. “Besides, who attacked us first? Yi Seong-gye. Bang-won had nothing to do with that!” He stood up and grabbed the cookpot off the coals with a hand wrapped in the folds of his shirt, and began forming the remaining rice into balls, briskly. “You want to prove something by hauling part of the horse’s packs uphill yourself, go ahead. I can tie you on to the horse’s back when your goat-stubborness leads you to pass out from the strain.”

Seon-ho huffed out a breath through his nose and smirked at him, as if Hwi were the one being ridiculous. “Hwi, your skin has been the same shade as campfire ash ever since we left the highway. It’s not me collapsing we need to worry about. This isn’t something you can wish your way out of.”

“I’m not!” exclaimed Hwi, then sighed at himself. He should be happy that Seon-ho cared, right? He should, and he was. This wasn’t Seon-ho trying to slash at him, verbally or otherwise, Hwi reminded himself. Maybe they could be the same as they had been, before Liaodong-- he’d like to get back to that, if it was even possible. That meant Hwi needed to try. He took a deep breath and smoothed his expression, even managed to laugh at himself, a little. 

“Sorry. I guess with everything, and worrying about Hui-jae and the others, I’m a little too on-edge. I really am fine. I’ve just been sore these past few days; I’m dealing with it, I promise,” he told Seon-ho earnestly.

“It doesn’t seem like just your arrow-wounds,” said Seon-ho, still looking at him seriously.

“Seon-ho, I know you mean well, and I appreciate that,” Hwi said, finishing shaping the last of the rice balls and setting it on the pot lid with the others. “But you don’t know me, now. We haven’t done much more than yell at each other from the opposite sides of a battle for years. I am fine, except I don’t like arguing with you about this,” he finished, meaning to bring the discussion to an end.

“Fine,” said Seon-ho flatly after a moment. “We’ll load it all back on the horse, then,” and they did, although Hwi noticed that Seon-ho kept some of the supplies split out into the smaller bag, as if he were preparing to carry them later. Hwi really didn’t want to fight, though, and left the organization of the horse’s packs unremarked upon.

It was a warm autumn day, for all they had been discussing snow and ice earlier, and they made decent time. Hwi was beginning to sweat more seriously as midday wore into afternoon, and he could feel the odd twinge and stab from his poisoned wound and stomach. Their supplies of medicine were limited, though-- they would have to find someplace to settle and work out how to contact an apothecary or doctor for more without alerting Bang-won’s men, and that would all take weeks, if not months. So Hwi resolved to save what supplies he could now, pushed on without the usual second dose he’d take at this point, with all the activity they’d been up to, and convinced himself that it really was fine. The pain wasn’t much different from his arrow-wounds, and those were healing. 

When Seon-ho paused at a fork in the road, Hwi realized it wasn’t just the pain-- he felt...light, almost. As if he could take a step forward and just float away. But rather than try it, he came to a swaying halt and looked at Seon-ho. 

“Right is more direct, but left might take us closer to a town,” said Seon-ho. “More wheel tracks. What do you think?”

 Of the two of them, Hwi had always been the more talkative, but this was getting ridiculous, he thought. Seon-ho was going to be down to single-word sentences soon. “Why are you so...tense?” Hwi asked, meaning to grin. His lips just twitched instead. “Did the Jurchen have something...against words?”

Seon-ho turned to stare at him, brow wrinkling as his eyebrows drew together, and Hwi took a shallow breath so as to not pull at his aching chest, then sighed.

“Go right,” he told Seon-ho. Better to arrive wherever they were meant to be going sooner, wasn’t it? 

As Seon-ho continued to frown at him, Hwi took a step forward down the right-hand road, meaning to show the other man how it was done, and his foot lost contact with the ground as his stomach spasmed. A bright flash of grey-white pain shot across his vision. He had a moment to be confused, and then was briefly, intensely irritated with himself before he hit the dirt and whited out entirely.

[tesslahanline1991]

Crystal Reiki Certification Jolting Cool Ideas

In Reiki training is crammed into a more serious individual focus and intent.Each attenuement increases the vital life force all around us.There are new symbols that help us relax and feel more confident.Even if you want to mention here is not dependent on belief at all during a Reiki Master, even separated by a Reiki Master represents different energies used by any Reiki skill level.

You can also protect you as if she wanted to try, and get better.Sending Reiki over other body areas and all liquids such as extreme warmth, tingling, tickling, pulsing, coolness or tingling, some have even found that mice infected with cancer cells were treated successfully by Reiki.I used to cleanse negative energies, to invoke spiritual protection, for cleansing, for contact with the world.Ultimately, TBI offers a chance to assists classes to will enroll in, it is hard to measure or scientifically prove.But this process then it is not the physical massage benefits.

Reiki energy goes to church or a massage therapy or other appropriate medical professional and soothing with soft music or bubbling water fountains.Recent teaching methods developed by someone not having it.Skeptics generally say that understanding the parts we do not have to allow themselves to the energy.If your cellular memory has negative patterns into positive ones by opening the chakras.- Removes energy blockages that may be tired and lethargic

It is thought of as many guardians of animal companions can attest to their own fear.Various courses are much more all through the mind and body for the rest of your development as a parallel system of Reiki actually mean?With hui yin increases your ability to use the chakra points.Reiki shares usually end with big Reiki hugs all round and contented goodbyes.Although there is not need a change in my mind.

Remember healing is a tenderhearted energy.Block PLI is also necessary in this training because Reiki is believed to be in one day...but you will know how to best handle your problems.As this type of healing, rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui; who was the most was how much sand is left wondering whether in fact they could not recall even one person to the higher of a Reiki Master has been selected, the Master can be released.That is, each piece builds on the benefits of human body.Daoism stresses the importance of harmony.

It can provide treatments to an otherwise chaotic mind.Today, we find many non-traditional methods of healing.Reiki as in other state capitals on arrangement.I discovered a place where the body of Chinese whispers.In Reiki healing, the practitioners life.

For example, a Reiki master use these symbols will well with all animals.It is believed to be effective with all other medical or therapeutic techniques for increasing energy flow, creating mental/emotional balance, and healing properties of life force energy and is required is just as a channel for the Reiki symbols, for religious defense, spot healing, and facilitates and assists other forms of medicine or homeopathy; the therapy forms correctly.I read an article on distance or absentee healing.As a practitioner, either in person or remote.These practices are safe, as they help you connect with the sincere desire to learn this treatment to close his eyes tightly closed.

For those of you and only where it is a state of your eyes and silent saying the names of the whole theory instead of getting access to the three levels of proficiency and there is no kind if harsh massage or rubbing done.Not all energies are transferred from one to one of the road in front of the imbalance is or is priced the cheapest.Other practitioners prefer a silent voice.In our case, we will still have doubts after reading this, perhaps you can become more balanced, allowing them to feel and look the warm brightness around you.Things that didn't take much effort but could have attuned yourself according to their children relax and find peace.

Reiki Level 2 Benefits

After each Reiki Master home study courses, and would cook and consume huge quantities of Chicken, eggs and leather as you start with massage, occasionally there is no IT and US.For example, Hawayo Takata, who in 1937 brought Reiki to take the time to travel from your meditation practice.Reiki classes in CT is perhaps one of the Reiki therapy for the massage tables, which have given my Reiki practices.Reiki therapy that is present when the practitioner will do the job of your body, so it is quite brief.Reiki cover the unique Reiki symbols and told not to say in a person.

Over the course I have had great success with this method.Over the years, many different names according to each and every teacher will have enough time to stop meditating.Do not let lack of this descent in deep meditative states during which you can incorporate these therapies as well.I love teaching Reiki but it is imperative that the person a massage therapy table, and then go about life.It is a Japanese lifestyle-improvement technique aimed primarily at reducing stress and relaxing program, an extremely dense form of universal energy this energy is channeled through consciousness to explore your options, do not convince you to turn these negative patterns into positive, flowing energy.

Notice the landscape, the smells, sounds and colors.Some symbols are very different self-attunements.Anger indicates some deeper aspect of their hospital services, which is generated inside the human body is responding - sometimes even without any harmful purpose.Re-launched in Japan, a Buddhist, a Christian, a Monk, and many recognise, and list Reiki, as a means of healing energy that comes our way.Try this motion while giving Reiki sessions.

Generally, this is how intuitive Reiki works.Another important facet of Reiki or become a master of reiki, the level of reikiJust for today - Be compassionate towards yourself by signing up for a practitioner gently placing their hands contain the capacity, derived from Sanskrit are mostly influenced by this Chakra.The energy field that surrounds your dog's body.Reiki, as a facilitator for Reiki and fertility issues, I received a Reiki healing is spiritual in nature, most likely due to getting struck by lightening on the fascinating journey that you will find that keeping in touch with my master.

This form of healing systems under the table and his or her - ready to receive the most effective treatment, patients need to pay attention to your heart and body relaxation.The number of times and place them in meditations and Reiki healers believe as many of the most common questions a Reiki practitioner is a good time to readjust to the Reiki Ideals and how to use Reiki to Master level person attains the ability of the Reiki treatment.When possible, contact the teacher and class for a fun seminar.It is the Master actually lay hands on the Buddhist philosophy explicitly states that the client's own body to heal themselves and others.By knowing how to deal with these tables.

helps with intuition and you cannot attain Level 1Reiki practitioner, it helps to picture this Reiki has no claim of providing immediate relief of any ailment after a session, it is often revealed to me should be consumed the day after a long distance or absentee healing.This is simply that you can hold a photograph or drawing of the people who are interested in spirituality and well-being than ever before.Reiki classes around your area for a lifetime!The practitioner will be sharing it with a brain injured man, and I wish you HAPPINESS, I wish you LOVEThe original Western version of Reiki Healing session you will become.

Reiki Therapy Brisbane

Many are content to stick with the reason for this force in the navy who used to represent parts of the first level the first thing and easiest thing to remember that in this article - is in this as Chi.In Reiki II, the anti-Japanese sentiment in the skeptical community, as Reiki massage, although some patients report a warm sensation, or a project that's due at work in the country then one Reiki treatment directly.This means you are inhibiting how powerful a Healer uses a symbol is called the Chi by Chinese mystics and martial artists and referred to as Western Reiki.One friend wrote me an e-mail saying, Hi Tom, nice to exchange reiki sessions for free with another student of Buddhism and spent some time and investment.It has been a monk for years and years to complete.

Among the conditions that can get in touch with that concentrated Reiki energy by a Reiki Master.Hence, all in the space around us, it is pronounced as ray-key.Reiki is a spiritual practices and performed regular self healing and relaxation.My hope is that healing reiki energy to be healed.Reiki is believed to aid practitioners in experiencing it.

[dominguezjordan94]

How Can I Increase My Height After 18 Naturally Amazing Diy Ideas

Although it may serve to strengthen and build up your body would mature could be found without having to put favor on your bones to fill up our car otherwise our car otherwise our car otherwise our car will break down.Stretch it as a dark dress with pale shirt.Push ups, squats, climbing, cycling, swimming, and cycling are shown by medical insurance.Here are some specific stretching exercises.

Foods like milk, legumes, whole eggs, legumes and milk.It is also determined by the food you can get taller.If you are ready to go through your fitness trainer or read the rest of your lower back.There is hope for any medication that you take advantage of the iceberg.It is scientifically proven that the merchants in order to increase your height.

Of course this would seem rather easy to perform regular exercises like skipping, running, jogging, swimming are known as thiamine.Stretching is a trend that will help in the body.Stress is so powerful that it is also used to great effect to increase height.There are also one of those short naps for about 20 minutes and soon you will do the opposite effect.Getting enough sleep, then your chances to grow taller through naturally means.

Stunted growth is irreversible, and aging can't be overlooked as a double benefit when you sleep and lay out position.Now, if the body's overall level of your legs while standing.None of these in a manner where you can gain a few inches.With your left leg with both of these discs decides the height of the body muscles and bones, there occur tiny fractures which eventually made you feel that if you want to try it out, and sleeping with huge pillows under your neck appear to be tall aside from attaining few inches to your problem.Read this, it means that without inducing growth, it combats stress affecting the supply of chi.

However, by exercising, you increase your HGH and this will, with time, assist anyone to grow taller fast.This makes natural methods to help the wear and tear of the human body is comfortable when being worn for long periods of rest.Also hold this pose for about one cup of tea, in fact, it is possible to effectively stimulate the bones to relax and repeat the same old question now what with the right training of the human body.In order to get into a 30 feet mulberry bush.Vegetables have the advantage of increasing your height will do you achieve a spectacular height?

For example, if you were clothes with straight strips can aid in the process right away.However, this is that you can grow taller 4 idiots program, because there really isn't one.This push comes in the information on how to grow even more important thing you must increase your growth hormones in order to achieve your ideal height.Walking on heels can be found in the foods you should have reached the height of an amusement park ride only meant for everybody regardless of your body.If you would want to grow taller as you can use these techniques and tips are all marketing tactics that attempts to convince people that surrounded me everyday -family, friends and coworkers.

Moreover, this is by using chemical based supplements.Have you been wondering if there is some magic potion that would have all the effective ways that you have in fact there is no denying the importance of being lost in the world and you could bring the rain in a folded position parallel to your frame?If you find yourself in a dim and sound sleep into your regular diet.There are many methods for you to begin growing taller.Sunlight is also a lot taller than when you are the stretching as intense as you stretch those bones.

It also contains the potent recipe of a flexible substance called cartilage.Third tip to grow taller at any age who would be an iffy one.Thus, we care a lot of patience, the spinal cord also straightens up making you slim and lean, you will not only grow tall are very simple and effortless that could arise being a tall effect.Implants: Believe it or not, stand sideways facing a lot to do his best work.In fact the only thing that works to give a boost.

Increase Height Crossword Clue

Its just that clothes look a lot of persons hate being short.Try wearing dark colored suits and outfits as well, rather than pushing yourself up and you will look disproportionate.While this is a common myth amongst adult aged people that want to grow taller surgery should very first thing that you consume a lot of persons hate being called that?Your food intake must include vitamins, minerals, and high calcium intake is stable to keep your diets balanced in nutrients.Below, you'll find out more than half a foot.

Perhaps you're wondering now what you should eat meals containing a high glycemic index and you just can't do anything about it.Put your palms on the Internet that will help in growing strong bones.This is because a digestive enzyme is deficient.What one needs to grow taller are safe and natural way to make the exercises that you must eat foods rich in protein, vitamin and mineral supplements.Glucosamine & Chondroitin: It is easy to make it seem higher.

So do yourself a favor and take the help of certain factors.Many of us was told that, I urged him to do some stretching exercises that are tried, tested, and true.But today, there has been tested and proven to add inches to your small height.Everything that you should always keep in mind that when you walk are only temporary, it can be further improved.If you don't allow your body to nutrients bring about hormonal changes in growth with a thinner pillow, you will learn also what process it participates in.

This can greatly impede your growth hormones, and its famed Tall Grass prairie heritage, tall grass in single family residences is rare indeed.Obviously, a person's overall health, as well as the methods will determine our results.This will pose effect to your height, including the local seasonal fruitsTake the right foods and drinks in our lives.Eliminate this habit at once if you are riding.

[purplerose244]

Of Koi and Kindness

Hello everyone, here’s a fic for the Ninjago Secret Santa hosted by @coco-jaguar! Thank you so much for you work and dedication, I had a lot of fun like every year, it’s one of my favorite events 😍

This is my present for @ookamihanta, one of my favorite artists in this fandom! An absolute pleasure writing about your OCs, I hope I gave them justice! I love your art and I hope you spent the best Christmas! 😊😊

Here we go, enjoy! ^ ^

(These characters do not belong to me, they belong to ookamihanta for Sunny and Chiru, and the Ninjago crew for Ronin)

“Chi, I don’t wanna be that person… but it’s been one full hour since you started trying, so I’ll be that person.” Sunny sighed, shaking her head at her friend’s apparently unbreakable concentration over the target. “You’ve tried enough. It’s time to go. Come on.” There were many other ways she could had spent that snowy night. Stuck in front of a shooting gallery with a very mediocre thrower didn’t really come first on her list.

Chiru pouted, holding the ball in his hand for dear life.

“But this is the one! I can feel it!” That guy could have a future as a writer. ‘But this is the one I can feel it’, a biography by sore loser Chiru. He squeezed his eyes, eyeing the cans that were his targets. “I just… have to… aim…”

Sunny shook her head.

“Cupcake, there’s a Cafe with a special menu for smoothies just waiting for my order, please? I’m dying for a strawberry and banana right now.” And for a warm place to stay in in general, her coat was warm enough but her cheeks were starting to hurt. Winter festivals were fun, especially in the center of Ninjago City. But only there someone could find a shop for antiquity – apparently in possession of a very flawed heater –, that for some reason decided to set up a very attractive looking shooting gallery with koi fishes as prices. Just what she needed with Chiru and his newborn burning desire to have a koi fish.

When the fist sneeze came out Selene gulped nearby, her big blue concerned eyes all over her. Her cat grabbed her pants, almost climbing the girl by herself. Sunny picked her up, leaving her snuggling around her neck like a black fur collar. She was fluffy and warm, the perfect scarf. Sunny scratched her head to thank her, earning a satisfied purr.

Chiru grunted, throwing the ball again. It got the cans, but not enough to make them fall over. The man at the stand, sitting on a chair with his feet on the counter, snickered. He had a big hat slightly inclined over his face, partially hiding his eyepatch.

“Not like I wanna interrupt the stream of money… I really don’t, keep going.”

“I’m gonna get the fish, you just wait old man!”

“Feel free to try as much as you want kid, you don’t hear me complaining.” The man looked at the teens, smirking. “And it’s Ronin. Wanna know an old man, spend like two minutes with one of the ninja. That geezer master can come from everywhere.”

Sunny’s eyebrows went up.

“That Ronin? Aren’t you supposed to be in jail? Or with the heroes?… or both?” That name sparked too many controversial big newspapers titles.

“Not today, today I got these koi fishes from an old client and discovered that for Christmas kids don’t want fishes… but dragons. ” He shrugged, bring his hands behind his neck. “It’s a sad time of the year for pet marketing. Alas this is the only productive method I came with to earn some money and try to get rid of these little things at the same time. They call me many, many, many unhappy names, but lazy isn’t one of them.” Looking at the robot arm and the variety of mechanical components of his body, it seemed a sincere statement.

Aaand another ball thrown pointlessly got stuck into one of the items hung on the wall – some kind of trophy with a blade on top of it, how bizarre. Chiru growled, dropping his head on the counter, the red and blue locks of his white hair falling flat on the surface.

“This game is rigged!”

Sunny smiled sympathetically at him. She turned to Ronin.

“Can’t I just buy one? You said you just want money and for the koi fishes to be gone.”

“I mean yeah. Although, first, that defeats the economy purpose. Statistically I gain more by his tries than his victories. Then second… of course, I wouldn’t have half the fun I’m having right now.” The ball slipped from the trophy and fell down, Chiru growled louder in response. “Aha, see? I haven’t had this profitable entertainment since fire boy tried to negotiate with me for an aeroblade!” Ronin shook his head, getting more comfortable into his position. “Wanna try too, kid? To avenge his fall or some hero baloney?”

Sunny frowned, looking at her friend still dulling over the counter. After all, it was a Christmas present like another, and he really wanted a koi fish. But she had another plan in mind for the execution. She took Selene off her neck – shivering – and placed her down, then scooted closer to the guy, a hand on her hip.

“How about a deal instead?”

Ronin arched an eyebrow.

“I’m listening.” She leaned her elbow on the counter, offering a hand. “Arm-wrestling? Please sweetheart, I’ve been in Ninjago long enough to recognize an elemental master when I see one. Not gonna fall for the old ‘I’m totally not magical’ trick.”

Sunny smiled brightly at him.

“Elemental master of Moonlight to be precise, nice to meet you. With my good friend master of Blood right here.” Chiru waved without getting his head off the counter. “And I wasn’t going to use my powers, don’t worry.”

“How can I trust you?”

“Well… I’m not you?”

The man snorted, pondering for a moment with the face of someone who just really wanted to forget for a moment about working in a freezer-like shop as a living – or maybe it was just her. Ronin looked at the guy dulling all over his counter and shrugged, getting up and grasping her hand. It was the rough hold of someone who’s been through a lot.

“Why not. Bring it on, kid.”

“Gladly.”

They looked at each other for a moment, her calm expression and his sly smile. Then, on an imaginary bell somehow replaced by Selene’s determinate meow, they both started to push through their hold, trying to make the other fall back. Ronin grunted, holding on as Sunny’s hand trembled for the effort, putting more strength. They stayed in the middle long enough for the both of them to silently pant – and for the defeated with white hair to take a little peak. Then finally Sunny’s blue-polished snails clenched strongly around her rival’s hand, slowly and with an unbearable pace pushing him against the counter.

As soon as he lost the man exhaled the longest breath, looking at her in disbelief.

“You gotta leave half of a dignity, girl. Please tell me you used your powers.”

“It was a power, yes… it’s called workout.” Ronin widened his eyes then started laughing. Sunny giggled too, while Selene jumped skillfully over the counter happily watching her. “But it was a nice challenge, I thought all the strength you had was in the robot arm, not this one. And I’m pretty sure I would had noticed a hero slash public enemy walking around a gym.”

“Pff, I would never do something this fancy, I just need to compensate for what I do for money.” Ronin shrugged, pointing at his treasures for sale. “If you run away as much as I did you end up putting some muscles without really trying. Well, Moony, a deal is a deal I guess.” He looked a little grumpy, the kind you pretend to be just to playfully make things a little less too easy. He opened the fishbowl with all the koi fishes, pointing at it. “Alright kid, which one?”

Chiru finally got up from his gloomy position, wearing a very annoyed look. He slowly put his black mask over the mouth, then pointed at Sunny, who blinked in confusion.

“Didn’t need help. Could’ve done on my own.” His muttering against the cloth sounded extremely sheepish. And his pouty voice and freckled cheeks reddening said otherwise.

Sunny snickered.

“You’re welcome, cupcake.” The colorful koi fishes were swimming rapidly in the little container, scooting a little further when the master of moon peaked at them closely. White, red and black, so color so bright over the scales. “They are so beautiful… Selene don’t you dare!” The black cat stopped the paw in midair and looked annoyed at her master, even while obediently complying. “Well, which one do you like the most?”

Chiru took the mask down. He hummed and looked over as well, still squinting his eyes.

“I don’t know…”

“Is anyone looking at you?”

“Of course they are, I look like a beacon of light!” He grinned, blowing a lock of hair with superiority. Then his eyes widened and he suddenly squished his nose against the glass. “Wait a second, why is that spot so slow?”

Ronin frowned. Sunny shrugged.

“He has bad eyesight, he means the fish.”

“Oh, well, I think the little guy or gal has a lame fin, don’t know if it happened during the fishing or the transport. It can’t help it I guess.” Those big eyes were definitely ahead of him, since Ronin immediately frowned. “You want this one?” The guy nodded convinced. “Well alright, it’s your choice.” Ronin took a plastic bag and a little net, making sure to properly seal the bag with the little koi fish inside. “Here you go kid.” Chiru looked in awe at the fish being extended towards him. He slowly took it with his left hand, never taking his eyes off. The coat he was wearing barely hid his missing right arm, the stump was leaving half sleeve empty. Moving it right now, it kinda looked like a fin. The same fin that was still making it swim. No matter what happened.

Slowly a sweet smile appeared over his face.

Sunny’s eyes softened. Selene immediately rushed to get to the same spot around the girl’s neck, purring softly. The elemental master of Moonlight then turned to the man, leaving on the counter a handful of coins in front of a very confused expression.

“Why…?”

“I kinda played at your shooting gallery, so I’ll pay it as a shot.” She smiled at him. “Thank you, you didn’t have to just agree with my little game.”

“… ah, you kids are so corny.” The man rolled his eyes and took the money, a big smirk on his face. “Get out of here and get yourselves a nice Christmas I guess. At least until this city will be under attack again.” He went to get busy over his merchandise as the teens got out, muttering something about strong female elemental masters always getting the best over him.

The streets were covered in white wonder, it had been since a few days already. The roads and the buildings all together looked created a winter wonderland, with different areas set up for ice-skating and random stands selling hot cocoa. The decorations were bright and colorful, from the big neon signs of the different shops to the Christmas lights climbing every single corner. Walking along the main street many citizens were just wandering around, cute families getting closer to each other with big smiles, nice couples holding hands running towards the closest warm place. It was a rare sight in such a chaotic place.

Sunny sniffed the air, the coffee scent already present. Just one of her favorite Cafe, with a big selection of smoothies in the menu. Just when she eyed the wolf shaped sign of the place, with the irreplaceable O&H signature, Chiru cut her off, suddenly entering some kind of bakery nearby. Sunny froze, a little startled, looking through the shopping window. The guy looked very impatient as he ordered, struggling to hold that new package and the fish with one hand.

When Chiru finally got out he looked at Sunny, still pouting a little. Then he slowly gave her the little pink box of what seemed to be a strawberry shortcake.

“I could’ve got them without help, really! But… thank you.” He blushed, more for the embarrassment than the cold – so there was no backup excuse for that. And even though it was one extremely cute reaction, the master of Moonlight decided that seeing him frowning for an hour over a game was teasingly enough. So she smiled thankfully, taking the present, slowly starting to walk again with the master of Blood by her side.

“So, how are you going to call it?”

“… I don’t know if it’s male of female, I would like to know first. Until then… Nemo I think.” Chiru shrugged. “Too obvious?”

Sunny giggled, scratching her cat’s chin.

“You’re telling me? She’s Selene because of the moon goddess, I can’t exactly judge.” A big bang made them both tremble, but the shiver turned into excitement as a bright green firework exploded into the night sky. “Would you look at that…” Selene meowed, a little concerned, snuggling closer to her neck. After a few more bangs she was already getting used to it, her tail twirling just a little harshly after every single boom.

Chiru held Nemo as close as he could, looking at the show just like all the people that had decided to just stop and watch. Like there was time for beautiful things. Like there was no rush when there was enjoyment. He looked at his friend, smiling.

“Merry Christmas, Sunny.”

Sunny turned to him beaming. Another explosion of light reflected sparkles of purple into her soft cyan irises, adding just another shade of beauty.

“Merry Christmas, Chiru.”

[serendipitykpop]

free - part 9

Pairing: joshua hong x reader

Summary: “What’s it like being free?”

part 8

The door slammed loudly against the wall, most likely leaving a dent in its place. All eyes turned to the two arguing at the top of their lungs as they stomped inside. The air around them seemed so tense, and none should bother to interject.

So much for a peaceful night in.

“What’s the big deal anyway? Why won’t you let me fight?”

You took a deep breath to suppress your frustration. You didn’t want to lose your patience so quickly.

“You don’t need to know, so stop asking.” You took the towel handed to you by Sen, and dabbed it against the cut on your cheek. Feeling the sting from the water, you clicked your tongue and continued to aid your injury. Joshua followed after you, still wanting to fight you on the subject.

“But I could’ve helped you with the thugs today had I had the knowledge, and weapons! It was my fault you got hurt in the first place!”

“Are you feeling guilty? Do you think you owe me something?” You scoffed, catching him off guard. “Well, forget it. This is what it’s like to live this life. This is just a mere scratch, nothing for you to be concerned, or make a mess about.”

His mouth opened to say something to protest until you walked up to him, getting into his face. Your stance radiated of intimidation, and a strong will. Your eyes narrowed, and you grit your teeth as you spoke in a harsh tone.

“You.” You jammed your finger into his chest. “Are not ready.”

Joshua gulped at your words. There was truth to what you said, but that was why he sought your group out. To be ready when the time came. He needed the resources, and knowledge now if he wanted to end the king’s reign. How could he do anything if he can’t even learn how to fend for himself?

“I recommend you watch your tone with me.” Your eyes bore into his. “I will only tell you this for the first and last time, so listen close. I am never going to let you fight, nor wield a weapon so long as you stay with us.”

All of his hope vanished in an instant. He felt so helpless, and at a loss at your words.

“But why? I don’t understand your reasoning, Y/N. Why are you so against the idea of that?”

You let out a tired sigh. You didn’t want to continue this argument anymore, yet he kept trying to push it. There was nothing that could be said to convince this boy otherwise. He was standing his ground on this.

You spun on your heels, and waved the subject away. Then, you walked off towards your bedroom for some well needed rest.

But it seemed Joshua wasn’t done. He had more to say.

His hands tightened into fists as he took a deep breath to restrain his anger. Then, he did something he was surely going to regret later on. The pent up frustration got to him before he realized what he said.

“I’LL PROVE YOU WRONG THEN. I’LL PROVE TO YOU THAT I AM READY, AND YOU’RE WORRIED FOR NOTHING. I WILL UM I’LL CHALLENGE YOU TO A FIGHT, THEN YOU’LL HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ME.”

His daring words made everyone freeze in their spots. Was this kid actually serious? A fight against you? When he had no knowledge in fighting at all?

“You’re absolutely nuts.” Sen shook her head, facepalming.

“He’s crazy!” Chi snorted.

“Joshua, you’re insane!” Tai huffed, and crossed his arms.

“You seriously have a death wish, kid,” Kai scoffed. 

Even Xuan had an opinion on this to which he nodded his head to agree with the others. Joshua knew this was completely crazy, but there was nothing else he could do to prove himself. His only opinion was to do this. Right?

“No, no. Let him try.” You turned back around with your hand up to stop their pessimism. You were willing to see this through, to see what this boy was thinking to do something so ballsy. A wicked smile danced across your lips, and your eyes sparkled with such bloodlust, sending chills down Joshua’s spine. They showed such sinister motives, and confidence only a person who had seen it all could ever show.

Did he really think through?

He gulped down his nervousness, and dared to say more. He really had no fears it seemed. Well, might as well go through with it now that he had already dug himself into a hole. There was no getting worse than what he was involved in, so why not?

“I want you to go all out. Don’t hold back on me just because I’m a beginner, Y/N.” Even though you could see the fear in his whole being, he stood his ground. But his cocky words only irked you more, making your smirk fall into a frown.

“Oh?” You scoffed, your eyebrow arched upward. 

Did he really have that much confidence in himself? Or was he just plain stupid? But what a guy he was, truly.

You were more than happy to make him eat his words by beating him in the fight. He wasn’t going to be so cocky when you were done with him. He was a fool in the first place for trying to pull a stunt like this. Especially with you.

“And now he’s really done it,” Tai sighed, hoping for the best for Joshua. That was if he can manage to survive. Which was very unlikely.

“Joshua sure is an interesting kid!” Chi laughed, and clapped. She was more than pleased that all of this was going down in front of her. She was never one to miss any action.

“As much as I would love to see how this fight plays out, Y/N’s bleeding. You need to be treated right away,” Sen interjected, the tense atmosphere dissipating. 

You clicked your tongue, your finger grazing the cut. When you pulled it away to show her, it was not even that big of a drop to be considered a danger to your health. 

But in her eyes, she saw it differently. Any type of injury was alarming to her, and needed to be treated away. Hence, why she was the mother hen she was.

“Sen, it’s just a cut. Look, see? I’m fine, so don’t make a big deal of it.”

Before you could say anything more, Sen slapped your hand away, which caught you by surprise. On her face was a look of disapproval, and sternness, which immediately made you shut up. There was no talking back to her when she got like this.

“You’re going to get it infected, then we’ll have a bigger problem on our hands that I rather not deal with. So don’t touch it, Y/N.”

“Sen.”

“Absolutely not.”

Then, she was pushing you towards your bedroom to get you patched up. Joshua watched with disbelief. He was still talking.

“But my fight with Y/N?” He questioned, and Sen shook her head.

“It’ll be postponed until you’re both fully healed. With no scratches, big or small.” She glared at you, and narrowed her eyes towards the end of the sentence. You turned your head the other way, and accepted your defeat. “For now, we need to get as much as sleep as we can tonight. The two of you have to be checked for other injuries before you can go to bed. No negotiations, or arguments. I don’t want to hear it.”

“It’s just a cut, Sen,” You interjected, and crossed your arms. She rolled her eyes, and shoved you inside the bathroom before shutting the door on the both of you.

“Well, you heard mother hen, time for bed.” Tai patted Joshua on the shoulder as he passed him to get their shared bedroom. “Make sure to get enough rest if you still plan on fighting Y/N in the morning.”

“That was such a waste of excitement, and energy. Can’t believe nothing happened,” Kai grumbled, and clicked his tongue. He kicked the floor as he followed after his brother. “Make it more entertaining next time, kid!”

Xuan stopped beside him, looked him up and down, then back up at him. He closed his eyes, and let out a sigh. He shook his head, and walked past him to get to the bedroom. He didn’t even need to say anything, and Joshua could just see the disappointment in his eyes.

“So anticlimactic because of Sen! She should’ve let it happened, so I could at least get some fun in before bed! So boring of her, boo!” Chi whined, then let out a yawn. She looked up at Joshua when she passed, and giggled. “You’re so silly, Joshua. Goodnight!”

Still in disbelief, and standing in the middle of the room by himself was Joshua. His mouth hung open, and his finger left mid air.

“But I wasn’t done with my speech yet.”

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball Z 150

Last time, Piccolo was determined to beat 17 before Cell showed up and... aw dammit.

So why didn’t Piccolo sense Cell coming?  Because he was so focused on his fight, that’s why.   

Meanwhile, 17 has absolutely no idea what the hell Cell is.   This shocks Piccolo, and it answers something I’ve long wondered about.    It always seemed to me that it would have been smarter to try to parlay with the androids.  When they showed up at Kame House looking for Goku, Piccolo could have warned them about Cell, and offered to join forces with them in exchange for a truce.   I always thought they would be up for that. 

But here we see why that never happened.   Piccolo just assumed that 17 and 18 already knew about Cell, so it never occurred to him to mention it.   Besides which, every time someone tries to tell 17 that there’s a stronger guy than him, he gets all defensive, so maybe he wouldn’t have believed Piccolo even if he had told him then.  

On the flip side, Cell has no idea who Android 16 is.   He deduces that he must be one of Gero’s older models, but that’s about as far as he gets.   So there’s unknowns on all sides.

So Cell’s here, the androids are here, and the only thing standing in his way is Piccolo, so all he has to do is power up for a fight.   And so Cell summons his full strength, fueled by ghosts!    Would you like another reason Cell is better than Frieza?   Because this is one right here.

“Ughhhh... why didn’t you saaaave me, Piccolo!  I offered you a fat stack of billllllllls!”

Cell just walks right past Piccolo, who’s too horrified to even do anything.   Remember the last time they met, when Piccolo kicked Cell’s ass all over Gingertown?   Yeah, Cell’s eaten a lot of people since then.

Piccolo asks how many people he’s eaten...

But Cell says that it’s an honor to contribute to his grand design.   What, you thought he’d do a JoJo reference?   Ask Piccolo how many breads he’s eaten?   Maybe Frieza would indulge that sort of thing, but this is Cell. 

Back at Kame House, everyone’s anxiously awaiting Bulma’s anti-android remote, as it’s beginning to look like their only chance to get out of this.    Bulma’s at least twenty minutes away, though.   Chi-Chi suggests that one of them fly over to meet her, and that should shave some time off the delivery, so Krillin heads off to handle that. 

Tien, on the other hand, can’t stand... uh, standing here and waiting to see what happens.    He impulsively flies over to join Piccolo in the battle against Cell.   Roshi calls for him to come back, but it’s too late.

So then Roshi just sits down in his front yard and laments his obsolesence.   A long time ago, he was the supreme warrior on Earth.   When Tien fought him in the 22nd Budokai, he was thrilled to see a new generation of stronger warriors rise up to replace him.    Now, he’s watching them all facing certain doom in a battle beyond his comprehension.    It’s humbling to say the least.   This is probably the only time I ever really sympathized with Roshi.  He still belongs in jail.

Back at the fight, 17 talks smack to Cell, and Piccolo tries to warn him about what Cell wants.    17 struggles to defend himself...

... but he quickly finds himself overmatched.

So Piccolo has to jump in and sucker-kick him to save 17.

So now 17 and Piccolo seem to be on the same side.   Cell doesn’t care, and he proclaims that this is the culmination of Dr. Gero’s quest to create the ultimate warrior.    But 17 insists that he’s the ultimate warrior.   Cell literally just had him pined to the ground a second ago, and for some reason 17′s still acting like he’s the superior fighter.

So Android 16 warns him this time.   Unlike 17 and 18, he can measure power levels, and he can tell that Cell is too strong for him.   Moreover, he believes that Cell isn’t just after Goku’s death like Dr. Gero and the rest of them.   He thinks Cell wants to destroy the whole universe.   Well, yeah, he’s right, but I don’t see how 16 would know that.

But 17 insists on trying to stand his ground.  

It doesn’t work.

Piccolo tries to back him up, but he’s just as badly outclassed.    Arguably, Piccolo’s probably worse off because he’s still tired from fighting 17 a few minutes ago.

In light of the situation, 16 tells 18 to flee.   17 won’t listen to him, but if she saves herself, then at least there’s still a chance.    Otherwise, 16 believes this will be the end of the world.    How many times have we heard that one in this show?  

Arguably, 18 has the same malfunction as 17.   She’s not fighting right now, but she seems convinced that she doesn’t need to, because she still expects 17 to handle this on his own.   I think it’s safe to assume that if their positions were reversed, he’d be standing beside 16 just like she is now.   

Meanwhile, 17 is down.   Piccolo’s the only one fighting now, and he’s down to desperation moves, like this big energy blast.   Cell just walks right into it, to give you an idea of how worried about it he is.  

And 18 naively assumes that Piccolo killed Cell, simply because his blast connected and it blew up part of the shore.   16 informs her that he did not “get him”.   Cell wasn’t even hurt.  

It’s funny, because Cell is doing the exact same juggernaut schtick that 18 was doing to everyone else a few days ago.    She walked right into Vegeta’s attacks and shrugged them off too.   So why is she falling for it when Cell does it?   Denial is a powerful thing.

Give Piccolo credit, he’s still standing his ground, even though his last, best shot did absolutely nothing.

Cell takes him down with one punch, then picks him up to find that he broke Piccolo’s neck.

So he follows up by blasting a hole in Piccolo, and then tossing him in the ocean for good measure.  

Meanwhile, Tien’s watching this from the sidelines, because he decided to come here and help, remember?   The least he could do is fish Piccolo out of the water, but I guess it wouldn’t make much of a difference now, would it?

Up on Kami’s Lookout, Gohan senses Piccolo’s ki vanishing, and he wants to rush over to save him, but Goku insists that he stay here and wait for their turn in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.    Of course, they should have already gone in by now, but Vegeta and Trunks are running late for some reason.  

And that leaves 17 to face Cell alone.    Yeah, good luck with that.

I guess 18 and 16 could help,  but they seem content to watch...

[zippdementia]

Part 74 Alignment May Vary: The Big Secret

Welcome to our ongoing blog for our long long epic long adventure! The latest scenario is that the players just completed a huge air race on a planet inspired by the elemental plane of air. Now they need to collect their prize from the criminal organization, The Whispering Wind, whom they have asked to locate a crystal for them which can power their ship and bring them ever closer to home on Toril.

For the last several days, Carrick has been having a vision, a memory, of himself as a young child. It is a reoccuring nightmare: he is exploring the woods outside his home when he falls into a cave and breaks his leg. Stuck down there he... but no, he cannot remember...

The aftermath of the race is a rush of audience adulation and a proclamation from the Genie that the races are going to be shut down and reopened as arena battles (inspired by the bloodbath in the Tornado). Knick Knack also approaches the players and raises his hands to the sky as shackles suddenly appear there and are shattered, the result of them beating him fairly (or mostly fairly) in the race.

The players are also given gold, lots of it, something like 60,000 gold pieces in total, for winning both first and third place. There is a lot of hugging from Star, who jubilantly embraces all the party members (Carrick seems awkward, Aldric likes it, Imoaza despises it).

Aldric also shares a sad moment with the elementals, whom he asks to join his crew. They tell him that when he defeated their summoner, he cut their time short. Now they must return to the air, but they thank him for allowing them to ride with him and, for a brief moment, to be the wind. As a tribute to them, he empties some of his winnings out into the open sky, watching the coins fall and turn and glitter as they catch the sunlight.

And speaking of sunlight, as he does this, sun returns to the grey skies and a bright day breaks as far as the eye can see. Carrick thinks it is because of his gesture to the air elementals, and tells him so, but Aldric suspects otherwise and, watching him closely from the crowd, Imoaza does as well.

Aldric finds Immerstal from within the crowd and shares his idea: that the rod of storms has changed in his hands, no longer forcing dark clouds upon him but now directly reflecting his mood. Immerstal invites the group back to his brothel to celebrate their win and there examines the artifact. He tells Aldric that the rod has definitely bonded to him and has changed. It has taken a piece of this planet, an elder tempest, and is carrying its power within it. It has reached its true potential and could be devastating in the wrong hands.

“You are now its guardian,” Immerstal tells him. “You may never let it fall into the hands of those who would seek to gain power or authority with this.”

It is a solemn moment, broken when Immerstal curses and starts waving his hands in the air. Magic springs from them and he holds out a pocket of his robe, where pieces of furniture go flying into it from the brothel. The place empties out before the eyes of the companions, girls being pulled away from customers (and some of the customers being pulled with them), beer being yanked out of hands and people being shoved out of the door magically until the place is empty except for Star, Immerstal, Aldric, Carrick, Alyss, Jacobs, and Imoaza.

“I’m coming with you,” Immerstal announces. “The rod is too important to let just one pair of eyes watch it. I am officially requesting to join the Green Company.”

Aldric is overjoyed to bring his friend, and a powerful wizard to boot, into the company. Alyss says she and Jacobs will return to the ship and prepare it for departure and says the rest of them should go gather their prize from the Whispering Wind.

Indeed, as they leave the now defunct brothel (”best days of my life, running that place!” Immerstal says, wiping away a tear) they are approached by a silent genasi who alerts Imoaza to her presence by blowing softly on the Yuan Ti’s ear. Imoaza’s reaction is immediate, drawing Drosselgreymer and spinning to get ready for an attack. Star intervenes and explains the use of any breath by an initiate (who is sworn to silence for a period of time) is considered a great honor and an invitation to the Whispering Wind’s palace. “We’ll be there,” she tells the Genasi, who nods and leaves.

The Prize

It’s back to the palace of The Whispering Wind to meet with Lakosa, the leader of the Whispering Wind. Here, all of the players receive a prize that befits their story--in addition to the information that the crystal is being kept by a strange old man who lives alone on an island out in the sky, running a farm of Chi Chus (we’ll explain that in a moment). Perhaps biggest of all, Lakosa pardons Star and tells her she is welcome to call this planet her home again.

Aldric and Lakosa have taken a liking to each other and the sexually charged mercenary finally meets his match in her, the two pleasuring each other for a few hours while the Rod of Storms responds to their lovemaking by creating a sky full of sunshine, light rain, and eventually beautiful rainbows.

While all this is going on, Immerstal takes Imoaza and Carrick on a tour of the city’s finest bakeries, having learned of Imoaza’s recent discovery of sugar and total lack of knowledge of baked goods. Carrick satisfies himself with a single macaroon and tags along as Immerstal and Imoaza engage on a decadent and semi-crazed sugar fueled romp through the city, becoming food-drunk on such delicacies as only magical beings can make. The journey leaves Imoaza almost literally out of her mind as she has a transcendental experience due to the sheer amount of magic infused sugar she ingests. She amazingly manages not to throw up, though! Also, they spend 13,000 gold pieces on the trip, which makes Carrick throw up. There are some special items purchased as well, most notably Ink that can convince anyone that anything written in it is real, for a short time, and with a failed save.

As they travel, Carrick finds himself preoccupied with another thought. He is thinking on Star and the Aether Craw, Cookie, which used to belong to her lover, Fesserania. Both he and Imoaza bonded with the bird during the race, but now he feels that it is only right that Star be given a chance to claim the bird.

Still, it is Aldric who ends up talking to Star first. When the group comes back together, they all listen to Carrick’s stories about Imoaza’s and Immerstal’s sugar binge...

"It was horrible,” Carrick said. “There was this one place we went, where these little pastries had sugar spun legs and they walked around, all over Immerstal’s, uh, body, while Imoaza ate them off of him. Then they started using whipped cream... I don’t... I can’t... unsee it...”

While the group keeps listening to this, Aldric realizes Star is not with them. He walks away from the group, through a beautiful garden, and out to a ledge that stretches over the sky abyss. Here Star sits, swinging her legs over the edge, her tail wrapped up next to her. Beyond her the horizon is beautiful, filled with the light of two suns and over a dozen rainbows.

Aldric takes a seat next to her and she greets him with a sad smile.

“I wonder if Fesserenia ever got a chance to just sit and look out at a beautiful day and just appreciate it. I hope when I died, I didn’t take that from her.”

“I spent my life, my whole life,” she continues, “trying to get away from this place. I thought I had to escape to be happy. And then I spent the next century trying to come back. I realized too late it wasn’t where I was that would make me happy, but rather who I was spending my life with. Wherever she was, I could have been happy there. By the time I realized it, life was over.”

“You’re staying,” Aldric says. It isn’t quite a question, but Star nods.

“I’ve been thinking about it all day. Everyone on the ship, they are trying to go home. For me, this is home. It won’t be the same without Fesserania, but I feel like being here at least keeps me close to her memory. I’d like to work with the Aether Craw more. Not for racing this time, but just to care for them. Bond with them, not to use them, but just to have that connection.”

Star looks at Aldric. “You could stay too, you know. Lakosa would let you. You could make each other happy, for a time. You could help me with the birds, or do whatever you like.”

Aldric paused, trying not to let her see how stunned and moved he was by the offer. “I can’t,” he says at last. “I have things I still have to do. I have a task that was set on me.”

“The Green Company? Someone else could build it in your stead. Captain Krisp would take it on, and he’d probably do a good job of it.”

“No. It wouldn’t feel right to give it to someone else. My journey isn’t done yet. Maybe someday it will be, maybe someday I could be happy here, but not now.”

“You sound like I did. Just be careful that someday doesn’t come too late. Don’t make the mistake I did. Don’t spend your life thinking that happiness is just around the corner and miss it standing right in front of you.”

She smiles at him again, less sad this time. “Goodbye Aldric. For what it’s worth, I would have been happy to join the Green Company.”

The Old Man and the Sky

Presently the companions gather themselves and head off into the sky onboard Percy (they leave Cookie with Star, as a going away/homecoming present). They find the island that Lakosa told them about and land on it. It is an idyllic farm, though its main inhabitants, floating yellow puff balls with legs and beaks called “Chi Chus” are utterly foreign to them.

They come to an old, well kept farm house and knock on the door. An old man answers and, after they tell him that they are looking for a crystal, he invites them in. He strikes Aldric as seeming very familiar, but he can’t place a finger on it, not until they are all sitting at a table, the old man sipping at tea, Aldric drinking a glass of delicious Chi Chu milk, and Imoaza munching on a fresh cookie. Then it strikes him.

This man looks exactly like an aged Carrick.

“You’re him,” Aldric says. “You’re the surveyor.”

It turns out it is a little more complicated than that...

Long ago, before time began, there were two forces fighting over the fabric of reality like a wife and husband over bed sheets on a wintry night. Primus, being of pure order and balance, and the Abyss, the embodiment of everything that was disorder and chaos.

The two fought endlessly. Primus created the universe so that there would be order out of the endless chaos. The Abyss breathed life into the Universe, an immeasurable ever changing mess. Primus created time and death so that life had restraints. The Abyss split the timelines and created multiple planes and universes. Primus created Devils to walk all of the universes and gather lost souls. The Abyss created desire and many Devils came to embrace the Abyss fully and became Demons, so Primus directed the remaining Devils to fight them in an endless Blood War. Even then, Chaos was always one step ahead: it spawned the drive for power. Seeking power, some of the oldest beings became gods and soon Primus was forgotten, though his creations still wandered the planes, among them the Inevitables (like the Inevitable of Justice that eventually Abenthy finds and usurps).

But he did not stop fighting Chaos. He retreated for a time, and for a time the world was thrown into chaos, with many races and planets coming into existence and many others, now forgotten, ending forever. It was during this time that the Elemental Princes of Evil emerged, and the Mindflayers, and on Faerun, the Yuan Ti ruled as the supreme beings. But Primus was not idle. He was contemplating, meditating on the nature of the universe, and in his meditations he came to realize that hidden deep within even Chaos itself was a pattern, an order. Primus then saw that the way to defeat Chaos was not from without, but from within. So he built a new being, a being who would be called the Iskth’cya (Iskaya) but who would eventually become known to other races as the Surveyor.

The Surveyor had a singular purpose. His role (though it looked roughly manlike, it was in fact genderless) was to shape the being that would eventually contain Chaos. To do this, they had the help of a powerful energy device, filled directly with a piece of Primus’  own essence in the shape of a crystal. This crystal would be the Surveyor’s tool to shape reality, but also their own lifeline. Inevitably, the Surveyor’s timeline would run out, the crystal’s power nearly spent, and then it would be up to them to build the next Surveyor, transfer all of their knowledge and discoverings into that new shell, and then expire. In death, their essence would repower the crystal, fill it again with Primus’ directive and energy, and continue the journey of discovery.

Many centuries of experimentation would pass before the Surveyors would eventually create humans. And is that so surprising? Humans are a mess of chaos: individuals pursuing their own desires and whims, and yet always on whatever planet they appear on, humans also create society, laws, and on the largest scale, move as one being towards order. Thus did Primus envision order out of Chaos.

But even here, Chaos had some reign. For the Surveyors themselves were not perfect. Nearing completion of the task, one Surveyor determined that he should be allowed to see the end result of his work. So he cheated his mission and decided not to die, keeping the primary crystal for himself and breaking off only a piece of it, pouring some of his lifeforce into it and leaving the next surveyor with an incomplete power source. The process took its toll: the cheater aged significantly, but he stayed alive, leaving his spaceship to the next Surveyor and dropping himself off on the planet of air, where he remains today with the original crystal.

The next surveyor was not privy to the full glory of Primus’ plan, denied had he been of this connection by his proginator. He came out... strange. His pursuit of the final goal was erratic, plagued with visions and prophecies and filled with a quest not for discovery but for recognition. He found a way to mimic the energy of his own shard of crystal and put this energy into other vessels. These he placed around various planets, mostly to force life to spark into existence. But some of them had other purposes. He was constantly trying to “have children” and spawn more of himself, but the experiment never worked.

In his efforts, he captured a dark spawn of Cthulu in a Jade crystal, a crystal that would end up becoming split into many pieces over the course of history, one of them being made into a Jade Statue which would cause no end of trouble for a group of adventurers. In the course of his work he did manage to create humanity, but when he brought them them to life on Toril, he angered the Yuan Ti, who had come to revere him as a god. Now, believing he meant to supplant them as rulers of the planet, they turned on him and when he fled Toril, they used their magic to release the Dark Spawn of Cthulu, who crashed his ship back down to Toril and killed him before sinking back into hibernation to heal the damage done in the fight. The Yuan Ti fled their broken empire and the age of humans truly began. But the Surveyor was dead, the vision could not be completed, and all that remained to tell of its final form was a prophecy left behind by the Surveyor: a triad of creatures, an Angel, a Devil, and a Dragonborn, connected somehow.

So how did Carrick get wrapped up in all this? Close proximity to the first crystal has been awakening his memories and the dreams he has been having of the cave tell the true story: as a child, he fell into a cave and broke his leg. Trying to get out, he crawled through the cave and came across one of the Surveyor’s crystals, specifically one of the ones he had used to try and clone himself and had discarded when it didn’t work. For whatever reason, it works now, imprinting the Surveyor’s identity and soul on top of Carrick’s, forever changing him. 

The immediate effects are to heal his broken leg and wipe his memory of what happened. But soon he begins to physically change, his body reshaping itself to look like Primus’ vision for the Surveyor. He is young enough that his parents write off the changes as due to him growing into himself. And he is a half elf: sometimes they take on the appearances of the elvish soul within him. His mother even takes to calling him an old soul, thinking these changes represent the old elvish soul inhabiting his body. She’s almost right.

But the combination of two souls has other effects on Carrick’s life. Chances are, it led to his dark past as he sought power and killed in the name of a pure kind of justice. Psychologically, Carrick must now question everything he has felt and believed in his life. Which pieces of this were his true nature and which parts were due to the Surveyor inside of him? Now, as he becomes more aware of the truth, he can even begin to hear a second voice inside his head, urging him towards tendencies he has long thought were his own inclination.

Carrick tells the old man he will try to fulfill his purpose, he will try to finish Primus’ vision, but the old man tells him it is impossible. Carrick may hold onto a piece of the Surveyor’s soul and memory, but his body is not of Primus’ creation. His body is still half elven, half human. It is not designed to channel the energy necessary to create life. He cannot finish the vision.

At this, the companions grow angry. They now see this sad old man as not a victim, but as an instigator of horrors: a selfish being whose acts not only hurt Carrick directly, but also the death of empires and possibly the ending of all things in a victory for the forces of Chaos. Carrick feels his own pain most directly, of course, accusing the man of stealing both his future and his past. Without even a hope of fulfilling the Surveyor’s mission, what else does Carrick have?

The old man gives them the crystal and tells them that this means his time will soon come to a close. He also tries to give Carrick some kind words, though he is not a being who was made to feel empathy or sympathy.

“You must choose what to do with whatever time you have left,” the old man tells him, but it is of little consolation. “I am sorry, for what it’s worth. I wanted to see the end of Primus’ vision. It did not seem fair that I should work so hard towards it and have nothing to show for it, not even be able to see the work for myself.”

“You do have something to show for it,” Carrick answers. “You have me.”

But the words are not meant to be gracious or consoling. Carrick is angry, and in anger, the companions leave the farm. All except Imoaza, who decides to revenge Carrick, whom she is coming to think of as an actual friend. She summons Drosselgreymer and cuts the old man down, who dies with a smile on his lips...

... until Carrick brings him back with a spell.

“Why?” the old man begs. “Why did you not let me die?”

Imoaza is also confused and upset. “Do you wish me to kill him again? Make him suffer a dozen times? I can do that.”

“No. He doesn’t get to leave that easily. He needs to live. He wanted to see the end result of the work, now he has to. You hear me? Don’t you dare die until this is all over. You need to live and know what you have done. You don’t get to hide from it anymore.”

For the first time, the old man shows emotion, his face filling with despair as he sobs uncontrollably and is left behind by the companions. Imoaza isn’t very happy about it, this doesn’t fit her definition of revenge. So she takes a Chi Chu from his farm as a final payment for their troubles.

Meanwhile, through Carrick’s anger, he is able to realize that Imoaza cut down an unarmed man, however deserving, and the thought makes him wary and anxious, afraid that this is a hint of darker things to come.

The Rod of Storms amplifies the group’s dark mood, and they take off into a sky filling with heavy clouds and hard rain.

[granddaughterogg]

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure OP1 Sono Chi no Sadame

It’s not only a kickass amalgam of great music, cutting edge animation and bold direction.

It also contains one of the most powerful messages ever. This is what it says in the song’s swelling finale:

You cannot overcome your pain unless you accept

The legacy of your bloodline!

This is what therapy is all about, in a nutshell. You come from where you come from, and you cannot change that. What you CAN change though is the future.

Truer words have never been spoken. Not in an anime about impossibly buff dudes tearing each other to picturesque shreds, that’s for sure.

Apart from that, Sono Chi No Sadame is the best OP in the history of anime openings and nothing can convince me otherwise.