#competing each other to be the number 1 in the sky

[quuuueto]

I hope the outfits are recognisable (if not, it's from official art by Horikoshi where they're riding dragons!)

[thesensteawitch]

What Will Your Romantic Life Look Like?

🍁Based on your current energy!🍁

Pick A Pile Reading

(Left to Right- Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3)

Hello, Senstea Souls!💕

I am back with another collective reading. This reading is about your future romantic life.

This reading is strictly based on your current energy so take it as it resonates. You can change your future based on your actions + this is a general reading.

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Pile 1

Tarot cards- The Chariot, Seven of Cups, Two of Cups, Page of Swords, King of Swords, The Moon

Hello, my beautiful pile 1. Your romantic life is going to be very much focused on a dream that you and your partner have for your relationship. Love is not a destination and you both would know that and that's why there will be days in which you would want to experience everything together. You both will somehow be forging towards your destined path (basically your north node) and time will prove to you that you both are soulmates. Number 8 is of significance in this connection. I am seeing “the strength card” too. On your path, the challenges that you will face will only make your bond stronger. It's going to be a one-of-a-kind experience for you. Once in a lifetime to be precise! Not everyone will have the kind of connection that both of you will have with each other. Strong communication will be the foundation of your romantic life with your person. There is going to be a balance between emotions and logic. When you're vulnerable you will be too vulnerable with each other. Some connections only travel in the 3d world but your connection will be of a kind that will be ever-growing and eternally travelling through different dimensions. Your romantic life is going to be very spiritual. Dates will never end, and meetings will never end. The connection will never lose its spark. There is going to be so much you both would want to do with each other that you will end up confused and will find it challenging to bring your life together. But eventually whichever direction you choose to move in you will end up bumping into each other. Because as I said this connection is fated. I am sensing strong water and air sign placements in both of your birth charts. People around you will secretly compete with the kind of connection you guys have with each other. They will wonder, “Is this even real? Does this kind of love even exist in this day and age?” You both will help each other in healing each other's shadow sides. There won't be a single moment when you both don't feel safe with each other. You guys just compliment each other like ketchup and fries, haha! They are meant to be served together. You two will learn a lot. You'll be achieving long-term goals and stability with each other. Buying a home or living together will come later in your life because you two will build everything (by everything I mean every damn thing) together from scratch so it will take time. But you're going to have the kind of life no one can crumble down. No one! You both won't be able to walk away until you both throw each other into eternal glory. And right in that glory, you will never be able to forget each other. You will never forget the karmas that you both healed together. The darkness that you both dealt with each other will hold your glory high above in the astral sky. You both will overcome so many fears together. Wow! It's such a beautiful connection. One is a dove and the other is a dolphin. Both are from different worlds but so pure, so connected. One looks above and the other below and just like that they fall in love. It's one-of-a-kind love. Not everyone will be able to understand it so don't expect the world to understand your love anyway.

If you wish to know how to manifest your soulmate then book a reading with me at $9/₹666 (5 cards pull).

Pile 2

Tarot Cards- Four of Cups, The Lovers, The Magician, The Emperor, Ace of Pentacles, Knight of Wands

Hello, my beautiful pile 2. The first thing that I see in your love is the individualistic nature of you and your partner. You two will be very different from each other yet perfect for each other. There will be a lot of mirroring in your connection. You both will see your reflection in the other. It will shock you, surprise you. One will be sunshine and the other will be midnight rain. The advice you both give to each other will work wonders if you both are willing to see life from each other's perspective. Your romantic life will be quite organised. Doing something new in your connection will scare both of you. Overthinking is what will always prevail. Prioritising emotions can be a problem in your connection. As this reading is based on your current energy I also see choices will be needed to make quite often. These choices will overwhelm both of you but eventually, you'll choose each other and will make things work around the choice you make for each other. The choices you make on an individual level are what is going to bring you together. There will be a lot of risks involved in your connection. One of you may have had difficult relationships in the past so having a heartfelt communication can be a challenge. You two will end up together after going through a lot of tests and trials. The connection will have a lot of passion but it won't be easy. You both will be challenged to get rid of the unnecessary worries in your connection. There will be a healing that you would need to do before the relationship can finally emerge into something beautiful. You both will be devoted to each other and the more devoted you are the more challenges you will face. But all these challenges will act as an opportunity for you to heal the parts of you that can affect your connection negatively. Reminding each other how much you love each other will be crucial in your connection. Your romantic life will begin right after you both have faced your demons and worked on them individually. You both will only think of each other after the storm has settled and there's a comfortable quiet. You both will go to extremes to shower each other will love. I hear, “I belong with you, you belong with me. You're my sweetheart.” You both won't stop loving each other in chaos or storms it's just that you will be forced to help yourself first before loving the other. Your empty cups will fill with time and then it will never run out of love. This connection will bring an end to a never-ending pain/cycle. You both will be afraid to lose each other but also to lose yourself in the process of loving each other. But later on you both will realise the importance of heartfelt communication and your vulnerability will bring trust.

If you wish to know how to manifest your soulmate then book a reading with me at $9/₹666 (5 cards pull).

Pile 3

Tarot Cards- The Emperor, Six of Wands, The Moon, Two of Wands, Two of Swords, Eight of Wands

Hello, my beautiful pile 3. I heard that your connection will be blessed by God. You'll be divinely supported in your romantic journey. I see an exchange of rings, communication and a lot of travel. Some details may get missed because you both fall for each other at first sight. There will be quickness in this connection. A lot will be overlooked and you two may end up marrying each other quite early into dating. Logically it will feel like a wrong move and you both may even question your judgement later on but divinely speaking this is exactly what is supposed to happen. There will be an instant connection between you and your partner. You may even feel caged later on but hear me out. You must be thinking then why would I even end up marrying this person? Well, I don't know the exact answer but I can see that there will be ancestors' support in this marriage. Perhaps, it's the kind of connection where it was a contract that you signed with this person on a soul level. I seriously don't know what your beliefs are pile 3 but this is something I am strongly getting. Like it is meant to go this way. I know I might sound insane. Also, this reading is based on your current energy so take it that way. You do have the power to change your future. The marriage will bring so much happiness to the families. When the love in the air will fade a bit you two will realise that one is trying to keep the peace (who wants to have soulful conversation) and the other is trying to risk their dreams to have a stable married life. And soon you both will speak your heart out to each other and things may go out of hand because of the overwhelming energy. As soon as the conversation puts you both off balance it will bring stability too as you both will understand each other and will provide the safety to work on your dreams. Wow! So that's why you would end up marrying this person. You'll achieve great things with the help and support of each other. You both will show each other the mirror of how powerful you are and how capable you are. And after this what will follow will be victory and generosity. You both will come together to give each other a strong career boon. You may not stay together for a long time but will definitely appreciate the change you both brought into each other's lives.

If you wish to know how to manifest your soulmate then book a reading with me at $9/₹666 (5 cards pull).

[jtl07]

For shenangians could you please write either something fluffy and cute or hurt/comfort please?

hey anon what a nice way to end this round of shenanigans! thanks for your patience and hope you play again next time <3 

(1 - something post-war I suppose)

There's flour in Beatrice's hair - on her shirt too, and the front of her shorts and Ava can't help but laugh because as much as she loves Beatrice looking hot and competent, she loves this Beatrice just as much: befuddled and bewildered, eyebrows and eyelashes speckled white as she blinks at the half-exploded bag of flour on their kitchen counter.

When Beatrice turns to look at her, it's with a mischievous look on her face. It's not one that Ava's seen often but it's made more appearances nowadays - now that their days are no longer numbered; now that their days are theirs.

(Days where they're free to lounge on the couch reading or take turns playing video games; days where they take leisurely walks in the sun and rain both. Days spent sharing ice cream while they sit at their favorite bench near the dog park; days spent going through all the recipes in their newest baking book, now also covered in flour.)

Ava squeals when Beatrice lunges at her, barely escaping Beatrice's flour-covered hands. They dash around the kitchen then through the rest of their home, careful of the training staves hanging on the wall, the photos on the shelves, the trinkets they've collected, the life they've built together.

Beatrice eventually catches her, like she always does - and Ava relaxes in her arms, as she always does. Laughs when Beatrice presses a palm to Ava's chest, leaving behind a flour handprint on her shirt. Kisses her before she can do anything more; kisses her because she can; kisses her because they have everything and more.

**

(2 - college theatre au adjacent?)

Ava finds her.

She always does - it's become easier over the years, but this time of year it's easy because she knows it's hard. Holidays, anniversaries, birthdays - Ava's no stranger to the tide of grief that rises up especially high on days like this, the anger and hurt that make even the steadiest of ships topple in the storm. Many times, Beatrice has been her port; Ava finds her to return the favor.

There's a handful of places Beatrice goes on days like this and with her and Camila's shared apartment plus her favorite library empty, Ava makes her way to the top of her own apartment building, to the corner of the rooftop she and the others had spent a summer cleaning up and made theirs. She finds her because she knows: her, and the likely contents of the letter from her parents Camila said she'd received in the mail.

Beatrice is curled up on the sofa Mary had thrifted, wrapped in a blanket gifted by Lilith. Ava takes a seat on the opposite end, far enough to keep her thoughts to herself if she wants, close enough to touch if she needs. Tips her head back to look at the sky. Counts the stars; breathes.

"There's no shame in it," Ava says eventually, her eyes still tracing the night sky. "Being angry, I mean. You have every right to fight for what you didn't have. Trust me," she whispers - the 'I know' is unsaid.

Ava doesn't turn when she hears a sniffle, a shuffle; keeps still when she feels the cushions shift. Doesn't move until Beatrice has settled into Ava's side, has fit her forehead against her neck and sighed - only then does Ava lift her arms to wrap around her.

She brushes her lips against Beatrice's temple, feels an answering whisper of breath warm her chest.

The 'I know' is unsaid; the 'I'm here' and 'thank you' felt in all the places they touch, in the quiet they hold for each other. 

[serxinns]

Yan! Fatgum vs Yan! all might (Both platonic)

•Now all might be Tolerable when it came to the teachers coddling you and being protective over you he was fine but with others it was a problem a Big problem, and fatgum was that problem At 1st all might not mind Fatgum, he just thought he didn't have the same thought at him and just was clueless but oh boy he was wrong

• he started seeing Fatgum giving you your favorite snacks and always pinching your little cheeks and carrying you around Seeing you happy and smiling with him made him sick he should be the one making you happy and spoiling you the final straw was when you accidentally calling fatgum uncle while fatigue eyes sparkle all might had a dark glint in his eye and a threatening aura surrounding him he was gonna have to do something about this

•So one day, while you and Kirishima were chatting with each other fatigue watched happily as the two of you were getting along until he felt a cold hand on his shoulder "They look like they're having fun right young hero!" there stood all might in his muscle form, Fatgum smiled "Yea they've been getting along well! It's almost liked they're dating!" all might smile twitch when he heard that last part even tho he knew he wasn't joking his blood was still boiling so he pinned the young hero in the wall his blue eyes piercing down on him the all might glared into his eyes

•"Listen here I'm tired of beating around this bush I want you to stay far away from them as possible and stop tryna influence that student of yours to get with them" To his surprise fatigue chuckled, "Thats funny hilarious even but no way just because your a worry some clingy ass number 1 can't handle someone touching what's "Theirs" doesn't mean im gonna back down" all might stared at the man in shocked but it quickly turned into a rage "Why you lit-" suddenly you and kiri ran up to the two heroes they both stare you in silence until fatgum said something

"Hey little buds back already?" "Yea! me and kiri were learning new tricks! kiri taught me how to block with your torso" the two of you eyes sparkle while fatgum chuckled to himself "Yea y/ns moved were super manly they even taught me their new power move you gotta see it!" "Alright you guys I'll catch up! Don't try to hurt yourselves!" when the 2 Teens left fatgum looked at All might with a smirk "also I recorded everything you said so be cautious with your actions" and with that fatgum happily followed behind the children like there was nothing wrong leaving all might angry and shocked he cursed under his breath but he was not gonna back down easily or even Never

•To this day the 2 mostly all might would compete to each other about whos better then who like how All Might would make you fly up in the sky while holding you to see the view and if you are scared of heights that's ok he'll carry you on his back while his fan are in awe

•Fatgum would just try to piss off all might By Giving you your favorite treats, Making you and kiri wear his costume while he just dies from happiness and taking pictures, Whenever all might spotted him he was spin you around or pinch your cheeks making all might glaring like he wanted to commit murder

• While all might has a trick up his sleeve he'll buy you anything you want unless it's other peoples merch he always sneak some matching all might merch for deku and you so that one day if izuku found out by stalking you that you were wearing the same clothes as him he'll want you to hold hands for the rest of the day

Bonus:

Fatgum and All might: Aruging about who's better

Kiri, Reader and Izuku: 👀

Reader: Yall wanna go get ice cream

Izuku: yea I don't think they'll stop anytime soon

Kirishima: well let's get some popcorn on the way as well then!

[emeritusemeritus]

One for George and y/n: Easter egg hunting at the Burrow with all the Weasleys (George's siblings and their children)

Such a cute idea! 🖤

Warnings: Minor swearing, mentions of pregnancy, cute Weasley fun and fluff.

Words: 1.3k

Easter Bunny's gift.

Easter at the Burrow was always one of the things you looked forward to the most, especially now you had children of your own with George.

Ever since the first grandchild had arrived, Molly and Arthur had started a wonderful tradition of a magical Easter egg hunt on the land surrounding the house.

Your daughters were 5 and 3, both now at the age that they took the egg hunt very seriously, especially as they were essentially competing against their cousins. George had given them tips before hand, because of course he had, and you'd arrived at the Burrow with two very excited children. And a very excited husband, who had been to set up the race with Arthur earlier that morning, no doubt putting his own mischievous twist on the egg hunt.

The wonderful thing about Molly and Arthur having seven children was that as you all grew up, the number of family members inevitably doubled and then tripled, at least. Siblings, spouses, children, cousins; everyone packed in to the space you'd always loved, the heart of the family- the Burrow.

You were immediately greeted by most of the Weasley siblings and their partners, the kids all chasing each other and giggling in glee with squeals of delight echoing through the open fields. Bill and Fleur, Ron and Hermione, Harry and Ginny, all of them stood around tables of food and drink that you knew Molly would have agonised over all morning. You couldn't see Percy or Audrey but you could see little Molly and Lucy running around with Victoire, Rose and Lily and so assumed that they were around somewhere. It was always funny to see the entire family gathered together, the sea of Red hair only broken up by a few blonde and brunette children running around.

"Rory! Poppy!" Dominique squeals in excitement, spotting your daughters and immediately falling into an excited conversation that was almost too high for adults to hear, their excited squeals and giggles so loud it almost made you wince. She pauses briefly to flash you a smile, missing her two front teeth. "Hi aunt y/n, hi unky George! Come on, Granny's got toffee!"

Now child free, George smiles at you as he takes your hand and leads you down the path towards the Burrow, greeting his family with warmth. You mingle through the crowd until you make your way inside, offering Molly some help in the kitchen.

"Oh y/n dear, you just get prettier!" She says with a wide and motherly smile, approaching you with hands outstretched as she pulls you in for a tight hug. She's all dressed up in her most vibrant colours, a glittery beret clip in her hair with the signature apron tied around her waist.

"Right, almost time!" Molly says with delight as she steps outside, giving Arthur a little nod who claps his hands together and smiles, walking off towards the back lawn.

You shoot George a little smile as you look over at your daughters, huddled together with the other cousins almost bouncing with excitement. Molly had made a ridiculous number of little eggs for the children, some with chocolate, marshmallow, toffee, everything that would keep your girls up way past their bedtime if they ate too much.

"Right Weasleys," Arthur says, taking lead of the gaggle of excitable children. "Two rules only. Number 1, share and be mindful of your cousins, we want everyone to have fun. Number 2, grab as much as you can! Ready... set.... Go!"

Just as Arthur said the words, a little firework shot up into the sky which transformed into the shape of a bunny in the sky, the words 'this way' scrawled out next to it as it moved towards the start line that Arthur had made. Your mouth opened in disbelief and turned towards your husband who was putting his wand back in his pocket with a mischievous grin. He turned to you and gave you a little wink, little butterflies erupting in your tummy at the look even after all these years.

With a resounding squeal of excitement, the children ran off, following the rabbit, each of them clutching their little baskets ready to swoop on the eggs that had been meticulously placed by their grandad. You watched and laughed as they giggled, all of them picking up little eggs and slinging them into their baskets.

Some were suspended in the air by magic, others tucked into trees and the ground as normal. George had jinxed the tree near the border to rain eggs when the kids ran under it. You laughed as you watched Hugo and Albus scream in sheer delight when they stepped under the tree and hundreds of little eggs rained down on them, dropping into their baskets. They immediately called the girls over to look at what had just happened, all fo the adults watching beginning to laugh when the girls also squealed out in delight as the eggs rained down on them.

"Y/n, can you please watch Louis whilst I go to the loo?" Fleur said from beside you, her French accept as strong at ever, holding out baby Louis, his little blanket covered body making him look like a beautiful little bundle.

"Of course I can," you say with a smile, readily accepting your youngest nephew into your arms, he was crying a little, whimpering and trying to break free from the blanket. Fleur thanked you profusely as she handed over her youngest before walking quickly back to the house.

"Ssssh, it's okay sweetheart, your mummy will be back soon," you coo, assuring little Louis as you rocked him in your arms. He was beautiful, a little patch of striking blonde hair beginning to grow on his head. You adjusted his blankets just slightly to keep his fingers in and swayed with him in your arms as you watched your daughters giggling from higher up the field. The enchanted bunny firework had started dancing around the kids, dodging them and attempting to steal their eggs making them all giggle.

When you looked down at Louis, he was asleep, his eyes closed and looking the definition of comfy, all snuggled in his warm and soft blanket.

"I'll never get over how much that suits you," you hear your husband say, appearing behind you, looking down at the baby in your arms.

"Oh yeah?" You smile, looking up at him as his arm slips onto your shoulder, his lips descending upon your hair to press a gentle kiss just above your ear.

"I think it's your best look," he pauses, "though I do like you pregnant too."

"Well... I'd say you're in luck Mr Weasley," you say with a glint in your eye, watching as his eyes light up even more than the kids collecting their chocolate once he realises what you were telling him.

"What do you think? I think a little boy would be a nice addition," you say, looking down at the sleeping little boy in your arms, imagining one of your own.

"I'll have a word with the Easter bunny," George says with a smirk, leaning down to capture your lips in a sweet kiss, both of you sharing a little moment.

"No way Hermione," you hear from the side, Ron's dead set voice drawing your attention away from George.

"Oh come on Ron!" Hermione says, getting frustrated with him. "For Hugo and Rose."

"You're not transfiguring me into a bloody rabbit!"

[jenn2d2]

Crow Parties are Murder

Summary: Illario isn't having the best of times at a party thrown by the Dellamorte family to celebrate Treviso's freedom when he becomes embroiled in bad manners and unsanctioned murder. Thankfully, Neve Gallus is on the case.

Chapter 1: Charm, Offensive -- House Dellamorte is hosting a huge party to celebrate Treviso's freedom, and Illario is not having a good time.

Tags: Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Illaneve, Illario Dellamorte/NeveGallus, Antivan Crow Politics (Dragon Age), Party, Political Intrigue, Antivan Crows, Religious Imagery & Symbolism

I've got another chapter that should post tomorrow, planning on a couple of chapters at the end of each week (probably around 6-8 total?). Read below, or at AO3.

Throngs of the elite coursed through the Villa Dellamorte and the surrounding estate in numbers that hadn't been seen in decades to celebrate the last of the Antaam withdrawing from Treviso. Antivans liked a good party, and nobody knew how to throw one quite like the Crows. The rest of the city celebrated tonight as well, with fireworks, light shows, and more gondolas active on the canals than anyone had seen at one time in living memory. Lights hung from every tree, building and even in the sky as a tide of joy swept any and all in together.

Illario hated every minute of it.

Social gatherings of any kind were usually his forte, something he slipped into with ease like a pair of the best shoes. Illario always ensured he looked polished to perfection, put others at ease, and enlivened the air around him in whatever way served his needs best. Tonight began in a usual way, with a well-memorized list of important guests and their tastes viewed and reviewed well ahead of time. He dressed to suit the occasion and his position. A neat, dark suit, accented in silver and stylized jet feathers at his cuffs and lapels. It was less ostentatious than his cousin sported as First Talon, but something that clearly marked him as a Crow, a master assassin, and a member of House Dellamorte.

As part of the hosting family, Illario couldn't arrive fashionably late, so he moved in and around the reception line. He ensured it moved as it should, but that no one felt rushed, ignored, or bored. It was going well. It was also a special form of torture he had designed for himself, as each familiar face registered their surprise at his presence and then attempted to conceal whatever surprise, disdain, admiration, or outright loathing followed after.

"Illario, how good to see you!"

"What a night for the Dellamorte family, you must be so proud."

"You must find me later and we can share a drink!"

Even the faces he found most welcome could not compete with the casual insincerity and entitlement of the rest. After working through the guests several times, Illario was fairly sure he'd have at least a couple of bruises from pinches or prodding in places he would prefer not to. He also felt he had exercised the utmost discretion in not returning several unwanted caresses and at least one attempted stabbing with one of the many knives concealed on his person.

Weaving through the flock, he timed his return to his family as the most important guests arrived. For the first time he could remember, Illario actually looked forward to returning to where his family stood. He could not wait to close out this part of the evening.

"So how are our guests?" Caterina asked curtly as he took his place at her side. "You certainly took your time."

"They are all quite well," Illario replied, pushing the good will he did not feel into one of his better smiles. "Most have arrived and wandered to wherever they see fit. Your more anticipated guests should arrive shortly, hence my timely appearance."

"Don't be flip," Caterina replied, but her mouth shifted to the barest smile of approval. Whatever she privately felt, Illario could tell that at least in this she still found him useful. "Make sure not to monopolize any of our guests' attention this evening. They have their own obligations, just as you have your own."

Illario nodded. It wasn't a discussion and she wasn't asking for his opinion. Instead, he braced for the incoming crowd with an outward ease he did not feel.

Three-quarters of an hour later, the reception was over. Most of it was a blur of important people who Illario hoped to not meet again in person, and who probably also wished the same but for more personal health related reasons. The influential, deadly, and wealthy passed by into the waiting crowd, mostly unremarkable to him.

Some bright spots punctuated the time, with Professor Volkarin and his skeletal apprentice in attendance for the Mourn Watch causing quite a stir, especially when accompanied by his imposing paramour from the Veil Jumpers. Bellara had risked a small wave to Illario as she passed by with Strife, and he noticed she had managed to bring along some sort of notebook. The Papers in Minrathous rarely had first-hand accounts of parties thrown by the Crows, and he looked forward to whatever scandals spooled out of her pen when the night was over.

Maevaris Telani cut in impressive figure in a stunning gown that seemed to be made of whatever gave the shine to diamonds, representing the will of the Archon, but clearly bringing the hopes of the Shadow Dragons with her as well. At the back of her retinue, Illario spied Neve in a gown of green and pale yellow, her hair swept up along one side by a stylized golden fascinator in the shape of a flowering tree branch with a green lace veil shading across her face. Catching his eye, she smiled and gave him a wink, which earned him a discreet elbow in the side from Rook.

"Neve looks nice," Rook purred quietly as she smiled slightly, not moving her mouth. Illario had never quite mastered that trick, but he usually didn't say things in the open that weren't intended to be overheard. "I really like the hair-clip thing?"

"Fascinator," Illario answered absentmindedly, letting his eyes trail after Neve as she exited the to the main hall. Golden branch, pale yellow flowers, green leaves. Lemon blossoms. He could feel a familiar tightness in his chest, pulling and twisting him out of shape. "And yes, she does. Neve always has style."

"Hmm," Rook returned with entirely too much nonchalance.

Illario really was going have to have a word with… someone. Probably his own reflection at this rate.

"Blessed are they who stand before the corrupt and the wicked and do not falter," a woman's shrill voice intoned near his ear, and Illario swiveled to face a thin, sour looking woman. She was young, pale, and dressed in the robes of the Orlesian Chantry, the fabric far too sumptuous to hail from one of the poorer sects. Her accent wasn't Orlesian, but more likely Ferelden or the Free Marches with a tinge of … something else.

"Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just," Illario responded automatically, his early childhood lessons calling forth the remainder of one of the more well known Benedictions. He nodded his head towards the woman, and she returned it in the most cursory way.

"Sister Gabrielle," Caterina inclined her head towards the woman with the barest flicker of annoyance in her eyes. Behind her, Lucanis raised an eyebrow in Illario's direction, and the two shared a moment of shared relief, as her irritation was clearly aimed at the disagreeable young woman. It was short lived as Caterina continued. "You and Mother Thomasina are most welcome this evening."

The Sister gave a far more composed bow to the older woman, all traces of whatever had been in her face smoothed away.

"It is so kind of you, Madame Dellamorte," an older woman behind the sister strode forward, looking every inch a Chantry Mother. Her face was lightly lined, but strong cheekbones and piercing green eyes left a formidable impression. "We were traveling for most of the day, and have not had a chance for some quiet reflection."

"Should you require it, my grandson Illario would be happy to show you our family chapel off of the south gardens," Caterina placed her hand lightly on his arm, message clear.

"That would be most welcome," Mother Thomasina smiled, giving a nod to Illario. "Our travel was arduous, and she spent much of that time working diligently. I know she would appreciate some time to rest before rejoining us."

"My grandson will show Sister Gabrielle the way while you and I join the rest of the party, " Caterina nodded, and gently pressed on Illario's arm again. "Lady Cousland has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Mother Thomasina laughed, and the two older women began walking towards the main hall with the rest of the Chantry Mother's retinue in their wake. Lucanis nodded to Illario as he and Rook continued to chat with the few remaining guests waiting to greet them.

Taking his cue, Illario gave Sister Gabrielle a small bow, catching her eye as he straightened. He stifled the urge to recoil in disgust as naked malevolence rolled off of the woman in a brief, arresting wave. She returned the slightest of bows, and recomposed her face as he looked away to gesture in the direction of the chapel.

"If you will follow me, Sister," Illario strode forward, his own face a mask of amiability while he furiously reviewed his knowledge of this woman he was saddled with guiding to his family's often unused chapel. Attaché to Mother Thomasina, who was originally Ferelden Chantry with a tenuous connection to Divine Victoria. Currently in Orlais, influential with some of the pro-Circle and Templar advocates. Sister Gabrielle joined her some time in the last two years, but the resurgence of the Blight during the rise of the elven gods had made proper information on the woman difficult to track down.

"The chapel itself is quite restful," Illario chatted pleasantly, walking around and through the remaining late-arriving attendees on their way to the main hall. "While the garden will have guests, it is situated to ensure that you should have as much solitude as you need."

Several of the people they passed turned to follow the unusual sight of a Chantry sister attending a party thrown by a Crow House. While the clergy often attended galas and parties thrown by the nobility, they rarely deigned to grace the halls of the famous assassins, even when cordially invited with the most sincere assurances for their safety.

"Is it a place you find comfort?" Sister Gabrielle hissed, her voice pitched just too loud to be discreet. "I am sure that as a failed parricide, you have had many occasions to pray to the maker for forgiveness."

This last line was delivered as they stepped into the library, in clear earshot of guests lining the entryway in the hopes of observing new and interesting attendees arriving. Illario could hear an audible gasp off to his right as a red heat began thrumming in his ears and sketching an unwanted scowl on his face. He made no attempt to answer or change his expression as they continued to walk through the house.

Behind him, the horrible woman began quoting freely from the Chant of Light in a sonorous voice, to the delight and disdain of many guests within earshot. Illario wondered idly if Caterina had advance knowledge of Sister Gabrielle, given the annoyance she'd barely concealed at the woman's presence. He could imagine that her reputation would run ahead of her if this is how she moved through society. The drone of her recitation washed over him as they walked, much as it had in almost every Chantry service he'd attended as a child. Most of it left little impression.

"…Spite ate away all that was good, kind, and loving till nothing was left but the spite itself…"

Illario paused just at the door to the gardens and wheeled on the woman so quickly she barely had time to stop before running into him headlong. She recoiled sharply as if he'd struck her, leaning back with melodramatic flair. A small part of him admired that bit of theatrical performance, but he was too fed up with her behavior to give it much thought.

"That's an odd choice," Illario quipped, feigning cutting amusement as several guests turned to stare at the commotion at the garden entrance. "It's not every day you hear some of the dissonant verses grace these halls."

"You cannot tell me that none in this house know spite coiled 'round their heart like a great worm," she replied with a haughty sneer. "Unlike the Betrayer, repentance does not appear to grace your halls."

"I would prefer that you did not blaspheme to our guests, Sister," Illario stated a little louder and sharper than intended, his words echoing out and away into the house and outward into the garden. He knew he was feeding a spectacle, as two more of the guests in the hallway turned to listen and began talking rapidly. He continued anyway. "We are not as comfortable in Antiva with the self-serving words of Maferath as some are in Ferelden."

"I am not from Ferelden," Sister Gabrielle spat, abruptly charging forward. "But I would not expect knowledge or care of such things in such a house as yours."

Given the choice to move or make physical contact, Illario slipped aside at the last moment, causing the clergywoman to hurtle into the garden. Her momentum threw her forward and into a well manicured azalea bush as one of her feet caught the edge of a flagstone. Robes, cowl, hat and stole all conspired to wrap the woman into the foliage like a lost kite tangling up raccoon in a tree.

It was amusing to watch her growl and struggle with the shrubbery, but after a moment Illario snapped his fingers. A younger Crow appeared instantly at his side, as if she had been only a step or two away. He recognized her from Rook's normal detail, elven girl, particularly good with a garrote, part of House Egrativi. Reliable, if incredibly likely to report every single facet of this encounter to his cousin as soon as possible.

"Julietta, see that she reaches the chapel as intact as possible," he pointed at the woman still struggling to free herself. Illario could hear the swirl of conversation start to spread out from the onlookers in the garden and cursed his temper, but it was a bit late for that. The girl sprang forward, and he saw another shadow detach itself in the garden and join her.

"When you're finished, please make sure give my apologies to the First Talon."

"No need," Illario froze as Caterina's voice drifted down the nearby stairs along with the sound of her cane as she descended. "I will let him know myself."

Illario turned to face his grandmother and bowed briefly, his face a mask of perfect stillness. His heart pounded hot in his ears as the disappointment and irritation clearly etched itself into the lines of her face. Trailing behind her were Mother Thomasina and Lady Cousland, both staring at him intently, the Chantry Mother scowling with anger. Beyond were several other faces he recognized, including one pinched with concern and sporting a golden lemon branch in her hair. The ache in his chest became a vice around his heart, and he could feel his composure eroding away with his patience.

Bowing again, Illario turned on his heel and quickly exited towards the service hallway without comment. What could he say? At least Lucanis and all of his friends wouldn't have to wait on the news of his abject failure. How convenient.

[itsuki-minamy]

"SIDE GOLD"

CHAPTER 5: TIME OF HUNGER (Part 1)

* List of Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun

"Demobilization"... Also known as "repatriation". This refers to the disarmament and return home of Japanese soldiers who have served overseas, or the process of doing so. Because of fears that the remaining troops would become a resistance force in the area and the need for a rapid withdrawal of opposing Allied forces, military personnel were given priority to return home over civilians. Some of them were detained in Siberia and their return home was delayed for several years. The total number of veterans exceeded three million.

"Atsugi Air Base is under attack by a mysterious group of paranormal beings".

By the time this urgent message was received, a transport ship had already sailed from Yokosuka, with no time to assess the situation, let alone provide relief. The ship was registered in the United States. The ship was advertised as a converted light aircraft carrier, many of which were built during the last war and frequently shuttled between the United States and Japan. This was a common story after the war.

However, anyone who served in the navy of either country must have noticed a discrepancy between reality and history. The reason for this is the strangely thin flight deck, which for some reason has not been removed, and the enormous size of the hull, which is as large as a full-fledged aircraft carrier. In short, it was a ship that looked like neither a transport ship nor a light aircraft carrier.

Furthermore, this supposed transport ship left in a hurry, just under 30 minutes after receiving the emergency report. This is because the time is too short to reach boiler pressure, meaning that the ship is normally moored maintaining pressure. It was an extremely abnormal operation that would not normally occur.

However, for the ship's crew, or rather its commanders, the anomaly was natural. No matter what happened, they could not in any way allow those rogue paranormal beings to come into contact with that ship.

No matter what, absolutely.

That is why the Captain made the decision to set sail immediately after receiving the emergency report.

Yes, actually... although it may be a bit obvious to say, both the "ship" and the "captain" are only on paper. The ship was a special vessel under the direct command of the Department of Defense, and its captain was a colonel in the United States Navy. The crew is almost entirely made up of naval personnel.

The intelligence agency "Nanakamado" only recognized the ship as a camouflaged transport vessel carrying a unit of paranormal beings to be mobilized for their secret plot. Only the chief engineer suspected that the ship could also be used as an information gathering vessel for the CIA, but, considering his own plans, he turned a blind eye.

However, the truth is far from that.

It is true that there were several high-ranking Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agents on board, and they had their own section on board to collect and analyze information, but this was only one aspect of their mission. The mission given to them by their home country was extremely important and one in which they could not afford to make any mistakes.

They retreated to the sea, where interference from land would be impossible, while continuing to gather information.

Atsugi Air Base has already been lost, the radar installed there is out of control, and it seems that the psychic troops stationed there have been completely wiped out. The long-feared demon-class psychics (monsters that could even neutralize heavy weaponry) had finally bared their fangs at the occupying forces. And now, all of these supernatural beings have gathered in Nanakamado, in the heart of the city, and are competing against each other with their "Sword-like Brilliance (Schuwert)" floating in the sky of Tokyo.

How far will this conflict spread?

They are very careful in investigating the situation.

The chief engineer of Nanakamado was informed that their code name was "Skinny".

It's not just the name of a team of top CIA officers. It was also the infamous nickname given to the entire top secret mission in the home country, "Option 3", that his team was in charge of.

It's an abominable name that can never be honored.

Before he knew it, the freezing rain had turned to snow.

Nightmares overflowed from that pale white curtain.

It violently rose from the ground and swallowed the weakened "Green King" Iku in one gulp. The "Colorless King", clad in an infinitely sunken void, swelled.

Black smoke rose into the sky and nothingness, resembling drops of ink spreading over water, pushed away the falling snow.

The outline that pushed away glitter, large hands appeared and thick legs stretched out.

A wavy and sinuous silhouette was beginning to take shape.

The tip tilted and pointed towards the sky.

(No.)

The "Blue King", Somei Nazumi, was the first to understand the meaning of the scene and expressed her sense of crisis.

"Sever your connection with the King right now and escape!"

The voice reached the servants of the "Green King". It came but they were unable to move. Everyone stood frozen, trapped in a nightmare that grew and engulfed the supposedly invincible King.

Before their eyes, the tip of "nothing" that looked up at the sky opened up and turned into a jaw.

In an instant, the lightning that had spilled out of the "nothing" as a remnant of what had been swallowed grew brighter.

Or rather, it was condensed to draw them in.

The strange "nothing" enveloped the members as if it was sucking in all the scattered energy around them. Before they had time to scream or even regain their senses, the entire "Biribiri" gang disappeared into its maw.

A loud rumble was heard, indicating a rupture in the air, and only silence remained in the snow.

As Nazumi stared at it, the "nothing" grew even larger.

(This isn't just a case of being a loser, but the power of the rightful "King" chosen by the "Slate" has been absorbed by him along with his limbs... Despite being so cautious, he has done so without hesitation!)

Although he felt angry at himself for not being able to cleanse it, his thoughts still flowed calmly.

The "Colorless King" had shocked even the other Kings by simply gobbling up the stray dogs, and now even the "Green King"... the situation was no longer something that could be contained by a police mobilization. This would be the most feared thing: a head-on confrontation between two Kings on the outskirts of the capital. In the process, or as a result,

(Who, where, what do they intend, how and when will they act?)

He ended up in a situation where he had to investigate every movement that arose. As he threw himself into the task of sorting the huge and complex pieces of the world into the desired direction,

(More than fun, first and foremost...)

Nazumi then regained his composure.

Or rather, he returned to his senses.

In front of him, the "Colorless King" was looking up at the sky, but then, with a thunderous roar, he sank both his hands into the ground. Or rather, he put both his front paws into the ground. Nazumi finally captured the full image, which was previously difficult to grasp due to its large size.

(A beast over 50 meters long... no, a reptile or an amphibian?)

Eerie eyes that cannot be focused,

A ferocious jaw lined with countless sharp fangs,

Four thick legs extending from a thick body,

A long tail that is both powerful and sharp.

They were woven together like shadow puppets, out of "nothing". A green beam erupted from his open mouth, flickering and sparking like a snake's tongue. Nazumi didn't know why the "Colorless King" had taken that form, but at a glance it was clear what he was trying to do.

He was about to leap towards him, close to the ground.

It's astonishing size took up half of his body in the spacious front yard of Nanakamado. The pressure of that movement would have been enough to cause a normal person to faint, but Nazumi was able to withstand it head on. The way his sword remained motionless in his stance clearly demonstrated his calmness of mind and body. With each breath, the blue glow grew denser.

(It's not the size or weight that's scary.)

As snowflakes filled the field of vision, the massive black body of "nothing" tilted.

Amidst colors reminiscent of a watercolor, the silence was about to be broken for a few seconds.

The enormous weight crushed the earth and flew towards the only blue thing.

Both of its front legs were stretched out as if it was begging for something.

If it could reach it, the Nanakamado house guarding its rear would be blown to pieces.

"Ah!"

However, with a flash of will, Nazumi was stopped by the firmly placed blue shield.

The earth shook, the wind blew, and the snow was gone.

Crushing the tip of the burden with his own blow, the "nothing" was still leaning against the wall. Nazumi, staggering towards it and clinging to it, caught the body of the 50-plus-meter giant near the wall and stared at it from under the brim of his hat. Not at the giant enemy, but at the shield he himself had raised.

(What's scary is the ability of the "Colorless King"...!)

The incredibly sturdy shield of the "Blue King" began to wobble. As if it was absorbed by the hollowed-out edge of "nothing", the area was slowly eroding from the point of contact.

(Our powers just don't match up well.)

Though that was the impression he had, the analysis continued endlessly.

(Anyway, I was able to catch it for now... it wasn't the usual shield-based one, but something different...)

As he began to search, at the edge of his vision, beyond the snow, something strange came flying towards him.

(......?)

It was a rotating rectangle.

However, the rotation immediately stopped.

To be precise, several red threads were touching the edges of the square, preparing to fly away.

The rectangle stopped rotating and slowly fell towards the top of "nothing".

As the distance shortened, it became clear that this was a thick iron plate that was being placed at a construction site.

It was a perfect fit, as if it were a joke, as the iron plate was placed against the "nothing"'s head, or rather against its cheek.

A fist filled with concentrated red power slammed into the iron plate.

"You're really tough, you bastard!"

The red power passed through the metal plate to its cheekbones.

Suddenly, the "nothing" was hit on the side of the face and its massive body was thrown to the side and fell to the ground.

A man stepped on the rising rumbling of the earth.

"Haha! I guess I can hit him like this."

After taking off the shield, Nazumi called out to the man who was acting like a child.

Of course, there were no words of thanks for the rescue.

They are dissatisfied with the fact that the trial had been brought forward.

"That's something I wanted to do three moves in advance."

"Shut up, you're too loud! In a fight, the one who strikes first wins!"

The "Red King", Unno Yutaka, roared as he blocked the heat from the blow from his right fist with the palm of his left.

The shelter beneath Nanakamado, a huge warehouse that had been reinforced and converted into a shelter, trembled gently. The unreliable lighting flickered and the non-combatants and wounded gathered there looked anxiously at the ceiling.

One of them, Thomas Colt, the commander of the Nanakamado combat unit, lowered his gaze and continued to speak.

"Are these tremors also the result of the battle between the giant monster and the "Blue King" you spoke of?"

In front of him was the deputy director of the Fourth Legal Affairs Bureau, Somei Chika, who nodded.

"According to the report I just received, that's correct. It seems that the battle has already advanced beyond the stage of our goal of "persuading the Green King"."

"But do you still intend to follow the "Blue King's" orders?"

"Yes. As long as the orders are not withdrawn. That person's ideas have a degree of validity that goes beyond the understanding of ordinary people. First, I will contact this person called "Miya" and take another look at the status of the battle. Would you be willing to cooperate?"

Hearing that, Colt nodded easily.

"We have surrendered. Of course we will obey."

There is no point in resisting any longer. The chief engineer's plan was foiled and the fighting forces were suppressed. Above all, something far beyond those small matters was developing outside. The monster that had been devouring these paranormal beings was shaking its huge body and attacking them.

Colt looked at the remaining engineers gathered in the shelter.

Everyone in the shelter, both Japanese and American (including the doctor who was keeping everyone quiet to avoid complicating things) agreed with the silence. They are different from the agency heads who will lose a lot if they are dismissed. Even after their defeat, they still have a tomorrow they must face.

(I wonder if I will have that tomorrow.)

As he thought this, Colt picked out from his memories an image of the person he was to lead into tomorrow.

"I have a feeling that I might recognize that girl called "Miya". Let me show you the way."

Although he felt pain at the thought that no one but this woman would see him as he left the Strain detention center, he still led the way. Contempt towards the villains was something that even they desired as punishment.

To show them her trust for accepting his surrender, Chika ordered two of her entourage to accompany them.

"Thank you for your cooperation. Let's go, Rokugo-kun and Hentani-kun."

"Understood."

"Yes!"

However, their progress soon came to a halt.

A man stood at the entrance of the only shelter.

There was no sound, no presence, and no weakening.

Chika naturally let out a warning sigh and realized what was going on.

What it means for him to be here now.

She asked in horror.

"You're from "Tokijikuin"..."

"Yes."

The man, wearing an old national uniform, was carrying a wired communication device on his back. With the receiver on his back,

"I would like to be briefed on the current situation."

The explosive words were spoken in an incredibly calm voice.

"The "Golden King" will soon enter the battlefield."

As the aircraft carrier heads out to sea, the "Skinny" section installed inside it broadcasts the latest developments in the battle between the "Kings" taking place in Tokyo.

Heavy snowfall forced the monitors to get close enough to be exposed to the aftermath, but this was not a major problem. They are all Japanese who have been hired and trained locally. A high salary will keep them there.

The real problem was the fighting taking place on the ground.

A gigantic monster, perhaps 160 feet long, suddenly appeared and went on a rampage, shaking the earth. That alone was an incredible, nightmarish event, but there are people who are fighting back.

On one hand, there are demons that are infamous among the occupation forces.

On the other hand, there is the suspicious head of a newly created security force.

Only a few people, including the leader of the group of supernatural powers that attacked Atsugi Air Base and forced the aircraft carrier to depart, are causing unrest. It was even suggested that the monster might have been a mutated version of the same guy.

A world that everyone recognizes as normal.

There is an abnormal power that runs rampant and can easily override it.

Each of them is the work of a single individual.

And that was the real problem.

In today's world, it is unacceptable for powerful individuals to request the disruption of society at will. Furthermore, the "power" held by "kings" is not a power built by social institutions and is not accompanied by restrictions. It was direct power and violence, not limited solely by the will of the individual.

And that was why they were watching it.

Is it something that should be used?

Is it something that should be eliminated?

Either they can stay alone, or they can conspire, or they can come to an agreement...

They continued to send observation reports back to their home country, where a decision would be made on how to respond.

Neither the US government nor the Central Intelligence Agency took into consideration the intentions of Nanakamado, the local intelligence agency of the occupied country. The pretense of agreeing to a clever deal was merely a bait to get them to gather as much detailed information as possible about the Slate and the King.

All they need is the information to make a decision.

Ever since a king was lost in the Atlantic three years ago, the US government has been doggedly and meticulously observing from afar the burnt ruins of post-war Japan as a new testing ground.

The intelligence agents of the home country, including "Skinny", had discussed countless cases of people who had regained power, with the "most powerful person on Earth who is not a King" holding the title over their heads.

And today,

A situation has presented itself that fits into one of those cases.

At least that is what they determined.

They wait and continue to transmit more information back home.

A response from the only person in their home country who was above them.

He gave the go-ahead to carry out the secret mission "Option 3".

The tension of witnessing a historic event.

It is not tension from what is happening now.

The incident is about to occur.

It is they who wake it up.

The huge body of "nothing" fell on its side, raising a thick cloud of light snow that had begun to accumulate.

Ignoring that, Todokoro Suwako and Tamataro Okuma rush towards the two kings.

"Yutaka-chan!"

"Is your arm okay?"

Unno squeezed and released his hand, testing its strength.

"Of course! The foolproof plan was a great success and that guy was crushed like a paper balloon."

"He wasn't crushed. It seems he collapsed due to the impact."

Nazumi's quick correction made him frown.

"It's so detailed, every single thing."

Pretending not to notice, Okuma bent his sturdy back and broke whatever honor his boss may have missed.

"Blue Hat Man, are you okay?"

On his back were three thick construction iron plates, each of them as thick as a tatami mat. That seems to have been what helped Unno's earlier attack.

Nazumi also has a cool attitude when talking to anyone other than Unno (though he is secretly confused by the strange nickname).

"Yeah, thanks for the help."

"Who's going to help? The only thing left is an annoying guy getting punched in the face..."

"This isn't the time to do this, you bastard!"

When Unno responded with a nasty remark, Suwako slapped him hard on the shoulder.

Indeed, this isn't the time to do it.

The "nothing" lying on the ground slowly began to rise. The roof tiles of the burned houses were scattered everywhere and the tilted buildings were pushed to the side and collapsed.

The surrounding forces, which had already put some distance between them and the Nanakamado site, disappeared even further in the falling snow, and the entire area became vague and misty like an illusion, with the exception of anything created by the movement of the "nothing".

As Nazumi prepared for a new attack, he called out two people in particular and one more as a bonus.

"I'll explain it briefly. As you may have guessed, the "Colorless King" eats those who possess power. He just devoured the girl who called herself the "Green King" and her group, and has become what he is now."

Both Suwako and Okuma have quick minds. They immediately understood the situation.

"You and your friends are in the building behind, right?"

"I see, that place is filled with blue-clad men and Colt's men, and that monster is chasing them... it's like a bear in front of a beehive."

Unno also hears and understands, but he pays no attention to it.

"The punch worked, now it's time to kick."

A rumbling sound shook the three people in astonishment.

The "nothing" that rose black in the depths of the snow was slowly moving away into the distance.

"Eh? Did it run away?"

Unno's prejudice,

"No."

As if in a hurry to get the first place, Nazumi immediately denied it. He tilted the brim of his hat and narrowed his gaze.

Beyond the snow-covered landscape, the huge body of the "nothing" was passing by, moving at an incredible speed.

"That's bad. Instead of attacking head on, it’s trying to find an easier direction to attack."

"You're not going to lose sight of that size and those footprints... hmmm?"

Okuma said, but when he looked around he realized something.

The heavy snowfall made it difficult to see even two hundred meters ahead, and even the footprints of the giant "nothing" were obscured. It was getting difficult to reach a clear position.

"Snow at a time like this? I know, should I try searching with my thread?"

"That's not good, what if something happens and you get swept away?"

This time, Unno immediately rejected Suwako's proposal.

Nazumi, not wanting to waste time arguing, proposed a second-rate solution.

"Instead of arguing here, let's split into two groups, one in front of the house and one behind the house."

In the midst of this dire situation, Unno finally nodded.

"Okay, you're the tail."

"You're the one behind this."

He just couldn't get along with Nazumi.

"Who wants to sneak around behind closed doors now?"

"This is supposed to be my position, right?"

Before Suwako could speak a second time, he asked, "Is this the time to do this?"

"To your left, coming from the nine o'clock direction."

A relaxed voice was heard, out of place in the situation.

"......!"

The two kings jumped in the same direction as if bouncing.

Unno muttered,

"Okay!"

"Here it comes."

Nazumi caught the approaching shadow across the brim of his hat.

At exactly nine o'clock, a huge "nothing" appeared in his sight, breaking through the curtain of snow.

Like a giant disc, aiming at the tip of his nose,

"Ooooooooryaaah!"

Okuma used his incredible strength to throw a metal plate.

Next, at Unno's obvious command,

"Now!"

"Good!"

Responding with a strong smile, Suwako shot out a thread of red flame.

The tip touched the edge of the iron plate, delicately adjusting the trajectory of the fall.

This time too, the metal plate fell perfectly into a position blocking the charge directly in front of it.

(Good.)

(It's exquisite.)

Only inwardly did they agree.

Unno kicked out with red power all over his body.

"Die!"

Nazumi struck the sword with a thick layer of blue power.

"Aaaaahhh!"

Almost simultaneously, they pierced through the metal plate and smashed it into "nothing".

In addition to his own burden and weight, his huge body received an extremely powerful blow from the front, sending him flying in the opposite direction. His neck was bent at a strange angle. It would have been a fatal blow to any normal living being.

The second noise was heard, a rumble that not even the snow could hide.

Sensing that they had achieved their goal, the two Kings each laughed in their own way, and then, realizing that they had coordinated their reactions, they spat out their own laughter.

"Hmph, don't go around. Your kicks are a bit sloppy."

"That's what I say. I have to avoid your weak legs when I swing my sword."

And there was another person.

"Come on, come on, you two. Now's not the time for that, right?"

The only sound he could hear was the same relaxed voice from before.

Perceiving his tone, which was open and tolerant of people's opposition, both of them softened their tone.

"So you are brother Otono after all."

"I'm glad you came, "Gray King"."

From the mysterious sight of a thin mist floating through the snow came the hesitant reply of the "Gray King", Otono Benji.

"I'm not here... it's scary, so I'm just watching from afar."

"But it was still a great help. Thank you for your quick instructions."

"With the combined strength of my brothers, that monster will be a piece of cake."

There was a hint of embarrassment in the young men's voices as they spoke.

"I'm not there, but there are about ten strange people hanging around. They're all carrying huge walkie-talkies and even dangerous-looking guns."

"Hmm, there shouldn't be any reason for Nanakamado to move now... I wonder where they're from."

"Who cares? Anyway, that will be after we blow that bastard up."

Both of them looked towards the snow in frustration.

The silhouette of a winding hill was barely visible. The "Red King" and the "Blue King", two paranormal beings with extraordinary powers, attacked it multiple times without mercy, but the "nothing" showed no signs of stopping. The neck, which should have been bent, straightened again and green sparks lit up at the top again. It didn't seem to stagger from the blow nor did it show any signs of running away in fear.

It was just a way to endure it, but it wasn't working.

This fact hurt the pride of both Kings to some extent, and also made them very aware that the monster was also a "King", but of course they never revealed even a trace of their true feelings in front of the other.

Unno said to Suwako and Okuma who had met up with him:

"That bastard is still going strong. Don't let your guard down."

"Gray King, could you please continue searching for the enemy?"

Nazumi was left in the hands of Otono, who was nowhere to be found.

"Yes, I will try."

As they nodded in response, Suwako and Okuma looked puzzled (realizing that Unno will probably be too lazy to say anything), trying to explain why the "Gray King" was also there.

At that moment,

"The vice-principal reports to the principal!"

Chika's voice echoed from the speakers of the Nanakamado building, which was still in operation.

Nazumi's face instantly lit up and Unno grimaced in disgust at the sight.

"The individual in question has been secured!"

Up to this point it was going as Nazumi expected.

But the voice continued.

"We have accepted the new proposal and are preparing to move the individual outside! I need support!"

He stopped giving Unno the smug look he was about to give him,

(A new proposal? Transfer of the individual?)

Nazumi began to investigate the strange reports.

The person in question was "Miya", whom Nazumi had ordered Chika to protect and contact. Although there is no hope of persuasion anymore, if it is available it can be used to gather information and seek solutions.

That was true, but it seems that a new proposal has been made regarding "Miya". Taking them outside was a bold move, but if Chika agreed after learning of the situation, it must have been in line with military logic.

Above all, there is only one force that can come up with a proposal at this time...

(It is not my style to act without knowing the content of the proposal, but it is much better than continuing this useless exchange of blows.)

Nazumi decided to ask the person beside him.

"Isn't it enough to provide support by myself?"

"Don't be silly, you're trying to attract some bastards. That would be the perfect opportunity to beat you up."

Unno really has a keen sense.

Although he didn't understand the meaning of the words, he immediately sensed that something was going to happen.

Suwako and Okuma were already excited by the idea.

"Do you need help with something, Chika-san? I'll help you."

"The boss seems to be in the mood too."

And then, at the end, as Nazumi tried to make him understand, Otono suddenly muttered.

"There's someone here."

Everyone felt as if that word had been the trigger.

"That guy right there."

On the other side there was nothing, green sparks flying from the top of his erect neck.

Standing in front of Nanakamado, they couldn't see past the falling snow.

However, they knew someone was coming.

The "Blue King", the only person there who knows the visitor’s true identity, he waited.

Not to meet him. He was waiting to see what kind of attitude he would have as he joined the fight. After having been extremely careful to keep the Slate and the King hidden from the public, he finally came to light. Because he was calculating and wanted to take advantage of the incident, or because he couldn’t contain his burning ambition, or because he saw that he could no longer hide and moved to eliminate him quickly... the "King's" "fate" would be decided by his reasons.

And,

Many troublesome thoughts were banished.

A clap that shouldn't have been heard rang out.

That clear sound pierced the entire scene.

He spread his hands widely and forcefully, palms together at eye level.

Following suit, the falling snow split to the left and right like a stage curtain.

All the kings present caught sight of the figure in front of them.

Once that was done, he looked intently at each person in turn.

He, the "Golden King" Kokujoji Daikaku, spoke loudly.

"Finally we are all here. Come on, let's talk."

++++++++++

It was a completely unexpected call.

A man was about to make a decision.

Last month he was re-elected to a second term as President of the United States, overcoming overwhelming odds (the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers also ran for the same election, but was defeated miserably at the party convention).

He had an unusual career path, having been promoted from vice president to president following the sudden death of his predecessor, even during his first term before his re-election, which was said to be the biggest upset in history. Moreover, he took office in April 1945, a month before Germany's surrender and four months before Japan's surrender, in the midst of a state of emergency that also involved the direction of the post-war system.

The position of vice president at that time was essentially a minor one, and during the time he held that position he was neither on the front lines of diplomacy nor informed of important issues of national policy. His sudden appointment as president in that situation was something of an unexpected thing for him.

He vividly remembers the contempt he received from those around him during that time. The accomplished heads of state who have moved the world, the sinister and evil government ministers, and the stubborn military leaders who did not like being told what to do... all treated him as "an amateur who had suddenly burst into the poker table".

An example of this disrespect was the "Flying Ghost Ship" incident.

He is said to have tried to persuade the owner of the ghost ship, a defeated scientist who called himself "King", to come to the United States, but failed. In that incident, the policy was decided while he was out of the matter, as he was not informed of anything and he himself was not even allowed to converse with the other party. Although it bothered him at the time, he can now look back on it with dark pleasure.

At that time, the scientist said in a conspiratorial tone:

"From now on I will not side with any country and I will not give this "power" to anyone."

And...

So, now, three years later, what are the results?

It was a fact known to everyone that what the scientists were saying was complete nonsense.

The source of this power, the "Dresden Slate", was managed to be smuggled into Japan by a simple lieutenant who was pardoned by the Allied forces, allowing the production of supernatural beings in the ruins of that defeated country.

All those present at the meeting who ignored him and discussed plausible things failed to seize "power". The reason they did not blame him for their failure, as they did with the "Flying Ghost Ship", is simply because the United States does not officially recognize the existence of supernatural beings.

He is the only one who knows that the policy of considering Japan as a testing ground is just a hindsight excuse used by those who missed their chance. When they realized it, the number of supernatural beings had increased to the point that it was no longer possible to eliminate them secretly. Not only that, but they had also gained influence and power of action, infiltrating even public institutions. That was the shameful reality of the situation.

However, these mistakes and misinterpretations played in his favor. By correcting the mistakes and covering up the misinterpretations of those who had underestimated him, he was able to achieve true leadership as President of the United States.

One of the results was the takeover of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers occupying Japan... a self-proclaimed hero and showman obsessed with the occupying nation, was probably naively satisfied that he had "won the intelligence war" by preventing the establishment of a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) branch in Japan, but it ended up benefiting him greatly in the end.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was bound in intense resentment toward HQ, due to HQ's firm message that "the handling of Sword-related matters in Japan will be supervised by HQ, and the home country must not interfere beyond its means", and to counter this, the CIA sought to forge stronger ties with the local government higher-ups.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, he aided, protected, and participated in Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operations against Japan... eventually gaining a leadership position. Needless to say, the main target and focus of his operation was the prey that had escaped from those who had previously sidelined him and failed… the "Slate" and those with supernatural powers.

It's not that he simply desired that special power.

As long as the effect was the same, it wouldn't have mattered if it was something different.

Anything that can become a new global strategic force to replace nuclear weapons.

More than three years after the end of World War II, the US plan for international control (or control, in other words) of nuclear weapons based on the first-mover advantage had long since collapsed. No one would hesitate to develop weapons that would give them an advantage. Every country that can do so is eager to develop and deploy nuclear weapons.

Among them, the Soviet Union was an "enemy" that required special vigilance. While other countries were still in the stages of information gathering and basic research, this greedy jackal-wolf nation was on the verge of manufacturing and testing a real device (in fact, the Soviet Union's first nuclear test was carried out in August of the following year).

In other words, the super weapon that "harnesses the fundamental power of the universe", on which the United States invested enormous efforts and budget in order to gain a decisive advantage in international relations, has suddenly, in just a few years, been reduced to a bargaining tool pitted against each other, similar to various inventions of the past.

Moreover, the conflicts currently occurring around the world as a result of post-war regime construction are extremely incompatible with nuclear weapons.

If it is obvious that people will not easily decide to use it, the effect will be even less.

What is needed now is a smaller but stronger force.

It was for these reasons that he turned his attention to the power of the "Slate" as "the next step after nuclear weapons".

A mysterious power that modern science has no idea how to explain.

Although it is a very personal thing, it is an overwhelmingly great power that an individual can possess.

The United States said so, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) continued to look for ways to obtain it.

Over the course of three years, observations of supernatural beings progressed and information was accumulated.

Some of them were taken out of the country and used experimentally in the espionage war.

At the same time, they assumed various scenarios, prepared for contingencies, and continued to watch carefully for opportunities, and finally that day, an unusual but promising case had finally arrived.

It was a case where a powerful psychic "King" had caused harm to the occupation forces and their subordinate psychic units, and even led to a battle between two "Kings" in the center of Tokyo. The gathering of important targets was confirmed.

Depending on the case that comes, the operation will enter the execution phase.

Compared to the meticulous preparations, the operating procedures were extremely simple.

Eliminate all the "Kings" that have appeared in Japan, and with the results, request the cooperation of "the only remaining person".

That's all.

Even calling it a conspiracy is an extremely crude and presumptuous tactic, but in negotiations where demands are imposed through the use of force, or in clearer terms, intimidation, even such crude intimidation is a form of acting. The more the "remaining" King perceived power to be threatened, the greater the impact would be when he was brutally annihilated. And there is no better means than nuclear weapons to crudely eliminate an entire King.

Eliminate all of Japan's "kings".

This was caused by a third nuclear weapon hidden on an aircraft carrier.

The code name for the secret mission was "Option 3".

The victorious nations reaped the benefits of the grace and chances that had been lent to the defeated nations.

This is how the occupation that lasted three years would later be remembered.

Along with the newly acquired "power" of the United States.

Even from the perspective of the United States, the inadvertent bombing of a city in an occupied country not at war, and the third massacre with nuclear weapons, would surely provoke harsh criticism, but it would not be difficult to decide to ignore it.

This is the United States.

Even after the end of the war, conflicts of all sizes, including colonial independence movements, continue around the world. Countries with their complicated ties and conflicting interests are unlikely to be able to unite to make effective condemnations.

This, with regard to the United States of America.

Rather, it will be a strong warning and demonstration to those countries that the United States does not treat nuclear weapons as a taboo and that they remain a real option if necessary. Without causing harm to others.

Above all, the intention behind this murderous act is unlikely to be understood by anyone other than the leaders of the United States.

Although there were discrepancies in policy with the home country, the occupied country was undergoing a smooth reconstruction and the country was destroying itself.

To an outside observer, this would seem like nonsense or even inexplicable madness.

However, it was that period of confusion and turmoil abroad that the United States suffered through.

The situation was brought under control while other countries, even the Soviet Union, were unsure of its intentions.

Specifically, after the nuclear bombing, they unearth and secure a "Slate" that was kept in strict secrecy in the burned-out suburbs of Tokyo. Once this was accomplished, the only thing left to do was to inform the "sole remaining person" of the following.

"Surrender yourself to the technology to control the "Slate" in your hands."

And.

This is different from the previous "negotiations", which were carried out without any preparation. It was an "intimidation" that shattered the illusion of the "Kings" that the other party had relied on as their power. The fear and panic of whether it would really go that far would surely open the clam's mouth.

They did not believe in the strength of the principles of "the sole remaining person".

Rather, they despised scientists as a species.

People who believe that the world can be explained by formulas and theories are generally ignorant when it comes to dealing with the complex and strange reality... or worse, they don't know what to do. They are all ignorant people who lock themselves away in universities and research institutes with their peers and avoid the natural responsibilities that come with living in human society (such as optimizing budgets and demanding results).

As a result, scientists easily tend to resort to naive idealism and fantasy that are not based on reality. The traitors who leaked important secrets about nuclear weapons development to the Soviet Union were not only thieving spies, but also many scientists who were driven by foolish ideological beliefs.

One of them, who did not understand the gravity of the situation, had a brilliant idea without losing face: "Let's call on the Soviet Union to share information in the realm of peaceful uses." This he did shamelessly, even though he was in the middle of research on weapons of mass destruction with American personnel and funding.

He despised the scientific species for being primarily responsible for dealing with reality.

If you show this kind of guy a real punch, he will give up and surrender.

The "only remaining person" barricading himself on the ghost ship will likely face a similar outcome.

It was at the end of these largely prejudiced thoughts that he was about to give the order for the secret mission "Option 3". Not even an hour had passed since the telegram was received.

He called his aide and expressed his decision in words that could not be misinterpreted.

And then one word: do it.

Murderous plots are set in motion by personal ambition, calculation, and discomfort towards others.

++++++++++

"Talk?"

Although he didn't make a sudden, loud noise like Unno Yutaka,

(With this raging monster?)

Nazumi was also shocked.

Nazumi knows that he is not a lukewarm person who dogmatically seeks reconciliation. There was no way he didn't understand that this carnage was a turning point that would decide the fate of all Kings.

But still, he didn't understand why he would start an argument.

In the middle of the main street, a figure stands in the deserted, snowy landscape, the white curtain raised. He is wearing black khaki Japanese clothing with gold detailing at key points and is not carrying a sword. Only his feet are protected by practical long leather boots.

"Have you removed the snow?"

"Is that what your wife was talking about...?"

Okuma Tamataro and Todoroko Suwako were also stunned by the scene, which looked like the beginning of a real play.

They could barely see him, with a huge nothingness between them.

That was not the case.

No matter where they were, they were clearly visible, with a presence that could not be ignored. Nazumi, Unno, Suwako, Okuma, and from his point of view, Otono Benji and, above all, even the "nothing", were watching him.

As if their eyes were captivated by something dazzling.

His tone was stern, but he exuded a strange joy as he confidently introduced himself.

"My name is Kokujoji Daikaku, the "Golden King"."

And then Kokujoji immediately questioned.

"Who are you?"

It was already too late to know who he is.

"Where do you come from and how do you live?"

They wonder what is necessary to decide the future of their "King".

His vision, staring into "nothing", overlapped with his former dream. A silver dream, before he became "King".

In the dream, stars twinkled in the black sky that separated the silver-white world from the other world.

Now, as the snow begins to fall again, the Kings are reunited.

The dream and the image overlapped in his senses and transformed into certainty.

Seven people.

These are all the "Kings" created by the "Slate".

That was why he had to ask.

To grasp the full picture of the logic that incorporates them.

What kind of person is this "someone" before his eyes?

"Now answer me, "Colorless King"!"

The monster of "nothing", or perhaps "someone" who was asked, the "Colorless King", nodded his head in confusion. It was as if the beast was probing something, as if it was asking a question in return.

But before long, aside from that,

"......"

The human part slowly seeped out from the depths of "nothing".

"...hand..."

They were fragments of words that had spilled out from between his writhing teeth, just like that night when he had appeared as the mysterious "Black Cloak". The fragments gradually took on meaning, like bleeding colors forming an image.

"That's right."

And then the words were revealed in their entirety.

"Help me, I'm hungry and I feel like I'm going to die."

Kokujoji narrowed his eyes in pain.

It's not just about the meaning of the words.

At the same time, he captured the essence of the monster.

He knew this because he was the "Golden King".

(This "Colorless" is clearly different from the other "Kings".)

Within the giant monster, there is no feeling that someone has been swallowed, nor that the swallowed person's power is creating anything. Simply swallowing it would result in nothing.

(No... it's not that lukewarm... it's trying to swallow all the power that the "Kings" (us) have shown, the traces they've left behind, and the things they've accomplished, and take them to that other side of "nothing".)

Understanding the essence leads to understanding existence.

(I see.)

This monster is not someone who can accomplish something by consuming the power generated by the "Slate". The reason it seeks power is to return the scattered power to nothing once again. They were beings that could be described as a reaction against reality, sent to eliminate all evidence of the existence of these supernatural beings from this world.

Kokujoji was shocked to be the liberator of the "Slate", and also horrified to be one of the Kings.

(Does that "Slate" not only give power to people, but also expel those who threaten that power? Should the last "Colorless King" be seen as a test or as the embodiment of judgment?)

Whether it was designed that way from the beginning or the "Seventh" had simply been unlucky enough to receive such power, Kokujoji had no choice but to accept it.

He could not join forces with that pitiful monster.

That was incompatible with the six "Kings".

(I see.)

The complete truth he sought was crueler than he had imagined.

(That dream will never come true.)

A dream in which all the "Kings" gather together and create a paradise in this troubled world.

Gold, red, blue, green, grey, colourless... and one day, silver too.

That was the desired future, the miracle that had come about thanks to the "Slate".

He intuitively knew that he had just been crushed.

(But it's strange.)

However, Kokujoji did not succumb to pessimism or depression.

(I don't think I'll let something like that stop me.)

On the contrary, the more the strong waves of difficulties shook him, the more he felt a tenacious life breathing within him.

The forces that make that happen are neither complex nor special.

It was a crude and completely primitive idea.

We have to live.

It was a carefree and above all realistic situation, which did not make him look back or bow his head to the ground. Just like right now.

(Even though the dream I have longed for has been shattered, I still want to move forward.)

We have to live.

Whether consciously or not, everyone lives this present moment hoping for that... and the "Golden King", Kokujoji Daikaku, is no different.

(Next... let's take the next step and seek a better future.)

Carrying his past steps on his shoulders, he will move forward towards the present, facing his future steps.

He will add another resolution to the ones he has made dozens, even hundreds of times.

That spirit and soul turns into a stern yet cheerful voice.

"In that case, there is no point. Let's fight."

He turned his gaze from the sky to the earth.

As for the monster, it simply stood there, as if it were still lost in a nightmare.

(So ​​how did it come out?)

As he thought about that, a fine mist began to gently surround him.

From deep within, Otono's timid voice resounded.

"That seems rather unexpected, but is the discussion over, my lord?"

Kokujoji didn't seem to mind the strange honorific he received from him and simply laughed.

"Yes, we've talked enough and we understand each other. We have no choice but to fight."

(What a funny boy.)

Otono was a little taken aback by how different the impression he had of the "Golden King" was from the one he had heard from Nazumi. He was taken aback, but also intrigued to know what it meant.

Kokujoji, on the other hand, continued with vigor.

"You must be the "Gray King", Otono Benji. Nice to meet you."

"Thank you. If you want to whisper something to me, I'll be happy to help."

Otono let himself be drawn in and gave him a pat with his hand, but then felt a long-awaited pain from the tightness of his burned skin. "That's not like me.", he said with a wry smile before getting to the point.

"During our discussion, it seems the other party has completed their preparations."

Kokujoji looked at the monster charging towards Nanakamado. Although they said they were ready, the Red and Blue members seemed to be arguing about something (though it was only the two Kings arguing).

On one side are the "Red King" Unno Yutaka, Todokoro Suwako, and Okuma Tamataro.

The other group consisted of the "Blue King", Somei Nazumi, and Somei Chika, who seemed to have joined them during the discussion.

A thin girl who appears to be "Miya" is tied to Chika's back. Although she is scared, she seems to be prepared. She doesn't seem to be trying very hard, just keeping her eyes closed and holding on tight.

"The man in the blue hat said, "All we need to do is have this girl join us, so I took it upon myself to make the arrangements." The ones in blue are the ones carrying the balls, and the ones in red are the ones acting as decoys. Is that okay?"

"Very well. I'll try to change things up as much as I can. After we meet, you'll have to give me some time to explain the plan to "Miya". That's all you need to know."

"That makes sense."

The fog cleared with the answer.

Feeling a hint of joy in his voice, Kokujoji's cheeks relaxed involuntarily.

(Sorry... but I'll keep going.)

After apologizing to the "Colorless King" for unintentionally excluding him from the group, he stepped forward in high spirits, ready to go on.

Towards a stronger, more desirable future.

It's not perfect, but it's still worth achieving.

Towards a future where they can work together with the dreams and kings who believe in that.

Hearing Kokujoji Daikaku's message, Unno Yutaka and Somei Nazumi nodded.

"Yes."

"Understood."

As soon as they handed it back to Otono, they turned their backs and ran away.

[liminalmemories21]

Tag Game Tuesday: 911 Lone Star Fandom Edition

Tagged by @ladytessa74. Thank you!

When did you first start watching Lone Star? Who or what introduced you to the show?

What is time? Okay, so I have competing memories about this. I want to say we started watching 911 OG because of the pandemic. But, I also have vivid memories of watching Lonestar from episode 1 because it was a 911 spinoff. And, given when Lonestar started those are incompatible memories.

Which is to say I think we must have started watching 911 OG earlier than I remember.

Which season is your favorite?

Season 2. When they're really getting to know each other, and figure out how to talk to each other. I really love how they handled the whole farmer's market thing - Carlos telling TK about what coming out was like for him, and TK actually listening.

Who is your favorite character? (Bonus: If you answered TK or Carlos, who is your favorite besides them?)

Hard to choose, but I think a toss up between Judd and Grace. I just really love their marriage, and how much faith and trust they have in each other, and how much they just clearly love and like each other. Also, Judd's got a great kind of exasperated older brother energy, and his voice has a fantastic cadence to write.

Top five episodes. Go!

I am also terrible at remembering episode numbers. So.

the one with the farmer's market

the entire Marjan episode last season

the kidnapping arc - I love getting to see Carlos be smart about being a detective

the one with the kidnapped kid (my father-in-law more or less), because see above about watching Carlos be smart, and actually recognized for it this time

the Gwyn's death/airplane falling out of the sky episode - because everyone was so good in that episode, and you could feel how much everything ached, and I liked getting to see a glimpse of TK's relationship with his mother.

If you could pick any character to be given a "begins" episode, who would it be and what would that episode look like?

Paul. I know we've gotten hints, but I'd love to know more about why he picked firefighting, and what pushed him to leave Chicago in the end.

Also, Nancy, because we know almost nothing about her.

What is a scenario or storyline that you would like to see in season 5?

I'd like a chance to see TK be good at his job - we know he is because we've been told he is, but I don't feel like we've gotten to see it much.

I'd like a Halloween episode - small children in adorable costumes, and crazy calls, and so much teasing between the team about candy and costumes.

Also, I'd really like the show to remember that TK has a step-father(ish) type person, and a brother.

What do you think is going on in this still?

I mean, realistically I think it's probably nothing that any of us can guess. But, I think it looks like Carlos is doing something that TK doesn't want him to - either still pursuing his father's murderer, or agreeing to do something for work that scares TK (undercover?).

We all know about the elusive 5x05 spicy scene that has been teased, so what is your prediction for how it could possibly top 1x02?

I have no words for how much I want lazy making out on the couch that turns into something hotter and heavier. I want low soundtrack so you can hear the way fabric shifts together, and the couch squeaks a little under their weight. I want Carlos's hand gripping TK's hip (think the kiss from Some Kind of Wonderful - the way Eric Stoltz's hand just flexes on her hip, like he can't help himself).

I want them home, and comfortable with each other, but still so hot for each other.

Where was the Tarlos honeymoon in your mind?

Well, apparently they went to a resort somewhere? Given how much Carlos apparently dislikes traveling, we can only imagine the lengths TK had to go to persuade him of that. But, I think Owen and the Andrea upgraded their reservation to apologize for kind of taking over the wedding planning.

I think it wasn't quite what they imagined - because how could it be - but it was what they needed, a chance to be away, to be together, to regroup, and grieve, and not have to try and do it in front of anyone else. I think for the first few days Carlos tried to make it perfect, the way it was supposed to have been, and TK kept trying to say, it doesn't have to be that. And eventually Carlos let himself believe TK and took the time to really process what he lost - not just his father, but the potential for the relationship they were just starting to rebuild.

Shoutout one of your favorite fan creations.

I really liked the themed recc lists that @welcometololaland started. I always love a good recc list, and I like ones that come with summaries and personal endorsements.

tagging @carlos-tk, @chicgeekgirl89, @rmd-writes, @welcometololaland, and @jesuisici33

[just0nemorepage]

The Sunbearer Trials || Aiden Thomas || The Sunbearer Duology #1 || 405 pages Top 3 Genres: Fantasy / Young Adult / LGBTQIA+

Synopsis: “Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I’m just a Jade. I’m not a real hero.”

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol himself as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all—they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya—daughter of Tierra, the god of earth—is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also can’t help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós and Teo’s friend-turned-rival who is a shoo-in for the Trials. Teo wouldn’t mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one-in-ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teo’s taste.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.

Publication Date: September 2022. / Average Rating: 4.32. / Number of Ratings: ~22,030.

[ransprang]

Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix 2023 Fanfic

As y/n stood there behind the bush, blocked by the barricades she looked at the track with yearning eyes. Unbeknownst to them, a burly shadow arrived behind and grabbed her elbow harshly “Come back to IMH, please.” Y/n looked back with malice in their eyes “No! He’s coming.” As the big man who had long white hair retorted “you crazy fool. Stay here then, suffer.” As he left. Y/n returned her gaze to the empty race track. “Where are you?” She muttered under her breath, her eyes glistening with tears.

The security gave y/n a nasty look, as she looked at her phone, the countdown to the race. Her heart increased in pace, as the numbers reduces. When the counter hit zero, she felt a surge of wind as twenty cars went past her but that wasn’t what she was looking for. Her eyes kept searching the track till she finally spotted…him.

Four Thick corded limbs, scaly skin and sturdy tail. The love of her life appeared slowly pitter pattering across the track towards her, tongue wagging out. She screamed “Komodoooo” as it turned towards her and contorted its face as to what seemed like a smile. It waggled its way to the Redbull paddock which was near by, making hard eye contact with Christian Horner.

They stared at each other to what may seem like eternity to a passerby, intense eye lock, no expression. Suddenly, Christian nodded his head and signaled to a pit crew member, as he immediately marched out.

Suddenly Sergio Perez’s car rolled into the Redbull pit area. There was a sudden flurry of activity as the pit crew team rushed to change tyres about as they did that they also pulled out an immobile Sergio out of the car. Your eyes were stuck on Komodo and they widened in horror when you saw your favorite lizard get put into the dreaded second seat at Redbull. You couldn’t stop fate. Komodo was a driver now. As y/n was processing the happenings before her a hand grabbed her arm from behind and began pulling y/n away in an unknown direction “Hey what the hell do you think you’re doing?” The man was wearing a Redbull shirt and was tall dark and handsome.

After a few minutes walk he brought y/n to the paddock viewing where Kelly was sipping her Champagne calmly giving y/n a side eye and then rolling her eyes with a scoff. As the Redbull man left, he sighed “Mr Komodo requested you to have the best seats y/n” it felt like he told that simply out of obligation. Y/n looked at the tracks with tears in her eyes, she felt thankful but had a dreadful feeling in her stomach knowing Komi was now in the car. Sergio had left the car in p20 but you had faith in your lizard fiancée. You accepted the champagne glass the staff offered but it remained forgotten at your side for the next hour as you saw Komodo pull the greatest recovery drive in the history of f1.

Komi swerved his car in and out, overtaking the entire grid and every time his Redbull came close to another car you winced. But Komi still made it through and you knew it was because he was thinking of you. Finally it was just Max and Komi, competing for first place as only 6 laps remained in the race. Everything seemed so hopeful, you heart was racing faster than Komi’s car. Kelly was biting her lip in nervousness knowing Komodo was no second driver, he had the spirit of the first. Just as you gasped, your heart dropped to your stomach. The world became so still around you, the noises suddenly went silent. The drones dipped from the sky closer to the track, it was over.

Alonso had hit Komodo’s car, his body under the Aston Martin. This didn’t happen very frequently in the F1 history, but when it did the world came to a stop. The FIA red flagged the race immediately as the medics descended upon Komodo and Alonso. Tears poured from your eyes like a waterfall, mixing with the untouched champagne which you had told yourself would only touch you lips when Komodo was in your arms again. There was such a throng of people around you that you couldn’t even see Komi’s body. You just sat there shell shocked till you felt a hand on your shoulder. It was Christian Horner.

“Y/n we need a second Redbull driver. The race is too close to the finish and the crowd want to see a fight for the championship. Komodo’s last wish was for you to be that second driver.” “Me? Wait what do you mean his last wish?” You began wailing in despair and collapsed to the floor. “You have five minutes to get ready, we are counting on you.” Horner said before turning away to tend to Max. As you sat in the car, you realised something, but you decided to continue on after taking a deep breath “For you Komi”.

You left the pitstop and back onto the track, fought for the championship and got the podium you always deserved. Once you brought back the trophy to your paddock room, Komodo slithered out of the Redbull car. He was hiding between your legs in the car all along. You smiled at him, he smiled back at you. He knew midway you had to go to the after party with him, and the only way was to get you in that car. He took out his tongue and hissed at you as you wiggled with a love surge. You accepted his love surge with glee and carried him on the podium with you. The world cheered as you stood on the top step of that podium but all that mattered to you was the soft reptilian smile on Komi’s face.

your komodos,

admins san & sav

[what-about-the-stray-cats]

Yin-Yang: when the black dragon and white tiger meet

The yin-yang is a major and recurring motif in the story of BSD. Many characters are each other's complementary opposites. The main duo, Atsushi and Ryunosuke, are no exception. You cannot talk about one without having to mention the other: they are a package deal. These two are linked on multiple levels, not only with their writing but also their designs are perfect mirrors of one another. I have highlighted all the similarities in their designs in the image below.

Ryunosuke’s Ability, Rashomon, is represented by the color red. Meanwhile Atsushi’s Beast Beneath the Moonlight has a blue aura to it. These two colors are placed exactly oppositely on the color wheel, a hint to their yin-yang symbolism. Their hair is another hint, Ryunosuke has black hair with white ends; Atsushi has white hair with a black streak. Where Ryunosuke has white cuffs and a white collar, Atsushi has black gloves and a black tie. This might sound like a stretch, but Ryunosuke has 2 long sidebangs whereas Atsushi has 1 sidebang. 2 is often considered a ‘feminine’ number while 1 is considered ‘masculine’. The yin, the black side of the emblem, is said to be the feminine part, whilst yang, the white side, is supposedly masculine. Even their belts reflect this: Ryunosuke has 2 sides falling and Atsushi has only 1 side that is loose. My favorite detail lies in their eyes: Ryunosuke has dark gray eyes, similar to the color of the night sky. This is because the Port Mafia resides over Yokohama in the nighttime. Ryu is therefore the guardian of the night. Atsushi has sunset colored eyes because the ADA operates and resides over Yokohama during twilight; he is the guardian of the day. Ryunosuke’s name also means “son of dragon”, and Rashomon bears resemblance to a black dragon. Opposite to this, Atsushi is a white tiger.

The yin-yang is an emblematic of valuational equality, meaning that both sides are of equal importance. These two sides, however, used to exist separately before being combined into one. It can be interpreted in three ways:

as the coherent fabric of nature and mind, exhibited in all existence,

jiao (=interaction) between the waxing and waning,

 as the process of harmonization, ensuring a constant dynamic balance of all.

I think that the third definition is the one that fits Shin Soukoku (“New Double Black– codename for the duo consisting of Atsushi and Ryunosuke).

Ryunosuke represents the yin side, aka the black one. Things often associated with the yin are; darkness, death, femininity, cold, moon, passivity. This is a pretty spot on description of Ryunosuke, who has all of the aforementioned elements in his character. Even the passivity; due to his bad condition, his Ability is best used when supporting someone else, thus when playing a passive role in combat.

The yang, aka the white side, is represented by Atsushi. Light, life, masculinity, warmth, sun, activity are things often associated with it, which is another spot on description of the character. Beast Beneath the Moonlight is a great combat Ability and is best used actively in a fight. It also allows for Atsushi to regenerate any wounds, for this reason, unlike Rashomon it does not bring death but life.

Shin Soukoku is, however, not opposite forces of each other. They are of equal value (=yinyang) and even carry characteristics of the other one. Instead of competing against, they must find a balance and harmonize with one another. Both of their views on life are vastly different, but both are equally bad for their own mental health, and it is through this difference that they will challenge each other and finally grow as people. For clarification, Atsushi is super selfless and throws away his life on a whim to save anyone. By doing this, he hopes that he can earn the right to live. Ryunosuke believes the contrary, only by killing everyone and becoming the strongest can he earn the right to live and find value in doing so. They need to work together to move on from their past traumas. In a way, they are both each other’s pupils and mentors; they learn from one another and also teach things to the other. By constantly challenging each others’ mindsets, they are able to change and mature and even empathize with each others’ suffering. In short: they are one another's salvation. Quite poetic, in my opinion.

[skytutorials]

How Top NEET Coaching in Varanasi Prepare Students for AIIMS

Every NEET applicant aims to gain admission to AIIMS, the most prestigious medical school in India. Since over 20 lakh students compete for a limited number of medical seats each year, getting into AIIMS is a challenging process that calls for not only hard work but also clever planning, suitable guidance, and informed mentoring.

Sky Tutorials, one of the top NEET coaching in Varanasi, has a history of assisting hundreds of students in passing challenging medical exams. In this blog, we go into great detail on how NEET coaching in Varanasi, like Sky Tutorials, prepare students for AIIMS, focusing on strategies, methods, faculty expertise, and a supportive atmosphere that promotes academic achievement.

Why AIIMS Requires Specialized NEET Coaching?

While NEET is the unified entrance test for MBBS in India, securing a seat in AIIMS Delhi or other AIIMS campuses requires an exceptionally high score, often above the 99.9th percentile. To stand out, students must:

Master NCERT thoroughly.

Excel in high-level problem-solving.

Maintain consistency in preparation.

Handle exam pressure effectively.

Top NEET coaching in Varanasi, like Sky Tutorials, provides a structured approach that caters specifically to these demands.

How Sky Tutorials in Varanasi Prepares Students for AIIMS

1. Highly Qualified Faculty with AIIMS-Focused Training

Sky Tutorials boasts a team of experienced educators, including IITians, doctors, and subject matter experts. These mentors understand the subtle differences between a general NEET approach and an AIIMS-specific strategy.

In-depth concept teaching: Complex biology topics like molecular biology, genetics, and physiology are taught with AIIMS-level questions in mind.

Advanced problem-solving in Physics & Chemistry: Tutors push students beyond the NCERT baseline to solve challenging application-based questions.

2. Customized Study Plans for AIIMS Aspirants

Every student’s learning curve is different. Sky Tutorials identifies students with AIIMS potential early and provides a personalized study roadmap:

Daily, weekly, and monthly goals.

Special AIIMS batches with more rigorous content.

Adaptive learning modules based on mock test performance.

3. AIIMS-Specific Mock Tests and Test Series

Regular NEET mock tests are essential, but AIIMS aspirants require something extra.

Sky Tutorials provides:

AIIMS-modeled mock tests focusing on the toughest questions from previous years.

Real-time ranking and performance analytics.

Detailed solution discussions after every test.

These tests mimic the intensity and difficulty of AIIMS and help students develop a sharp exam temperament.

4. NCERT-Centric Learning with Deep Reinforcement

AIIMS questions are largely based on NCERT, but their application can be tricky.

Sky Tutorials ensures:

Line-by-line NCERT analysis.

Daily revision quizzes.

NCERT-based worksheets with an AIIMS twist.

This deep reinforcement helps students retain and apply concepts effectively in the exam.

5. Time Management Training and Exam Strategy

Topping AIIMS is not just about knowledge — it's also about managing the 3-hour exam window with precision.

Sky Tutorials conducts time-bound practice sessions.

Faculty trains students in intelligent guessing, prioritizing high-weightage topics, and managing negative marking.

Students learn how to split time between sections and attempt questions strategically.

6. Doubt-Clearing Sessions and One-on-One Mentoring

Understanding every concept is non-negotiable when aiming for AIIMS. That’s why Sky Tutorials offers:

Unlimited doubt-clearing sessions with dedicated mentors.

One-on-one academic mentorship for stress management and productivity.

Motivational sessions by past AIIMS rankers and medical professionals.

This personalized mentorship gives students the clarity and confidence needed to perform at the highest level.

7. Regular Parent-Teacher Interaction and Progress Tracking

Success in AIIMS requires not just coaching but also a supportive ecosystem.

Sky Tutorials ensures:

Monthly PTMs to keep parents in the loop.

Progress tracking tools with subject-wise performance graphs.

Emotional and motivational support through expert counselors.

Parents become partners in the preparation journey, making the process more focused and result-oriented.

Key Features That Make Sky Tutorials a Top NEET Coaching in Varanasi

✅ Strategically located in Varanasi, easily accessible from all parts of the city.

✅ Smart classrooms equipped with digital learning tools.

✅ Well-researched study material tailored for NEET and AIIMS.

✅ Affordable fees with scholarship options for meritorious students.

✅ Hostel and library facilities for outstation students.

Success Stories from Sky Tutorials

Over the past few years, Sky Tutorials has produced multiple students with 650+ NEET scores, with many securing seats in AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, and other prestigious medical colleges. These results are a testament to the institute’s focused training, disciplined environment, and academic excellence.

Conclusion

Preparing for AIIMS is a long and intense journey — one that requires discipline, the right mentorship, and continuous practice. With the help of the top NEET coaching in Varanasi, students can turn their AIIMS dream into reality.

Sky Tutorials not only offers the academic tools needed for this journey but also the emotional support and strategic insight that separates toppers from the rest. If you're a student or parent looking for focused, results-driven top NEET coaching in Varanasi, Sky Tutorials should be on top of your list.

Want to crack AIIMS? Start Your Journey at Sky Tutorials

Join Sky Tutorials and experience structured guidance, disciplined mentorship, and an environment that empowers you to stay consistent — every single day.

📍 Address: Sky Tower, Kabir Nagar Rd, Durgakund, Tulsi Manas Mandir Colony, Naria, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005

🌐 Visit Website: https://skytutorials.co.in/ 📞 Call us today to book your counseling session👉:  075100 20006

Follow us on👉: Instagram, Facebook & Youtube

                             Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is AIIMS part of NEET now?

Yes. Since 2020, all AIIMS admissions have been based on NEET-UG scores. However, the cut-offs for AIIMS campuses are extremely high compared to other colleges.

Q2: How many marks are needed to get into AIIMS Delhi?

The exact cutoff varies each year, but students typically need a score of 705+ out of 720 along with a high All India Rank (AIR) under 50 for AIIMS Delhi.

Q3: Can an average student crack AIIMS with coaching?

Yes. With the right guidance, dedication, and consistent effort, even an average student can crack AIIMS. Institutes like Sky Tutorials specialize in transforming students through personalized mentoring and rigorous preparation.

Q4: Why is Sky Tutorials considered the best coaching for NEET in Varanasi?

Sky Tutorials stands out for its:

Experienced faculty team.

Proven track record of success.

AIIMS-focused test series.

Personalized mentoring.

Affordable and student-friendly environment.

Q5: When should a student start NEET coaching for AIIMS preparation?

Ideally, students should begin coaching from Class 11 at Sky Tutorials, the top NEET coaching in Varanasi. However, many students also join after Class 10 or in Class 12 with crash courses or one-year programs.

[pocketbelt]

The Legend of Heroes: Trails In The Sky First Chapter (PC)

Oh finishing this three days before the MonHun Wilds onslaught was a fucking mistake, I am yearning to get into Second Chapter

An impeccable RPG in basically all ways, this is a hell of a way to start a series. "Comfy" is the word for it most of the time, but it has a remarkable ability to pop the fuck off when it wants to. Trails In The Sky FC makes me feel distinctly nostalgic in multiple ways - it's a real good refined PC port of a PSP game, sure, and so looks like a really clean upscale of some unfathomed treasure from the depths of the PS1, with its mix of simplistic 3D, sprites that are all pre-rendered shots of 3D models at different angles and poses, and just plain Smash Bros food JPEG-esque sprites for some environmental items. It reminds me of those days, when the DS and PSP housed innumerable Japanese RPGs of all kinds, a beautiful follow-up to the PS1 and PS2 golden age.

It makes me nostalgic in a different way; Trails In The Sky's world and particularly the setting of the kingdom of Liberl feels like a much more detailed, fleshed-out take of the common tropes and basic ideas of still-older RPGs; Liberl is an idyllic and largely countryside nation whose remarkably advanced technological industry is confined mostly to one region and the major cities, it's a place of magic, crystals and airships, of magitek constructions and odd monsters and evil organisations out to threaten the kingdom with the relics of an ancient super-advanced civilisation. Estelle and Joshua, the leads, are training to be Bracers - adventurers-for-hire managed by a continent-spanning guild complete with guild halls in every town and city toting quest boards et al! To this Trails takes a remarkable amount of writing, in NPC dialogues to messages and details in the world to lots of points in the plot where the world is explored or discussed as the main characters travel its roads and meet people - it is the sort of world you'd get in a SNES or even NES RPG, but with a level of fidelity, detail and attention to each place in it that they couldn't often afford or didn't seek to. In fact that's kind of explicitly the point - Estelle and Joshua undertake their journey on foot instead of by airship because Estelle's dad told them it's best to do so, and so see, learn, appreciate and know the lands and peoples they will be protecting as Bracers. Getting into the grit and detail instead of passing through is the point!

The leads are a highlight unto themselves, particularly actual main character (as she's the one you're playing as) Estelle, a bright, cheery and hopelessly violent girl who's not the brightest (despite her surname being Bright) but makes up for it with sheer pluck. Joshua, her adopted brother, is her exact opposite - a cooler head who's very smart and remarkably competent, but not the charismatic sort. Their dynamic is great from start to finish and they bounce off each other and everyone they meet so delightfully.

I desperately need someone to steal the quartz system from this for more games. Every character has a personal grid to slot quartz crystals into, with the crystals usually boosting a stat (+15% ATK, +30 DEF, etc) or providing some trait, but every crystal also provides some number of points toward its element depending on what tier of crystal it is (mostly 1/3/5 points for tiers 1/2/3). Getting certain amounts of points and getting combinations of points in different elements unlock spells for the character to use (as long as your grid meets the conditions), which means with plotting and fiddling, you can get access to spells way before you're "intended" to. I was toting tier 2 spells and cracking into tier 3 when enemies were still using tier 1s. It's the exact sort of system I fucking love in RPGs, of providing means of customising characters that let you break things if you really drill in and engage.

I could go on and on, and there is much in particular that should not be spoiled, but it must be said - Trails In The Sky FC is a fucking great time and I heartily recommend it. There is a big fancy remake coming out at some point late in the year or next, but frankly, the game deserves to be seen both ways, and it is good for the soul to remember what they took from you.

[buggie-hagen]

Sermon for Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (7/23/23)

Primary Text | Isaiah 44:6-8

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

Dear People of God,

          The prophet Isaiah wrote, Thus says the LORD, “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god” (Isaiah 44:6). When the world was created there was nothing before it. There were no animals. No water. No birds. No creeping things on the ground. No rocks. No days of the week. No jobs to go to. No schools. No doctors or nurses. No computers. No football games. There was not a sun. Nor a moon. Nor stars. There was not day or night for there was no light. There was not even a sky! There were no humans around. We did not yet have any existence. There was simply, nothing. Nada. Except. Except that there was the LORD. The LORD of hosts. He has always been around. This LORD God who is the King of Israel. This one who is the Redeemer. Before the beginning of all things there was the LORD. And when time as we know it comes to an end, when the clock stops ticking, the LORD will still be there. He is the first and he is the last. Never was there one like him in the past nor will there be another one in the future who is like him. For there is only one God. He has assured us of this with a great big promise—that he is the only rock on which we can rely. And because we believe the LORD our God does not lie; this makes us radical monotheists.  It is contrary to the ways of the nations. We take it for granted, but it is radical to insist that there is only one God. Most people in history have believed in the gods. And notice that I said gods in the plural. This is called polytheism. Many-gods-ism. One in the trees. One in the rivers. One in the fields. One in the sky. And so on. But here, when the LORD says he is the first and the last he is claiming that he alone is the Creator. He had no need of help from anyone else. No one lent him a wrench for the job. By making this claim the LORD teaches us the whatever claims to be a god out there that is not him is in fact a fake. Even more precisely, the others are no gods at all. Not only can these gods not save, but they do not even exist. Yet worshiping other gods has been a tale as old as time. Consider our ancestors in the people of Israel. Sure they might have had some room in their heart for the LORD, the true God. But the moment things got hard, the moment some shiny thing caught their eye, was the moment their heart turned away from the LORD. They would put up Asherah poles in worship of the fertility-god Asherah, they would sacrifice their children to the underworld-god Molech, they would set up altars to the storm-god Baal. The LORD our God is a jealous God; his love burns hot. He knows the other gods are not real, he knows the people who rely on them will perish. So the LORD refuses to share us with others. This is an example of when sharing is not caring.

If it didn’t matter which god we put our trust in there wouldn’t have been the First Commandment—You shall have no other gods. Alas, the command was necessary. Like a dog holding its bone that sees its reflection in the water, we are prone to drop the real bone in our mouth for the reflection and lose everything in the process. So let us not think too proudly of ourselves when it comes to worshiping the Lord vs. worshiping other gods. We are on par with the people of Israel.  Like them, we loan out our hearts to things that shouldn’t have our hearts. Anything in which our heart trusts completely can become a god (LC 1:10). The gods may no longer be named Asherah, Molech, or Baal. But. Have they really gone away? They function very much the same--they just have different names now. Money. Property. Possessions. Wisdom. Power. Prestige. Honor. They each compete for space in our hearts. But above them all, the number one false god we have today is when we make ourselves our own god. I have become my own god I can only trust my own perception of things. When I am so independent and strong that I don’t need others. When I think that I am autonomous (that I must be a law unto myself). We forget that to be a human being is to be needy. That we cannot make it all on our own. We need others. Therefore the One who is actually God provides us with neighbors—both so that we love them and they love us. Because we are needy beings, God uses our neighbors to feed us, to help us grow and learn, to give us medicine, to encourage us, to build us up. God uses you for the benefit of your neighbor. If your neighbor is cold you help them be warm. If your neighbor is hungry you feed them. If your neighbor is lonely you cherish them. Because you and I are not actually God, God has placed our neighbors in our lives. A neighbor is not just who lives across the street from you. Everyone is your neighbor. Also, your mom is your neighbor. Your child or grandchild is your neighbor. Your teacher, your employer, your employee is your neighbor. Your coworker is. When we withhold our love for our neighbor we are also withholding God’s love for them. Always seek to do good to those people God has put in your life. And especially, make sure to do good gladly to those who sin against you (SC 3:16).

          As much as God has placed our neighbors in our lives, they too are not god. Our faith is not in humankind itself, our faith is in the LORD God who made humankind, the world, the universe, and all that is in it. Our faith is in the One who is the first and who is the last. The Large Catechism says, “Search and examine your heart thoroughly, and you will discover whether or not it clings to God alone. If you have the sort of heart that expects from him nothing but good, especially in distress and need, and renounces and forsakes all that is not God, then you have the one, true God. On the contrary, if your heart clings to something else and expects to receive from it more good and help than from God and does not run to God but flees from him when things go wrong, then you have another god, an idol” (LC 1:28). God wants to be sure that we cling to him above all things so that our faith is not in empty nothings. And so he speaks to us. He makes his will known to us. What God has spoken to us in his word is not theoretical. It is actual. God actually speaks to us. And specifically, we know that God has spoken through his Son Jesus Christ. It is Christ who cleanses you from all unrighteousness, Christ who pulls the weeds out of your heart. It is Christ who reconciles you to God the Father by forgiving you your sins. He forgives not just once, but always.

          Through the word the LORD Christs addresses you and I, “Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses! Is there any god besides me? There is no other rock; I know not one” (Isa. 44:8). He says, “Do not fear, or be afraid.” In other words, he says, “Take your eyes off the things that make you afraid, and put your ears to my lips. My word is trustworthy and true. And you will have rest.”  From of old God has spoken in your favor. From no merit of your own God has chosen to raise you up. He says, “You are my witnesses” because the same word he has spoken he has put in your mouth to speak to others. So when you speak the gospel to people you are not speaking your own speculations, you are speaking the very word of God, the very heart of God in Christ—“I forgive you.” These words belong to you. And you get to share them with others.

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection the devil has already lost. Death no longer has its sting. Sin and its condemnation are abolished. The other gods are proven to be no gods at all because no other god is able to save in this way (Dan. 3:29). Christ is the solid rock on which you stand. It is a rock no hammer can break, no wind can wear down, no evil can undo, no graffiti can deface. So we struggle even against our own selves when we make gods that are not the one, true God. It will be a lifelong struggle. There is no other god on earth or in heaven besides this one who has made himself known to you in the incarnate word. He is completely trustworthy. You are in the sturdy love of Christ. You are a new creation. And he preserves you into eternal life.   

[dragonfly0808]

Riven and Sky Moodboard

After their incredibly rocky first year, it took them a while to truly be close and just lean on each other but they love each other and have forgiven the past (they even joke about it occasionally and that’s how you know they’re truly past all that drama)

They’re top of their year, constantly competing for number 1, though it’s a friendly competition at this point (Brandon is 3rd and Helia is 1st of the Wizards)

They love sparring together, that, Riven teaching him the basics of how to fix Wind Riders and helping each other with their Strategy homework are their favorite things to do together

Sky asked Riven for sex advice once (season 2, Chapter 44 ), they mostly pretend it didn’t happen but Riven will occasionally hold it over his head as a joke

They (along with Helia) are natural morning people so they always hang out before the others get up

Masterlist

All Friendships Masterlist

[tragicendinglover]

Murr's 3rd Anniversary SSR - Translation

Disclaimer: This was done with the help of the machine translation so it will not be too accurate. I apologize that it's not the best - I just wanted to have at least a rough translation somewhere!

Part 1 Murr: I won again.

Akira: Haha. I lost again. Murr is really a skilled gambler.

Murr:  Huh. I was hoping that the Sage might defeat me!

Akira: What? You wanted to lose?

Murr: I've been winning for a long time. I won the last round and the last game against Shylock before that. So, Mr. Sage!

Akira: So that was the deal...? But I'm not a betting person like you two.

Murr: But there is beginner's luck, right? So I thought you might be able to beat me! By the way, why did you come here? To kill time? 

Akira: Yes!! Murr, you gave me the "Omokage Manual" before, didn't you?

Murr: The one where I said you can do whatever you want? I'll do it! I want it back!

Akira: No, no! I heard that if you hold the Omokage Manual up to a landscape and cast a spell on it, it will make the landscape look like a picture. ...... I'd like to leave behind the memories of everyone at the magic building. Of course, I also want to preserve my memories of Murr. So, will you go with me to a place you hold dear?

Murr: Haha, it was an invitation to go out! Well, if that's the case, I just received an invitation from a place that sounds just right.

Part 2

With invitations in hand, we headed for the Heavenly Detached Palace, a place we had visited for celebrations not long after I had become a Sage.

Akira: At that time, Murr had to compete with Antonio to rent this place. Murr lost several times, and it was a close call.

Murr had a tough time with Antonio, who had acquired the good fortune by grace of the fairy Fagolta, who had been resurrected from the effects of the Calamity.

Murr: But I still won! Antonio-sama remembered that and wanted to play a game with me for the first time in a long time.

Akira: But I was a little surprised. Antonio didn't think much of wizards, did he?

Murr: Just a whim. The Heavenly Detached Palace is a place for gamblers in search of excitement! And it was just right, wasn't it? Sparkling and shiny, the scenery of lasting memories!

Akira: Yes, I agree, it's a great place to live and work. Thanks for suggesting this lovely place!

Murr: I remember. Showtime at the salon! Shining pearly petals, the scent of buoyant flowers! And this time, we're going to make it rain from the top of the chandelier. Sounds fun!

Antonio: You are the offspring of the great Murr. You still look like a fool with that face.

With a sigh of exasperation, Antonio, the owner of this remote palace in the sky, appeared. Somehow we managed to avoid the Murr's rain, and we were led into the even smokier casino, where we were greeted by the owner, Mr. Antonio.

Antonio: You understand the rules?

Murr: Of course! Each player draws cards at the same time, and the one with the higher number wins. The first person to win five times is the winner. Simple is the best!

Antonio:Hmm. If you win, I'll give you gold coins and whatever else you want.

Murr: I don't want money.

Antonio:What?

Murr: What I want is the Heavenly Sky Detached Palace for tonight! If I win, can I use it freely?

Antonio: I hear you like it here. All right. So, you're betting on the jewelry, right?

Murr: Of course! My very favorite. Okay, Mr. Sage. Can you shuffle those for me?

Akira: Yes! I'll take care of it.

I folded the cards, cut them well, and put the deck on the table.

Murr:This one.

Murr, showing no sign of hesitation, picks one of the playing cards. Antonio, on the other hand, looked at Murr's face and then pulled out a playing card.

Murr: Here we go. Ready!

Akira: Murr has 1O and Antonio has 6. So that means…

Antonio: Damn it. It's only one win; the winner is the one who wins five times first.

Murr: That's the way it should be. The goddess of victory is capricious. The game is far from over!

Part 3

Murr: Yes, I won again.

Akira: (I knew Murr was a good gambler. I didn't think Mr. Antonio could win one. How dare he.))

A pile of gold coins piled up in front of Murr. But Murr was not interested, and leaned forward with the momentum to crush it to celebrate his victory.

Murr: It's strange. It seems so unnatural for me to keep winning, considering the odds.

Antonio: Tch…

Akira: (You don't have to say it like you do here...! Antonio, you've been losing so much. I'm sure you're not feeling so good.)

I look at Murr and Mr. Antonio alternately, feeling nervous inside.

Antonio: Phew-ha-ha!

Akira: Eh?

Antonio: Even though I'm a mature man, I lost to Murr. As promised, you can use the Heavenly Detached Palace as you like.

Even though he lost the game, Antonio was smiling happily.

Murr: Sage, cheers!

Akira: Cheers! Congratulations, Murr!

While there were many other guests, Murr and I celebrated our victory in secret, just the two of us.

Akira: But then again, strange coincidences do happen, don't they? I can't believe that Murr won in all the games. ......

Murr: Do you really think this is a coincidence, Mr. Sage?

Akira: Eh?

When I looked up from my glass, my eyes met those of Murr, who was smiling a gentlemanly smile.

Akira: (Do these piercing eyes belong to a Murr's soul fragment?) Could it be that something is bothering you?

Murr: I don't know. Is it me or Mr. Antonio? Or is fate playing a trick on us? Master Antonio admired me as a great inventor. So, he didn't want to beat me. I don't want to win because of his admiration for me. 

Akira: Really?

Murr: I'm so excited! Surprised?

Murr breaks into a smile and looks into my eyes as if to check my reaction.

Akira: Is that the usual Murr? I was so surprised to see you acting so different from usual!

Murr: Yes! Surprise!

Akira: But it was a pity. You said you wanted to experience losing a game, and you won again.

Murr: Oh, I think I might have mentioned that!

Akira: (You forgot...)

Murr: More to it! Sage, you have something more important to do. Here we go!

Akira:Oh, we’re going?!

Murr took me in his arms and jumped on the chandelier. Suddenly, I looked down at my feet and saw the guests looking up at Murr and me with wide-open eyes.

Murr: Ta-da! Ready for the Omokage Manual?

Akira: Eh, uh, I'm ready to go, but .... Are you sure? Everyone's surprised to see you here.

Murr: Don't worry! Soon they won't care about us anymore.  《Eanul Rambul》!

When the incantation was recited, Murr's ring emitted a brilliant light. The guests were amazed at the light, which looked like a meteor streaking across the night sky.

Akira: Wow... It's the same as that time.

Murr: Yup! The view from here is the same. But there is one thing that is different.

Akira: Different?

Murr: Now Mr. Wise is right next to me! So today's show will be even more fun!

With these words, the light in the room popped. The grains of light become petals, eventually filling the salon with vivid colors.

Akira: Wow, it's like a dream world... Thanks for the fun show, Murr!

Murr: You're welcome!

A view similar to the one I remember, but slightly different. The book of images was engraved with nostalgic yet new memories.