#cooperatie

[nerdie-faerie]

They're married, no further questions

[thatanimeramenchick]

Yandere Vox x Secretary Reader Pt. 3/Finale

This is the finale. Ya’ll are not talking me into another one.

Word count: 4,313

Part One - Part Two

---

You had a lot of time to think before you saw Vox again.

Your little spat had kept him from visiting you for about a week and a half, which was fine by you. He was often so busy he only visited you every other day or so even before your blowout. It would have been more than fine by you if you weren’t completely alone that entire time, having nothing to do but live with your depressing thoughts. Thoughts that always led you back to the same dark place at the end of the day.

Despair.

In your heart, you knew there was nothing you could do to get out of the situation. Kick and scream as you would you weren’t leaving. It was only going to be a matter of time before all of his patience evaporated, and he really lost it with you. And while a part of you wanted to hold out that he would give up or die before then, the logical part of your mind knew he would snap way before that happened. You didn’t even want to know what he would do to you then. If you came to some kind of arrangement you could tell yourself you had at least agreed to things on a surface level, even if it had been something you didn’t want to do. So, your mind had been whirling like crazy, trying to come up with a plan of some kind of a proposal that would make you feel like you had at least a little control.

Besides, you had been locked up in here for what, four month? You had turned it over and over and over in your mind. While it was true you might have to wait a small eternity before you found a way out of his arms, it was going to take just as long to get out of here even without the contract. At least with one you’d be able to leave regularly and try to work something out.

By the time he had finally decided to grace you with his presence again, you had worked out a shoddy idea of how you want this to go.

This would be fine. He had accepted your apology well enough, seeming to take a certain pleasure in your partially feigned shame and timidity. You had even managed to wrap your arms around him for a few seconds as you asked for forgiveness. While his initial reaction was to look at you with some surprise, his face has soon changed to one of self-satisfied indulgence, and he had caressed your head with a patronizing touch. How could he remain angry at you when he cared so much for you and you were clearly so sorry for your behavior?

Now that you were actually sitting beside him though, you weren’t sure you actually wanted to go through with the rest of your plan. He was on his phone, no doubt checking something for work. You bounced your legs, crossed at the knee, working up the courage to say what you wanted to.

You cleared your throat.

“Vox? I-I wanted to ask you a question,” you said.

He looked up from his phone.

“If it’s all right, I would like to go out to dinner,” you said, “In an actual restaurant.”

“And I would let you out, why?” he asked.

This was going to be the hard part, forcing yourself to actually say the words.

“If you let me out of here for a little while, I-I’d give you something you want,” you said, “Something you’ve wanted for a while.”

You sucked in a hurried breath, suppressing the urge to shudder.

“It could even be a formal deal,” you said, words rushed together now that you had worked up the courage to say them, “If you take me out for the evening, dinner and a hotel, I’ll let you do whatever you want with me afterwards. I’ll even consider the contract.”

You made yourself look him in the eyes, your body stiff. You forced yourself to smile at him, but with how strained it felt, you didn’t doubt that Vox could see how fake it was. There was only so much you could fake about actually wanting this. Despite your obvious discomfort though, Vox’s looked at you thoughtfully, as if actually considering the proposal.

“Why not just sign the contract now?” he asked, “If you’re serious about being cooperative why hold it out?”

“I want to be sure it’s something I actually want to agree to,” you said, “L-like a test run.”

He smirked, “So you’re saying you want to take the car for a ride before buying it?”

You avert your gaze, feeling your face heat up.

“S-sure, yeah,” you said, “I mean, it only makes sense that I see what it’s like before I commit permanently.”

He was quiet for a minute before a satisfied looked crossed his face.

“All right. What the hell, why not? Let’s make it official then. We agree that, if I take you out to dinner in a real restaurant and then to a hotel, let’s say on Saturday, you’ll do whatever I want that night?” he asked, holding out his hand.

You listened. It was obvious to you that he was using carefully planned out words, as Overlord’s often did in their deals and contracts, making sure that it was clear on both ends what would be expected and fulfilled. A part of you also wanted to make sure he didn’t slip anything in there that would trap you in over your head even more, which was a common tactic with demons.

“… Except make another deal or contract,” you said.

“Except make another deal or contract.”

You supposed that this was as good as it was gonna get. You took his hand hesitantly.

It hurt. It felt like a shock of static had gone through you, a little painful but more annoying than anything. Over as soon as it started. Blue light had near blinded you for a second before dissipating as well. You felt a small tug on your chest somewhere deep inside, probably in your soul somewhere. Not too apparent, but it had been there nonetheless. You rubbed your arms a bit, the lingering spark cooling.

“I trust you’re not going to do anything stupid like trying to run off,” Vox said.

“Do I look like a moron to you?” you said, the words out more resentful than you intended.

“Of course not. But you and I both know you’ve been a bit out of sorts lately,” he said, “Acting irrationally.”

“Couldn’t imagine why,” you said sarcastically

You feel your face contort in fear as the last word hangs in the air and Vox raises an eyebrow at you. Shit. He stares at you blankly for a minute taking a strand of hair in his claws, causing you to flinch. He smirks at that.

“Hmph, well, I suppose you just need some stress relief,” he said, “Which I’ll be more than happy to assist you with very, very soon.”

---

You were filled with apprehension the night of the outing. Your stomach turned as you sat in the restaurant, so stressed from your situation that you had a headache. At least, that’s what you told yourself it was, as the alternative reason was much more unpleasant. Part of you wondered if your nerves were a wreck from your confinement. You hadn’t been out around people in forever. Even if it was a relatively short time period, it was clear that being isolated for so long was having an affect on your mental durability in public. Everything just felt like it was too much. The loud noises of the city and bright lights in the restaurant unnerved you. You just wanted to take a remote and turn down the intensity of the room.

You supposed alcohol made a good substitute for that.

You started pouring yourself another cup, some of the wine spilling onto the table as you overfilled it. Before you could pick it up though, Vox took it.

“Hey, give that back,” you said, unable to grasp it as he held it out of your reach.

“F/N, you’re going to pass out at this rate,” Vox said.

“S-so?” you said.

“So I don’t want to drag a half dead woman around town for people to gawk at,” he said.

You tense as he wraps an arm around your shoulder and pulls you closer to him.

“And… I would prefer it if you actually were awake when we spend time together tonight,” he said.

Well, clearly Vox wasn’t as stupid as you’d been hoping. He never was. You had partially been downing alcohol like it was water in the hopes that you’d be so out of it that whatever gross fantasies he fulfilled with you would be lost in a hazy blur. You didn’t want to remember it when you woke up in the morning.

“… of course,” you said.

“Why don’t you eat some more?” he said, “Try to clear your mind.”

You didn’t really want to though. You liked shrimp, but something about this dish was making you feel nauseous. You weren’t sure if it had gone bad or if you just weren’t in the mood stomach anything knowing what was going through his head. Not wanting to irritate him though, you picked at the dish a little. Damn it, you had done this to have one more night of imagined partial freedom, and you couldn’t even do that. Pathetic.

“I don’t feel well,” you whined, “It’s too loud in here. And the light is hurting my eyes. Can’t someone turn it down?”

“You’re so needy, dearest,” Vox said, but he called your waitress over.

“Dim the lights for us,” he said.

The waitress looked a little nervous.

“What do you not know how to turn down a light?” he asked.

“No! I do! It’ll just be a second!” she said.

She brought over a spare chair and stood on it, trying to reach the light. One of her large horns twisted in the glass beads, getting tangle.

“I know what I’m doing! I promise,” she said, looking panicked.

You weren’t so sure about that as she lost her footing and she swung off the chair, kicking her feet erratically through the air. Not wanting to get smacked in the face you ducked. You wondered if the alcohol had knocked you out and this was just some weird hangover dream.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Vox yelled.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I just-!”

Before she could finish, the chandelier could no longer take her weight and fell onto the table and floor, shattering into a million pieces, wire torn and dragged out from the ceiling. The electric charge in them was still quite strong though, some of them sparking with a life of their own, twisting and sputtering.

“What the fUuuuUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckkkk-k-k-k?”

Before Vox could move out of the way the wire had made contact with one of the openings on the back of his head, sending him shocking and jolting. His face flew through a hundred different images, colors flying across it as static burst from his head. His entire body jolted as it overflowed with electricity.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!” the waitress shrieked.

“I-I… c-c-c-ca-a-an’t…” Vox tried to speak, his entire head buzzing at the overload of electricity before he slumped over, knocked out. His screen was all black. As he went out, he fell forward and the wire disconnected. The sparking and burning had stopped, but there was a foul smell in the air, like something was burning.

You watched as your waitress started to panic.

“Oh, shit, shit, shit,” she said, “I’m so, so sorry! L-let me get my boss! We’ll fix this!”

Several other wait staff had walked over, and even some other customers turned their heads at the commotion. This was going to look really bad on the restaurant if they didn’t do something. At some point, you saw the waitress hurrying back, her boss with her. As they neared, more people crowded around the scene.

“Are you ok, ma’am? Are you hurt at all?” a waiter asked, helping you stand and move away from the wires and glass.

“I’m fine,” you mumbled.

It had all happened so fast you barely had time to mentally catch up to what was happening. The waiter walked you over to a nearby empty table, sitting you down.

“Why don’t you just wait here?” he said.

“O-ok, sure…” you said.

You stared at the scene of panicked people for a minute, brain fuzzy, before standing up. No one even glanced in your direction as you started to wander towards the entrance of the building. It wasn’t like people knew who you were or cared, and everyone had seen what had happened. They were all too worried about Hell’s biggest media manager to notice you.

I’m not running away. Of course not. It’s not like there’s anywhere to go anyway.

But your body was telling a different story as it pushed passed the waitstaff to the door. You walked out of the building, shaking a little from your inebriated state. You could do this though. You could walk a straight line. Right, you could do this. It’s not like you were running away. No, you weren’t that stupid. Just taking a little walk. Just one foot in front of the other. Left, right, left, right- Escape. Escape. Now’s your chance. Find a place with no cameras. Don’t let him catch you. Don’t let him find you. Don’t-

Hurk.

No, no, no. This wasn’t the time to get sick. But either you were too stressed or that shrimp really must have gone bad, because there was no holding back what wanted to come out. Before you knew it, you were bent over the public trash can vomiting up the little you had been eating and the fountain of wine you had been drinking.

“You all right, dear?” you heard someone saying

I’m puking over an outdoor trash bin, genius, what do you think?

You hurled for a few more seconds before pausing, coughing a little. You took a deep breath before looking up woozily at the concerned face who was looking down at you. And you really had to look up, not only because you were still learning over the trash can, but because of how tall the person was that you had been talking you. Once you laid eyes on him, you would have gasped if your throat didn’t burn with acid.

“A-Alastor?” you managed to choke out.

“The one and only, darling,” he said, “Glad to know my reputation proceeds me.”

He was taller than you had imagined, and his face disconcerting. While you had seen pictures and drawings, they had not been able to quite capture the eerie cheerfulness that his smile held, so large against his thin frame. A suppressed chill ran through your body at the knowledge that you were talking to your boss’s proclaimed “nemesis.”

“W-what are you doing here?” you said.

“I beg your pardon?” he asked.

“N-no! Sorry, I just… I’ve never seen you in person,” you said, “I never thought I’d… Well, my boss h-hates you.”

While he continues to smile, you can tell by his eyes that he isn’t too impressed by your state. You probably smelled and looked as gross as you felt, half-drunk and wobbly.

“Does he now?” he asked.

“Y-yeah,” you continued, “You know him. The big ass TV demon with the red glowey eyes?”

“Oh, so you’re Vox’s then?” he said.

“No!” you said, a bit too forcefully, “I’m not Vox’s! I’m not anyone’s! I don’t want to be anyone’s.”

He tilts his head a bit.

“Is that so?” he said.

“Yeah, n-not yet at least, not ‘till t-tomorrow,” you murmur, waving your hand in front of your face, “Right now, there’s no contract though. S-so I’m… I’m not anybody’s. Least of all his.”

His eyes soften a bit at that, though there is still a coldness in them that is unmistakable.

“Well then,” he said, after a short silence, “I suppose I should leave you to get back to your evening. Word of advice though, elder to younger, don’t do anything that will lead to any permanent consequences you aren’t willing to fulfill.”

Like I haven’t considered that, asshole. I would literally rather sign a contract with anyone else.

…

Wait a minute. You look at him as he starts to turn away.

“W-wait! Mr. Alastor, sir,” you said, “I have to ask you something.”

The idea was solidifying as he turned to look at you.

“If I sold my soul to someone, no one else could have it, right?” you say, hurriedly, near silent.

“Your soul would no longer be yours, so no. Only the owner could sell it to another person,” he said, looking at you thoughtfully, “But that’s not usually something that people have to worry about.”

That damn smile on his face was really creeping you out. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea sitting in the back of your half drunk mind. But you know what? You didn’t really care. What choice did you have? You were in hell for crying out loud, every path seemed to lead to some kind of shit. But if you weren’t going to get what you wanted, neither was your unrequited admirer. This was Vox’s biggest enemy, right? Nothing would upset him more than knowing that not only would you never belong to him, but you belonged to the man he hated more than anything else.

That was more than enough reason for you.

“I want to sell you my soul,” you said.

He cocked his head thoughtfully.

“You must be in a desperate pinch to want that,” he said, “And what would you like in exchange, my dear?”

You hadn’t even really thought of that. Your only thought at the moment had been to make yourself inaccessible to Vox, and your mind was still kind of hazy. It only made sense you get something out of it though. Something decent. Through the fog, an idea crept into your mind.

“I… I want you to make it where I can’t show up on screens, like you,” you said, “I want to be impossible to capture on film.”

As you said the words you held out your hand.

“We have a deal,” he said.

And with that he clamped onto your hand with his own, the room glowing green with magic. While it pulsed with energy, it was nothing like what you had felt when you had made the deal with Vox. It was a warm flurry that filled you from head to toe. You could feel the sensation of something tightening around your chest, much tighter than when you had made your earlier deal. It crept all the way into your neck before you felt like you were going to choke it was so tight before finally disappearing. A part of you thought you were going to throw up again.

“You going to be all right there?” he asked.

“Y-yeah, I’m f-fine,” you manage, hands on your knees for a second.

Apparently that was a lie, as you literally spill your guts onto the pavement.

“I’ll take that as a no,” Alastor said.

You cough again, straightening. You felt a bit better after that one.

“S-sorry,” you mutter.

“No need to apologize, dearest,” he said, “Now, since we have come to an agreement, I think we should discuss some things.”

“Well, I’m not really-”

“F/N?”

You froze as you heard your name being called. You turned to see Vox walking down the stairs, his face back on. A chill ran through you. That was fast. Someone must have reached into his head and turned a switch to reset him. He looked a bit dazed still, but not enough to be too impaired by it.

“There you are,” he said, “I thought I was going to have to start looking through every camera in this city to find you. What did I tell you... about…”

He glared when he saw who was standing next to you.

“Get the hell away from my employee,” he said, immediately aggressive at the sight of his rival.

Alastor looked at Vox, his eyes holding amusement and his grin turning more mischievous.

“Hm… no, I don’t think so,” he said.

“Excuse me?” Vox said.

“I’m afraid she belongs to me now,” Alastor said.

“I’m sorry, she what?!” Vox’s voice cracking with static.

“Your employee – or should I says ex-employee – has made a binding deal with an Overlord, which means in exchange for a service I provided, she has given me h-”

“I know what a demonic deal is, dickwad!” he yelled.

“Well then, the situation should be perfectly clear to you,” Alastor said. You had no idea how he was able to remain so calm when it was so obvious that Vox was on the verge of exploding, perhaps literally. As severity of the situation dawned on him, he turned his burning, furious eyes on you.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Vox said, “Of all the assholes in hell you choose to bind yourself to other than me, you pick this one?!”

You don’t say anything to him. For a second you look directly at him and tremble at the amount of terrifying wrath you see emanating from his body. Another feeling stirs in your chest though. A sick satisfaction at the fact that he is so upset. After all the control he had deprived you of for the last few months, it felt right to finally put him in a situation where he had zero control over things.

“We already made a deal! You can’t just sell your soul to him!” he yelled.

“Well, apparently, the deal wasn’t strong enough to chain her to you in any way considering she was able to sell her soul to me at all,” said Alastor, “And I don’t know what deals you’ve made previously with her, but if she has failed to fulfill any of them, as the owner of her soul I have the right to forfeit them. If you’d like to discuss what it is she was supposed to give you, perhaps we can work something out. Unless you failed to uphold your end of the bargain?”

He look flustered, but before he could really say anything you murmured, “Y-you only upheld half the bargain. S-so I don’t have anything I owe you.”

Confusion clouded his eyes for a brief second before he seemed to realize what you were talking about.

“Are you really trying to play the damn exact wording game with me?” he said, storming towards you, “You selfish little conniving bitch!”

You yelped as he grabbed your arm, his claws digging into your flesh to the point where you could feel skin beginning to break. Small splurts of blood formed on your flesh. His face was so livid though that you had a feeling that this was the least of your concerns.

“You better enjoy this while it last, because once I’m done with Alastor, I am going to hang his sorry excuse of a deer carcass on my office wall,” he said between gritted teeth, “And you are going to be begging to go back to the previous arrangement we discussed when I finally get my hands on y-”

He stops speaking as a black tentacle smacks him in the face, almost sending him off of his feet.

“That’s quite ungentlemanly of you, Vox,” Alastor said, “Treating a lady like that. And I would appreciate it if you didn’t touch what’s mine.”

Vox had a hand up on his screen, a large crack on the right side of his screen. It reached all the way down from the top down to where his cheek would have been. A small piece of glass was hanging by a wire.

“What the f-?! Ugh!” Vox yelled, “You are going to regret that! Both of you!”

He backed down though. As mad as he was, you both knew it was a losing battle if he tried to fight Alastor one on one right now. One hand trying to hold up the falling piece, he turned to walk away, grumbling under his breath. As he left your line of vision, you leaned against the wall, rubbing your eyes. You even felt yourself tear up a little involuntarily. You had truly thought there wasn’t going to be a way out of this.

“T-Thank y-you,” you said. If you weren’t scared crapless of this guy, you would have gotten on your knees and kissed his feet right there.

“There’s truly no need to thank me for anything,” Alastor said, “You are mine now. It’s in both of our interests that I protect you.”

Not really listening to what he was saying, you nod. It was awkwardly quiet for a minute or two as you wiped at your face, trying to get a hold of yourself. Damn it, you were wasted. Finally you felt like you could talk again.

“I-I guess, I’d better hit the road,” you say.

Though to be honest, you don’t even know where that is at the moment, considering you don’t have any money or job or anything really. Before you can walk off though, Alastor places a hand on your shoulder.

“And where do you think you’re going?” he asked.

“Oh, um… well, I wasn’t- I don’t have to go if you’d rather I didn’t,” you said.

“I should hope not,” he said, “Besides, I’ve already been thinking. There’s a lot of work I have that you can do.”

Well, shit.

I really hope I don’t come to regret this.

[alicewritingstories]

Febuwhump Day 25: Waterboarding

CW: kidnapping, torture, restraints, drugs

AO3

---

Link wasn't entirely sure how long it had been since he was kidnapped. It didn't help that he'd spent part of the time unconscious; he could still feel the lingering traces of the drug that had been jabbed into his arm by someone in the crowd at the marketplace.

One thing that was certain was that he was now standing against a post, bound too tightly to even shift position. Even his breathing was restricted. A cloth was tied between his teeth tightly enough that his cheeks ached and another was over his eyes.

Dully, he wondered who was holding him and what they wanted. It wasn't as if he was short of enemies, but most of them would have cut his throat already and been done with it. The fact that apparently he had been wanted alive was worrying. It meant that either they wanted to take their time killing him or they wanted something other than his life.

Neither was a comforting thought.

Then he heard something: the rattle of keys in a padlock, followed by the scrapes of a chain being unwrapped and a door rubbing a floor as it opened. He raised his head, trying to give a show of strength and defiance.

Nobody spoke, but he heard footsteps, something heavy being put down, some rustling and scraping, and then footsteps walking away again, followed by the door closing and being locked again.

He frowned, confused, straining his ears to try to hear any talk from outside or any hint of where he was. Everything was silent except that he caught a faint sound that he could believe was half-stifled breathing. He couldn't even be sure enough to seriously wonder if another prisoner had been brought in.

He squirmed as best he could in his bonds, trying to find an angle to rub the blindfold away from his eyes, but it was no good. He just had to continue to wait to find out what was happening: something he had never enjoyed or been good at.

After a while, he heard a faint noise. This time he was sure: it was a soft, gag-strangled voice moaning as the other prisoner recovered consciousness. He tried to make some sound through his own gag in response, but had no way of knowing if the other prisoner had heard him; he just faintly made out some small rustles and shuffles that he guessed was the sound of an unsuccessful struggle against ropes.

Before he could come up with any kind of plan to communicate with the other prisoner or find out more about who they were and their state, he heard the door unlocked again. Again, he raised his head and squared his shoulders as best he could. Footsteps approached and this time someone grabbed the blindfold and pulled it violently away from his eyes.

They were holding a torch near his face and he had to turn away, closing his eyes against the sudden bright light.

"Captain Link," said a voice.

He looked up slowly, blinking away the watering at the corners of his eyes. It was still hard to see, but he did his best to focus and to keep his head up.

A hand grabbed his chin and held his head still as someone untied the knotted cloth tied around his mouth and pulled it free. He took a quick, grateful breath, licking his dry lips to try to moisten them.

"I'm sure you're wondering what's going on. You'll be relieved to know you're not the one we want."

He tilted his head with a scowl, not making the effort to speak aloud. His eyes had grown sufficiently accustomed to the light that he could see the man speaking to him, not that it helped; he was wearing a mask and only his eyes were visible. Link noted that they were green, a few freckles were visible on the bridge of the man's nose, and he had a Castletown accent. Useful information if he got out of here alive.

"We're interested in the princess. Answer our questions and you'll be untied and released once we've finished our work and kept safe and comfortable in the meantime. Refuse and you won't."

Link met his eye squarely, his jaw set.

"I thought you might not be interested in cooperating. Whatever else anyone says about you, you're a brave man and you've always been happy to risk your skin for her. Well, how about the skin of your little cousin here?" The man stepped aside and pointed. Now Link saw the other prisoner: a young boy in a brightly-coloured quartered tunic, gagged and tied spread-eagled on a table. Another masked man had just removed his blindfold and he was blinking in Link's direction.

Link had never seen him before in his life. He didn't even have any cousins.

"Strangers' lives mean nothing to you, we all know that, but he and the rest of the family have been asking around town for you. I guess you don't do a good job of writing home."

Both accusations stung. Neither was worth engaging with right now.

The boy's eyes had focussed on Link's face. His expression showed none of the fear Link had expected. There was some resemblance, he supposed, though in the circumstances it was hard to tell. But the question of whether whoever had left him at an orphanage when he was a baby had had family that might have tracked him down could wait. First, he had to get himself and the boy out of here.

Link's gaze went back to the man speaking to him. He wished he had Proxi, but wishes were wasted. He was going to have to speak for himself and he licked his lips again, unsure what to do. The boy knew too much now; they wouldn't let him leave alive even if Link managed to persuade them he didn't know him and therefore by their own logic he didn't care what they might do to him.

He did, he always did, but what he cared about didn't matter much to anyone.

"Let's start with something easy, shall we?" said the man pleasantly. "The royal kitchens. Are there any special precautions around the princess' meals and those of her closest retainers such as General Impa?"

Link glared at him.

"Ah, I see." The man turned and nodded to his companions. Before Link could react, one of them pinched the boy's nose closed while another dipped a bucket of water out of a barrel beside the table and tipped it over the boy's head. The boy let out a cry, strangled to a squeal by the now-soaked gag, and bucked against the hand on his face and the ropes holding him to the table.

Link swallowed hard, imagining trying to breathe through a mouth filled with wet cloth. The man holding the boy's nose held it a moment longer, then released it, letting the boy gasp in a breath.

There wasn't much choice for Link; he couldn't betray Zelda, not to save himself, not to save a stranger, not to save someone who might be long-lost family.

"Nothing?" asked the kidnapper.

When Link still stayed silent, the man nodded at his companions again. Another bucket of water was thrown over the boy's face. This time the man standing over him didn't plug his nose and his gasps were punctuated by sneezes, muffled coughs, and the occasional involuntary whimper.

Link gritted his teeth and stayed silent.

The man asked more questions, visibly more and more frustrated. Link kept quiet, though the boy's muffled cries as he struggled to breathe properly tore at his heart. He had to do this. It wasn't even as if it was the first time he'd let an innocent suffer for the greater good.

Then, out of nowhere, the door was smashed open. Link's head snapped round and he gasped as a tattooed man in shining plate armor ran in. The kidnappers were just as shocked as he was, which gave the newcomer - newcomers, he realized; three other men ran in after the first - a chance to make it almost to where he stood before the kidnappers could even react.

"Legend, Hyrule!" the armored man shouted. "With me!"

The man who had been waterboarding the boy drew a knife, but a slight teenager in a red tunic closed the distance before he could even get out the threat to kill his prisoner. The man who had been questioning Link didn't even make a threat; he drew his knife and brought it to Link's throat.

Link took a quick final breath and mentally said farewell to Zelda and his other friends.

Then a sword flashed past his face. The kidnapper reeled back with a cry, clutching at his hand. A young man in a white cloak stepped in front of Link, sword still raised protectively.

"Are you all right?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

Link let out the breath he'd taken and nodded. He couldn't see past the man in the cloak, but he heard the clash of swords, shouts, and then coughing and someone saying, "OK, Four. Just keep breathing."

The man in the cloak relaxed and sheathed his sword, then stepped over beside Link to start cutting his bonds.

"You're Link?" he asked quietly with a small, comforting smile.

Link nodded. "The traitors?" he managed.

"Dead."

"Are you hurt?" asked the armored man, looking over from where the two teenagers were supporting the boy - Four. Now there was more time to look at them all, Link noticed that one of his eyes was closed, the lid marred with a long scar. He instinctively ranked him as a captain, though he wasn't wearing any uniform Link recognised.

He could once again see some resemblance between them and him. They had come for Four, so this must be the group his kidnappers had talked about.

He could see why they had thought this was his family.

Then he was distracted as the blood finally started to return to his cramped, numb limbs. As soon as he was no longer supported by the ropes, Link collapsed forward. The captain lunged forward to catch him and held him up as the one with the cloak kept working on the ropes.

"Are you hurt?" he asked again.

Link shook his head. "The boy - Four - is he all right?" he asked quietly.

The captain looked Link up and down and, to his surprise, he smiled. "Legend? Hyrule?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"I'm fine," said Four in a surprisingly low-pitched, steady voice, accompanied by relieved-sounding chuckles from the two teens. Then he coughed again.

Link had expected anger at what he had allowed to happen to Four. He'd expected to find that he'd burned the bridge with his maybe-family before it had even been built.

"You must be Captain Link," the captain said as he gently lowered Link to sit against the post, a hand still on his shoulder to steady him.

Link nodded.

"My name is also Link, but you can call me Time. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. These are Sky" - He pointed to the man in the cloak - "Legend" - the teen in the red tunic - "Hyrule" - the other teen, this one dressed in humble green and brown - "you've, well… you've seen Four" - Four waved with one rope-burned hand, covering more coughs with the other - "and Wind is keeping watch."

Link looked up at them all, still confused. "Who are you?" He asked. It was a start on the questions he really wanted to ask.

Time sighed. "That's a long story," he said. "And it's best told somewhere other than here."

Link forced an approximation of his usual bright, confident smile and at last the words came easily. "Well, then, when I can walk again you should come with me. Four should see a medic and I'm sure her highness would like to meet you."

Time nodded briskly, his own smile relaxing, and squeezed Link's shoulder. "In the meantime, you concentrate on recovering. You're safe with us."

And as the blood flowed painfully back into Link's swollen hands and feet, he believed him.

[an-annyeoing-writer]

bloodline. - ch. 1/5: bloodline.

Story info:

Pair: Byun Baekhyun x Reader

Rating: +16 for mentions of violence, death, chronic illness, kidnapping

Genre: mafia!AU, angst, action

Chapter info:

Release date: 26th August 2023

Word count: 4 012

Warnings: mentions of death & violence

Bloodline Masterlist || Fanfiction Masterlist

You sat in the bedroom of your brand-new residence. The bed was rather soft, with lots of pillows, and the room was pretty itself, although not so much in the style you’d normally choose, yet – simply pleasing to look at, with attention to detail that soothed your perfectionist senses. The sight outside – two or three stairs below, through the windows – should be beautiful, with snow-covered gardens and forests that spread for miles ahead, since the mansion was in the middle of nowhere, far from anyone’s curious eyes. However, even though the windows were also a part of the design, you were aware that they were made of tempered glass, and the handles were locked with a key.

In other words, you were a prisoner, and the clicking sound of the door lock clicking served to remind you of that very well.

The door finally opened, and you refused to look away from the window, sitting in the bed with your posture just a bit too proud as for your position.

It didn’t take long, however, before the curiosity took better of you and you glanced at the man at the doorstep. You felt as though you glaring daggers at him was the exact mirror of the daggers he glared at yourself. Although he remained stoic, there was visible hatred in his eyes that your own reciprocated.

“Come for the dinner, or would you rather starve?” His voice was so cold you felt chills go down your spine. There was nothing stopping him from letting you remain hungry, you realized, for as long as you stayed alive for the future purposes – whatever they could be.

“Thank you very much, I’ll eat at home soon” you talked back, going back to watching the outside as if you were fully confident in your words.

The man didn’t say anything, just let out a wordless huff and left, locking the door behind.

You exhaled shakily.

You didn’t really think you’d go back home any time soon. In fact, you were very certain that you would not, that no one would come save you, that you were doomed to die here, because the reason you were kidnapped was completely out of your power.

You didn’t choose the family you were born in. No one did. Through all your life, you had thought your bloodline was just smart and lucky to be this well-off. And, honestly, you didn’t want to know more. You didn’t feel all that close to your family members, you were planning to go your own way as soon as it was possible, because you expected that otherwise, at some point, someone would choose for you instead.

It was barely months ago that you started discovering that the possible wrongdoings of your ancestors that led to your family acquiring wealth was not something that was left behind centuries ago. Although the business of your family was far too developed and broad to resort to violence on daily basis, you knew that inflicting harm in one way or another, as to acquire wealth even greater, would be something that you would need to get used to, were you to stay there.

So you decided to leave, slipping out from underneath the umbrella of the powerful custody, safety measures and bodyguards. You never considered them necessary, anyway.

And how wrong you were to think that someone wouldn’t take advantage of that.

The Byun family was not unfamiliar to you. Ever since you were a child, you attended those grand parties, where everyone behaved as if everything was good and innocent, and where you actually believed no one had ill intentions. Yet, from the perspective of current events, looking back to those parties, you realized how well written farces they were. Behind every smile and politeness, stood the will to acquire someone’s sympathy. Behind every small handshake, laid a promise of future cooperation. You never would have thought there would be this level of hostility between families.

Knowing your own, you suspected that it was them who unlawfully extended their influences beyond unspoken rules of diplomacy. You were just guessing, basing on Byuns’ attitude towards you – in their eyes, you were liars, untrustworthy and disgusting.

But were they any better? Would they not take chances if the prize was precious? You were almost certain that they still would. So you stood for yourself and refused to acknowledge it as your own fault; you were merely a pawn, not a decision-maker, someone who only tried to escape this reality anyway. Choosing you to pay for your family’s wrongdoings was unforgivable.

You didn’t know details; you had no idea what was it, that made Byuns this angry. But Baekhyun’s hatred towards you said it all. You refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing you all humble and defeated.

It was getting dark and you laid in the queen-size bed of yours, listening to the sounds outside out of pure curiosity. The mansion was really big with not so many people in it, so you didn’t hear many pass by your room. But you heard some sounds coming from further areas – rarely ever would it be actual conversation, but sometimes, you’d hear steps, noises of metal hitting against metal (possibly from the kitchen?) and all the sounds of the pipes in the walls. After some hours, even the buzzling of electricity in the outlets became a thing. Your stomach was already grumbling from hunger, but you couldn’t say that it was uncomfortable. Heaters hung below the windows were always turned on, and were you to change your preference, the knob was there for you to adjust the temperature as well. It was the middle of winter, and as such, you didn’t mind the heater being on the highest setting.

You didn’t know what hour it was, but you were certain that you’d been woken up, with the darkness all around you and no light coming from the outside – not even from the garden lights, although you remembered the yard being well lighted the night before, when you sat by the window, watching different faces come and leave even at a late hour like this.

But now, there was nothing. You got up, your eyes slowly adjusting as you walked towards the door to your small bathroom, pressing your sleepy fingers into the light switch.

Nothing happened, though. You turned it on and off a few times – there was no light, not even a spark. You walked to the door of your room and tried to turn this light on as well – there was still nothing. Seemed like a total blackout, and explained the lack of lights outside. You let out a sigh, sitting back on your bed out of no better things to do.

You stared at the ceiling thoughtfully; your eyes made out the shape of a crystal chandelier.

A blackout seemed like such a simple accident, a silly occurrence. You wished your door or the windows were locked electronically, maybe it would give you an opportunity to slip out. But they weren’t – the locks were rather traditional, and you didn’t possess the skills of a burglar to break through them with a hairpin, would that opportunity even arise. Probably not – modern locks didn’t have the keyway wide enough for a hairpin to fit in.

You swore that you fell asleep again in the short time that you spent in bed, when a loud noise erupted somewhere downstairs, and the whole building shook, the crystal chandelier clinging above your head, making you shoot up on your bed, looking around cautiously.

Explosion? It did sound like one, or at least like you could imagine it, having not experienced it in your life before. Low rumble passed through the walls as a follow-up, and you jumped off the bed, running to the window.

Your breath got caught in your chest at the sight of fire somewhere below; the glow brightened up the garden around, but its source must have been inside of the building. You shuddered. You should leave; this was dangerous, you needed to leave, just for your own safety. But you were locked in here with no possible way out. There was still no single person in your sight.

Another sound of explosion tore through the mansion. The construction shook so hard that you stumbled, falling on your knees. How many more would come? You trembled. Getting to your feet, you ran to the entry door, putting on your boots in a rush and pulling on the doorknob – to no avail. The sound of fire eating at the mansion reached your ears, along with different sounds and even yells of people below. But you failed to hear any steps in the corridor.

“Let me out!” you screamed, realizing that you were the last thing anyone here would worry about. “Please, let me out!” You could only pray so that your voice would reach someone passing nearby.

You didn’t know how long you’d been banging your fists on the door, hands all red and bruised. It could have been just seconds, or minutes, but the fear only strengthened with the smoke that crept in through the vents, starting to fill your lungs.

It was when tears started to run down your cheeks, that the lock suddenly let go and the door opened.

You wrapped arms around yourself, shaking fearfully. The face that appeared was familiar – but the familiarity didn’t bring any comfort. Byun Baekhyun’s face was unreadable and covered with sweat.

He stared at you for less than seconds, before grabbing your arm and pulling you out of the room without a word.

Where he was taking you? Different thoughts passed through your head. What if it was your family that caused the fire, wishing to wipe Byuns off the earth, angry from having their family member endangered? Would he want to trade you for the family’s safety then? You didn’t mind that, at all. You just wanted a way out.

The corridors were dark from smoke, but the fire danced on the lowest floors only. You were dragged to the emergency exit instead, at the back of the mansion, with metal stairs that led safely to the ground. From the heated up building, you went out straight into the winter, the sudden change of temperature making your head spin. Or maybe it was just the smoke…?

You followed Baekhyun down. But, to your surprise, instead of taking you towards the main gate – where someone else should certainly be – he pulled you towards the gardens and the forest further ahead, his hold on your arm so tight that it was clear your obedience was not optional.

Your thoughts started to ease. Was it tiredness or trauma, that caused you to look at him closer instead of thinking of your own woe for a moment? But he was shaken up too, probably not thinking clearly either, so you took your chance and pushed him off to get out of his grasp. You should have ran straight to the main gate, you thought, but he didn’t waste a second before catching you by the back of your collar and pulling back to him.

“You don’t want to go there” he spat.

“But…”

“It’s not your family. Shut up and don’t be difficult.”

Could he be lying? Could he be trying to trick you into coming with him, then hurt you, maybe even kill you?

Listening to him must have been a bad idea.

But you had no clue what would happen if you didn’t; at the very least, the forest seemed less terrifying than the inferno behind.

⁂

Everything was dark and cold. Your head was pounding, and you had no energy left as you tore through the deep snow that covered the ground. You had your winter boots on from when you’ve been brought to the mansion, but no jacket or coat, your sweater providing very little comfort when the snow started falling down, quickly covering your hair in a layer of white ice. You trembled, walking with your arms wrapped around you protectively. Baekhyun did the same, no longer bothering to keep you by his side. His blazer, thrown over his turtleneck sweater, seemed to provide a bit of warmth, but leather loafers appeared even less suitable for the weather than your sweater. There was no way not to walk through the snow, as there was no road, no path, nothing that the two of you could follow.

“Do you know where we’re going?” you decided to ask finally, growing too tired to keep up the pace.

Baekhyun let out a small huff.

“There’s a road if we go straight forward.”

“How far?”

He glared at you as if he was about to snarl at you again, but it seemed that he’s also too tired to do as much.

Soon, you stumbled upon a small cave engraved in a rock, not too deep as to potentially have a wild animal hiding in it, but sufficient for it to be dry and block off the snow.

Baekhyun didn’t think twice before walking into it and sitting on the cold ground, leaning his back against the wall. You followed the suit.

Out of the inside pocket of his jacket, he took out a phone; your eyes widened, realizing that he’d been keeping the device by himself all along. In how dark it was around you, the light of the screen blinded you for a few seconds. You shuffled to sit next to him, watching as he opened the maps app and GPS.

Looking at your current localization, you realized there’s literally nothing in the range of miles. It was just a plain, green area, with not even as much as a river, a mountain marked, or a road.

Baekhyun zoomed out and you started noticing some shapes; you had no idea what direction the mansion was in, but, basing on the arrow that showed above your location, it seemed that, just as he said, you were walking in the direction of a road that would eventually lead you to a town, and from there, you’d be able to find your city as well.

The issue was that, when he marked the route to the road, the app said clearly: three hours by feet. You breathed out shakily. There was no way you could walk for three more hours, not in this weather, not while this exhausted. You suspected that the time estimation didn’t consider the pace of two worn out young adults that had to tear through the snow to get there. It could as well take six hours to get there, and then, if there was no one to give you a ride, it would take even longer to get to the town. You were so, so doomed.

“Can’t you call someone?” you suggested. “To pick us up.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes.

“Are you seeing any roads that anyone would drive through?”

“Then at least…”

“Calling someone would be a suicide now” the man huffed, turning off the phone to save the battery and hiding it back in the pocket. “We need to rest anyway. We’ll leave in an hour, so just… Do whatever.”

Not waiting for you to voice your thoughts, Baekhyun pulled his knees to his chest, leaning his side against the wall, with his back to you, making it clear that he was not interested in continuing this conversation.

But exhaustion was eating at you, too. Even if you stayed here for just an hour, you were still in trouble; what would happen once your bodies would lose the remaining warmth? You knew that once you take a nap, your body will stop caring about the temperature. You’ll stop shivering, you’ll… just freeze.

“Don’t sleep” you put hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder, realization coming all at once. “We can rest but don’t sleep.” You shook his shoulder. “Baekhyun, Byun Baekhyun!” You shook him more vigorously and he glanced at you weakly. “Don’t sleep! You can’t sleep.”

You should have held so much hate for that man, with all that happened, with how he’d been treating you. But you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself, if he just died here and you had to leave his body somewhere in this forest, maybe to never be found again. The perspective of being left alone terrified you.

He didn’t oppose when you leaned into his side, trying to preserve as much warmth as it was only possible, even though your bodies barely radiated any. He didn’t look at you, his eyes still half-closed and fixated on something far away, but the knowledge that he was awake was enough for you.

Even if you were to die here, to freeze to death, you’d rather have someone to die with. Even if he hated you, even if he would most likely stab you in the back if it was to save himself, you really just didn’t want to be alone.

You didn’t know how long had passed before he suddenly turned to face you. You realized you were slowly falling asleep yourself, but the motion managed to shake you awake. The snow outside finally stopped falling, but the stillness made you even sleepier. The world became so awfully quiet.

“Let’s talk” he said. “Or we’ll both fall asleep.”

You were surprised with him being the one to come up with the idea, but you were quick to follow.

“Who was there?” you asked. “If not my family, then what happened?”

Baekhyun was silent for a few moments, but you could tell he was just gathering thoughts.

“Just… another family. I don’t think they’re on good terms with yours, too.”

“Why did they attack?”

Baekhyun shrugged.

“I don’t know. I’m not interested in the business.”

A deep frown appeared on your face. You would have never thought that Baekhyun, out of all people, was not engaged in what they were doing. He may have not been the one to kidnap you, but he did guard you, and his hatred towards you was too deeply rooted to be over a matter irrelevant to him.

Reading the doubt on your face, Baekhyun huffed.

“I mean it, I’m leaving this hellhole at the first occasion I get.”

“Where will you go?”

“Wherever.”

He didn’t seem willing to continue this topic, so you didn’t pry. You weren’t sure what other question to ask. But he was faster.

“Where were you going?” You frowned, confused about the context of his question. “When you were heading to the airport. That’s where they got you, right? You didn’t have anyone with you. That was reckless of you.”

You pursed your lips.

“I was trying to leave, too. I got into an university, half of the country away. I didn’t want to stay in this… business… either” you elaborated carefully. “But my parents didn’t really enjoy the idea of their daughter attending a school that’s not half as prestigious as everyone else attended. So they didn’t really… know that I’m leaving.” You shrugged. “Or maybe they did. Maybe they just didn’t care.”

“Would you really be able to live with yourself, leaving all of this away after what your family has done?”

“That’s the fun part” you laughed dryly. “They never told me what they’re doing” you scoffed. “You seem to know much more about this stuff, but I really just… I have no idea how they wronged yours, either. I don’t even know if I want to know.”

Baekhyun stared at you with his face completely unreadable. You frowned slightly; you didn’t want to seem insensitive, but you felt as though you just came out as such.

“You… know” you spoke carefully, weighing each word. “That’s why you hate me so much. What was it?”

He pressed his lips together.

“You said you don’t want to know” he huffed.

“But now I think I should.”

He breathed in and then exhaled with a huff, finally looking away from you, right when you felt you could not take any more of that gaze.

“They kidnapped my sister.” Your eyes widened in shock, but you noticed he’s trying to elaborate, so you didn’t speak a word. “Our families had this idea, of marrying your brother with my sister to extend the influence. But another family was invited into the negotiations, and my family chose them instead. So your father got pissed, and decided to blackmail us into the marriage. By kidnapping her.” He gritted his teeth, clenching his fists on the fabric of his pants. “That bastard just…”

“I’m sorry” you finally uttered. “Damn. I’m so sorry…”

The sparks of anger in Baekhyun’s eyes suddenly ceased, and in their place, appeared sadness and regret. The more you pondered on what you just found out, the more you felt tears fill your eyes.

He nudged your chest.

“Don’t waste energy on crying” he commanded, his voice strong and all serious again, like it used to be. “We need to get going.”

But this time, when he pushed himself off the ground, his hand wasn’t there to force you along, but to help you instead.

⁂

If it was only your stubbornness that kept you going after all this time, then you must have had quite a lot of it. You didn’t want to think of all the possible damage to your body that the cold had caused, but you worried for Baekhyun with his leather shoes way more. Fortunately, as the morning came not long later, and there was no snow falling on your heads anymore, it became just a little bit warmer, just a little bit less straining.

You managed to reach the road, and it seemed that cars used it regularly, with tracks clearly engraved in the snow.

You were certain that, with the use of Baekhyun’s phone, you would be able to get somewhere safely. Yet, about an hour of the walk had to pass before two black cars appeared, coming from behind you. The two of you stood cautiously on the side of the road as the vehicles stopped nearby, and you could swear one of them looked familiar.

The door opened and out came a man whose face you knew very well. Your eyes widened when he rounded the car and opened the passenger’s door.

That was when you came face to face with your own father, a man dressed in a suit and a thick coat that you really envied at the moment. Your eyes widened even more, but a smile appeared on your face unwittingly and you walked forward, not noticing Baekhyun’s face tensing as he stepped back instead.

“Are you okay?” the man spoke when you approached. The words were ridden off emotion, although some care was evident; your dad was never a man of heartfelt gestures. You nodded with a small smile, relief evident on your face.

“How did you find us…?” you asked.

“We tracked you with satellite some time ago. Get in the car, you need to warm up.”

You nodded. The other car opened and you let out a gasp at the sight of your brother.

“Chanyeol!” You would have ran to his side if not for your bones almost too cold to move at all. But he came out to see you instead, throwing his own, warmed up coat over your shoulders and leading you to the car of his own.

You turned around, glancing at the Baekhyun. His eyes were on your dad, his face tense, but unreadable.

And so your father’s gaze laid upon him, filled with condemn and clear hostility.

“Don’t worry, you’re okay now” Chanyeol said, pulling you towards the car despite your hesitation and making you sit inside. You tried to peek through the window, but he was quick to cover your sight with his body. “Don’t look, just warm up. You’re safe, they won’t hurt you anymore.”

You felt your heart drop at the meaning hidden behind his words; your body trembled.

“No… No, no.”

The echo of a gunshot tore through the forest.

Please, reblog if you enjoyed, it’ll help me a bunch!

Author’s note: It's such a relief to be back to writing! I'm going to make my posting schedule a bit more relaxed, so the next chapter may take about a month to post. In the meantime, I'll greatly appreciate your feedback, and have a great day!

[freifraufischer]

More in my exploration of "is ChatGPT" the powerful tool for brainstorming fictional world building some people keep telling me it is. When asking it to help create fictional countries ended repeatedly reproducing tourism pamplets I decided to ask it to create a war.

This is it's version of a war between Austria and Australia. Please note the ... rather hand wave at the actual locations of both of these countries and how that impacts this war...

Certainly! Let's imagine a fictional scenario in which Austria and Australia engage in a conflict. Please keep in mind that this is a completely fictional scenario and does not reflect any real-world events.

In this hypothetical situation, tensions between Austria and Australia have escalated due to a series of misunderstandings and geopolitical disagreements. The war between the two nations is not driven by deep-rooted animosity but rather by a complex web of political and economic factors.

The conflict begins with a dispute over trade regulations and tariffs on specific goods. Austria, seeking to protect its domestic industries, imposes high tariffs on certain Australian exports, which Australia perceives as unfair and detrimental to its economy. Diplomatic negotiations fail to resolve the issue, leading to a breakdown in relations and an escalating war of words.

As the situation intensifies, diplomatic channels give way to military mobilizations. Both countries begin fortifying their borders and deploying troops to key strategic positions. The international community, alarmed by the mounting tensions, calls for a peaceful resolution and urges both sides to engage in dialogue. However, the war drums continue to beat as nationalist sentiments and public pressure fuel the conflict.

The war itself unfolds in different theaters. Austria, located in the heart of Europe, has the advantage of being closer to its allies and established military infrastructure. Its forces launch an offensive campaign, aiming to push into Australian territory. The Austrian military, known for its strategic planning and disciplined soldiers, launches coordinated attacks on key Australian positions.

Australia, on the other hand, faces the logistical challenge of fighting a war thousands of miles away from its home base. The Australian forces focus on defense and guerilla tactics, taking advantage of their knowledge of the terrain and deploying special forces to disrupt Austrian supply lines and communication networks. Australia's military, renowned for its resourcefulness and adaptability, puts up a fierce resistance.

The war takes a toll on both nations, with significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. The conflict also draws in international powers, with neighboring countries and global superpowers taking sides or attempting to broker peace. Diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, with mediators working to find a resolution that will end the hostilities.

After a prolonged and costly war, both Austria and Australia realize the devastating consequences and the futility of continuing the conflict. International pressure, coupled with war-weariness among their populations, prompts the two nations to return to the negotiating table. A ceasefire is eventually declared, leading to a series of peace talks.

The peace negotiations focus on resolving the underlying issues that sparked the conflict, including trade disputes and economic imbalances. Both Austria and Australia agree to reassess their trade policies and work towards a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement. Additionally, efforts are made to rebuild trust and establish diplomatic channels to prevent future misunderstandings from escalating into armed conflict.

Ultimately, the war between Austria and Australia serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of diplomacy, compromise, and understanding in resolving disputes between nations. The conflict serves as a catalyst for renewed efforts towards international cooperation and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions in the face of adversity.

[llewelynpritch]

https://lnkd.in/en28ig4n Show this thread  Europe Calling "Crime scene Ecocide" (English version) 2 December 2023 

[mongowheelie]

Ambassador: Mexico is 'closing the door' on security cooperation with U.S.

Source: kjzz.org

Ambassador: Mexico is 'closing the door' on security cooperation with U.S.

Source: kjzz.org

[thxnews]

US-France Partnership Strengthened

During a significant joint press conference held in France, President Biden and President Macron reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the United States and France. This event marked Biden's state visit and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, focusing on mutual commitments to global challenges and bilateral cooperation.  

Strengthening the US-France Alliance

Biden’s Praise for France President Biden highlighted France's vital role as one of the United States' strongest partners. He commended their collaboration within major international bodies such as NATO, the G7, and the G20. Biden's appreciation extended to Macron's leadership in Europe, acknowledging France's crucial support in significant diplomatic efforts, including negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.   Macron’s Reciprocation President Macron expressed gratitude for the warm reception during his visit, the first state visit of Biden's administration. Macron emphasized the value of candid and respectful dialogues, strengthening the foundation of the US-France alliance. He mentioned that Biden has become a friend, reinforcing the personal and professional bond between the two leaders.   Unwavering Support for Ukraine Both presidents reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Biden condemned Russia's actions, pledging continuous robust assistance to Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Macron echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in upholding democratic values.  

Addressing Economic Policies

Biden on the Inflation Reduction Act Addressing economic policies, President Biden defended the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation he authored to combat inflation and foster economic stability. He asserted that the United States makes no apologies for the act, which aims to enhance economic resilience and support American families.   Macron’s Response President Macron acknowledged the need for Europe to align its economic policies with the U.S. He stressed the importance of ongoing discussions with the European Commission and key partners, such as Germany, to synchronize efforts and address any outstanding issues.  

Global Cooperation and Shared Priorities

Clean Energy and Climate Change The leaders underscored their cooperation in various critical areas, including clean energy and climate change. Biden praised France's leadership in these domains, particularly in hosting the Global Fund's Seventh Replenishment Conference, aimed at saving millions of lives. Both nations committed to advancing clean energy technologies and combating climate change collaboratively.   Space Exploration Biden and Macron highlighted their nations' collaborative efforts in space exploration. The U.S.-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space, initiated in 2021, aims to ensure a whole-of-government approach to bilateral space cooperation. This initiative reflects their shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and exploring new frontiers.   People-to-People Ties The leaders emphasized the importance of fostering strong people-to-people ties. Biden commended the U.S.-French Fulbright Program, which has facilitated educational exchanges for the past 75 years. This program exemplifies the deep-rooted cultural and educational connections between the two countries.   Historical Context and Joint Agreements The United States and France share a long-standing partnership characterized by numerous joint agreements and collaborative efforts across multiple domains. This relationship is rooted in shared history, values, and a commitment to addressing global challenges together.  

Joint Agreements and Cooperation

  Key Joint Agreements and Initiatives Year Agreement/Initiative Focus Area 2021 U.S.-France Bilateral Clean Energy Partnership Clean Energy Technologies 2021 U.S.-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space Space Cooperation 2016 Military Cooperation Agreements Counterterrorism, Intelligence Sharing Post-WWII Various Economic and Educational Agreements Economic, Educational, and Relief Aid   Clean Energy Partnership The U.S.-France Bilateral Clean Energy Partnership, launched in 2021, focuses on developing and promoting clean energy technologies. This initiative includes the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Small Group to collaborate on nuclear energy advancements.   Economic and Military Cooperation Several agreements have been in place since the post-World War II era, covering economic cooperation, military obligations for dual nationals, educational exchanges, and relief aid distribution. In 2016, the two nations signed agreements to enhance military cooperation, focusing on joint efforts against terrorism and improving intelligence sharing.   Collaboration on Global Issues The U.S. and France work closely to address various regional and global challenges. They stand united in supporting Ukraine against Russia's aggression, upholding international law, and advocating for self-determination. In the Indo-Pacific region, they promote freedom of navigation, transparent governance, and fair economic practices. Their collaboration also extends to combating climate change, building resilience to its effects, and advancing democratic values worldwide.   U.S. Perspective on the Partnership The United States views France as one of its strongest partners and most capable allies. President Biden has praised France's leadership in Europe and expressed gratitude for its support during pivotal moments. The strong people-to-people ties between the two nations, facilitated by economic connections, scientific collaboration, and educational exchanges, further enhance this partnership.  

Evolution of the U.S.-France Partnership

The U.S.-France partnership has evolved significantly over the past two and a half centuries, marked by periods of close cooperation and occasional tensions. Here is an overview of this pivotal relationship's progression:   Origins and Revolutionary Era (1778-1799) The alliance between the U.S. and France was formalized in 1778 with the Treaty of Alliance, which proved crucial in the American Revolutionary War against Britain. France provided significant military aid, troops, and loans to the American colonies, playing a decisive role in their victory. However, this period also saw the Quasi-War (1798-1799), a brief undeclared naval conflict between the two nations over trade disagreements.   19th Century (1800-1900) Tensions arose during the American Civil War when France intervened militarily in Mexico and considered recognizing the Confederate States of America, leading to a U.S. military buildup on the Mexican border. Overall, relations remained relatively stable during this period, with France supporting the Union cause in the Civil War.   World Wars and Cold War (1900-1989) France and the U.S. fought as allies in World War I and World War II, with the exception of the U.S. combating the Vichy French regime while supporting the Free French forces. Post-WWII, the partnership was strained at times due to disagreements over decolonization and the Vietnam War. However, both nations were founding members of NATO in 1949, solidifying their military alliance during the Cold War.   Post-Cold War Era (1990-Present) Relations were tested in the early 2000s due to France's opposition to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, leading to a period of diplomatic tensions. Cooperation improved significantly after 2010, with joint efforts in counterterrorism, climate change, and trade. The partnership faced challenges again in 2021 over the AUKUS submarine deal, leading to a temporary recall of the French ambassador to the U.S. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 brought the two nations closer, with France working closely with the U.S. and NATO in supporting Ukraine.   In Conclusion Despite periodic strains, the U.S.-France partnership remains one of the oldest and most significant alliances in the world. Rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to addressing global challenges, the two nations continue to deepen their cooperation across various domains, including defense, security, science, technology, and trade. The joint press conference held by President Biden and President Macron underscored this enduring partnership, highlighting their shared history, values, and vision for the future.   Key Outcomes of the Press Conference - Reaffirmation of the strong US-France partnership and alliance. - Unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. - Discussion on economic policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act. - Commitment to global cooperation on clean energy, space exploration, and climate change.   Sources: THX News & The White House. Read the full article

[babyawacs]

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[vicrunk]

Do the benefits of online gaming outweigh the pitfalls?

Online gaming has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its immersive experiences and social connectivity. Yet, amidst its allure, a debate persists: do the benefits of online gaming outweigh the potential pitfalls?

In this blog post, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of social gaming.

The COVID-19 Situation

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a surge in online gaming (Teng et al. 2021).

Surprisingly, gaming was not considered an activity carried out to pass the time; it became a coping mechanism for many. As the pandemic gripped our lives, adults grappling with increased anxiety turned to video games, seeking solace in the virtual realms to counter the pervasive stress caused by the outbreak (Teng et al. 2021).

Similarly, children and teens who faced the strains of a disrupted routine found relief in gaming, using it as a tool to alleviate the pressures induced by this unprecedented global stressor (Teng et al. 2021).

Therefore, it can be observed that individuals who spend more time gaming feel less stressed and anxious as gaming provides an outlet to release tension (Wu et al. 2022).

Safe Haven, Safe Space

But, gaming can also be more than just stress relief.

Gaming became a haven for various groups who struggle with social interactions or mental health challenges. For those with autism spectrum disorders, insecure attachment styles, or experiencing depression or social anxiety, online gaming offers a safe space (Fishman 2023).

When playing games online, socializing doesn't demand the conventional skill sets of face-to-face interactions (Fishman 2023). Instead, it provides a platform where individuals can communicate at their own pace, devoid of immediate pressures or the need for physical presence (Fishman 2023).

This environment nurtures connections and friendships, fostering confidence and skills that might translate into real-world interactions, eventually bridging the gap between virtual and physical social spheres.

...And the Power of Friendship!

Research even highlights the success stories where virtual friendships formed through gaming transitioned into real-life connections (Fishman 2023). This unique ability of video games to act as a training ground for social skills, building the confidence needed to step into real-world interactions, stands out as a hidden gem amidst the pixels and quests.

While gaming has often been criticized for its potential negative impacts, the pandemic revealed its underrated role as a coping mechanism, a safe space for social experimentation, and a pathway to develop crucial interpersonal skills for those who find traditional social scenarios challenging.

Pitfalls

However, we must also discuss the negative impacts of online gaming, no matter how tired we are of hearing them.

1. Addiction (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). These games, with their immersive experiences, have a sneaky way of pulling people in, sometimes to the point where it becomes challenging to hit pause. Falling into this digital rabbit hole can mean hours slipping away, affecting productivity and even sparking feelings of depression (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). It's a fine line between enjoyment and dependency, one that many gamers might find themselves tiptoeing.

2. Then there's the toll on health, both physical and mental (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). Think about it: hours hunched over a screen can wreak havoc on your body — posture problems, wrist issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and eye strain (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023).

3. Potential danger lurking in the virtual shadows (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). While online spaces have become safer thanks to reporting features and chat filters, there's still a risk, especially for kids who might unknowingly interact with strangers. There've been cases of adults with malicious intent using gaming platforms to connect with children and teens (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). It's become rare, but the risk remains, highlighting the importance of vigilant parenting and open conversations about online safety (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023).

Conclusion

In weighing the scales of online gaming, it's undeniable that the benefits are impactful. From being a sanctuary during times of stress to fostering friendships that transcend the virtual realm, its positive influence is tangible.

However, the pitfalls loom with substantial weight. Addiction, both psychologically and physically detrimental, casts a shadow over the immersive experiences. Health concerns, from posture problems to mental health issues, serve as red flags as our health cannot be traded back so easily. Most significantly, the lurking dangers in the form of potential risks to younger gamers underscore the necessity for vigilant supervision and conversations around online safety.

Despite the undeniable allure and the many positives, the pitfalls surrounding online gaming paint a stark picture. While it offers solace, friendships, and skill-building opportunities, the risks to mental and physical health and potential dangers tilt the balance unfavourably. As such, the benefits, however significant, seem overshadowed by the substantial pitfalls, making it challenging to assert that the benefits of online gaming outweigh the potential risks.

---

References

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023, Advantages and disadvantages of online games, EDUCBA, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.educba.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-games/>.

Fishman, A 2023, Video games are social spaces: how video games help people connect, Response for Teens, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.jcfs.org/response/blog/video-games-are-social-spaces-how-video-games-help-people-connect#:~:text=Online%20video%20games%20can%20allow,to%20try%20it%20in%2Dperson.>.

Teng, Z, Pontes, HM, Qian Nie, Griffiths, MD & Cheng Guo 2021, ‘Depression and anxiety symptoms associated with internet gaming disorder before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study’, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 169-180.

Wu, Q, Luo, T, Tang, J, Wang, Y, Wu, Z, Liu, Y, Chen, W, Deng, Q & Liao, Y 2022, ‘Gaming in China before the COVID-19 pandemic and after the lifting of lockdowns: a nationwide online retrospective survey’, International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, vol. 21, pp. 3293-3305.

Yang, Y 2023, Games of death: online anger as family of China student who died after marathon livestream gaming sessions offered RM3,200 ‘humanitarian’ payout, The Star, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2023/11/27/games-of-death-online-anger-as-family-of-china-student-who-died-after-marathon-livestream-gaming-sessions-offered-rm3200-humanitarian-payout>.

[ervinafindy]

Expert opinion: how sexual violence affects the movement of feminism waves 4

The movement of feminism has experienced various developments throughout its history. From the early movements in the 19th century to the present, feminism has experienced three major waves. Each wave has a different focus and goal, and now we are close to the fourth wave of feminism. In this article, we will discuss expert opinions about how sexual violence affects the fourth wave feminism movement. 1. Definition of Sexual Violence Before we discuss the role of sexual violence in the fourth wave feminism movement, it is important to have a clear understanding of what is meant by sexual violence. Sexual violence is an action that involves the use of strength or threat to force someone to be involved in unwanted sexual activity. Forms of sexual violence include rape, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation. 2. The fourth wave feminism movement The fourth wave feminism movement is the movement of feminism that is developing at this time. This movement emerged in response to dissatisfaction with the achievement and deficiency of the previous wave feminism movement. This movement tries to expand the discourse of feminism and fight for gender equality in various aspects of life, including politics, culture, and economy. 3. The impact of sexual violence on the fourth wave feminism movement Sexual violence has a significant impact on the fourth wave feminism movement. One of the main impacts is an increase in awareness about this problem in society. Sexual violence is often an issue raised in the fourth wave feminism movement, either through demonstrations, campaigns, or through social media. In addition, sexual violence also affects the views and objectives of the fourth wave feminism movement. Many fourth feminists are struggling to end sexual violence and create a safe environment for women and vulnerable people. They also tried to change the culture of rape and fight for the rights of victims of sexual violence. 4. The role of technology in the fourth wave feminism movement The development of technology and social media also played an important role in the fourth wave feminism movement. Through social media, victims of sexual violence can share their stories, seek support, and spread awareness about this problem. Campaigns such as #Metoo and #Timesup have been in the spotlight in fighting sexual violence and voting to victims. However, technology can also be a weapon used by perpetrators of sexual violence. In the digital age, sexual violence can also occur in the form of online harassment, such as Revenge Porn or Cyber Stalking. Therefore, the fourth wave feminism movement also seeks to protect women and people who are vulnerable to sexual violence in the digital world. 5. Challenges and hopes for the fourth wave feminism movement The fourth wave feminism movement still faces many challenges. One of them is the resistance of groups who disagree with the goals and values of this movement. There are also concerns that this movement can be too exclusive or focused on certain groups. However, despite this challenge, the hope for the fourth wave feminism movement remains high. With the increasing awareness of sexual violence, more and more people are aware of the importance of overcoming this problem. Through cooperation between the government, society, and feminist organizations, we can create a world that is more equal and free from sexual violence. Conclusion Sexual violence has a significant impact on the fourth wave feminism movement. In their struggle for gender equality, the fourth wave of feminist seeks to end sexual violence, create a safe environment for women, and vote to victims. Through the development of technology and social media, this movement also seeks to fight sexual violence in the digital world. Despite facing challenges, the hope for the fourth wave feminism movement remains high. With increased awareness and cooperation between all parties, we can create a world that is more equal and free from sexual violence.

Check more: Expert opinion: how sexual violence affects the movement of feminism wave 4

[southsouthcooperationday]

Panel discussion to mark the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023.

Watch the panel discussion to mark the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023 on the theme “Solidarity, Equity and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the #SDGs”.on 12 Sept, 3 pm NY time.

[earaercircular]

Less Nutrients for the Baltic Sea: International Projects

With international projects funded by the EU in the millions, the countries bordering the Baltic Sea should move closer together and, for example, reduce the nutrient input into the sea.

In the Interreg Southern Baltic Sea program, eleven projects have now been approved, including nine with the participation of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania[1],the responsible Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Thursday in Schwerin[2]. Project topics ranged from circular economy in fish farms to improvements to the cycle route known as the Baltic Coast Cycle Route.

According to the information, 83.5 million euros are available from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)[3] for the Southern Baltic Sea Interreg programme. The focus of the program is on topics such as innovation and internationalisation, digitization, sustainability and activation of tourism potential. The first applications for funding have now been selected in Køge (Denmark).

The "Biosolfarm"[4] project with the participation of the University of Rostock and the environmental technology network enviMV[5] wants to develop concepts for future-oriented energy management and sustainable food production. The University of Rostock is involved with the Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde[6] in another project that deals with the collection and recycling of plastic waste from Baltic Sea tributaries. A third project with the participation of the University of Rostock is about stretches of coast of the Baltic Sea where a particularly large amount of nutrients arrive, as well as measures to ensure that these do not get into the sea.

A project involving Witeno GmbH (Greifswald)[7] aims to enable small and medium-sized companies to analyse, evaluate and develop their own digitization strategy. The

The city of Barth (Vorpommern-Rügen district) is involved in a project to make offers along the Baltic Coast Cycle Path[8] more visible.

Source

Dpa, Weniger Nährstoffe für die Ostsee: Internationale Projekte, in Süddeutsche Zeitung, 26-06-2023, https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/international-weniger-naehrstoffe-fuer-die-ostsee-internationale-projekte-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-230622-99-150540

[1] Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also known by its anglicized name Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, is a state in the north-east of Germany. Of the country's sixteen states, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ranks 14th in population, It covers 23,176 km2 making it the sixth largest German state in area, and 16th in population density. Schwerin is the state capital and Rostock is the largest city. Other major cities include Neubrandenburg, Stralsund, Greifswald, Wismar and Güstrow.

[2] Read also https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/689203972810162176/over-a-million-tons-of-rubble-recycled-in?source=share

[3] The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides funding to public and private bodies in all EU regions to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities. The Fund supports investments through dedicated national or regional programmes. https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regional-development-fund-erdf_en

[4] BIOSOLFarm - South baltic farms- a part of renewable energy systems. Given the amount of biomass and land consumption, agriculture has a great potential to contribute to the transition to green energy. By exploring the integration of innovative technological solutions with economically profitable modes this project contributes to meeting the PO2 and the SO2 increased use of green technologies to lower the pollution discharges to the Baltic Sea, not only from the utilization of the fossil fuels but also from the mineral fertilizer. https://southbaltic.eu/-/biosolfarm

[5] CleanTech - leading market of the future, leading market with sustainable growth and environmental protection, leading market for innovative small and medium-sized companies, the opportunity for cooperation and specialization, for added value in the region. enviMV connects CleanTech players in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Eastern Germany, Northern and Northeastern Europe. Markets and projects are to be opened up in particular through services for members in international tenders, research, establishing and maintaining customer contacts as well as active public relations and the organization of and participation in conferences, specialist events, symposiums and trade fairs. https://envimv.de/

[6] The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (German: Leibniz-Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde, abbreviated IOW) is a research institution located in Warnemünde (Rostock), Germany. It is part of the Leibniz-Association, cooperates with the University of Rostock and was founded in 1992. Employing about 160 people the main focus lies on interdisciplinary study of coastal oceans and marginal seas, especially on Baltic Sea related oceanography. The institute is a follow-up of the former Institute of Oceanography ("Institut für Meereskunde") which was part of the GDR Academy of Science. The institute is divided in four departments: physical oceanography, marine chemistry, biological oceanography, and marine geology. Central task of the institute is fundamental research but also teaching at the universities of Rostock and Greifswald. IOW has direct access to the research vessel Maria S. Merian and can access by request a variety of other medium-sized vessels for longer trips and interdisciplinary tasks from the German research fleet. The institute's facilities are financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and the Ministry of Education of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

[7] Witeno GmbH from Greifswald is an innovative company specializing in the promotion of science and research. As the operator of three science and technology parks in Greifswald, Rostock and Stralsund, Witeno GmbH offers an excellent infrastructure for innovative companies and start-ups. Witeno GmbH is a subsidiary of the University of Greifswald and works closely with it and other research institutions. This creates a lively exchange between science and business, which leads to new ideas and innovations. https://gruendungswerft.com/en/consulting/witeno-gmbh/

[8] The National Route 8, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, is 820km (509.5 miles) long and is the longest in the National Cycle Route Network of Denmark. The Baltic Sea Cycle Route takes in the most stunning parts of southern Denmark, including both the west and south of Sjælland (Zealand), Møn, Lolland, Falster, Fyn, Lillebælt and Sønderjylland (southern Jutland). https://balticseacycleroute.com/