#cricket session tricks

[youryanderedaddy]

Yandere! Crazy ex boyfriend

tw: female reader, non - con, heavy degradation, slut-shaming, abuse/violence, mockery of depression, suicidal ideation, obsessive behavior, death threats, dark

It's 2 a.m. and you can't sleep - you keep turning and burying your head into the soft, warm pillow, but something is off. The moon is too bright, coming in from the gap between your heavy curtains. The crickets outside are too loud, playing around and singing the same old melody over and over again. The static silence of the old radio tucked under the drawers is too repetitive, too predictable. All in all, you can feel it in your bones; something is wrong. Very, very wrong.

You hear the steps next. That sinister laughter - getting louder and louder, someone screaming at the top of their lungs, the echo flooding through the thin walls of your small shared flat. Someone's fist is gripping the lock with uneccessary cruelty as if trying to knock it out of the handle. The key falls down in one sharp motion, and your heart stops completely once the door opens with a squeaky, familiar bang - it still makes you jump even after all those months.

"Aww, baby!" The man exclaims, leaning against the door. You're not sure if you are hallucinating due to the countless hours of lost sleep, or there is actually smoke coming out of his old black trenchcoat. You're not even sure if he's trully here, or if this is yet another nightmare. "You didn't bother with locks this time!" He continues, smiling with childlike glee - but you know him too well. He's never peaceful. He's never cheerful. Any indication of happiness the monster exhibits is meant to confuse and trick his prey, and you're not falling for his tricks again. You already got burnt one too many times.

"Does that mean you missed me?" He tilts his head, almost pouting at you. He's all disheveled - a total wreck. The curly, unruly hair you once loved to caress and play with now just seems shaggy and unkept, sticking out like an explosion. His eyes are dark, well, darker, bloodshot, barely recognizable from the warm pots of honey that used to make you melt against him. He's lost weight, yet weirdly enough seems to have gained some muscle. You can't help, but think that it simply looks weird, unnatural even. Adam, the one you remember, was never strong - he was never threatening, never even raised his voice at you. But that was years ago in the sweet, distant dreams of the past, and that boy had died the moment you two moved in together. That's when your hell trully began.

"Were you trying to give me easy access, baby? Hm?" He smirks, interrupting your stream of consciousness. If you were unsure of his physicallity, of his existence, it's bright clear now - because you can never mistake that taunting, humiliating curve to his voice, the one he only uses when he's mad. Really, really mad. "Knew I would be back?"

You take a deep breath, slowly nodding along - maybe if you play nice, he'd just go away. Maybe this time you won't end up in cuts and bruises, all memories, good or bad, completely wiped off your drugged out hazy brain.

"Of course you did." Your ex boyfriend humms in satisfaction, taking a single step towards you - and it makes you tremble all over, no matter how much you wish you could remain calm and collected at the face of Death himself. "Because I told you so, no?" He clenches his teeth, raising his head so his eyes would meet yours. You feel like a deer caught before a trigger guard with an unstable trigger, one second away from being shot in the heart. "I told you-" He steps closer. "That I'll be back-" Another step. "Didn't I, princess?"

You nod again, unable to produce a sound. You almost wish he brought his gun so this little torture session would end quicker. Almost.

"Aww, look at you trying so hard to please me. It's adorable, baby." The man coos, his knee sliding across the edge of your bed. Fear takes a hold of your lungs, squeezing them in until you feel like you're seeing stars - and then Adam climbs on top of you. It all happens so quickly - one moment he's far away, and then he's towering over you, his hot breath ghosting over your sweaty neck, baby hairs sticking out with shivers. You can't shake the terrifying, unescapable feeling that you've been here before. That you somehow always end up underneath him, begging for your life - for mercy he won't ever grant you.

"I wonder where all that enthusiasm was when you decided to run on me." The white part of his eyes suddenly illuminates, brows raised together - he looks deranged. "Huh?" He looks at you, expecting an answer, yet you can't think of one. Your brain is turning to mush, consumed by raw panic - but why does it matter? Whatever you say he'll find a way to use against you. "Answer me, you fucking bitch!" He hisses, voice dropping to a diabolical whisper as his fist snaps around your throat like a metal collar. This seems to break off your stupor, and you open your mouth, ready to yell at whoever is still awake.

"Don't you dare fucking scream, cunt." Adam grips your jaw with one hand, crushing your cheeks into each other. "If I hear a single word come out of that filthy little mouth of yours, I am going to slit your fucking throat." His lips twist in a big sadistic grin you would have wanted to punch had you had the strength to move your arm around. Instead you whimper, defeated. Even after everything, your stupid self preservation instinct won't let you die - so it sacrifices the only thing you have left, your dignity. "And then in the morning your little friends will find you drowning in your own blood." He lowers his face, cold dead lips tracing the rough lines of your collarbone.

"A pretty picture for sure." He bites his lower lip, imagining it for just a second. "Bu-ut I know that even a depressed, suicidal little attention whore like you wouldn't want her friends to be sad." The man adds teasingly, and you can feel the bile back up into your stomach, burning and acidic. You may actually throw up all over him if you're not careful. And then he'd kill you for sure. "I mean, you seem to care for these pesky bugs oh-so much. It'd be a pity to force them to clean up your remains-"

"N-no, that's not true. I don't care about them, I only care about you!" You lie through your teeth, hot, salty tears pricking your eyes as you deny the love you have for the only people who care about you - the ones who basically saved you from a life of abuse and suffering. But apparently nothing good lasts, not when it comes to you. "Adam, I only love y-"

He backhands you - the slap echoes through the roof. Ouch.

"Don't say-" Your ex boyfriend grunts, roughly shoving you down. You take a shallow breath, letting the sting settle in. It's going to leave a red ugly handprint all over your cheek - and yet you stupidly thought your little confession was going to make him happy. Your anchors, the straws that used to buy you time, howerer rare and far in between, are all gone now. You used them up. You've run out of time, out of trick, out of will to keep fighting.

But you know he'll never make good on his threats. He'd never actually kill you - he doesn't love you enough to rid you of this miserable obsession that ties you together. And yet you tremble every time you feel the graze of his knife against your skin - you cower whenever he raises his hand. And you break down when he holds you close, hoping, praying that this time his embrace would prove just suffocating enough for you to stop breathing all together. It never does.

"Don't say you love me. You don't love me." Adam hisses in your ear, venom dripping off each word. "And I don't even care if you love me." He turns you around, pushing your face into your pillow - muffling your cries into weak, hiccuping sobs. "You're nothing." He swallows, averting his gaze to your lower body - yanking your shorts down with little concern as to whether they'd rip or not. "You amount to nothing, you're lower than dirt. You're just a fucked up little bitch." The man keeps mouthing off, and you can't decide what hurts more - his nails digging into your hips, or the razor sharp insults. " I never want you to forget that you deserve everything I give you."

You cry out as his massive length enters you with absolutely no preparation. It hurts - you're dry and it chaffs against your walls with nothing to make it slide freely, bruising your cervix. Your muscles are trying to push the foregin object out, but it keeps pushing in and out of you in forceful uniform thrusts. Between the waves of sharp and stinging-hot pain you manage to form a coherent thought - and you're surprised. Surprised that the man is even able to stay hard when all he feels right now is anger. Not love or affection, not even lust. Just anger. Surprised your body is still going even after your mind has given up. Surprised that, even despite all your protests and agony, you are growing used to this.

"I gave you everything." Adam start off again, picking up the pace of his thrusts. "Everything - but you're too much of a selfish whore to see." He pulls your hair back so you'd face him from beneath - then he slaps you with all force. "I want to mess up that pretty little face of yours." His hand connects to your cheek once again. You know you'll wake up all puffy and blue tomorrow morning - if you even wake up. "I want you so goddamn ugly no one wants you anymore." He pulls you in by your shirt, smashing his lips against yours with a brutal force - as if he's trying to become one with you, and break your face at the same time. "I want you so ruined-" He kisses you again, teeth running into teeth - yet he's the one to bite you first. "And lonely that you have no one else to turn to."

"I want you broken." He pulls away just to stare into your empty eyes, voice now back to a whisper. "As broken as me."

[eph3merall]

★ ; fratboy!chris lets loser!reader drag him somewhere for a quick smoke session ...

dotted stars wink at you every time you glance up. there's a nice, crisp breeze that makes your eyes water a little the faster you jog towards your determined destination. chris is surprisingly keeping up, hearing him mutter a few things under his breath.

you don't pick up the words though, the rush of wind and exhilaration serving to make your brain feel a little fuzzy with excitement. you're surprised chris even agreed to this, and you're almost sure the only reason he said yes was because he was baked. but a win is a win, is it not?

your face seems to be stuck in a grin as you slow your pace down with a few deep breaths of air, chris immediately yanking his hand away from the warmth of yours. he hates the way it seems to make not just his palm heat up, but his whole body—like warmth was spreading through his veins just at a mere touch. you giggle and walk a little faster, turning to look back at chris with a goofy smile.

"c'mon!"

the hum of street lights and chirp of crickets fill the silent of the night, a blanket of darkness in the sky only illuminated here and there. once the old playground comes into view, you break out into a little jog. chris is swearing out loud, and the sound of his heavy footsteps follow yours. you haven't been to this place in years, the last time you were here you fell off the monkey bars and hit your head as a little kid.

a rush of bittersweet memories creep at the corners of your brain, clawing and sinking deep nails into your flesh, like they were trying to drag you back into your childhood. you huff out a breath, looking back to see chris stumbling towards you after stepping in gum. his hand fixes his hat, running a hand through his hair and placing the cap back on afterwards.

your lips wobble into a frown at the fond memory of your mother teaching you how to ride a bike at the nearby trails. she'd let go purposefully and surprisingly, laughing when you screech at her to hold on. she thought it would build up confidence and make you learn that not everything in the world that was thrown surprisingly at you had to be scary. but it never worked the way she intended.

your feet drag themselves into the actual playground, watching with tired eyes as the old swings creak in the wind, scoping out the aged equipment you always loved going on. at first, you were practically ecstatic with the thought of coming here again—especially with someone as special to you as chris. but now all that you seem to feel is empty inside. you think you hear a coyote or something howl nearby, or, maybe that's the wind playing tricks on you.

goosebumps rise onto your skin under the sweater you wear, running your fingers along the old structures. your shoulders sag a little, looking back to see chris eyeing around. there isn't much light around, save a few street lights and one that is slowly flickering out into death. you gesture for chris to follow you once his attention is caught on you again, nodding your own head in return to his.

you're clambering up an old, short ladder that seemed much bigger to you when you were a kid. you swore you could've counted thousands of rungs before you were at the top, your feet stepping up a few times before you were stumbling onto the old platform. you scoot back once settling into a sitting position, your back hitting a wall that used to tower over you. chris is in front of you suddenly, sitting opposite you as he huffed.

"this is so stupid. why couldn't you jus', choose to smoke back at the frat house or somethin'. lucky i dont hate you.." and his words have a strange effect on you, tugging at your chest as you hand him an unlit joint. your hands feel your pockets to find the lighter you know you brought, only to look up when the flame from chris' bic lighter clicks and lights the tip of the joint already between his lips. you catch the color of the lighter, the dark navy blue one you got him as a gift for christmas. you know better than to point out your realization.

you blink at him, only to realize his eyes are shut as he huffs from the joint. smoke billows out of his mouth and you watch it disappear in the air with a passing wind, quick to light your own and have a smoke. looking to your side, there are two slides next to eachother. one twists and turns multiple ways, the other simply going straight down. the paint on both of them have worn off a little, chipped in some places—your hand reaching out to peel some protruding little pieces of paint off.

"y'been doing okay? know i havent been seein' you lately," chris' voice is gruff as he lifts the joint away from his lips, held im between his pointer and thumb as he turns his head to avoid eye contact. brown hair peeks out from under the hate he has on, the tufts of hair looking longer than normal. chris probably hasn't found the time for a proper haircut, or shave either—the stubble on his jaw more prominent than you know he likes.

"yeah, no. s'okay, dont worry 'bout me," but secretly, you do wish chris would worry. you know he isn't that type of person, eyes glancing over to you for a split second before looking away. sometimes you wish you dont catch the little glances you know he makes, because it always leaves a heavy feeling in your heart. your friends have been ditching you more lately, and chris hasnt been seeing you as much. so, its been... lonely.

you watch the guy opposite you nod his head, elbow propped on the one knee he has raised as his head tilts to exhale out clouds of smoke. you arent sure if youre more surprised over the fact chris agreed to come out tonight, or the way he isnt even acting annoyed. because you know for certain that things like this would spark irritation in him.

and for awhile, there isn't much you two say to eachother. your eyes dont leave chris' face as you feel the smoke calm you down, relax your body and leave you feeling less tense than usual. you huddle in on yourself the longer you two sit out, not realizing how cold it was supposed to be tonight. chris watches you, silent, seemingly exhausted. the eyebags under his eyes are darker than normal, his chest rising and falling in gentle breaths.

"kid, y'know i dont have anythin' against you right? like. i jus' need you to know that, that i dont hate you or some bullshit like that. you know that, right?" chris' words are a surprise, especially the way he seems so urgent as he says it—each word causing his voice to speed up. you meet his eyes, slightly widened and his brows furrowed as if its hard for him to even imagine talking like this right now.

you nod a few times, a frown settling onto your face at the way chris suddenly starts shifting around. his hand removes the cap on his head to place it beside him, long fingers carding through tufts of brown hair and watching as it falls in front of his face. chris' lips wrap around the joint again, and you tear your eyes away before you do something stupid, and before he can catch you staring.

the next morning is a disaster. you woke up late and are hurriedly stuffing books into your bag, rushing off to class. you want to stop by the frat house, go say hi to chris and see if the topic of last night comes up. with how fast you're moving, you end up bumping into a girl who you hear groan and call you a bitch. she's flipping her long black hair over her shoulder and walking off with her friends, overhearing yours and chris' name said under their breaths—followed by giggles and laughs.

you should be focusing on getting to class without being late, but you cant stop your hands from grabbing your phone out and typing into your notes of the list of sweet-ish moments you've had with chris. because whenever they happen, they're rare and typically dont last long—and the log you keep has a brief description of what happened during that moment just to kinda have.

you immediately file last night as number one, being your new favorite. its rare to see chris not act like his usual bitchy self, and its even more rare to have seen him as quiet as last night. you know he's probably forgotten about it, or will forget about it, just like he's done so with every other time.

—

trashy, boring ending im sorry

@conspiracy-ash @sturniolosfavkayleigh @lvrsturniolo @st7rnioioss @meatballlover10 @ashlishes @ferdzom @55sturn @chriseatingmeoutin4k @unknvhx @mattslolita @chaossturns @slut4brunettes @starclinexo @slvtf0rchr1s @itsmaddielouis @slut4chris888

©eph3merall 2024

[swrkn]

hellooo dear, can you do relationship hcs with hyuk? pretty please thank you 💗

𝐒𝐅𝐖 𝐇𝐄��𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍

Hyuk x g/n reader

Genre ; sfw , fluff

Author note ; hii , of course i can ! Don’t hesitate to ask me more characters to do headcanons for ! Those are my personal headcanons so please don’t be mean if you don’t share my opinions ! My request are open

⇨ Quiet Moments

As we all know, Hyuk cherishes quiet, intimate moments. Sitting in comfortable silence, stargazing after a long ride, or simply leaning on each other while watching a movie are his favorite ways to unwind with you.

After a long day of riding, you both find a secluded spot in the park. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the horizon. You lie down on the grass, staring up at the stars as they begin to appear. Hyuk lies beside you, one arm behind his head, the other resting near yours. Neither of you speaks; the silence is comfortable, filled only with the distant sounds of crickets and the soft rustle of leaves. After a while, Hyuk shifts slightly and gently takes your hand, intertwining your fingers. "This is nice," he murmurs softly, his voice barely above a whisper. You smile, squeezing his hand in agreement.

⇨ Acts of Service

Hyuk shows his affection through actions rather than words. He'll quietly fix your bike, bring you snacks during study sessions, or make sure you're hydrated during rides.

One evening, you're struggling to get your bike in top shape before an important ride. You mention in passing that the brakes feel a bit loose and the gears are sticking, but you don't have time to fix it yourself. The next morning, you find your bike perfectly tuned up, running smoother than ever.Later, when you ask Hyuk about it, he shrugs, not making a big deal out of it. "I had some time, so I worked on it," he says simply, but there's a slight blush creeping up his neck. You grin and thank him, realizing this is just one of the ways he shows he cares.

⇨ Post-Race Care

As his partner, after intense rides, you're the one helping him recover— offering water, snacks, and a comforting presence.

After a particularly grueling race, Hyuk slumps onto a bench, breathing heavily. You're right there, handing him water and a towel. "You were incredible out there," you say, wiping some sweat off his forehead.He chuckles weakly. "I feel like I got run over by a truck."You laugh and sit beside him, leaning your head on his shoulder. "Well, you earned some serious rest." He hums in agreement, leaning into you slightly, appreciating your care.

⇨ Physical Affection

He was shy at first, but now that he becomes more physically affectionate. Expect warm hugs after races and casual hand-holding when walking around. At first, Hyuk isn't big on public displays of affection, but over time, he grows more comfortable.

One chilly afternoon, as you both walk through the city, he notices you shivering. Without a word, he slips off his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders. Then, in a rare moment of boldness, he takes your hand and tucks it into his jacket pocket alongside his own. You glance at him in surprise, and he just murmurs, "Your hands are cold." He keeps walking, but his grip on your hand stays firm and warm.

⇨ Subtle but Sweet

He's not the type for grand romantic gestures, but he'll surprise you with little things, like leaving a note in your bag or randomly showing up with your favorite drink.

One day, after a particularly stressful week, you open your bag to find a small, folded note. It simply reads: “You've been doing great. Don't forget to take care of yourself”. It's signed with Hyuk's initials, and you can't help but smile. Later, when you mention it, Hyuk tries to brush it off. "It's not a big deal," he says, but you can tell from the way he avoids your eyes and the slight upward twitch of his lips that he's glad you liked it.

⇨ Your Biggest Fan

Even if Hyuk downplays his tricks, it's clear he loves seeing you excited. He secretly lives for the moments when your eyes light up, and you cheer him on. Every time he nails a new trick, the first person he wants to show is you. Your encouragement fuels his confidence, and he's always thinking about how to outdo himself next time.

You're watching Hyuk practice when he suddenly says, "I've been working on something new." Intrigued, you nod. "Show me." He takes off down a slope, building speed before hitting a ramp. With perfect timing, he launches into a 360 spin, landing flawlessly. You jump up, clapping. "That was insane! You've gotten so good!" He rides back, trying to hide his grin. "It's not a big deal," he says casually, but the proud glint in his eyes shows he's soaking up your praise.

✵

[beefslipper]

Halloween Headcanons (Months early lol)

My last post was such a flop I heard the crickets chirping before I even got on tumblr omg

Since nobody is giving me ideas, I'm just gonna do short n sweet headcanons on one (at least) character from each of the fandoms I'm in... Or at least the ones I can remember. Idk why but I can't wait until spooky month so we're doing Halloween-themed HCs!!!!!! I frickin' love the holidays :D

I won't be using images in my post this time just because I'm like half asleep and I need to yap. (I have no energy and I must yap /ref)

First up, Jason Todd! (Batman)

I think he'd avoid dressing up for trick or treating because his fave is Wonder Woman... Bro's not about to traumatize every child that sees him. However, if he is craving candy hard enough, he'd go in a lazier or goofy costume. You know those unicorn onesies? That's for if he isn't in the mood for ghits and shiggles. An inflatable dinosaur costume is his go-to if he's in a better mood.

I bet he'd have everything planned, too. He knows where all the rich people are and which ones give out the full-sized candy bars or any cool light up toys that make little kids jealous because they have no idea where to find them at.

If he were to go trick or treating with anyone, I think it'd probably be the Batfam as a whole (They don't trust him with not stealing some kid's candy bucket).

Next, Touya Todoroki! (MHA)

This is an AU one where he isn't dying because I don't want him to die (Insert sob emoji).

Since Enji himself is in a wheelchair, he isn't able to push Touya around. He was absolutely devastated by that and begged Natsuo and Fuyumi to take their older brother out to trick or treat since Shoto was with his friends.

Touya would either do a costume to heal his inner child or a lazier one that's comfortable and doesn't irritate his skin. Either way, he's demanding that they go to every house around no matter how long it takes. Any time he gets candy he doesn't like, he asks Natsuo to trade with him LOL

At the end of the night, Enji has to lock away the candy so Touya doesn't scarf it all down and get a stomach ache. He does anyway since it was 'hidden' in the same spot it had always been.

Onto Arlan! (HSR)

My boy doesn't get enough love <3

I think his excitement after hearing about Halloween's existence would be enough to convince the spaceship to set up little stalls for him, Asta, MC, and Peppy to run around to collect candy. He and Asta would probably have matching costumes like ketchup and mustard bottles or pb and j or something cute like that. Or it'd be a three-way deal since Asta would dress Peppy up in some cute little costume.

Arlan would definitely sit on the floor with Asta and MC and trade candies so they each get what they wanted. Asta would have some dog treats for Peppy so they weren't left out :)

At the night's end, Arlan would probably be caught falling asleep, still in costume with a half-eaten candy bar in hand.

Now, Bennett! (Genshin Impact)

He, Razor, Chongyun, and XIngqiu would get together and go out trick or treating. He tried to convince Fischl to go with, but she refused, claiming it was far too childish for someone of her status. That meant "Please bring me back some sweets".

He had a bag specifically for Fischl :)

As the night went on, the boys managed to have good luck. Bennett had never been happier since he was internally horrified of ruining the others' night by only getting raisins, toothbrushes, and apples or having someone's bag rip.

All went well and everyone got a pretty good amount of candy. Even Fischl.

Yap session is done! I kinda wanted to do DMCB stuff or Steven Universe stuff, but my creativity juice ran out. I hope y'all liked this one :D I'll probably do another one when it's actually October. (evaporates I FORGOT JJK oh well)

Have a great day, evening, and/or night everyone :DDDD

[arseniy-arsenicum33]

That wasn't the last session, huh? Well, next is got to be the Finale... While we are waiting, how about some Red Skin models? Most of them are simple recolours... Since I still don't know how to link art pieces directly, I will keep doing the second closest thing, until someone teaches me how to give credit, without bothering actual artists with me pushing sliders around in Hero Forge... Scarlet Pearl model was made by taking inspiration from @applestruda 's "DL Pearl Design" and @heavyhandedhex and their "some Pearlescentmoon outfits!" concept... Also, Death from Puss in Boots was a pose reference... I've got very lucky that Hero Forge already had a moon-shaped sickle... Huge thanks to @tibby-art for his GeminiSlay interpretation that served as a fundament for this model... Oh, and I've found the way to put buns and a flower on Gem's head! The trick is to use broken horns... Horn-tech is gonna revolutionize my modeling... Why is Impulse and Scott in kilts?! He-he, "Gem and the Scots"... *Crickets* Does HumanCleo count as their Red Skin? For me, yes... Here is Etho teaching them the zombie dance... RRRRUUUUAAARRRGGGHHH... Scar and BigB were the most straightforward... But with BigB I've had the most fun, coming up with things he can hold, and every one of them being hysterical in combination with his menacing face...

[sergeifyodorov]

Bitter Brit again:

This post gives some indication of what it’s like to experience cricket. And yes it is better listened to on the radio than watched on tv. In person with a TMS earpiece is best.

https://www.tumblr.com/elodieunderglass/178921341318/my-boyfriend-is-trying-to-explain-cricket-to-me

An area of the outfield is called cows corner. The Test Match Special commentators think umpires should be given electric shocks for walking too slowly. Foakes could be out, bowled by Stokes caught by Woakes. In 2022 you could field an England team with half having a name stating with J - Joe, Jos, Jofra, Jonny, Jimmy, Jamie. Salt and Pepper played against each other. Games will stop for bad light. Test match evening sessions can be extended but morning sessions never start earlier than 10am. There are breaks for lunch and tea. Listeners send in cakes for the commentary team. There are three main formats T20 (3 hours, no tv advert breaks), ODI (all day, but only one day), Test (all day, five days, usually over in four). Bowlers can score hat tricks, batters can be out for a golden duck. Both batting and bowling are offence and defence. It’s a bizarre game.

Also Bradman played during an era of 8 ball overs. Today’s game has 6 ball overs. Like Gretzky, not comparable to the modern era.

I understand most of those words separately but not when you string them together like that. I'm obsessed with this. All sports should be either "fastest to run this distance wins" or this needlessly complicated and full of strange traditions. Love it

(also saw your third anon and :handshake: draw it is)

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Head and Smith smashed hundreds on Day 2 of the Gabba Test. (PC: Debasis Sen) Centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith lit up the Gabba as Australia recovered from 75/3 to close the day at a commanding 405/7. While Head and Smith shone with the bat, Jasprit Bumrah once again stood out for India. The pace spearhead claimed yet another impressive five-wicket haul on Australian soil, sparking a late fightback to keep his team in the contest. Resuming at 28/0, Australia suffered early setbacks as openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja were dismissed cheaply. The pitch, seemingly livelier after yesterday’s rain, posed challenges for the batters, and Bumrah rose to the occasion.  Once again, it was Bumrah who removed both openers. He made both batters play in the corridor of uncertainty around the off-stump, securing the first two breakthroughs for his team. Local boy Marnus Labuschagne, who looked in good touch, had an interesting exchange with Mohammed Siraj, after which the Indian pacer switched the bails. The “bail trick” seemed to work, as Labuschagne was dismissed in the very next over. However, after that, whatever India tried for the rest of the day didn’t work well for them. Head and Smith joined forces, surviving a few plays and misses but managing to navigate the early phase successfully. Against Bumrah, Head played a beautiful drive through the covers, a shot that got him going. The southpaw then began finding boundaries at regular intervals, forcing Rohit Sharma to spread the field.  Smith, though not at his fluent best initially, cleverly utilised the in-and-out field placements to rotate the strike effectively. At the other end, Head’s assured presence eased the pressure on Smith, allowing him to settle into his innings. Head soon reached his ninth Test century, while Smith, feeding off the momentum, followed with a well-earned half-century. India urgently needed a wicket to tighten the screws and build sustained pressure, but that effort never came to fruition. The contrast between the two sessions was striking. While the morning session saw runs trickling in at 2.56 runs per over, the afternoon session turned the tide, with Australia scoring at an impressive 4.81 runs per over. India’s bowlers were made to work tirelessly, particularly by their frequent tormentor, Head. Akash Deep managed to keep things relatively tight, but even a class act like Bumrah couldn’t escape Head’s relentless onslaught. Not sure about the Indian bowlers, but Head certainly came prepared to tackle them. The visitors seemed bereft of answers as their plans unraveled. The seamers struggled with consistency, experimenting with varying lengths and lines, which only disrupted their rhythm. The short-ball strategy against Head lacked adequate planning and precise execution. Similarly, the tactic to attack Smith’s stumps and target him for LBW or bowled proved futile. With little assistance from the pitch, the Indian bowlers found it challenging to create any real impact.   As the new ball loomed, Head and Smith shifted gears in the third session, adopting a more aggressive approach to accelerate the scoring. Smith reached his 33rd Test century in no time after the Tea break. While not his most fluent knock, it was a significant milestone, especially considering his recent struggles in red-ball cricket. The Gabba crowd acknowledged the effort with enthusiastic applause. The new ball brought four wickets, including those of Head and Smith, who had put together a solid 241-run partnership. Alex Carey will resume tomorrow on 45, with Mitchell Starc at the crease. This late flurry of wickets provided India with a much-needed lifeline, offering a way back into the game after a challenging and morale-sapping afternoon session with the ball.  The post Head and Smith’s Centuries Put Australia on Top appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Head and Smith smashed hundreds on Day 2 of the Gabba Test. (PC: Debasis Sen) Centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith lit up the Gabba as Australia recovered from 75/3 to close the day at a commanding 405/7. While Head and Smith shone with the bat, Jasprit Bumrah once again stood out for India. The pace spearhead claimed yet another impressive five-wicket haul on Australian soil, sparking a late fightback to keep his team in the contest. Resuming at 28/0, Australia suffered early setbacks as openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja were dismissed cheaply. The pitch, seemingly livelier after yesterday’s rain, posed challenges for the batters, and Bumrah rose to the occasion.  Once again, it was Bumrah who removed both openers. He made both batters play in the corridor of uncertainty around the off-stump, securing the first two breakthroughs for his team. Local boy Marnus Labuschagne, who looked in good touch, had an interesting exchange with Mohammed Siraj, after which the Indian pacer switched the bails. The “bail trick” seemed to work, as Labuschagne was dismissed in the very next over. However, after that, whatever India tried for the rest of the day didn’t work well for them. Head and Smith joined forces, surviving a few plays and misses but managing to navigate the early phase successfully. Against Bumrah, Head played a beautiful drive through the covers, a shot that got him going. The southpaw then began finding boundaries at regular intervals, forcing Rohit Sharma to spread the field.  Smith, though not at his fluent best initially, cleverly utilised the in-and-out field placements to rotate the strike effectively. At the other end, Head’s assured presence eased the pressure on Smith, allowing him to settle into his innings. Head soon reached his ninth Test century, while Smith, feeding off the momentum, followed with a well-earned half-century. India urgently needed a wicket to tighten the screws and build sustained pressure, but that effort never came to fruition. The contrast between the two sessions was striking. While the morning session saw runs trickling in at 2.56 runs per over, the afternoon session turned the tide, with Australia scoring at an impressive 4.81 runs per over. India’s bowlers were made to work tirelessly, particularly by their frequent tormentor, Head. Akash Deep managed to keep things relatively tight, but even a class act like Bumrah couldn’t escape Head’s relentless onslaught. Not sure about the Indian bowlers, but Head certainly came prepared to tackle them. The visitors seemed bereft of answers as their plans unraveled. The seamers struggled with consistency, experimenting with varying lengths and lines, which only disrupted their rhythm. The short-ball strategy against Head lacked adequate planning and precise execution. Similarly, the tactic to attack Smith’s stumps and target him for LBW or bowled proved futile. With little assistance from the pitch, the Indian bowlers found it challenging to create any real impact.   As the new ball loomed, Head and Smith shifted gears in the third session, adopting a more aggressive approach to accelerate the scoring. Smith reached his 33rd Test century in no time after the Tea break. While not his most fluent knock, it was a significant milestone, especially considering his recent struggles in red-ball cricket. The Gabba crowd acknowledged the effort with enthusiastic applause. The new ball brought four wickets, including those of Head and Smith, who had put together a solid 241-run partnership. Alex Carey will resume tomorrow on 45, with Mitchell Starc at the crease. This late flurry of wickets provided India with a much-needed lifeline, offering a way back into the game after a challenging and morale-sapping afternoon session with the ball.  The post Head and Smith’s Centuries Put Australia on Top appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[chocolatewastelandlove]

Maximize Your Game: Tips and Tricks for Using Reddy Anna's Cricket ID in 2024

Official website- https://www.instagram.com/reddyannabook_id/

         Contact us - 999061615   

Introduction to Reddy Anna's Cricket ID platform

Are you ready to elevate your cricket game in 2024? Welcome to the world of Reddy Anna's Cricket ID, where players and coaches unite for unparalleled growth and development. This innovative platform is revolutionizing how cricketers connect, learn, and improve their skills. Whether you're an aspiring all-rounder or a seasoned coach looking to mentor the next generation,  Reddy Anna offers tools that can take your performance from good to great. Dive into this blog post as we explore tips and tricks for maximizing your experience on Reddy Book’s Cricket ID—let’s get started!

Benefits of using Reddy Anna Book Cricket ID for players and coaches

Reddy Anna Book Cricket ID offers a transformative experience for both players and coaches. For athletes, it’s a gateway to personal growth. The platform provides tailored training modules that cater to individual skill levels and learning styles. Coaches benefit significantly too. They can track player progress with detailed analytics, making it easier to design effective strategies. This data-driven approach allows for more targeted coaching sessions. Networking is another key advantage. Players connect with mentors and fellow enthusiasts through the platform, fostering community support and knowledge sharing. Moreover, the accessibility of resources on Reddy Anna Book s Cricket ID means that practice doesn’t stop at the ground. Whether it's fitness tips or technique videos, everything is just a click away. This dual empowerment helps elevate cricket standards across all levels of play while building confidence among participants in their journey toward excellence.

Step-by-step guide on creating a profile on the platform

Creating a profile on Reddy Anna's Cricket ID platform is straightforward. Start by visiting the official website or downloading the app. Once you're there, locate the "Sign Up" button prominently displayed on the homepage. Click it to initiate your registration process. Next, fill in your personal details such as name, age, and location. Make sure these are accurate; they help tailor your experience. Choose a strong password for security purposes. Remember to use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for added protection. After that, upload a clear profile picture showcasing your passion for cricket. This adds a personal touch to your online presence. Review all entered information before hitting “Submit.” A confirmation email will arrive shortly after—verify it to activate your account fully. You're now ready to explore!

Utilizing advanced features such as video analysis and performance tracking

Reddy Anna's Cricket ID offers advanced features like video analysis and performance tracking that can revolutionize your training. These tools allow players to break down their game with precision. With video analysis, you can record your practice sessions or matches. This helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses. Watching yourself play provides valuable insights that traditional feedback often misses. Performance tracking is equally powerful. It gives coaches and players a comprehensive view of progress over time. Metrics such as batting average, bowling speed, and fielding efficiency become easily accessible. By combining these features, Reddy Anna transforms how athletes approach their development. You’ll find it easier to set realistic goals based on data rather than guesses. Using these tools not only enhances skill but also boosts confidence on the pitch. Embrace technology for a smarter way to train!

Success stories from players and coaches who have used Reddy Book Cricket ID

Players and coaches using Reddy Anna's Cricket ID platform have seen remarkable transformations in their game. Take the story of Aakash, a budding cricketer who struggled with his batting technique. After enrolling in Reddy Book, he accessed tailored video analysis that highlighted key areas for improvement. Within weeks, his scores soared. Coaches also share inspiring experiences. Arjun, a local cricket coach, integrated Reddy Anna's tools into his training sessions. The performance tracking features allowed him to monitor players’ progress meticulously and adjust strategies accordingly. Even seasoned professionals are finding value here. Anjali, an experienced player went from being overlooked by selectors to securing her spot on the state team after leveraging insights from her comprehensive profile on  Reddy Book These narratives reflect the platform’s power—it's not just about statistics; it's about real growth and opportunity in cricket careers.

Tips and tricks for maximizing your experience on the platform

To get the most out of Reddy Anna's Cricket ID, start by fully completing your profile. A detailed bio and clear images can make a huge difference. Engage with the community. Commenting on other players’ profiles or sharing insights can lead to valuable connections. Networking is key in sports. Take advantage of video analysis tools. Record your practice sessions and analyze them later. This will help you identify areas for improvement more efficiently. Set realistic goals within the platform’s performance tracking feature. Regularly adjust these as you progress to keep yourself motivated. Don’t forget about feedback! Utilize insights from coaches or peers on your uploaded videos to refine your techniques further. Stay updated with new features rolled out by Reddy Anna Book Cricket ID – they're designed to enhance user experience continuously. Exploring these updates can provide fresh opportunities for growth.

The future of Reddy Anna's Cricket ID and its impact on

The future of Reddy Anna's Cricket ID seems bright and full of potential. As technology evolves, so does the platform’s capability to enhance player development. With advancements in artificial intelligence and data analytics, we can expect more personalized training regimens tailored to individual players’ needs. Imagine a cricket coach receiving real-time feedback on a player's performance during practice sessions. Moreover, increased integration with social media platforms will allow players to showcase their skills globally. This could lead to greater exposure for budding talents seeking opportunities in higher leagues. As Reddy Anna continues its mission to revolutionize cricket training, it may also foster community engagement among coaches and players through interactive features. The impact on grassroots cricket could be significant as aspiring cricketers gain access to resources previously unavailable at their level. This evolution promises an exciting journey for all involved in the game.

Conclusion

Reddy Anna's Cricket ID platform is revolutionizing the way players and coaches approach the game. By harnessing the power of technology, it offers a unique space for players to develop their skills while also allowing coaches to track progress effectively.

With its user-friendly interface, advanced features like video analysis, and success stories showcasing tangible results, it's clear that Reddy Anna Book can be a game-changer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, leveraging this platform can enhance your understanding of cricket dynamics.

The future looks bright for Reddy Anna’s Cricket ID as it continues to evolve. Players who embrace these tools will likely find themselves ahead in their game. Engage with this innovative resource today and step onto the field equipped with insights that could elevate your

[starseedfxofficial]

The Relative Strength Index & British Pound/Japanese Yen: Ninja Tactics to Outsmart the Market   When it comes to trading the British Pound/Japanese Yen (GBP/JPY), we all know the stakes are high. This isn’t your ordinary currency pair—it’s more like that spicy food challenge at your local diner: flavorful, tempting, but bound to leave you feeling the heat if you're not careful. One tool that has helped seasoned traders tame this beast is the Relative Strength Index (RSI). Today, I’m sharing my ninja tactics for trading GBP/JPY with RSI—insider secrets that most traders miss. The Hidden Formula Only Experts Use Let’s kick things off with a secret RSI formula that most traders have never heard of. The key to making RSI work for GBP/JPY isn’t just about knowing when the pair is overbought or oversold—it’s about understanding that this pair often defies textbook conditions. Instead of the usual RSI 70/30 levels, seasoned traders will often use RSI levels of 80/20 for GBP/JPY. Why, you ask? Because GBP/JPY loves extremes like my neighbor’s dog loves barking at 2 AM. It’s not just about identifying standard market reversals, but really diving into when the market is absolutely running on fumes. The secret here? Look for a confluence of RSI hitting 80 or 20 along with a major support or resistance level. This is where the magic happens. If RSI is dipping below 20 but approaching a historical support line, it’s like two old friends meeting—one’s going to give the other a lift, and it’s usually the price bouncing back up. Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It) Here’s the kicker: most traders apply RSI to GBP/JPY without accounting for its volatility. They treat GBP/JPY like a vanilla EUR/USD trade—and that’s like showing up to a water balloon fight in a tuxedo. The volatility of GBP/JPY can be akin to riding a rollercoaster that someone decided to put on turbo mode. So, instead of treating RSI signals as gospel, look at multiple timeframes to get a bigger picture. If RSI on the 15-minute chart looks oversold but the 4-hour RSI still has a ways to go, guess what? The rollercoaster’s still climbing. Here’s where a little humor helps. If you’ve ever accidentally clicked “sell” instead of “buy,” you know that split-second feeling—your heart drops faster than the price on a bad GDP report. Similarly, acting on a single RSI signal without understanding GBP/JPY’s tendency for fake-outs can lead to some cringe-worthy losses. How to Predict Market Moves with Precision Ever wished you could predict market reversals with the accuracy of a weather forecast (on a good day)? Well, with GBP/JPY and RSI, it’s possible to come close. One often-overlooked trick is to pair RSI with price action patterns. For instance, if RSI is approaching 80 and you spot a double top pattern forming, this is often the market whispering in your ear, “Hey, it’s about to turn around.” Another game-changing idea: Use divergence with RSI. I’m talking about situations where RSI is making lower highs while GBP/JPY is making higher highs. It’s like when your friend keeps insisting they’re not tired while yawning through every sentence—there’s something off, and it’s probably about to turn. In trading, this divergence is a clear signal that the momentum is fading, and the market may reverse. The Forgotten Strategy That Outsmarted the Pros One strategy that even seasoned pros often ignore is time of day consideration. GBP/JPY is heavily influenced by the overlapping of the London and Tokyo sessions. Pairing your RSI strategy with the busiest times of the day is like timing your jokes—hit it right, and you’ve got the room laughing; miss the timing, and, well, crickets. When RSI signals come in during these overlapping sessions, they carry extra weight—sort of like eating dessert right after you’ve had your veggies. It’s what makes the move worth taking. The Hidden Patterns That Drive the Market GBP/JPY is known for certain hidden patterns, especially during times of heightened market anxiety. The yen is often considered a “safe-haven” currency, which means it tends to appreciate during times of global uncertainty. Here’s a ninja tactic: when geopolitical news hits, check the RSI for a quick snapshot of market sentiment. If RSI is showing extreme overbought or oversold signals during a news event, it often reveals overreactions. Trading against these emotional spikes can provide some of the best entries—it’s like buying into panic and selling into greed, with RSI giving you that extra confirmation. How to Avoid the Common Pitfalls Now let’s talk about avoiding the pitfalls that can make you feel like you’ve just tried bungee jumping with a loose harness. First, avoid chasing RSI moves. The biggest mistake I see newbies make is thinking that just because RSI is oversold, it’s time to buy right away. RSI can stay oversold for a while, especially in a strongly trending market—like when GBP/JPY is on a tear and all rational analysis goes out the window. You want to wait for confirmation. This could be a candlestick pattern like a hammer forming at a support level or a break above a minor resistance. Another pitfall? Ignoring the bigger picture. If the daily RSI shows a strong trend but you’re basing your trades on the 5-minute RSI, you might as well be wearing blinders. GBP/JPY can be erratic, but when you line up RSI signals across multiple timeframes, it’s like tuning in to multiple channels before deciding which movie to watch—more context means better decisions. Wrap-Up: Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable Trading GBP/JPY with RSI isn’t for the faint of heart, but neither is any great reward. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, embrace the idea of being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Use the RSI not just as a signal, but as a tool to gauge market sentiment—an insider glimpse at what traders are thinking and feeling at any given moment. The real trick is blending the technicals with the human element. Because at the end of the day, markets are driven by people—people who buy shoes they don’t need, or hit sell instead of buy. Learn from them, anticipate their mistakes, and you might just outsmart the pros. So, what are your thoughts on using RSI with GBP/JPY? Have you had any “oops” moments that taught you valuable lessons? Let’s hear about them—because, trust me, we’ve all been there. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[felixgrows]

Alfie and Billy enjoyed guest coach Sam Heazlett at training on Sunday. Organised by Bangalow Cricket club and Perform Cricket they had a big session full of tips and tricks.

[media-geneous1]

Building a Loyal Subscriber Base on YouTube

Building a Loyal Subscriber Base on YouTube

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to build a loyal subscriber base on YouTube. You're sick of posting videos and getting nothing but crickets. So, let’s get real and figure out how you can change that, fast.

Why Aren’t People Subscribing?

First off, you might be wondering: “Why aren't people subscribing to my channel?” Here’s the thing:

Consistency: Are you posting regularly?

Content Quality: Is your content engaging and valuable?

Engagement: Are you interacting with your audience?

These are the basics. Without them, you’re not going to build a loyal subscriber base. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Consistency is Key

Consistency is what separates the amateurs from the pros. People need to know when to expect your content.

Set a Schedule: Pick specific days and times to post. Stick to it.

Batch Filming: Record multiple videos in one go. It saves time and ensures you always have content ready.

Plan Ahead: Use a content calendar. Know what you’re posting weeks in advance.

Step 2: Create High-Quality Content

Quality over quantity. If your content sucks, no one’s subscribing. Here’s how to keep it top-notch:

Niche Down: Focus on a specific topic or niche. Become the go-to expert.

Value-Driven: Always provide value. Teach something, entertain, or solve a problem.

High Production: Invest in good lighting, sound, and editing. Make your videos look professional.

Step 3: Engage with Your Audience

Engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial.

Respond to Comments: Show your audience you care by replying to their comments.

Ask for Feedback: Encourage viewers to leave comments and suggestions.

Live Q&A: Host live sessions to interact directly with your subscribers.

Step 4: Promote Your Channel

Just creating content isn’t enough. You’ve got to promote it.

Social Media: Share your videos on all your social platforms.

Collaborations: Partner with other YouTubers. Tap into their audience.

SEO: Use keywords, tags, and descriptions to make your videos discoverable.

Step 5: Use the Right Tools

You can’t do it all on your own. Here are some tools to help you grow:

TubeBuddy: For keyword research and optimization.

VidIQ: To track your analytics and understand what works.

Canva: For creating eye-catching thumbnails.

FAQs

Q: How often should I post on YouTube?

A: Aim for at least once a week. Consistency is more important than frequency.

Q: What type of content works best on YouTube?

A: Content that provides value, whether it’s educational, entertaining, or solves a problem.

Q: How do I get more views on my videos?

A: Promote your videos on social media, use SEO, and collaborate with other YouTubers.

Q: What if I don’t have a good camera?

A: Start with what you have. Focus on good lighting and clear audio. Upgrade your equipment as you grow.

Keep It Real, Keep It Fresh

Building a loyal subscriber base on YouTube isn’t rocket science, but it does take effort. Be consistent, create quality content, engage with your audience, promote your channel, and use the right tools.

Want more tips and tricks? Check out MediaGeneous.com, an excellent resource for social media services. Other great sites include Social Blade, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social.

Get out there and start building your subscriber base. Keep it real, keep it fresh, and your audience will follow.

[daddynews247]

Ravi Shastri Underlines Fault in the Strategy of Rohit Sharma-led India’s vs. South Africa

When bad light forced early stumps on Day 2 of the 1st Test, South Africa had already taken an 11-run lead with five wickets remaining courtesy of Den Elgar’s classy unbeaten 140.

On Wednesday, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team endured a tough second day in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. When bad light forced early stumps, South Africa had already taken an 11-run lead with five wickets remaining courtesy of Den Elgar’s classy unbeaten 140. Before that, KL Rahul’s 101 had taken India to 245, which many experts felt was a decent enough total. The start of India’s bowling was not bad either, as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Aiden Markram cheaply.

But after that, Dean Elgar and Tony de Zorzi stitched together a great stand as South Africa went to lunch at 49/1. After lunch, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur were given the charge. The two bowled eight overs between them before Jasprit Bumrah was brought on. By then, the score had reached 91/1, with Elgar completing his half-century too.

Former head coach of India, Ravi Shastri, did not like the idea of using Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur right after lunch.

Ravi Shatri, former Indian cricket team coach, said during commentary that, “On any pecking order, these two (Shardul and Prasidh) would have been the last to start the proceedings after lunch.”

He also added, “That’s something that we’ve had a discussion about multiple times when I was the coach. And more often than not, we decided to go with the best two bowlers at the start of the session. If you cast your mind back, India would feel they had missed a massive trick in the first half hour of play. Two bowlers they started with, that tactically was a big mistake.”

[kathyprior4200]

Michael Musical draft

“Alright folks! Give it up for the king of all things bluuueee!”

In the Halo of Humility, a Christian rock concert was taking place that rivaled Gabriel’s entertainment venues. It was at New Jerusalem Stadium in Holy City. Despite Gabriel having fame for communication technology, theme parks and generosity, no one could beat the oldest archangel brother remaining in heaven, who loved to show off his muscular physique and heroic charm. Fans were dressed in blue clothing, blue hats and carried merchandise with gold “M”s on them. Several kids carried harmless toy swords that lit up with blue lights that appeared like flames. Every kind of angel was there: saints, cherubs, elves, seraphim, thrones, and even some Exorcists. More Exorcists posed and stood guard with angelic spears around the stadium like honored veterans.

“Heaven’s number one Archangel, God’s right-hand man himself! Protector of all and slayer of darkness!”

There were more cheers from the crowd.

“The Virtue you all love most…Archangel Michael, ruler of Humility…and humanity!”

In a flash of light, Archangel Michael leaped forward and posed on the stage, wearing his signature blue armor, gold shoulder protective armor, gold boots, a gold helmet with red feathers in it and a sheathed sword. Fans swooned over his sleek short blond hair and charming white face that looked very similar to Lucifer. Michael was often called “the obedient counterpart of Lucifer,” by many. In his hands was a red and gold gem-studded electric guitar, with the top part glowing with harmless blue flames. More blue flames ejected from the stage, in the front and off to the sides. His halo was gold and blue and his six wings were sparkly white. His eyes would sometimes shift from blue to gold.

“Hallelujah, Heaven!” he called out, the crowd roaring in response.  Michael’s blue sigil glowed on the red curtains behind him. “Praise the Lord, Jehovah, Yahweh, and all that jazz! Can I get an amen?!”

“Amen, amen!” answered the audience.

“How are all you adherents doing tonight?!”

More cheers and “We love you, Michael!” from the crowd.

“I hope you’re ready for a spectacular show that you’ll remember for the rest of your afterlives!”

“Michael! Michael! Michael!” chanted the crowd.

“Right, I got lots of amazing things planned for you here tonight. But first, how many of you righteous devotees want to be strong heavenly defenders like me someday?”

A chorus of “Yes! Yes!” and “Me, me’s!”

“Well, I’m happy to announce that I will be starting a new training session where all kinds of angels will have the opportunity to show off their skills. Fighting, healing, properly judging sinners, and perhaps some performing! So many amazing events in one…like a triathalon but better!”

More applause from the fans and a triumphant lifitng of spears from the Exorcist guards.

“And just to let you know, even though I’m personally not a fan of the brutal torture methods of general Adam, the session will still be good for those who want some extra self-defense lessons and to see what being a heavenly warrior is all about. It’s about protecting our wonderful realm and showing true justice to mortals and immortals alike. No killing and torture is allowed, of course. The winner will get a chance to train with me for a day and a free protection blessing for their family! (In Heaven and on Earth of course, because due to the current structure of Heaven, there’s not much we can do about saving sinners in Hell yet.)”

A brief silence with cricket chirping.

“But anyway, there’s always room for more esteemed eliminators of evil! The reward is worth the risk. Now, let’s start the show!”

Angels waved their arms and flapped their wings in excitement as more fireworks lit up the dim sky with teal and white sparks.

Michael played his guitar and flew into the air, doing ariel flips and tricks.

(Michael’s song)

0 0 0

“Dad, enough is enough,” Docile sighed as he sat at a dining room table across from his father, Yeshua Cantus. “I don’t understand why you had to come over and vist me.”

“Docile, this is a chance of a lifetime!” Cantus mentioned. The elf had Docile’s same dark teal face, pointed ears, white birthmark and bald head. He wore a golden suit with a teal bowtie and a matching gold top hat. “You can finally do something worthwhile for the community instead of hunting around for mortal strangers. And I’m visiting for brief missionary work. I heard the news and you were close by…”

“E.L.F. saves lives and makes a difference,” Docule protested. “And I got fired from my last Exorcist job, remember? I refuse to kill any innocent sinners ever again.”

“Sinners are never innocent,” Cantus countered. “They chose their fate the moment they decided to turn their backs on God. There is no use in reasoning with them or saving them.”

“That’s why me and my crew go to Earth to try and stop them from making those decisions in the first place.”

“Interfering on Earth too much will get you in trouble,” Cantus said, blue eyes narrowing.

Docile chuckled dryly. “I’m surprised they haven’t caught me yet. I’ve been down there several times and I’m still here in one piece.”

“If you were really smart, you’d want to work for the very best,” he said.

“But elves are considered the worst in terms of status,” Docile remarked. “I’m surprised they are even allowing elves to compete against saints and the more powerful heaven-borns. Have you forgotten that only saints are immortal?”

“So are angels and God.”

“But not us elves! I don’t think I should even try to win that contest!”

Cantus grew tense. “For the sake of what remains of this family, you’d better change up your attitude and go like your legacy depends on it.”

“No one cares! It’s just a show!”

“A show that will have the winner get the attention of Michael himself and the Exorcists. You’ll get your position back.”

“Why should I? All you ever do is teach choir lessons.”

“Because I want you to be able to stay safe from the darkness. I’m old and you’re young.”

“Like age is an excuse in paradise. I know Mom is gone, but I can take care of myself.”

Cantus pulled Docile back down when he tried to leave the table.

“Prove it, then. Prove that you can take on any attack, any threat, any opposition against your race. Show the officals that you will do what it takes to make sure no one has to be banished from this place again.”

“You know, my co-worker Tirred refused to judge sinners and his mother almost threw him into Hell.”

“What?!” Cantus seethed. “Only the Exorcists and God have the authority…”

Docile interrupted. “Also, haven’t you talked to Soother? He can lull denizens to sleep.”

“Which would be cheating. And you are my son, so respect to you brings respect to me.”

“What if I say no to this contest?”

“…I’ll provide more funding for C.H.E.R.U.B.”

A silence.

Docile sighed and relented. “Fine.”

“I expect you to put in effort,” said Cantus. “It’s only for a day. Wouldn’t want your mortal buisness in jepardy in favor of the offical Exorcist organization if you lose, do you? I’ll just talk to Kiva and Camael; they’d love to make it happen.”

Docile bared his teeth, sweat on his forehead. “Camael sends Good News cherubs to Earth all the time. Why is my organization bad in their eyes?”

“Not approved by the Archangels.”

“It counters I.M.P.”

“Who are still out there, running rampant. Your ideals of saving sinners as well…”

“You’re just jealous that I founded my own business and you’re mad because it goes beyond the ‘all sinners are evil’ mentality of Adam and friends.”

“We can’t trust denizens who are not Exorcists nor those not under the guidance of Archangels to go down to Earth…”

“E.L.F. does fine on it’s own, thnak you very much,” Docile folded his arms. “You and Heaven worried we’ll start a rebellion? Hell’s already doing that. I want to stop it as much as you do. But allowing all demons to be killed is not the answer.”

“Exorcists will always be here for reasons not all of us may like. Only God can truly comprehend the matter.”

“More excuses!” Docile scoffed. “You know, Tirred’s family doesn’t sound as bad as you. I don’t want to kill or judge people...and I don’t appreciate having a father spying on me. Just imagine if Hell’s denizens came to Heaven to kill the saints and we were seen as demons! If I could continue my buisness and go to Hell to find Mom…”

Cantus stared hard into his son’s eyes, gripping his shirt. “You will do no such thing!  I misss her, too, but you and Holly Wata are all I have. Stay in Heaven where you belong. Do something worthwhile…Holly already has a good rep with Camael and does important work on Earth. I may be sort of rich, but I cannot afford to lose you.”

“Nice joke,” deadpanned Docile. “You’re just doing this for more praise. Using me after not talking to me for years. You must have brainwashed Holly to think that trying to convert humans is a good idea.”

“If it means they will get into Heaven, then yes.”

“Imposing on their freedom and judging them even before their death!” Docile cried. “We’re just as bad as humans if not worse!”

“To compare our kind with humans and sinners is blasphemy right there!” Cantus reprimanded. “I was hoping some real world experience would get you to see reason.”

Docile sighed, staring briefly at his hands. “E.L.F. is real world experience. Elves would hardly have any recognition without my company. It’s certainly making more difference than singing the same old hymns about God all the time! And why all the manipulation in society?”

“Passive-aggressive…what else do you expect from a holier than thou world? Or any society for that matter.”

“I don’t know. Unconditional acceptance, maybe? Or maybe you’ll admit that Heaven is not perfect after all. Mom wouldn’t be accepting of this…”

“Enough, son!” Cantus’ face darkened. “Win that contest and I’ll give you some unconditional acceptance,” Cantus grinned, letting go of Docile. “Be the mighty Exorcist you were born to be!”

“So unless I win, you’ll make my life a dying heaven by making me change my job just because it doesn’t follow the beaucratic racist ideals of Adam and the majority of Heaven?”

“Pretty much.”

“In your dreams you snot-faced elf a**,” Docile muttered as he walked away.  He breifly looked back at his father and spoke almost in a somber whisper. “I thought you’d be more proud of me.”

[coolarbiterpersona]

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[atozphantomsquadron]

Chapter Fifteen: War Council

August 8th

            I stand proudly at the window of the Ranch house and watch a mini-skirmish taking place in the field outside. Two groups of fighters from the Attack division are facing each other down. One of them is in torn blue t-shirts, given to them by Gabe: this is a strategy session, and they’re supposed to be the SSA, and as such can only use guns and not their powers. The other side is using their powers to the full advantage.

            A few faces I recognize in the crowd. Lydia Dales is using a trick I taught her to take advantage of her power, rushing up behind opponents and covering their faces with her hands, force-feeding them her wine and incapacitating them. Trent Gracin rolls across the field and bowls into a group of “blueshirts,” knocking them all aside. A couple others I remember from their demonstrations, such as Harry Tyner, a sound specialist who vibrates his arms like a cricket’s legs and creates sound wave attacks. By the end of the exercise, the “blueshirt” force is scattered and beaten, and only a couple of the supernatural team have any wear.

            Gabe walks into the center of the field and claps. I can’t exactly hear what he’s telling them, but I’m sure it has something to do with countering the part of the SSA playbook he was showing them.

            My army, now they’re truly becoming one.

            “Alanna?”

            A gentle voice behind me turns my attention away. It’s Mom, looking even better as the days go along. She’s smiling, but I also see she’s holding her uniform I wore through the Inferno, the one that I thought I had destroyed, but now is somehow just as clean as it was the first time I put it on.

            “Kitty tells me you’ve been wearing my uniform for a while.”

            I’m kind of bashful for some reason. “I hope you don’t mind, it was useful for being able to use my wings without ripping holes in shirts.”

            Mom nods kind of sadly. “What about your … other transformations?”

            I sigh deeply. I know it makes her very depressed that I can grow into a dragon now too, but I’m determined to make that curse into a benefit for us all, just like she has. “It works with those too, just like Uncle Cyrus said it worked with yours.”

            She sighs and smiles again. “Good. I’m very glad it still works.” She turns around and starts walking back down the hallway. I can’t resist, I follow her. We wind up at the room that for two years held my comatose father; he’s now sharing it with his wife, which is certainly proper.

            Then I notice Mom taking off her shirt. “Mom, what are you doing?”

            She slips on the uniform top. “Still fits. Amazing.” She turns around toward me. “We need to take a look at your dragon, and see exactly what she’s capable of.”

            I shrug. “I’ve been finding that out myself for a while, actually. I …” I stop myself short because I realize it’s not for my benefit. It’s for hers. “Okay. I’m running out of outfits, though.”

            “Don’t worry.” Mom reaches down by the bed, then tosses me a mass of fabric. “Cyrus has you covered.”

            It’s purple and turquoise blue, and it feels much the same as the uniform. I hold up the top and find that it’s made to the same design as the uniform, but smaller, which means it’ll fit me a bit better than the uniform did.

            Then there’s the final touch. In the same space on the top where Mom’s maiden name is stitched on the uniform is mine. White embroidery forms SHARPE in military block letters.

            “Put that on and meet me outside. We’ll fly.” Mom punctuates her words with a loving smile.

            Oh God, I haven’t flown with Mom in what feels like forever! I rush back down to my room and quickly change into the flight suit. When I emerge, Mom’s already waiting for me at the front door of the house.

            I’m suddenly caught by the way she looks. Sure, she might be in her fifties, but the uniform still fits her, and she still looks as young as ever. If there’s one thing Gerard wasn’t able to do, it was destroy her spirit. I get an image in my mind of Mom and Dad and Uncle Cyrus and Aunt Kitty in their adventuring days, fighting off demons, making life a living hell for anyone who challenged them.

            Now that duty falls to their daughters. Michi and myself.

            “Are you coming?” She sounds giddy, like she’s been wanting to fly with me as much as I have with her.

            “You got it, Mom!” I rush over to her and we both run out the front door. Once we’re at a clearing near the door, Mom waves me aside and closes her eyes, beginning her transformation. This always fascinates me to watch, seeing my mother change from a tall green-skinned woman into a gigantic dragon. Her neck lengthens, her torso bulks up and her limbs become legs with sharp talons. Her wings sprout and grow to immense proportions.

            The dragon stands before me finally, and I can kind of see a smile on her snout.

“Your turn.”

            It is my turn, isn’t it? I do much like Mom did, close my eyes and focus all my concentration on my body. I feel the changes take place, the stretching of sinew and bone and ligament, pulling my proportions out to the extreme that the dragon would display. I feel my tail sprout, pushing its way from my spine; I feel my wings stretching far over me; I feel my neck and my face lengthening. I finally open my eyes when I sense every change is finished.

            I’m eye-to-eye with Mom now. She takes one pacing look-over of my dragon body. I flap my wings, a little bit of showing off on my part. I hear her snuffle as she looks over my dragon’s haunches, my wings, and even my tail, which is a difference from her own body. It would make me self-conscious, but this is Mom we’re talking about. I’d imagine she wants to know what Gerard did to me and how it compares to what he did to her.

            When she seems satisfied, she comes back around to face me. She flaps her wings a couple times, lifts up to her rear haunches, and leaps. A hard downward flap of her wings launches her high into the sky, and she glides over my head.

            Far be it for me to leave her alone up there! I decide I’m going to try her technique for takeoff: I stretch my wings a little bit, then lift up on my rear legs. The tail helps me to stabilize my posture. I might be overthinking it, but I’m trying to coordinate my jump and my flap, as she seemed to do. Finally, I just decide to do it.

            I jump and flap. My body rockets up into the air, just like hers. I begin my swimmer’s stroke wing flaps, and join her in an easy circling glide over the Ranch. At this altitude, we can see the surrounding area where the place is currently parked, such as the Edmonton skyline and the rolling plains of Alberta and Manitoba.

            My gaze winds up fixed on Mom, still gliding in lazy circles. She flaps her wings and ascends, then starts accelerating. I angle myself so that I can pursue her, beginning my regular fast wing pattern. I find that I’m catching up to her very quickly, to the point that I nearly overshoot her, except I slow up at the last minute to fly alongside her. We turn and bank, creating lazy figure-eights in the air, dipping and chasing each other.

            Mom nods toward me, then turns away, opens her maw, and sends a firecast blazing into the afternoon air. Her face turns back toward me.

            She wants to see me do it, too. I flap faster to come alongside her, and then let fly with my own pillar of flames. The range is similar, but mine is a narrower, fine-tuned beam, as opposed to Mom’s, which spreads out and covers a lot of area in a short period of time.

            She seems impressed. She nods at me, then begins a decent down to the ground. I follow her, and together we alight and land in the same clearing from which we started. A moment’s concentration later, we’re both shrinking back down into our human forms, until we’re face-to-face once again, mother and daughter.

            The adrenaline is still high for both of us. We clutch each other tightly.

            “I’m so proud of you, Alanna. It’s a terrible burden, but you’ve done so much and so well …”

            It feels good to receive this praise. “Thanks, Mom.” I snuggle closer into her embrace.

            Our hug is interrupted by a male voice clearing his throat behind us. I turn and see William standing there. “Ladies, Alanna is needed inside. Gabe asked for you.”

            I nod to my fiancé … call me silly, but it’s really nice to think of him that way … but I squeeze Mom’s hand. “We’ll fly again soon, I promise.”

            She smiles kind of sadly. “I know we will, Alanna. When this is over, we’ll glide in skies of glory.”

            That sounds far too ominous. Come on, let’s keep some optimism here!

            I squeeze Mom’s hand one last time before crossing the plain to join William at the door. He takes an arm and wraps it around my waist.

            “So what’s going on?” I ask.

            “I don’t really know. Gabe seems pretty enthused about his strategy session today, and he told us he wants all of us trainers to meet.”

            I nod. “It’s very hard to figure out what he’s thinking most of the time.”

            “Agreed,” William responds with a low voice. “I’ve never met such an enigmatic man in my life.”

            If only you knew the half of it!

            We make our way into the dining room, where all the other trainers are seated around the table. Gabe stands at the head, while Teresa and Aunt Kitty flank him. Michi sits with Teresa while Uncle Cyrus is next to his wife, holding her hand. I don’t think they’ve even let go of them at all when they’re together lately, and considering the stakes I really don’t blame them.

            Gabe motions for me and William to sit down. I take the opposite end of the table from Gabe, and William puts himself to my left side, claiming my hand in his once he sits down.

            “Thank you for joining me here, folks. I’d like an update on your training.” He motions to Teresa. “Let’s start with you.”

            Teresa takes a deep breath. “With the exception of the rescued SSA supernaturals, most of our forces are terribly out of shape. I’m doing my best with them, but I think we’ll be lucky if we don’t have half the force having heart attacks before the SSA even crosses the fence lines.”

            Gabe nods. “Unfortunate, but we need to work with what we’ve got. How much improvement have you seen out of them?”

            “Little victories here and there, but not very much. It’s all about stamina, really, the staying power of our troops leaves something to be desired.”

            “I see.” Gabe turns toward the next trainer. “Michika, what’s the word?”

            “We’ve got a good amount of battle mages, which we can send out for distance attacks and the like, but don’t count on them getting too physical. Most of them can’t take a punch without wilting like one of Mom’s soufflés.”

            “Anyone who’s better in the physical department?”

            “A couple, myself included, but I’d strongly recommend keeping most of them toward the back of the lines.”

            Gabe nods. “I see. Kitty?”

            Aunt Kitty clears her throat. “Most of them are taking well to firearms training. I got a couple real marksmen among the Support team, so I’d like to place them up top as snipers. Small arms is what most of the others are accustomed to, so they’ll stick with the pistols and slingshots.”

            We all get disbelieving looks on our faces. Gabe’s expression barely shivers. “Slingshots? You aren’t serious, are you?”

            “Deadly serious. If it’s good enough for David, it’s for damn sure good enough for our forces.”

            Silence dominates the room, until Gabe breaks it. “Okay then. William, your report please.”

            William squeezes my hand. “Our medics are getting the best that I can give, but too many of them have too little experience with field triage. If we get into an especially brutal fight, they’ll be overwhelmed, and it’ll be a difficult thing to get our side back in fighting shape.”

            “I see.” Gabe presses forward. “Cyrus?”

            “I think the door’s going to be in good hands. I hand-picked the eight highest-skilled members of our force, and gave them the duty of guarding the door. Among the defenders will be myself and Kitty.” Aunt Kitty squeezes his hand as he says this. “I’ve given the other defenders a crash course in Avalon’s importance, and emphasized exactly how vital it is that the SSA not cross through it.”

            “How much of the stakes do they know?”

            “Only as much as I’ve told them, which isn’t very much.”

            Gabe nods. “That brings us to you, Alanna, what have you to report?”

            It’s my turn to clutch to William’s hand tightly. “I’ve been giving some of our forces some alternative means of using their powers, which they’re taking to pretty easily. I think you saw a couple of those options in your scrimmage today, Gabe.”

            “Yes, I did notice some interesting things going on.”

            “Many of the latents are starting to fully realize their powers, so we should have a fully supernatural force by the time we need it.”

            “And that gets us to the point of this meeting,” Gabe announces. I’m dreading this. “Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve done well in the short period of time you’ve had thus far, but now things have to accelerate.”

            Worried murmurs circle the table. “Accelerate by how much?” William asks.

            “By a tremendous amount, and here’s why.” Gabe tosses the file on Operation Glass Jaw on the table. “I’ve finished my review of this report and battle plan. It’s very thorough, indeed, right down to the projected location of the Ranch in October.”

            We lean in eagerly, awaiting Gabe’s continuation.

            “Cyrus, please confirm if this is correct. Glass Jaw is set to commence on October 27th, at which time they’ve forecast the Ranch to appear 50 miles east of Boise, Idaho.”

            Uncle Cyrus closes his eyes, thinking it over in his head. His face drops when he answers. “They’re only off by about half a mile, but yes that’s where the Ranch will be on that date.”

            “Wait a minute,” I interrupt. “How do we know for sure? Why would we even be moving in the first place? We’re in Canada, the New Empire can’t touch us.”

            “Normally, I’d agree,” Gabe intones, “but now with the focus on placing pressure on the UN, Canada can’t afford to be defiant toward its neighbor anymore. I’ve heard from reliable sources that SSA troops are headed into Alberta, looking for us.”

            “Because of this,” Uncle Cyrus continues, “I’m setting up a spell which will send the Ranch to random locations around North America at random intervals. This way, we can stay one step ahead of the SSA. Unfortunately, someone’s managed to calculate the randomness of the spell, and figured out a pattern which is pretty accurate.”

            “That’s right,” Gabe confirms. “And as such, we need to accelerate our preparations.” He leans forward on the dining room table. “Ladies, gentlemen, I propose that we move up the schedule of Operation Glass Jaw, and drop in on the SSA early … say, two months early.”

            He can’t be serious! That’s suicide! Everyone around the table launches into an uproar. We’re all pretty much agreed, there’s no way the supernaturals will be battle-ready on that kind of a timeline.

            Teresa stands up to Gabe. “What you’re asking is impossible!”

            “You might think so,” Gabe cautions, “but I don’t. I saw how they’re working together out there today. They have strategy, when they have an able field commander to give it to them. They have ability. They have powers at their disposal. Most of all, they have the will to fight. They know that the stakes are very high, that their very existence depends on winning this battle. I have every confidence in these people that they will pull it together, that they will work for you, and in the end they will defeat the SSA.”

            Somehow Gabe’s assurance is less than satisfying. “Are you absolutely sure about this?”

            Gabe smirks. “Positive. If we do this, victory is ours.”

            He truly believes in this plan of attack. He wants to bring the battle to them, not wait around for them to come to us.

            I think I’d want to do the same thing.

            “Okay, Gabe. You got me.” I stand up at my end of the table. “I’ll get their powers working to the fullest.”

            William rises next to me. “We’ll have the best field hospital we can muster.”

            Michi stands. “Our mages will be ready to go kick some blueshirt ass.”

            Both Uncle Cyrus and Aunt Kitty rise in unison. Aunt Kitty speaks for them both. “You have my guns and Cy’s defenders.”

            Teresa’s face appears bewildered, but finally she stands with us. “Well, I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do my best to make sure nobody drops dead on us.”

            Gabe smiles. “It’s settled, then. One way or another, in nineteen days this conflict ends.”