#despite all the odds and struggles and how tough the journey!

[mirainawen]

hallelujah the lord is good and faithful and merciful even to hapless fools like me

[relastelvanni]

📖 2022

The week leading up to Christmas 2021, I was unwell. I was feeling very fatigued and burnt out as we all were. There wasn’t a lot of sun so I was likely Vitamin D deficient, right? Also I somehow lost 10 lbs between October and December without trying which didn’t match what I was eating - probably stress? Oh, but I feel really thirsty, and I can’t seem to quench it… that’s an odd symptom I can’t explain with burnout. It was that symptom that made me test my fasting blood sugars and sure enough, they were way over into diabetic levels.

🚨

On Hogmanay as I rushed to get my booster before the bells, I also went to the GP as an emergency for my blood test. The results came back and my GP wanted to talk urgently. On Jan 5th I was officially diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and put onto metformin straight away. This began a whirlwind of a year.

On the outside I seemed calm, on the inside I was a ball of emotion, but mostly shame. Shame that after years of warnings this could happen, I had to tell people what had happened. I felt guilt for making people around me worry for my health. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was okay and they didn’t have to worry about me. Maybe not a healthy attitude to take but from the moment I left that Doctor’s surgery and took a 2.5 mile walk home, I decided I was going for remission, end of.

I immediately went on a low carb diet of 130g of carbs a day and stuck to it religiously, I did not break 130g or tried not to. No cheat days, no snacking. Again, perhaps not the healthiest thing to do but I couldn’t bring myself to eat high carbs again. I started walking a lot more, walking three miles home from work in the winter. I went swimming, I got a bike through the cycle to work scheme. But most of all was the diet. It was tough and there were times I felt like crying. But my head told me “I put myself in this situation, you don’t deserve sympathy”. Urgh, silly head.

But despite that negative mindset, the physical side improved quickly. My sugars fell rapidly most importantly and as a by-product, I lost 15 lbs in the first month, followed by another 15 lbs in the second, starting at 255 lbs and ending March around 210.

Now those who know me will know I had no problem with my weight before - I was very happy as a chubby person because I went on a journey over the past few years of learning to love my body, throw off the shame I held against my body and show it off at the beach and the pool etc. So the weight loss for me was such a sudden shift in mindset too. I was back very quickly to a body I had before I learned to love my body… and societal pressure came back. That’s been a struggle this year is loving my new body without need for validation externally.

But in terms of the diabetes, by the end of March, I had my hbA1c checked again… and I was no longer diabetic! I had managed, with the tablets, to get the diabetes into remission. I can’t tell you how proud I am to have got to this point. All the hard work and hardship I put my mental state through was worth the result.

Over the next three months I relaxed the diet a wee bit and let myself eat a little more, but no where near the levels I was at before. My weight finally stabilised at around 180 lbs which is where I’m at now, meaning in total from max weight, I’ve lost 85 lbs in the last year. But more importantly, at the end of June, my HbA1c was still at a non diabetic level, this time without medication.

Since June, my weight has been stable, my sugars are still down, I’ve taken up badminton 2-3 times a week to keep me active physically (and mentally too). I feel fantastic physically and I’m so happy I’ve managed to turn around the diabetes. I still need to work on my mental state and work on some of those troublesome feelings I had at the start of the year as well as others. But aye, long post, but I’m still here, still going. Hopefully 2023 I’ll stay in remission. All the best to everyone 💛

[colnerys]

if not for 90s homophobia i think kira couldve had some truly messy wlw romance arcs like here lemme give some example:

her and jadzia having so many will-they-wont-they moments in s1 and early s2 which eventually leads them to dating before s3 happens or smth.

the whole joran shit happens with dax, life support happens with kira (i think bareil wouldve been her wise bestie with the good kush), and honestly ds9 major canon events happen

which leads to s7 having kira struggle to not kill dukat with her barehands because she knows if she kills him he'll haunt her forever and thats exactly what he wants : to live in her head rent free.

so ezri shows up, theyre awkward for a bit but kira loves dax so they kiss n hookup but kira also knows abt the reassociation taboo and respects how much love jadzia had for her people despite the system fucking over dax.

so she knows how important it is for ezri to find her own identity but shes so drawn to dax ... or is it ezri?? she doesnt know!!

so she makes the hard decision of beginning the rite of separation with ezri and ... i guess j.ezri can happen ??

and kira n dax just shoots longing looks at each other across ops every day until one day kiras sent to cardassia

and if we think about it the amount of stardates thats passed from when she met with damar to when the war on cardassia prime ended was roughly 3 months

kira definintely went in there knowing she could die and that the odds were stacked but she had to fight to live.

so in garaks basement during the down time she had a lot to contemplate about life and reflect. she thinks abt her relationship with jadzia and then ezri

realizing she liked them for different reasons and remembers how jadzia was there for her when she didnt really know who she was after the occupation

me thinking abt how her wanting to see her found family again, see sisko play baseball again, and just to be able to talk to dax one more time giving her the resolve to survive

so kira comes out the other side and the minute dax and her see each other they just leap into each others arms and kiss

its okay bc in the ideal universe jezri at the time realize they arent good fit then and needed time so they stay friends

anyways, they talk for hours n hours n kira really gets to know who ezri was prior to joining

shes smitten but in the "oh shes so awkward like me" way not in the "oh wow shes so together, shes so wise, so smart, so kind, nothing like me" way she felt for jadzia. which tbh reflects a kira self love journey also

anyways she promises to support ezri thru her tough times and all is well

...well u never know its trek

or alternatively:

kira having aliens of the week encounters with wlw / nblw characters

imagine her with natima lang — how messy is THAT?? like shes still in her i hate cardassians phase but like is slowly opening up. and she sees natima and just quietly admires the shit out of her for risking her life for the future and truth

her and grilka finding each other in the gym and sparring and then it becomes a heated affair that leads to kira being the subject of gossip and her blushing profusely for like days

those three cardassian scientists

obviously cannot forget keiko

her and kahn having a moment and it being messy bYE

anyways my point being kira had such potential on that front and still have it be true to her character. narratively it wouldve been interesting to have a character who isnt actively flirting all the time, a character whos entire background is embroiled in sadness, loss, and tragedy to just have love and connection be there for her constantly

[shresablogs]

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Women Fighting Daily Battles

In our everyday lives, we as women face numerous battles, from managing households to pursuing our dreams in the professional world. One of the most remarkable examples of these battles is the journey of standing tall as entrepreneurs among the world’s best. This journey is not just about starting a business; it's about persevering through challenges and fighting against the odds to make it work beautifully.

The Journey of an Entrepreneur

Starting a business is no small feat. It requires vision, determination, and an unwavering spirit. For many women, this journey is even more challenging due to societal expectations and traditional roles. Yet, it is these very challenges that make our successes even more significant.

Fighting Against the Odds

Being successful as an entrepreneur doesn’t necessarily mean immediate success or overnight fame. Success, in this context, is defined by our resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. It means showing up every day, putting in the hard work, and never giving up despite the setbacks.

The ShreSa Spirit

At ShreSa, we embody this spirit of fighting the odds to create something extraordinary. Our journey, much like that of many other women entrepreneurs, is marked by resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We understand the struggles and the triumphs that come with this path, and we celebrate each step forward.

Celebrating Every Victory

Every milestone, no matter how small, is a victory in the entrepreneurial journey. Whether it's securing your first client, launching a new product, or simply surviving the tough days, these moments are worth celebrating. They are a testament to our strength and determination.

Inspiring Others

By sharing our stories and successes, we all inspire other women to take the leap into entrepreneurship. We show that it is possible to build something beautiful despite the challenges. We as ShreSa are also inspired and have taken this big step into the world of entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of a woman entrepreneur is filled with daily battles, but it is also filled with triumphs and beauty. As ShreSa, we are proud to be part of this incredible community of women who are changing the world, one business at a time. Remember, being successful doesn’t always mean having it all figured out from the start. It means having the courage to fight the odds and make it work beautifully.

To all the women out there dreaming of starting their own ventures, we say this: Believe in yourself, embrace the journey, and celebrate every victory along the way. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where women entrepreneurs thrive.

ShreSa: Where Dreams Defy the Odds

[unitedstatesofworld]

Billy Beane: The Maverick Who Changed the Game

In the world of baseball, there are few figures as revolutionary as Billy Beane. You might've heard his name tossed around, especially if you’ve seen the movie "Moneyball." But what makes this man such a game-changer? How did he, against all odds, turn the underdog Oakland Athletics into a formidable team? Let’s dive into the remarkable journey of Billy Beane, the maverick who changed the game.

Early Days: From Player to Pioneer

The Rise of a Baseball Prodigy

Billy Beane wasn’t always a front-office mastermind. Back in the day, he was a highly-touted baseball prodigy. Coming out of high school, he had it all: speed, power, and an impressive throwing arm. Scouts were drooling over him, predicting a stellar career. The New York Mets selected him in the first round of the 1980 MLB Draft, expecting big things.

The Harsh Reality of the Major Leagues

However, things didn’t go as planned. Despite his raw talent, Beane struggled to translate his skills into consistent performance. His career as a player was marred by inconsistencies and unfulfilled potential. He bounced around from team to team, never quite finding his groove. It was a tough pill to swallow, but this experience would later shape his revolutionary approach to team management.

Reinventing the Game: The Birth of Moneyball

A New Frontier: From the Field to the Front Office

After hanging up his cleats, Beane took on a different role within the Oakland Athletics organization. In 1997, he was appointed General Manager. The A’s, a small-market team, were at a severe disadvantage compared to wealthier franchises. They couldn’t afford to chase after big-name players, so Beane had to get creative. And boy, did he.

Embracing Sabermetrics: The Power of Data

Enter sabermetrics, the statistical analysis of baseball data. Traditional scouting focused on traits like speed and power, but Beane, inspired by the work of Bill James and others, saw the potential in overlooked statistics. By focusing on metrics such as on-base percentage and slugging percentage, Beane identified undervalued players who could contribute significantly to the team.

The Moneyball Revolution: Changing the Game

Assembling the Misfits

Armed with his new approach, Beane set out to assemble a team of misfits. These were players other teams had written off, those who didn’t fit the traditional mold. But Beane saw something in them that others didn’t. He knew they had the potential to create magic on the field, even if they didn't look like stars on paper.

Defying Expectations: The 2002 Season

The 2002 season was a turning point. With a fraction of the budget of other teams, the A’s went on an incredible 20-game winning streak, setting a new American League record. They made it to the playoffs, proving that Beane’s unorthodox approach worked. It wasn’t just about luck; it was about leveraging data in a way that had never been done before.

The Impact and Legacy of Billy Beane

Influence Beyond the A’s

Beane’s success didn’t go unnoticed. Other teams began to adopt sabermetrics, realizing that there was a new way to approach the game. Even outside of baseball, industries took note of Beane’s methods. His story became a beacon for innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.

Moneyball: From Book to Blockbuster

Michael Lewis chronicled Beane’s journey in his book "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game," which was later adapted into a film starring Brad Pitt. The movie brought Beane’s revolutionary ideas to a broader audience, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in sports.

Billy Beane’s Philosophy: Lessons Learned

Embrace Change and Innovation

One of the key takeaways from Beane’s story is the importance of embracing change. The baseball world was steeped in tradition, but Beane wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. He showed that innovation could lead to success, even in the most unlikely scenarios.

Look Beyond the Surface

Beane’s approach taught us to look beyond surface-level attributes. By digging deeper into the data, he uncovered hidden gems that others had overlooked. This lesson is applicable in many areas of life: sometimes, the most valuable insights are buried beneath the obvious.

FAQs About Billy Beane and Moneyball

1. What is Moneyball? Moneyball refers to the strategy of using sabermetrics to assemble a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. It’s about finding undervalued players who can contribute to the team’s success.

2. Did Billy Beane invent sabermetrics? No, Beane didn’t invent sabermetrics. The concept was pioneered by individuals like Bill James. However, Beane was one of the first to successfully apply these principles in Major League Baseball.

3. How did Moneyball change baseball? Moneyball introduced a new way of thinking about player evaluation. It emphasized the use of data and statistics over traditional scouting methods, leading to a more analytical approach in the sport.

4. Is Billy Beane still with the Oakland A’s? As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Billy Beane was still part of the Oakland A’s organization, although his role had evolved over the years.

5. What can other industries learn from Billy Beane? Beane’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and challenging conventional wisdom. Industries can learn to leverage data, embrace new ideas, and look beyond traditional metrics to achieve success.

Conclusion

Billy Beane. The journey from a struggling player to a revolutionary general manager is nothing short of inspirational. His innovative approach to baseball has left an indelible mark on the sport, proving that sometimes, thinking outside the box is all it takes to change the game. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, there’s no denying the impact of Beane’s Moneyball philosophy. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that can inspire us all.

Billy Beane didn’t just change baseball; he showed the world that with the right mindset and a bit of ingenuity, you can level any playing field. So next time you hear the name Billy Beane, remember: he’s the maverick who changed the game forever.

[carleyplays]

1300 -- Introducing the Rolfe Family!!

Eleanor (top left), William Jr. (bottom left), William (top middle), Isabella (bottom middle), Henry (top right), and lastly Edith [née Ward].

We started our journey in the year 1300, and things got off to a rough start for the Rolfe family. We had to roll the dice for William, William Jr., and Isabella. Sadly, both William and Isabella rolled less than nine and did not make it. Their deaths left a big gap in the family, but not all was lost.

William Jr., despite the odds, made it through to his teenage years. He now had the heavy task of keeping the Rolfe name alive and strong. His determination would help guide the family through these tough times.

In the middle of the sadness, love still found a way. Henry, the heir, married Edith Ward. Her father wasn’t happy about it. Soon after, Edith became pregnant with their first child. They hoped for a boy to continue the Rolfe family line.

Eleanor, the eldest daughter, took on a different challenge. With her father gone, she spent the year preparing herself for marriage. She knew that finding a good husband could help secure her family’s future. Eleanor worked hard, determined to make the best match possible.

As the year 1300 went by, the Rolfe family faced many challenges but showed great strength. Losing William and Isabella reminded them how fragile life was, but William Jr.'s survival, Henry and Edith’s new family, and Eleanor’s hard work gave them hope. Together, they would find their way through the ups and downs of medieval times.

Stay with us as we follow the Rolfe family through time, watching their struggles and successes, and experiencing history through their eyes. This is just the start of their amazing journey. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the Rolfe family's story!

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I am playing this challenge using both MorbidGamer's rules and Plumbobs of the Past. Check those out if you would like!

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I will also be posting gameplay videos on my YouTube Channel if you would like to check those out. I've had so much fun so far and I'm excited for this playthrough!!

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Should I post their CAS links?

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| next |

[cielomariel]

Finding Inspiration in '3 Idiots': Lessons for Life and Learning

Initially, I thought "3 Idiots" was just another boring, dialogue-heavy film, especially since I prefer action, thriller, and comedy genres. However, watching it with my family proved the old saying to be true: "Don't judge a book by its cover." Once I gave it a chance, this film was a touching, funny, and deeply meaningful story. It quickly became a favorite, and I recommend it to my friends, classmates, and anyone looking for a genuinely good movie.

Summary and Themes

"3 Idiots" is a transformative story about three friends – Farhan, Raju, and Rancho – and their journey through engineering school. Each character brings a unique perspective on the pressures of education and the importance of pursuing one's passions. The film's strength lies in its storytelling, blending humor, emotion, and insightful commentary on the educational system. It addresses serious issues, such as student suicides due to academic pressure, and offers hope through its message of following one's dreams and finding joy in learning.

My Journey as a Struggling Student

When I started college, I was uncertain and anxious about my future. The first semester was manageable as a full-time student. I could dedicate all my time to studying and learning new skills. However, things took a turn in the second semester when my family's financial situation worsened. I had to take up a part-time job to support myself and help out at home.

Balancing work and studies was incredibly challenging. There were days I thought about giving up, feeling like I couldn't handle the pressure. This is where Raju's story resonated deeply with me. His struggles with academic pressure and family expectations mirrored my own. Watching him persevere gave me the strength to keep going despite all odds. I often found myself repeating Rancho's mantra, "All is well," to calm my nerves during stressful times. It was a simple reminder to keep a positive outlook, no matter how tough things got.

Rancho's philosophy, "Pursue excellence, and success will follow; pants down," reminded me that focusing on being the best version of myself would eventually lead to success. Instead of aiming solely at getting high grades, I started concentrating on understanding and enjoying what I was learning. This shift in perspective allowed me to find joy in learning rather than feeling overwhelmed by the end goal of success.

The Power of Friendship

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the movie "3 Idiots" is the friendship between Rancho, Farhan, and Raju. Their bond reminded me of my friends, who have supported me through thick and thin. As Farhan and Raju relied on Rancho, I leaned on my friends during tough times.

There were countless nights when we studied together, shared notes, and encouraged each other. They helped me stay on track academically, but more importantly, they were there for me emotionally. On days when I felt like I was drowning in responsibilities, a simple snack break with my friends or a pep talk was enough to lift my spirits.

Moreover, the movie taught me that taking a different path and facing setbacks is okay. Rancho's wisdom, Farhan's courage to follow his dreams, and Raju's resilience have all been sources of inspiration. These characters showed me that success is not just about academic achievements but also about personal growth and the relationships we build.

Rancho's advice, "Aspire to be inspired," became my guiding principle. It reminded me to seek out inspiration in everyday life, whether through my studies, friendships, or personal experiences. This mindset helped me stay motivated and find meaning in my journey, even when the path seemed uncertain.

[successmatters]

Short Motivational Stories for Athletes: Inspiring Performance and Building Resilience

Are you an athlete seeking inspiration to push your boundaries and achieve greatness? Look no further! In this article, we delve into the realm of motivational stories for athletes, showcasing the power of overcoming challenges, inspiring performances, and building resilience. Join us on this journey as we explore the captivating stories of famous athletes and individuals who triumphed against all odds. Get ready to be motivated and uplifted!

Introduction: Stories Of Athletes Who Never Gave Up

Every athlete encounters self-doubt, disappointments, and challenges. Motivational stories offer hope in difficult times. Hearing about others’ successes and failures can inspire you, whether you’re a professional athlete or an aspiring one.

The Power of Motivational Stories

1. Overcoming Challenges

Motivational stories are a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable nature. They demonstrate how individuals have conquered physical and mental obstacles to reach the pinnacle of their athletic endeavors. These tales remind us that obstacles are part of the journey and can be conquered with patience.

2.Inspiring Performance

Through motivational stories, athletes can witness remarkable performances that have left a lasting impact on the sports world. These stories showcase moments of brilliance, sportsmanship, and sheer determination, inspiring athletes to push their limits and strive for excellence.

3. Building Resilience

Resilience is a crucial trait for athletes, and motivational stories exemplify how resilience can be cultivated. By learning from the experiences of others who have faced adversity head-on, athletes gain insights into coping strategies, mental fortitude, and the importance of bouncing back stronger after failures.

World’s Famous Athletes and Their Stories

Let’s look at some amazing sports legends. Their victories, perseverance, and devotion will inspire you.

1. Michael Jordan: Famous Athletes Who Struggled In School

Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players ever, had several difficulties. His famous comeback from retirement, leading the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive championships, cemented his stature as an icon. Jordan’s narrative teaches athletes persistence and that losses may lead to greater success.

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player ever, had a career full with triumphs and setbacks. His story is about more than his exceptional talent and accomplishment on the court.

As a high school and college basketball player, Jordan showed his talent and drive to succeed. He led North Carolina to an NCAA title and made the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Finals, gaining national notoriety.

Chicago Bulls selected Jordan third overall in 1984. He rapidly became one of the league’s brightest players with his incredible quickness, scoring ability, and competitive fire. Rookie of the Year, he improved each year.

Despite winning many scoring titles and All-Star honors, Jordan had postseason disappointments. In the playoffs, the Detroit Pistons’ tough defense prevented Jordan’s Bulls from reaching the NBA Finals.

Jordan was inspired by these playoff losses to improve. He worked hard to improve his leadership and physical preparedness. Jordan’s passion and dedication made him the Bulls’ leader and the NBA’s face.

Jordan and the Bulls eventually won the NBA Finals in 1991 after beating the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their first title came against Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers. Jordan’s Finals MVP performance started an incredible championship run.

From 1991 to 1993, Jordan and the Bulls won three straight NBA titles. Jordan’s scoring and defense helped the Bulls build a dynasty that enthralled fans worldwide. He motivated his teammates to play better and win.

Jordan shocked the basketball world by retiring in 1993. His retirement created an insurmountable hole. Jordan played baseball with the Chicago White Sox, but soon returned to basketball.

Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 and reclaimed his league-leading status. From 1996 to 1998, he effortlessly led the Bulls to three more titles. Jordan’s remarkable shooting ability, clutch heroics, and tenacious drive to win garnered him six NBA Finals MVP trophies and cemented his reputation.

Michael Jordan’s tale shows the power of endurance, tenacity, and believing that setbacks may lead to greater achievement. Basketball players and sportsmen of other sports were inspired by his ability to overcome hurdles and perform under pressure.

Jordan’s influence went beyond basketball. His charm, intensity, and dogged pursuit of perfection inspired generations of athletes. His tale inspires people to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

2. Usain Bolt: Short Story About An Athlete Who Inspired Me Most

Usain Bolt is a legendary sprinter. Jamaican-born Bolt broke records and won many Olympic gold medals. Fans loved his quickness, charm, and flair. Bolt’s training, drive to greatness, and performance under duress inspire athletes worldwide.

Usain Bolt, the “Fastest Man in the World,” changed athletics forever. Bolt’s speed and charisma made him a global phenomenon.

Bolt found his running prowess early in life. Bolt’s 6'5" height and distinctive physical traits made him stand out. His long strides, rapid acceleration, and maximum speed made him a track force.

in 15, Bolt won the 200 meters in the 2002 World Junior Championships, setting a world junior record. This triumph heralded the advent of a sprinting superstar.

Bolt became famous at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He set world records in the 100 and 200 meters, thrilling the globe. Bolt’s speed, exuberance, and celebrating antics made him a sports icon.

Bolt won more Olympic and World Championships. He defended his 100-, 200-, and 4x100-meter medals at the 2012 London Olympics, cementing his place as the best sprinter ever. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he completed the “Triple-Triple,” winning gold in the same three events for three consecutive Olympics.

Bolt’s career included many world records. His 100- and 200-meter marks of 9.58 and 19.19 seconds remain. Bolt’s ability to constantly perform well and shatter records on the greatest stages showed his attention to training and ability to manage pressure.

Bolt’s influence goes beyond the track. His charm, grin, and playfulness won many followers worldwide. His pre- and post-race routines entertained onlookers.

Bolt inspires all athletes. His success comes from his hard work, dedication, and emphasis on progress. Bolt has always stressed the value of humility and gratitude, despite his tremendous successes.

Since retiring in 2017, Bolt has pursued business, philanthropic, and ambassadorial positions. His foundation, which provides educational and athletic opportunities to Jamaican and international youth, inspires future athletes.

Usain Bolt’s legacy as one of the world’s best athletes is not just his speed but also his pleasure, enthusiasm, and inspiration. His success is a credit to skill, hard effort, and self-belief.

3. Serena Williams: Female Athletes Who Changed The World

Serena Williams has ruled tennis for decades. Her strong game, mental tenacity, and extraordinary agility have won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and many more trophies. Williams overcame emotional and professional obstacles throughout her career. Her perseverance, dedication, and love of the game inspire young players.

Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, transformed tennis with her incredible talent, domination, and dedication. Williams and her sister Venus were introduced to tennis by their father, Richard Williams.

Serena showed early talent for the sport. Her agility, strong strokes, and fierce drive propelled her through junior tennis. At 17, she won her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open.

Williams’ strength, aggression, and mental tenacity are unmatched. Her thundering serves, groundstrokes, and lightning-fast speed make her a fearsome opponent on any surface. Her tenacity and dedication set her unique.

Williams has several personal and professional obstacles. She overcame injuries, failures, and off-court distractions. She utilized adversity to push herself farther.

Williams has a staggering number of titles and records. She has 23 Grand Slam singles championships, including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, as of 2021. She also won a career Grand Slam in singles and doubles and was world №1 for 319 weeks.

Williams has also championed women’s empowerment and sports equality. She has promoted gender equality and racial justice through her platform. She inspired future female athletes.

Williams’ tale shows the power of resolve. She never gave up despite injuries, disappointments, and personal issues. Her perseverance and dedication inspire athletes worldwide.

Williams is a mother, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She volunteers for educational and social justice causes. Her beneficial influence goes beyond tennis.

Serena Williams changed tennis and athletics forever. Her skill, competitiveness, and enthusiasm for the game made her a legend. Her tale shows that everything is achievable with tenacity, resilience, and tireless pursuit of ambitions. Serena Williams has influenced a generation of tennis players and sports history.

4. Michael Phelps: Inspirational Athletes Who Overcame Adversity

With 23 gold and 28 total swimming medals, Michael Phelps is the most famous Olympian ever. His skill, intensive training, and constant commitment make him a pool champion. Phelps has freely discussed his mental health difficulties, emphasizing the need for support and well-being. His tale shows that even the best athletes can succeed with drive and persistence.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, has inspired swimmers worldwide. Phelps, born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 30, 1985, began swimming at an early age.

Phelps’ success wasn’t easy. He struggled in and out of the pool throughout his career. His dedication, work ethic, and mental toughness catapulted him to remarkable success.

Phelps made his Olympic debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia, aged 15 years old. He did not win a medal in Sydney, but the experience sparked his future supremacy.

Phelps won six golds and two bronzes at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, demonstrating his versatility. This incredible feat launched his swimming legenddom.

Phelps’ best moment was winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, shattering Mark Spitz’s 1972 record. His Beijing performance showcased his talent, training, and dedication. Phelps’ constant excellent performance under pressure made him one of the greatest athletes ever.

Phelps struggled with mental illness throughout his career. He publicly shared his despair and anxiety, emphasizing the need for mental health care. Phelps encouraged people to overcome mental health stigma and seek treatment.

Phelps returned to the pool for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics after retiring after the 2012 London Olympics. His 28 Olympic medals now include five golds and one silver.

Phelps’ influence goes beyond record-setting. The Michael Phelps Foundation promotes water safety and swimming as a life skill. The charity promotes water safety, physical and mental health, and healthy lifestyles for children.

Phelps’ tale is about perseverance and brilliance. His brilliance, perseverance, and personal triumphs have inspired athletes and people worldwide. Phelps continues to encourage sportsmanship, mental wellness, and swimming beyond the pool.

Michael Phelps’ incredible achievements and honesty about his personal struggles show that even the best sportsmen endure hurdles. His tale shows that perseverance, self-belief, and support work. Phelps’ path inspires athletes and everyone to pursue their objectives, overcome hardship, and take care of themselves.

5. Simone Biles: Female Athletes Who Failed And Then Succeeded

Simone Biles is a gymnastics legend. Biles has won several Olympic golds and world championships due to her strength, accuracy, and athleticism. She overcame challenges and advocated for sport reform to succeed. Biles’ tale pushes athletes to exceed their limitations, accept their individuality, and prioritize mental and physical health.

Simone Biles, has amazed the world with her incredible feats. Biles’ rise to gymnastics greatness from Columbus, Ohio, on March 14, 1997, is a monument to her skill, endurance, and drive.

Biles was athletic and loved gymnastics from childhood. She excelled in competitive gymnastics, doing gravity-defying routines with ease. She was lauded for her strength, flexibility, and accuracy.

Biles broke through at the 2013 World Championships, becoming the first African American woman to win the all-around championship. She dominated gymnastics from then on, making history.

Biles became a legend at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She earned four golds, including the all-around title, and one bronze. Her breathtaking vaults, complicated balancing beam routines, and powerful floor workouts captivated spectators worldwide.

Biles’ success comes from her physical and mental strength. She has freely expressed anxiety and performance pressure throughout her career. She took a vacation from competition in 2018 to focus on her mental health, starting a much-needed dialogue regarding athletes’ mental health.

Biles inspires athletes globally by prioritizing her mental health and advocating for sport transformation. Her courage in speaking out against abuse and demanding responsibility has motivated others to come forward and started crucial dialogues about gymnastics structural improvements and athlete welfare.

Biles’ abilities and ingenuity continue to drive gymnastics forward despite her struggles. She has named new components and techniques after herself, cementing her legacy in the sport.

Biles has inspired people outside of gymnastics. She promotes body positivity, self-acceptance, and uniqueness. She broke prejudices and proved excellence had no limits with her sincerity and resilience.

Simone Biles’ journey is about perseverance and brilliance. Her perseverance inspires athletes worldwide. She has shown the value of prioritizing mental and physical health, fighting for change, and accepting individuality.

Biles’ influence in gymnastics goes beyond her records. She has become a symbol of power, courage, and sincerity, reminding athletes that success is not just medals but also beneficial influence on the world.

Simone Biles’ incredible skill, unrelenting devotion, and passion for change have made her one of our greatest athletes. Her narrative inspires generations of athletes to exceed their limits, embrace their individuality, and prioritize mental and physical health.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo: Athletes Who Were Told They Would Never Make It

Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese footballer, is a world-class player. He has won many trophies for his speed, talent, and goal-scoring. Ronaldo’s success stems from his hard work, training, and self-confidence. His narrative shows how hard effort, dedication, and resilience lead to success.

Cristiano Ronaldo, born February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, is one of the best footballers ever. He reached the top of football thanks to his talent, athleticism, and constant quest of excellence.

Ronaldo had great football talents and a determination to succeed early on. He joined Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy and drew the eye of big clubs’ scouts.

Ronaldo joined Manchester United in the English Premier League in 2003, boosting his career. Ronaldo became a great player under Sir Alex Ferguson. Fans loved his speed, ball handling, and goal-scoring ability.

Ronaldo won three Premier League championships and the UEFA Champions League in six years at Manchester United. He led the goal-scoring charts and excelled under pressure.

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 for a record transfer price. Ronaldo excelled under intense circumstances. He scored almost 450 goals in nine seasons with Real Madrid.

Ronaldo’s four Champions League championships with Real Madrid were unmatched. He scored the club’s most goals and set several records. Ronaldo’s talent, strength, and agility made him unbeatable, impressing fans and opponents.

Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018. He immediately dominated the football world with his goal-scoring and outstanding play. Ronaldo’s move to Juventus cemented his worldwide stature and showed his adaptability.

Ronaldo has been a key player for Portugal. He has won many European Championships and World Cups, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo epitomizes Portuguese football with his leadership, tenacity, and clutch play.

Ronaldo is a philanthropist and humanitarian. He donates to children’s hospitals, cancer research, and disaster assistance. Ronaldo’s charity and desire to improve society make him a role model.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s narrative is one of dedication, discipline, and self-confidence. He reached the summit of football thanks to his hard work, dedication to self-improvement, and drive. Ronaldo’s story reminds prospective sportsmen that success takes hard work, sacrifice, and confidence.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy will live on as he breaks records and defies aging. He has set a standard for individual greatness, professionalism, leadership, and dedication. Ronaldo’s journey shows how hard effort, dedication, and resilience can lead to success in sports and life.

7. Simone Manuel: Female Athletes Who Came From Nothing

Simone Manuel became the first African-American woman to win a swimming gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Manuel broke barriers and inspired a new generation of swimmers. Her tale emphasizes sports representation and defying racial and gender stereotypes. Manuel’s dedication and pioneering spirit inspire athletes everywhere.

Simone Manuel, born in Sugar Land, Texas, is a pioneering American swimmer. Manuel’s 2016 Rio Olympics triumph cemented her position in swimming history and inspired millions.

Manuel was a gifted swimmer from an early age. She faced special hurdles as an African-American swimmer in a sport dominated by other races. Manuel never gave up and defied preconceptions.

Manuel won the 2016 Rio Olympics 100-meter freestyle. She became the first African-American woman to win an individual swimming gold medal after touching the wall simultaneously with Canada’s Penny Oleksiak in a thrilling race. Manuel’s triumph symbolized growth, representation, and shattering barriers.

Manuel’s Olympic victory transcends sports. Her success highlighted swimming’s lack of diversity and spurred discussions about racial equality. Manuel inspired young athletes, especially marginalized ones, to follow their aspirations and confront society.

Manuel’s career is full with accomplishments, including her Olympic triumph. She broke several American and global records and excelled internationally. Manuel’s speed, technique, and fierce competitiveness have made her one of the world’s best swimmers.

Manuel has promoted swimming variety and transformation outside the pool surface. She advocates for more sports possibilities for disadvantaged communities. Manuel is respected among swimmers and non-swimmers for her activism.

Simone Manuel’s tale breaks barriers, challenges preconceptions, and inspires others to dream big. Her historic swims have inspired future swimmers and spurred discussions about inclusion and representation in sports. Manuel’s tenacity, drive, and persistent conviction in her skills show that everything is attainable with hard effort, talent, and purpose.

Simone Manuel’s influence goes beyond swimming. She inspires others to defy expectations, overcome challenges, and make good change. Manuel’s narrative will be remembered for shattering barriers, embracing diversity, and inspiring a new generation of swimmers.

8. Lebron James: Inspirational Athletes Who Overcame Adversity

Basketball superstar LeBron James has great talents, athleticism, and adaptability. He won many NBA championships and MVP awards. James uses his influence to advocate for social change and philanthropy off the court. His narrative shows players’ off-field effect.

Basketball superstar LeBron James, born December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, has changed sports. James is one of the most famous sportsmen of his time due to his talent, leadership, and off-court influence.

James’ early basketball abilities caught the attention of scouts and coaches across. At Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he became one of the nation’s most promising basketball players.

The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted James first overall in 2003. James was a phenom with size, athleticism, basketball IQ, and court vision, despite the pressure to play up to expectations.

James has an amazing resume. He has many NBA titles and NBA Finals MVP awards. James is also a multiple-time regular-season MVP.

LeBron James’ legacy extends beyond the court. He has raised awareness of social concerns, advocated for change, and empowered underprivileged populations. James has worked to improve the world, from fighting racial injustice to promoting education.

Akron’s I PROMISE School launched in 2018. At-risk adolescents and their families get education, support, and resources from the school, which emphasizes mentorship and community participation. James’ I PROMISE School shows his commitment to enduring transformation and empowering the future generation.

James donates beyond schooling. He supports impoverished youngsters, promotes fitness and wellbeing, and addresses crucial societal concerns. His advocacy and leadership have garnered him recognition beyond his basketball fame.

LeBron James has used his platform to make a difference. He has proven that sportsmen may promote social change by raising awareness and motivating others. James’ tale shows that success extends beyond individual achievements and that athletes may change society.

LeBron James’ game-changing legacy goes beyond his numbers. He has shown sportsmen that helping others is as essential as winning titles. LeBron James’ legacy of athletic brilliance, charity, and social advocacy will inspire future players to thrive on and off the court.

Stories of Triumph and Perseverance

Beyond the realm of famous athletes, countless individuals have displayed incredible perseverance and triumphed against all odds. Let’s explore some extraordinary stories that will leave you in awe.

9. Wilma Rudolph: From Polio to Olympic Gold

Wilma Rudolph, an American sprinter, faced a daunting journey from being diagnosed with polio as a child to becoming an Olympic champion. Despite her physical challenges, Rudolph’s unwavering determination led her to win three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, inner strength, and unwavering focus.

Wilma Rudolph, born June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, inspires athletes. Her incredible path from physical difficulties to Olympic winner is a monument to human spirit.

Rudolph contracted polio aged four, weakening her left leg and foot. Recovery took years of physical treatment and dedication. Rudolph refused to allow her illness define her or limit her ambitions.

Rudolph had an early love of running despite her challenges. She pursued competitive athletics with family backing. Rudolph’s speed and athleticism made her a local track and field star.

Rudolph’s skill captivated the sports world. At 20, she competed in Rome. Rudolph’s fame rose there. She won three sprint golds and became an instant star.

Rudolph’s Olympic victory inspired millions. Her 100-, 200-, and 4x100-meter wins showed her speed and resilience. As an African-American woman, Rudolph broke barriers and inspired future athletes.

Rudolph’s community influence went beyond her sporting achievements. She promoted civil rights and women in sports. Rudolph’s grace, composure, and devotion to her trade inspired ambitious athletes, especially those suffering hardships.

Wilma Rudolph inspires athletes and people worldwide. Her rise from polio-stricken youngster to Olympic winner shows the power of determination and the human spirit. Rudolph’s legacy reminds us that failures are opportunities for growth and success.

Rudolph’s influence goes beyond sports. She has the bravery to overcome obstacles and inspire others. Wilma Rudolph’s tale will live on in sports history as a reminder that anything is possible with drive and resilience.

10. Jim Abbott: Pitching with One Hand

Jim Abbott, a professional baseball player, achieved remarkable success despite being born without a right hand. Through perseverance and hard work, Abbott became a celebrated pitcher in Major League Baseball, even throwing a no-hitter game. His story inspires athletes to embrace their unique abilities and overcome any perceived limitations.

Jim Abbott, born September 19, 1967, in Flint, Michigan, exemplifies determination, endurance, and the human spirit. Abbott became a successful baseball player despite being born without a right hand.

Abbott loved baseball and was a gifted pitcher from childhood. Despite his physical difference, he pursued his ambition of playing at the greatest level. Abbott’s perseverance and talent helped him reach the majors.

Abbott’s college time at Michigan launched his career. As a pitcher, he impressed scouts. The California Angels picked Abbott ninth in the 1988 MLB draft.

Abbott encountered criticism when he debuted in the major leagues in 1989. Abbott’s stellar performances silenced his detractors. He pitched well due to his left-handedness and control.

Abbott’s best game was a no-hitter for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians on September 4, 1993. His amazing achievement cemented his position in baseball history and reminded us that restrictions are frequently self-imposed.

Abbott’s tale touches others who are struggling beyond his athletic achievements. He inspired sportsmen and people worldwide by teaching them that tenacity and refusing to be defined by one’s limits can lead to greatness.

Abbott’s influence went beyond baseball. He promoted disability rights, sports inclusion, and inspiration. His relentless advocacy for disabled athletes has had a lasting influence on sports and society.

Jim Abbott’s experience shows that difficulties don’t define fate. His path from a small child dreaming of playing professional baseball to a major league pitcher shows the infinite potential of the human spirit.

Abbott’s perseverance, unshakable determination, and devotion to perfection encourage athletes of all backgrounds to embrace their unique strengths, go beyond apparent constraints, and achieve success. His tale shows that genuine success is overcoming hardships and becoming stronger.

Jim Abbott transcended sports. He inspires people across generations, making a lasting impression. Abbott’s story shows that everything is achievable with tenacity, enthusiasm, and self-belief.

11. Nick Vujicic: No Limbs, No Limits

Nick Vujicic, born without arms and legs, has become a global motivational speaker, spreading a message of hope and resilience. Despite his physical challenges, Vujicic has participated in various sports, including swimming and golf. His story exemplifies the power of determination, adaptability, and a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles.

Nick Vujicic, born in Melbourne, Australia, on December 4, 1982, is a remarkable person who has inspired millions. Vujicic has overcome tetra-amelia syndrome to inspire others.

Vujicic struggled physically and emotionally from childhood. He felt isolated, depressed, and considered suicide as a child. Vujicic developed inner courage that will mold his life despite these great hurdles.

Vujicic began a spectacular self-discovery and personal growth journey believing life is worth living. He learnt to adapt and find delight in the simplest things through tenacity and faith. Vujicic’s persistence and contagious enthusiasm have inspired millions to overcome their own limits.

Vujicic played golf and swam to find happiness. He questioned social conventions and showed that physical restrictions don’t prevent excellence. Sports showed Vujicic’s enthusiasm and body’s flexibility.

Vujicic’s biggest effect is as a motivational speaker. His passionate teachings of optimism, perseverance, and the power of a positive mentality have captivated audiences in many nations. People from many walks of life admire Vujicic’s deep and genuine connections.

Vujicic speaks on self-acceptance, overcoming hardship, and accepting one’s uniqueness. His remarks motivate others to overcome obstacles, overcome self-doubt, and live a meaningful life.

Vujicic’s influence goes beyond motivational speaking. He founded Life Without Limbs, a nonprofit that empowers disabled people. Vujicic’s nonprofit has helped numerous underprivileged and misunderstood people.

Nick Vujicic’s tale shows human perseverance. His ability to turn personal hardship into optimism and empowerment has encouraged millions to tackle their own obstacles and embrace life’s boundless potential.

Vujicic’s story shows that physical constraints don’t limit potential. Instead, a person’s character is defined by their mental strength, spirit, and desire to overcome life’s hardships.

Nick Vujicic reminds us that life is a gift, and with the correct perspective, we can conquer any problem. His narrative shows that everyone has courage, beauty, and optimism, regardless of their physical conditions.

Lessons Learned from Motivational Stories

Motivational stories offer valuable lessons that athletes can incorporate into their own journeys. Here are some key takeaways from these inspiring narratives:

1. Setting Goals and Believing in Yourself

Athletes must set clear goals and believe in their abilities to achieve them. Motivational stories demonstrate how unwavering self-belief can drive individuals to surpass their limits and accomplish extraordinary feats.

2. Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

Failure is an inevitable part of any athlete’s journey. Motivational stories teach athletes to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Learning from mistakes, adapting strategies, and persevering through setbacks can ultimately lead to triumph.

3. Cultivating Mental Strength

Motivational stories highlight the significance of mental strength in an athlete’s success. From developing resilience to maintaining focus, nurturing a strong and positive mindset is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.

The Impact of Motivational Stories

Motivational stories inspire and uplift sportsmen. These stories inspire people to dream big, work hard, and overcome obstacles. Athletes can gain encouragement from others’ successes, knowing they can overcome any hurdle on their route to success with dedication and tenacity.

Conclusion: Athletes With Inspiring Stories

Athlete motivational tales may inspire, encourage, and fire determination. Athletes can find the power and drive to exceed their limits, achieve their aspirations, and make their imprint in sports by studying the lives of outstanding athletes and others who overcame great difficulties. So use these stories to inspire your own greatness.

FAQs:

Q1: Where can I find more motivational stories for athletes?

Books, internet articles, podcasts, and interviews with exceptional athletes and coaches may inspire athletes. Athletes may also find motivational stories on specific platforms and websites.

Q2: How can I use motivational stories to overcome my own challenges as an athlete?

Motivational stories may inspire and guide. Analyze the tactics and mindsets of great athletes in these stories and apply them to your training and thinking. Each path is unique, yet those who have conquered comparable problems may teach you.

Q3: Can motivational stories help me overcome performance anxiety?

Motivational stories help reduce performance anxiety. You may learn coping methods and establish a positive mentality by reading or listening to athletes who have overcome their own fears.

Q4: Are there any documentaries or movies that showcase motivational stories for athletes?

There are several films about motivating athletes. These films show athletes’ struggles and achievements, inspiring them. Find sports-related documentaries and films.

Q5: How can I share my own motivational story with others?

Write a blog article, make a video, or contact sports newspapers or websites to share your encouraging tale. Sharing your successes can encourage others and improve the sports community.

Read More:-

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[elucziersclassicalstorys]

In the world of the samurai, honor and duty are everything. But what happens when those values are constantly tested in a world that seems determined to tear them down? That's the story of Taka, an African American samurai who faces a wild variety of conflicts while upholding his moral principles and values.

Taka was born in a small village in the heart of Africa, but he was always fascinated by the stories of the samurai of Japan. He trained tirelessly in the art of the sword, honing his skills until he was one of the most formidable warriors of his time. But when he arrived in Japan, he found that his skin color was a constant source of prejudice and discrimination.

Despite the constant challenges he faced, Taka never wavered in his commitment to his principles. He fought tirelessly against injustice, whether it was the oppression of the lower classes or the cruelty of the ruling samurai. His skill with the sword was legendary, but it was his unwavering commitment to justice that truly made him a hero.

Throughout his journey, Taka faced a wide variety of conflicts. He battled against corrupt officials who sought to use their power for their own gain, he fought against bandits who terrorized the countryside, and he even faced off against other samurai who were determined to put an end to his quest for justice.

But through it all, Taka remained true to his principles. He never backed down in the face of danger, and he never compromised his values for personal gain. Even when he faced impossible odds, he continued to fight for what he knew was right.

Taka's story is a reminder that no matter how difficult the road may be, it's always worth standing up for what you believe in. His commitment to justice and his unwavering dedication to his principles are an inspiration to us all. So if you're facing a tough challenge or if you're struggling to stay true to your values, remember Taka and the example he set.

[kikixreverie]

Hi- may I ask for an angst-mix with Bucky x reader: she had her share of abusive/toxic relationships in her past, but it was nothing she spoke of, and not now when she had James. It wasnt like she thought she was gonna be triggered again, not by him, any other guy- buy not her Bucky! Some tiny bickering evolved to a large dispute, and before she knew what was happening, she shied away from him, making herself small, awaiting the blow - that never came... And instead she was overcome by shame...

Pasts and Apologies

Bucky x Fem!reader

Word count - 3k

Warnings - Mentions of domestic abuse from ex, some descriptions of abuse, angst, trauma

A/n - Okay I definitely went hard on the angst for this one. I kinda just went off on one so not so much bickering and more just a full blown argument but I've been feeling kinda angsty lately so I kinda accidentally made this darker than I expected. Please read the warnings and do not read if you think this could trigger you.

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Love had not been kind to you before Bucky. Every decent memory of your ex was clouded with uncertainty, you would walk on eggshells around him, terrified that saying the wrong thing would set him off and you'd be calling Sam again, sobbing down the phone, cradling another bruise at the hands of your 'partner'.

You were together for years, devoted to and unconditionally in love with the man that you had met in high school. Childhood sweethearts.

He always was quick to anger and he wasn't shy about that. He never had any issues with shouting at you when you pissed him off, just as he never had issues with shouting at his mother or younger brother, but at the time, you had always stood up for yourself and defended the poor woman, making him apologise, and he let you, he always let you clean up his messes.

The first few years were spent in ignorant bliss, you constantly ignored the fear that would creep up your spine when he got angry, but you could manage a screaming match or two, you could manage it all because you loved him, you depended on him despite that he wasn't at all dependable.

The arguments were tough, but you never expected it to go further than that, but eventually, it did.

The first time he was physically aggressive was on his 22nd birthday. He had insisted that he spend his birthday with his friends, calling it a guys night, and you were fine with that, you knew how handsy he got when he was with his friends anyway, so you spent the day with him instead, making sure to keep him happy and spoilt rotten.

As the night crept on, you had tried to wait up for him to return, just as he had asked, but as it passed 3am you decided that he wouldn't mind you going to bed since you had work the next day, so you crawled into bed and fell asleep, a mistake, at the time, you didn't know you had made.

When he returned half an hour later to see you unconscious, he woke you up with his shouting, angry that you hadn't stayed up for him, convinced that you were ruining his night on purpose. The loud awakening was enough alone to trigger your fight or flight but when he threw the duvet off you and grabbed your ankle so tightly you knew a bruise would form, you were terrified. He dragged you off the bed and pushed you towards the door, telling you to fuck off, and you did, tears streaming down your face as you laid awake on the couch till morning.

It only got worse from there, when he realised that he could hurt you and get away with it, it became his favourite past time, he'd look for reasons to shout at you, make you do things that would piss him off just so he'd have a reason to be cruel.

When Sam started noticing dark bruises on your skin, he was livid, and despite how often you'd try to convince him that it's just clumsiness, Sam knew better.

There were rare days that you would have long conversations with Sam, you'd talk about how you'd lost all your friends and distanced yourself from your family but you didn't blame your abuser, you blamed only yourself, and Sam would beg you to leave him but you'd be sobbing in his arms, telling him that you still loved the man who hurt you, that he didn't really mean to hurt you and you'd feel even more guilt if you ever got him in trouble for it.

It was a long and hard journey, but the moment you told Sam that you wanted out, he was there for you, offering you to stay at his place and helping you call the cops. He gave you all the resources he could possibly find through the VA and set you up with an amazing therapist and eventually you were living in your own place, talking to old friends again, and filing a restraining order against your ex.

It was nearly two years later when you met him. Introduced through Sam, you met the love of your life on a Sunday. He was quiet and focused, with hard eyes scanning the room, looking for escape routes, analysing people's faces.

You smiled gently at him when you met, opting for a small nod in greeting instead of a handshake. You stayed near him for the remainder of the gathering, not pressuring him to speak to you, just sitting in silence. You were drawn to him, his behaviour was so similar to yours.

You knew what it felt like to want to just blend into the corner, to stay unnoticed, you understood the need to know how to escape a room, and you saw the way he hesitantly returned your smile and then struggled to chase his smile away once you had sat down beside him.

You and Bucky soon became each other's rocks, always there for the other on the hard days, days that you would spend just walking or reading together in calm silence. There was no doubt that the two of you loved each other, and after months and months of trying to hide longing glances and blushing cheeks, you finally confessed to each other, and the rest was history. You trusted him like you had never trusted anyone before.

As your relationship progressed, Bucky started to notice some strange things in your behaviour, how you'd always ask his permission for you to go out with friends, how you were always quick to apologise in any situation and distanced yourself from him when he was the slightest bit irritated.

He had tried to ask you about it, but you always changed the subject as soon as it was mentioned, ensuring him that it was nothing to worry about.

To tell the truth, you were embarrassed, you were ashamed that your ex still had this effect on you, and no matter how many times you told yourself that he would never, that your Bucky would never, your brain refused to allow you to believe it and you continued with the odd behaviour that you used as a defence mechanism when in the abusive relationship.

You never spoke out of line, you never asked him where or who he was going out with, and you never let small bickering escalate.

It was only after you had overheard Sam and Bucky in a heated conversation, Sam scolding Buck for being reckless and stupid during a mission, that you had your first argument with him.

You had called Sam while Bucky was at the store, convincing him to tell you what had happened and after a few minutes of guilt-tripping, Sam finally confessed that Bucky had practically ran into open fire, endangering himself in an attempt to shut down a Hydra base, it could've very easily been fatal, and it wasn't the first time something like this had happened.

You knew it was wrong, you knew you should've just asked Bucky about it, but you couldn't help yourself, and you knew that Bucky would've downplayed the whole situation.

When he returned home you were pacing up and down in the living room, chewing the inside of your cheeks and your nails to pieces because you could've lost him, Bucky could've died and he was acting as if it were nothing.

"Doll?" You could hear the worry in his voice as he placed the shopping bags on the kitchen counter and walked over to you, standing in front of you to stop your movement, pulling your hand from your mouth and kissing your knuckles.

It was supposed to calm you, and it almost did, but as his soft lips grazed your hand, and his eyes met yours, your mind kept wandering to the fact that he could've died.

This moment could've never happened, instead, you'd have Sam or Steve at your door, trying to deliver the news of their best friend's death, your lover.

"Honey speak to me" He looked utterly confused, but the look only made you feel angry.

How could he be so reckless?

"I just got off the phone with Sam."

He froze, eyebrows furrowing and taking a step away from you, waiting for you to explain.

Your gaze didn't move from the floor, trying to even out the anger and worry rushing through you, settling like a heavy rock in your stomach.

"He told me about the missions, about how you've been acting."

"What do you mean, how I've been acting?" He scoffed, sounding offended, and you sighed.

"How reckless you've been acting. Sam said that Tony's considering pulling you out of missions! How many times have you endangered yourself like this? How many times is it gonna take for you to realise that you could fucking die out there, James."

Your voice was stern, and the tone felt foreign against your tongue. Bucky's kept his face hard, refusing to show any emotion, but you could see the way his jaw clenched harshly, eyes glued to the corner of the room, ignoring your fiery glare.

"Were you ever going to tell me? I thought that all the injuries you got were fairly normal for the jobs you do, but when I hear that you run into open fire, that you make decisions on your own before talking to your team, that you've gotten fucking stabbed in the past, and you never told me, how do you expect me to react?"

He sighed heavily through his nose, jaw ticking in annoyance towards his friend, angry that he had told you even though it wasn't his place.

"I told him not to tell you." His voice was gruff, the words spoken harshly under his breath and you felt your anger flair again.

"What and you think that's okay?!"

His gaze shot to yours, looking at you incredulously.

"Bucky we're partners! You're supposed to tell me this shit, you're supposed to tell me when you've nearly died on a mission, you're supposed to trust me."

"You think I don't trust you?!" His voice was slightly raised and you felt your annoyance spike, "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry."

"Of course I'm gonna worry, James. This is a big deal, I can't believe you've been getting seriously injured and not telling me."

"Well, I don't think it's that big of a deal, Sam shouldn't have fucking told you. This wouldn't be happening if he had just kept his mouth shut, but no! Of course not!" Bucky's eyebrows were drawn in tight with annoyance, wishing you'd just drop the subject, "I'm not stupid, I know what I'm doing."

"What the hell do you mean 'You know what you're doing?' You know that you're not supposed to endanger yourself to complete a mission, yet you do it anyway. I'm glad Sam told me because otherwise, I doubt I'd ever find out!."

"I don't see how what I do on missions is anything to do with you. Sam is exaggerating. I'm fine!"

As Bucky's voice raised, you started to lose focus, flashbacks of your past echoing in your mind and in his annoyance, Bucky didn't notice the way your eyes had gone distant, losing sight of the man in front of you, the man you loved, and forming the image of the man you still see in nightmares, the man you're so terrified of seeing in the street that you haven't stepped foot in Queens since leaving him.

You could almost feel the sting of his palm against your cheek, the burn of his hand, tight around your wrist, and you tried to remind yourself that it wasn't real. It had been months since you'd had an episode, and your steps to control them were hard to find with the false image of your abuser so clear in front of you.

"Are you even listening to me?" The statement dragged you back to reality and you felt yourself calm when your eyes focused in on Bucky, reminding yourself that your ex wasn't here, that Bucky wasn't like that, he would never, but as he raised his arm to push his hair out of his face, everything flew out the window and in the moment, you were 21 again and you were sure he was going to hit you, your exes face flashing behind your eyes again.

You flinched, a gasp falling from your lips as your eyes squeezed shut and your head ducked down, breathing heavily through your nose as you awaited the hit.

Time slowed.

Bucky froze completely, his eyes wide and frantic as he quickly stumbled away from you, shaking his head as self-hatred ran through his veins, disgusted at himself for making you think even in the slightest, that he would ever hurt you.

"Doll?" He sounded absolutely broken.

Your head shot up, panic flooding through you when you realised what you had done and pain replacing the feeling when you saw the agony on Bucky's face.

"Y/n, I- I would never-" He kept his voice at a pained whisper, not wanting to scare you further as he stayed at a distance.

You collapsed to the floor, sitting on your knees as the weight of the situation pulled you down. Your hands raised to cover your mouth as a sob threatened to tear through you, so fucking ashamed of what had just happened, so fucking ashamed that your ex had done this to you, and you had let him for so long, ashamed that he still haunted you.

"Babydoll I-" He struggled to find the words, terrified that he had just lost you, wanting to reach out and hold you but scared shitless of hurting you more than he already had, "I don't know what- I'm so fucking sorry y/n, I can't- I can't even fathom the thought of-"

His voice trailed off, unable to even say the words and you felt your guilt tenfold.

"N-No Bucky, I'm sorry I thought-" You struggled to speak through your crying, hot tears flowing down your cheeks as you rocked yourself gently in an attempt to self-soothe.

"Why are you apologising honey? This is on me, this is-"

"No, it isn't, I promise Buck this isn't you, it's.." You couldn't get the words out, you couldn't tell him, "Just come here, please."

You wanted him to wrap his arms around you, you needed him to know that it wasn't him, you know the way his mind works and you knew that by now he would already be drowning in guilt and self-hatred.

"I don't think that I should. I don't want to hurt you, I can't- I can't hurt you" You smiled at him gently through your tears and your chin wobbled as you saw the tears running down his cheeks too.

"It's okay. I'm okay Bucky, I just- I-I need you over here, I need you - I need you to touch me. I need you."

He was over in an instant, falling to the floor beside you and letting out a huge sigh of relief when you instantly wrapped yourself around him, tucking your head into the crook of his neck and crawling into his lap, needing to be as close to him as possible, to rid the memories of the pain, to remind yourself that his touch is good, his touch is safe.

Arms enveloped you and he held you as tight as possible, the both of you crying.

After the two of you had calmed down and a comfortable silence enveloped you, Bucky knew he would have to break it.

"Why did you think that I would hit you?" He asked, his voice tentative and gentle and you sighed, knowing that it was time for you to tell him.

"I didn't, I don't, I promise."

You lifted your head from his shoulder but still stayed on his lap, instead, resting your forehead against his.

"Then why-?"

"I thought I was better, I-I thought it was all over but I just- I lost myself again. Everything got all foggy and I lost where I was and I just, I thought I was there but-" The floodgates opened again and you knew that Bucky had no clue what you were talking about but the words just kept coming.

Bucky's eyebrows were furrowed tightly and when your vague, confusing explanation only made his worry grow, he felt himself pulling you even tighter against him.

"Doll, Did someone hurt you? Is that why you're always walking on eggshells around me? Is that what the nightmares are about?" He struggled against the words, not wanting to say them because he didn't want to believe them and he watched in agony as you swallowed hard and nodded slowly, your hands coming to rest on the back of his neck as you continued to hold your forehead against his.

He refused to let his anger show, he wouldn't do that to you, especially with you so fragile, but he couldn't hide the pained shaky breath he let out at your confession, "Fuck, I'm so sorry. God, I'm so sorry that that happened to you. Was it your ex? Did he hurt you?"

You nodded again, doing your breathing exercises, and calming yourself so that you could explain your situation fully to your partner.

"I should've told you, I know, I just, I'm so angry that I'm still like this, I just wish it would all go away and I could forget about what he did. I thought I was better. I can't stand that I'm still so haunted by that asshole" Bucky nodded along as you spoke, brushing his fingers up and down your back to help calm you.

"It's okay, Doll. Things like that don't just go away. Believe me, I wish they did too, but things will get better, I promise you that. Thank you for telling me."

You scoffed in self-deprecation, "I should've told you ages ago."

"That doesn't matter, you've told me now, and I'm sure it wasn't easy, so thank you for sharing" His voice was so gentle, his hands caressing your back almost making you feel sleepy.

"And Buck?" He hummed in response, letting you know that he was listening, "About the mission thing, I'm just worried about you. I can't lose you, I need you, and I need you alive."

A gentle smile lifted his frown and he nodded in understanding, feeling bad for getting mad in the first place, and you leaned back, looking down at him, your hands playing with his hair.

"I know. I'm sorry for being an idiot, It's just so hard to look at them and remember what they did to me and know what they've done to so many innocent people and I just lose it, all rationality out the window" You nodded at him, understanding how painful some of the missions must be.

"I'm sorry I got so upset with you, and I'm sorry I went to Sam instead of talking to you. Don't be mad at him, I kinda forced him to tell me" You gave him a sheepish look and he breathed out a small laugh, his nose crinkling like you always loved.

"It's okay doll, I'm sorry for being so careless and hiding the stuff about the missions, I promise I'll be more careful, I gotta make sure I always come home to my sweet girl. And don't worry about Sam, you deserved to know and I know what you're like."

You tutted at him and he smiled in response, the adorable, loving look on his face making you pull him into the sweetest, softest kiss which he instantly returned.

After sitting together in each others embrace for a while, the yawns eventually started. You were both positively exhausted from all the emotions you had both just experienced so Bucky wrapped your legs around his waist and lifted you both from the floor, discarding the groceries still left in bags in the kitchen and carrying you to bed, holding you as close as physically possible as you both drifted off to sleep.

[miracleeye]

My Pokemon TCG Divination Deck w/expl.

Bored as shit and wanted to stretch my symbology muscles. Here’s what I’ve got, with explanations.

Feel free to take inspo.

It’s listed alphabetically. I used my intuition, mixed with the canonical facts of the certain Pokemon, as well as the card art & gameplay mechanic. Cards meanings can be dependent on other cards in the same reading.

Subject to change and alteration.

A lot of these come from similar packs, because my offline friend bought me a “Build & Battle” Celestial Storm set, which I liked a lot of the art from. He also got me one of those random resell packs, with the various cards.

This has been in the works since August 19th, 2022. The most recent update was September 13th, 2022.

Added sleeves August 21st, 2022. Easier to shuffle. Better readings. Cards are protected.

-

Bill’s Maintenance - Trainer - Supporter Celestial Storm, 126/128, Uncommon

This card represents work that needs to be done.

Cinccino Crimson Invasion, 86/111, Uncommon

This card represents luxury, rest, and peace.

Clamperl Celestial Storm, 41/168, Common

This card represents something inside of the person or situation. Much like Clamperl makes pearls that are hidden behind it’s tough shell, whatever or whoever is being discussed has something good hidden inside.

Dusclops Burning Shadows, 52/147, Uncommon

This is one of my favorite cards in the entire TCG ever.

It’s the equivalent of the Fool from Tarot. New beginnings, curiosity, the start of a journey, searching for purpose.

Luvdisc Great Encounters, 77/106, Common, Added Aug 30 2022

This card represents love, typically romantic.

Machop Guardians Rising, 63/145, Common

This card represents strength, not unlike it’s Tarot counterpart. Machop is the basic stage, not as strong as Machoke or Machamp, but he’s just as determined as his future evolutions.

The art depicts him chopping away from an explosion. I think this represents victory despite adversity, or defeat / triumph over a problem in one’s life.

The card’s only move is “Dynamic Chop”, which I think represents a strategic but still headstrong way forward.

Mawile Celestial Storm, 91/168, Uncommon

Based on the yokai futakuchi-onna, Mawile represents a person or situation that appears one way, but in actuality is completely opposite. It represents someone who is two-faced, or a bad deal or situation.

Metapod Burning Shadows, 2/147, Uncommon

This card is similar to the Hermit from Tarot. It symbolizes a need for patience, introspection, and thought.

Misdreavus Legendary Treasures, 57/113, Common

I love the card art on this one. Multiple Misdreavus singing a cursed song.

I took this card to mean anxieties and fears that seem worse than they are. All bark and no (or not as bad) bite.

Nosepass Guardians Rising, 69/145, Common

This card represents the way forward. Nosepass always point north, without fail. This card means that the way forward is known, direct, or expected.

Plusle Celestial Storm, 53/268, Uncommon

The card’s art has both Plusle and it’s counterpart Minun, which I interpret as a card of balance.

Ralts BREAKthrough, 68/162, Common

This card represents children or the inner child.

Seedot Flashfire, 5/106, Common, Added Aug 21 2022

Seedot represents potential, growth, the beginning of something.

Skiddo BREAKthrough, 16/162, Common, Added Aug 30 2022

Represents travel, movement.

Sneasel Ultra Prism, 73/156, Common

This card can be read two ways:

You need to be sneaky and cunning

Someone is being sneaky and cunning towards you

The text at the bottom talks about how “breeders consider it a scourge and will drive it away or eradicate it”, which I think plays into the second reading.

Spiritomb Ultra Prism, 53/156, Uncommon

This is the equivalent of the Tower from Tarot. It represents something bad or meddlesome.

It could also represent a struggle to move on from the past, especially trauma or guilt. Spiritomb are evil spirits that have been bound to an odd keystone, so your trauma, guilt, or pain might be bound to you.

Underground Expedition - Trainer - Supporter Celestial Storm, 150/168, Uncommon

This card represents something unseen, something deep inside, or something under the surface. It tells you to look closer, or reevaluate things.

Zubat Generations, 30/83, Common

Zubat has the (not quite warranted) reputation of being an “annoying” Pokemon, and that’s what I took inspiration from here.

This card represents a constant annoyance, a frequent issue that keeps rearing it’s ugly head.

-

Wanted: Smeargle (creativity), Meowth/etc (finances), Shedinja (change), Yamask (Identity)

-

Thanks for reading. Lemme know what you think.

[urstruly-ghst]

Hc of (if its ok) where dorm leaders' s/o suddenly runs and hides behind them, they were running away from a person who they accidentally spilled water ? And they are just- really scared maybe crying (idk) ? And how would the boys react to someone trying to hurt their lover ??? Thank you !

fight or flight, i choose flight. also, if someone intimidates you, in any sort of way, that you know is wrong. tell someone who can deal the problem sufficiently. anD huhu sorry this took so long to makeee

riddle rosehearts

You were drinking water on the go, you just got back from a mission that Crowley sent you on and you really wanted a break. Catch a break and probably rest on your now comfortable bed (Crowley finally invested money on you).

But you had a very important meeting with Riddle, and heavens know how scary it is to be late on a meeting with Riddle. So, you really rushed to go into the Mirror that leads to Heartslabyul.

However, accidents happen almost everywhere, chaos can reign even in the most peaceful of places. By that, you accidentally spilled a butt load of water on a Heartslabyul student, sadly, it wasn't the one you were very close with.

It was the same dude who you kind of aggravated by breaking a certain egg on the carbonara. He was scared to approach you at first, after all, you were with a certain ex-delinquent, and how you are a lover of a certain Red Tyrant. But now you're alone.

He cracked open his eyes, moving his fringe to reveal a stare that was terrifying to say the least. But as soon as he focused his vision on your form, his eyes widened with familiarity. He knows you too well.

At first, you tried to apologise, but he chuckled meanly, knowing you're all alone on this one.

The delinquent cracked his fists and smiled meanly to you, no words were spoken, but you can tell the longer you stayed— the beating of you would be brutal.

Tears sprang and soon you screamed, running in a random direction, trying to get away from the student. You were scared, that man looked like he was ready to bring hell.

Luckily for you, someone heard your scream, that someone is your beloved— Riddle. Riddle was absolutely on the edge when you didn't appear. About to scold you actually.

But he heard your scream, he knows your voice! He whipped his head over to the sound, but what happened was too fast.

You slipped behind him, holding his cape, crying and pleading that Riddle has to help you.

Riddle, being Riddle, was mad and instantly put his dorm head status to the test. By test, he stood upright, and his firm face on.

Riddle basically tried to assert dominance over the person, and it worked! The delinquent was no longer fuming, but he did have a scared face, he was about to run away again...

Until... "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" was shouted, and the delinquent struggled as he tripped, collar on his neck.

Said delinquent was forced to do more chores and a 3 page long apology addressed to yoj.

leona kingscholar

You planned a date with Leona, and he (somehow) agreed to it. However, prior to your date, you had a small small errand with Crowley.

It was just get a pale of water from the well, found in the Courtyard, you shrugged off the weird ask, money was bound to be their.

Despite the fact you were careful, you slipped and tumbled, causing you to spill the pale of water to the group of bullies that was just lounging on the courtyard.

That was the beginning of the chase.

For someone who lounges a lot, he was somehow on time on your date. Unlike his usual dates with you, he wanted to spice up and give a nice outdoor date.

Ruggie also bugged him to do it, just so he could avoid chores, but also gave him a good reason to. You might need air and some excitement!

However, you're ten minutes late, which is unusual. You planned the date, you ought to be early! But, something was wrong, he can feel it. He feels it in his gut. You could be in trouble!

Leona knows when you are in trouble, he memorized you already. So, he has theories on what may have happened to you, and all seemed not good outcomes.

And, he was right! As you came rushing into the scenic part of your date, disheveled and crying. A pack of bullies hot on your trail, a mocking smile gracing their lips.

Leona, whose partner was his jewel, was ready to defend and kill. You ran towards him, your heavy breathing from the running somewhat calmed down, as he put you behind him.

He bared his fangs, a growl escaping his throat, as he smugly stood proud and tall. He rose an eyebrow to the bullies, which they cowered in.

Leona banished them from both of your sight, and hugging you tightly, asking if they hurt you and why did they do such things.

He made sure some hyena was going to have a bunch of helpers for the chores!

azul ashengrotto

A bad contract case was common for Azul, he had a lot of experience with such bad mouthed people. He made sure you weren’t going to be affected with such bad people, especially he has such a strong love for you

Now, usually after a few words, they become really compliant, if they are a bad and tough nut to crack, Those were the times he sent in the Leech brothers, they deal with the tough customers.

Azul is always safe, he has contracts, the twins and you! However, that sense of security will tumble once a particular customer was being quite the fuss in the Mostro Lounge   

That sense of security was broken down one day, when you came in, rushing with tears streaming on your sad face. Fear was evident in your eyes.

You ducked behind him, asking for protection that only he can provide, which made him scared as he knows he can't fight physically. Truth be told, he was scared as hell.

You see, you made rounds in Mostro Lounge a lot, usually carrying a drink to help with Azul's survey of customers. You checked on whether the customers are storming in or not. In summary, you analyze and people watch.

But one day, whilst drinking a glass of water, you tripped. A moment after your trio, the glass had been emptied and spilled on a very pissed off customer.

The said customer was mad at Azul, he didn't keep the deal, now he wanted revenge on such. When you tripped and spilled water on the (delinquent) customer, he had burst out laughing and started to threaten and make up ideas on how to hurt you

Thus, a wild chase of chaos ensue, many tried to help you— but you didn't want to involve innocent customers. So, you ran to Azul, knowing he probably has something to fix this.

The twins were gone too, so you were alone on this journey of chaos. Your aching feet ran through the dimly lit part of the lounge to meet Azul's office.

Now, bursting through the door of the office doors of Azul, you had a fear driven adrenaline as you rushed behind Azul.

The Twins were there too, Jade helping Azul sort out the contracts and Floyd listing names of potential bad contracts that won't pay up.

Your arrival was unexpected, and it didn't help how you were crying your eyes out to the trio. You babbled on about the delinquent, but the tears and heavy breathing was not helping you form a sentence that one can comprehend.

The delinquent burst in, and the trio was startled at that, but it made you scream and hold onto Azul tighter. The atmosphere felt tense, and everyone knew that something bad is going to happen.

"Jade, Floyd... You know, he seems familiar. Remember him?? Oh, and it seems he made quite a fuss to my angel fish.."

kalim al-asim

It was another party at Sacrabia, the festivities begin with a joy and rowdy crowds. This was the norm for most parts.

However, a bitter look was on one's face, a certain delinquent student from Savanaclaw. He was bitter as the is party happening, no one knew why. But no one dared to approach, after all... His scars and bruised knuckles were signs.

Now, the festivities were starting to get more and more hyped— lots starting to jump and rejoice in such ways that was so rowdy.

You, Kalim's darling, was just jumping and smiling as the party seems to be growing more. You lost track of Kalim a few minutes, he said he was going to get something special for both of you, so he slipped away from the party.

Drinks were serving like crazy, the party making everyone crave sweet or refreshing foods and drinks. That being said, you were now getting pushed by many and many students, causing your glass of water spilling on someone. The delinquent.

You tried to apologise, grabbing your napkin, but the student grunted and glared at you. Everyone kept partying, but some distanced themselves from you. You gulped and decided to run, abandoning your glass of water and trying to find Kalim or Jamil.

You saw Kalim walk down the stairs, and you pushed through the crowd, crying and pleading to get out of the damned way. Kalim saw you and was confused when you rushed behind him, bawling out your eyes.

He then cried too, feeling bad for your suffering, and crying when he realized a big scary guy as coming! Kalim hugged you and shakily promised that he loves you and will protect you.

Jamil was speeding through the crowd when he saw you running, and ran up to face you and Kalim crying your eyes out. He rose a brow, but then he saw the student. He was glaring accusingly at you.

Jamil sighed and decided to take matters in his own hands.

vil schoenheit

How dare someone make his precious darling cry and hide behind him and Rook? How dare a vile creature made you run and cry?

Now, how did all of this happen? You were enjoying a picnic and then a few moments later you were sobbing and crying for help to save you from a delinquent.

The story was simple, you and Vil were enjoying a nice brunch, when all of a sudden Vil had a call to make. It was odd, as usually the calls don't come at his brunch. Vil ignored it, but the persistent calls made him answer. He sighed, asking for forgiveness that an interruption had to be made.

He was gone for a few minutes, a lot of things were going on and it seemed to irritate Vil.

Apparently, the call was an impromptu meeting, and needed Vil's presence ASAP. It was a modelling shoot not too far, where Vil is needed to replace a sick model. And Vil was also the only one near enough, so they really needed Vil's presence.

You told him to go, which was a very hard time, but he allowed to leave you and pack up. He instructed you to not do anything rash while he was gone. Now, while you bid farewell to Vil, a man came up to you.

Delinquent by the looks of it, he had shaggy hair, preposterous clothing choices and a smirk that felt violating.

You tried to send him off, but he kept on persisting on taking you out. As if he wasn't smart enough to know you belonged to a certain blonde Pomefiore dorm leader.

It bugged you off that you threw a glass of water and ran to the Pomefiore dorm, crying as he threaten to kill you on the spot. Rook heard and saw this, and swooped in to rescue you!

Vil also arrived albeit late, but he saw you run up to him, crying and pleading the delinquent to go away.

"Rook, what is this lousy potato doing here? Oh? Hurting my potato, hm?"

"That won't do.. not at all. I'll leave the work to you, Rook. Do tell me what they have to say about this event."

After giving the troublemaker to Rook's hands, he led the way to the dorm; where he leads you to his room to do a makeover and spa day.

Its self care day!

idia shroud

He shouldn't have gone to the outside! Everything bad seems to happen when he steps out of his room!! Idia would not go out on many occasions, but you were a special case. A very special case.

Yet, he didn’t expect for you to cry behind him, with a big delinquent closing in on you with a very bad grin on their face. He trembled at the thought of having to face a bully! 

You guys were supposed to be on a date by now, why of all days where you get in trouble its this!

How did it even come to this? Well, it was simple. You spilled a buttload of water on the delinquent when doing your weird Crowley assigned. He said to water a few bushes and clean some parts of the school. 

You cleaned furiously, scrubbing the dirty moss walls, spraying a bunch of water with the help of Grim and a few ghosts.

The problem? A delinquent bad boy hangs out in a place where water was bound to be splashed, and then an angry chase began.

Idia tried to think of so many video game or anime moves that could intimidate the fast running delinquent. It was amusing, his constant mumbling and the constant sweat made things funnier. Tough, you need to run or distract him so you can avoid getting punched or become a bloody pulp.

"If I use the "LIGHT BEAM LASER" or the “SWEET DEATH!” it could work.. Oh but those muscles look like he has a lot of AP”

The sweet Ortho was also looking for you, he had a s=nice and sweet pep when you started to persuade his big brother more, this calls for a celebration! 

While looking for both of you, he saw the delinquent running towards the area he saw you earlier. The worry bubbled inside Ortho, so he followed and he grew angry at the man who seemed to have every intention to hurt you!

Preparing a light beam, Ortho shouted “Stay away from Onii-chan!”, then a large beam hit the bully, 

malleus draconia

Malleus was strolling around the area of your dorm, just to visit you and update on his life, and new found treasure places you and him can visit, he made mental notes along the way. Whilst strolling, he saw you and when your eyes met, you ran and cried behind him.

Rage bubbled within the young prince, he always had taken good care of you-- making sure you can be comfortable with him, to see you crying and hiding cowering in fear behind him makes him feel of great sorrow and joy.

His rage took over again when he saw a large bully, clearly scowling at you, and Malleus couldn’t hide his rage. He had risen his green flames, with a frown on his face-- clearly upset at the bully.

Before Malleus can burn the bully, you stopped him, pleading him to spare him and that it wasn’t the bully’s fault. You spilled a water bottle on said bully, while rushing to see Grim and his troublemaking friends.

That explanation didn’t help, it spurred him even more to burn the ground and make sure the bully suffers in a bad way-- just for making you cry and making you uncomfortable. That itself was a punishable crime!

In the end, your crying didn’t stop Malleus to at least leave some burns on said bully. 

‘It was only necessary to burn him, leaving a few burns, a few reminders that you are way more important than him. And you value so much to me.” 

[ohgodmyeyes]

hi! I was curious as to what are both your fav and least fav versions of anakin? (like aotc, rots, old force ghost, clone wars, etc)

This is such an exciting question, but I'll try to be succinct instead of long-winded and boring. (My stories are already there for that.) Here's a quick rundown of a few different Anakins, from my most treasured to the one (and only one) I tend to side-eye: 

ROTJ Anakin / Force Ghost Anakin - I'm grouping these guys together, because I love them all for the same reason, and that reason is that they DID it. ROTJ Anakin is the Anakin who finds himself again; who takes responsibility for his family, and a huge step toward atoning for the things he's done. He spends ROTJ slowly changing; we see it in how he regards the Emperor, and the way he regards Luke. The closest thing he’s ever going to do to getting his wife back, realistically, is saving his son and finally openly defying Palpatine. It doesn’t matter that anyone else knows Vader has been rescued from himself, or that he was really a good man all along. Luke knows, and that’s enough; it’s part of why their relationship is so special to me. Luke is the only living person who says a proper goodbye to Anakin: He knew all along that it was worth it to try to know him. That’s beautiful.

His journey isn't finished at this stage, exactly, but his he's in a better place than he's ever been, and I love him for it. He's hope personified, even for the very worst of us.

As an aside— physicality isn't a barrier to any of this; I love him all busted up and dying, I love him as a fully-healed Sebastian Shaw, and as a pretty, young Hayden Christensen.

Padawan Anakin / AOTC Anakin / Jedi Quest Anakin - In second place is a much younger iteration of him— a sad, lonely kid who's easily excitable, and dangerous, somehow, without being at all frightening. He's a mixed-up kid who's had a less-than-ideal upbringing, bound to an ancient prophecy no one knows enough about. He cries out constantly to be held and loved; he's got his heart in his hand, and he's always ready to give it away to the next person who shows him kindness— or who even just needs him. 

He's still so compassionate and well-intentioned at this point in his life, even when it doesn't benefit him. He can be petty and sensitive, although anyone would be, if they had to bear the kind of weight Anakin carries on his own shoulders at that age. His emotions sometimes run amok, but his heart is still so good... and more importantly than that, he knows it. He still has hope, for himself and for others, despite the overwhelming sense of 'otherness' he tends to feel. That's what sets him apart from Vader for me, even though I think AOTC Ani resembles the ultimate, 'suited' Darth Vader a lot more than the Anakin we meet at the beginning of ROTS. 

Plus— although this is fairly irrelevant— AOTC Anakin happens to be Anakin at peak hotness. No damn wig is going to change that, nor is the sad fact of my own rapidly-advancing age. :) 

Little Kid Anakin / TPM Anakin - The sweet baby version of Anakin comes in next for me. The altruism he struggles to hang onto until he finally falls is front-and-centre at this stage. He's tough by necessity (obviously, he's a fucking slave), but he isn't jaded yet— largely owing to his mother. Even when he loses Qui-Gon and gets to the Temple and struggles to integrate, his heart just stays enormous. God knows what he's already been through, but he never stops trying, and there's nothing fake about his confidence at this stage in his life. I love that; I think we could all stand to be a bit more like nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker.

There's an Anakin & Reader story on ao3 by @itohan called 'Kuebiko', and it's a beautiful depiction of what it might be like to be a caregiver for a very young Anakin. It's headed for some pretty sad places, to be sure, but there's a lot of sweetness and lovely (sometimes chilling) little insights into his character that I don't otherwise get to see very often. Anyone else with a soft spot for child Ani should go and read it.

'Classic' Vader, between the end of ROTS and the end of ANH - This is an enormous chunk of time, but again, I think it's more helpful than not if I just group these iterations of him together, at least for the purpose of compiling this list. It's horrific and tragic and a devastating waste of potential, but Anakin really does spend a huge amount of time mired in a thick, dark cloud of grief and anger. He convinces himself of a lot of stupid shit during this period in his life: 'Anakin is dead, I'm fulfilling my destiny, I can get Padmé back, she'd love all this ORDER I'm bringing, blah blah blah'. Every ounce of his extraordinary control is purely surface-level; he's a raging wildfire inside for a longer period of time than I think nearly anyone else could realistically sustain (as in, Kylo Ren was always going to die at 30, and I'm surprised I didn't, too lol).

He's empowered by his shitstain of a 'Master' to hurt and kill people against everything that once made him who he was, and no one can know he suffers for it (or for the loss of his wife, or the family he wishes he could have raised with her). No one can know anything about him; he's a man playing a part who can't ever take off his costume. Everything hurts him, and the only places he can turn to for comfort are the battlefield, and the inside of his own head. He has profound disabilities of every imaginable nature, and receives no more than the most cursory physical maintenance to remedy them. He escapes into his missions, but every one of those is a slight against his own better nature. His personal pursuits don't benefit him either; for basically twenty years of his life, he's living in an emotional storm— it ebbs and flows, but it never lets up, and his entire existence is set up specifically to reward the most despicable of his behaviour.

He doesn't make very many genuine emotional breakthroughs, because he's not allowed— just tricked and lied to and manipulated and taken advantage of, even when he's the one ostensibly in 'control'. His life only starts again when Luke comes into it; again, one more reason their connection is so special to me.

I'm going to go ahead and recommend another Anakin/Reader story by a different author; it's called 'mrfiveohone' by DarthDoritos, and it's on ao3. It's a brilliant exploration of what a strange, budding relationship with a youngish Vader might look like, and just an overall beautiful portrait of escalating intimacy on top of that. Another one I would highly recommend (completion status notwithstanding) is called 'Afterimage', and it is by garnettrees, also on ao3. It's a very dark Vaderdala story that gets right inside Anakin's head in the most wonderful ways. He never stops loving Padmé, and in that, he never truly stops being who he is. 

This is the Vader I (admittedly somewhat dramatically) see the most of myself in. It puts us at-odds sometimes, but my urge to get up underneath that mask and make him feel worthy of his own name is insurmountable. I love him because if I didn't, I'd be in trouble. 

Which brings us to TCW Anakin… who is, perhaps, the only version of Anakin I can honestly say I don't care for. Which is fine, because the show itself really isn't my kind of thing. Suffice to say, that particular depiction of him departs so dramatically from any of the other ones I've known (or listed here) that I just can't get into it, no matter how hard I try. 

I'm going to end this with a shout-out to Lego Anakin! I've never seen a shitty version of Lego Anakin, whether in a cartoon or on my desk at home. :)

Thank you for asking, anon. That was fun to write out!

[punz4lyfe]

Now you've been asked what you do like about him what about the opposite what don't you like about goh?

Aw man, this is gonna hurt.

TL;DR - Goh’s a completely lovable character, but I have three particular issues with him that I feel could become worse if not taken care of properly.

First off, DISCLAIMERS!! To all my fellow Goh fans, please know that writing this, I do not mean any hatred to Goh in anyway. I LOVE Goh, and if you’ve seen literally ANY of my past anipoke posts, you would already know that. These are just issues I find with his character that I want to be changed for the best.

Now with that outta the way, here’s what I don’t like about Goh:

1. His iffy character development. While he’s doing fine in becoming more open to people and more willing to help Pokemon, his fighting skills are what I have trouble with it. Let’s go back to his first ever official battle.

It was at Hoenn’s Frontier Cup where he used Scorbunny and Scyther against a trainer’s Mightyena. Despite having a type advantage with Scyther, he lost horribly, which is completely understandable. He’s a beginner and doesn’t possess the same kind of street smarts and experience Ash and many other trainers have. Alright then, so maybe this will lead to a change in character of wanting to become better in battles by getting some training with Ash, who made quick work of that Mightyena trainer. Surely we’ll get some development over this topic after this episode!

He beats Saffron City’s Karate Master and scores a free Hitmonchan.

...Okaaaay, I mean, we’ve never seen the Karate Master in battle before, so perhaps it was just another fodder trainer the anime is filled of. I sure we’ll get some more Goh development after thi-

He easily defeats and captures a powerful Flygon.

.....Alright, alright, it was only a wild Pokemon. Everyone can beat those, right? Heck, in the next episode, he technically suffers a curbstomp loss against Kiawe and admits he only battles Ash every so often. Perhaps this loss will encourage Goh to train more with Ash so he could become a stronger trainer. I mean, despite his good luck with Pokeballs, he’s gonna need to be as strong as he can be for tougher mons, like Legendaries. I’m 100% sure we’ll get something out of thi-

He takes down a wild Zapdos and NEARLY captures it.

.........Uh, okie dokes, it wasn’t a successful capture, and who knows? Even though we have not seen him battle/train that much on-screen, maybe he just got a little lucky. Even in the games, it happens to the best of us. Perhaps this barely missed victory will finally give Goh the time to actually development more on-screen so that he could have a better chance agai-

He defeats Oleana’s Milotic, using his fire-type Raboot who only wanted to use a weak fire-type move.

..............Allllriiiiight, maybe Oleana just got a little cocky later on. Plus, Raboot finished Milotic by evolving in Cinderace and finishing it off with Pyro Ball. With this powerful evolution in hand, maybe Goh will finally realize that, in order for Cinderace to reach its greatest potential, he must start training for once and obtain some proper development for a chance against stronger threa-

Cinderace fights decently well against Mewtwo, even lasting longer than Pikachu and being on-par with the more trained Lucario.

....................At this point, I’m all out of excuses for him. Overall, Goh’s development as a trainer is very rushed to the point seeing him achieve numerous victories despite all odds being against his favor to be iffy.

2. Slightly touchy topic, but there are some negatives with his whole catching all Pokemon goal. So Goh wants to catch every single mon he can in order to reach up to Mew, as he said to Mewtwo in episode 46. And yes, this includes Legendaries as well. Unfortunately, this is where my issues with his goal starts. First off, where in the world will Goh keep any Legendary he encounters? Cerise’s glorified garden dome? Yeah, keep Dialga and Palkia, literal beings of space and time, inside a glass dome with a bunch of weaker mons. And speaking of which, wouldn’t catching mons like the Creation Trio or the Island Guardians cause quite the upset in, well, y’know, the natural balance of things? Sure, Goh technically hasn’t caught a single Legendary yet (Eternatus doesn’t count because it had to be sealed away), with how the anime is playing out, issues like this will surely rise throughout the series.

And yes, the anime is playing it out for Goh to indeed catch every single mon before reaching Mew. If you pay attention to the openings as well as many of Goh’s own character moments, such as episode 46, then you can easily see the signs telling us that Goh is bound to catch them all, just as Ash is bound on defeating Leon. In the past, pretty much all of Ash’s traveling companions had their own goals as well, but it’s usually because of those goals is why they leave Ash by the end of their journeys, like May and Dawn pursuing contests in other regions, Brock wanting to become a doctor, Iris wanting to find more Dragon types, Kiawe wanting to become an Island Kahuna etc. Because of that, it becomes up to the audience’s interpretation (and fanfics) on how they achieve their dreams and what challenges they could face throughout the way. With Goh, there will a lot more focus and emphasis placed on his goal, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s too bad there aren’t really any stakes or obstacles in Goh’s journey!

Really now, another glaring issue with Goh’s goal is that he has NO trouble going through with it at all. From his very first fodder capture, all he has to do is get a good throw and then PING! Pokemon caught. Guess the thing of having to weaken a Pokemon first before capturing it has been retconned out of the anime forever. With that said, there’s absolutely no struggle for Goh to overcome in his journey, which kinda makes things boring. Where’s the challenge? Where are his rivals? Are there any doubts? Does he have any issue of having to catch and connect every single mon in existence? No, well then good for him I guess! Sad thing too is that he catches so many Pokemon with so much potential, but they then disappear completely after their debut.

Remember that free Hitmonchan he scored from Saffron’s Fighting Dojo who seemed completely willing to train with Riolu and Farfetch’d? Never seen again. That female Raichu who loves giving berries? Completely forgotten about. That Aerodactyl Goh resurrected and bonded with before catching? Thanos snapped. The Heracross Goh obtained from a trade at the cost of a second Pinsir he worked hard to find? Literally who?

3. And my biggest issue with Goh. The fact he’s somehow on the same scale as Ash.

Don’t believe me? Well, let’s go back to the ending of episode 46. After Mewtwo teleported him, Ash, Pikachu, Lucario, and Cinderace back home, Goh said this: “We’ve still got a long way to go.”

Excuse me, but WHAT?!?!?!

You BOTH got a long way to go, even though you both suffered a complete curbstomp from a mon that would probably even make the likes of Lance, Cynthia, and Leon comparable to Youngster Joey?!?! What the Distortion World?!?! Why is Goh and, by extension, the writers implying he and Ash are on even terms when it comes to being a trainer? Goh, as a reminder, you literally only began your trainer career 45 episodes ago!!

Alright, let’s talk about Ash for a second and what he’s been through since he started his trainer career. Ash started in Kanto, and while he really only fairly achieved three out of his eight badges (Brock and Misty’s were givens, Erika’s was a thank-you gift, Sabrina’s was all Haunter’s doing, and Jessie and James are complete jokes that no one should take seriously), he still partook in as many battles as he could against tough trainers while getting some pointers from the much more experienced Misty and Brock. After that, he went on to become a much more impressive trainer in later journeys. Instead of a full recap, I’ll just list two impressive things Ash has done in each region he’s journeyed through after losing in the Kanto League.

Orange Islands: Won his first official double battle with Pikachu and Charizard despite neither initially getting along at first and then defeated the Orange League champ, Drake.

Johto: Survived an entire forest of bloodthirsty Ursaring with his friends and defeated Gary’s Blastoise with his Charizard.

Hoenn: Helped stopped both Team Magma and Team Aqua’s elemental threats and reached Top 8 in the Hoenn League despite only two of his mons being fully evolved with one being a glass cannon bird.

Kanto again: Conquered the Battle Frontier and tied with May in his first ever contest.

Sinnoh: Helped protect a Riolu from the famed Hunter J and knocked out two of Tobias’ Legendary Pokemon.

Unova: Defeated Iris’ Dragonite twice (Charizard pretty much had the high ground in their fight) and helped protect Meloetta.

Kalos: Defeated four Mega Evolutions (Lucario, Abomasnow, Absol, and Sceptile) and was one of the main heroes against Lysandre.

Alola: Became an Ultra Guardian and conquered the Alola League.

And right now as of Journeys: Defeated Korinna’s Mienfoo and Mega Lucario with only Dragonite right after the two curbstomped Gengar and defeated Chairman Rose.

And this isn’t even scratching the surface, and yet, somehow, Ash is still on the same scale of Goh. This doesn’t make any logical sense, it completely negates Ash’s experience while over-wanking Goh’s, and it ruins any semblance of power scaling between the two. Logically, Ash should be leagues above Goh and the latter should always confide to Ash whenever he needs assistance or pointers, not “Oh, we both lost to a powerful legendary, guess that means we both have stuff to learn and we’re both beginners lul”. It’s like Deku and All Might both losing a villain that’s beyond both of their capabilities, and then Deku saying that they BOTH have much to learn afterwards! Does it make sense? HECK NO.

If they had to have Goh comment about their loss, why couldn’t he say something that would’ve made more sense? Maybe say something like “Wow, I can’t believe I lasted that long, honestly.” And then Ash would say, “Hey, you’re only getting better. And me and my team will always be there in case you need more training.” Have the two acknowledge the fact that even trainers like Leon wouldn’t fare any better than them against Mewtwo. Just absolutely anything that doesn’t completely ruin what we know of these characters to the point the two are considered equals, despite all the evidence saying otherwise.

I’m getting a little exhausted now, so I’m done, but thanks for asking, anon!

And for anyone reading, please feel free to agree or disagree. I’m completely acceptable to anyone else’s thoughts/opinions over Goh and would love to hear them.

[horrorkingdom]

Creepy pasta

The Seer of Possibilities

Sometimes, otherworldly beings find interesting ways to try and contact you. They might use a Ouija Board, or maybe come to you in a dream, or sometimes they speak through another person. They each have their own style and preference that’s particular to them. The one who contacted Jack spoke to him through his computer, or, I guess you could say the communication was through onscreen text. The first time it happened, Jack had been sitting at his computer playing Solitaire. A blinking red light from the router indicated that his internet connection was down again. This was at least a weekly occurrence, and Jack was getting used to this spotty internet service. As he moved his cards, the game faded into a solid black screen and the red text appeared.

“Hi Jack, I need a favor from you. You’re a very special person and I know you’ll help me. I can’t ask this of just anyone. I really need your help.”

Jack paused for a second. The router light was still blinking red. “Is this some sort of joke?” He couldn’t help but wondering.

Several moments later the message continued, “Yes Jack, I know this is weird for you. But I don’t want you to worry. This is just a small, easy favor I need. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”

Now nearly in a panic, Jack reached around and pulled the internet cable completely from the wall.

“Still here, Jack. I don’t want to waste any more of your time so I’ll get right to what I need. Tomorrow when you go to work I need you to move the large potted plant that’s next to the elevator on the ground floor. All you have to do is pull it out three inches from the wall. If you do it at 8:17am nobody else will be in the area.”

Jack sat there, refusing to respond, still trying to figure out what was happening.

The writing continued, “Look Jack, I’m asking you because I KNOW you’ll do it. You won’t let me down. You’re special. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Jack pulled the power cord from the wall and the computer went blank. “Did that really just happen?” he thought.

Still shaking from the experience, he took a warm shower and got ready for bed, convincing himself that he’d either had some crazy dream or that is was just some elaborate joke. But who would play that kind of joke on him? He didn’t really have friends, or enemies.

He woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. Work would start at 8:30am, and Jack was never late. He pulled into the parking lot at 8:10am. Normally he’d just go right in, but the message had told him to move the plant at 8:17am. Was he really going to do it? Overnight, Jack’s fear had turned into curiosity. Let’s say he moved the plant, he wouldn’t be doing anything wrong or illegal, right? In Jack’s mind, the most reasonable course of action was to move the plant. He’d do it, nothing would happen, and he’d be able to put this whole crazy matter behind him. One minute before 8:17 Jack left his car and walked towards the building. He entered the foyer at the exact time he was supposed to. The message was right, nobody else was around.

“Odd,” Jack thought. The building was normally busy this time of morning, but this temporary lull had been accurately predicted.

“Fine! Let’s see what happens,” Jack muttered to himself.

He walked up to the large potted plant placed firmly between the two elevators in the lobby of the ten story building. The plant looked like it was fake, a decoration people passed every day without really noticing. It was heavier than Jack realized. He put some might into his effort and pulled the plant out three inches to his best estimate. He stood back and looked at the plant, then looked around the lobby. People were coming in behind him now and the lobby was starting to fill up again. Nobody seemed to notice the plant was in a slightly different location, nothing seemed different at all. Jack skipped the next elevator and waited, waited for…something. But nothing happened. Finally Jack entered the elevator and made it to his 7th floor cubicle, on time like always.

If you ever asked Jack’s coworkers to describe him, you’d hear words like polite, quiet, respectful, and competent. And while those words were all accurate, they gave little indication of the truth, the truth that Jack really didn’t like most people. That’s not to say he disliked them, just that he had very little interest in getting to know them or being their friend, save for one. Allie, the girl who sat two cubicles down from him, was the only person he wanted to know more about. With her big smile, blonde hair, and beautiful figure, Jack was very interested in learning all about her. Despite his lack of success with women in the past, he was actually doing a fair job getting to know her. Every morning as he passed her cubicle, he’d stop for a chat. The chats were one minute at first, then two minutes, then several minutes. Jack was surprised that she actually seemed to like him.

On this particular morning, their daily conversation lasted only a couple of minutes. As they exchanged their morning greetings and talked about Allie’s wild night out, the elevator doors opened up behind them. Out hobbled James Bentley, the boss of both Jack and Allie.

James’ loud complaining could be heard throughout the office, “My damn foot!”

“What happened, James?” came the mumbled queries.

“It’s that damn plant they have in the lobby. I ran right into it and twisted my ankle.”

“James, you can barely walk. You need to go to the hospital,” came Allie’s concerned reply.

“Can’t do it now. I have meetings all day. Too important to cancel. I’ll just have to tough it out.”

Jack, feeling stunned, left Allie’s cubicle mid conversation and sunk down into his chair. It was his fault, he was sure of it. How could he have been so stupid and careless? Still, no use in worrying about it now. A twisted ankle would heal, everything would be alright.

Upon his return home, Jack went immediately to his computer and turned it on. As soon as the computer booted up, the screen went black and a new message popped up.

“How was your day, Jack?”

He sat there, staring at the screen, not knowing how to answer. The message on the screen continued, “Actually, I know how your day was, but never let it be said that I’m not polite. You’re wondering what’s going on. You want to know why James Bentley had to twist his ankle. Well Jack, this chain of events isn’t done playing out. I don’t want to tell you too much too soon, but this will all make sense to you in short order. Just go to work tomorrow like you normally do. Don’t worry about a thing Jack. You’ll be rewarded. You���re special. Talk to you tomorrow.”

Jack sat back in his chair. What was going on? Who was this was sending him messages? Jack’s curiosity was fully engaged, and he was almost a bit excited to see what would happen next.

The next morning at work started off as any ordinary day. Jack noticed that the plant had been pushed back fully against the wall, probably by the night cleaning crew. James Bentley showed up shortly after lunch, hobbling into the office on his one good foot.

“Man this foot is killing me,” Jack could overhear him say, but apparently James still had a meeting he didn’t want to miss. It wasn’t until around 3 o’clock that Jack saw him again. James, who always seemed to prefer Allie over others, came limping up to her cubicle.

“Allie, you’re not doing anything right now, are you?”

“Um, no. Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow I guess.”

“Good, could you please drive me to see my Doctor? I probably should’ve gone yesterday, but I just couldn’t get away. This pain is just killing me right now and I don’t think I can drive myself, I barely made it here this morning and I don’t think I can even push the gas pedal right now. We can take my car if you want.”

“Yeah that’s fine James, I don’t have a problem taking you.” Turning to Jack she said her goodbye, “See you tomorrow, Jackie.” She put on her coat and slowly followed James as he struggled down the hallway. She gave a half turn and a shrug in Jack’s direction, with a little smile as she walked away. Jack felt even lonelier than normal when she was gone.

It was ten minutes later that they all heard the crash. It was preceded by the loud horn of an 18 wheeler and screeching brakes. The collision itself was a sickening thud of two large metal object colliding. Even on the 7th floor it was loud. The office workers gasped and ran to the windows.

“Is that James’ car?” One of them asked.

“Hard to tell from up here,” someone responded, “It’s so banged up.”

The horrifying implication of what’d just happened came to Jack immediately.

“No, no, no,” he though. “This can’t be true.”

Shaking all the way, he ran to the elevator and went to the ground floor along with several others from the office. Some of them were crying. As they joined the growing crowd around the scene of the accident, Jack could hear the far off sound of emergency sirens. Looking past the gawkers, he could see that the 18 wheeler had hit James’ car broadside, its driver had been thrown out onto the pavement where he lay motionless. James was sitting in the passenger seat of his car, motionless but with a surprised look on his bloody face. Jack couldn’t tell if he was alive or dead. The driver’s side, where Allie was seated, had taken the hit. The space she’d been occupying had been compacted to a third of its original size. Allie’s head was smashed open and her twisted body was broken and battered. The crowd was stunned. Tears, screams, sirens; that was all Jack could hear. Without going back inside the building, Jack ran to his car and drove home, angry and sad.

He made the journey home and to his computer. There the machine sat, he wanted to turn it on, but was afraid of what he’d find out. Was he really the one responsible for Allie’s death? The whole chain of events had started with him. He knew he was to blame. Jack reached for the power button, and then pulled his hand back. Finally, after several minutes, he found the mental strength to turn it on. The screen flickered and then went black, and the familiar text started appearing on the screen.

“No Jack, it’s not your fault. I know you’re blaming yourself. But all people die eventually, some just sooner than others.”

Jack stared at the screen. He resisted the urge to throw the monitor to the ground.

After a moment, the writing continued, “Jack, I’m going to tell you something, and I really need you to seriously consider everything I’m about to say. You thought you were in love with Allie. The truth is, you just wanted to fuck her. And please excuse my language, but every once in a great while it’s best to be blunt. Jack, she wasn’t the one for you. She would’ve made your life miserable. Yes, you would’ve eventually found the courage to ask her out. She actually was interested in you. She thought you’d make a good “project.” Sad really, for her, not for you. I want you to think back to all the things she told you. Why did her last boyfriend break up with her?”

“Because she cheated on him,” Jack mumbled under his breath.

“Because she cheated on him, Jack. The same thing she would’ve done to you. She would’ve made you happy for about 2 months, and then miserable for the next 4 years. Sneaking around, laughing at you behind your back, spending all your money. Once you finally got rid of her, you would’ve been so jaded that you’d never date again. This is true Jack. I see all future possibilities, the ones that come to pass and the ones that don’t. You’ve seen how she really is Jack, but you let your lust for her blind you to the truth. Together, you and I have made sure you avoided that path. One more thing Jack, this isn’t done playing out yet. There’s more to come.”

“No! Fuck you! You killed her!” Jack screamed and threw the monitor from the desk. It landed on the floor and sparked out.

Jack got barely any sleep that night, and the next day he wasn’t sure he wanted to go to work, but the last words he’d been told had piqued his curiosity, and his anger had somewhat subsided. No work was done that day at the office. The company brought in grief counselors, people shared their thoughts, they cried, they hugged. James had actually survived the accident, but was in a coma. The doctors thought he might recover eventually, but nobody was really sure.

Late in the afternoon, Jack was approached by Diego Salbara, the head of the division. Diego was blunt and upfront, and he offered James’ position to Jack. Technically it would be a temporary promotion, but James wouldn’t be back any time soon. Diego promised him that the promotion would be made permanent once enough time had passed.

“Let’s keep this low key for now.” Diego told him. “I know it might seem quick, but the Lancaster project James was working on can’t be stopped. It’s too important to the company. I need someone in charge right away, this can’t wait.”

Stunned, Jack accepted the promotion. He left work with a strange mixture of feelings, not really sure how he felt about anything. On his way home, he stopped at the electronics store and bought a new monitor. He made it home and powered up the computer. Once again the writing came on the screen.

“Jack, I want to be the first one to congratulate you! I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

Jack stared at the screen.

“Jack, I have to ask your forgiveness because haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m called the Seer. Like I told you before, I see what will be, and I see what can be. It’s a very powerful gift I have. But you know what, Jack? For all my power, I still can’t do anything corporeal. I can predict, I can see, and with enough effort, I can even communicate. But I don’t have a body, that’s something that was taken from me a long, long time ago. That’s why I need you Jack. I’m an artist of sorts, an artist of human manipulation. You’ll be my paintbrush and my canvas. I want you to work with me Jack. It’s all very simple, just perform simple tasks for me, from time to time.”

Jack was becoming more and more curious.

“And Jack, before you give me an answer, I want you to know a couple of things. First off, I’ll never lie to you. Secondly, I’ll never ask you to do anything which, taken by itself, is wrong or illegal. Yes, bad things will result, and sometimes people will die. But they’re going to die eventually anyways, right Jack? And the bad will always be balanced out by something good happening to you.”

Jack winced at this last idea, but he fought the urge to turn the computer off. The Seer was right. Everyone would die eventually, why not let something good come of it? And what about never lying to him? If he’d known at the time that Allie was going to die, he’d have never gone through with the original favor. But as he thought more about it, he realized The Seer hadn’t lied to him, but had only withheld information. Still, Jack wondered if he could trust The Seer.

“Work with me Jack, together we’ll make incredible things happen. I’m just asking you to perform little tasks from time to time. Oh, but these little tasks will have great consequences! They’re going to be beautiful Jack, and they’ll always end with a reward for you. That’s the beauty of my art, one single task produces something bad and something good. Oh, one last thing Jack, I can see you’re having trouble with this. If I stopped talking to you right now, it would take you about two weeks to decide to join me. But you know what Jack, you WOULD join me. That’s right, you’re going to say yes. So instead of waiting, why don’t you just say yes to me now? Let’s get started Jack. And when all this is over, you’re going to thank me. I promise you.”

Jack considered what The Seer had just said. His initial feeling of revolt was slowly fading. He paused, and then for the first time, he placed his fingers on the keyboard and responded directly to The Seer. “What do you want me to do next?”

_____________________________

As years passed, Jack did every favor the Seer asked of him, and as the Seer had promised, Jack was rewarded for his actions each time. The rewards often came in unexpected and interesting ways. One of the more memorable experiences for Jack happened about 2 years after he first agreed to help the Seer.

“Jack, I need you to go downtown tomorrow,” the Seer requested. “Enter Garmin’s Liquor at exactly 12:37pm. A man will ask you a question. The answer you’re to give him is ‘twenty seven.’”

As always, the Seer’s instructions were simple and direct, yet mysterious. The next day, as requested, Jack entered the store. In front of him, a burly construction worker was at the counter filling out a lottery playslip.

“Let’s see here,” said the construction worker, “My birthday, that’s the 15th, my wife’s birthday, that’s the 24th, and my kids’ ages, two, ten and thirteen.”

The man scratched his head and looked around, zeroing in on Jack, “Hey buddy! I need another number. Ya got one for me?”

Jack smiled, “Twenty seven.”

“Really? I was thinkin’ bout playin’ thirty five. But ya know what? I like your face, let’s go with twenty seven!”

With that, the man completed his slip and paid for his lottery ticket. “See ya, pal!” he said happily and he patted Jack on the shoulder on his way out the door.

Jack tried not to put any more thought into what would happen to this man. “Just let these things play out, Jack. You’ll never guess how things end up, so just let yourself be surprised,” the Seer had advised him. Still, it was impossible not to wonder about these things from time to time. He knew, considering the way the Seer worked, there was no way possible that he’d actually helped this man. But giving him a losing lottery number? That was too simple for the Seer. And he couldn’t imagine he’d actually given him a winning number. So that’s how Jack was surprised, when two weeks later, he ran into the same man again, this time at the grocery store.

“Hey buddy! It’s you! I remember you! Check it out, I won!” Indeed, the man looked like a million dollars. Wearing new clothes, a new gold watch, and a big goofy smile, the man walked right up to Jack.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, but I’m glad you’re here. I coulda never won without you. Hey, lemme buy these groceries for you. No wait, that’s not good enough for you, you’re my good luck charm. Always gotta treat people right, that’s what my mom says.”

Reaching into his pocket, the man removed his checkbook and promptly wrote Jack a check for ten thousand dollars. “It’s the least I can do for my good luck charm.”

After thanking the man, and feeling a bit confused by the whole thing, Jack raced home to his computer. After turning it on, the Seer’s writing appeared on the screen. “Well Jack, how does it feel to be ten thousand dollars richer?”

“It feels good. But I can’t help but wonder, we’ve never helped anyone before. Why are we starting now?” Jack asked that question with a tinge of guilt. He never liked to admit that people were being hurt by his actions, but in this case his curiosity overwhelmed any latent feelings of guilt.

“Oh Jack, we haven’t helped anyone. Yes, that man is happy now, but he’ll have lost every last penny within two years. You saw it for yourself, he just gives money away. Old friends, lost relatives, they’re all going to come asking him for money. And there will be some very bad investments as well. The stress of losing everything is going to cause his wife to leave him. She’ll take the kids too. He’ll be alone and broke, a ruined man who would have been much better off if he’d never won. You needn’t feel bad Jack, it’s the man’s own stupidity and greed that will do this to him.”

Jack felt some regret, but the Seer’s rationalizing, and focusing on his own reward, always put him at peace in the end.

Through the years, no two tasks were ever alike. Sometimes the effects of his actions were direct and easy to see, other times they caused a chain reaction so complex that he simply could not follow it.

“Go to the County Administrator’s building, park in space number 43 at 4:47pm.” came one such request. Jack did so, and two months later he met Donna, with whom he fell in love and ended up marrying. He wouldn’t have even known the two events were even related if he hadn’t asked the Seer about it.

“Jack, when you parked in that space, you caused the person who would’ve parked there to park in a different spot, but she bumped the car next to her. She barely made a scratch, but she called her insurance agent anyway, causing him to leave the office late. He missed his train home, and while waiting for the late train, he was mugged and stabbed, he’ll never fully recover. The muggers took his credit cards and used them…..and Jack, I could keep going with this, but there’s another twenty three people involved. Sometimes these favors are going to be very complicated, but let’s just say your action ultimately caused Donna to be in the exact right place for you to meet her.”

Jack’s relationship with the Seer grew. Though remaining mostly mysterious, the Seer divulged enough information over time so that Jack could get a generalized understanding of the Seer’s history. From historical references, Jack knew the Seer was thousands of years old. When still alive, the Seer had been a powerful fortune teller and artist, who foretold future happenings through paintings. A foolish king, who misinterpreted the Seer’s prediction and lost a battle as a result, had the Seer executed. Unencumbered by physical senses, and existing in a lonesome void, the Seer’s abilities expanded exponentially. Finally learning to communicate with the living, the Seer began reaching out to those who would respond, including Jack. And of course, the Seer knew everything about Jack. In all, it was as much of a friendship as one can have with a dead person. And Jack was grateful to the Seer too. He had a nice job, a nice house, a beautiful wife, and people respected him. He was happy, which is something he never really felt before the Seer contacted him.

Twelve years in total passed, twelve good years for Jack. Task after task was completed, usually about one every month. Jack, sitting in the office of his large rural house, was contacted by the Seer once again.

“Hi Jack, I have a favor to ask of you. This one’s the easiest yet, you don’t even have to get up. Call Riago’s Pizza in exactly two minutes, let the phone ring three times, then you can hang up.”

Jack smiled, nice and easy. He no longer wondered about how these tasks would play out. He trusted the Seer and simply did as he was told. Jack made the call, exactly two minutes later.

The quietness of the household was broken 30 minutes later by the ringing doorbell. “That’s odd,” Jack thought. Neither he nor Donna were expecting anyone. Jack looked out the peephole and saw a pizza deliver boy. The logo on his cap said “Riago’s Pizza”.

Jack opened the door. “Here’s your pizza,” said the boy as he thrust it into Jack’s hand.

“But I didn’t order this.” Jack argued.

“Look, I don’t give a damn if you ordered it or not. Mr. Riago told me to take it here, so that’s what I’m doing.” the delivery boy argued, as he looked increasingly annoyed and spat in the bushes.

Jack looked at the boy in front of him. He looked to be about seventeen years old, but the most noticeable thing about him was his size, he was huge. Probably about six and a half feet tall, and very muscular.

“It’s already paid for by credit card, just take it, because I’m not driving it back.” The boy put out his hand for a tip.

“I, I don’t have any cash on me.” Jack told the truth.

“Whatever,” came the disgusted reply. The boy looked past Jack into the house, then turned and walked slowly to his waiting car, looking over his shoulder as he walked.

Jack closed the door and took the pizza to the living room, where Donna was watching TV. After explaining what had happened, he excused himself to go to his office, promising to return shortly.

Donna opened the pizza and took a piece. “Come back soon sweetie, this pizza’s got all your favorite toppings on it.” Donna giggled as she took a bite.

Arriving at his computer, the Seer’s words appeared on the screen. “Confused, Jack? Don’t be. Your neighbor down the road ordered the pizza. Mr. Riago told that boy the correct address, but a ringing phone made it difficult for him to be heard clearly. Still, give the boy credit, he got the street right at least.”

“So my reward is a pizza?” Jack typed, a little confused.

“Yes Jack, your reward is a pizza, and also the chance to spend a little time with your wife. Go down there, share the pizza, enjoy it. When you’re done, make love to Donna. That’s not one of your tasks, that’s just some advice I think you should follow. Oh, by the way, your neighbors who ordered the pizza are arguing right now, over the silly fact that the pizza didn’t arrive. Some of the things people argue over amaze me, they really do. Their fight is going to get very heated, but you don’t need to worry about that. Go, enjoy your night.”

Jack followed the Seer’s advice, cuddled with Donna as they enjoyed their meal, then made love to her on their big, comfortable living room couch. Donna fell asleep on the couch shortly after 11:00pm. Jack lay there awake, this latest favor, it just felt odd. Carefully extracting his arm from under Donna, Jack left the living room and headed upstairs. Sitting down at the computer, Jack typed, “Are you there?”

“Yes Jack, I’m actually always here. I’ve been waiting for you to come back. That pizza delivery boy. He’s quite a specimen, isn’t he?”

Jack looked quizzically at the screen.

The seer continued, “He’s a horrible employee. He was hired only three days ago and already Mr. Riago wants to fire him, but as a physical specimen, he’s strong, fast, and VERY observant. For example, he noticed that you didn’t lock the front door after he delivered your pizza.”

“What?” Jack said aloud as he started to get up.

“Sit down Jack. I need to tell you something important, and locking the door now won’t change your situation.”

Jack slowly took his seat again at the computer, looking behind himself as he did so.

“You see Jack, it’s true that I never lied to you. Everything I’ve ever told you is 100% honest. But yes, I’ve withheld certain facts. You see, I told you that every task causes something bad to happen to someone else and something good to happen to you, but there’s a third thing. There’s an ultimate goal that each task was working toward. Remember Allie? Of course you do. What you probably don’t remember about her is that she was helping to pay her brother’s way through college. When she died, he had to drop out. He was going to be a great psychologist, but now he works in a factory instead. That’s really too bad for our pizza delivery boy, he could’ve used a good therapist a few years ago, but that good therapist wasn’t there for him, instead he got some Freudian quack. And remember our lottery winner? Yes you do. He was a neighbor to our pizza boy, after he lost all his money of course. He beat the boy senseless after the boy jumped into the street in front of his car. Quite a traumatic memory for our young lad. And his mother didn’t care about that incident, didn’t protect the boy at all. She couldn’t, not after using all the drugs given to her by her boyfriend, who happened to be one of the muggers who robbed that insurance agent. He bought the drugs with the money he made from the robbery. Do you see now the scope of my artistry?”

Jack sat, glaring at the monitor. He wanted to get up, to check on Donna, but he was too scared to move.

The Seer continued, “Jack, you’ve done over a hundred tasks for me, and each one has served an ultimate purpose, to psychologically destroy this boy, turn him into a monster, and to bring him here tonight. Don’t you see Jack? This involved tens of thousands of people, and billions of possibilities. If you had failed to complete even one of the tasks, the whole chain would’ve collapsed. This was orchestrated by me, and set in motion by you. Together we’ve done something wonderful, this is a masterpiece of human manipulation. Our masterpiece. And it all begins and ends with you, two perfect points in time. Tonight, wrong address, no tip, this poor boy finally snapped. He’s downstairs right now. He’s slitting Donna’s throat, at this exact moment.

Jack could hear a short, muffled scream coming from the living room, followed by a gurgling noise.

“No!” Jack screamed and stood up, starting to run downstairs.

“Jack, stop!” The voice startled Jack. It was inside his head. For the first time, the Seer was talking to him directly. It was a pleasant voice, a feminine voice. “You can’t do anything, she’s already gone. He’ll be coming for you shortly, and you can’t stop him.”

“But why?” Jack cried with tears welling up in his eyes.

“It’s not an artistic masterpiece if it doesn’t begin and end with you, Jack.” Her voice was soothing. “I want you to appreciate the fact that I’m talking to you directly. This requires all of my energy, and as a result, I’ll have to rest for several years before I can contact anyone again. That’s how special you are to me. Please don’t feel bad about this, Jack. I want you to take a moment and enjoy our accomplishment as much as I do.” The voice paused briefly, and then continued. “Do you know what Jack? If I’d never contacted you, you would have lived for eighty five years. Eighty five boring, meaningless, and bitter years. And when you died, nobody would’ve been at your funeral. I gave you twelve great, meaningful years. You were happy, and together we did something beautiful, something unique.”

Jack paused a minute and considered his twelve years of happiness, and his tears of sorrow mixed with tears of joy. He turned and looked at the computer, while behind him, the massive hulk of the demented delivery boy appeared in the doorway, a bloody knife in his left hand.

On the screen, the last words from the Seer appeared, “Don’t you have something to say to me, Jack?”

Jack wiped his tears, and absorbed everything the Seer had just told him.

As the hulk started stepping closer to him, Jack said mouthed his final words, “Thank you.”

Credit To – Thomas O.

[mad4india]

Trinetra Haldar - Story Of First Trans-woman Doctor

Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju belongs to the state of Karnataka and is popularly known as the first trans-woman doctor of Karnataka. Coming out of the closet and saying it openly that you belong to the LGBTQ+ community is not an easy task.

But Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju did it anyway. And that’s one reason we feel incredibly proud of her. We wish her all the best for everything she does in life.

In India, people still haven’t made peace with the fact that people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community are no different from the mainstream. And that’s one reason these people live in fear and don’t come out in the open. But with every LGBTQ+ story we come across, we feel that our society will soon stop judging people on their sexuality.

The journey wasn’t a cakewalk for her either. She faced her share of difficulties, judgments from society, but she made it to the top. And that’s the reason she’s an inspiration to us.

Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju – Inspirational Trans-woman Doctor

Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, a 23-year-old woman belonging to the LGBTQ+ community completed her MBBS degree and is now a medical intern. She is also a content creator, an Indian LGBTQ+ advocate, and an actress.

She’s popularly known for her discussions on transgender rights, feminism, and intersectionality on Instagram. Not only that, she’s one of the first transgender Indian content creators in the Indian entertainment industry.

We appreciate her for her bravery and for not shying away from anything. She has truly made every Indian feel proud of her. And I feel so blessed to write about this inspiring and beautiful woman who’s an efficient doctor and an amazing content creator.

Beating All Odds and Rising to the Top

Now when Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju recalls her initial days of fighting society, she remembers instances when people used to call her names. She went through a lot of bullying and harassment, but she decided to not let it break her. Earlier called f*ggot, ch*kka, k*jja, and several other titles is now a famous trans-woman doctor. I can’t stress enough how big of an inspiration she is.

Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju who was born as Angad Gummaraju in Bengaluru underwent gender confirmation surgery later in life. Though her family celebrated the day she was born as the firstborn boy child, she never thought of herself as a boy. She loved putting on make-up, draping her mom’s saree, and walked around the house.

During her childhood, everyone found the act cute but when they saw that the “phase” continued for longer than usual they hid those items from her, telling her she was too old for them.

Trinetra had a baby brother when she was 5-years-old but she couldn’t process the thought of being called an elder brother and felt burdened with the conditioned upbringing. She grew up into an unresolved teenager and was scared to express herself. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju tried out masculine activities such as sports for her dad, but hated it from her heart.

Suggested For You An inspiring story of Usha Chaumar – From being a manual scavenger to receiving the Padma Shri award, she is a beacon of hope

Her school life didn’t make things any easier for her. She faced bullying and couldn’t digest the idea of being a gay person. It took a toll on her. At times when she felt vulnerable, she was taught to be tough and wasn’t allowed to cry.

When Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju realized she liked men, she understood she was a gay man. But she didn’t like the idea that she must be a man. These led to frustration, and she started self-harming and prayed to be like others, to be normal. It makes me feel so terrible to know how our society corners some people who don’t meet their expectations.

Making it Through the Struggles and Standing Up for Herself

While Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju was watching a show that had a gay protagonist, she blurted out that she was gay but her parents didn’t take it well and were in denial. And then one fine day she came out to the world, and that added fuel to the fire. Her teachers made her read aloud in class so that others could mock her voice. She realized she needs to stop all those things overpowering her and started channeling all her energy towards her studies. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju found out that she wanted to be a doctor, as she wanted to use her knowledge and degree in the operating room.

Trinetra’s Success – The Moment of Acceptance and Relief

She grew up hating her body and only felt comfortable when she wore crop tops and applied makeup. Despite wanting to look a particular way, she didn’t want to receive judgmental glances. Soon when she was 20, she told herself that she’s a woman and at that moment she felt free and relaxed. She said that she felt as free as a little kid who knew that she was a girl but was made to believe that she was a boy.

Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju updated a FB post that said, “Call me Trinetra” and officially came out as a woman. No sooner did she make the post than her mother called and said, “So Trinetra…” and she broke down. Right then, she started the transition.