#for some reason this one gave me an unending amount of trouble

[kissingwookiees]

dragon age oc tarot series — brendan trevelyan — temperance !

temperance is depicted as a genderless angel balanced between one foot on the rocks, expressing the need to stay grounded, and one foot in the water, showing the need to be in flow. in their hands, water pours forth from between two cups, symbolizing the super and subconscious minds. the water flowing between them, suggesting unity and infinity.

in the background, there is a winding path up to a mountain range, reflecting the journey through life. above the mountains hovers a golden crown encased in a glowing light, a symbol of taking the higher path and staying true to one’s life purpose and meaning.

it is the card for bringing balance, patience and moderation into your life. to stabilize you energy and to allow the life force to flow through you without force or resistance. it’s time to recover that flow and bring back order and balance.

[foilfreak]

BEAUTY AND HER BEAST: Chapter 9 (temporary 1-2 week hiatus being taken from his fic, click ao3 link and read end notes to find out why. I WILL BE COMING BACK!!!)

WARNING PLZ READ BEFORE CONTINUING: This fic is rated NSFW and contains graphic depictions of things some people may find disturbing or alarming, including, but not limited to: violence, gore, unhealthy family relationships, Oedipus complexes, gratuitous amount of pornographic literature, ableist language, physical, mental, and emotional abuse, etc. If you are someone who does not enjoy fiction with these elements in them, then I suggest you refrain from reading this, because this fic will have all that, and probably a lot more. So, this is your first and final warning to turn around and go somewhere else if stuff like this just isn't your vibe, because from this point forward, your emotional wellbeing is in your own hands, and I will not be accepting blame if you disregarded my warnings and ended up reading something you didn't like. Idk why I feel compelled to write one of these despite this being Resident Evil fanfic, but I figured I'd cover my ass just in case.

(AO3 link below)

Despite the shrill echo of Nadine’s terrified voice being something Salvatore has prepared himself for since before the young woman even arrived in the reservoir, the real thing was still somehow 100 times worse than he could have ever imagined it being.

Chaos followed as Salvatore frantically left his hiding spot, crawling across the floor as quickly as his mangled body would allow, as a loud crashing sound vibrates the whole room once Nadine’s body finally lands, quite uncomfortably I might add, on the hardwood of the floor. The sudden frantic and terrified swinging of her arms following Salvatore’s verbal slip knocked the poor woman off balance, sending her right back down to the floor for a second time.

Staring at the writhing figure of Nadine from the other corner across the room, Salvatore sniffles pitifully to himself as tears cascade down his face. Oh how appropriately cruel, that the universe wouldn’t even give Salvatore the decency of a proper meeting with Nadine, much less a chance at friendship and even less at anything past that. It makes perfect sense that this would be the way Nadine found out how disgusting and pathetic he is. Sitting alone in a dark and dingy room, watching old romance films because he has no one of his own to hold and love like the men in the movies do, and eating entire blocks of cheese all on his own, because nothing pairs with unending loneliness like the tang of sharp cheddar and the horrible stomach ache that follows it.

Putting his hands up to cover his face, a final effort to hide himself away from the beautiful woman’s gaze, Salvatore merely sat in his new corner, his shoulders shaking with sobs of agony and his body trembling in fear as Nadine’s gaze finally locked on to him, and him alone this time, in the dark silence of the room.

“H-Hey… are you alright? I’m sorry I yelled like that, I didn’t mean to startle you like that, but you suddenly spoke up out of nowhere and it scared me half to death” The soft voice from across the room asks, causing Salvatore to pause in his moment of self-loathing. Did… did she just ask him if he was alright? Wasn’t he the one who was supposed to ask her that?

“W-what…?” Salvatore chokes out, peering out slightly from behind the cover of his hood in confusion. The sight he’s met with is one that steals his breath away, much like the first time he laid eyes upon the stunning beauty this tiny woman held. However, unlike their “first” meeting, that took place back in Mother Miranda’s lab, this time there was no metal pod separating the two, Salvatore realized, as the sight of Nadine, slouched tiredly on the ground barely a few feet away from where he cowered in the corner, registered in the mutant man’s mind.

Next, of course, came her actual appearance. Black strands tousled messily across her forehead framed her round face and golden eyes perfectly. Her long white dress bunched up around her upper thighs, revealing the curves of her large, but muscular legs, that had previously been obscured by the material of her dress. Slouched shoulders and heavy breathing caused the material of Nadine’s nightgown to slowly inched its way down the front of her chest, not exposing her necessarily, but definitely revealing more and more of her lusciously plump breasts with every harsh up and down of her shoulders.

Tears continued to fall from Salvatore’s eyes even as saliva began to fill his mouth and his fear and self-loathing slowly gave way to the growing fire beginning to kindle in the pit of his stomach. The sound of his muffled sobs of anguish and arousal escaping from behind his hands causes Nadine’s face to immediately fall, agony replacing the previously wild look her face held.

“N… N-no. No no, please don’t cry. It’s alright. I-I-I’m not going to hurt you… I mean it… see… I don’t have any weapons on me” Nadine says hurriedly, standing up and doing a spin to show that nothing that could pose potential harm to Salvatore was hiding between the folds or frills of the thin garment. “See! Nothing to hide.”

Salvatore merely closed his tear soaked eyes and shook his head, the motion moving his whole body along with it. “Nooooooooooo… y-you d-don’t… under-s-stand…”

“What do you mean? What don’t I understand?” Nadine asked, kneeling back down to the ground, moving slightly closer to Salvatore than she was before, a terrifyingly genuine look of concern and worry etched into her beautiful features.

The mutant man fought back a wave of nausea and choked on a sob at the angelic sight. Hoards of hormones equating to despair and arousal battle within the hellish confines of Salvatore’s brain. The mutant man was filled with so many mixed emotions that he genuinely couldn’t tell if he wanted to tear himself apart until not a scrap of evidence of his existence remained, or if he wanted to just spring forward and consume the delectably dangerous morsel that sat so prettily before him, like an octopus latching itself upon the almighty great white shark as it just passes above their home, pulling the now helpless and unsuspecting predator down into the depths of a true monster’s domain.

“Hey, come on now. It sounds like you’re having a hard time breathing. Why don’t you come out of the corner where the air’s a little fresher, ya?” The young woman coaxes gently, moving ever so slightly closer to Salvatore as she speaks. The movement does not go unnoticed by the hooded man, nor does the way it pushes her dress even further up her already decently exposed thighs, but with little ability to stop Nadine’s incremental advances, Salvatore merely buries his face into his hands, blocking as much of his disgustingly bloated maw as he possibly could, even as the young woman attempted to change her angle to get a better look at him.

“P-p-please… jus-just stop!” Salvatore commands, suddenly filled with a wave of confidence that abandons him just as quickly as it arrived. “j-j-j… j-just… g-go… please…”

A light mist has become visible in the light reflecting off of Nadine’s eyes, the young woman looking truly saddened by the strange man’s utter rejection of her. Whether it was out of pity for Salvatore’s sake, or fear of her own impending isolation should the likes of Salvatore even reject her company, the hooded man could neither tell, nor did he really want to know.

“Well that’s not a very nice thing to say to someone trying to be your friend now is it? I might not look as normal as I used to but I’m not here to cause any trouble” Nadine scolds lightly, her voice strong, though even Salvatore can detect a slight wobble. “But… if you can give me a valid reason why I should leave, then… then I’ll do it, no questions asked.”

A valid reason? What other reason did she need than to get away from him?

Salvatore takes a moment to wipe away some of the tears that coated his face, slightly peeking out to look at the younger woman once again before speaking. “Y-you… you can’t… s-stay here… th-this place… it i-isn’t… isn’t g-good enough f-for you… it’s… i-its not w-worthy… I-i… I’m… n-not worthy… of you…”

Nadine shifts slightly closer once again, a pained look cut into her face like a raging storm cuts through large waves out in the open ocean. Her whole body was a sea of turbulent waters as she gingerly reached her hand forward, slowly but surely inching her way closer to Salvatore, until her wine dark fingers just barely brushed against the thick, rugged fabric of his overcoat.

Silence befell the two mutants, permeating the room with tension so thick and heavy Salvatore thought he might suffocate.

The cornered man could not bring himself to look up as Nadine’s delicate fingers gently latched on to the article of clothing covering his wretched and disgusting form. Salvatore shuddered as he prepared himself for what was inevitably to come once Nadine removed his overcoat: the biting cold of the surrounding area pinching and nipping at his thick, but sensitive flesh; another shrill shriek of fear and terror that would pierce him to his very core; the sound of Nadine, beautiful, gorgeous, perfect, immaculate Nadine, fleeing not just the underground tunnels that had lead her to discover this place, but also the reservoir, never to be seen again.

Salvatore wouldn’t blame her for this choice, of course. After all, it’s what he would do if he found himself trapped with a wretched creature as grotesque and pitiful as he himself was. Death wasn’t an option Salvatore had the luxury of entertaining, but he never blamed others if they chose it over him.

He would too, if he could.

Despite his earlier expectations, the hand on his coat never moves to take the garment off the trembling man, instead, moving to gently run along the side of Salvatore’s head, down his shoulders, before resting itself softly, but firmly, along the area of growths that covered the small of his back. After taking a moment to allow the violent trembling of Salvatore’s body, in response to the young woman’s gentle caresses, to calm down to something more manageable, Nadine slowly lifts her left hand and rests it on the opposite side of the hunched-over man’s head, yet she makes no move to try and take his cloak off or remove his face from his hands.

Stillness and silence return for a brief moment, almost as though Nadine were waiting for Salvatore to raise objection to her advances and stop her, as if he had the power or control to do anything but cower in the corner and cover his growing excitement in shame. With no explicit objections voiced, the hands resting gently around Salvatore began to slowly pull him toward Nadine’s body.

“Come here” Nadine’s soft, heavenly voice commands lightly, as Salvatore’s body does as instructed with no resistance whatsoever. A broken sob of humiliating arousal escapes the hooded man when he gently falls forward into Nadine’s lap, her arms quickly moving to wrap around and hold the hooded man against her soft, warm, and strong body.

“Shhhh, it’s alright. There’s no need to be so worked up. You have nothing to be afraid of, here” Nadine coos soothingly, as her hand gently caresses his thin, leather covered arm.

Salvatore cries pitifully as the painfully comforting words and actions make him want to vomit from overjoy. “Y-you… you d-dont unders-s-stand…” the hunched man weeps, his voice slightly muffled by his knees as he continues trying to hide his face by shoving it as far between his legs as he’s physically capable.

“What don’t I understand? Could you explain it to me?” Nadine asks, patiently holding the sobbing mess of a man firmly against herself as he collects himself enough to answer.

“I-it isn’t… you… th-that I f-fear…” Salvatore begins, trailing off as another wave of cold dread and fiery desire collide violently somewhere deep inside the hooded man’s chest.

“What is it that you’re afraid of then? If not... me?” The young woman’s angelic voice questioned, the slightly fearful and worried tone of her voice toward the end of her question, as if what Salvatore thought of her was even worth her precious time to worry about, made the mutant man’s stomach wretch sickeningly.

“I-I… I f-fear… oh god-” Salvatore began, before promptly shutting up and shoving Nadine as far away from him as he could from that angle, throwing himself to the floor, on his hands and knees, in the opposite direction just as a wave of acidic bile forces its way from the confines of the man’s mouth and out onto the floor in front of him. His own hideous reflection stares back at him in the growing puddle of stomach acid once he’s done.

A spiteful reminder from the universe of what he was and why he lived the way that he did.

Drunkenly reaching his hand forward to smear the vomit puddle around so he at least didn’t have to look at himself AND sit in his own filth while he gathered the energy to get up and wash off in the lake, Salvatore missed the way Nadine’s eyes narrowed in confusion at the man’s clumsy movements, before suddenly widening as she realized what the hooded man was doing.

“No, wait! Don’t touch that, it’ll only make you feel worse if you fiddle around with that nasty stuff” Nadine says hurriedly, as she rushes forward to take Salvatore’s moving hand in her own and presses it firmly against her bosom to prevent the man from playing around in his own throw up. She gasps in shock and her grip tightens around Salvatore’s hand, as though she’d suddenly remembered something important she’d forgotten about and Salvatore’s hand had brought it back to her conscious mind, before shaking her head and pulling herself from her thoughts.

“Oh, you poor thing! Here, let me wipe your face for you, and try to take deeper, slower breaths while you’re at it. You’ve managed to work yourself into such a panic that it's no wonder you’re throwing up all over yourself.”

The room is spinning far too fast and in far too many different directions for Salvatore to really be sure what’s going on, however the feeling of Nadine’s skin pressed against his own as she tenderly raised the edge of her pristine white dress to wipe away the lines of green acidic bile that had been left on Salvatore’s lip, was a sensation of euphoria unlike anything the hooded man has ever felt before in his entire life.

Not even Mother Miranda’s own embrace felt quite as… ‘brutal’ wasn’t the appropriate word to use based on its true definition, but in that instance it's the only word that Salvatore can think of to describe how intense everything around him, Nadine especially, feels at the present moment. Her touch, her scent, her warmth, her weight, her firm grip around him, the constant rhythmic thrum of her heart beat against his cold, bony hand, all of it was so intensely brutal that it was a wonder how the combined effect didn’t beat him into the floor. It was too much for Salvatore to handle all at once, and yet he knew that if the kind angel sitting next to him retracted so much as a single one of those sensations, he’d lose himself to insanity like careless swimmers lose themselves to sudden rapid currents.

Salvatore threw up 3 more times before his stomach finally allowed him the relief the hooded man had desperately been craving. The floor was an absolute mess by this point, but thanks to Nadine, who’d managed to keep his upper body upright the whole time, Salvatore hadn’t made nearly as much of a mess of himself as he normally did, though that still didn’t fix the primary problem that had resulted in all that vomiting.

“There we go. That must feel a lot better, huh?” Nadine asks calmly, pulling Salvatore in to rest against her chest once again, his face still turned downward and away in avoidance.

Although Salvatore does not grace her question with a response, the hooded man has long since given up trying to get away from the young woman, at this point just allowing her to move him however she pleased, taking in as much of her kindness and affection as he possibly could, before she inevitably hightails it out of here, of course. It was only a matter of time, at this rate.

“You know… you’re a lot bigger than I expected you to be” comes a sudden declaration from Nadine, breaking the silence that had permeated throughout the room and immediately pulling Salvatore from his dejected whimpering.

“I mean… I suppose I should have expected that, especially since most middle schoolers are taller than me, nowadays” the young woman continues with a lighthearted chuckle, “but you looked so small and stump-like from all the way up in that stupid pod that I couldn’t help but be a little surprised when I felt you had arms and legs. You could have very well had a snake for a body for all I knew and I still don’t think I’d have been as surprised, though this huge coat you're wearing certainly doesn’t make getting a good look at you very easy.”

“Th… that’s th-the point…” Salvatore mumbles, though seemingly more to himself than anyone else.

“Really? And why is that?” Nadine asks curiously, clearly having heard the older man’s muttering.

“I-if… if you k-knew me… you’d know… th-the answer to that q-question” Salvatore replies sadly, fresh tears beginning to prickle along his lower lid, threatening to spill over as the depressing reality of his meaningless existence makes itself more than obvious.

He was a filthy monster who deserved to spend the rest of his life alone and miserable, because why would something as unholy as him ever be worthy of anything else?

“Oh, now I don’t think that’s true at all. After all, I’d like to think I know you pretty well, and I still want to see what you look like” Nadine counters, her words shocking Salvatore beyond belief.

She… knew him? How? When? In what ways? What?

The only other time they’ve ever interacted was back in Mother Miranda’s laboratory. While the hooded man supposed his gifts could be aiding in Nadine’s surprisingly positive impression of him, he hesitated to call receiving a dress and a necklace from a random stranger “knowing” someone. How on earth could she say she knew him when, for all intents and purposes, they’ve only just met?

“B-b-but… h-how… how d-do you k-know… m-me? Y-you have… t-trouble… seeing… d-dont you? D-did… did y-you see me… b-back in the l-lab?” Salvatore asks, tears belonging to an unspecified emotion once again beginning to fall as a hand moves to gently grasp at the bones lining the top of his hood.

“Unfortunately no, I wasn’t able to get a good look at you before, hence why I was trying so hard to catch a glimpse of you earlier. You are, however, right in the assumption about my eyesight. I have severely impaired vision, yes, but it's manageable with a strong enough prescription; not that I see myself getting to an eye doctor anytime soon for a new pair of contacts. But even without my contact lenses, I can still make out general movements, as well as general shapes and colors, pretty easily from far away, it's just fine details from a distance and darkness that give me the most trouble. My vision is actually perfectly normal so long as whatever I’m looking at is within a few feet of me. If I looked down right now, I’d probably be able to see your face normally. Do you hide your face away from everyone around here?” the young woman asks curiously, gently pulling the dark fabric of the hood back, slowly revealing Salvatore’s face to the dim light of the room, even as her gaze remained locked on the wall behind them.

“N-not… e-everyone… th-there’s a f-few… who… who I sh-show my f-face to… regularly” Salvatore chokes.

Really?” Nadine asks, “like who?”

“M-my… siblings.”

“Oh, so you’re not the only one around here then? Are your siblings here in the reservoir?”

“N-no… th-they live… in o-other places… of th-their own… a-around the v-village.”

“Wow, so there is more of this place to explore, then!” Nadine states excitedly. “I’d love to get out and see more of the area for myself at some point, though I doubt that’s very wise given the amount of howling I’ve heard the past few nights and the fact I don’t know my way around this area... though, even if I did, that memory is probably long gone along with the fucking rest of them… not that I would have wanted to hold onto them anyways, I don’t think.”

Salvatore’s attention is caught by the last bit of Nadine’s statement, confusion filling him over what the younger woman could possibly mean by what she’d just said. “‘G-gone along w-with the rest o-of them?’... W-what… d-does that… what d-do you m-mean?”

Nadine remains silent for a moment as she continues to absentmindedly stroke the side of Salvatore’s head, the hooded man unable to tell what she could possibly be feeling right now without risking exposing his face to her.

Thankfully, Nadine resumes speaking before Salvatore loses patience and gets too risky. “My memory of the life I had before waking up in that damn pod is foggy at absolute best, but I don’t need my memories to know that I wasn’t very happy with my previous life and that I was actively trying to get away from it somehow. What exactly was I even running from and where was I going? Who knows, and frankly I don’t care to relearn it either. I do think it's quite funny that you were talking about me needing to go somewhere else because this place isn’t good enough for me though, because honestly, even if I could somehow get the hell out of here, it's not like I’d have anywhere else to go. Getting away from the shitty life I had before is probably how I ended up here to begin with, though if I’d known this was how things would end up I might have reconsidered throwing it all away so suddenly.”

Had it not been for Mother Miranda being there for him throughout the years, Salvatore would probably think much the same way as Nadine about the whole situation, but having Mother meant he always had a purpose and a goal to work towards, so it didn’t matter that Salvatore couldn’t return to his old life. What shocked the deformed man the most however, was the fact that Nadine appeared to not only already accept the fact that she couldn’t go back to her former life, but seemed to actively be searching for something, anything new to try and fill the void that had been left behind by the life she’d, more or less, willingly gave away to come up here.

Could… could this mean…?

“Thankfully my ability to make new memories doesn’t seem to have been fucked up at all, which I’m quite happy about since I'll be needing to make a lot to fill in the empty spaces in my brain. We met for the first time in the underground laboratory I was being kept in, though I suppose it was less ‘meeting’ and more ‘seeing’ for the first time, but… still. I don’t know why you were there, or who was with you at the time, but I remember waking up just before you were about to leave. There were a couple others who’d come, before you, to look at me and a couple others for some reason, but you were the one who stuck out the most, to me. You were… special!”

Shock and dumbfounded awe nearly choke the life right out of Salvatore. He could barely comprehend a single word the young woman was saying to him, yet he clung to every heavenly syllable she uttered like they were the foundations of the word of god itself. The pain and agony he normally felt due to his cadou mutations momentarily paused, slowly weaning from its usual constant thrum to a dull numbness that felt surprisingly euphoric in all it’s nothingness.

“S-special? Me?” Salvatore breathed, almost unable to believe the words, even as Nadine hummed in affirmation of their truth. “B-but… how…?”

The giddy chuckle Salvatore’s mundane question pulled from Nadine shook the deformed man to his very core. Her girlish laughter rattles violently around inside the deformed man’s head, playing the sweet, holy tune over and over again, like a broken record that Salvatore would happily go insane listening to for the rest of eternity if he could.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’d have assumed you knew exactly what you were doing with how sweetly you talked back there, why it's almost criminal how suavely you stroked and tugged at the strings of my delicate heart. All the others were so rude, boring, and/or annoying that I thought I might die if I ended up stuck with one of them, but then you came in and swept me right off my feet. It was like nothing else I’ve ever felt before and immediately told me that you weren’t like all the others, you were a kind man and if I ever ran into you I could tell I’d be able to trust you…” Nadine trails off for a moment. “When I learned that we were being moved out of containment and onto our “permanent homes”, I hoped and prayed that I’d be lucky enough to end up wherever you were, but I didn’t want to get too excited until I found out for certain.”

“Th-then how did y-you know… it-it was me?”

“How could I possibly not? You set yourself apart from all the others right out of the gate. I'm honestly shocked you don’t remember it yourself. But there's not a single doubt in my mind that I know exactly who you are… er- well, I suppose a more appropriate way of putting that would be “I know exactly who you are to me”, not that what other people say or think has ever really been something I’ve taken with more than a grain of salt” Nadine giggle beautifully, smiling kindly as she cradled Salvatore’s hoodless, tear soaked face against her, like he were the most precious thing she’d ever laid eyes upon and wanted to hold and protect him until the end of time.

Unable to look away any longer, Salvatore allows his head to rise from his knees until it settles upon the face of the woman currently cradling him in her arms. Her gaze remained turned away from Salvatore for a moment, though for some reason the hooded man had a feeling that it was more out of respect for him and his boundaries than a lack of desire to see his face.

What a strange thing, to be treated with more kindness, love, and respect from a complete stranger than from the majority of people you interact with.

Salvatore wanted to cry when Nadine’s golden eyes finally lowered to him, her face slowly shifting downwards until their noses were little more than an inch apart from one another, though whether his tears were from agony or ecstasy, even he couldn’t properly tell at the present moment. Only one question was on his mind and the deformed man would stop at nothing until he got an answer for it.

“W-who… who am I-I… t-to y-you?” Salvatore asks, his voice barely above a whisper as he forces himself to stare directly into the endless pool of honey yellow swirling around in her irises, wanting-no… needing to know, to see with his own two eyes, what exactly he was to this woman, and whether that answer would spell endless disaster for him and his deep seeded desires, or be the key that unlocks a world of possibilities almost as endless as the spheres of gold that Salvatore finds himself unable, or rather unwilling, to tear his gaze from, lest this be the first, and last time he ever be blessed enough to see them from this close.

A long moment of silence passes as Nadine returns Salvatores gaze, the fondness of her expression only growing as she lowers her forehead to rest against his, a soft, almost breathlessly enamored expression that he’d only seen on black and white screens cast toward men eons more pleasant to look at than he was, slowly spread across her perfect face as she finally answers Salvatore’s question.

“You’re the lovely man who held my hand!”

[treatian]

The Chronicles of the Dark One:  Breaking the Curse

Chapter 14: Change of Plans

Fucking Mayor Regina Mills.

Everything had been fine! Just fine! Perfectly, beautifully fine! Hell, he'd even gone so far as to say it was damn well fucking dandy!

Yes, Sheriff Graham was dead, but in one visit to his shop, he'd managed to affirm Emma Swan's intent to become the new Sheriff, and he'd given her a tool to share with Henry so that the pair could continue to do their work behind Regina's back. All in all, it should have amounted to a pretty damn good day for him.

But Regina Fucking Mills…sometimes she reminded him why he would have killed her in their world if he hadn't needed her so badly. He'd just cleaned up one of her messes for himself and the entire town, and just as he had, she'd gone and made another one when his back was turned like the child that she was.

It had been the middle of the afternoon, and he'd been feeling good about everything that had happened when Dove had called him, and his stomach dropped in his belly. Dove was a man of few words. It was why he preferred to use text messages for communication. So when Dove actually picked up his phone and called him, it was rarely a good thing.

"This better be good, Mr. Dove.

"Yeah, it is. Emma Swan came to see you this morning?" he questioned.

"Yes, to talk about her taking the Sheriff position."

"That's what I figured. I hate to burst your bubble, but it didn't last long. Regina just fired her."

The words traveled through him like electricity. His body shook and tingled as he considered the words he'd just heard, the words he hoped he hadn't heard. He felt his heart thudding away through his chest as he tried to contain his anger.

"You're sure?"

"I mean…I wasn't inside, but after she met with you, she went back to the police station. Regina showed up. A few minutes later, Emma left the station, clearly angry, with a small box of items in her hands. She practically threw it into the bug before she drove off. But she wasn't wearing any kind of badge, and it's too early for her to be going home. She's a nine to five kind of girl; she doesn't leave early. I stayed long enough to see Regina leave after she did. The pair stared at each other, the Mayor smiled, then locked the police building herself, and that was that. They got in their cars and left. Emma slammed the door hard enough I thought she'd break a window."

"Where is she now?"

"Back at the apartment, hasn't moved, and Mary Margaret isn't home from school yet."

Fucking Regina Mills. He should have known. He should have known that the woman who lost years of her life pursuing Snow White wouldn't just roll over and let Emma Swan take the role that had been held by her lap-wolf. He'd been planning this for fourteen days. Apparently, he hadn't been the only one planning something. What the hell was she playing at.

"So the reason I'm calling is to give you a heads up, boss," Dove continued, interpreting his silence as an invitation to continue to deliver him the bad news. "My friend Will Scarlet just called to inform me that tomorrow morning Regina is supposed to hold a small press conference in her office where she plans to formally appoint Sidney Glass as the new Sheriff."

"Sidney Glass? The editor of the newspaper."

Dove chuckled. "Yeah, my thoughts exactly. The guy doesn't exactly scream 'Sheriff Material.'"

"No, but he is in the Mayor's pockets…"

Not as good as being in her pants as Sheriff Graham had been, but Sidney Glass…he was the genie, the one that Regina had convinced to murder Snow White's father. Everyone in town knew that Glass yearned for Regina. He followed after her like a puppy dog. Making him Sheriff would be laughable to everyone in town, probably even Regina. But the choice made sense for that very reason. If it was true.

"How exactly does Scarlet know this?"

"He says his sources are his own, but trustworthy."

Fuck. He loved the idea of keeping sources private until it had the potential to work against him. But Scarlet had delivered information to Dove before. Whether or not he knew that, he turned around and gave that information to him. So far, the info that he'd given had always been accurate. Which meant that time to fix this new problem was limited. So limited that he considered for one brief, weak moment just letting it go and turning his attention to some other plan or idea. But then that moment passed.

He was angry. He didn't know what Regina was playing at, what her end goal in all this was other than to get rid of Emma Swan and send the town back into its unending sleep, but he knew that his plan was worth fighting for. So he got to work. He did what he had to do in order to solve this problem. He locked the shop up early that afternoon and went home. In his dusty old home office, he found exactly what he needed. One single shelf contained everything he'd "inherited" from his aunt on Storybrooke.

It took him less than an hour to find what he needed. That was no surprise. Regina may have cast the Curse, but it was always his. It figured that would play out in Storybrooke on this level too. Regina might be the Mayor, but no one knew more about Storybrooke than Mr. Gold. And right now, that knowledge was about to pay off. What was Regina playing at? He didn't know, but if this was any indication, then there was no time to waste. He had to make a plan, a good plan, one that was going to take time. Time he'd have, but only if he could accomplish his first step before Regina had that press conference and named Sidney Glass Sheriff. He hated starting his work before he was prepared for the end, but that was just how it had to be.

He'd arrived at the same time Mary Margaret had, home from the market it appeared, although the younger, non-handicapped woman moved faster than him into the apartment. He didn't even think that she saw him. When he arrived at the door, he could hear the two women talking inside, but Emma was the one that answered the door when he knocked. There was what appeared to be a toaster under her arm. It was so broken even he didn't think he could fix it, and that was saying something. Of course, so did the look on her face. Something broken, the loud music he'd heard when he'd pulled up behind Mary Margaret, the look on her face…someone was angry. Very angry indeed. He could use that.

"Good evening, Miss Swan. Sorry for the intrusion. There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Over her shoulder, in the kitchen, Mary Margaret suddenly chirped, "I'll let you two talk," and disappeared into another room. In this small place, their conversation wouldn't be private in the least, but he didn't particularly care. Allies in fights like these were good. And besides, it would save Emma the trouble of regurgitating every single sentence of this conversation later.

"Come on in," she exclaimed, opening the door for him.

"Thank you. I, uh…I heard about what happened. Such an injustice."

"Yeah, well, what's done is done."

He could work with anger. He could work with a willingness to fight. He couldn't work with someone willing to lay down and die. "Spoken like a true fighter."

"I don't know what chance I have. She's Mayor, and I'm…well…me."

"Miss Swan, two people with a common goal can accomplish many things. Two people with a common enemy can accomplish even more. How would you like a benefactor?"

"A benefactor?" she questioned. He smirked. Now, where had he last had a conversation like this? Ah, yes…from a man who knew how to recognize a desperate soul when he saw one. He couldn't hear Zoso now, not since he was human. But he knew enough to know the man was probably just as entertained as he was.

"You mind?" he gestured to the table, and both he and Emma took a seat. He laid the binder out on the table and opened it up, looking for what he knew was there. "You know, it really is quite shocking how few people study the town charter."

"The town charter?"

"Well, it's quite comprehensive. And the Mayor's authority? Well, maybe she's not quite as powerful as she seems. Ah!" he piqued, glancing down at his binder and finding the typewritten passage he'd located earlier. "For example: 'The office of Sheriff of Storybrooke is to be an elected position. When the office of Sheriff is in vacancy, the role of the Sheriff is to be filled by the Deputy after fourteen (14) days. If the Deputy refuses the job or is found to be unqualified, the Mayor of Storybrooke may elect a candidate to run for the office of Sheriff after a period of fourteen (14) days. If the candidate runs without opposition, then the candidate may take office. Should the candidate face opposition, then an election shall be called, and the office will be decided by popular vote of the citizens of Storybrooke, Maine.'"

He smiled as he looked up at Emma, but she only sat there with her arms crossed, looking utterly unimpressed with his work. "Beautiful," she drawled sarcastically. "What's it mean?"

"It means that Regina is allowed to appoint someone to the office of Sheriff, but that individual can only take over if they're running unopposed."

"So…"

"So…technically Regina was out of bounds by firing you. She did it because the chain of succession states that the position should have gone to you. But now that you are fired, there is a way back."

"I'm listening."

"As long as there is someone else who wants the job, then it calls for a town election. The Sheriff will be elected by the citizens of Storybrooke. Not Mayor Mills."

Something in Emma Swan's gaze shifted suddenly. There was a twitch at the corner of her mouth as if she understood suddenly what he was trying to say but was too timid to actually assume it for herself. "So…"

"So, Miss Swan, if there were someone else, a fighter, who wanted the position, fired or not, all they'd have to do to stop Regina would be to declare their intent to run."

Finally, Emma smiled in triumph.

[sinofdelusion]

SINoALICE x Code Geass: Resolve to Take Up a Sword: Turn 1

*Italicized only dialogue indicates in-battle dialogue

-

A r e  y o u  s a d ? Y o u  w a n t  t o  r e w i n d  i t ,  d o n ' t  y o u ? I  a c c e p t  y o u r  w i s h . W e l c o m e ,  h y p o c r i t e . W e  w e l c o m e  y o u .

- Part 1

"No, that wasn't Euphie's intention..." Choking on his voice, Suzaku opened his eyes. When he came to, he realized he was laying in an unfamiliar place. His eyes were drawn to what was reflected in them, the pocket watch that was a memento of his father. Though his hand was already moving to take it, Suzaku's eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. (This was supposed to have been left with Euphie.) Yes, she suddenly massacred the Japanese, and so Zero shot her, but in her last moments she was worried about the Japanese even as her chest stopped moving—

(Maybe this is a dream?) Suzaku began walking with a vague awareness. As he was aimlessly walking, a voice suddenly rang out from overhead. "Out of the way, please!" When he looked up, a girl fell from a tree. Feeling a sense of nostalgia from somewhere, Suzaku reflexively caught the girl. "Um, you aren't hurt, are you?" "I'm okay... Um, the truth is, I'm being chased by bad guys." "Eh?"

The girl was a shrine maiden who bore the responsibility of performing a ceremonial dance as an offering. It seemed like peace would come to this world because of it. "In this world, fighting is an everyday thing. I don't know if it's true or not, but if my dance can bring peace, then I will believe and try. But there are some that try to get in the way... Like that!" "Eh?" As soon as the girl had noticed, Suzaku's sword cut the threat that had been chasing the girl.

"Suzaku!" "It's okay. Leave this to me."

Suzaku and the girl were heading towards the place where the ceremony would take place. On the way, the girl was attacked by enemies several times, but Suzaku easily repelled them. Furthermore— there was something more worrisome. What appeared before him should be called a monster, and Suzaku was half-convinced that this was a dream. (If this is a dream, how do I wake up? No... what awaits me when I wake up from this dream is—) Euphemia's bloodstained form crossed his mind. As Suzaku unconsciously shook his head in denial, a woman appeared out of nowhere with a sneering smile.

"Having trouble, young man?" The woman with dark brown skin and hair the color of a dull rose saw Suzaku and the girl and laughed. "Who are you?" "I'm a fortuneteller with hair the color of cinders. I'll tell your fortune for free, to celebrate our encounter." Saying that, the fortuneteller's eyes narrowed. "... Ah, I see it. Young man, your weakness will certainly destroy you." "... Excuse me?" "That was a prophecy. If you really want to stop it from happening, you have to recognize your own weakness. And I know. The truth of what you call killing..." Leaving Suzaku dumbfounded, the fortuneteller disappeared like smoke.

- Part 2

The fortuneteller's words weighed heavily on Suzaku's mood. The shrine maiden sympathized with him and began to brightly speak of her circumstances. The girl spoke of how she longed for people's stories, how she confided in the young chief priest, "I would like to dedicate my dance not for the sake of my mission, but for the sake of my loved ones." The girl's ideals and fondness filled her smile, and reminded Suzaku somewhat of his lady. "... That's right. You should dance like you believe in yourself." "Right! Well then, let's be off!" The girl turned and began to run towards the ritual site. However, a large amount of monsters appeared there.

"Where did these guys come from?!"

"No! Suzaku! You can't attack them!"

"Why?! Aren't these monsters?!"

"That's right, but it's wrong. These people are—"

"Eh—? That... can't be."

"Don't kill her! My older sister's in there!"

In the end, Suzaku massacred all of the monsters at the ritual site without discretion. "Staying here is dangerous. Let's run!" Carrying the dumbfounded girl in his arms, Suzaku began running into the forest. But— Slap, a good and satisfying sound rang out as Suzaku's face was smacked. "Eh...?" Looking over, the girl he was carrying in his arms was crying her eyes out, glowering at Suzaku. (Ah, she slapped me didn't she) As he guessed this, pain flashed through his cheek and he registered reality.

- Part 3

"Even though I told you to stop..." The girl glared at Suzaku with bright red eyes as she sobbed. "Why did you kill my older sister?!" She denounced Suzaku right in front of him, demanding an answer like spitting blood. "... For the sake of protecting you, it couldn't be helped. In that situation, I had to determine whether I could save your older sister—" "I don't want to hear your sound reasoning!" A black mist began gathering around the girl who had escaped Suzaku's arms. "Why... why, why?!" As she screamed, the girl turned into a monster before Suzaku's very eyes.

" I  w a n t e d  t o  p r o t e c t  t h e m . . .  m y  o l d e r  s i s t e r ,  a n d  e v e r y o n e  e l s e . "

" A n d  y e t ,  y o u  k i l l e d  t h e m  a l l ! "

"No! I was trying to protect you—"

" T h e r e ' s  n o  p o i n t  i n  s u r v i v i n g  b y  m y s e l f . "

" I  w a n t e d  t o  p r o t e c t  e v e r y o n e ! "

Burying the girl who had become a monster, Suzaku collapsed to his knees. "Is this reality after all...?" "That's right. What you killed was a Nightmare." Lifting his head at the familiar words, there stood the fortuneteller who had given him the ominous prophecy. "That was... a Nightmare?" "It's different from what you know, huh." "What was that prophecy you gave me before?" "Ah, that thing where your weakness is going to destroy you?" "I... got stronger. Moreso from that time." "I don't know what time that is, but it's best to just accept it. Otherwise—"

"You'll be swallowed up." "Eh...?" As the fortuneteller spoke those words, something passed behind her. "Euphie?!" The person that Suzaku wanted to protect and had pledged his loyalty to as a knight. And his beloved that he had held feelings for— That was the late princess's figure just now.

- Part 4

Nightmares— They weren't the machines Suzaku knew very well and piloted; rather, they meant something closer to bad dreams. The amount of people becoming Nightmares increased, as if the girl had been the catalyst. Unable to endure the murders happening one by one in front of him, Suzaku swung his sword, but they were killed before he could help them, and those he saved became Nightmares themselves. "I can't do anything with my power!" This helplessness. Keenly aware of this, now an old person was struck down in front of Suzaku. "Stop!" Unable to ignore his cries for help, Suzaku ran to the old person.

" K i l l . . .  k i l l ,  k i l l ! "

"Calm down! You used to be a human being—"

" G a . . .  G a a a a a a a a a h ! "

"I knew it, I can't talk to them like this..."

"Damn it!"

"T-Thank you. You're my savior!" The old person he had saved hadn't become a Nightmare and offered him a prayer of gratitude. Seeing that old person safe, Suzaku's heart was saved a little. (If you become a Nightmare, there's no turning back) If that's the case, that girl and her sister— (... It couldn't be helped) Those who became monsters had no reason, they were no longer human, attacked everyone, and caused disaster. (If that's the case, then I—) Suzaku swears in his heart to take up his sword for the weak.

- Part 5

"This is all your fault!" A young man suddenly yelled, attacking Suzaku. "You?!" "Why did you kill the shrine maiden?! Even though she wished for the peoples' happiness!" With those words, Suzaku guessed in that instant. This young man was probably the chief priest the girl had mentioned. "... It can't be helped. It couldn't be helped. She became a Nightmare." "You made her do that!" "No! I tried to help her!" "But you killed her!"

"Once someone becomes a Nightmare, they're no longer human. Surely you know that? If I had let her be, more people would've died." "Yeah, I know that. What you did was right. People will praise you for it. But do you understand what killing someone precious does to someone?!" The chief priest's shout struck Suzaku's heart. (... Euphie, I...) "Even though there might have been a way to turn her back to normal... Shrine maiden, shrine maiden...!" A black mist slowly covered the chief priest who was howling with fury.

" W h y  d i d  y o u  k i l l . . .  w h y  d i d  y o u  k i l l  h e r . . . "

"— If I had left her like that, she would've killed other people!"

"W h a t ' s  w r o n g  w i t h  t h a t ? !  T h e r e  a r e  m a n y  m o r e  l i v e s —  I  l o n g e d  t o  b e  c l o s e  t o  j u s t  o n e  p e r s o n ,  I  j u s t  w a n t e d  t o  s a v e  h e r !  I s  t h a t  w r o n g  a s  a  h u m a n ? ! "

Suzaku looked at his sword in half-dazed state, the corpse of the chief priest who had loved the dead shrine maiden dearly in front of him. The blade of his sword was wet and red with the blood of the things he had killed. (Since that day, both of my hands have been soaked in red.) — Yes, from when he was very young, trying to stop his father from escalating the war. And then— (Now my entire body is... covered in blood) How many would you say you've killed for the sake of saving people? How many people's desires have you trampled? "Aa... aaaaaaaaaaaa!" Suzaku screamed, overflowing with unending repentance.

"... It's okay." A soft voice gently fluttered down. "It's okay, Suzaku. You can still start over." A slender, white finger slowly stroked Suzaku's tear-stained cheek. "Euphie...?" When he called the name of his lady that should've been dead, she smiled sweetly. (No, Euphie's dead. But this is...) "I accept you entirely." The voice that Suzaku never thought he'd hear again was familiar. "So you should start over together with me." That smile full of affection is no different from when she was alive.

(— This is probably an illusion) And yet Suzaku's fingers reach towards Euphie. At that moment, just for a moment, the fortuneteller's words rang in Suzaku's ears. "Your weakness will certainly destroy you." (... Ah, but I—) "Yes, Your Highness." Suzaku knelt in front of Euphemia, holding out his sword...

-

" I t ' s  over? E h ?  S e r i o u s l y ? "

" I s n ' t  i t  natural  t o  end  i t  t h e r e — ! "

" N o .  I t  w i l l  continue  i n  t h e  next cour."

" A h ,  it's split cour?  T h a n k  g o o d n e s s ~ "

" I f  t h e r e ' s  s o m e t h i n g  abnormal  w i t h  t h e  world lately, just  d e s t r o y  your enemies."

" T h e r e  i s  n o  solution."

"'Salvation'  i s  w h a t  y o u  need to carry out."

" W h a t  h a p p e n s  w h e n  y o u  d o n ' t  g e t  salvation?"

" T h e  loop  c o n t i n u e s  o n  f o r  eternity."

" T h a t  i s  t o  m y  liking."

" F o r  t h e  sake  o f  salvation,  w e  m u s t  live  i n  t h e  happiness  o f  lies."

" T h e  weak man  c r e a t e d  this loop."

"Crash! And some change is  n e c e s s a r y . "

" H o w e v e r ,  i s n ' t  t h a t  s u p e r f i c i a l  t h i n g  i r r a t i o n a l ? "

" I ' l l  s h o w  y o u  his past  f o r  n o w ,  p l e a s e  t h i n k  o f  c o u n t e r m e a s u r e s . "

" A n d  w i t h  t h a t ,  o n  t o  t h e  next cour!"

[kantuck]

Eternity

"Eternity" By Kantuck Nadie Nata-akon Wednesday, May 8, 2019

"So this is heaven?"

That odd thought was the first thing that crossed my mind. It was at least comforting to know the line of people(?) I was behind, was somewhat short, seeming to lead to a yep, you guessed it, Pearly gates. Self-proclaimed by at least the Christian beliefs.

I had religious studies, but I had no idea what the Muslin faith, or Buddhist, or Tao or the multitude of other religious beliefs spoke of. After all, I was a man of science who held a different view. But I guess what the Methodist instructors told me was still in my memory onion. Anyway...I guess the reaper had a slow day since there was only what? A few thousand all marching toward it.

Finally, I passed someone I took as St. Peter who smiled at me (again according to the Christian faith), and then stood before a glow I took as God. I didn't see a physical being, /but I felt as if he smiled upon me/, and so it begins.

Wondering what's here hmm? Well let me describe, for its easy.

Omnidirectional white. Yes, that's it. Unless I'm meeting someone or by the wall that seems to stretch to infinity no matter where I look, it was white. No forms, no shadows, no nothing. So this could go on, being infinity large or just a box barely wider than my arm length.

But myself. Yeah, I was at least at peace. The cancer that took me was gone, and so the pain the doctors, bless their souls (some may already be here.) helped me with.

However, everything was fine. I met some great laudables of the past (two of my heroes, Dr. King and Dr. Sagan for example) but being as I am, I had trouble with socialization. The shuffleboard and pretty nurses didn't interest me anymore (And I had more than enough of such in the brief time I was in the home.) I merely _existed_ and was this going to my fate?

An eternity of...SHEER UNRELENTING BORDEM?

I remembered suddenly what Dr. Asimov wrote in his final autobiography. Something in the realm of "...it wouldn't be heaven to me, if I could not write..." Seems that even in heaven I didn't have a photographic recall which confounded, and aggravated me no end. Still...The /meaning was there/.

Hmm, there was this obscure story of Sherlock Holmes going to heaven after the Reichenbach Falls of "The Final Problem". Which after he reached heaven, he too was bored to hell -- literally. But after performing a service to St. Peter to help find Jack the Ripper who somehow got into heaven, St. Peter rewarded the great detective by returning him to earth to continue his grand mission.

A morose feeling came over me, and, I couldn't help but to laugh.

"WHAT IS SO AMUSING?" boomed a voice out of the white.

I wasn't surprised at the voice, so with a good-heart question, I looked up and said "Who is this? I've been good!" I half-expected to hear "It's the Lord, Noah..."

It seems that the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost -- which ever way he labeled himself as, had no sense of humor, but then...

"Hello sir." Not sure exactly how to address him.

"Hello Mr. Serri."

There was an undetermined amount of time that passed between us which hit me strange. As I understood it, time does not exist here, but yet, if time doesn't exist...then what was I doing just a (moment?) before, while thinking of Bill Cosby? Or Dr. Asimov? Or...ug, time mechanics made my brain hurt, even when H.G. Wells described it to me in a 19th century way.

I broke the silence, "Sir..." I looked around at the unending white "Is this all there is? This for an infinite amount of time?"

The glow didn't change, but the voice had a modulation of surprise. "Doesn't it please you?"

I looked down for some reason. I felt as if I wanted to please him and not disappoint him. "No sir. I'm board. There is no music, no animals, no Earthly beauty."

"You were reminded of what Isaac Asimov, wrote, wasn't you?"

I jerked my head(?) up at him, in which he said,

"No, I don't normally read your thoughts, but it was broadcast so strongly because you have a great deal of affection with him. After all, he wrote to a 12-year-old boy."

I swear I felt him smile once again. "Yes sir, he did, uh, but yeah. What he wrote."

There was a odd tingle as he touched me, and I recalled exactly what Dr. Asimov wrote.

"Don't disparate. He's here as well still doing as he loved in life. Why he even finished his story "Foundation." I believe he called it "The Final Foundation, and now at work on his 500th novel."

I looked wide-eyed at the glow, "Oh how I wish I could read it now."

"I'll put you in touch with him. I know he'd love to have another of his fans reading his works."

"Thank you!' A huge smile crossed my face.

"Also don't concern yourself about Bill Cosby."

I looked away, "He's..." I looked down, "Down there?"

"No. He sinned, but his punishment, although harsh, is finite. His purgatory will end eventually, for he did a lot of good too. You all are sinners, you cannot help that."

I couldn't help but to agree with him, knowing things I did that I wasn't proud of. He surprised me when he added.

"Your first sin was peeing on your father when you were eight months old, and laughing about it."

I looked up at the glow, "I...did?"

That same self smile "You was very young; an infant, so it's overlooked.

I laughed some, the tension lightening. "Thank you, sir." But after a moment(?) I had to ask. "But is this my fate then? To drift around this "heaven" for an eternity. Seeing nothing, meeting only people, yourself. " I smiled, "reading the great works of my favorite authors?"

"Oh no. A poet said, "The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of Hell and a hell of Heaven."

"Milton" I added. Now my memory was indexed and google was working at top speed.

"Yes. Asimov shows that your 'heaven' can be anything you desire.

"Even?" I asked.

"Yes...within limits of course."

I smiled, "Of course."

For a time we didn't speak. He let me gather my thoughts then something from my childhood and adulthood came to mind. "I can't return to Earth, right?"

"Not in a physical sense. That is allowed only for very special cases." There was something like a chuckle "Even Sherlock Holmes was rewarded once."

I couldn't help but to smile. "I could go back however as a spirit?"

"Anytime. Just think about where you'd want to go, what time and you'll be there."

"Even..." I didn't want to even hope, "Even anywhere in the /universe/?"

"Even that. Of course going to other parts of the universe requires knowledge /of the place/. But you can learn that on your own.

A sense of joy, of hope, of desire flooded my incorporate being. I felt something I haven't felt in decades. A childish desire..."I can spend eternity exploring the universe? Go anywhere any /time/?

"Until the Universe dies. After all, this place exists outside of the universe so yes."

I felt like hugging the father, but I held off, almost giddy. I couldn't help but to start laughing. Which I then felt him again smiling at me. "Thank you sir! I only wish I had known this when I came in!"

"Well, you had to make your own mind, make your own decisions. That is one of the gifts I gave you, aside from life and the animals and Earthy beauty as well."

I was too giddy, too happy to feel anything but pleasure. I was babbling "I can spend an eternity learning, and I don't have to worry about breaking my glasses!" Then I tested my new ability, thinking of my home of my childhood. Suddenly there I was.

I was standing in a room. One I recognized as the old family room, and on the TV was a man with a bunch of children in the studio, wearing a brown hat and glasses. "Hellllooooo CARTOONERS!" from a booming voice, and the mascot in a silly brown and green dog-like suit with a big green head on his head, beeping a horn.

At my feet, I had a box of legos that I was assembling, and I could see my aura...an odd thing to see now. A soft glowing blue light around me. I could sense I was enjoying life, not knowing what life was ahead of me.

From there, nothing could stop me. I immediately was transported to the moon and I literally walked over every inch of it. Looking into lave tubes, and deep crevices, and seeing things that would only be seen ultimately when man actually /lived/ on the moon. Later, I flew to Mars and looked over Vikings 1 and 2 and the other probes.

No planet was out of reach; Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, the Kupiler belt. I spent a few hundred years exploring our Sol system, watching Man finally getting their head out of their -- ohhh the first FTL ship. I watched in amazement when FTL 1 disappeared. Finding out he appeared where I was, just a moment or so later. (His ship dropped out of warp into the heart of a star a few light-years away.)

As God said, I had to /know/ where to go, so I spent time jumping from the Sol system to the nearest stars. I loved the view of Alpha Centari A, and B. Jumping to Proxima Centari and exploring the planets of it.

By the time a millennium had passed, I had already explored the local group of stars, watching civilizations appear on various planets. Humans hadn't reached out this far yet, and besides these civilizations wasn't anywhere near a post-warp society.

As I watched the various civilizations, some self-destructed into mad genocidal wars, some destroyed by a planetary catastrophe.

Some planets I had to spend decades to even /find/ the people. Beings so primordial who knew how to hide in the very space-time of the universe. These "first-borns" born when the galaxy was forming...then some so incredibly malevolent I was glad I was a being they couldn't detect for I would be afraid of my own existence around them. "Shadows" I heard some called in various languages; I tended to agree.

By an inordinately long time, I finally stood at the event horizon of a black hole.

Energy beings flitted, and hovered just faint centimeters from the point of no return (while I had already explored the very heart of black holes billions of years earlier.)  These energy beings, like basking sharks, was soaking up gravitational energies, the dissipating heat energy of atoms, molecules, dust and asteroids -- sometimes gorging themselves when a stray star drifted too close, and was shredded by the intense gravity.

It was then, this uncountable trillions of years in the future, I finally asked the him.

"Sir? Is this it? The death of the universe is the last amount of knowledge I can gain? Will I never learn anything more?"

As I watched those Black Hole basking sharks, flittering around, desperately trying to survive in a universe losing more and more energy, growing forever colder, darker and empty. I knew I could exist here even longer, for the age of the black holes would exist even uncountable trillions of years more into the future.

Even now, I already was running out of the ability to learn. All I could gain was 'what was alive' and 'spacial locations.' All planets had disappeared, all life aside from these black hole basking sharks and some others existed. But all was mindless, instinct driven life.

"No, Mr. Serri, an infinite time means infinite learning." A feeling of a smile "Just as Asimov said. "Education isn't something you can finish."

"But how? I was sadden by what I could see "My universe is now dead."

"Come with me." he said as he touched me. There was a -- feeling only. One moment we were at the black hole the next back in Heaven, at the site of what looked like a door. He opened it, we stepped though, and in another omnidirectional white area he bellowed "Let there be light."

I smiled, I knew what this was at our feet. A swirling mass of energy, which immediately exploded outward, swelling within seconds, trillions of times larger than we. A whole new universe was beginning to form.

"You just have to wait a few days for the first beings to be born, then you can explore until it dies."

I smiled up at him "Thank you sir."

This time a Cheshire cat smile "Your welcome, Mr. Serri. It's a simple gift."

"A gift of eternity." I thought and watched.

end

[kokichi-and-co-imagine-blog]

What's the favorite pokemon of each person in the main cast of THH? Why?

Pokémon? While we all know some stuff about pokemon, I think we have a fair chance at thi-

W-what tHE FUCK?

You are severely under qualified to answer this ask!

… and who are you?

I guess people would know me as the one referred to as “Honorary Mod Kirigiri”, though the honorary part seems unnecessary now.

In any case, none of you know Pokemon as well as I do, so I’m taking the reins on this ask. Some characters will have more in depth reasoning than others, but I had some reason at least for all of them.

Long post, so below a cut.

I suppose I should note that I’m treating this ask as if it’s a Pokemon they have, as in Pokemon exist for real in the world for them and not just as a game. Sorry if this isn’t what you meant, but the opportunity is too good to pass up on.Makoto Naegi- RockruffRockruffs are generally seen as sociable and persistent in what they do. If there’s any claim that Naegi has to his character, it’s his unending optimism and hope, as well as how easily he gets the other characters open up to him. Even more reserved or less sociable characters like Togami or Kirigiri talk to him more openly then they seem to with others if you pursue their free time events enough. Also helping is Rockruff’s appearance, which I think few can deny that they resemble one another.Honorable mention to Eevee for Naegi though. Naegi having a normal type would be a given with how plain he is. Rockruff just barely beat it out though.Sayaka Maizono- JigglypuffI doubt this needs to be explained too much. I hate being so obvious with this one, but it just works really well, even in ways you may not have thought of. Maizono mentions how hard she’s worked to achieve her dream when you talk to her, and at the same time I can’t help but think about the Jigglypuff in the earlier episodes of the Pokemon anime. You know, the one that never gave up on it’s hope that someone would stay awake to hear it sing?I won’t deny it being a strange connection, but it kind of works. And if nothing else, they have the shared passion of singing.Honorable mention to Espurr because… well, the psychic joke was translated as esper in the version I saw.Leon Kuwata- MonfernoLeon seems like the type that would get into trouble for causing mischief, or “monkey business” if you will. Monferno is the perfect balance of still being cute enough that it would probably like to prank others, while still having the badass appearance that Leon would want in a Pokemon.It having hands it can use would be helpful as well to his talents and interests. Whether it’s trying to get Leon to actually practice for once in his life by trying to encourage him by throwing some baseballs or going along with his dream to be the ‘Ultimate Musician” by trying to play with him, I think Monferno fits well as a partner for him.Chihiro Fujisaki- RotomThis was a toss up between Rotom or Porygon, but ultimately I picked Rotom. The idea of Rotom getting Chihiro to laugh when feeling down or stressed out by possessing some kind of appliance or device was too good to pass up on in my eyes. 

Rotom would be able to help Chihiro by doing that as well. Need help with a program? Rotom’s got you covered. Maybe there’s physical damage? Rotom can find that too and help find a way to fix it, if it’s possible.As mentioned before, honorable mention to Porygon. It would definitely be on Chihiro’s full team if I were doing that.Mondo Owada- Klefki…*Insert fierce key jingling here*Kiyotaka Ishimaru- RuffletIshimaru was one of the harder ones to pin down. My first thought was a flying type, but which one? Then, I found Rufflet and Braviary and knew that was it. For one, appearance wise, the feathers on its head reminded me of his hair. But it was the Pokedex entries that really got it: they never back down from a fight, taking on opponents much stronger than them without fear.He doesn’t get into physical fights, obviously, but Ishimaru is very willing to stand up for those he believes in or the morals he follows. Braviary, the evolved form of Rufflet, it willing to get into fights for those it considers it’s friends. While those fights would more likely be in verbal form in Ishimaru’s case, I think a Pokemon with that dedication is the kind of Pokemon worthy of being with the Ultimate Moral Compass.

Hifumi Yamada- SmeargleYamada is an artist, as is Smeargle…. There really isn’t any more to this pick beyond that. It just kinda goes together.Moving on

Celestia Ludenberg- GothitelleI think appearances alone could establish why this one would be Celeste’s; it goes with her aesthetic perfectly. But even beyond that:

Gothitelle is a psychic type.Celeste is a gambler.

While I don’t doubt she has an amazing amount of skill on her own, I think that the two of them together would be quite a tag team. Gothitelle is able to see the future, which could allow Celeste preparation time before going against her opponents if nothing else.(Also, sad HC: Gothitelle are able to see the lifespan of their trainers and cry when they find them out. Imagine the killing game still happening and it finding out her time left is short, and just bawling. All the while, Celeste can’t figure out why)

Sakura Ogami- ToxicroakMaybe not the fighting type you were expecting, huh? Well, obviously she needed a fighting type given her martial artist background, but I couldn’t quite give up the idea of also incorporating her death to it too. Thus, the only poison/fighting type for Sakura. I’ve no doubt Toxicroak could more than keep up with Sakura in terms of training.

Personality wise, it fits as well. It’s Pokedex entries describe it as usually laid back and willing to go with the flow, but fiercely determined when in a fight. I fell that’s Sakura’s personality as well: while she never entirely gives up her stoicism, it does drop off occasionally when she allows herself to have some fun.

Kyouko Kirigiri- EspeonPerhaps not the most unique Pokemon to give her, but I’m hard pressed to deny that Espeon really fits her. Appearance alone, Espeon matches Kirigiri’s color palette really well, and it’s movements carry the same amount of grace Kirigiri seems to have. I think Eevees in general would fit with her family; they’re super adaptable to the needs of them and their investigative styles.

Espeon, being a psychic type, has the intelligence necessary to keep up with her and her deductions and could assist in the investigation. Espeons also have the ability to sense danger, which can be seen as similar to Kirigiri’s ability to sense death approach. It also is fiercely protective of those it’s loyal too, which would be helpful in the dangerous job that Kirigiri has as a detective.

Honorable mention to Absol. It’s ability to detect natural disasters could manifest in other ways, such as the death sensing ability.…Also honorable mention to Detective Pikachu. I haven’t played the game myself yet, but the other mods found it funny.

Yasuhiro Hagakure- ExeggutorWe’ve got the character who’s more than likely a stoner, and a pokemon with the typing of grass/psychic. How can I not pair them up?

His fortune telling would probably require a psychic type anyway, so why not?Honorable mention to Slowbro for also being a very Hagakure seeming pokemon. Weed tree just wins over it because… weed tree.

Byakuya Togami- SerperiorSerperior has that smug sense of greatness befitting of one of Togami’s Pokemon. It’s got the elegant look that would probably be required to be a Togami Pokemon, as well as a massive amount of power to back itself up. Also, I mean, it’s called Serperior, so it’s fitting based on that alone.

Honorary mention to Persian. It just seemed a little too obvious. Definitely would be on a full team of his though.

Aoi Asahina- FloatzelI will go beyond Mod Kokichi’s reasoning of the float is has looking like a donut and it liking fish.

Giving Asahina a water type is a no brainer given her love for swimming, so many water types could work. Ultimately, my reasoning for this one is because of it’s notable ability to save other from drowning using it’s floats. I think she’d benefit from having that kind of partner with how often she’s in the water.

Touko Fukawa- MimikyuFukawa was probably the hardest to come up with one for. I settled on Mimikyu for one key reason:

They both hide a part of themselves for the safety of others.

For Fukawa, that’s obviously her murderous other identity, but for Mimikyu, it’s true form has been known to and people into states of shock, or at worse, death. I think they’d form some kind of bond over that fact and accept that part of one another.As for Genocider… well, I don’t have anyone specific in mind for the moment aside from they have claws. A Zangoose or a Sandslash perhaps?

Mukuro Ikusaba- BanetteI admittedly don’t know much about her, given that I’ve only seen the first game and the anime and nothing else. But Banette seems like a fitting type for part of the pair that sent the world into despair. Banette is a Pokemon filled with pure hatred and contempt, and I think that would be a Pokemon capable of bringing the despair Junko wanted so much.

Also it’s voodoo doll theme fits in with her death.

Junko Enoshima- Zweilous

Most of Junko’s team would probably be the cutesy yet powerful type Pokemon you might expect from someone like her, but I also thought her having something unexpected like this would be great. Who would expect the fashion model to have the death and destruction bringing dragon?

It’s destructive nature would be perfect for helping to spread the despair it’s master yearns for so much.

[acclivous]

entrepreneur start up business consulting

Having a cash sense is basic to getting fruitful throughout everyday life. At the point when a business visionary decides to get to the following level, it is basic that he takes into cognizance such things that can deface his advancement in business. start up business consulting

Among the things that can make or blemish a business is taking credits. Individuals take advances to get together with their assumptions. Nonetheless, it takes a more shrewd business visionary to unravel when to or when not to take a credit. Advances can do superb things for you when appropriately oversaw. It can help tackle pressing issues, cook for significant costs and develop organizations.

 In spite of the fact that credits can turn out consummately for the individuals who have consistent pay, yet it has the penchant of trapping the individuals who battle to make money. It is significant for each business visionary to take note of that a fumbled advance is damnation. 

Credit rapidly turns into a wellspring of disappointment and can make genuine harm somebody's future monetary possibilities.

This current age is a credit bound age. It is an advance refined age! Nations get to fund projects, making gigantic harms to their economy, while people, organizations, associations, and so on dig into a similar demonstration of getting or taking a credit to make a decent living. 

Aside from crisis costs, moving costs, machine buys, vehicle funds, wedding costs, home renovating, and so on, individuals take credits to solidify obligation. Whatever be the motivation to acquire, credit helps just as catches.

One of the risks related with taking an advance is its choking nature. You will undoubtedly get chocked in the event that you don't have your fundamental capital which ought to surpass the credit. A credit merits taking just to build your capital base or to get considerably more cash-flow than the first advance.

Advances can be acquired dependent on specific terms of understanding between the bank and the borrower, and can come in two structures: made sure about and unstable credits. 

Made sure about credits require guarantee, which could be in a type of property, kept down or seized if the borrower defaults installment. Unstable advances don't need anything as guarantee however normally require a higher FICO rating. 

In the event that a borrower neglects to repay an unstable advance, there is the danger of being sued or having a claim recorded against the borrower by the loan specialist or bank.

Cash is acceptable, difficult to make however so natural to spend. Our ways of life most multiple times help to carry us to a more tight corner. We live so excessive that our day by day/month to month salaries can't simply be sufficient. 

Having a demeanor issue is a certain something, and formulating an approach to tackling it is another. A few of us are prepared to make a couple of changes in our way of life, stop a couple of cash propensities that are harmful to our development, and make certain strides that will help us break from this cycle.

Growing up, I never realized what is called reasonability. I lived so lavish that it turned into an issue for me to put something aside for the stormy day. My pocket cash was the first to complete and right away I will begin searching for where to get. 

My kindred understudies were my first purpose of call. At some point, I was profoundly offended by one of them when I moved toward him for an advance. I gave it a profound idea and chose to change.

Trust me, I was so liberal at school that I could give out my under-wears just to help different understudies. Much to my dismay that I was being stupid. Some of them would shroud their things and come to share mine. I didn't see it coming. I thought I was doing administration to mankind. 

My eyes opened to reality the day I chose to get closefisted, so to state. It very well may be that you have been dove into unending obligation, with the end goal that you even get to pay obligation, regardless of the interest.

 Numerous organizations have imploded because of the proprietors gobbling up their capital. The second they see cash, they begin spending, particularly on superfluous things. As a financial specialist/lady, does what you spend your cash on return back benefit to your business?

You go into a going through binge the second cash goes into your hand. Pose yourself few inquiries. A few of us have the conviction that witches from the towns are the reason for our difficulties. 

Brace yourself for what I'm about to tell you, the cash in your grasp has a place with you. It is just spent on anything by your own endorsement. In the event that witches are there, you have control over them to control them. Simply do the accompanying:

Track your spending - If you don't follow the manner in which you go through cash, you are probably going to disparage the amount you spend in specific regions or even to fail to remember a few costs totally. It is critical to keep your receipts and messages or interface your financial balances and Mastercard's to an application that works out the costs for you.

Breaking point your openness to obligation - Realize that 'a lot of credit' can be extremely destructive. Assuming various credits all at once increment the danger of missing an installment and afterward stalling out in dreadful patterns of obligation - continually taking extra advances to take care of past advances which you are now battling to support is a scraped spot. 

It is significant that you possibly apply for advances when you need it. An advance is a genuine commitment and ought to be treated in that capacity. Evaluate your necessities preceding applying for an advance, and consistently attempt to inquire as to whether it is justified, despite any trouble to take credit right now.

Start in view of the end - Only take advances when you are sure you will have the way to reimburse at the latest the concurred due date(s). Make certain to affirm all interest/charges related with the credit before applying. Possibly continue when you are agreeable that you will have the option to support the normal reimbursements. 

Attempt however much as could be expected to maintain a strategic distance from late reimbursements. Late reimbursements or defaults on credits are not just a break of the legally binding arrangement between a borrower and a bank; they additionally accompany genuine outcomes that can be difficult to shake off in the long haul.

Limit your typical cost for basic items - When your typical cost for basic items is excessively high, it likely that what you term exercises of witches and wizards are the aftereffect of high costs you cause on day by day bases. It is fitting to slice your jacket as indicated by your size. At the end of the day, attempt however much as could be expected to survey the amount you spend on your fixed costs and search for regions where you can cut back.

Contribute astutely - Not putting your cash in productive business can achieve excess. Putting away causes you bring in cash from cash and keeps you monetarily secure. You essentially let your cash work for you.

Evade drive purchasing - It is normal to state that lone creatures follow up without much forethought. The creature idea of man can lead him into anything besides intelligence. It is in the idea of such countless individuals to get pulled in to a pleasant pair of pants at the store while getting some family unit things thus can't avoid getting them basically in light of the fact that they have cash in their wallet. Motivation purchasing can be very terrible and should be controlled in the event that you need to avoid obligation.

Try not to contrast yourself with others - Constant examination among you and your partners or companions is never a smart thought as you will undoubtedly go over contrasts that make you see the need to find them. That isn't essential. Zero in on yourself, fabricating your investment funds, and retirement store.

It critical to see tolerance in the line of what it is - an ethicalness. Having the option to sit tight for something without being anxious or baffled is an incredible ability to have. Break the pattern of living under water. I did, and I survived. You as well, can!

[hunty-booboo]

The Bidding Arena

My breathing and pulse get a little as I make the main worn stone stride upwards. The angled stone way is miserable and dim yet at the head of the flight of stairs, there appears to be all the more light, anyway bluff. I can hear men rearranging in line behind me and the very recognizable chink and thump of weapons on shield give physical belief as far as anyone is concerned of approaching battle. A profound thundering sound streams down those stone strides toward us and the unenlightened would battle to put it however I know it. I realize it well and it is the baying insane person sound of the massed crowd and it mixes my juices. I revel in the surge of adrenaline it gives and the strain that thrives now in my body. No longer do I dread this fatal parade, no I have come to cherish it - to require it even.

A quieted note from a removed horn sounds and this works our watchman in advance. He turns and gestures to me before driving us up the steps, to the fold of the periphery to his calfskin tunic. These ragged and split, stone steps could demonstrate the veracity of practically unending agony, enduring and blood, consistently blood. They have been trodden by a large number of men before us and we are instructed that a great many men will tail us. It is, as it has consistently been and those of us who acknowledge this reality, endure, exist and even prosper however opportunity is the one genuine objective for us contracted warriors. That accomplishment accomplished by scarcely 1% of the 1% is amazing and in truth, is the thing that we as a whole long for and endeavor towards. It is the reason we work and practice in reiteration for unlimited an excessive amount of time. In a world brimming with slaves, opportunity is very nearly a legendary idea and past the acknowledgment or comprehension of by far most of our patient individuals.

We rise onto the foot of a wide sandy slope and a hundred feet above us at the head of this incline Loose Diamonds, daylight streams through a huge lumber and iron, curved portcullis door. The light projects precise shapes that puncture the shadows underneath it and I head up the slope, at the brilliant shafts of this inviting daylight, flexing my shoulders and my fingers. The gatekeeper holds back at the entryway thus do we as a whole.

"Get a wicked proceed onward!" He hollers at the moist stone roof, a few feet over our heads. A screeching like a little caught creature starts from some place over this huge entryway, bound with its huge iron plates and bolts. The extraordinary entryway shudders in the midst of additionally screaming and afterward it starts to move. Awkwardly it starts its excursion upwards, pulled by ropes as thick as a man's wrist by an obscure number of slaves in the chambers above us. When he could, the gatekeeper dodged under the rising door and moved to one side to the smashing thunder of the cheering group.

My heart is beating as I at last enter the field, my mouth as dry as a year-old fig, a typical and natural inclination and as I remain on the consecrated sand again. The immense clamor from the a huge number of roaring spectators nearly players my faculties and attacks my ears. I pompously stride ahead and my head comes up as I hear my name being recited from the standard quarters. 'WELSHMAN, WELSHMAN!" I raise my correct arm accordingly, my clench hand gripped and I thunder with a rehearsed viciousness. I step my shoulders back and start my procession. I swagger and present, estranging and mocking the devotees of my foes with obscene and offending motions, an exhibition that is constantly appreciated by my own developing gathering of uproarious supporters and benefactors, and for them I swagger and posture considerably more. A rowdy bun-battle breaks out between the two groups yet it passes on a quick demise, from the current cost of bread yet generally from the wine-prompted craving of its members.

Presently just because, I trouble to pivot and coolly review my enemies for the present human and open scene. A very shifted gathering of around twenty warriors has been collected and are spreading out around the field, playing out their own ceremonies and demonstrations of acknowledgment. There are new faces among them however it was ever in this way. Those be that as it may, I dismiss. My look is attentive however held for those people who can offer a type of challenge to my capacity and consistently developing notoriety. Somebody who can really present me a genuine risk and there are various them present today. More than is common and this is sufficient to spike me on to that penultimate, dangerous degree of readiness. Contorted and scarred, sewed and patched, we as a whole share a couple of things practically speaking however the genuine players here today are as differed as they are hazardous.

'Militarist' stands enormous and foursquare to one side, both substantial arms raised on high and thundering his weird and new war serenade. Looking both magnificent and fearsome in his glimmering cap and covering, he is one I should keep a cautious watch of today, that much I am certain of. This gigantic and transcending warrior is shockingly speedy and light-footed for his size, which to my brain makes him particularly perilous. It is this unforeseen speed and spryness that has gotten numerous a long-dead rival resting and has pushed his riches and notoriety upwards.

To one side and straightforwardly in front of me moves 'Snowleopard', pirouetting deftly and showing his dangerous aptitudes. Antiquated aptitudes woven from battle and move and went down, through uncountable ages. His splendid, pompous silk garments surges around him as he turns, the tufts of his bejeweled crown flying and spinning above him. He is as destructive as he is ostentatious, this I know excessively well and we have nearly come to participate in battle, on two separate events before yet destiny announced in any case at those conclusive minutes. Nonetheless, I have made an investigation of his style and strategies in the months since and am certain that I realize how to vanquish him should we meet today.

'ForceLeFranc', spread-legged and gigantic to my correct hand, boisterous and obviously repulsive as normal and now pouring red wine down his throat with an enormous, berringed clench hand while pissing into the sand with the different massive hand. "Hello Welshman, how the damnation are you, you hopeless heap of waste?" He roars at me, wine running from his tangled whiskers as he giggles, getting defensive. He generally made himself giggle unquestionably more than any other individual could, which demonstrated the perceptive and astute, that his nonsense and his plastered bonehead act were only that, a demonstration. I realized that he will generally be an amazingly keen, perilous predator and he was unquestionably one of only a handful scarcely any I would need to pay attention to very, were we ever to meet. It's looking perpetually likely now and today could be that day yet once more, I am readied. Anyway practiced a warrior he is and anyway boundless is his notoriety, and insidious his mien, I have seen a shortcoming. Something I had gotten by an opportunity look, the last time I saw him contend. A short look at simply the ideal second gave me an important snippet of data. A little part of information however scarcely an inconsequential one, as it could actually choose my very destiny, even today.

We start to circle now, cautiously and as the residue gradually rises, we start to pick our first adversaries, our first kill of the long and depleting day's strategy. I recognize the flexible figure of 'Maharaya' rising up out of behind a hugely fat, Saxon warrior that stands stationary and moronic, up front. She is dressed as she generally is in a straightforward tunic and baggy jeans however the underlying center is consistently that splendid precious stone that flickers and shimmers from the focal point of the turban on her head. Nobody has yet had the option to guarantee that incredible gemstone and armies have died in the endeavor. She grins that twisted, lethal grin at me however her almond eyes above it sparkle like wet, dark stream stones. She moves feline like to one side, maintaining eye contact with me for a long second before gradually shaking her head, 'Not today Welshman.' she quietly mouths and nimbly goes to confront a tall, finely dressed and outfitted newcomer. An attractive and attractive youth known as Prince 'Fahadsaleem', and he had been watching her eagerly with his alarming, emerald green eyes, from under a delightfully created, gold and emerald crusted head protector.

I at last spot 'Wordsoldier', the dreaded and regarded warrior I am looking for now as his odd dress and defensive layer get my attention. I have watched him in battle and have seen him despatch one great warrior after another with his conjuring. Anyway today and as an immediate expense of my constant betting, I am chasing gold, so I have picked likewise. His well off supporters give him gold and silver and he wears simply the best and best protection cash can purchase. Some time back I dreaded him and thought of him as the total warrior, as I was finding my way in this severe exchange and searching for saints to follow. In truth, there is close to nothing yet to challenge that evaluation. Nonetheless, there is something, something little as it generally may be, yet enough to supply me with the conviction that I can vanquish him. I'm going to discover at any rate as the hover of warriors fixes and our aggregate breathing starts to rise.

The strain mounts as we approach the indispensable second and is totally irresistible, moving through the group like a phantom. The second many fear yet a few, me included long-for and can't sit tight for its appearance, the eminent snapshot of battle. Most are shrugging now and flexing, setting up their fear weapons and the clamor of the group increase appropriately. I hunch currently, carefully viewing the edge of my protected zone and snatch a small bunch of the abrasive, dusty sand that is spread over the stone floor of the field, to offer buy to feet, particularly when the carnage is lower leg profound. I applaud together and rub the rough into my palms, feeling it absorb the perspiration in the recognizable, and notable everyday practice. I oust the soil from my hands and stand, straight and intentionally and my devotees go bezerk, hooting and hollering their help from the perceived quarters of this immense and dishonest group.

[themasterplanner]

These Foolish Things, Remind Me of You

***

In which Edward visits a strip club to forget his troubles, but his troubles haven’t forgotten him.

Based on events in Gotham s03ep15.

Content warnings: explicit, strippers/strip clubs, lap dance, hallucination!Oswald, drugs, masturbation, quasi-necrophilia, alternate history, tripping balls while draining them

Obligatory notice that this is unofficial, fan-made fiction for a franchise owned by DC and Warner Brothers, and created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. The song which lends its name is performed by Bryan Ferry.

Special thanks to @millicentcordelia for beta reading and the title suggestion; and to @mrgoldsdearie for the advice and resources.

***

“Oh, will you never let me be?

Oh, will you never set me free?

The ties that bound us

Are still around us

There’s no escape that I can see

And still those little things remain

That bring me happiness or pain…”

Edward Nygma sighed, shifting uncomfortably in his seat and bouncing one long leg. Watching the dancers in their sequins and feathers parade across the stage did nothing to improve his mood, but leaving now would be an insult to the increasingly volatile Queen of Gotham, with likely fatal results.

Two days earlier, an “invitation” had been extended to meet Barbara at The Sirens. The invitation was, needless to say, polite but mandatory.

“I held up my end of the bargain,” he’d said. “I thought we made it clear that after Penguin was out, we’d go our separate ways.”

“Oh, this has nothing to do with business.” Barbara shot an apologetic look towards her lover. “Well, actually, Tabby and I thought you could use some R&R.”

“… What?”

Tabitha, by contrast, was as blunt as ever. “You’re bringing the mood down, Nygma.”

“So,” Barbara chirped, “we know just the place to bring back your joie de vivre! What with the tragic loss of your librarian and all.”

The establishment had been most welcoming to the honored guest of Misses Kean and Galavan, drinks were plentiful and on the house, the seats were the most well placed to enjoy an unobstructed view of the stage, and yet Edward felt nothing at all. He was numb, crashing hard on the frankly excessive amounts of speed he’d been taking just to keep up with the unending daily duties of running a city the size of Gotham – the legal side of it, anyway. He reached for the inside pocket of his shimmering emerald jacket with shaking fingers, and furtively pulled out an elegant gold pillbox. He didn’t even bother swallowing the pills with water – just broke the capsule with his teeth, crunching the contents briefly before swallowing. He knew his neurotransmitters were adapting to the drugs; it took an increasingly higher dosage just to be effective. Just to be able to see –

“Well, this place has certainly gone downhill.” The voice was unmistakable – as was the smell of salt water.

“Now is not the time to be funny, Oswald,” Edward gritted out as the apparition of his friend nonchalantly picked seaweed off his water-logged suit. He stole a sideways glance, but Barbara and Tabitha were too preoccupied in their own conversation, and Butch too preoccupied with ogling the dancers, to notice him. “And you’re dripping all over the floor.”

Oswald wrinkled his nose. “This carpet is unbelievably tacky anyway, my dripping would no doubt improve it. So, for what reason am I here this time?”

“Because I’m stuck here in a strip club with that dolt, Gilzean. Figured you would at least be better company.”

Oswald rolled his eyes. “Can’t say I can properly appreciate the entertainment. For all your vaunted powers of observation, you seemed to have missed the part where I was gay.”

“Well, you didn’t exactly shout it from the rooftops.”

“I would have thought my confession of love would have made that obvious.”

“The one you made to save your own skin, just before I shot you? Spare me.”

Edward didn’t want to think about that. He tried to slap himself awake and regain control, but the drug that surged in his bloodstream had a mind of its own, a mind with an agenda that lined up perfectly with all of Edward’s repressed insecurities and desires.

Oswald seemed undeterred. “You of all people should know that the thing with hallucinations is that they only reflect what you’re trying your hardest not to see.”

“Oh crud.”

What he saw next almost made him wish for the drowned corpse. Oswald had replaced the lead dancer on the stage, wearing nothing but a purple top hat, a matching bow tie, and a purple-sequined pair of hot pants that hugged his perfectly round bottom with much enthusiasm.

“Do you like it?” He twirled around the pole, casually striking a pose that showed off his lithe body perfectly.

Had Oswald always been this gorgeous?

“No. Stop this ridiculousness!”

Oswald only gave him a sly smirk. “That would be more convincing, if I technically wasn’t dead, for one, and two, a hallucination generated from your own subconscious mind.”

He knew where this particular vision had come from. Oswald had told him about this part of his past, this secret that only one other knew. He’d once worked in a club like this to support his mother. He was quite the little con artist; he’d target certain “VIP” patrons, all fluttering long lashes and big blue eyes, pouty lips dripping honeyed words and poisoned flattery until they were completely wrapped around his finger, and they’d give him anything he wanted. His last sucker had been one of Fish Mooney’s underbosses. She didn’t take too kindly to one of her top lieutenants being blackmailed, but she’d offered him a job and a promise to teach him a thing or two… and the rest, as they say, was history. Why had he allowed those two to bring him here?

Edward would never admit it, but while he had eaten little and slept less, and clearly looked it, this Oswald looked like he was in the best physical shape of his life. His petite body was tight and lean, unmarred by the countless beatings and bullets he’d suffered in his rise to the top of Gotham’s crime operations. Magnificent. Ay, every inch a king.

“I didn’t bring you here to see you dance. And I certainly didn’t bring you here so you could try to … serenade me again.”

Oswald wrapped his legs around the pole and arched his back, and spun his body around it with a grace that Edward would never have thought possible from him. “What did you bring me here for, then? To reassure your troubled conscience? To soothe your ruffled feathers?”

The hallucination slid down from the pole and strutted over to Edward’s seat. “To tell you I forgive you for shooting me in the stomach, taking my empire, and desecrating my father’s remains?” Even his voice was a sultry croon, making the accusations sound like an erotic invitation. He wiggled his narrow hips, circling the chair while making sure to stay just inches out of reach, taunting Edward, tempting him to try to touch that lovely soft porcelain skin, those broad shoulders and incredible legs. His thighs looked thick and powerful, the quadriceps swollen enough to lend them bold curves, and his gluteal muscles looked full and hard and awfully inviting in those tight shorts.

When Edward could bear no more, Oswald straddled him and draped a pale arm over Ed’s shoulder – he couldn’t help but notice the obvious muscular definition there from having to support his bodyweight on the chromed pole of the stage. He crossed his legs, hoping no one would take note of his current… impropriety.

Oswald leaned in so his face was two inches away from Edward’s, his porcelain complexion flushed a delicate pink, long dark lashes fluttering against freckled cheeks, a wicked smile on his lips.

“Did you want me to whisper sweet nothings in your ear?”

Edward gulped, his mouth dry. His heart was pounding in his chest. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “Hardly.”

“Or, since you’re so bent on me being your teacher, I can show you exactly how I parted so many of Gotham’s elite from their hard-earned money. How I convinced them to give me their deepest and darkest secrets to sell.”

Edward knew this wasn’t real, that the real Oswald Cobblepot was at the bottom of Gotham Bay – but oh, how this felt real. The feel of Oswald’s hands on his chest, his hot breath in his ear. Delicate white fingers brushing through his hair, the smell of cologne and sweat and pheromones.

His bright blue-green eyes, carefully lined with kohl, almost seemed to glow with a malign intensity as he ground his hips against Edward’s – slowly, as if they were underwater. The sequins on his shorts caught the light as his hips swayed and rolled in time with the music, adding to the hypnotizing effect. Oswald’s lips were so pouty and soft, parted wantonly as he threw his head back, exposing his long white neck. Edward’s mind was, more than ever, a roiling storm of conflicting thoughts pounding through his brain. His eyes went fuzzy, unfocused. He needed to break the spell the drugs had on him, fast.

“Enough of this!” Edward commanded. This wasn’t Oswald; this was a grotesque parody of his friend, as repellent in its own way as the pitiful creature who had once shown up at his doorstep covered in feathers and preaching the virtues of kindness. Oswald would have never been this smouldering, this blatantly sexual; Oswald had been so shy, so gentle and patient with him. He remembered how his friend’s voice would go soft around him, how his face would light up when he entered the room, the open embraces and soft kisses pressed against his shoulder. This Oswald was almost… predatory.

The hallucination stopped his grinding and blinked, as if in surprise. “You don’t want this?”

“I told you, I don’t want you,” Edward growled.  “I never wanted you.”

Oswald pointedly lowered his gaze and raised a ruthlessly shaped eyebrow. “I don’t think certain parts of you are in agreement with that.”

Edward’s face flushed red, his heart hammering against his ribcage. True enough, he was rock hard, the evidence of his arousal plain to see in those tight green trousers. Already, small drops of lubrication stained the gaudy fabric from the inside.

“Go on,” Oswald said. “Take care of it. You know you want to.”

Glassy-eyed and breathing heavily, Edward shamelessly started to palm himself over his clothing, biting his lips to stifle any noise. The drugs had removed all sense of inhibition.

“Look at you, touching yourself in the middle of a strip club, to a dead man at that,” Oswald hissed. “Have you no shame?”

By now, Edward was too lost in his drug-fueled fantasy to care whether he did or not. Not even bothering to be discreet, he reached inside his waistband to pump himself faster. His breathing quickened through gritted teeth, his skin feeling tight and hot. “Says the man wearing sequin booty shorts.”

“You’re a sick man, Edward,” the hallucination sneered. “But the Penguin saw who you really were underneath, didn’t he, Edward? He was the only one in your pitiful existence who ever looked past the jittery nerd and saw what was beneath. He knew you, Edward, and he loved what he knew.”

Edward groaned, squeezing his eyes shut and bucking his hips as he imagined shutting Oswald’s smart mouth up by filling it with his cock. His body flooded with warmth, his fair skin flushing pink as his heart raced well beyond an unhealthy range.

“If it wasn’t for Penguin, you’d still be rotting away in Arkham. It was the Penguin who plucked you out of the gutter and gave you a position befitting your abilities, and you threw it all away. Like everything else in your life. Even Kristen.”

With a strangled cry, Edward came, not even noticing the looks of disgust on the faces of Barbara, Tabitha, and the others. The last thing he heard was his dead friend’s mocking laughter, and then he passed out, eyes rolling into the back of his head.

***

When Edward woke up, alone, the next morning with the worst hangover of his life and a pair of ruined pants, and completely unable to look Barbara and Tabitha in the eye, he swore for the thousandth time he’d throw out the pills. He couldn’t go on like this. He needed a proper guide on this crazy journey of his. Sooner rather than later.

[luxthecrownguard]

Write On + Lux's first royal gala

// I based it on her First Gala in general because I found it more fitting for character development. 

Another day in a society bent on building its civilians into functioning members of society despite, unlike most, there were things that set individuals apart and she was one of those. There were many terms that could be used to describe the vile intrusions of the world, in her case it could mean death. The defects as her parents would so kindly state behind her back, certainly not in front of others, but without a doubt to each other; What a bother this all was, the amount of money poured into such nuisances to celebrate unrelatable matters, smile… wave… dance, no room to deny the hands reaching out to consume whatever time they could in her day. Vultures wishing to gain a leg into a household they have no business but it was their way to exert their dominance when they could… Lux… she hated it. Parading around in faulty material that was impractical, masks that carve specific impressions designed to intrigue the opposite party. Politics, tricky and a massacre to society because it was littered with nothing but lies. Today, she would have to just that, participate in the unending dance of socialization, smiling to seem pleasant like nothing were wrong and that nothing bothered her. Learning to deny yourself over others was certainly the worse of it, the ideations behind mingling to please those around you and offer them an unforgettable moment; A groan left her lips along with the remaining air in her chest as she held on to the bed post, nails digging into the carved wood hanging her head and the blonde strands following the movement as they slide off her shoulders. The maid tugged viciously at the threads strung through the corset, “ Is this…r…really necessary….?” Asking in a breathless tone at the rather uncomfortable accessory to her garment. “ It is at your mother’s request that you be fitted with this Ma'Lady,” the woman whispered before fetching the fine garment. There were moments where she cursed the days, recently she'd been given the right to adulthood upon growing a year older... not just any number, 12, the bridge in which desire manifested and the parade for suitors began; Not only was it a normal consistency across the minds of society but being bred for the crown and the military training from the beginning fell right behind it. Of course, everyone was introduced into military induction at some point, family and status definitely played a role at where they started… that she hated, she’d heard rumors of Noxus and their military upbringing. Everyone started at the same place and earned their rank… but it was only a rumor, whether it was true, that was a different story. The top was fashioned to fit a mistress of war, a breastplate made of sturdy fabric and the bottom more of a chaotic feeling with the tulle pushing outward, “ I hate when she insists on dre….” a rather unamused tone had taken full effect only to be cut short by just that figure coming into view, her mother perched inside her door frame. Slender, shorter than average and holding quite the resemblance to the mage... at least that was what most people couldn't refrain from saying. “ Oh, my child,” An enthusiastic beginning to what would end as her dominating a conversation, “ You look like a proper Crownguard. Remember what we wen….” A sigh left her lips, stomping a foot against the ground, barking her distaste for her daughter's stance, “ Luxanna! Stand straight, no slouching you’re not a commoner… I taught you better than that.” At the sound of her raised pitch, the girl more than obeyed immediately correcting her posture. A quick mask developing once more to hide her outburst, there were times where the doubt became apparent that her mother no longer knew who she was beneath a subservient wife. Her mother smiled once more, “ Now, we’ve discussed how this will go…”A few strides to close the distance between them, reaching a slender hand over to pick up delicate gloves designed just for these monotonous occasions. Blue orbs glanced down briefly, reluctantly the girl tugged the worn leather ones off her fingers, they’d become a  comfort zone almost like a cage bolted shut. 

Even though it was only seconds, the moment she discarded her barrier onto her bed, discomfort as she shifted her weight from one leg to the other. Louder and louder the beating got in her ears as her blood pumped quicker, air was swept clean from her lungs…. a quick panic was setting in; Swiping the gloves from offering hands and sliding them on a hard swallow followed and a wave of relief. The sight was only brief, having barely caught it that flicker of disgust when her hand had brushed hers. “You are not to take these off for any reason tonight. I would not want anyone to learn of your ….shortcomings, it would be detrimental in more ways than one for your father. Wouldn't want him to suffer due to your incompetence….” Looking to the servant, “ Finish getting her ready and escort her down, a Lady must be early to accept the guests’ arrival. Present till the very end.” With that, a swift exit and the tension in the room dissipated much easier than it came. Gritting her teeth, one hand gripping the other in an attempt to quell the rising ride of anger, “ That… woman….” A huff escaped painted lips, a few calming breaths and that warm sensation that had roamed beneath her skin began to subside. Forcing a small smile onto her lips, turning to the servant, “ Come. I would not want you to get in trouble because of me…” The heels were like a clock tapping against the ground, each step she allowed to grace the floors recorded her existence in the halls; Everything had been pulled out for this simple event… .there were no reasons just a moment to show off, present standing and gain respective connections to others. Stationed next to her brother who was always a saving grace even if his mind didn’t want him to believe the truth, he flashed a comforting smile. Her father was stern, unwavering, having entered the room she didn't even earn a simple glance or even an ounce of acknowledgment. He had become distant, repulsed by her existence since revealing that she had magical inheritance; Excelling in everything it still wasn’t enough to earn a glance in this situation. No eyes peered to view the secrets behind these walls, he just like mother wore a mask in front of guests and continued the parade of nobility as if it was written in some special book distributed among the masses. 

A sigh left her lips earning that famous glare from her mother, quite sure it could curdle milk if she looked at it long enough; People would begin to pour in, flocking for a look inside their home and make reaches, grabs for any strong they could find to gain a leg up. Venturing through the people she’d politely smile, greet them favorably and move on just like a good hostess, proper etiquette.. .all so tiresome. Speeches praising Demacia, the King and welcoming the visitors all so boring but this part she hated most. Dances…Closing her eyes briefly trying to adjust herself, no luck; slipping off to the side she cringed at the uncomfortable feeling of the corset cinching her waist, crushing her chest and giving her a chest where she didn’t have much of one. What a vile invention, a torture device she had deducted from the short time having worn it. Losing herself in the moment a hand was placed on her shoulder causing her to jump slightly, “ Come now Lux… you have to mingle wouldn’t want to make Mother angry.” Relief, if it was anyone he was the most comforting of the lot and definitely the only one who could make her smile in such a horrid situation “ I know I know Garen, I just… can’t breathe with this damned thing….” A groan left her lips as he chuckled. “ You’re a Crownguard. You can do it…” He would encourage pulling her back out to the party and departing as to not bring unwanted eyes. Not to say there weren’t those who took special interest, especially with her recent coming of age, those were the most unwanted to her. The first Sir VonBokern his sleazy mustache curling in certain ways that made his expressions more revolting than they should be. Cringing behind her bright smile she allowed for him to lead her out to the floor, swirling, again and again, wandering hands down her backside and each time she’d reach back and pull the hand back up. His breath encroaching in on her ear trying to whisper sweet nothings, his breath was heavily infused with strong licks of alcohol and the sloppy behavior he presented only supported the assumption. Each second bringing a heightened desire for an interruption. “Luxanna!” Her father’s voice would boom across the crowd pulling her attention immediately. Bidding her current dance partner a farewell, quickly tearing across the room a panic clear in the rushed steps,' Oh god... what have I done.' It was a simple that but it encompassed every bit of what she was feeling, for him to call her? She had to of done something wrong. “ Yes, Father?” She asked, a worried expression and a small shake in her tone. “ This is Andren, he’s the son of Sir VonBokern. It would please me….” There it was, that phrase that got her each time with the need to prove herself to him, “ if you would keep him company.” Whittled down to nothing once his intense glare settled upon her, but part of her couldn't help relishing in the moment. It was times like this that she took much stock in, it was still more recognition than her father gave her on a regular basis. “ Y….y..yes sir… of course, sir..” A sense of shock rising to each word, this was far from what she had expected. The notion to knowing eyes was clearly fake, a ruse to convince the onlookers of a functioning family from one end to the other, her father's hand reached out grasping her shoulder in a loving manner, “ That's my girl...” He cooed. Her heart lurched clear from her chest, unable to deny her desire to receive such praise. A lie she would let herself believe just this once, be fooled... just this once.

The boy said next to nothing, wouldn’t move to dance and was rather in her mind in the likeness of a statue, a far cry from the creep his father was. Fiddling with her gloves, the boy seemed to take notice and reached over taking her hand. No warning was given as he began to remove the cloth, no cause or reason to such unwarranted actions. Fear washed over her features, quickly retracting her hand from his grip, “ No!” She belted clutching her hand to her chest which caused a few glances. 

Andren taken back briefly by the sudden outburst didn't take long to respond roughly gripping her wrist, yanking it forward and sliding the glove off in one swoop; It was almost as if time had halted, laughing viciously at her misfortunes, heart dropped and breath caught in her throat... she had to get it back. A quick movement of her hand as it flew forward hitting him in the chest to create distance and then swiping his feet out from beneath him. Once his back hit the ground, ripping the glove from his hand she put it back on and took off back towards her room. There was no need to check, she could feel her father's eyes burning through her back as she fled the scene. A commotion created from something as simple as a glove was unacceptable and there was no doubt there would be consequences to such actions. Pacing the length of her room it didn't take long for someone to show up, first her mother who immediately began throwing insults, “ You insolent child, how dare you em....” Though it was quickly silenced by the head of the household trudging into the confines of her living space, his hand held up quickly silenced her. “ Father I...” Silenced in almost the same way, Lux shrank back when he held his hand up at her. “Why is it you insist on being so defiant!? I gave you a simple task and you couldn't even do that... There are times when I wish we were at war, then maybe you'd prove yourself useful... even your death would bring honor to this family in that situation,” He sighed, rubbing his temples agitated by the situation, “ There are times where I'm convinced there is not a chance you are my daughter, I like to believe you were switched at birth and my actual flesh and blood resides else where. Stay out of sight, I care not to see you leave this room for the remainder of the night...” What could she respond to that? Watching the couple leave she was frozen in her spot, knees wobbling in pure shock at what had just prospered before her eyes.

[jumunkrp-blog]

RESIDENCY DIRECTORY UPDATING...

LOADING RESIDENT INFORMATION:  ❝ — [ PARK BOGUM ] is currently 28 YEARS OLD, a HALF-BLOOD, and currently is a FLIGHT ATTENDANT FOR KOREAN AIR. Please click here for more information on this resident.

ACCESSING DATA...

— LOADED PERSONALITY:

you are a man that poses the question: how long can one drift for? and with that comes a set of tools: smile when appropriate, speak when necessary, always veiled in some way, coat your words until they drip with double meaning, dress to impress, appeal through body language, and never forfeit the air of mystery and the desire of the unattainable. the world cares about presentation, so give it to them. simple, simple rules for the shallow ones.

observe, observe, observe. keep relationships superficial, casual at best. no one ever stays and definitely not for the right reason so keep them at an arm’s distance. or an ocean away. it doesn’t make a difference. in the end, they are merely subjects to study and you are waiting for one that intrigues. ( it is always the anonymous ones that get to see the naive and starry eyed you. )

— LOADED BACKGROUND:

[ To: Airport Sent: 8:38 AM, Mar 7 ] It seems as if I am always on the way to the airport. The scenery never seems to change: only the weather, the shops along this road, and the people who’s name I will never know. I wonder if this marks the beginning of my second career crisis.

[ To: Airport Sent: 4:39 PM, Oct 24 ] It seems that at an altitude of 30,000 feet is where all my troubles dissipate. [ To: Airport Sent: 4:39 PM, Oct 24 ] Sure, there are less than pleasant customers but it’s hard to forget that red globe suspended in an unending blue – that scene I was greeted with as I sat in the back of the cockpit. The very image that renders all troubles miniscule. It made me almost believe in a god.

[ To: Airport Sent: 4:40 PM, Oct 24 ] Other memories keep me alive. It is never hard to remember the first time I flew, swore that there was a bird caught in my chest, all a flutter and making my throat dry. I remember rambling to you, the contents all a blur, something about there being more efficient ways of travelling than wasting hours upon this muggle contraption.

[ To: Airport Sent: 4:40 PM, Oct 24 ] That had to be after I sensed the amount of power you possessed. Even I am not so foolish to divulge about the magical population to a mere muggle, despite the ability to obliviate.

[ To: Airport Sent: 4:40 PM, Oct 24 ] But the moment of realization that I could choose a life away from this chaos, thanks to you, I tasted freedom for the first time. Somehow it also tasted a bit like courage and true power. Quelled that nervousness that stirred within me and procured images of what I could be.

[ To: Airport Sent: 4:40 PM, Oct 24 ] It keeps me going. I wonder if it does the same for you?

[ To: Airport Sent: 1:17 AM, May 16 ] They gave me a suite with a large window. The city of Macau sprawled beneath my feet and a bottle of champagne by my side. What else could I want more than to toast vibrant city lights? And yet the champagne is so bitter to swallow.

[ To: Airport Sent: 2:54 AM, May 16 ] I wish you were here.

[ To: Airport Sent: 2:48 PM, Jan 26 ] The little mermaid shuns me from where she is seated upon her rock. Always a new maiden swinging from your arm, she seems to accuse. I shrug. It is not my fault hoobaes try so hard to impress and yet seem to be reduced to a mere tourist once we see the lonely shadow of the statue. I can’t count the number of times I’ve walked down the same cobblestone paths or Nyhavn with the colorful houses. Picturesque and replicated countless of times on postcards. None of the ladies seem to be interested in a hike to Vor Frelsers Kirke. Perhaps they will never learn the true meaning of “breathtaking” as one climbs higher, trying to reach the top of the spiral staircase, as the steps grow smaller, and the relentless wind threatening to topple you over. But one glance over the railings and a city with the skeleton of fairytales is laid out beneath you. The sun sinks, washing the sky with a watercolor palette. I forget to breathe for a moment that seems to span an eternity and desperately try to etch the image into my mind’s eye.

[ To: Airport Sent: 3:20 PM, Jan 26 ] The Tivoli Gardens are still closed. Somehow the city seems less vibrant when the inspiration of Disneyland is shut for the winter season.

[ To: Airport Sent: 3:35 PM, Jan 26 ] The hoobaes always seem to get flustered when they realize they have forgotten about me. Not that I mind. I wonder if I should tell them, and the mermaid too, that my heart has long been taken by someone else.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:01 PM, Nov 9 ] The first place I ever visited abroad was this beer garden and each time I am bound for Berlin it feels wrong if I don’t visit it at least once. The beer is the same as always, a bit hoppy, a bit bitter, very lonely.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:02 PM, Nov 9 ] I passed an alley earlier today, unassuming to the eye, smelling of piss and spoiled beer. It reeked of magic, thirst, and desperation. It was a place both so familiar and foreign to me. It was a dead end. The duels were probably underground like the one back home under Hongdae.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:09 PM, Nov 9 ] I don’t think I ever told you about why I left.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:10 PM, Nov 9 ] My parents met in mahoutokoro, neither of them having the prestige to enter Yosul Academy. Maybe it left some sort of deep rooted regret because they hoped that I could attend the academy they couldn’t set foot into. It was a process. I have an adopted uncle I have never met.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:12 PM, Nov 9 ] Anyway, I don’t know what my parents were thinking. Did they believe I would be happier off attending a school full of individuals with sticks up their asses? Almost everyone there, spare a few exceptions, had their entire family tree admitted to the academy at some point in time. I was an outsider as soon as I began.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:13 PM, Nov 9 ] It was simple really. Mutual hate made me a better wizard, exceptional if you read my school records. If grades ruled the world I would be at the top but alas they don’t.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:15 PM, Nov 9 ] I was 15 when I first got involved in underground duelling. 16 when I won. A hand raised by the announcer, protégé dripping from his lips, pretending to be someone he was not, making a fool of himself. But I paid him no attention. There was power drumming through my veins. No one could make light of me now.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:18 PM, Nov 9 ] The crown weighs upon the soul and each year I had to fight to keep it. And each year it grew heavier upon my head. After my fifth consecutive championship I left to take a short break. That’s when we met. That’s when I came here. That’s when I first sat at this table, across from where I am seated now. Nostalgia takes people places.

[ To: Airport Sent: 9:18 PM, Nov 9 ] Look at all this gibberish. I should never drink alone.

[ To: Airport Sent: 11:11 PM, Nov 9 ] As always, I wish you were here.

[ To: Airport Sent: 1:22 PM, Aug 31 ] It seems as if I am always on my way to you.

[therevaliir-blog]

Announcements: 08-15-2017

Wiki Changes and Additions:

Thank you to Nadine Hydria for his work writing this piece about Lacriamium! Lacriamium: A Goddess's Tears Reborn It is now a subcat. of this new article: Materials of Revaliir I hope to get more of the materials and stories about them up on the wiki as we go!

Site Changes:

Mo'Mey Steppes has undergone changes!

-Language has been changed to Belarusian

-Capital has been renamed to Sviet

-The tribe has been renamed Adorany

-Map of Sviet has been added to the description of the area for Mo'Mey

Added Kujishoku to the Language Guide in the wiki

Redid/Better described other places with new languages / better definitions

Reuploaded the images for Stairway to the Skies and Canelux's Wings for the Wiki. You can see them again!

Changed General Discussion's overhead area to O.O.C. Pub! More fun! Links are still the same :)

Wishing Well and Wish Upon A Star now roll on Sundays

I started the x2 silver boost Area Spotlight! The first area is Baltil. These spotlights will last for 2 weeks so get your silver boost! I do have a schedule for this!

The O.O.C. Pub's description now links to the debate and game forums without using a quick link.

Tidied up the Synth/Alchemy Spreadsheet, made the link to the spreadsheet open up in a new tab!

Kirika Maze was changed to Kirika Lake since it was the bigger attraction! The description for the maze is still there :) 

Something is Happening! As the Moon Parvpora enters into its fullest state, and her sister Canelux waxes strong in the sky, an aurora spreads across the sky, originating from somewhere in the Jasumin Plains. As the green, blue and purple bands fill the sky, magical energies feel more potent, and minds feel sharper, while spells seem to have an added effect: the fading image of an ornate eye inside a triangle.

EVENT:  Sanguine Tenebris Conclusion

Many brave souls made an attempt to battle their way through the Circulorum Inferni. A select few were strong enough to make it all the way to Domus Tenebris to seek counsel with the Reaper. She heard their pleas, for it was her decision whether or not the mortals deserved her mercy. Their dedication did not go unnoticed by the Goddess - after several had successfully made their way to her, she appeared once more to the people of Adeluna. “Good people of Adeluna, it seems you have learned your lesson on this day. Let this serve as a reminder that greed is a dangerous thing, and that appearance is not always what it seems. Let this remind you that while Death may be cruel, it can also be merciful and forgiving. Write of this in your histories, and do not let it be forgotten. As for the Apothecary that brought this plight upon your town… do not fear. He serves in the deepest of my Circles now… pay him a visit if you please.” With a devilish wink, the Reaper was gone from sight.With Dalanesca’s appearance, it seemed that the effects of those under the spell of Sanguine Tenebris faded immediately, leaving many people with a loss of time and memory - a notion probably for the best. Perhaps the effects of Sanguine Tenebris have taught a lasting lesson to the people of Adeluna and Revaliir - greed is never worth it… but then again, the souls of mortals have always been weak, and more powerful things could always come about…. — Sanguine Tenebris has come to a close! Thank you to all who participated - I hope you enjoyed! Hopefully, this shows that Dalanesca isn’t alllll that bad.

We finally finished the capital of Railoch's description! Gobethio will be a subarea of Railoch unless people really want it to be separate. You can find it here: Railoch's Area Description OR YOU CAN READ ABOUT IT BELOW! The Unwavering City of Gobethio: Capital of Railoch Because of the persistent thunderstorm overhead, much of Railoch remains an inhospitable wasteland filled to the brim with ruins and strange machines leftover from a bygone era. However, despite the tempest's best efforts, the heart of civilization still beats in the eye of its storm. Gobethio, the once abandoned city now called the motherland of Revaliir's archaeologists, stands as the last city yet to succumb to the sky's unending fury. No one is quite sure how Gobethio has lasted so long; not even the inhabitants themselves. It is one of Parvpora's greatest mysteries, especially given the city's remnant, advanced technologies. Gobethio is the only major settlement in all of Revaliir that is known for having hydraulic and electrical power. The entire city, while Adelunian in architectural style, is lined with magical conduits and aqueducts that harness power from the storms overhead and channel it into luxuries that the rest of the world can only dream about. From trams throughout the city to indoor plumbing and electrical lights, Gobethio has many comforts that no one else has been able to recreate. As for the city itself, it is quite sprawling even if more of a research outpost than a typical settlement. Some sight-seeing focuses can be found here and there, thanks to the elevated city center and many waterfalls that flow down to the boundaries. There are also trading hubs and inns scattered throughout the city's limits, but these are hardly the main focus of Gobethio's splendor. The numerous guilds and their halls that dot the landscape capture that role, especially with their tendency toward ornate design. Gobethio's residents are particularly fascinated with lights, and so they often devote a great amount of resources toward flashy buildings when they want to impress. Yet despite this shiny and bustling exterior, Gobethio does play host to a multitude of secrets. The reason for its high volume of archaeologists is because of the oddities that surround the settlement. The implementation of all of its technology, save for the production of additional lightning rods, light fixtures, and pipes, is completely lost on anyone that lives there now. What lies above ground and what has been implemented or repaired since the city was first resettled is not nearly grand enough to provide all of the creature comforts that the people have come to expect. There are vaults of machinery deep underground, guarded by traps and unspeakable monsters. The archaeologists have gotten rich off of the wonders within that they have managed to plunder, but no one is sure how far down the complex goes or whether it is smart to find out.

Announcement:

Our Twitch Affiliate Naki introduced me to his good friend Arthzull, a professional graphic designer, who has generously given us a huge discount on designing us not only a logo but also a header for Revaliir. We will have our own images and truly be unique. Normally logos are $70 but when he heard about our troubles he gave us a huge discount down to $20 and is giving us a header. Naki also is throwing money down so that our header is professional sketched by someone that Arthzull knows. We'll be able to watch Arthzull's twitch when he starts to work on Revaliir's logo and I am working with him to make sure it is the best that Revaliir deserves. I can't thank everyone enough for supporting us and it has made me tear up greatly. I hope that we can continue making Revaliir unique and wonderful, a place where we can truly be ourselves and enjoy our creativeness together. Thank you to both Arthzull and Naki! Make sure to thank them both. -Brittlez, Revaliir Admin

Apply to Become a God(5 month warning):

Before I get started I just want to remind people that we have no tangible NPC gods. You can say your character worships a deity that isn't a PC but you can't interact with them. These are our rules please respect them. We even have a place where people can practice the old faiths here on the site. See the City of Abed for the Tower of Edhit. The God Applications are coming and we will be giving instructions in December. We are giving you guys a 5-month heads up to get your activity up. There will be only 1 spot to round us out to 6 spots.

You must: 1. Be able to write 10 posts a month. 5 the first two weeks 5 the last two weeks. 2. Be an active member of the OOC boards. Remember that being a god isn't a status symbol. It's a staff position. 3. Post with more than 1 person. Meaning you can't just post with me on all my different accounts(example). 4. Have a yearly event idea. 5. Be a role-model. This means behaving yourself. 6. Be prepared for conflict. This isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Staff discussions can get heated and you must be able to deal with that. 7. Be actively present for staff decisions, this means being in touch with us not all of the time but we prefer most of the time. You will be a deciding factor on future changes. This is the Application (though it may change by the time we get to December so be prepared for that. DO NOT send us it. We will throw it out and you will have to redo it/resend it) We'll tell you when the time frame to send us it starts. Application Form to Fill Out: 1. Username: 2. Character name: 3. Brief character history (max 150 words): 4.Our gods and goddesses don't have domains per se, for they have a title or function that defines them, which you can see just under the title of their temples. Our question is: what would your title be, and what would it mean for your character as a deity? How would they function as such? (Max 250 words) 5.What would be your character's three god powers? (bear in mind that this does not have to be absolutely definitive as they would be subject to approval (should you be selected) but a general idea would be helpful.)(If you need an example check Angela's signature) i. ii. iii. 6. As a deity, you would be expected to run events from time-to-time(Once a year). Describe one such event that you would like to run. (max 150 words.) 7. Why do you think you would make a good deity? This is your chance to tell us about yourself, why you feel qualified for the position, what qualities you feel you could bring to the deity mix and how you would function as a part of our expanding community. (max 250 words.) 8. Provide us with an example of your writing. This can be from a thread you have already written, or it could be a piece you have specially written for this application. Whatever the case, it should feature the character you are applying with. (250 words max) Sample Application (I used Toya, Ang's sister, for the App since doing one for Ang wouldn't have been as fun… I will admit Toya looks fun to play as for a Deity >.>; This is how we expect your app to look like in format. No links to posts or links to other documents.): Username: Toya Character name: Toya Rose Brief character history (max 150 words): Toya is the queen of the White Court in Arri. She was the youngest and raised by her four older sisters. Her life has been met with fire and destruction much like her soul. She has the soul of a dragon and the madness that goes with it. She does what she has to for her family even if her attitude says otherwise. Toya is the queen of Wildfire and Innocence; the innocence due to her ignorance. The queen is a person who speaks with her fists instead of logic, a formidable foe. One of a few mortals ever to punch a god and survive. Toya is also the Tactician in Arri, meaning she has good standings with how to win a war as long as you don’t leave the talking and negotiations to her. Our gods and goddesses don't have domains per se, for they have a title or function that defines them, which you can see just under the title of their temples. Our question is: what would your title be, and what would it mean for your character as a deity? How would they function as such? (Max 250 words) The Fire Wrath, The Dragon. Toya is a creature made of fire and destruction. Her heart is always in the right place but her mind leads her down the destructive path. The saying the road to Hell is paved with good intentions defines her. She would rather fight to get her way and ignite the world on fire when it isn’t. Diplomacy is lost on her and she would be the first one to throw a punch if things weren’t going her way. What would be your character's three god powers? (bear in mind that this does not have to be absolutely definitive as they would be subject to approval (should you be selected) but a general idea would be helpful.) i. Toya is able to have a volcanic eruption so the battlefield is in a haze with volcanic soot. ii. She is able to make things that would normally have a good effect become destructive. EX: Picking up a glass and having it break from the slightest grip. iii. Anything can become her firestorm, a massive fire attack. EX: Couch cushions lighting on fire or Ice cubes even. As a deity, you would be expected to run events from time-to-time. Describe one such event that you would like to run. (max 150 words.) The Dragon’s Nest. It is a tournament on the back of dragons. The ultimate aerial battle between warriors. The catch is that the dragons don’t want you on their back and they have been told to do whatever necessary to fling the competitors off. This would be a writing competition about a changing battlefield that just happens to be a dragon. Why do you think you would make a good deity? This is your chance to tell us about yourself, why you feel qualified for the position, what qualities you feel you could bring to the deity mix and how you would function as a part of our expanding community. (max 250 words.) I am an active member of the community. I run not only the Wishing Well but also heavily stalk the help forums looking for people to help. I have a standard of twenty threads I’m in at all times for roleplay. I’m also one of the veteran roleplayers for the Greenhorns’ Guild. I draw icons for the shops and for events in my spare time. I also always answer my PMs from people when they get sent. I can post upwards of 60 posts a month for a good month. A bad month is 20. I also multitask with 36 other characters. Provide us with an example of your writing. This can be from a thread you have already written, or it could be a piece you have specially written for this application. Whatever the case, it should feature the character you are applying with. (250 words max) She wasn’t sure that this is what Blaine had meant by ‘finding a new hobby’. She wasn’t even sure if this would be a get out of jail free card. The lycan was protective of his slightly psycho mate. Toya had a tendency not to understand when she was taking things way too far. Her recent activities included being a grand champion in Torn’s arena; it kept her out of trouble. However, when she woke up after one of her victories she found herself tied up to the bed with a quite displeased Blaine at the foot of it. She was more disobedient than a child being told no. Saddling her dragon she heard about the unrest that was in the ice lands. Her blood ran hot naturally and there were plenty of nights that Blaine had thrown all of the blankets off the bed just to deal with how hot her body tended to be. It was the flame elemental in her that stirred; go figure the crazy one had the destructive powers of fire. Climbing up onto the golden dragon they were soon off. Through the thick of blizzards and giant clumps of snow she found herself wanting to be back in the desert, she wasn’t cold but she wasn’t happy here. Her eye was visibly twitched as she landed the dragon. If it was one thing that she had a gifted talent in it was using her nose. Tips Your Event and You: I think this is one of the most intimidating and hard things on the application. (I know it made me really nervous when I applied for my spot) It is absolutely alright to ask people for help with this. Personally, I would pm past deities or current deities for tips and tricks. This absolutely does not have to be an event that you will follow through with. Make it practical and within our reason of doing. To help you out a bit here is how our event system works: You can have 3 prizes, 2-3 synth drop to make the prizes, it can be site-wide, in a pre-existing area, in your own area of your making, you can choose to do a hit point event where you heal or strike down health. For example; Angela needs priests to save 75,000 crops. People post and it will raise the bar from 0 to whatever. If people make it you could have a prize or if they don't you can have a bad result. For a creature, you could do KILL THE DRAGON! 75,000 health and each post will knock its health down. You can do other things with the health bar as well. I think Rhylana did her event it was healing Rhylana. Be creative nothing is set in stone just because it says hit point/heal doesn't mean you have to do it that way. You would work with me to determine just how much health/heal would be alright for the activity on our site. Obviously, having too much or too little is a bad thing. Your Title & You: Don't make it like an enigma where we or normal members can't understand where you are going with it. I should be able to tell what your positions are by reading your name. Angela's original title was She who gifts Fertility and Holds the Cornucopia (Fertility and Earth) Also your deity can hate their title. Angela hates hers now and I did that to show that the world gave her the title, not the other way around. You can see her title now: Master Artisan of Life and Keeper of the Cornucopia. Long and she hates but gives her story. You do you: When you get to why you want to be a deity think about everything you do for Revaliir. We want people who are a part of our community, people who help out, and who are friendly and least likely to cause conflict. You should join our Discord/Skype to find out more about our community and get to know everyone. People who are staff are required or will be to be part of our chatbox/discord/skype in some way. Your Post Sample & You: Get a post sample you have on the site and grammar check it. We highly suggest making it best. You can even do an entry that hasn't been done. Anything that shows up why your character is the spot you are applying for. Remember the character is the spot not the spot, is the character. Your God Powers & You: These god powers should be for god modding outside of your temple. In your temple, you can god mod all you want. For instance: Angela's relic making I could take off and most likely will for something I can actually god mod same with her desires. It requires cooperation with other roleplayers, therefore isn't god modding. Even I make mistakes and so do the other gods. These powers can change over time as we adjust and get better at what we're doing. They should be relative to your spot. Something I could replace her relic making with is: Her Earth Magic is stronger than anyone's at any given time. Few other things: The deity position is a job. You guys will be expected to actually work. When we say you have to be active we mean it. Even in times of slow posting where we disband the quota, there is a mandatory log in time where you guys have to spend on the site. If you didn't show up for your job you would get fired, this is no different. PMing Dalanesca and myself to see how your app was, if we got it, or ANYTHING like that will be considered prying and we won't hesitate to throw it out. If for whatever reason you are worried your application didn't make it through the pm system (which is doubtful) please pm another staff member and they will check. Dalanesca and myself cannot and will not look over your apps. You don't send your future employer your application and be like "Is this what you want?" That won't work. It's not here. No favoritism. I don't know how many time I have to say this but I will say it again: I don't care who you are. I've thrown other people's applications out who I've been friends with for years. I don't believe in favoritism and neither does Dalanesca. We might hurt your feelings but understand we have our reasoning. It is by no means a betrayal in our friendship. I'm friends with everyone on the site. I'll be best friends with you all but that will not get you this spot. Your talent, dedication, and time on Revaliir will. Be careful about what titles you choose and what areas you choose. Make sure that it isn't anything that can be made out as if you are trying to take a current deity's spot. Don't apply to be: The Gifter of Fertility knowing full well that we have a goddess in that range. This has been a problem. Make sure your app is clear. Make your spot known in the application and not all over. Look over your powers and make sure that they don't overlap with other gods. If you want to know if you can you can ask that god if that's ok. (I really don't care about god powers being close to Angela's so have at it but the others might care). Don't use this application as a platform to complain about some injustice done to you. I have a paper shredder with your name on it. Don't waste ours or your own time. Do not link us to stuff in your app. We will ignore you. We were lenient last time with this stuff but this time around we will ignore it. If you want it in your app make room for it. This includes; backstory, post sample, etc etc. You wouldn't link stuff off your application for a real life job don't do it here either. Do not send us a half-filled out applications. (This has happened) Be professional. If I or a staff member catches someone intimidating members not to apply I will strike you or worse. I don't care who you are – this is not okay. Sell us your character don't just write it down and be like "Whatever". SELL IT. You want it this bad you make sure we can tell. I can tell when people don't really care so trust me it shows. Don't apply if you want to just advance your plot and act like you have nothing left to rp but be a god. Let me tell you something: We don't trust that and we don't appreciate it. What's stopping you from making god and getting bored with it? This is a spot you should plan to have long term. I've held my deity position before Revaliir and I intend on keeping it. We're in for the long haul and you should be as well. We're dedicated to serving Rev for the greater good even if we're the only ones left rping. That was the promise we the creators made ourselves when we built Rev. It will always be here. Always. Do not be intimidated: What I posted above are guidelines. As we evolve we have to set new standards for ourselves and for Revaliir. I do not want people to think: Well gosh my character is off the wall I'll never make it. On the contrary, anyone has the possibility of making it. Personally, I like off the wall ideas but I'm only 1 of the selectors for applications. I don't suggest trying to play into our likes or dislikes (People know me they know what I like) because I become hardened when I do applications. I, for the most part, am the one who delivers the bad news to friends, spouses, etc, etc. I want the best for this site and so do the other ladies. We can also tell from past posts and other things. Most importantly have fun with it. If you don't think you can handle quota and think it will ruin your experience… Don't torture yourself. I had a good friend apply and get his spot and I ended up demoting him because he lost all interest because quota ate him alive. 10 posts a month doesn't sound like a lot but when it is expected of you quota becomes a burden you have to bear.

[asrarblog]

Dear Colleagues!  This is Pharma Veterans Blog Post #232. Pharma Veterans shares the wealth of knowledge and wisdom of Veterans for the benefit of Pharma Community. Pharma Veterans Blog is published by Asrar Qureshi on WordPress, the top blog site. If you wish to share your stories, ideas and thoughts, please email to asrar@asrarqureshi.com for publishing your contributions here.

This is a special series of Blogs which describe my time and experiences during Hajj this year.

DAY 1 – 21 July 2019

Departure, Arrival, and First Umrah

PIA staff had repeatedly emphasized to reach airport six hours before flight time. My flight PK759 was scheduled to depart at 9.20am on July 21. I reached airport around 3.30am and it was eerily quiet. The security staff said that the airline staff usually comes 4.5 – 5 hours before the flight time. I went to the airport mosque and waited for Fajr prayer which was still about 45 minutes away.

Anyway, when I came back to the airport entrance at about 5.00am, a fairly long queue was already in process. I also joined its tail-end, and finally got into the airport hall. First check point is Customs and next is Anti Narcotic Force (ANF). Having passed through these, had to get the baggage plastic wrapped. The wrapping service was free of charge; you only had to get your passport number entered at a counter. Next was to get a sticker for the baggage which had the person’s information printed on it. This sticker was to be pasted on the baggage to be booked. Then came to check in counter and got boarding pass. Next is to pass through immigration counter and get the exit stamp on the passport. All done, we got into the departure lounge.

There was another step here. A counter was distributing a plastic wrist band which had a QR code with person’s information embedded in it. It is mandatory to wear this band at all times; being plastic, it does not get damaged by water. Please understand that this is for your safety and comfort. Along with passport and ticket, the Haji camp had also given a plastic card which had the picture of pilgrim, Maktab number, Building number in Makkah and Madinah. This card came with a string and instructions to wear at all times. I can assure you that if you follow these measures, you will never get lost, InShaAllah. If you don’t, you may end up in big trouble.

I had changed into Ihram before leaving home. Most people had come to airport in celebratory clothes and were happily loitering around in the departure lounge.

We still had about three hours to go before the flight. Meanwhile, an officer of Hajj Mission came in. He took up the microphone and started talking to the happy pilgrims. I don’t know his name, but the gentleman used to be on stage in both training programs.

His talk had two important points.

One. He requested the pilgrims to change into Ihram at the airport. While it is nice to change at the Meeqat, but the Meeqat comes about 45 minutes before landing at Jeddah. The plane has a few tiny toilets and it would be impossible that couple of hundred people could change into Ihram in the flight. After his repeated urging, people finally realized and started changing into Ihram. I would like to compliment him that he saved the crowd from a big chaos.

Two. He said that we shall be taken to Madinah Munawarah within 48 hours of our reaching Makkah Mukarramah. He said we were a lucky group as we would be able to perform another Umrah upon returning from Madinah Munawarah.

The scenario in the departure lounge changed quickly. People donning white Ihrams were looking beautiful.

The restrictions of Ihram start after reciting the ‘niyat’ of Ihram. Immediately after ‘niyat’, the pilgrims start reciting ‘Talbiah’; men loudly and women inaudibly.

“Labbaik, Allahumma Labbaik; Labbaik a La Shareek a Lak a Labbaik; Inn al Hamd a, Wan Nemat a Lak a Wal Mulk; La Shareek a Lak”

We flew dot on time from Lahore airport. When we reached Meeqat, it was announced, and everyone recited the Ihram niyat. Immediately after, the entire plane resonated with the sound of Talbiyah. The pilgrims recited loudly and in unison and it presented such a deep effect which touched the souls. Some pilgrims broke into tears while reciting and it enhanced the effect. It was truly a deeply affecting and inspiring time.

Lahore to Jeddah takes about five hours. We reached Jeddah airport on time. Immigration was done so fast I could not believe. In about thirty minutes, we were out. We collected our baggage and immediately handed to the service people who would carry it to our residence in Aziziya, Makkah Mukarramah. The way was paved with Pakistani Hajj Support staff who guided and facilitated at every step. Some youngsters from mobile companies were running with us. One of them did my biometry and gave me a Mobily SIM, free of charge.

I must say that the arrangements were very efficient and organized; better than what I expected. Prayers for all those who worked hard to facilitate the pilgrims.

Thanks to comfortable handling, we were fresh when we reached our residence in Aziziya. We were ready to perform Umrah.

Our residence in Aziziya was about 8 km from Haram Shareef. We were told that the transport shall be available 24 hours to take us to Haram Shareef.

After settling a little in the rooms, everyone prepared to go to Haram Shareef in order to perform Umrah of ‘Hajj e Tamattau’.

Hajj, as you know, may be performed in three ways.

One is Hajj e Ifrad; literally meaning ‘single/individual’.  Only Hajj is performed; there is no Umrah and no sacrifice. Hajj e Ifrad is usually performed by local expats.

The second is Hajj e Tamattau, literally meaning ‘getting benefit’. Umrah is performed before Hajj, and the sacrifice is mandatory. The pilgrims reach Makkah in Ihram, perform Umrah and then come out of Ihram. They again wear Ihram for Hajj and then perform all Manasiks, offer sacrifice, shave heads and relieve themselves from Ihram. This is the common type of Hajj performed by pilgrims coming from other countries.

The third is Hajj e Qiran, literally meaning ‘joining/combining’. Pilgrims wear Ihram, perform Umrah, but continue to be in Ihram. They perform Hajj in the same continuity and then finally get out of Ihram after Hajj, sacrifice and head shaving. Hajj e Qiran is usually opted for by people living nearby.

Pilgrims from Pakistan are slated for Hajj e Tamattau. And so, we got ready to go to Haram Shareef for performing Umrah.

As mentioned earlier, the transport arrangement to Haram Shareef and back was available 24 hours and was excellent. And it was free of charge.

After a little while, I also got ready to go to Haram Shareef. We were five people staying in the room. All came from Lahore. Two of them had come for the first time. They asked me to perform Umrah together. I said, of course, it would be my utmost pleasure. We shall go together InShaAllah.

A little before Isha prayer, we reached Haram Shareef; and prayed Isha. Then we started Tawaf. Although there was a sizeable crowd, but we were able to perform Tawaf within Mataf. Prayed two Raka’at  Wajib-ul-Tawaf.

We then moved to Safa to start Sae’e. Completed seven rounds between Safa and Marwa.

By midnight, we had completed Umrah. We came out of Haram, got haircut and went back to our building.

All Praise be to Allah. No amount of gratitude is befitting for His Kindness and Benevolence. In a span of only one day, we started from Lahore, reached Jeddah, reached Makkah Mukarramah, and also performed Umrah. What more could we desire? What better could we aspire for? Allah’s Blessings are beyond measure and beyond our humanly limited imagination and desires.

Call it Baitullah Shareef, or Haram Shareef, or Ka’aba tul Musharrafah; it is unique. Nor is there anything equivalent to it. It is one, and the only one. The feeling you get here is hard to express adequately and fully; it is to be seen and felt. If you have had the blessing to be here, you would understand what I am trying to say and cannot. If you have not, I earnestly pray that Allah brings you here. Aameen.

You can never see enough of Baitullah Shareef; neither will you ever tire of being here. Tawaf is an extremely enriching, submitting and deep experience. If you are doing Tawaf with feeling, you will never like to stop. Allah is all-knowing and probably for this reason, Allah has ordained seven rounds for Tawaf. If the number was not fixed, many people would probably lose their lives doing unending Tawaf. There is no doubt that you fall in love here; with the Baitullah Shareef and the Tawaf.

Continued……

A Common Man’s Hajj – Day to Day Recount of Hajj 2019 – Asrar Qureshi – Part 4

A Common Man’s Hajj – Day to Day Recount of Hajj 2019 – Asrar Qureshi – Part 4 Dear Colleagues!  This is Pharma Veterans Blog Post #232. Pharma Veterans shares the wealth of knowledge and wisdom of Veterans for the benefit of Pharma Community.