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gracefortheday · 21 days ago

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DAILY GRACE: Prayer, Anointing and Childlike Faith

FEBRUARY 7, 2025, FRIDAY

Entry: 4am, Quezon City

VERSE OF THE DAY: PROVERBS 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. '

PRIORITIZE PRAYER Jesus prayed and His ministry is full of breakthroughs. He healed peter's mother-in-law and the whole town gathered at the door to encounter Jesus but in the middle of that, Jesus took time to pray. Fresh vision and new direction come as Jesus prays. (Mark 1:38) "Let us go somewhere else to the nearby villages si I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

Lord, forgive me for those times when I have been so caught up in all that is good and in the breakthrough of the moment, that I forgot to pray. Lord, may I never forget to spend time with you, in Jesus' name, Amen.

SHARE YOUR FAITH Your words can introduce someone to the life that Jesus offers. How can you use your words to point someone to Jesus today?

DAILY BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 1-3 MATTHEW 24:1-28 LAWS FOR BURNT OFFERINGS a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord.He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, It is a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. LAWS FOR GRAIN OFFERINGS shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it, And he shall take from it a handful, unleavened loaves, As an offering of firstfruits you may bring them to the Lord,3You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.it is a food offering to the Lord. LAWS FOR PEACE OFFERING without blemish before the Lord. he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and kill it at the entrance of the tent of meeting, hen he shall offer from it, as his offering for a food offering to the Lord, the fat covering the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails 15and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them at the loins and the long lobe of the liver that he shall remove with the kidneys. 16And the priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering with a pleasing aroma. All fat is the Lord’s. 17It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places, that you eat neither fat nor blood.” JESUS FORETELLS DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” SIGNS AT THE END OF THE AGE As he sat on the Mount of Olives, “See that no one leads you astray. 5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION For then there will be great tribulation, And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short, Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

1 SAMUEL 16:1, 6-13 DAVID THE ANOINTED KING 1The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

Insight There’s no mention of how David’s brothers felt about his public anointing by the prophet Samuel in Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:13). A bit later, however, we gain a glimpse of his eldest brother Eliab’s resentment when David visited the frontlines of a standoff between Israel and the Philistines. Eliab “burned with anger” at his youngest brother (17:28). He said, “I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle” (v. 28). Eliab likely regretted those words as David soon made history by slaying Goliath (vv. 41-51). By: Tim Gustafson NOT IRRELEVANT IN GOD'S EYES During the annual National Football League Draft, professional football teams choose new players. Coaches spend thousands of hours evaluating prospective players’ skills and physical fitness. In 2022, Brock Purdy was the last—262nd—pick and labeled “Mr. Irrelevant,” the nickname given to the last football player selected. No one expected he would play in a game during the upcoming season. Just a few months later, however, Purdy led his team to two playoff wins. The reality is that team executives don’t always do an effective job identifying potential. And neither do we. In a familiar Old Testament story, God sent the prophet Samuel to select the next king of Israel from among the sons of Jesse. When Samuel looked at the men, he was swayed by their physical appearance. But God said to him, “Do not consider his appearance or his height” (1 Samuel 16:7). Instead, God led him to choose not the oldest or tallest but the youngest and seemingly least relevant choice—David, who would be Israel’s greatest earthly king. Why do we often do such a poor job evaluating people? Our passage reminds us that “people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v. 7). When we’re asked to select someone to be on a work team or serve on a volunteer committee, we can ask God to give us wisdom to make choices based on qualities valuable to Him. By: Lisa M. Samra

REFLECT AND PRAY When have you felt “irrelevant”? How might you see people from God’s perspective?

Heavenly Father, please give me insight to see others as You see them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

WHAT IS GREATNESS? GREATNESS IS CHILDLIKE In the middle of a conversation about power and influence with religious leaders, followers, and onlookers, Jesus did something unexpected - he pointed to a child. “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). At the time, and for many today, children aren’t regarded as impressive or members of society to model our behaviors from. Children don’t have impressive resumes. They haven’t mastered many skills. They ask “stupid” questions and will often say outlandish things. Children are not “put together.” They ask questions… All. The. Time. Children approach the world at face value. What you see is what you get. And that’s exactly why Jesus chose them as an example. Children approach life with genuine curiosity and authenticity. They haven’t learned to filter their joy or calculate their responses for maximum social or career advantage. They’re fully present in each moment, eager to learn, and unafraid to show their need for help. Jesus’ teaching wasn’t about being childish or wild; it was about recapturing the genuine, open, vulnerable approach to life, embodied by kids, that so many of us often lose in our rush toward our own ideas of success and greatness.

SELF-REFLECTION Where in my life and daily interactions might I use Jesus’ example and teachings to embrace a more humble, childlike openness and authenticity, regardless of my social status or life circumstances?

MATTHEW 18:4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

#daily grace #jesus christ #devotional notes #grace for the day

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kaikai69 · 1 month ago

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Sometimes I remember how autistic people like myself are said to have a weird pain scale, but then I remember I was a case study last year because of how weird my body decided to be.

So, last year around April I started having pain in my lower back, side, and tummy and I was like “my dad’s had kidney stones before, this is probably what I have.” So, I go to the after hours in my area and they’re like “yeah ur probably having a kidney stone. We can’t confirm it but you’ll live.” Cool, I can still go to work still. So, every couple of weeks no matter what I’m still having the reoccurring pain and I’m like “guess this is my life now.” So, I keep having horrible pain every once in a while and peeing blood, but since I can still work I don’t have to really do anything about it.

So, I’m cleaning my house while in pain and my body just kinda powers off. Luckily, my darling dearest partner heard the thud and sat me up while calling my dad. He’s never passed out from a kidney stone so he’s now saying to go to the er. I, however, have a massive fear of needles and knew if I went in I’d have to get an IV, so I decided to go to after hours again. I wanted to make an appointment with my doctor but my darling partner said “hun, she’s not in today it’s Saturday,” and I’m like “oh yeah. I guess after hours is ok, I just have to pee in a cup.”

So, we get there, I pee in a little cup and have a little faint in the waiting room and the doctor says “I can’t force you but I think you should go to the er.” Now, I haven’t eaten and would love nothing more than to succumb to the sleepy feeling I have and have a chicken wrap, so I flipped a coin to decide if I needed to go to the er or not. The doctor looked horrified until I said it was on heads so I had to go. So, I’m taken into the er (my third trip there that year) and they’re doing their thing and trying to find out what’s wrong with me. They ask me the pain scale question and I have no clue how to answer, so they give me liquid Tylenol while they do a bunch of scans n stuff.

It’s about 10pm and I just wanna go home at this point, but a doctor comes in and is like “hey, your appendix is inflamed and can burst at any time so we’re gonna take it out in the morning. Please don’t eat or drink anything after 12 tonight. So, I’m very upset and send my love out for a chicken wrap I can demolish before 12 and my mom and dad stay with me talking about the procedure and how I’ll be out in like a day or two. I’m just happy to get food, but the doctor tells me not to eat too much, so I ask “oh so call the injured one fat I get it,” which made them laugh and set the tone for my hospital stay.

So, next day comes and I’m just like “ok cool laparoscopic surgery. I’ll be out for a week, but what’s the worst that can happen?” So they get me prepped, I’m loopy but asking the nurses how they are and trying to be nice because they deal with a lot and I respect their field of work. Soon they put me under after reassuring me that I’ll be ok and it’s just a small surgery. My next memory is waking up on the table, looking up to seeing a lot of doctors standing over me so obviously I laugh and say “omg it’s like the show house,” and promptly get knocked back out.

So, I wake up again on the way to my hospital room and apparently I get bumped into a door and threaten to give them a knuckle sandwich (I’m a pacifist, my whole family knows this and are cracking up). My grandpa and grandma get there soon and my grandpa sees how miserable I look and got some extra blankets. He’s tucking me in and I look at him in tears and ask him to cover my toes so “the devil doesn’t suck on them,” which would’ve been funny I guess if my grandma wasn’t at the foot of my bed. Sorry grandma.

The doctor comes in and he’s like “I am so sorry but you are very weird. Wanna see your staples?” Now, in case yall don’t know, laparoscopic surgeries do not use staples, so obviously I’m a little confused. He reveals I have a large scar from the lowest part of my tummy to a little below my diaphragm, so obviously I ask if he took some fat out too. He laughs and then explains my surgery was the weirdest he’d ever done because:

1. My appendix was way too high up to be normal

2. The little tube connecting it to the large intestine was so small it practically didn’t exist

3. I had the appendix of a 6 year old

So, clearly, I had a lot going on. Looking back, it explains why so many doctors were just looking into my stomach with shocked expressions and why every nurse and doctor introduced themself and proceeded to ask a bunch of questions. I, being the creepy weirdo I am, ask if I can see my appendix but I’m told the lab wouldn’t give it back because they’re testing it and showing some classes. Still sad I never saw it in person, but oh well.

So, weeks pass by and they’re keeping a watchful eye on me. The hospital stay was nice and I talked about anime a lot with some of the nurses, but eventually I’m sent home and told to not lift more than 5lbs for 6 weeks. I am going insane because I loved my job and wanted to go back but eventually toward the end of the 6 weeks my surgeon is like “hey, come with me to my office I’ve gotta show you this.”

So I follow my organ thief and he then shows me medical records and reports on my appendix. This bitch was not, in fact, the size of a six year old’s but was actually half digested. What had apparently happened was that my appendix ruptured in April, and somehow was just eating itself to fix it? The surgeon had never seen it before and told me few people have this happen. He also informed me my body was fighting sepsis for months which made my immune system very poor (it still is but it’s improving!). Then, I’m told that I’ve been written about as a case study by several students and I am “not as human as I look,” which makes me sound like a cryptid which is cool af.

Now, you would think, “Kai, you literally almost died,” and you would be right, but the most I had ranked my pain was a 3. In hindsight, that’s the worst pain I’ve ever experienced, but honestly with the pain and sleepiness I had I felt like 3 was the best answer for pain. Luckily, nurses looked at my file and were like “this bitch doesn’t understand pain” so they gave me pain meds that actually help instead of Tylenol, but they were still very surprised with my antics.

Tldr: my appendix ruptured and tried eating itself, nearly killed me, and I ranked my pain as a 3 because I rank my pain by “I’m fine” or “hopitle.” Thanks, autism, for my pain defying gift!

#story #surgery #autism #pain scale #autistic adult #appendix #near death experience #I am fully aware how dumb I am #my surgeon still texts me to make sure I’m ok and has to be really specific with questions

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zero-insignificance · 11 months ago

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DND Recap: Is it Hot in Here or is it Just Hell?

Cast includes: Rose the DM, Alfie (yours truly), Truk, Rayna, Patrick and Quinn

We open up in the Finkelberg Tavern.

Valentino shows up in the tavern. Alfie gets bad vibes and drags him out of the tavern by his stupid moth collar as soon as he opens his perverted creepy mouth and says "There's a kink for everything." The party hears pained cries and the sounds of violence outside the tavern. Just the sound of a fist colliding with flesh. Even after the cries stop the assault goes on for another minute before Alfie walks back in with fresh blood on his hands. Truk: Is that your blood? Alfie: No. *wipes his hands clean and sits at the table*

Truk and Alfie are chatting at the table.

Alfie: So... How old were you when your parents died? Truk: I was five... Alfie: I was 4 when my parents died.

Truk starts trauma dumping.

When Truk was a kid the kingdom of Russia was attacked by an eldritch entity by the name of Betty White. His parents were slain in front of him and then Brick appeared and killed Betty White sending her to the planet Earth to atone for what she did and live a mortal life.

Truk: I don't even know if I can go home... Alfie: I can't go home either. It's gone. My home is gone. Truk: Maybe I can go back. Give whoever is in charge the right to rule. Alfie: If that's what you really want, I'll go with you.

Bob appears and says that it was quite the tragic story.

Alfie: Bob would you also like to trauma dump? Bob: Sure, why not? I don't really know my mother. She isn't in my life anymore. Alfie: Betty White? Bob: Yes. Truk gets very angry. "That woman is the reason I lost everything."

Alfie sets a hand on Truk and he goes quiet.

At some point Alfie says that he wants Bob to set up boundaries with him and Bob doesn't really know what boundaries are or what their purpose is or why he's supposed to set them and Truk and Alfie are like "Oh gods he's a people pleaser."

Bob: Alfie you can summon things, right? Alfie: Yes, I can. Bob: Good. I need Baja Blast. *collapses to the ground* Alfie: *sighs* You need to go to rehab... *summons a can of Baja Blast* Quinn: What the-? Rose: Be careful. He might bite your hand off. Truk: *tosses Bob the can* Rose: Bob inhales the can. Alfie: Bob did you go to the ER? Bob: No. Alfie: WHY. Bob: It's expensive... Alfie: You just got paid and are now on health insurance. Bob: Oh yeah... Alfie: Bob if you don't go to the ER, I will drag you there myself. Bob: Do they have baja blast there? Alfie: *snaps his fingers* They do now. Me: There is now a bottle of baja blast at the ER. It has a sticky note that says, "For Bob" Rose: Bob doesn't know that you know his real name Alfie: I know your name by the way. Bob: *dread* What? Alfie: Calm down. Bob: Does anyone else know? Alfie: Mark, Gorg and Patrick were there but I don't know if Pat remembers. NOW GO TO THE ER.

At the ER it is revealed that Bob has 14 different health conditions, and they are all related to caffeine except for the broken arm and ribs. He has enough kidney stones to fill a fish tank.

Doctor: You need to stop drinking baja blast. Bob: *goes to leave* Nurse: Hey, we haven't discharged you yet! Bob: I'm leaving. Doctor: Sir, please sit down don't make us call security. Bob: Alfie Alfie Alfie! Alfie: What the fuck? Bob: I want to go home. I don't like hospitals. Alfie: *sighs* Okay let's make a deal. If you are to leave this hospital you will be under my care. That includes a decrease in baja blast. Rehab and therapy. Bob: Okay deal! I just want to go home... Alfie: *turns to the medical staff* He is under my care. I will make sure he takes it easy and adheres to the treatment plan. The medical staff gives Alfie a thumbs up and Alfie and Bob teleport back to the Inn.

Alfie: So, less Baja Blast. Bob: But why? Alfie: Bob, you are incredibly dehydrated. You need electrolytes. Baja Blast may have electrolytes but the citric acid and sugar zeros it out. Nay it negatives it out. Bob: Do you have anything that tastes like baja blast? Alfie: *summons a bunch of electrolyte drink mix flavors and sports drinks* I wouldn't recommend the passion fruit one. Actually, you know what? *snaps fingers and the passion fruit one bursts into flames* Bob: What is a gay-tor-ade? Does it have alligator in it? Alfie: Unfortunately, no. That's a bit of false advertising. It's commonly drunk before or after strenuous workouts. Bob: *tries some of the Gatorade* Damn that's good! Can I have more? Alfie: On one condition. Bob: *perks up* Alfie: You have to drink more water. Bob: I will drink a liter of water a day. Alfie: Okay. Me: Alfie summons an infinite Gatorade dispenser. It has a limiter on it. Rose: Bob goes to touch the limiter Me: It burns him. Bob: OW! Alfie: Everything in moderation. Bob: Alright. No more baja blast. *goes to leave* Alfie: Cold turkey on caffeine? You are in for a surprise. Bob: *takes two steps and passes out* Rose: He is fast asleep. Alfie: Looks like I'm carrying you to your house again. *Picks him up bridal style and takes him to his house* Rose: You enter his house and see that all of the Mountain Dew stuff is replaced with Gatorade stuff. Me: I tuck him into bed, give him a pat on the head and go to leave a bottle of Gatorade on the nightstand when I see the owlbear sculpture I gave him before the MLP arc. Alfie: Aww he cares... He actually looks kind of cute asleep. Bob: *asleep but mutters* I'm not cute... Alfie: *walks off* definitely cute.

Alfie reenters the tavern and sees Fluffy Scruffington in the corner waiting for him. Rayna is flirting with her wife at the bar.

Truk goes to the study and finds paper and crayons and he sits down and starts coloring.

Alfie sits down at the standing piano and starts to play. What comes out of it is a Bard core version of Rap God. Rose rolls performance for Fluffy to sing along and gets a natural 20. Fluffy is now the newest rap god having dethroned Eminem who descends from the rafters saying thank you and that he can finally go home. Fluffy does not gain immortality for the sake of creation.

Quinn is at the bar drunkenly singing and Alfie requests a glass of the strongest alcohol in the Tavern because he's an eldritch entity that wants to get drunk. Alfie gets a glass of Polish rectified spirit which is 96% alcohol.

Alfie: *downs the entire glass and feels nothing* Truk: *comes out of the study* What are you doing? Alfie: Getting drunk. Truk: Can I have a shot of that? Brick: Yes. Alfie: I don't think you're ready for this. Quinn: *drunk* I'll get the same. Lu: *slides a shot to Truk and Quinn* Alfie: *downs a second glass and feels a bit warm and fuzzy* Quinn: *has a drop and passes out* Truk: *downs the shot and starts drunk laughing* Can I have another? Alfie: Slow down, tiger. That hangover would be WILD. Lu: *slides a shot of water to Truk and winks at Alfie* Here you go, this is the good stuff. Alfie: *winks back*

Before Truk can even pick up the shot glass he passes out. Rose: Would Alfie like another glass right now? Me: Alfie's the dad friend. He's going to carry Truk and Quinn to their rooms. Alfie: *picks up Truk bridal style* Let's get you to bed. Fluffy: I'm going to marry that. Part of the way up the stairs Truk stirs. Truk: Where am I? Alfie: The inn. I'm taking you to bed. Truk: *drunkenly* noooooo... Alfie: *summons Truk's giant teddy bear* You want your bear? Truk: *clings on to the bear and falls back asleep* Alfie tucks Truk in and leaves a glass of water and some pain killers on the nightstand and does the same thing with Quinn.

Back downstairs Alfie sees another placard that shows Bob's record for number of shots taken. 80 shots. Alfie and Fluffy attempt it. Alfie could definitely break that record but stops himself about 10 shots in because he has the self-awareness to know that there should be at least one person in the party that isn't hung over and that he could relapse into alcoholism. On a scale of 1 to 10 Alfie is at a 5. Fluffy has broken the scale. They can't even form words.

Alfie: You wanna go upstairs and cuddle? Fluffy: *lets out a jumbled slur of drunken noises* Alfie: just nod or shake your head no... Fluffy: *nods with their entire body*

So, Alfie and Fluffy head up to Alfie's room and fall asleep.

The next day Truk and Quinn wake up in their separate rooms to the sound of rustling in the tavern.

Truk goes to investigate first and sees Alfie stress cooking. He has truesight so he just sees a hulking black many eyed vaguely avian eldritch horror making breakfast for everyone. And this is the first time the party hears Alfie's morning voice.

Truk: *hung over* Good morning, Alfie. Alfie: *deep voice* Mornin' Truk Truk: *freezes* What the fuck is wrong with your voice? The Swear jar appears in front of Truk. He puts one gold piece in. Quinn: *also hungover* Oooh waffles! Alfie: What are you talking about? Truk: Your voice is wrong. Alfie: Ah. You haven't heard me first thing in the morning. Bob: *walks into the tavern* Good morning everyone! Oo breakfast. Alfie: Mornin' Bob. Bob: *backs into a wall* WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU DO WITH ALFIE? Alfie: *tired* Bob, it's me. My voice is just deeper in the morning. Someone forgot to refill the coffee maker. Is Cafae Latte open? Bob: *still shaken up* Yes. Alfie: Can you get some coffees that won't curse us? Bob: Of course, it's on the house. *comes back with coffee for the party* Coffees for everyone and 14 shots of eldritch blood in espresso for you. Alfie: Much appreciated *grabs cup and starts drinking* Truk: *grabs a coffee* I feel terrible. Quinn: *also grabs a coffee* can I have peanut butter on my waffles? Alfie: Ahhh... Much better. *gives Quinn a jar of peanut butter* Bob: Can I have some french toast? Alfie: Of course! *starts cracking eggs* You look rough, Truk. Truk: Hang on. *starts smashing his head into a wooden beam in an attempt to cure his hangover* Rose: Roll for damage. Truk: *rolls* Rose: The beam is bent out of shape. Bob: You're going to have to pay for that... Truk: I can fix it. Alfie: Truk! Catch! Me: He tosses Truk a bottle of Gatorade. Rose: What flavor? Me: Cherry. Bob: *hisses at the bottle* Truk: *catches the bottle but it falls out of his hands cuz he forgot to close them* Alfie: What do you want for breakfast? Truk: 3 pounds of sausage. *downs the bottle of Gatorade* Alfie: *opens a portal to the sausage dimension* Rose: You should keep Truk away from that. The portal closes right when 3 pounds of sausage are dispensed, and Alfie puts them on the griddle right next to the french toasts.

Bob: You seem stressed. Alfie: That's because I am! Bob: Can I ask why? Alfie: *multitasking* I have no memory of my biological parents due to a concussion and I'm going to meet them today. Of course I'm stressed! How could I not be stressed? Truk, order up! *flips the sausage links into a bowl with a fork* Truk: *takes the bowl and starts eating the sausages like spaghetti* Alfie: And here is your french toast! Do you want some syrup? Bob: Don't be mad *pulls out a bottle of baja blast syrup* Alfie: That's fine it's caffeine free. Quinn did you get breakfast? Yes you already have breakfast I'm the only one who hasn't eaten breakfast...

Bob drowns his french toast with syrup, unhinges his jaw and eats it all at once. Alfie gets down on the ground pulls out a cartoonishly large chunk of meat on a bone and starts tearing into it. It's like watching a dog with a chew toy. "You must've been really hungry." Bob says as Alfie makes quick work on the meat. "I try to be vegetarian, but I do have to eat meat. Don't know if it's a miscellaneous bird thing or an eldritch thing or both." he responds before biting off the end of the bone and scooping the marrow out with his long tongue before eating the bone itself.

At some point Alfie is looking at Truk and quietly says Alfie: You're autistic, aren't you? Brick: *appears behind Alfie* THANK YOU. One of the reasons Brick brought Truk to the party is because he has been trying to get Truk an autism diagnosis and every psychiatrist he has taken Truk to hasn't connected those dots and most of the party is autistic. Truk gets diagnosed via peer review,

Alfie gave Bob more smoke bombs. Bob used one and we saw him slowly walking out of the tavern as the smoke cleared.

Alfie has to stop at Sh'am and trade his Cape of the Mountebank since he doesn't need it anymore. So, Alfie leaves the Tavern and heads over there with Truk and Quinn. Fluffy is still in Alfie's room regretting their existence.

Alfie: Hello! I would like to make a sale or exchange. Sh'am Guy: Oh hello! Would you like a pet or some more pokéballs? Alfie: I have a Paul *lets Paul out of the pokéball* Paul: Moo. Sh'am Guy: Would you like more pokéballs? Me: Alfie thinks really hard about summoning a pokéball and snaps his fingers. Rose: Alfie successfully summons a pokéball. Alfie: No. Sh'am Guy: Would you like to look at the pets? The party: Why not? Paul: *looks annoyed* Rose: He thinks you're going to trade him in. Alfie: *cups the sides of Paul's face* I would never trade you. Paul: Moo!

Rose: The Shopkeeper takes you to the pets and the first things you see are these:

Quinn takes a Gooze, Truk takes the three Jungle Chompers, and Alfie watches the animals to see how they interact with Paul. The Fungus-Furred Flounder Ferret gives Paul a sniff and seems to like them. Alfie gets down on the floor and extends a hand to let the ferret sniff him. The ferret flinches before taking its time smelling him and nuzzles into his hand. "I'll take her." Alfie now has two therapy animals, one for compression and the other for grounding. Rayna joins us in the shop and adopts the Sword Sword.

Truk is surrounded by some very excited Jungle Chompers and remembers to ask Alfie a question. "Alfie, Mordecai told me something about my sword. Do you know how to remove a curse from something?" "It's not something I know now but I can learn it. What kind of curse?" "I'm not quite sure but when I use it... It tells me to do things. Bad things. It wants to make me do them. Make me want to do them."

Alfie freezes upon hearing that. "No... no no... no no nono nononono..." He starts shaking and backing away from Truk. He's looking at him like an animal that could go rabid at any moment frantically muttering "No no no no I can't do that again not again." Truk can see that Alfie isn't present. He isn't quite there anymore, and his eyes are glazed over as he backs away.

He approaches Alfie and places a hand on his shoulder at which Alfie flinches. "You're alright. I won't hurt you. I will not hurt you..." and he pulls Alfie close. Alfie's entire body shakes as he lets out a shuddering sob and presses his head into Truk's chest. They stay like that for a minute before Alfie pulls away and wipes the tears from his face.

"I should probably tell you about my trauma..." "I would prefer to know so I don't trigger that again." Alfie sighs before beginning. "So, you know I died and that I'm from a different world. I had a party there. They... didn't treat me well. In fact, most of them hated me but I stuck around for the ones who didn't." He laughs before continuing. "I guess part of me didn't feel like I deserved better. We weren't good people. We traveled around earning status for the sake of a rebellion. A king threw a ball in our honor, and I knew something was off about him. I tried to tell them, but my opinion didn't matter. I was just the chicken who couldn't do anything right in their eyes... At that ball the king revealed himself to be Ascian. God of that world. The Story Writer, he called himself. He made Boriel turn into a monster. Even those he liked or even tolerated were killed. He didn't recognize any of us. I watched my party members die around me in cold blood. And even so Ascian killed Boriel for fun. There wasn't much I could do. I knew it wasn't a battle we could win. So, I asked for death. And I regret that so much. Turns out that power word kill is not a peaceful way to go. But it's not like people know that. It's not like there's survivors." "I know." "You know what? That's what I'm going to do with my life. I'm going to make sure that spell gets banned."

We're quiet for a moment before Truk breaks the silence, "Do you want another hug?" Alfie laughs and says "You know what? Yeah, I would."

And they hug. Alfie hears a sniffle come from Truk and he looks up seeing tears forming at the corners of his eyes, so he hugs Truk tighter. Truk is touch starved. He hasn't gotten a hug since before his parents died and he starts crying. We've been hugging for 5 minutes, neither of us want to let go and Bob is confused and weirded out and a bit jealous cuz Bob is also touch starved. Bob doesn't know how to ask for a hug. "You're still hugging? You can let go any time now." A hand darts out and Bob is pulled into the hug. "NO NO- LET ME GO-" he says as he struggles in our grip letting out sounds of protest. Then Bob's brain short circuits and he goes slack, his eyes glaze over. Rose: It's just like that one scene in Stayed Gone. "I'm afraid you've lost your signal."

We stay like that for 2 more minutes before letting go. Bob falls to the ground and doesn't move. Rayna: Did you kill him? Alfie: Oh shit. I think we just made him blue screen. Sh'am Guy: This gives me ideas on how to screw him over. Alfie: You do realize he's under my protection, right? *Eldritch magic flashes in his eyes* Sh'am Guy: Of course! Alfie: Good, now I would like to trade this or sell it *pulls out his Cape of the Mountebank* Sh'am Guy: Do you have a receipt? Alfie: I'm pretty sure I got this gambling when I relapsed 7 years ago. Sh'am Guy: I'll give you 500 gold. Me: Depending on the source a Cape of the Mountebank can go from 8000 to 10,800 gold Alfie: *raises an eyebrow* Really? Sh'am Guy: I'll have to call my cloak guy. *ducks under the counter and pops back up in a hat, sunglasses and a fake moustache* Sh'am Cloak Guy: A Cape of the Mountebank? These things go for 8,000 gold! *ducks back under the counter* Sh'am Guy: I'll give you 5000 gold for the cloak. Alfie: *levels a stare at the shop keeper* Me: Alfie rolls to intimidate him. Rayna's player: Oh no Me: *rolls* 19. Sh'am guy: *starts sweating* 7000? Alfie: *smiles* you have a deal! Rose: He slides you a bag with 7000 gold pieces in it. Alfie: Pleasure doing business with you. Sh'am Guy: Could you tell your other friends to adopt some pets? I don't have the room to store or properly feed them. Alfie: *snaps his fingers and a pet store appears next door* There we go! Sh'am Guy: Thank you! Alfie: People really have to stop saying that in the fey wilds. Sh'am Guy: I'm not fey born. Alfie: I have three debts from Bob alone. Sh'am Guy: He says it a lot. I have 57 from him. Alfie: Have you used any? Sh'am Guy: Gods no. I'm saving them. Alfie: Have a nice day! Let's go!

Truk questions how we get to hell and Alfie says there's a painting portal there. Truk is concerned so he calls his parent, Brick. Truk: How do we get to Hell? Is Alfie right? Brick: There are several ways. The Painting portal in the museum. Alfie can open a portal to Hell with his book. Alfie: I'm not using the book. I only have to ingredients to cast it 3 times. Brick: Or... You could die. Which is off the table. Truk: Painting portal it is.

Alfie: You're autistic. Truk: No, the doctors said no. Me: An official autism card appears in front of you. It is rainbow and has your name on it. Truk: What the-? Alfie: You've been diagnosed via peer review. Truk: Oh. *takes the card and puts it in his wallet* Alfie: I have one and so does Bob. Me: It turns out that the official autism cards come from Alfie, but he doesn't know that.

We enter the museum and Alfie says hi to Dakota Jones and notices that the bathroom painting has a brand-new toilet in it. Alfie threw up in the old toilet and it dissolved due to the strength of his stomach acids. That was probably why the museum was closed for the last two days. The toilet is reinforced against acid damage.

We start scanning the museum for the painting to Hell. "Roll Perception" Alfie got a nat 1. He finds a red painting and is like oooo i think I found it and reads the placard. It is a portal to the surface of the sun. Truk got an 11 and is staring at a painting of a turkey sandwich. Rayna got a 22 and the painting to Hell is the one right next to the sun painting.

Then we have a moment with our pets and question what to name them.

Alfie: What do I name you? Rose: You don't speak animal, but you can tell that your ferret would be happy with any name you give her. Truk points to one Jungle Chomper and says "Ricky" then points at the next one and says, "Bob the second." and then glances at Alfie who is currently holding his ferret. He looks at the last Jungle Chomper and says, "Alfie the second." Rayna names the sword sword Flint. Alfie looks this little mossy green ferret in the eyes and smiles before saying "I'll name you Clementine." Clementine squeals in excitement at her new name.

Truk is a bit confused at the lack of gender of his Jungle Chompers. They are sexless and reproduce asexually. Truk: Are you a boy or girl? Bob II: rawr Truk: Ok. Rawr once for boy twice for girl *points at Bob II* Bob II: rawr Truk: *points to Alfie II* Alfie II: rawr Truk: *points to Ricky* Ricky: rawr rawr Truk: Okay.

Alfie hands out Pokeballs to Truk and Rayna and then turns to Clem and Paul. Alfie: Do you guys want to go in the pokeballs or stay out? Rose: They would like to go in the pokeballs. Everyone's animals willingly go in the pokeballs.

And so, we enter the painting to Hell. We are greeted to a long highway and a song plays in the distance. "YOU'RE ON A HIGHWAY TO HELL~ HIGHWAY TO HELL!" Next to us we see a 1967 Chevrolet Impala. There isn't anyone in the driver's seat and Truk's eyes light up. The keys are still in the ignition. Truk has his driver's license. He gets in the driver's seat and there is a sticky note on the dash. "Shotgun shuts his cakehole."

Rayna gets in the passenger seat and Alfie is in the backseat cuz wings and it's the safest place in the car. Alfie is very tense right now and is gripping onto his seatbelt and Truk guns it.

Alfie: It's okay it's okay they're under my protection they will be OKAY. Truk: *laughing maniacally* Rayna: WOOOOO Rayna's Player: She starts raging. Rose: You see a giant wall approaching. Roll performance. Truk's player: *rolls* fuck. 6. Rose: You slow down to 30 mph. You still crash into the wall. Everyone takes 30 points of bludgeoning damage. Alfie: *shakily pulls out a health potion* I don't feel safe anymore. *drinks the health potion and exits the car* Rose: You hear a cry of devastation. Dean Winchester: NO, MY BABY. WHY DID YOU STEAL MY CAR? Alfie: Honestly, it's your fault. You left it on the side of the highway with the keys in the ignition. Dean: My brother and I had to do things! Alfie: *snaps his fingers so the car is back to normal* Calm down. Have some pie. *gives Dean a cherry pie* Hang on you seem familiar. Dean: What? Alfie: AH! We met in a dream. Something about "first time dying?" Dean: I would've remembered that. Alfie: Maybe that hasn't happened to you yet.

Rose: you see two guards. "One of us tells lies the other tells the truth." Alfie: What's 2+2? Guards: We don't know how to do math... Alfie: hmm... Am I an eldritch entity? Guards: How are we supposed to know? Truk: Am I a half orc? Guard 2: I'm an optimist so I think you're a full orc. Truk: *stabs guard* Are you injured? Rose: The stab wound heals up Rayna and Truk go to chop one of the guards head off in sync. Alfie: Guys? Nothing happens. They try again and roll to hit better. Rose: Nothing happens Dean: *face down in the cherry pie* Alfie: GUYS! *clears throat and points at Dean* Is he eating a cherry pie? Guard 1: Yes. Alfie: There we go, Guard 2 is the liar. Guard 2: Unfortunately, we have to wait for the King of Hell to let you in. This was for fun. Alfie: *groans* I'm here on business. Guard 1: Are you here to beat up Valentino? Alfie: No, I already did that last night. Guards: That was you? Alfie: Yeah, and I'd do it again. Guards: Nice. Alfie: *pokes head into the nap sack* Hey Patrick? Patrick: hm? Alfie: Can I have Lucifer's soul for a moment? I'll give it right back. Patrick: *gives Alfie Lucifer's soul* Alfie: *squeaks the rubber ducky soul* Nothing happens. Dean: That's just a rubber ducky. Alfie: Hang on, can angels be summoned like Gods? Rose: Give it a try. Alfie: Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer. Lucifer: Hi! Alfie: We need to get into Hell. Lucifer: Oh, is this to kick Valentino's ass? There's a wait list. Alfie: No, I already did that. I'm here for my parents. Lucifer: Oh okay. Do stop by my daughter, Charlie's hotel. Don't tell Patrick that the ducky isn't my soul. It would crush him. And stay away from the deer fucker. Alfie: Elaborate. That could mean so many things. Lucifer: He looks like a deer. Alfie: *pokes head into the Nap Sack* thanks Pat! *returns the ducky* Hang on before we enter does anyone else want a mark of eldritch protection? Rayna: Sure. Alfie: What's your favorite color? Rayna: Emerald green. Me: an emerald green friendship bracelet jumps out at you and coils itself around your wrist. Alfie: Truk, do you want one? Truk: I wouldn't mind double protection. Alfie: Brick are you okay with that? Rose: An image of a thumbs up appears in your mind. Alfie: Favorite color? Truk: Pink. Me: a pink friendship bracelet jumps out and coils around your wrist.

Truk has given a holy symbol to each of the party members as a mark of protection.

And we enter Hell. A photo appears in Truk and Rayna's hand. "These are my parents. Keep an eye out for them. And a gnome. Stay away from the gnome. He's a dick."

We each roll an individual perception check.

Rayna rolls and sees a black and white cat with wings drinking his feelings away in a bar. Husker. She and Husker get along famously.

Truk rolls and meets Nifty. Nifty: Are you a bad boy? Truk: Do not call me a bad boy.

Alfie rolls and meets Joe Rogan who walks up to Alfie Joe Rogan: I WANT TO TALK TO YOU Alfie: *slowly drawing his starscourge dagger* About what? Joe Rogan: ABOUT THE CHEMICALS THEY'RE PUTTIN' IN THE WATER. Alfie: The chemicals? That make the frogs gay? Joe Rogan: YES. Alfie: *fakes dread* I'm afraid I've got terrible news... Joe Rogan: WHAT IS IT? Alfie: I'm afraid the chemicals are turning the birds gay too! Joe Rogan: OH FUCK. Alfie: *lurches foreword* RUN! IT'S CONTAGIOUS!

Joe Rogan runs and trips like he's in a horror movie. Once he's out of earshot Alfie bursts into laughter.

"It's funny seeing you here!" Alfie freezes and his head swivels to look at the voice. "Oh. It's you. You have A LOT of nerve approaching me." "Don't worry there isn't much I can do here." "Frankly you're lucky that I have more important things to do." "Tell Mark I say hi."

We are asked to do a group perception check.

Alfie sees two birds across the park talking with a tall lanky red demon. His eyes light up and he teleports behind them.

"Hey."

They turn around confused. "I'm sorry do we know you-" and their eyes soften. "Alfie?" he smiles. "Hi..." "You're all grown up!" says his dad. "It has been 24 years..." His mother squeals "And you're coming into your eldritch powers! I take it Azathoth spoke with you?" "He did." "But I don't understand, how are you here? The deal should've kept you safe!" They wrap Alfie in a tight embrace. Alfie tenses up. They pull away "Sorry..." "It did to an extent. I came for you." They're both confused. "How would you like a second chance?" "We can't." "I beg to differ."

Then the tall red demon speaks. Alastor: I'm afraid their souls don't belong to them. Alfie: Oh, you're that deer fucker Luci mentioned. Alastor: Oh, so you've met Short Stack! Alfie: I'm not making a deal with you. Alastor: Oh, why not? Alfie: I just got my soul back from Bob. Alastor: Bob? Alfie: I do know his real name, but he is Fey. Alastor: Oh, you mean my dear friend D'Avariss? Alfie: You know him? Alastor: Of course, we're good friends. Is he still addicted to that Baja Blast? Alfie: No, we have this deal he made with me where he is under my care that way he didn't stay overnight in the hospital. That includes rehab and therapy. Alastor: I've been trying for years! But why not strike a deal with me?

Alfie shifts revealing the protective symbols on him and Rayna. They light up and eldritch magic flashes in his eyes. "You really don't want to."

Something clicks in Alfie's brain about Alastor. Just the way he stands and the way he carries himself. "You're on a leash, aren't you?" Alastor freezes and his smile falters a bit. "What did you say?" "I've lost my soul before. I know the way it sits in the heart." Alastor's demon form leaks out as he shakes "If you mention that to anyone ever again, I will kill you." "Good luck with that. You can relax. I'm good at keeping secrets."

Cut back to Nifty and Truk. Truk shows Nifty the photo Alfie gave him. "I'm looking for these guys. Not the baby, I'm friends with the baby. He's not a baby anymore." Nifty has not seen them before and recommends he try the hotel. Nifty is very eager and Truk is just like "Give me one reason why I should trust you." She plops a crown on Truk's head. "I hereby dub thee KING ROACH." Truk panics and rips the crown off of him cuz roaches. This makes Nifty cry.

Back with the others: Alastor: So, what can I do for a servant of Brick? Alfie: I wouldn't say servant. More like family friend? I would like you to release their souls back to them. And because I don't feel comfortable asking you a thing like that for nothing in exchange, I will cook you and your friends an excellent feast. Alastor: You're a chef? Alfie: I am a bird of many talents.

From the corner of Alfie's eye, he sees an amorphous blob with many eyes. "Betty White?

A look of pure rage fills Truk's face and he charges at Betty White and swings at her.

"YOU."

He misses and he tries again. And she turns into her human form. "Please. Let's just talk!" "There is nothing to talk about." Truk is shaking. "You took everything from me." "I know." "YOU KILLED THEM. YOU DESTROYED MY KINGDOM."

And Truk collapses to the ground and sobs and feels a wing wrap around him. Alfie is by his side with a hand on his arm.

"I spent my time on Earth atoning for what I did to you." "I will never forgive you." "I don't expect you to." "I'm going to kill you." She looks sad. "I can't die here. You'll need angelic steel."

Alfie wraps his arms around Truk and squeezes. And then a tall blonde woman rushes over. "NO VIOLENCE NO MURDER."

It is Charlie Morningstar. Alfie: Are you Charlie Morningstar? Charlie: Yes? Alfie: You should call your dad he misses you. Charlie: He hasn't been present in my life. Alfie: He would not shut up about you. Just give him a call. *turns to Truk* are you good to walk? Truk nods and he stands up. Charlie: I see you met my friend. Alfie: Who? Charlie: *points at Alastor* Alfie: *cups his hand around his mouth* HEY RED GUY! WHAT'S YOUR NAME? Alastor: Alastor, the Radio Demon? Pleasure to meet you. Alfie: Never heard of you. Alastor: The rumors haven't made it to the mortal realm? Alfie: Nope. Charlie: Why don't you all come up to my hotel, you can kick back and relax. Alfie: I'm cooking. Charlie: I'll help you in the kitchen.

On the way to the hotel Alfie strikes up conversation with Charlie learning that she has mommy and daddy issues, the recent extermination attempt on the hotel and the death of Adam.

Patrick: It would be really ironic if that Adam guy was down here. Adam comes crashing down on the path.

Adam: Ugh who gave me a Hot Topic makeover? Patrick: What's a Hot Topic? Alfie: My best guess is a restaurant. Adam: No, you dip shits, it's a clothing store on Earth. Alfie: How are we supposed to know? We're from different universes, Adam: What are you weirdos talking about? There's only one universe. The best universe with that blue disk! Alfie: *stops letting gravity affect him and draws his sword* Bold words to a God for a bitch stuck on the ground. I would kill you right now if you were worth it. Alfie's parents gasp. "Adult language?!" completely ignoring that Alfie is 28. The swear jar appears in front of Alfie and he is told to put a gold piece into the jar. Rayna is confused because we have all sworn before and the swear jar moves to each party member. Everyone must put some gold in the swear jar.

It turns out Adam is a flat earther and doesn't know what gravity is and we keep heading to the hotel.

We enter and see Vaggie, Angel Dust, Cherry Bomb and Husker who is at the bar. Alfie: Thank the gods I don't have to bartend tonight. Husker: What? You wanna have a bar-off? Alfie: Not really. I have my hands full with feeding you tonight. Charlie: Kitchen is in there. Alfie stops to talk to Angel Dust and Vaggie

Angel: Hey toots. Alfie: Did you just call me "toots"? Angel: yeah. Alfie: Who are you? Angel: Angel Dust. Like the drug. Alfie: I like the stripes *Points to Vaggie* and you? Vaggie: Vaggie. I know. Unfortunate name. Alfie: *confused*

Alfie looks around and notices Truk zoned out sitting in the corner. "We'll have to postpone making dinner for a moment." And he walks over to Truk and sits down next to him. Truk flinches and Rosie walks up to us and asks if we would like any chamomile tea for Truk. Alfie says yes and asks Truk a few questions. "Do you want to be left alone, a hug or physical contact or something to do with your hands?" Truk immediately pulls Alfie into a hug and Alfie wraps his arms and wings around him making gravity affect him more to act like a weighted blanket. "I won't let her hurt you."

We stay like that for a while until Truk can form sentences and comes back to reality.

Alfie cups his face and asks him if he'll be okay by himself and if he wants to let out his jungle chompers. Truk says yes to both, and Alfie gets up and gives him another squeeze before heading to the kitchen. Charlie follows him and the other party members notice Adam try to head into the hotel but be stopped by an invisible wall. Nifty is in pursuit and every 60 seconds they see Adam running past the hotel's front door and Nifty following with a knife.

Then they see some imps in the hotel: Blitzo, Milly, Moxie and Fizzarolli. Blitzo asks if anyone there has someone they want taken out.

Truk asks if they can kill a God, but they do not have the equipment to do so. The magic of eldritch entities predates the existence of time and the multiverse themselves. One of the only things that can kill eldritch entities is pure matter which can only be found in heaven.

Meanwhile in the kitchen Alfie is whipping up jambalaya, gumbo, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, red rice and biscuits. For dessert there's sweet potato pie and bananas foster.

At some point a bunch of the party shape shifts into Blitzo and Rayna wonders if she can shoot Adam in the leg with her sniper rifle.

Nat 20. She waits at the window and fires hitting Adam in the leg. He goes down and Nifty starts stabbing him in the leg with a knife. She is still in Blitzo's form and has given Blitzo credit for the kill. He is now a celebrity.

Alfie steps out of the kitchen to check on Truk and he thinks he heard Adam in the hotel. "KEEP STIRRING CHARLIE! You sound like Adam, but you have better fashion sense." "I get that a lot." "How are you doing, Truk?" "I'm fine." Alfie heads back to the kitchen.

The smell of delicious jambalaya wafts through the air and Alastor perks up. He goes to the kitchen and has a taste test and asks if he can make some modifications. Alfie says yes and Alastor starts adding a bunch of spices to the pot. Alfie is taking the pie out of the oven and is curious.

Alastor offers Alfie a scorpion pepper. Alfie has a good spice tolerance and takes the pepper and eats it. "Roll constitution" "19." "That has a nice kick to it. Lovely flavor."

Alastor is impressed. He only knows 4 others who can take those levels of spice.

All the food is set out on the table and Alfie questions if we should invite Bob. Alastor summons Bob. Alastor: Alfie wanted to invite you to dinner. Bob: That is very kind of you. Patrick: How do you know each other? Bob and Alastor: We both get confused for each other a lot. They have an 11-inch height difference. Alfie: You look nothing alike. Is it the jambalaya thing? Alastor: Probably. Alfie: Damn. You might want to add me to that list. Patrick: *currently can't tell Alfie and Alastor apart from each other* Oh god which one is Alfie? Bob: You couldn't even tell the difference between him and an actual chicken. Truk: We met your mother. Bob: You met my mother? Maybe I shouldn't stay afterall. Alfie: At least take some to go. And Bob gets a to-go plate and teleports off. Bob can teleport but he prefers smoke bombs.

"Alright! Dig in!"

Patrick pulls out several shovels. "Which one?" Alfie just hands him a spoon that looks like a shovel. Everyone goes for the jambalaya. Everyone rolls for constitution, and it is delicious. Truk has a spoonful and says that it's delicious but then the heat kicks in. His chair falls backwards and Alfie winces. "Sometimes I forget that most people can't handle the heat." and he give Truk a carton of milk.

Everyone has a lovely time with food and company. Alfie winds up befriending pretty much everyone especially Angel who dotes over Paul and Clementine.

Eventually it is time for bed and we each get a room in the hotel except for Patrick who decides to sleep on the radio tower.

Alastor: Would you like to make a deal? You've lost your memories, and I can give them back. Patrick: I have my memories, but I don't have them if that makes sense. Alfie: *appears behind Alastor* He lost his deal making privileges, plus his brain would probably explode. Now I held up my end of the bargain. Give my parents their souls back. Alastor: Alright. And now they have their souls.

Before bed Truk is talking with Brick who warns Truk that if he tries to fight Betty now, he will die. He isn't ready to take her down and Alfie teleports off to talk to Vaggie.

Alfie: Is that an angelic spear? Vaggie: Yes? Alfie: Where can we get one? Vaggie: You can only get them from heaven. Alfie: You fought off an extermination and you expect me to believe that you did that with one spear? Vaggie: Fine. You can get some from Carmilla Carmine. Alfie: Thanks!

Alfie teleports back and relays this message to Truk. Truk: I could sell my soul to her for one. Alfie: Brick would probably kill me if I let that happen.

#dnd #dungeons and dumbasses #dungeons and dragons

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sunmarketing · 1 year ago

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Siem Reap, Cambodia

I’ve returned from a 90-day trip around the globe to every time zone on the planet. My mission is world peace through cultural exchange.

In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I stay hydrated when it’s humid and hot?

Today’s Destination is Siem Reap, Cambodia

Today’s Mistake- Taking the long way instead of a more direct flight.

Travel Advice: Practice Google Maps on foot before you leave on your trip

FAQ: How can I stay hydrated?

From my personal experience, I needed help with this in Southeast Asia. The climate was so different from Southern California, where I live. I had to adjust my body to these climate conditions. I had to be very aware of my intake of liquids and not drink much if any, caffeine.

I am not a medical doctor, but here’s what I learned. Rest during the day. Swim if you can. Keep your body cool and do it early in the morning if you must go out.

I had to respect my kidneys as they filtered all of this water.

I had to monitor the color of my urine to try to keep it clear in color.

Today’s destination: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple pictured on Cambodia’s flag. Giant, mysterious faces are carved into the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom.

The capital is Phnom Penh. Listen for the earlier episode on that city.

I arrived by bus and immediately rode to the Backpacker’s Chill Hostel. My tuk-tuk driver was named Nuk, and he was reliable. He brought me to all of the places I needed to see. Ask for him if you go there because he could use the business.

What are some of the things that I did? The first was the temple, Angkor Wat. I went at sunrise, meaning I had to get the ticket first. So, he knew where to get the ticket and how to navigate the complicated process, making it easy.

Then we drove to the temples, which will take a full day. It’s so hot, you should go early. It was raining, but still very humid. Bring an umbrella for the sun. Limit your outdoor activities besides swimming.

Angkor Wat reminded me of Disney in some ways, but this was REAL. It was from 1000 years ago. The temple is huge and not crowded like Disneyland.

https://pharecircus.org/

Cambodian Food: 10 Traditional Dishes You Should Taste, even if you are not a foodie….

● Amok (Coconut fish curry) ...

● Kuy teav (Noodle soup) ...

● Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles) ...

● Samlar machu (Sour soup) ...

● Kampot Pepper Crab. ...

● Lap Khmer (Beef salad) ...

● Pleah sach ko (Beef ceviche) ...

● Samlar kari (Chicken curry)

Today’s Mistake- Taking the long way instead of a more direct flight.

Today’s Travel Advice-Practice Google Maps on foot before you leave on your trip

I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [email protected]. Sign up for the mailing list here. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Support this podcast with a review, please.

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#travel #women #dr travelbest #best travel

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thephobo · 2 years ago

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About me : my name is Hal. I work at pizza hut. I brush my teeth twice a week. I drink soda with my breakfast which consists of bacon and eggs. I don't drink water so I take kidney stone suppressing medication. I have to send a message to you all. I really, really, really want a trampoline. So if you could, please send money to me po box, 594 CA . I will up Date you all soon as possible

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selfpositiveundertale · 3 years ago

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Hey all. I am once again requesting help.

This is my cat Soul Dandy. I can't adequately put words together to describe how much I love him.

I noticed last night that he was having trouble peeing, and this morning it's worse. He keeps trying to pee but with very little success. I think he might have a kidney stone or something but I don't know. I'll have to take him to the vet but I won't be able to for a few hours because my husband is at work.

I don't know how much this will cost. We currently have about $228 on our Care Credit but idk if that will be enough. The person I spoke to on the phone said the initial exam fee is $62 but I don't know how much tests and such and possible surgery will cost.

My Etsy shop is on vacation right now so I can get caught up on my orders and prepare for an upcoming event, but if anyone would like to donate to my PayPal or even commission me for some art(if anyone wants art the first 5 to message, reply, reblog, etc with what they want will get one)

Art! I can do:

Decent Celtic knots ($10, specify a shape like a heart, moon, circle, etc and color scheme)

Undertale/Deltarune characters(canon characters only please, I'm not familiar with all the AUs) ($5 for one character, + $2 for each additional character)

Original magical girls/boys/youth (specify skin color, eye color, hair color/style, body type, preferred weapon, preferred color scheme, and any outfit specifics and accessories like a cape, a poofy skirt with frills, boots, a hat, a crown, anything you want!) ($10) (I drew several of these years ago but my skill has improved since then)

Steven Universe and Land Of The Lustrous gem OCs ($7)

Original Pokémon (send any specifics you want. If you have a name and a type and want me to design the rest that's okay. I've come up with a few Pokémon myself, though I haven't drawn them all) ($7)

Maybe more as I think of it

I won't do nsfw as I'm not yet fully comfortable with it.

I've never drawn furry art but I might try it if someone wants to buy a drawing.

These will be mostly flat colored with some shading as I still need practice but you can check out my art blog @hushpadart for most of my art(I have done several things in the last couple of months I need to post so check back on it later for when I post them) and @its-all-just-ink-man for my BATIM art. My art style ranges from barely decent to pretty nice. I'm no professional, I still have a lot to learn, but I'm not terrible. This is why my prices are low, I don't think I can justify high prices at my current skill level. These will be digital drawings, colored and maybe shaded without a background(I typically just color the background one or more colors, I don't add anything to it)

I am terrified right now. A few years ago another cat in our home had a urinary blockage and we didn't realize until it was too late and he had to be put down. I'm so scared that I might lose my sweet boy. I feel sick just thinking about it.

If you can't buy art or donate, please reblog this and spread it around.

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osmpalliumduo · 4 years ago

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Hello! May I hand u my healer!Tommy au??

-Tommy had passed most of all his life training to be a hero just like his brothers and father, this ones being the owners of one of the biggest agency of heroes in the country

-In his family, everyone manifested their abilities as soon they turned 15

-His father, Phil or known as “Philza”, got this big gorgeous black wings in his back as soon as he hit that age

-His first older brother, Technoblade or “The Blade” presented this inhuman strength and was able to manifest a huge blade in his hands whenever he wanted

-His other older brother Wilbur or known as “Mockingbird”, noticed that he could suddenly use this tone of voice that would force anyone around to copy whatever he said

-Being said that, Tommy was nothing but excited to know what kind of sick ability he would get as soon as he turned 15

-but much to his surprise, nothing happened

-well, not until the next day after his birthday, when Wilbur accidentally tripped and fell down the stairs of their house and somehow despite being this huge hero, hit his head really hard to the point it started bleeding

-Tommy grabbed onto Wilbur’s face gently, trying to calm him down as his father called an ambulance and suddenly, the pain faded away along with the blood

-and Tommy’s eyes looked strangely brighter than before, like shining stones

TOMMY: so.. you are telling me that, I am a healer?

WILBUR, PHIL & TECHNO, nodding enthusiastically:

TOMMY, tearing up: THATS SO FUCKING SHIT!

-Tommy didn’t liked his power, not even one bit, so he trained even harder to make up for the fact of not having a “cool ability”

-he got guns. two silver guns which later Tommy painted red with a graffiti paint can he stole from a guy on the streets

-anyways, he didn’t gave up on his dream of being a hero, actually, he decided to become a vigilante until he got his license

-moving on, Tommy is constantly sneaking into Wilbur’s missions even tho he isn’t allowed in, getting sometimes even kidnapped by the villains themselves as a hostage

-Techno always makes sure to make them regret it deeply to the point that most of the time, if a vandal sees Tommy wandering around, they’ll stay as far away as they can

-Tommy thinks it’s because he is very intimidating, he really isn’t

-Eventually, Wilbur and Techno let Tommy hang around in the hero agency where the “big” heroes talk about plans and shit

-it quickly backfires

WILBUR, grabbing a whiteboard: as I was saying, we should talk about the patrol schedules, as you see here-

Everyone there, chuckling:

WILBUR, looking at the whiteboard, finding a doodle of Tommy with the header “SUCK IT WIL” instead of the schedule: ...

-Tommy always finds a way to get into Wilbur’s or Techno’s nerves, interrupting their meetings, stealing their shit, sometimes even hiding their hero suits

-but he also helps a lot at the station, whenever someone gets badly injured in battle they get send back at the station so Tommy can cure em

-Tommy pretends he finds that job annoying, but he kinda feels great whenever he fixes a broken leg or a very bad burn that could have been problematic

-he also helps a lot with the interns! Also known as the “in-training heroes”

-the in-training heroes are people who are very close to getting their hero license but wish to know how’s the career actually like! So they train with actual heroes and act somewhat like their sidekicks

-And, that’s how Tommy meets Tubbo and Ranboo, two guys who get chosen to be Wilbur’s interns for a couple of months

-at first Tommy messes with them in purpose just to piss them off but he ends up getting attached to the two boys

TOMMY, entering the station: Big man is here!

WILBUR, putting down his paper work: oh hi Tommy! Come here! Give your brother a hu-

TOMMY, walking just past by Wilbur: Tubso! Ranboob! Wanna go get some milkshakes? :D

WILBUR: ...betrayal >:(

-Wilbur gets kinda jealous of them, which ends up on a stupid battle for Tommy’s attention

-Oh! by the way, Tubbo and Ranboo also get attached to Tommy much to their dismay

-why a dismay? They kinda are there to kill Wilbur, Techno and Tommy

-yep! Villain bee duo! They were infiltrated into the station as two interns and aspiring heroes, but they are actually just there to spy on em and kill the three brothers

-the plan backfires, they are kinda attached to Tommy now

TUBBO, in the meeting with all his gangster mates: so, problem here

Everyone: ???

TUBBO, erasing Tommy’s name off the “to-murder” list: we aren’t doing this anymore

RANBOO, nodding while holding onto one of the sweaters Tommy knitted for him: we are attached now

-The group wasn’t very pleased but out of fear of Tubbo and Ranboo, they said nothing, deciding to continue with the murder plan just behind Tubbos and Ranboo’s back

-and that kinda ends up with everyone going for Tommy in the missions, attempting to kidnap him, to shot him, and of course murder him

-so, Tubbo and Ranboo are always behind Tommy in the missions, keeping a close eye on him

-Tommy just thinks they are clingy, like his brothers or dad

Extra stuff:

-Tommys power drains a lot of energy out of him, so he has to constantly eat or drink things with lots of sugar before missions so he doesn’t end up passing out after healing two or three people

-He used to drink lots of coke cans but Phil got very concerned for Tommy’s kidneys so he exchanged that with sweet apples, so Tommy always has to bring a backpack with apples to the missions

-If he abuses his ability too much and doesn’t “regen” with the apples he will end up passing out! Example: (healing 5 persons with no regen = passing out for two hours) (10 = a whole day) (40 = a whole week)

-one time, after a huge attack with bombs, Tommy healed about 70 people in the accident and ended up passing out for almost two weeks straight

-the whole family (and Tubbo & Ranboo) got so scared that they didn’t let Tommy use his ability for at least a month after

-Ranboos ability consists on teleporting and inhuman force (apart from being able to manifest a huge axe into his hands whenever he wants to)

-meanwhile Tubbo’s ability consists on being able to manifest bombs with his hands (tho he likes to call them “nukes”)

#healer tommyinnit au #tommyinnit #wilbur soot #technoblade #philza #tubbo #ranboo #crime boys #bench trio #bee duo #sbi #dreamsmp #dream smp au

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gleeokenspiel · 2 years ago

Note

Heeeeey im soooooo sorry, I know you might find this a bit strange but I really do have a huge favor to ask but im so embarrassed to ask for it but I guess there’s no harm on trying, right? Can you consider boosting/sharing the post I pinned for my cat please? We’re in desperately need of help rn. Im so sorry for coming across your inbox like this. Please also consider answering this privately or send me a msg instead! Wishing you well and I hope that you’ll have an amazing year ahead of you ❤️❤️

im was debating answering this publicly over deleting it but here we are. this scam is apparently fairly common so in this essay i will-

you know, i watched you delete that pinned post live in 4k because a mutual of mine called you out for being a scammer in its notes and instead of rebutting them for being a jerk abt it you deleted it and reposted it to get rid of that comment

not only are all your rbs from source (meaning you probably created an account semi recently, just looked up top posts in cats, many of which I already rbed today from mutuals and blogs i followed and rb'd to pretend to fill your blog)

every single one was mass rbed an hour ago as i type and the oldest post you've rb'd was 4 days ago

and hell, wouldn't you WANT a public ask so people see it if you're gonna go through the trouble of.. i dont know, asking random people on the internet on tumblr dot com?

on top of that, i am not a medical profressional so i cannot say for 100% certainty, but apparently that doctor's note treatment only treats kidney stones and tooth surgery. and i dont really know how its done elsewhere, but somehow "antibiotics to go home with" seems. kind of out there for a note w/how vague it is

if your cat is actually in need of help, im so sorry. but also a lot of things dont really seem to align and looking at other cases things kinda have the same vibe (primary reblogs only, very few reblogs, PMing people)

#asks #long post #anyway i am now blocking them goodbye

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lilweaselhub · 2 years ago

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Blog updates!! (10/7) Applying to all blogs!!!

Hey! so I know I have been kind of absent for a hot minute. allow me to explain.

LONG POST, but PLEASE read if were mutuals!

Basically, about a month ago I started having some not so fun health symptoms (Pain, legargy hematuria (ill let google be your friend there) ). At first I thought i had a bad uti or another infection of some kind. The symptoms were on and off and I went to two appts at a clinic. First time said I had a UTI prescribed me medicine and sent me on my way. They ended up changing the antibiotic midway through saying it wasnt right. (This will be important later. )

So i took it, thinking they knew what they were talking about. But less than a week later the symptoms came back worse than before. I ended up going back to the clinic, who because when I was there, had no symptoms they could see (Thanks body.) They sent me home. Fast forward about two days later,and it gets bad enough to go to my first Emergency room visit. They proceed to tell me the antibiotics werent going to treat a UTI of Any Kind (Amazing), but give me new medicine and send me home.

So there I am, taking medicines thinking, surely---this will be the end of it.

It was not.

Literally 24 hours later, I wake up in the WORST pain I have ever experienced in my life, unable to stop heaving, literally begging for it to stop. Back I end up at the hospital, who give me morphine (the pain was that bad.) and nausea medicine, and tell me after an MRI that lo and behold, a kidney stone is whats causing my pain. One i cannot feesibly pass on my own. So they scheduled me for surgery. (That was the 28th).

Since, ive been recovering from said surgery over the past week. Its been on and off how I’ve felt and I’ve only really felt consistently better since wednesday. Ive still had a lot of nausea and pain. (Todays a bit of a bummer outlier cus im feeling some pain again). I still have till the 20th before I even get the stent removed they put in my kidney (fun). So Im still on a long road to recovery. But HOPEFULLY this will be IT, and it will be the last bout of recovery I have to worry about and I’ll be back in business as usual in a month.

So what does this mean for rp on my blogs?

Well. I’m gonna be real, I miss rping a lot. But I havent felt great or really up to much of anything since this started. while its improving, its still very low in terms of energy, motivation and feeling well.

Because of this, I’m going to say my blogs are on SEMI-HIATUS until 11/10. (This is a preliminary date as It may be pushed back or forward depending on how fast i recover). This does not mean I will do NO rps, but i will be doing a lot LESS. There will be days where I’m not here at all, sometimes several in a row. && I will be likely only doing short replies/asks until I’m back in the swing of things.

***A little add on to this: I will be getting my next furbaby a golden retriever puppy between the 5th-9th of november. This will also CUT my activity but hopefully not as much as this health fiasco has been. I will be sharing pictures of him too when I get back dont even worry. He’s gonna be a spoiled lil bugger. but just in case i push the date further, or seem still low activity after the hiatus is over, this is probably why.

As always feel free to still send me asks, or IMs. Or you can message me for my discord if you’d like to plot or talk! I’m still here, and I want to be here. I just didn’t account for a health emergency this year. 2022 has been a LOT for me.

#tmi tw #ig #medical tw #LONG POST #if you read this! thanks!#im sorry ive been gone.#my motivation has taken a nosedive with my health #i lost like 15 pounds from how sick ive been #woof.#i miss you guys tho!

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heliosthegriffin · 3 years ago

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Jaune Attack’s Cardin III: This time in Yakuza Flavor.

Cardin was walking down the halls of Beacon making his way to a intersection of hallways only to stopped by a arm that slice the air in front of him, halting him.

Jaune Arc is standing in the center of the hallway dressed in a hall monitor uniform.

He give Cardin a wry smirk. “Hall-pass, please.” Holding out his hand waiting.

Cardin’s brow furrows in frustration. “I don’t have time for your bullshit, Arc. I got stuff to do.”

Jaune gives a faked shocked expression. “So, are you saying you don’t have your hall-pass?”

Cardin shakes his head. “I’ve never had one before, and I’m never getting one, so move out of my way!” He push’s Jaune’s arm out of the way and starts walking away.

“So, that’s how it’s going to be, is it?” Jaune says amused. “Well, you know what that mean’s right?”

Cardin turns his head to look at Jaune. “Yeah, what does it mean?”

Jaune cracks his neck and then his hands. “Well, I got to take you in now, don’t I?

Cardin sneers. “You can try.”

Jaune smiles. “Oh man, am I ever.” Then throws a right at Cardin’s face,w ho dodges and weaves back.

“Don’t make it easy for me, Cardey Bird~” Jaune sings as he dashs forward, send a couple jabs at the large teen’s chest.

Cardin grunts as they land, taking a step back, before guarding.

Jaune ducks back as Cardin swing out with his arm to knock him down, then zig-zags forward to elbow him in the stomach.

Cardin grunts, but lashes out catching Jaune on the cheek knocking him rolling onto the ground, where he quick lands in a crouch and sweeps the leg, but Cardin’s strong stance keeps him from being knocked over so easily.

Cardin grabs downward catching Jaune’s collar and pulls him up into a headbutt, dazing him.

The burnt-redhead grabs Jaune by both shoulders and swings him into the wall with a crash, sending cracks into the stone wall.

Jaune gasps, but pushes against the larger boys hand, breaking out his grip then grabs Cardin’s head pulling him into a headbutt, then lets got to grab him by the shoulders and neck to smash the top of head into the wall, sending broken stones into the hallway.

He lets go, as Cardin staggers back.

Jaunes sprints forward into a drop kick, hitting Cardin in the abdomen.

But to he surprise, Cardin stays standing in a wide stance and flexing his abs in a beast like stance.

Jaune only has a moment to be surprise, though, as with fury in his eye’s Cardin grabs the blondes ankles and begins spinning him around in blazing fast circles before swinging him up into the air, hitting the ceiling with a crash, then slapping him down into the floor, sending fractures down the hallway intersection.

Jaune gasped, but bounced and twisted his way out of Cardin’s grip then sent a foot into his chin, the ginger giant staggering away.

“Good work, Cardey Bird, not making this as easy as last time, are you?“

Cardin wiped off some sweat off his forehead. “Can’t let you get a big head, can I?“

“Hehe, that you can try!” Then the blonde ran froward pummeling Cardin gut faster than the Cardin could react, sending him step by step into the wall as he tries his best to defend against the blondes assault.

But Jaune smirks as he got Cardin against the wall, winding back to hit him with three powerful blows. With a near-scream in the air from the speed of the blows Jaune hit Cardin in stomach, right kidney, and liver.

Cardin’s eye bulge in pain, but he reaches out to grab Jaune’s head, only for Jaune to brush the grab away with languid ease, then wind’s back his left arm to hit Cardin’s face with a right palm-strike to the face.

The force knocks Cardin’s head into the wall, leaving a dent in the stone, and Cardin nearly blacking out with stars in his eyes.

But, Jaune wasn’t done yet, and he grabs Cardin again by the shoulder and back of the head, then slams him halfway through a window.

A rage forms in Cardin’s gut, and he lashes out with a donkey kick to his attackers stomach, sending Jaune rocketing into a wall.

Cardin breaths heavily, thankful that his aura protect him from getting cuts from the glass, then pulls himself out of the window.

He puts up his dukes as Jaune gets back up.

He sends out a right hook to catch Jaune on the cheek, but Jaune ducks under and slide’s behind him, then reachs up getting Cardin into a chokehold.

Cardin gasps and struggle against him, but feels himself getting lighthead and realizes he needs to think rationally, and he plants his feet down. He turns his head into the crease of Jaune’s grip, and then elbows him several times in seccession in the gut.

Jaune grunts and hisses, and decides to make a change, he lets go and the grabs Cardin by the waist and bends backward out the window, sending them both airborne flying into the courtyard.

Jaune maintains his grip, and Cardin lands headfirst onto the concrete taking all of the force as Jaune rolls off him and gets up.

Other’s student look on at the two with confusion, cheering, and laughter.

“Woah, that was fun, I’ll give you a pass for now, uh, have a good afternoon.”

Cardin breath’s heavily, unable to get up, resting on the ground. “Frig you, Arc, you crazy dick.”

“Would Jaune Arc, please appear in the Headmaster’s office?” The intercom blared.

“Well, dang it.”

#jaune arc #Jaune attacks Cardin #cardin winchester

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mamacesawrites · 3 years ago

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The Duke of the Bay: Part 8

[Spotify Playlist] [Youtube Playlist]

First Part, Ao3 Link, Next Part (Coming Soon)

Story Warnings: Guns, threats, alcohol, violence homosexual slang used pejoratively and positively, internalized homophobia, ask me to add any if need be

Chapter Warnings: This is a heavy chapter. Violence is only implied, but the implications have a heavy impact. Read with caution.

Chapter Word Count: 3839

Summary: Patton O’Hearty was a great detective. Most people didn’t take him for one at first glance, especially when he dressed casual. He was abnormally chipper; he thought everything was the cat’s pajamas. He had a smile for everyone he met. He was always tipping his hat at the dames and gents when he walked the streets of the Bay Area.

The only person he could never catch was the leader of the planted mob in Emeryville, nicknamed The Duke. The Duke was good at hiding his dealings and joints well, and he rarely had a snitch in his ranks. The few who tried, well, somehow they disappeared before they could give the police any substantial information. He was well hidden, but popular among the residents of the town. People talked boldly of his rambunctious parties, never revealing the locations though. He was hard to catch, to say the least.

So what happens, when instead, the detective is the one that’s caught?

The dawn came as it always did- a soft gray and orange haze streaking in with the marine layer over the water of the San Francisco Bay. Roman de Rossi had a lovely view of it from his family mansion on San Pablo Avenue. A mansion that felt too big lately, with too high of a price to keep.

Roman rolled over to get out of bed when he bumped into something hard and stiff. His heart skipped a beat when he heard his wife cry out.

“Jeeze, Ro, trying to be the first at the breakfast table again?” Rosalie’s voice was gruff. She rubbed the spot on her back where Roman had bumped. “I already got one slugger goin’ for my kidneys.”

Roman rolled his eyes, though he was relieved he hadn’t hurt Rosalie. “Rose, why aren’t you in your bed?”

“Because I needed the warmth and comfort of my husband.” she mumbled sarcastically into her pillow, already on her way back to sleep.

All exhausted bitterness left him at the sound of her snores. At the beginning of their marriage it had been incredibly overbearing for him-to the point they shared separate beds- but with the rising threat of the gangs, he never knew when he’d see the last of his wife. After yesterday, there wasn’t even a certainty that he’d make it to see the birth of his twins.

Carefully, with a hesitation that seemed to become all-too-familiar, he rested his hand on Rosalie’s belly that was under his blanket. Rosalie hummed in response, but kept her eyes closed still. Roman tried to feel for any movement from the twins, but they didn’t. He tried to think that it was because they were also sleeping. It had nothing to do with the fact that every time he tried to feel for their movement he would get nothing. He ignored the tightness in his throat, he disregarded the burning tears, and prayed to God silently that he would make it through this trying time long enough to at least hold his children once.

The thought was an unwelcome intrusion since that fateful telegram from the Duke’s right hand man two months before. Shoving the bitter memory of that message aside, he got himself ready in the dark with a swiftness, already wanting the day to be done. He couldn’t tell whether his need to stay home was due to his anxieties of being a father, his weariness of having more caseloads of rising crime, or his paranoia about criminal eyes spying on him. He watched his large wife turn about in her sleep as he dressed; she was unable to find a comfortable position. He couldn't blame her. Something he wished he’d have considered before the pregnancy was getting a large family bed so they could share it. Even if she snored like a boozed up bear.

A lock of her thick black hair fell out of it’s wrap and was caught in the light from the hallway behind him. Her lips were pushed out in a half pout, half pucker. The gown she was wearing was a large blue cotton dress with flowing sleeves. Her eyes were closed, not restful, but crinkled under her worried brows. Her face had gotten wider in her pregnancy. Her cheeks were flushed with red with elevated temperature from the warm room. She moved her hand to hold under her head as she laid on her side, facing Roman and the door.

She was beautiful, and Roman took this moment to appreciate her beauty, for he didn't know if this was the last time he would see her. He’d never know from now on.

"I can feel ya starin', darling husband," her teasing tone was muffled by the pillow and her sleepiness. "Get to work so I can sleep."

He quietly leaned over her, just as he always did, and kissed her.

He’d never know that his tired wife had noticed the despair in the extra moments their lips were met.

“Send for someone right away if anything happens, alright dear?” he asked while brushing a stray curl aside.

“Sure thing honey…”

His walk to work was dim in the early morning as the fog was thick as wool. The only light guiding his way was a soft orange desperately clinging to the lampposts. The fog was dense with the promise of the coming autumn season for next month. It wasn’t smart of him to have left so early. There was no one on the street. No vagrants, no Jezebels, and no wayward orphans. Just him, the mist, and the sound of his shoes on moist stones. Still, just because he couldn't see anyone, it didn't mean that he didn't feel like he was being watched with eyes capable of seeing through all sorts of darkness.

It was soon enough in his hurry that he made it to the precinct. He ran his hand through his somewhat damp hair as he took his hat off at the entrance. He was early, earlier than normal, and the shift-changing deputies milling about by the entrance desk stood up straighter when they saw him.

“Hey, Cap’n. How’s the missus? Ready to burst just yet?” the old man at the desk asked. His name was Reggie, and if you called him a secretary you’d get a busted lip. He was the nicest-and oldest- member of the force.

“Oh, she’s fine. Doc says it’s gonna be any day now ‘til they’re here. I think she’s more excited than I am for it to be over. She’s been complaining about her feet being so swollen she can barely stand,” Roman laughed. The use of the word ‘complain’ was only polite. Rosalie’s ‘complaints’ about her pregnancy would make sailors blush.

Reggie guffawed. “Yeah, I remember when Ethel had her first. She was cursing so bad near the end you’d think she was a drunken sailor in a brig!”

“Women have a way with words, don’t they Reg?” Roman commented as he made his way around the desk. He wasn’t really waiting for an answer as he kept walking away.

Reggie must have been in a nice mood, since he didn’t point out the Captain’s distracted behavior as he walked off. Roman appreciated that. He was already in deep enough trouble with his reputation as a younger force captain.

Roman was grateful that he was going to be able to take some leave soon. He didn’t like being away from his pregnant wife all day. Especially now, with everything so changed. He sat down in his rolling chair with the force of a thousand anvils. He opened the folder on his desk, knowing there’d be no change in it since the last time he filled it a month ago with the ‘tip’ Logan and Patton got.

Case Number: 103625 - Open - “The Duke”

He sighed to himself as a heavy headache formed behind his eyes. It was a new day, which meant new trouble, which meant he seriously needed some coffee. He reached for his announcer when-

“Captain, there’s a visitor here for ya.” A fresh faced rookie announced while walking into the office. His voice was a bit too anxious-to-please for the captain’s liking in the morning .

Roman’s voice imitated distant thunder - a warning, a looming threat - “Haven’t you heard of knocking, boy?”

The young man was smart enough to appear embarrassed. “I apologize, sir.” He stood at attention as he had been trained to do. His badge gleamed in the light of the office as his chest puffed out.

Roman felt guilty for snapping at him. He didn’t want to be an angry, bitter leader, like his predecessor. Or like his father had been. Those old men were so hardened by stress that they felt no regard for those beneath them. He refused to be that way, no matter what. So he forced his body to relax as he imagined the darkness in his heart being swept under the new rug of his office.

“I understand. I was a rookie like you once upon a time. What seems to be the trouble?” Roman forced a smile on his face, as though it was drying cement to keep in place.

“You’ve got a guy saying he’s here for a meeting, a...Mr. Doris? Fella has a scar right here on his face." The officer took his finger and motioned on his face as an indicator of his description. Obviously the young man’s mind was wandering to stories about the nastiest criminals known to man.

Roman nodded, cleared his throat, then told him, "Bring him in."

The young officer disappeared, and in one breath the enemy had walked through the office door as if he owned the place. Roman sighed in defeat. It wasn’t ‘as if’ he owned the place, it was that he practically did. Especially now that the detectives weren’t ever going to ‘catch’ the bad guys like they should have ages ago.

“What brings you in so early, Mr. Doris?” Roman asked. He stood up, smoothed down his tie, and held his hand out to shake his visitor’s gloved hand.

The visitor smirked. “I like the new you, Roman. Straight to the punch without any frivolous small talk. Such a change from the last time we had spoken.”

The memory sat between them. A smoked out room, sweaty foreheads, two guns between two young men, a kiss- a stalemate.

Roman gulped down the anxious sensation and forced himself to speak. “Well, I haven’t had any coffee yet, so I’m not feeling patient enough for chit chat.”

Mr. Doris’ laughter sent chills down Roman’s spine. His voice was dry and raspy, like a lizard. “I see. Well, the good news is that your two lead detectives are good at their jobs.” He slammed his fist down onto the desk as his eyes peered into Roman’s. “The bad news is, they’re so good at their job, even you don’t control them anymore.”

“That’s not true!” Roman exploded. The force of his anger pushed him out of his seat so he was practically nose to nose with his guest. “I just suspended Logan Smith for admitting he’s working with one of your men! Detective O’Hearty is too personable to be focused on investigating your precious boss! Hell, he’s probably going to be too busy sidetracked into chasing wild geese from that stunt Logan pulled. And another thing-”

“That’s enough, Roman.” Mr. Doris covered Roman’s mouth with one of his gloved hands. “You’ve told me all I needed to know.”

It’s too easy to play you, dear Roman, Doris thought to himself. I knew something was up with Virgil Vitale. He couldn’t keep the grin off of his face at the thought of finally teaching the little punk a lesson.

Roman shook the hand off of his mouth. His breath was shaky. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, I won’t tell you, dear,” Mr. Doris hummed. He walked to the doorway without any explanation. It was time to take business into his own hands after all. No more time to waste. “I’ve gotta run. Say hi to the missus for me.” He looked over his shoulder to make sure the unspoken threat hit its target.

Roman was left standing in that position. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking. His hair laid out of control around his face, his heart pounding, and the sense of impending doom- as if he just sentenced an innocent man to death.

----------

Alice woke up to the sound of the radio downstairs playing some German concerto. It was a slow morning for once. She hummed to herself, pleased that she was able to wake up slowly to beautiful music as opposed to the sound of harsh knocking at her door. Yet as she turned over in bed her peace was interrupted by the brightness of the sun shining through the window. She groaned at the disruption to her dreamy haze.

Alice hefted herself out of the large bed and made herself to the large vanity-much nicer than the one at her apartment- and started working on her hair. Once she was done making sure she looked presentable she made her way down the grand staircase to meet Logan wherever he was at. Which, knowing how large the house was, meant that it could be a proper while before she would find him.

The smell of sizzled meat wafted through the large hallways. Instead of looking for Logan, she decided to make her way towards the dining room from the night before. It’s rude to check in and hover over a cook’s shoulder, she reckoned. No matter how curious it was to her that Logan didn’t have any help at all.

The moment she sat down she heard the door from the kitchen open. Logan was pushing a dining cart forward on his own. He had a white rag placed over his shoulder and a stained white apron tied around his waist. He was whistling an unfamiliar tune to himself as he set out the platters in front of Alice. She couldn’t help but laugh. She was enjoying this bright version of the detective.

“What’s the occasion, detective?” Alice asked once he sat down with her.

Logan struggled to hide a sheepish grin, “It’s just been a long while since I’ve had any sort of company over. I don’t get to go out much with my line of work.”

“Aw, didn’t wanna bring any wayward souls home for Christmas?” she teased.

Logan rolled his eyes at her. It was good that he was loosening up around her humor. Alice wondered if she could get away with cursing around him yet, but decided not to push her luck, given that they had a long day ahead of them.

“It’s gotta be more than me, come on.” Alice waggled her eyebrows at him. “What’s with the shift in the wind?”

Logan ignored her prompts. Instead, he lowered his head. Alice rushed to set her fork down so she could follow suit.

“Father God, I ask that you bless this food and those who consume it. We thank you for providing for us. We ask for you to sustain our spirits as well as our bodies. I ask that you help us in all of our endeavors today, and I thank you for bringing me someone to share this meal with. Thank you for providing me such youthful company. Amen.”

“Amen.” Alice echoed. She tried to keep her questions to herself. Logan’s prayer wasn’t one she had ever heard before.

Alice lifted the cover to reveal her breakfast. There was sausage, eggs, and toast with powdered sugar. It smelled amazing.

“Thank you, Logan, this looks delicious.” She immediately went for the eggs. It had been so long since she’d had eggs for breakfast. Not since she left her farm home nearly two years ago.

They sat at the table with only the sounds of the radio in the living room occasionally drifting in through the doors. Alice was enjoying her meal so much, she jumped when she heard the fancy telephone in the hallway ringing.

“Excuse me, Alice.” Logan muttered. He wiped his hands on his apron and swiftly walked on his long legs to the hallway.

It was irritating, being called in the morning. Especially when his meal was being interrupted. He lifted the earpiece off of the ringing box and greeted the operator quickly. Who would be calling him now that he’s suspended?

“Logan? Is this Logan Smith?” a partially familiar feminine voice asked over the receiver.

“Yes. Who is this?”

Her words were spoken in rushes with pauses sounding like heavy breathing. “It’s Rosalie...Rosalie de Rossi.-” she took in a deep breath ”-I’m your captain’s wife!” After that she let out a bone-chilling moan.

The captain’s wife? He had only met her once at the Independence Day party at the Captain’s new mansion. Why was she calling someone like him?

The woman on the line hissed. “God fucking dammit! It hurts!”

“What hurts? What’s wrong? Where are you?” Logan threw his questions at her quickly as he reached for his notepad.

“My my,” a slick, whiskey smooth, masculine voice answered. He tutted. “Not very clever, Detective Smith.”

“Where is Mrs. de Rossi?” Logan asked. He felt as if the air around him was heavier. There was a weight settling into his chest. He ignored the familiar sensations and made a note that someone else had taken the line.

“She’s still alive. And she will stay that way, if you do everything I ask.” The man’s words were drawn out. Almost as if he were bored, or stalling.

“What do you want?” Logan hissed. The million questions he had were shoved aside when the man answered.

“I want your lover, Detective. Bring that filthy, grimy, Italian punk to the fisherman’s market in San Francisco after dark. Or I’ll just have to do something to your boss’ beautiful broodmare.” The voice chuckled at his sick comment.

This man was evil. The most evil he'd ever come across. Logan felt like he was going to topple over. “What makes you think I’ll come alone? That I won’t go straight to the captain?”

Laughter as dark as water at midnight bled through the receiver. “Oh Mr. Smith, that’s what I want. Give me a reason to pluck those sweet babies out of his missus.”

Logan heard a scream in the background. A string of curse words that he didn’t doubt were justified.

“Please don’t hurt her. Be reasonable. Why did you call me? I’m on suspension, I don’t have access to the resources-”

“Because your lover's family declared war, my boy!” the man roared. Logan identified his accent-Irish, or Scottish perhaps. “I’m going to get what I need outta him. So lock your brunette bitch away, grab your buddy and your faggot, and get your ass to my docks when the sun sets. Or-” another blood curdling scream from the woman in the background “-the captain’s dear wife and her babies drown.”

Just like that, the phone call ended. Logan didn’t have time to stand in the shock. Instinctive training responses immediately took over his body. He didn’t go back to the dining room and instead ran to get himself dressed. No other thoughts intruded. His head was empty of everything other than the fact that he needed backup.

He needed Patton. He needed to gather his resources. It was still nine in the morning. He had maybe eight hours before it was sunset, then two hours to cross the bay into San Francisco to the fisherman’s market. His mind was fixated on trying to create the quickest itinerary possible and how to notify the captain without the mysterious caller knowing. He seemed to know much more than Logan was comfortable with.

Logan was tying his shoes as he thought. He hadn’t told anyone about the night with Virgil. No one knew. He figured Alice may have suspected, but she hadn’t been able to talk to anyone. Not that she would. She was just a kid. She was just caught up in all of this business out of desperation and survival. Alice was just a pawn in a twisted game. She wasn’t a main player.

Patton was too wrapped up in his obsession with the Duke to even notice. Still, he was very angry towards Logan now that he knew Virgil was involved. Who knows what the captain and Patton talked about after Logan was dismissed. He remembered the knowing look at the Lion’s Den last month. His partner said then that he accepted everybody. Could he have been saying that to blend in?

Then there was the fact that this was the captain’s wife. Why kidnap her to get to Logan? He didn’t know the woman at all, only that the captain loved her very much. She was pregnant when they had met, and from the sound of the call she still was.

“Logan, where are you going?” Alice asked from the doorway of his bedroom.

“There’s an emergency. I need to go.” He pushed himself past her and rushed down the staircase. “Please stay here. Don’t leave.”

“Will Virgil be back to nanny me again?” she asked indignantly.

The question struck him through the heart. He couldn’t leave her unattended. She was defenseless here. The Duke's men could come looking for her. No doubt one of them was behind this in the first place as a way to distract them.

“No. No, I-” he turned to her. “There’s trouble. I need to move you somewhere safer. You can’t be alone.”

Alice’s face seemed to grow ten years older. “I understand. Let’s go.”

They both grabbed their hats from the hook and walked out the door. Logan made his way to his car without another word. Alice felt in her gut that they were running into something more dangerous than she had ever known.

“Where are we going?” Alice asked after climbing into the carriage seat. Logan saw that she had withdrawn into herself. The silly child that he was starting to get introduced to had left her body.

“To Patton’s. I don’t think he’ll have left yet. We need his help.” Logan pulled out onto the street. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

Before the pair had shown up to Patton’s house, he had just drank his coffee. He didn’t need to go into the station today. All of his caseloads were closed except for one. Today was a day of regrouping and hitting the pavement. It was time for some good old fashioned talking to people again. The best way to find someone was to ask their friends or neighbors politely. Give them a smile and such.

He took his time getting ready. Trying to find the man that he used to be before this craziness started. The man who was able to walk down the street with faith in his heart. The detective who could solve everything with the right words someone needed to hear. That man was nowhere to be found as he pulled clothes from his closet.

It was a new day. He knew he would make progress today. No one was going to get the drop on him again.

When he sat down in his armchair his eye was caught on something on the end table. A piece of paper that didn’t seem to be from any of his notepads. It wasn’t there when he had gone to bed the night before.

A familiar delicious thrill rushed through his body. Part of him thought to call on the locksmith soon, though it might not do much good. Carefully, as if the note were an explosive and not a simple message, he lifted the paper.

It was no simple message.

You’re in danger, dear detective. There are worse evils than I. Don’t do what your colleague asks. Come to me at the Lion’s Den instead. -The Duke

Before he had time to react, there was rapid knocking at his door.

A/N:

Hello there! It's been nearly a year. There's a reason for that.

I work very, very hard when it comes to my stories. This one has a very important place in my heart. I had to take a break from it because the last thing I wanted to do was make rush decisions or half-ass everything.

In doing so, it meant that I had to wait until I had the time to give it the attention it deserves. I recently had a lot of my life change this past year, mostly losing loved ones. So this fic didn't get much of it's deserved time at once.

That being said, I swear this has a direction. While a lot of it is up to interpretation, this has a very direct sequence of events. That's why it's important for me to be able to pay extra attention.

That being said, I'm making a new normal. This fic goal is to be updated every 3 months, maybe less. My practice is to edit 3 times at least before I post.

Let me know what you thought of this chapter. Tell me your theories about what will happen next! I love talking about this story with anyone who will listen.

taglist: @deceits-left-glove

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