#in version 3.2 mind you

[menace-bergenshin]

still can’t believe how fast kaveh enters my favourite character list. and not just in the list, but top 4 along with my main darlings even.

like he just appears in the archon quest for a few minutes and i was just “asdfghjkl i want you in my team, now.”

[bloodhoundsandplagues]

◦⭐︎・love lost

Ekko x reader

Summary: once a Firelight and Ekko's partner, you are now a mercenary, dragging yourself through jobs to make enough money to pay for food. After one too many drinks, you take a job you can't handle, and get hurt. It's no shocker who comes to your rescue.

Set at undefined time, no use of Y/N, gender neutral reader

Warnings: gore (not too bad but be mindful), swearing, mentions of death/welcoming death. 3.2 K words (oops), not proofread as always

A/N: icl guys this is one of the longer fics I've written, and definitely the angstiest one. Again, for my best friend, @sahxrii (go check out her recs, they're SO good) who I do everything for, lets be honest.

You have always prided yourself for knowing your limits; stopping when you need to stop, being reasonable about your own abilities. This has kept you out of quite a lot of trouble- avoiding fights you could not have won, not provoking people who were clearly able to whoop your ass. 

This, however, is very different, and not a common occurrence. 

First of all, you might be a little drunk- you’ve just had to numb the sting of your day with a drink, just a small one, in a tiny grimy bar run by a tall man with bright orange skin. Second of all, you’re running on two hours of sleep and painkillers (the painkillers are slowly wearing off, to make matters worse). 

And lastly, you’re in a really bad fucking mood. 

So, when your handler slides you a note with a name and address written in ugly red letters, you think fuck it, and take the job. You should’ve known this was stupid- you should’ve done what the sober, not exhausted version of yourself would have done. But instead, you accept with a bleary nod, because, to be frank, all you want at that moment is to break something. 

So you take the note, drain your drink, and leave the bar, shrugging on your worn coat. Adrenaline is already starting to buzz beneath your skin, your knuckles tingling softly in anticipation. You had never been this excited about violence when you were younger- in fact, people might have described you as gentle, even. But now, with all the things you have witnessed, all the people you’ve lost, hitting people brought a kind of release you could find nowhere else. 

Besides, there’s no one who remembers you as that gentle person left, anyway, so who are you disappointing? Yourself? You chuckle drily into the cold air, thick with gas. 

You stop in front of the building, your hands tucked into your pockets. It is big, red, and ugly (like the ink the name had been written in, you thought), bright colourful light shining from the broken windows. A Zaunite haunt, typical for a wannabe drug lord- the kind of man you were often hired to beat up or kill. You kick into the dirt at your feet, take a deep breath. You have hardly sobered up on the walk here, so your vision is still somewhat blurry, everything swimming around you like you’re underwater. 

Broken memories of swimming in an underground lake with him flitter through your mind, and you dismiss them, muttering a curse between your teeth. You roll your shoulders and make your way inside, striding in like you own the goddamn place. 

“You can’t be here,” a goon dressed all in black calls from the top of badly painted stairs. You look at him, an ugly grin splitting your face. 

“Kick me out, then,” you say, your heart already beginning to beat a little faster. 

Before you know, goons are coming at you from the sides, cracking their knuckles. The twat at the top of the stairs sneers down at you, his teeth oily and black. 

“You don’t wanna do this,” a woman on your left growls. She’s twice as big as you, her arms covered in bright red, winding tattoos. 

“I think I do,” you answer, raising your hands, which are already curled into fists. 

She lunges first, and you catch her with a right hook in the jaw. She hardly falters, but you drive your knee into her stomach. Now, she stumbles, and you leap up, narrowly avoiding an attack from another goon. You grab goon number one- the woman- and smash your forehead into her face. Her nose explodes, red and white flying all over you as she falls backwards. You spin and grab the nearest object- a stool- and bring it smack into the second goon’s middle. He collapses, and you walk over to him, drop the stool on his head. He stops moving. 

You turn to the giant of a woman, who is standing and looking at you with pure, unadulterated hatred. Her face is broken into bits, blood and spit dribbling down her chin. “Come on, then,” you say, cracking your already sore knuckles. 

She throws herself at you, twice as angry as before. You dodge, but she catches you in the shoulder. Excruciating pain shoots through you, and you realise too late that she has wicked little claw-like contraptions on her fingers. She comes at you again, slashing wildly. You jump out of the way, once again catching a claw in the face. It slices open your left cheek; pain explodes all through the area, but you grin. A challenge- you’ve always liked that. 

Somewhere in the back of your mind, a child’s voice screams at you to stop, to leave, to give up. The goon from the top of the stairs is gone. You falter when you notice this- he must be warning his boss, who is your target. You double your efforts, lunging at the woman. You manage to punch her in the stomach, but your second hit, aimed at her throat, is knocked out of the way as she drives her claws into your wrist. You scream, not really in pain but in sheer shock at the sharp metal slivers protruding from your skin. 

“Should’ve left,” she sneers into your face. You spit into the bloody mess that was her nose and wrench your arm back, kicking her, hard, in the sternum. She stumbled backwards and you pull your weapon- a machete, sheathed against your back- out, spinning it around. She assesses you for a moment, with what you realise now are robotic eyes. 

Oh. 

Oh, fuck. 

You are not fighting a person, you’re fighting a robot. Or something that’s half half- the blood spilling from her face gives you the idea that she might be made of flesh and bones, but those eyes- you’ve seen them before. She’s assessing your fight patterns, and she’s going to win. 

You duck out of the way of another attack, but she manages to graze your neck with her claws. You slash wildly with your machete, to no avail- she avoids each blow easily, and the ones that do hit, she ignores happily. 

Finally, one of your attacks hits- you aim the blow upwards, and the machete carves straight through her face. Blood, huge quantities of the stuff, gushes all over you, bone shattering under the power of your blow. You yank the machete out, momentarily stunned as she stumbles to her knees, eyes fizzing out. 

“Fuck,” you pant, stumbling backwards, “fuck you.” 

Your victory is short lived. More goons are coming down the stairs, armed to the teeth. You raise your weapon, ready to fight them all if it kills you, when you feel something strange. Your shirt has been sliced open- cold hair breezes around your stomach. You look down, and are somewhat horrified to find blood; your own blood. 

All at once, you feel nausea hit. You stumble to your knees, gasping for air. She got you- you feel the pain shooting through now. She managed to sink her dirty claws into your stomach as if you were made of mist and gas. 

Everything flickers in front of you as the last few days finally hit. You’re in so much pain, it’s almost incredible- had you been an author, you would have liked to write about this one day. It’s like your insides have been ripped out (they kind of have, you suppose) and set on fire, stomped on, pissed on- you almost laugh at the thought as your head hits the ground. 

You can’t remember when you fell. 

Your vision goes dark, flickering in and out. You see the goons approach you, pick you up unceremoniously. You are outside your body, floating somewhere beyond, watching through your eyes as they drag you outside. It is raining- you wish you could feel the raindrops on your face, one last time. 

You laughed, holding out a hand. It had been a while since you had experienced rain- in the Firelights hideout, you are protected by the huge leaves of the tree; and the Firelights hideout has everything (and everyone) you could wish for, so why would you ever go outside? 

But, after hearing you sigh softly and murmur something about the only thing you miss about your old home being the rain, Ekko made it his mission to bring it back. As soon as it rained again, he took you by the arm, promising a wonderful surprise. He offered to blindfold you, but you kindly refused when you saw that he intended to take you up the tree. You had climbed together, him guiding you gently upwards; and as you’d ascended, you had heard a beautiful, soft patter; a sound that made your heart beat speed up and your throat close. Finally, you had reached the top, and he had lifted the leaves to reveal a little area above the canopy, partly shielded from the rain with a makeshift structure made of leaves and cloth. 

Now, you sat in this structure, your side flush against his, a hand held out to the pouring rain.  

“Do you like it?” He asked softly, looking at you. 

“Do I like it?” You cried, almost incredulous. “Yes, Ekko, I love it!” You turned to him, grinning so widely it almost hurt. “Thank you,” you added after a moment. “Thank you so much, Ekko.” He smiled too, and you took his face in your hands and kissed him, and Gods knew you’d never been happier. 

You’re lying in an alleyway. It’s like you can physically feel the blood leaking from you, your life draining from the gash in your stomach and the holes in your arm. The goons have left, convinced you are dead- why didn’t they check your pulse, stupid bastards? 

It has stopped raining, but you’re soaked to the bone, lying there in the dark. Someone has stolen your jacket and your machete. 

You groaned as you lifted the jacket up to the light. A bright fabric, the colour of the sunset, now stained with dark greenish grey goo. You should have known that wearing your favourite jacket down into the mines was a stupid idea, but you’d done it anyway. 

“Stupid,” you mumbled to yourself, dropping the jacket into a heap on the floor. You wondered briefly if it was salvageable, but deep down knew it wasn’t. You’d have to find a new one, which would be nowhere near as nice. 

Someone knocked on your door, and a soft voice spoke your name. 

“Come in,” you called, still staring sadly at your jacket. 

Ekko stepped inside, his presence like warm sunlight. Despite the grief caused by the ruined jacket, you smile, turning to him instantly relaxing as he wrapped his arms around your waist. 

“I hear your jacket got ruined,” he said softly. 

“Yeah,” you muttered in response. “Upsetting.” He laughed. “I have something for you.” You pulled away, moving your hands to his biceps and looking at him. “What, Ekko?” You already knew what he was going to show you, but it warmed your heart all the same. 

“It’s not exactly the same colour,” he said apologetically, “but-“ 

You put a hand over his mouth, beaming. “I don’t care,” you said. 

He smiled back at you, releasing you to pull something out of his bag. It was neatly folded, but he held it out to you. You shook it out, and found a jacket, almost identical to the one that you had just ruined; it was a slightly lighter shade of orange, and the pattern on the back was a tree instead of the flowers you’d had on your last one. 

“You’re insane,” you said, in awe. You put the jacket on- it was a little too big, but who gave a shit? It was your jacket, gifted to you by your boy. 

You blink back into consciousness, and almost screamed. The pain coursing through you is like nothing you’d ever imagined; like being electrocuted and burned and drowned all at the same time. Despite the gaping hole in you, you want to curl up, to shield yourself from the wet and cold and pain. 

“Please,” you whimper into the ground, “please, no.” 

It’s not that you don’t want to die. In fact, you welcome death- you see it as a release more than anything else, from the bullshit life you lead. But dying here, like this- 

You start to cry, and you gag and retch as tears spill mercilessly. 

You are about to give in- you have given in- when a bright light seems to fill your vision. It is green and orange and yellow and pink and warm and fills everything around you. For a moment you think you’ve died, and this is some kind deity welcoming you into the next life, whispering I forgive you don’t worry as it carries you away. But no, the truth is much harsher than that. 

A face hovers into your field of vision, and warm hands tug your shirt upwards. You want to protest, but your throat is dry from all the retching and sobbing you’ve been doing. A cloth presses down into the wound in your stomach and you howl, eyes rolling back in your head as the pain grabs you by the throat and fucking throttles you. 

“Stop,” you manage to whimper. “Why- why are you doing this?” Your voice is hoarse, you’re crying again as you try to shut out the pain. 

You hear shouting- words like help and home and quick- and black out again. 

When you come to, you are no longer lying wet and dying in an alleyway miles from home (where even is home anymore? It’s just you, and that orange jacket, which you don’t even have anymore). 

Your surroundings slowly swim into focus (swimming, your brain sings, swimming in an underwater cave, hands on your waist, kisses all over). You are lying down, mercifully dry and warm. Pain pumps through you in waves, mostly coming from your wrist and your stomach. You wonder, again, if this is some afterlife- if so, it is far less cruel than your parents described. 

But then, you turn your head, and pain sears through you. 

But that is not what makes you cry. 

He lifts his head instantly as he hears your quiet sobs, and he’s at your side, a hand carefully gripping yours (he’s avoiding the bloody bandage wrapped around your wrist, you realise), the other gently brushing soft fingers over your bruised face. “It’s okay,” he says, even though you think he doesn’t mean it. It’s not okay- you ran away, got yourself beat up, almost killed, and he’s had to rescue you. Of course it’s not okay.

“Ekko,” you whimper. 

“It’s okay,” he repeats, stroking your hair away from his face. Instinctively, you curl away, wanting to hide your injury from him. He shakes his head, his eyes brimming with tears (or maybe you’re delusional, because who would cry over you?) 

“I-“ Your words are lost in a pathetic sob, and you turn your face away from him. 

“Don’t,” he says. A pause. “How are you feeling?” 

You croak out what should’ve been fuck but instead comes out as a bad imitation . You would’ve laughed, in any other situation. 

“What happened?” His voice is so soft, so kind, it makes you want to rip your eyeballs out and stuff them into your ears. 

You shake your head. You don’t want him to know what you’ve been up to since you left the Firelights. 

He lets go of your hand, and for a moment you think he’s leaving you. It wouldn’t surprise you, to be honest. But no, he doesn’t leave you. Instead, he leans over, inspects the bandages wrapped around your midsection. Your mind instantly flashes to him prodding it, digging his fingers into your wound and calling you names. You wouldn’t blame him. 

“You’re an idiot,” he says finally, still glaring at your bandaged stomach. 

“Excuse me?” That is the first full statement you manage to force past your shredded throat. 

“You’re an idiot,” he repeats with just as much gusto. “I mean, how could you just go and do this?” He gestures at your injuries. 

“I didn’t-“ 

“What, think? Yeah, I can tell.” His face is partly obscured, so you can’t tell what face he’s making. 

“I-“ 

“You’re so stupid. I mean, did you really think you could survive taking on all of the goons in that building?” He snorts to himself. “At least tell me the pay was worth it.” 

You’re somewhat incredulous. All the time you’ve known Ekko, he’s never been this outright mean to you. 

“What-“ you sputter, unable to find the words. 

“Did you not think for a moment that you might get killed?” He puts extra emphasis on the word killed, and it’s like a punch in the gut. When he turns his gaze onto you, you think you’d prefer to have the goons rip you apart than see him look at you like this ever again. 

“I’m sorry,” you manage to say through a fresh tightening in your throat. Your eyes sting and you’re about to turn away when you see his expression. 

He’s smiling. 

“What?” You almost choke out. “What is it?” 

His smile is the softest thing you’ve ever seen. It’s the sunlight, shining through the leaves of the tree; it’s the rain gently pattering on the roof of your childhood home. It’s the smell of old books and wood. 

It’s so painfully home. 

Your eyes sting, and you turn your face away from him, swallowing the bile rising in your throat. He still smiles at you like that, after everything you’ve done. 

He takes your hand again, his other beginning to gently trace patterns on the bandage on your stomach. It’s such a soft, kind gesture. He used to do that, you remember with a pang, when you two would lie in bed together: draw little patterns on your back with his fingers, when he thought you were asleep. 

“It’s okay,” he says, and for the first time, you wholeheartedly believe him. 

“I’m sorry,” you repeat, because those are the only words your throat will allow out. “I am.” 

“I know,” he murmurs. He hesitates, then leans forwards, kissing your forehead gently. “Just…” he trails off, his gaze now focused back on your bruised face. “Don’t do that again.” 

You promise him. Not with words, but with the feeling in your chest, the loosening of your lungs and throat as you watch him watch you. You promise him with the way your knuckles have stopped aching for more skin to break, with the way your eyes water again. 

You promise him with all that you have, because that is the least you can do for him. 

“I love you,” you mumble, almost sheepishly. 

“I love you too,” he answers; there is no hesitation, no layered but only if… behind the words. He says it back with the same confidence he gives orders, the words more of a declaration than softly spoken pretty things. 

“I’m sorry,” you add, after a few moments of just watching him breathe. 

“I love you,” is his answer. 

You shut your eyes, and he squeezes your hand. 

[tc-doherty]

TC's Practical Writing Tips

Like I said before, I'm not gonna sit here and pretend that I can teach anyone how to write – that's a level of hubris even I'm not capable of –but in honor of my rapidly approaching ~quarter century of writing original fiction anniversary~, I did figure I would share the tips that I live by when it comes to the act of writing.

So without further ado:

Write it now, fix it later

2. It is always permissible – and usually enjoyable – to write the stupidest possible version

3. "Inspiration" is great for poets, but poison for people who write prose

3.1: if you want to write often, you need to write often, and then you will find that you don't need to be "inspired" because you will have made a habit of it and it will come naturally 3.2: even one sentence a day is still one sentence a day. And even one sentence a week is still one sentence a week. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop 3.3: believing in the concept that you need to be inspired to write will trap you into believing in the concept of writer's block 3.4: if you are having difficulty getting out words that satisfy you, lower your standards and keep writing (see point one)

4. A few months down the line you will not remember which words came easily and which words did not

5. It is always permissible to set a project aside for now, or forever, if you need a break

6. Read widely and often, both in your favorite genres and outside of them

6.1: pay special attention to both things that you love and things that you hate - study them, engage with them, learn what makes yourself tick and your writing can only get stronger

7. Never write for the lowest common denominator, via wise words I once heard: "if you open the window and make love to the world, your story will get pneumonia", have an audience in mind and the people who like what you write will find it

8. Never write for the bad faith critic, those people will always exist and you will need to deal with them at some point if you put your writing in the world, but they don't matter and you cannot live in fear of them

9. It's fine and normal to want engagement and praise, however you must find a way to make the act of writing joyful in and of itself – make the praise the cherry on top, not the entire sunday

9.1: writing is hard work, and it's a lot of work, if you lose the ability to enjoy the journey and are proceeding only for external rewards from others, you will gradually write less and less if the ratio of work to rewards is unsatisfying

10. For anything other than final copy editing, always write a new draft into a new document, or else the words you have already written will trap you from being able to make large, sweeping changes

10.1: any change you make will invariably snowball, and you must give space for that snowball to roll

11. If someone tells you that something doesn't work for them, believe them, because people know what they like. But if people try to tell you what to do to fix it, take that with an entire serving of salt because you are the author, not them

12. It is always morally correct to look at a critique that you received, even if you asked for opinions via beta reading, and decide that it's bullshit and doesn't apply to you

13. "write what you know" means "write what you're interested in"

14. "Show don't tell" applies to screenwriting, not novels. This is the thing that drives me the most insane every time I see it. Novels are words on a page, not images on a screen. They require a lot of telling. Not all telling, but a lot of telling. Become comfortable with that.

15. It is always, ALWAYS acceptable to use "said", do not listen to the lies of others

16. Have fun, do it out of love and you will never go astray

17. Become comfortable with who you are. Your work is always going to be yours and it is always going to sound like you wrote it, and this is a good thing! No one else is ever going to write exactly like you, and you should be proud of that

17.1: the concept of "originality" is vastly overrated, every culture has some version of Cinderella and we still love it. Your writing is yours because you wrote it, and it will always be unique because of that

[lotusarchon]

nezha is a child in the show isn't he? why are you shipping yourself with a minor and writing romance with him?that's so creepy,,,, how are you talking about dynamicsimp when you're doing worst 🤮

Found this cute Nezha fanart anyways

I knew I had to deal with one of y'all eventually but I didn't think it'd be this soon. Damn, at least let me hit 100 followers first 😞

Anyways uh. Nezha's first introduction in season 3 came out in like, what, 2022? I'm assuming it is, because I started LMK in March of 2023, before s4 was released and already found the show up till s3 by then. S5 just released this year, of which we've seen a weird increase of Nezha screentime of which I'm not complaining.

Point blank. The Nezha age controversies are getting old and boring. New fans and old fans need to chill out with those issue about the age business.

1) It's confirmed the Lego Monkie Kid version of the deity known as Nezha is an adult.

2) This is a god of an Eastern religion who is still very much worshipped to our modern day. If you did your research, you should be able to take note that Nezha isn't only seen as a child god, but even portrayed as someone older. I'm not a Daoist nor Chinese, so I advise you check this blog ( @/ruibaozha ) for more information on the subject matter.

3) As is the case with modern media and adaptations, different shows will portray religious figures according to what works for their plot. In the movie Nezha 2019 (forgot the title whoops), Nezha is portrayed as a child, as we are seeing a comedic but angsty interpretation of his origins. In the Legend Of Hei, we see him portrayed as a child, assuming for comedic purposes and to bond with the MC Hei.

3.2) If LMK wanted to portray Nezha as a child like his appearances in Journey To The West, and the Fengshen Yanyi (?), you must understand then his design and personality would've been portrayed more childish or at the very least a mixture of mature and childish. We can see this by comparing LMK Nezha and TLOH Nezha = both are stern but where one acts, looks and often shows childish traits, the other acts like an exhausted 25 year old who needs therapy. LMK HAS made children in the past, as we've seen with the Lady Bone Demon's Host and in season 1 a few kids here and there as background characters. If the show wanted Nezha to be a child, I'm certain they would've given him a similar model.

4) If in the instance that, let's say, the god known as Nezha was a child, and LMK Nezha is an adult, you SHOULD separate fiction from religion. Do keep in mind that Sun Wukong is still very much worshipped, however, I have seen fans, in and outside of LMK, who have written heavy NSFW and simped for him. A god is not the same as a fictional character, because by that logic we shouldn't be simping much less writing NSFW of Wukong either, given his story in JTTW where he becomes a Buddha.

5) I do not like proshipping much like any sane person. I also HATE aging up minors in fiction just for something like self shipping or to write nsfw. I have been in fandoms before this one: Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Revengers, and My Hero Academia specifically, and it makes me uncomfortable seeing porn written of actual minors with excuse of them being aged up. I'm not so hypocritical I'd dare to want to do the same, not when I'm uncomfortable with anyone else doing it. If LMK Nezha was a minor, and there were sources to even prove as well within the series he's a child, then obviously, I would NOT be shipping myself with him, much less write romantic/nsfw content with him. I'm an adult, and I don't feel comfortable with minors in general, so why would I want to write romantic content about a FICTIONAL minor??

If you can find any source that proves me wrong, I'd like for you to do so. But until then, you, and everyone else who still wants to entertain Nezha's age; please stop.

I get it. Some of you like to headcanon him as a child so as such, seeing content with him as romantic or nsfw is uncomfortable. I understand, I do; I headcanon Mei as an aroace lesbian so sometimes it's uncomfortable finding any kind of content with her being paired with others. I do understand where you're coming from with your discomfort.

But I feel like, considering season 5 and hopefully if there's a season 6, the whole thing is just dust now. S3 must've been released in 2022, so it's been nearly two years since Nezha's appearance in the show. People headcanon he's a child, and people prefer to like the confirmation he's an adult. We get it, that's what fandoms are, different views etc.

But calling people proshippers or creepy or pedophiles for not adhering to YOUR headcanons is not only fucking stupid, it's just hilarious and way too old, AND just...boring. Especially considering I feel uncomfortable around minors and hate proshipping with a passion. There's genuinely nothing wrong with liking a headcanon, but if someone likes something that isn't problematic and doesn't adhere to your preference, I think you need to breathe a bit.

I was saving this off for last however, you hit the nail on the coffin with this. There is a literal document talking about the disgusting actions of DynamicSimp. If you still choose to like them that's fine, but forgive me for pointing out how hypocritical it is for you to bring up the person who purposely shared porn with minors to someone who avoids minors like they're the rat plague of the Middle Ages. 🤔

"you talk about DynamicSimp but you're doing worst"

Do you mean writing porn for a character who is confirmed to be an adult? Do you mean ensuring that my 18+ blog isn't found by minors and if it is I'll block them? Do you mean supporting someone who's harassed others about Nezha's age?? Do you mean being an absolute creep around children?? Do you mean breaking the boundaries where people have clearly expressed discomfort? Do you mean romanticizing abuse amongst other things for an au clearly being consumed by minors with no regards or wellbeings?

I wonder who's the worst. Me, the adult who only recently turned 18 and has limited his interaction with minors outside of family members, or the however old they are person who has a literal document and their victims speaking up about their actions, and who to my current knowledge has not spoken up about this and is still posting and carrying on without a care in the world?

Well zoinks Scoob, guess we're not making outta this one alive 😟

Edit: .....*disappointed sighs* I think some people really oughta chill out in my comments. Anon, I blame this on you 😭 why did you bring this here holy fucking shit dawg.

Alright. Alright uh.

Okay, so while I do appreciate being told the reasons as to WHY Nezha was "aged up", because a writer wanted to justify shipping Wukong and Nezha...I feel like the entire, "ah, but this says, and that says here-" about Nezha's age is just ridiculous at this point.

Yes, I understand, this is justifiably weird.

However.

Has anyone else refuted Nezha's age?? And I mean the canon show writers? Has anyone working on Lego Monkie Kid made a statement saying: "This person is disgusting, LMK Nezha is a child." Because, respectfully, unless canon sources provide information on it, I'm not going off based on the fandom opinions.

I'm not happy I have to edit this post to add this, much less try to explain anything, but, oh well.

1) "Ali, you're just trying to justify yourself and keep writing for a child." Listen. I've been groomed and dealt with fucking weirdos my entire life. Trust me when I say whenever I hear about proshipping it SICKENS me to the core. I HATE proshipping. I don't care what the excuse is, proshipping is disgusting.

I'm not mentioning the interesting fellows in my comments because it's pointless and honestly to make drama over this is stupid. But I was given some context to understand where they're coming from, and I do in fact appreciate it. Justifiably I don't blame them for their annoyance/disgust towards the writer Sarah (?).

What I will say though; typically in a situation like this, I'm certain someone in the team would've made a statement about this to explain that the writer is wrong. I'd assume at least one writer, someone OFFICIALLY on the team would've denied this proclamation of Nezha being an adult. I have not seen ANYTHING that says the show denies Nezha being an adult.

2) My friend, who was also in the comments (hi), is a native Chinese and a Buddhist for six years. I also have another friend who I'm not mentioning but ALSO is Chinese and WORSHIPS Nezha. They have more knowledge than someone like me does have on this matter, and I find it really odd how people immediately cite wiki and website sources to say, "Nezha is an eternal child!", and, "No where else says Nezha is an adult."

As I've said. If there are sources including the staff from Lego Monkie Kid that claims Nezha is a child, then I am more than willing to delete any content I've made with him. Full honesty, I have no intention of keeping any content with canon, confirmed minors on my blog.

But not only have I found anything that says the official story writers deny Nezha's an adult, but my friends, who are again, both Daoist and native Chinese, are aware that he ISN'T an eternal child.

If you are Daoist and/or worship Nezha, then by all means you can tell me that what I'm doing is wrong and correct me about Nezha's age. I'm willing to listen. If you also find information where the writers claim Saraha is wrong for her statement, provide it. I'm a person that likes reasoning, and I'm willing to see reason.

3) "Ali, you're not gonna see reason you're just trying to defend yourself again-"

Okay, backstory time: last year when I joined LMK, when I myself was a minor, I thought it was okay to write nsfw content for the character who was Lady Bone Demon's Host. My friends at the time did not tell me what I was doing was bad, so of course I kept it up, until someone pointed out that Bai He (fan name) is actually a minor in the show and was also confirmed by the show's producers. I felt so disgusted about it I deleted all my posts made on my old AO3 about her (which is faeriicrafts and still up surprisingly) and offered a sincere apology to the fandom about writing nsfw content for her. I changed and learned, and now I feel grossly uncomfortable seeing anyone writing nsfw for her despite the canon confirmations.

Justifiably, if more information about Nezha is released within Lego Monkie Kid, of which it's confirmed he's a child, I am more than eager to delete everything I've written about him, and even apologize again for writing nsfw with a minor.

To be honest, I just feel uncomfortable with the comments who are denying actual Daoists for the sake of; "I've done my research, no other sources has said Nezha is an adult, you're lying about worshipping him!!"

It's uncomfortable and really off-putting how you can tell someone that about their religion. Yes, this is for you specifically, that one commenter who jumped in and on my friend. Even if she has long since stopped worshipping Nezha, she very much did once. And I've gone to actual Daoists to ask more information about Nezha and the religion in general, who has in fact confirmed Nezha isn't just a child. I get that this is the internet, people can lie about anything. But it's still uncomfortable, solely because had anyone else claimed they're Daoist or ex Daoist and agreed with your opinion, you wouldn't have said that.

I'll reopen my comments within a few minutes, but don't be a disrespectful cunt. And can you maybe not deny someone about their religion? Even if you don't believe them, that's genuinely not an excuse. Because I know damn well, had she agreed with your statement, you wouldn't have pulled that.

Gods. I can't say I'm not surprised, but I'm just impressed about the lengths people will go for something.

Anyways, I've said my piece. If official show writers (because my Daoist friends have already told me what I needed to know) claim Nezha is a child, I'll delete my stuff with him. If not, then I'm not stopping posting Nezha content.

Toodles.

[laurabenanti]

I got a couple of asks on how I did the text transition in this set. I'm going to explain as best as I can (with image references).

*Disclaimer: this assumes you are have a basic understanding of giffing with video timeline, and keyframes. If you're new to keyframes, check out this tutorial by @userpeggycarter before proceeding.

Step 1: Go through, make your gif, color and all that jazz. if you're not familiar with giffing and need a guide, check this one out by @cal-kestis. Be mindful of the number of frames you have, as it is extremely important when keyframing begins. Make sure you have an even number of frames, or you will have an uneven transition. For this gif I'm at 60 frames total, and I'd be careful exceeding 70, as if you need to go back and delete... It just sucks, so be mindful! You'll see my gif and coloring under a group I titled "base" - and I highly recommend putting your gif/coloring/etc. into groups, as it will make the timeline a bit cleaner, and it's a little easier to find everything you need. But when you're done, you should be here:

*Quick note 1: Make sure your gif is in 8-bit mode. If you aren't familiar with bit modes, that is a tutorial for another time. For now, you can change it here:

Step 2.1: Pick your font/placement/etc. I really recommend being 100% on whatever you pick, along with the size. I've encountered problems when I move the font after the fact with alignment, so it's best to look your gif over to ensure you're satisfied. For this set, I went with Figtree, placed dead center.

I want to add to this by saying, thus far, I have found that white is the only color that works for this. I'm playing around with some other options, but black is 100% a no go. If you find a way to get that working, let me know. I'll amend this tutorial.

Photo of text settings, along with where you should be now.

Step 2.2: Since we're transitioning into a new set of words/text, you need to get that text ready as well. Shorten the length of time the first piece of text runs to halfway (I have 60 frames, so I cut it to 30).

Step 2.3: Duplicate your text layer, type your other text. The two texts should show for length of time, as you have an even number of frames, meaning you can divide by 2. Move it over to the end of where the previous text ends. If that makes no sense, it should look like the below: (again, folder for the typography to know where to reference. I have a small organization addiction so.. creator's choice)

*Quick note 2: I do not recommend changing to a new font or size with this, it won't look quite right. Of course, experiment away! This is just a small caution based on my own experimentation.

Now, to get to the actual fun part...

Step 3.1: Duplicate the first text layer. For this gif, it's the one that says "it didn't change anything". Once you duplicate it, you'll be turning it into a smart object. This is so the filter we apply works. Repeat for the second text layer. Lil gif below:

Quick note 3: I recommend going one text bit at a time, and also would tell you to put each typography layer into its own folder. This is really important for later, so doing it earlier is better.

Step 3.2: We will now apply the filter. To do this, you're going to click the smart object version of our text, then go to Filter → Stylize → Wind. For the gifset I made, I used Method → Blast and Direction → From the Right. Click "OK" and the filter will apply. Duplicate this for the other text layer.

Step 4: We now begin the keyframing. I highly recommend the rule of 0.3, which is when your transitions are over the span of multiples of 3 (i.e. if you start at frame 1 with 100% opacity, frame 3 will be at 0%). We'll be doing 6 frames from 100% to 0%, and vice versa, for this transition. This was the best time I found for this transition, but it's a matter of preference. Just follow that rule of 3.

Step 4.1: Click the smart layer of the text we made on the timeline, then click the little arrow on the left of the name of the layer. You'll see this:

See the little clock next to Opacity? Click it, and you get this lovely little yellow diamond. This is how we control the visibility of the Wind layer. It will start at 100%, keep it there.

Click the arrow on the right of the play button 6 times (aka get to the 6th frame), click the stopwatch again. While on this frame, and the yellow diamond clicked, change the opacity of the Wind layer to 0% It'll look like this:

You will repeat this, in reverse, at the end of the text layer.

Quick note 4: Sometimes, Photoshop is moody. To get the diamond on frame 30 (or whatever frame # the end of your text layer is), put it on the frame prior. You can then nudge that diamond over 1 frame. See below:

Repeat the process for the other text layer.

Step 5: We're basically done! Change your gif from video timeline to frames, maybe do a quick play through to make sure all is well.

Quick note 4 (it's the last one I promise): I have heard from many that when they work with keyframes, they end up with duplicate frames. I, personally, have not encountered this issue. I do not know if it is because of the version of Photoshop others are using, PC vs. Mac, or some other secret third thing. I recommend that, when you check your gif, verify if there are duplicate frames. The keyframe tutorial I linked earlier goes into further detail, and here is another lovely explanation from Nik, the master of all things keyframe transitions.

Step 5.1: Export, and give yourself a high five because you deserve it.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out! I'll try to clarify anything if needed. Happy giffing!

[cal-kestis]

HOW TO: Make an iPhone Layout + Downloadable Template

Hi! I've gotten a few messages asking for a tutorial on my iPhone gifsets — but instead of only doing a tutorial (that would probably be triple the length this one already is), I decided to turn my layout into a template with all the bits and bobs! In the "tutorial" under the cut, I'll share everything you'll need, a free template download, and quickly go over how to use this template. :)

Disclaimer: This template uses Video Timeline and this tutorial assumes you have a basic to intermediate understanding of Photoshop.

PHASE 1: THE ASSETS

1.1 – Download fonts. These are the fonts used for all assets I've included in my template: – SF Pro or SF Pro Display (Regular, Medium, Bold): Either version works, they look nearly identical. You can download directly from https://developer.apple.com/fonts/ or easily find it via Google – Bebas Neue: Free on Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts, and dafont – Times New Roman (Bold): Should be a default font in Photoshop

Make sure to download and install any of the fonts you don't already have before opening my template. That way, once you open the template file, all the settings (font size, weight, spacing, color, opacity, etc.) are as intended.

1.2 – Download my template. Before you use my template, all I ask is that you don't claim or redistribute it as your own and that you give me proper credit in the caption of your post. Making these iPhone gifsets takes me a longgg time and turning this layout into a template took several hours too.

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE VIA KO-FI ← This template is completely free to download (just enter $0), but if you feel inclined to tip me, I appreciate you! 💖

BTW this template also includes some of my frequently used icons!

NOTE: If, for some reason, you open the template and see the pop-up shown below, click "NO" — otherwise, the fonts will be all messed up:

And if you see this triangle with an exclamation point by a text layer, don't double-click it — it'll mess up the font as well:

PHASE 2: THE GIFS

I'm just going to briefly go over gif sizes and my recommendations. Also, keep in mind when grabbing your scenes, you'll want all of these gifs to be the same amount of frames.

2.1 – Background Gif: 540 x 540 px. I recommend this size so you have a good amount of visibility for the gif behind the iPhone wallpaper. I also recommend making this black and white (or in my case, black and white with a slight blue tint — idk I just like the way it looks) so the wallpaper coloring can stand out.

2.2 – Wallpaper Gif: 230 (w) x 500 (h) px. Keep in mind the very narrow dimensions of the wallpaper! And also keep in mind that you'll have a bunch of apps and widgets covering the image. I try to use wide shots (or layer my clips into looking like wide shots). Also, keep in mind your color scheme for your set and your character's aesthetic! I tend to focus on one or two colors for the wallpaper.

I usually position the wallpaper to the side with 20px bumpers, so there's lots of space to see the background:

2.3 – Large Photo Widget Gif: 201 (w) x 96 (h) px.

2.4 – Small Photo Widget Gif: 94 x 94 px.

PHASE 3: THE TEMPLATE – "IPHONE" FOLDER

In this section, I'll try to quickly walk you through how to use this template and some bits that may require extra instructions. I'll be going through each folder from top to bottom.

3.1 – Status Bar. Time, Service, and WiFi are pretty self-explanatory. In the Battery folder, you can use the shape tool to adjust the shape layers labeled "Fill (Adjustable Shape!)" to customize the battery level.

3.2 – Message Notification. Again, these are pretty self-explanatory. I've already masked the circle for the contact photo, so you can simply import any photo and use the transform tool to shrink it down. The circle is 24x24 px. If you don't want to use a photo, there's another folder called Default Initials.

If your message text can't fit the text box, the message should end with ellipses which is how iOS caps off long texts.

3.3 – Blurred Banner (IMPORTANT) This folder is easy to miss because there's only one placeholder layer in there. On iPhones, the area behind a banner notification and the dock get blurred (including the wallpaper and any apps).

What to do: Make a duplicate of the apps in Row 1 and/or widgets that intersect the message banner, convert them all into one smart object, apply a Gaussian Blur filter (Radius: 3.0 pixels) on the smart object, and move the smart object into this masked folder!

(There's another masked folder in the Wallpaper folder for the dock which I'll go over in that section.)

3.4 – Apps Turn off the yellow guide if you don't need it to keep things aligned and turn off layers you don't need by clicking the eye icon. Replace the "App" placeholder text with your app name, change the color or gradient of the square to compliment your color scheme, and add your custom app icon overlay!

If you can't find an app icon you need from the ones I provided, flaticon.com is a great resource. Also, if you can only find the filled version of an icon, check out this tutorial for how to make any text or shape into an outline.

Also, each app folder has 4 notification bubble options (1-4 digits). Again, you can toggle these on and off as you need!

3.5 – Big Widgets I like using these when my wallpaper has A LOT of negative space to fill. I included the Photos and Books widgets in my template, but there are lots of widgets available on iPhones. You can check some of the other ones I've done here, or if you have an iPhone, simply try adding some widgets to your phone!

There are also widgets bigger than these, but they would take up half of the phone screen which is why I don't use them for these edits.

3.6 – Small Widgets The only thing I'll say about these — because they're pretty straight forward — is there are a lot more weather themes than I included in my template. Also, if you set your character's phone to evening, the weather widget will show a dark background (sometimes with stars), so keep that in mind.

Speaking of, I've included Light Modes and Dark Modes for, I think, every applicable widget.

3.7 – Page Dots These barely perceptible dots indicate that your character has more pages of apps than shown in your gifset (so if an anon tries to come at you, you can just say "it's on the next page of apps" /j /lh)

3.8 – Dock Again, the dock has notification bubble options and I've included the default app designs, custom filled designs, and custom outlined designs for iMessage, Phone, Email, and Safari (there's also a FaceTime alternative if that's how your character rolls). These are usually the apps people keep in their Dock, but this is fully customizable too. So, if your character is, like, super obsessed with Candy Crush or something and needs it in thumb's reach — you can put it in the dock.

3.9 – Wallpaper This whole folder is masked already to a 230x500 px rounded rectangle.

Inside, you'll find another "Blurred Portion" folder for the area behind the message banner notification and the dock.

What to do: Duplicate your gif layer and place it in this folder, remove any sharpening filters, and apply a Gaussian Blur filter (Radius: 3.0 px). Be sure to add any coloring/adjustment layers ABOVE this folder and your original sharpened gif layer.

PHASE 4: EXPORT

We made it!

I hope this template makes it super easy for you to recreate this layout! If you decide to try it out, feel free to tag me with #usernik.

If you notice anything wonky about the template, kindly let me know so I can fix it! And if you have any questions about how to use this template, please don't hesitate to send me a message! I just ask that you try to be specific in your question so I'm able to answer you the best I can!

[feroshgirlsims]

Chapter 3.2 - What Not to Wear

VLAD

It’s Wednesday, two days until his date with Alice, and Vlad is no closer to having something to wear. William volunteered to go shopping, but Vlad declined. He doesn’t have the money to find something that meets his exacting standards, and the salespeople always complain when he tears out the tags before trying anything on. 

It’s honestly a fucking headache. 

He drops his bag by the front door and toes off his boots. His mother hums in the kitchen, frying up something divine. 

He stuffs the simoleons they found on the body the other day into the jar on the counter. Truthfully, the Strauds didn’t lack money; it was just that cleaning it already took a lot of effort, and they didn’t want any unnecessary attention. 

Plus, his mother thinks a lack of simoleons keeps them grounded. “Capitalism rots the brain and erodes free will” is her favorite saying. That and “It doesn’t make much sense to pay when you can steal.”

“You’re home!” she turns and smiles, pulling him into a hug and ruffling his hair. Vlad fidgets but doesn’t fight. “I thought you were eating on campus,” she says when he finally twists out of her grasp.

“William has a study group and the cafeteria is serving macaroni salad. Do you know how long that food has been sitting? Ages. It’d be the perfect cover for a poisoning. I’m surprised I’m alive.”

His mother snorts. “No one would murder you by poisoning a college cafeteria. The likelihood of you getting medical attention before your body gives out is too high. Even fast-acting poisons are slower than you think.”

She would know. Julia Straud is an expert in poisons. It’s an interest of Vlad’s, too. Usually, they talk about it for hours, but today, he isn’t in the mood.

He heads for the couch and collapses, letting the muted feeling that’s been dogging him all week wash over. The high from the brawl with Christopher might’ve carried him, but one punch was nothing to get excited about. Instead, the buzzing under his skin has simply grown when, for once, he’d just like silence.

“Why so sad, my sweet darling?”

Vlad’s eyes flash open. His mother is standing over him, smirking. 

“Is sleeping illegal in this house?” he grumbles, “I didn’t think that was one of the rules.”

“Don’t be disrespectful. You know it’s not,” she shoves at his legs until he sits up. “Why do you look like someone just shit in your oats?”

It isn’t any use keeping secrets, although it’s not expressly against the rules. His mother has a way of hunting down every hidden truth. She couldn’t wrangle their merry band of lunatics otherwise. “I have a date—”

“Oh, my lands—”

“Do not get excited.” He cuts her a sharp look. “It may go nowhere. Your expectations should be in the basement,” Vlad pauses, “Actually, lower than that. Your expectations should be in hell.” 

It’s not that he didn’t understand William’s advice about being a better version of himself. It just seems impossible to follow it. Pretending is fine in short bursts, like when the police are questioning him, but pretending for the sole purpose of getting someone to like him? Even if he could manage it, the whole thing would be so exhausting he’d need a week of sleep to recover. 

And what if Alice was like Fuifui? What if she got confused about who he really was?

“You could buy something you like,” she offers, “Go to one of the fancy boutiques in town where the salespeople peddle temptation to ruin like the devil taught them.”

“It’s called clothing, mother, not ‘temptation to ruin.’ And obviously, that’s not an option. I don’t know why you, of all sims, would suggest that.”

Her eyes narrow, “Because I love you. If you want to buy something to wear on this date, then I will make it happen. By any means necessary.”

It’s not worth it. Holding this territory is hard enough without assholes like Jacques Villareal getting ideas in his head because he thinks Julia's spendthrift son is a weak spot.

“Never mind,” Vlad groans, “And I actually mean it. If I find money under my pillow or in my wallet, I will be fucking pissed.”

PREV | NEXT

(Part 2 of 4)

[champagneglitteronthefloor]

Bejeweled

Pairing: Xavier Thorpe x feminine shapeshifting reader

Warnings: Spoilers for the show Wednesday (barely), a small mention of smut

Summary: Reader has a very special quality along with her special ability, that causes Xavier to be both amazed by her and protective of her at the same time. This request was so creative, it really put my mind to work! I loved it. This is now forever my fantasy lol.

Word Count: 3.2 k

You sighed again as you looked in the mirror. Why did you have to be stuck with this? You were born with a very special ability to shape-shift, just like your mother. Your mother was the one and only principle Weems. You had one thing she could never explain, one thing she could never relate to.

Along with your ability to shape-shift, the universe decided you also needed a pair of wings to fly with. They weren't just any wings. They were large white wings, covered with jewels. You never considered yourself girly, or even "boujee" if you will. However, these wings, were boujee. The jewels on your wings were silver in color, like diamonds. There was also many feathers in between the diamonds. They were so shiny, if in the sun they would glisten, and shine so brightly no one could focus on anything else. As someone who avoids being the center of attention, this was a problem for you.

Your wings were always present, but with your ability to shift, you could always shift into a version of yourself without them on. This is how you managed to hide them from your boyfriend of almost a year, Xavier Thorpe. You were afraid if Xavier seen them, he would treat you differently the way everyone else always did.

"You know you won't be able to hide those forever." Wednesday, your roommate dryly stated without looking up from typing on her typewriter.

You were attempting to comb the feathers on your wings when you heard a knock at the door. Your eyes widened as you looked at Wednesday.

"The closet, go." She attempted pushed you into the closet. The wings were too big

"I can't fit." You exclaimed.

"Shift." She demanded.

"I can't, it's not working, I'm too nervous." You replied, your shape shifting abilities failing you, as they always did when you got too worked up.

You slid under your queen sized bed, pulling the bed skirt over you and sliding over as far as you could. Part of the wing was hanging out, but that's the best you were able to do.

Wednesday Addams, your roommate, was the only person at Nevermore Academy that knew about your wings, besides your mother, of course. Wednesday wasn't really a "hit it off at first meeting" type of person, however the two of you really did hit it off immediately. She was able to understand your extreme differences from the rest of the world. You had homeschooled before Nevermore, but when you became of age, your mother had you enrolled at the academy she was principle of, and loved oh so dearly.

"Its nice to see you as always, but I'm sure you know who I'm looking for." You heard Xavier's voice through the door.

"She's not here." Wednesday gave a short reply.

"That's impossible." He said.

"Well, guess it's not." You could hear Wednesday trying to shut the door.

"We were supposed to have dinner at her mother's place. This was my chance to redeem myself." He now sounded so desperate.

Xavier had always been one of your mother's favorite students. That was until you and Xavier got expelled together, for doing some less than appropriate things at the Rave'n Dance last year. Your mother immediately banned you from seeing him, banned him from your house, and tried to ban him from school. His famous father managed to save him from that. Your mother had not spoke to him, or even looked in hid direction ever since. You can still hear her speech to you about how you'd never be able to get it back, but she didn't know, you didn't want it back. You were crazy about Xavier.

"Okay bye come back in a few minutes." Wednesday slammed the door in Xavier's face.

"I'm not doing this again. It's time" She said to you as you shuffled out from under the bed.

"He asked if you were seeing someone else." She added. You had missed that part, you must have zoned out. "He asked me if it was Tyler." she barely smiled, and you did too, being the only one who knew Wednesday was seeing Tyler exclusively.

"You said no though." You replied, in question form.

"Of course, but you still have to tell him. This is the last cover I'm doing." She said, and you knew she was telling the truth.

"He will be back soon. You better figure those out." she looked up at them. One thing you loved about Wednesday is that she wasn't ever impressed with your wings.

"I need help calming down." You pouted to your roommate.

"No." She responded, knowing exactly what you were asking.

"He will be back any second." You reminded her.

"Fine." she folded her arms on her chest and walked toward you, then reaching out and hugging you. "It's going to be okay. It'll work out." She patted on your back. This out of character part of Wednesday you saw every once in a while always managed to calm you.

After Wednesday reassured you, you immediately shifted back into the version of yourself that didn't have wings. It was probably 10 minutes later you heard another knock. This time you answered the door.

"Where have you been?" Xavier questioned you, like a parent, hand on his hip.

"Chill out. I went to get a coffee." You lied.

"Well then where is it." He asked.

"I drank it.." You said. He was eyeing you up and down still suspicious.

Dinner with your mother was not going well. It was making you nervous. You continued to look at the photo of your late father, which calmed you.

"Is there any ranch dressing?" Xavier asked.

"There is as much ranch dressing in this house as my daughters innocence." Your mother snapped.

"So none." Xavier replied and you immediately started choking, looking at him.

"I did not mean to say that." He added nervously, starting to panic.

You could feel it. Your shift wasn't holding up. You were about to be exposed. Why couldn't you just show him? Why were you acting so crazy about it? You couldn't be treated like an exhibit at a museum anymore. You were afraid he wouldn't ever treat you the same. You trusted Xavier, you just couldn't do it. You'd worked so hard for a year to hide it.

You ran up the stairs to what was your room at home, even though you lived on campus. You looked in the mirror. There they were. You could barely control it anymore, the more complicated life got. You wished you could be like Elsa from Frozen, conceal it with gloves.

"Come on dad. Help me out." You grabbed the picture of your dad from your dresser. Memories flooded in. The encouraging text from Wednesday was reassuring too. She really was getting soft with time.

You suddenly felt the ability to do it. You shifted back to yourself with no wings. You walked down the stairs, to see Xavier and your mother still sitting there, a bottle of ranch dressing sitting next to Xavier.

"I thought we didn't have any-" you started, to be cut off by your mother.

"I'm sorry. And I told Xavier I was too. It's not changing. You two are going to remain seeing each other. I can't take back what's been done." She said. "But I swear, if you come up pregnant.."

"I won't." you stopped that conversation before it started. "Thanks mom." You smiled from across the table.

All was good. Xavier and your mother laughed as they drank tea. They discussed Poe cup, his father, school. You felt so at peace.

"You both be careful." your mom waved you off.

You got into your car and drove yourself and Xavier back to the dorms. You both went on to talk about how well the dinner ended. Xavier was holding your hand, and brought it up to his lips, to give a small kiss. You both got out of the car, when you saw someone running in the distance. Two people, actually. The closer they got, you realized it was Wednesday and...Ajax?

"She's in trouble!" Wednesday shouted, running out of breath.

"Enid is in trouble!" Ajax ran up behind Wednesday.

"Tell me where she is." you demanded, ready to find and help your friend, and Wednesdays friend as well, and Ajax's girlfriend.

"She's in the woods. She wolfed out, and some creature out there attacked her. It looked just like a monster." Ajax explained. "She is hurt." He went on.

Before you had a chance to explain, warn anyone, or do anything, there it happened. You shifted back to your own normal self, wings and all. Xaviers eyes were so wide they could've just popped out. The street lamp shined down on your wings, making them shine even brighter, the wind blowing the feathery parts around.

"I didn't get to pick them." You simply stated.

At this point his and Ajax's mouth were both ajar, Ajax reaching to touch them. This snapped Xavier out of his trance as he smacked Ajax's hand away.

You didn't even have time to worry about the situation in front of you. Only the one that included your friend in trouble, in need of help. You flew away scavenging the woods, looking for Enid. When you spotted her you immediately landed.

"Enid,Enid are you okay?" You shook her slowly. She opened her eyes.

"Yeah, I'm a little beat up that's for sure. Whats with the costume?" She asked staring at your wings.

"Its not a costume. These wings are mine. It's a secret." You smiled, just glad she was okay, you started to help her up.

"You know those are so me, right? She asked intrigued.

"Oh, I know." You laughed, motioning for her to get on your back. She did, and you flew her back to campus.

Thankfully no one was around to see them, as you greeted the others, sharing the news that Enid was okay.

"I think we may need a moment alone." Xavier said to you.

"Yeah I'm going to Enid and Yoko's place." Wednesday said walking off with them.

"Why would you hide this from me? Is my trust not worthy, or am I not worthy?" He asked, noticably upset.

"People always act weird about them." You replied. "I get treated like an animal at a zoo when they're out." You answered honestly.

"And you think that's how I'd treat you?" Xavier asked, anger increasing.

"No. I don't Xavier. I just thought it would be best if no one knew, okay." You explained yourself.

"Thats why Wednesday knew." He crossed his arms. "It's not even about the wings, or the shape shifting, or any of it. I could care less about all of that stuff. I just can't believe you would hide things from me. How is it that you've been able to hide them all this time?" He raised his eyebrows.

"I shift into me without them." You admitted.

"That's a whole lot of work to keep a part of who you from me, when I've been transparent about everything to you. Even my dysfunctional father, and all my visions." He defended.

"Except one." you said.

"The one I drew of you months ago, with those exact wings. I thought you'd hate it." He looked down at the ground as he moved his foot around.

"See, you always knew. It was just right here." You laid your hand on his chest.

"Or right here, but whose counting." He pointed at his head and laughed.

"No more secrets?" He asked.

"No more secrets, I promise. Including, wings, abilities, dysfunctional fathers, psychotic mothers. All of it." You put your pinky out.

"I haven't made a pink promise since I was like five." He chuckled.

The silence filled the room for a minute as Xavier really observed your wings, looking closely at detail. You didn't like when people looked at them too closely, or touched them. You didn't like them in general, but they weren't going anywhere.

"Go ahead." You rolled your eyes a little.

He reached out and touched them with his hands. Chills went up your spine. You actually kind of liked Xavier touching them, which was really different. Even from a young age you wouldn't let your mom, or anyone touch them.

"Whatever power created these...they are a mastermind. This is incredible. I've never seen anything like it before. These were chosen just for you" He slowly rubbed his hand up and down on the wing. "How do the jewels not fall off?" He questioned you.

"One time, while in a wrestling match with my cousin John, he peeled a stone off. It grew back, kind of like a fingernail." You laughed.

"This is amazing. I'm speechless." He looked as if he hardly blinked as he observed them.

"Alright enough doting on them. I do not like the attention from them." You snapped a little not meaning to.

"I'm sorry. I won't do it anymore I promise, my angel." He said.

"And you already start with that." You gasped crossing your arms, referring to the new pet name.

"You are unique, and you were made for me. Please let me take that in just a little." He said pulling you into a hug.

Once again silence filled the room. You knew Xavier was looking at them, which was partially what you were trying to avoid, as if this were before he would be focusing on you, not your wings.

"I just really want to." He said, not referring to what he wanted, but he didn't have to. You huffed, crossing your arms again.

"Okay. Fine. You win. You can. Tomorrow evening after school and archery. Your shed." You made the deal.

"Yes!" He clapped and jumped like a little kid.

"Now go, for now. I need some rest." You said jokingly.

You went to walk Xavier out to the end of your hall when you ran into the door, nearly falling over.

"Dang it." You said turning to the side and sliding out the door, earning a laugh from Xavier. It had been a while since you navigated your wings on a daily basis, you had basically been shifting them away for a whole year.

The next morning, you met Xavier, Ajax, Enid, Yoko, Kent, and Wednesday for breakfast and coffee as always. Tyler was trying to be all chill serving you all coffee and breakfast, not knowing you knew about him and Wednesday.

"Come on now. We want to see them." Ajax carried on.

"It appears you are annoying her." Wednesday snapped back.

"You know what fine. Let's go." You gave in.

All of you stepped behind the Weathervane. You concentrated for a moment, shifting back into your original form. Earning gasps and "ooh" and "aah"'s from the group. You hated that.

"It's like, it reminds me of.." Kent started. "A Victoria's Secret model." He said laughing. You REALLY hated that.

You could see Xavier's breathing increasing, and the paleness of his face turning red, clenched jaw and fists. You hoped for Kent's own sake, he wouldn't say or do anything else. Poor Kent, however, felt the need to continue on. He reached out his hand in what felt like slow motion, and touched your wing, accidentally pulling a feather, and earning a yelp from you.

That done it in for Xavier, he leaped right into Kent, punching him directly in the nose. Ouch.

"Stay off of her, Don't ever touch her again." He said coldly, Ajax holding him back the best he could.

"It's okay, really." You tried to calm Xavier.

"I'm sorry man, I didn't know it was like that. I'm sorry, I was just amazed." he then looked to you.

"Hey, hey now everyone calm down." You tried to make peace. You reached your hand out to Kent to shake his.

"It's okay, Kent won't do it again, he didn't know." You mediated.

You looked at the two of them as Kent reached his hand out to shake Xavier's. Xavier was just looking at him. You let out a little cough. Xavier then shook Kent's hand.

"Never again, are we clear?" Xavier asked him.

"It never happened, it is all fine." You widened you eyes at Xavier.

The wings were ALREADY causing issues. You shifted the wings away, and headed toward class, trying to forget the events that just happened.

After school, and archery, you went to the place you promised to meet Xavier, his shed, the place he typically created art at.

He was already at the door waiting for you smiling, acting sort of shy, biting his lip. It drove you crazy when he did that. You could remember vividly what it did to you at the Rave'n Dance last year.

"Are you ready?" he asked looking you up and down.

"Absolutely." You winked at him, as you turned to the side and went into the shed.

I thought you could go right there, he pointed to a little daybed looking piece of furniture, with a velvet comforter on it.

"Okay." you took a nervous breath.

"We don't have to if you don't want to. I'm not forcing you into this." Xavier reassured you.

"No, I want to." You replied.

"Okay well, sit right over there then." he pointed. "And I'll pose you." He came over adjusting you into the exact position he wanted you in, then walking back over to the blank canvas.

"Oh. Man." He tilted his head and looked at you.

"What now?" You asked.

"Bad hair day, a little." He pointed to the jumbled feathers on your wings.

"I didn't get time to comb them okay." You defended.

"I'm not saying anything." He held his hands up.

"The comb is in my bag." You motioned to your purse you hung at the door.

He got the comb and walked toward you. No one had ever combed them except for yourself, and your mother and father. You had immediate nervousness.

"It's okay. May I?" He asked your permission, earning a nod from you. He rested one hand on your shoulder softly, as he combed your wings, with nothing but care and gentleness. You knew he had to be the one, no other could handle something like this. So fragile, so... weird. But there he was, smiling at you as he combed your giant wings, acting like it was so normal.

"Okay perfect." he stepped away looking at you. "You're perfect." he said, making you blush a little.

"Paint me like one of your French girls." You said as you went back into the pose.

"Never say that again." Xavier laughed as he began to paint. You loved watching him create art. You loved how focused, and passionate he was. Just like clockwork, the sun shined into the window, making your wings shimmer.

When he turned the finished product around, a couple hours later, you were shocked. You were amazed he could paint them so beautifully even you almost liked them. You saw him looking at your excitement, and smiling, but doing the nervous lip bite.

"Hey?" he said as a question.

"Yes?" you asked him.

"I am in love with you." He said, making your hear stop, and lightning flash through your body.

"Hey?" you asked him.

"Yes?" he repeated the same wording you did.

"I love you too." you replied.

@supermegapauselouca

[questersrest]

how do you enhance the graphics so much? :0c and what emulator do you use?

:3c

i use desmume, just looked it up and apparently there was an update in 2022, i still have the previous version from 2015 with a development build of the executable from 2021 so idk what changed but it sounds like they no longer support wifi emulation so i won't be updating because i do have a way to connect to a wifi replacement server.

so here's what i do to enhance graphics, it may be a bit different if you're using the latest version. i will warn you. i've found 3d graphics in ds emulation to be a bit laggy on low-end pcs, idk if it's to do with it rendering 2 screens at once or what but make sure you can run things smoothly first because this is only going to make it worse.

you wanna go to Config > 3D Settings

now if it isn't already, switch your rendering engine to OpenGL 3.2, (idk if the newer version might support Vulkan or something, in which case that may be better). but it may default to SoftRasterizer which is nice but it like software emulates the rendering and may be really slow unless you've got a really good processor. OpenGL (or Vulkan if that's an option) will unload that rendering to your graphics card which will make things faster, especially if you've got a decent one.

anyway, this here is the main feature. the GPU Scaling Factor. increase this to enhance the graphics beyond the limits of the ds screen resolution. bearing in mind, sprites and texures won't be affected but any 3d graphics will look much smoother

this is the difference between 1 and 4

you way also want to check this setting out. Texture Scaling will increase the resolution of textures and attempt to smooth them out

here's GPU Scaling Factor 4 with Texture Scaling 4x

just bear in mind that some sprites are actually textures on a flat model for technical reasons so some things that are meant to be pixel art 2d sprites might look a bit weird

i hope this helps :3

[firsttransfootman]

Okay, I know I wrote in my description that I'm currently in Shadow and Bone phase. But my first post here just needs to be about my first love - The Walking Dead. And because I'm nerd, I need to show this here.

    So...if you also was watching TWD episode by episode every week when it was released, you for sure remember the break between seasons and half season. Always around 4 months and of course, there were a lot of leaks, photos from drones and rumors.

    It was the first quarter of 2017 (omg it was 6 years ago) and we got this leak. I couldn't find it on the internet and on my phone I only got the Spanish version. Basically it means "In the 13 episode we will get a reveal that Paul "Jesus" Rovia is homosexual". In the show it was actually changed and we got a reveal in episode 14, bcs of the switch between 13 and 14 episodes (for people who don't remember that were 2 episodes which were both  happening at the same time but in two different places and which was first doesn't really matter).

So it's around a month or two before the premiere of season 7B. I'm 15 and I can't stop thinking about what they are going to do. I write some propositions and I'm gonna share them now with you guys. Some of them contain minor spoilers from the comic books.

   1 . Somebody is gonna fall from him. I was 15, in denial that I'm mostly gay and just thought "It's Tom Payne, everybody finds him super attractive, right?". So, in my mind, some character would just develop a crush on him or fall in love. Of course, female character, maybe some dramatic kiss scene when he needs to take a step back and say "I'm sorry, but it's not gonna work". I didn't have anybody particular in mind for this. but it was still an option. 

   2. Similar to the first one but just looking for comfort. I started reading more comics. and if somebody didn't read comics, we got a lot  more  friends with benefits and "lovers" (meaning only bed lovers, not really relationships). Michonne was literally trying to sleep with every black guy in comics. So I was thinking maybe Sasha or Maggie would need some comfort after what Negan did and he would just be there for them. Even if they didn't try to sleep with him, maybe some cuddling and him saying this just to be sure they don't want anything more. Maybe before this some typical TV scenes after which people ship them a little bit or something.

   3. Some gay comfort scene with Daryl, Aaron, Eric or four of them. If anybody don't know this - there are rumors that Daryl was supposed to be gay and reveal of it was planned for season 3 or something around but they resigned of this concept (probably gonna write more about this someday). Anyway, I was thinking about a couple of options here:

    3.1. Jesus having amazing gay radar and just goes to talk with Daryl in casual  acting like it's obvious. He would panic and, you know, be grumpy about that OR which I actually think would actually be  the best way - also act like this is basic knowledge. People would be so freaking mad.

   3.2. Some deep conversation between him and Daryl, their backstory, of course, mostly Paul doing the talking and some sentences like "I don't know why I'm saying this to you . We don't really know each other".

   3.3. Some fluff comfort scene with Aaron and Eric, maybe even play it as a joke with their iconic sentence from a comic book. So in the comics, Aaron, after Eric died, says something about them being their last gays in the world. Like can you imagine a scene like that:

J: "So you live in this house?"

A: "Yeah, almost from the start."

E: "Two last gays in the world."

J: "So I would be third."

A: ...

E: ...

J: ...

D: "Forth!"

T: "Why people always forget lesbians?"

   4. Alex! Yeah, for people who didn't read comics or did it some time ago and don't remember Alex is Jesus' lover and nurse in Hilltop. In the comics, we got reveal in the way that when Paul is in Hilltop, Alex comes to his room and asks him to cuddle and read with him. With time, it's clear that Alex wanted something more and Paul just didn't feel it. They eventually split apart, Alex got a boyfriend and hopefully happy ever after. Anyway, this would be cool. Some one-sided love, an amazing example of the fact that being gay doesn't mean somebody would fall for every guy and it's a good example of grey side of Jesus bcs he really isn't honest with Alex and doesn't treat him like he should. Also, we would get a nurse, which would be cool bcs in the show I sometimes feel like they forgot that doctors aren't the only people who work in healthcare. Like paramedics and nurses exist.

 

   5. Like literally anything other than what we get. Don't get me wrong - this scene with Maggie is cute, but because it's the only scene about that, I needed something more. If he eventually got a romantic or bed partner I wouldn't say anything, but after he died people all over the internet literally arguing that he wasn't gay on a TV show bcs nobody remembers this scene. It was a pre-credits scene which you could really easily skip and you didn't know you had missed anything.

    I think they know they have Aaron and Eric so they don't want to have another gay couple (so Alex wasn't an option) and want this to be quiet. It was just a preparation for the future Aaron and Paul, which we never get. It's really sad bcs after this, Paul was literally cut off the series, being in a couple of episodes per season to the point when actor just don't wanna be part of it anymore (and I can't blame him). Even after that, they didn't have enough courage to make him and Aaron officially a couple of lovers. We only got suggestions and baits but nothing official.

    I would really like to read a fanfiction about any of the options which I wrote above. In the meantime, have an amazing weekend and to the next!

[dustofthedailylife]

I absolutely love your recent al-haitham fic. and me knowing being obsessed with lore in (hopefully you dont mind me pouring this to you!) in 1.1 scara founds that the skies of teyvat is a fake “The stars, the sky... It's all a gigantic hoax. A lie.” Then in 3.3 i think or 3.2 we got to see dottore for the first time and revisit the question to nahida about the sky being fake. and theorists been trying to figure that if you get close to finding about the big lie the world resets or something and with khaneri’ah being the godless city they found out about it and the unknown god destroyed the city and the survivors were turned into monsters and resets teyvat. i hope this makes sense?! this what I remember from a genshin lore video lol.

Thank you so much!! It makes me so happy to hear that your loved it! :3

And I absolutely don't mind you pouring this to me because omg I am obsessed with Genshin lore and I could ramble about it all day, literally.

Without further ado *dons tinfoil hat* let me ramble about lore and theories a bit here.

I have heard about that theory and it seems to make sense to some extent...

Khaen'riah didn't have a god but it is said that they at least were proficient in the Art of Khemia (as indicated by Gold/Rhinedottir aka. Albedo' and Durin's creator). As well as creating the automatons you still find throughout the world. This to me shows that they were definitely striving for wisdom and knowledge.

Seeing as they were a nation without a god who could "keep them in check" maybe they strayed too far and Celestia destroyed the nation before they could find anything out and cursed them. My theory here is that Celestia may actually be in place to keep "nations in check", a keeper of sorts. Every time a nail dropped from it somewhere it lead to some horrendous events. most prominently I'm thinking about Dragonspine whose population was wiped out and the area was turned into a frozen wasteland by the Skyfrost Nail a long time ago. Maybe something similar happened in Khaen'riah.

It doesn't help that all the archons keep quiet about the Cataclysm as well which doesn't help. Like, come on guys, indulge my curiosity, I need to know!

Maybe the "time reset" theory is also why when we start the game we basically land in Teyvat 500 years after the Cataclysm whereas our twin has already been a part of the world for a long time (and also has recordings in Irminsul, therefore is no descender like we are - that part still confuses me a lot. Like I cannot wrap my brain around how that is supposed to be possible. Maybe we'll ask Dain about it in the new 3.5 AQ? I need answers.)

After finishing the Sumeru AQ however I had to think back on the Havria story quest of Zhongli. Then he says something like "as long as people like you exist nothing in this world will ever be forgotten."

It also didn't help that we got to experience a small-scale time loop in the Sumeru AQ which many saw as a hint of Teyvat as a while being one. Me included.

This could indicate that the Archons (at least the ones who were there for it) may be aware of the time reset. And so far that would only be Zhongli and Venti of the ones we know. And they're both sus if you ask me. And that could mean the Tsaritsa knows too and her plan of collecting all the gnosi has to do with it and trying to oppose this. I don't believe that the Fatui are truly the bad guys here. It would be too obvious.

I also saw a video recently, which could be a modded or altered version of Genshin so this has to be taken with a huge grain of salt. But one player found the "login screen" door over Teyvat in the sky and jumped off at the end only to then land directly on the hands of the statue of Venti in Mondstadt city - which is also inscribed as "Gateway to Celestia" at the bottom. If this is true this opens some more possible options for theories.

I remember watching a video that claimed Teyvat was a simulation and since they also renamed "mihoyo" to "hoyoverse" it could indicate that they're trying to create a multiverse that is loosely tied together. Therefore "Teyvat" is actually a simulation in Honkai Impact the 3rd. I think it was called "the Ark" (I don't play Honkai so I don't 100% know anymore what they said in the video).

That and the fact that the Unknown God from the beginning of the game looked a lot like Kiana Kaslana from HI3. This may mean that the Travelers tried to enter "Project Ark" for some reason and she tried to stop them.

So many possibilities it makes my brain smoke >.<

Sorry if this was all a bit all over the place and incoherent but I tried to write down as many of my thoughts about the "world is a lie and the sky is fake" thing in a hopefully somewhat understandable manner. I still always feel like this guy when rambling about the lore of this game. Because omg, what we're told through quests is so surface-level it's driving me nuts.

And you're welcome to ramble about lore to me any time. As you may see... I am quite invested myself 😂

[jprie]

Full Stack Developer Roadmap: Skills, Tools, and Best Practices

Creating a Full Stack Developer Roadmap involves mapping out the essential skills, tools, and best practices required to become proficient in both front-end and back-end development. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the various stages in the journey to becoming a Full Stack Developer:

1. Fundamentals of Web Development

Before diving into full-stack development, it's essential to understand the core building blocks of web development:

1.1. HTML/CSS

HTML: The markup language used for creating the structure of web pages.

CSS: Used for styling the visual presentation of web pages (layouts, colors, fonts, etc.).

Best Practices: Write semantic HTML, use CSS preprocessors like Sass, and ensure responsive design with media queries.

1.2. JavaScript

JavaScript (JS): The programming language that adds interactivity to web pages.

Best Practices: Use ES6+ syntax, write clean and maintainable code, and implement asynchronous JavaScript (promises, async/await).

2. Front-End Development

The front end is what users see and interact with. A full-stack developer needs to master front-end technologies.

2.1. Front-End Libraries & Frameworks

React.js: A popular library for building user interfaces, focusing on reusability and performance.

Vue.js: A progressive JavaScript framework for building UIs.

Angular: A platform and framework for building single-page client applications.

Best Practices: Use state management tools (like Redux or Vuex), focus on component-based architecture, and optimize performance.

2.2. Version Control (Git)

Git: Essential for tracking changes and collaborating with others.

GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket: Platforms for hosting Git repositories.

Best Practices: Commit often with meaningful messages, use branching strategies (like GitFlow), and create pull requests for review.

3. Back-End Development

The back end handles the data processing, storage, and logic behind the scenes. A full-stack developer must be proficient in server-side development.

3.1. Server-Side Languages

Node.js: JavaScript runtime for server-side development.

Python (Django/Flask): Python frameworks used for building web applications.

Ruby (Rails): A full-stack framework for Ruby developers.

PHP: Widely used for server-side scripting.

Java (Spring Boot): A powerful framework for building web applications in Java.

3.2. Databases

SQL Databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL): Used for relational data storage.

NoSQL Databases (e.g., MongoDB, Firebase): For non-relational data storage.

Best Practices: Design scalable and efficient databases, normalize data for SQL, use indexing and query optimization.

4. Web Development Tools & Best Practices

4.1. API Development and Integration

REST APIs: Learn how to create and consume RESTful APIs.

GraphQL: A query language for APIs, providing a more flexible and efficient way to retrieve data.

Best Practices: Design APIs with scalability in mind, use proper status codes, and document APIs with tools like Swagger.

4.2. Authentication & Authorization

JWT (JSON Web Tokens): A popular method for handling user authentication in modern web applications.

OAuth: Open standard for access delegation commonly used for logging in with third-party services.

Best Practices: Implement proper encryption, use HTTPS, and ensure token expiration.

4.3. Testing

Unit Testing: Testing individual components of the application.

Integration Testing: Testing how different components of the system work together.

End-to-End (E2E) Testing: Testing the entire application workflow.

Best Practices: Use testing libraries like Jest (JavaScript), Mocha, or PyTest (Python) and ensure high test coverage.

4.4. DevOps & Deployment

Docker: Containerization of applications for consistency across environments.

CI/CD Pipelines: Automating the process of building, testing, and deploying code.

Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc., for deploying applications.

Best Practices: Use version-controlled deployment pipelines, monitor applications in production, and practice continuous integration.

4.5. Performance Optimization

Caching: Use caching strategies (e.g., Redis) to reduce server load and speed up response times.

Lazy Loading: Load parts of the application only when needed to reduce initial loading time.

Minification and Bundling: Minimize JavaScript and CSS files to improve load time.

5. Soft Skills & Best Practices

Being a full-stack developer also requires strong problem-solving skills and an ability to work collaboratively in teams.

5.1. Communication

Communicate effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders, especially regarding technical requirements and issues.

5.2. Agile Development

Understand Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and work in sprints to deliver features incrementally.

5.3. Code Reviews & Collaboration

Regular code reviews help maintain code quality and foster learning within teams.

Practice pair programming and collaborative development.

6. Continuous Learning

The tech industry is always evolving, so it’s essential to stay up to date with new tools, languages, and frameworks.

Follow Blogs & Podcasts: Stay updated with the latest in full-stack development.

Contribute to Open Source: Engage with the developer community by contributing to open-source projects.

Build Side Projects: Continuously apply what you've learned by working on personal projects.

7. Additional Tools & Technologies

Webpack: A module bundler to optimize the workflow.

GraphQL: For efficient data fetching from APIs.

WebSockets: For real-time communication in web applications.

Conclusion

Becoming a proficient full-stack developer requires a combination of technical skills, tools, and a strong understanding of best practices. By mastering both front-end and back-end technologies, keeping up with industry trends, and continuously learning, you'll be equipped to build modern, scalable web applications.

Fullstack course in chennai

Fullstack development course in chennai

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[anmarifromearth]

Chapter 14: Wessman School of Arts, 2019

Note: You can read the finished version on Quotev, but for Tumblr, I'd like to upload the chapters one by one.

WC: 3.2 K -- Masterlist -- featuring art by @amalthiaph

That’s why she and Zach went to the same schools. That’s why she’s here in this school. She told me she knows the family well. She told me I should give up on Zach because she knows he is just using me to get the hour hand. She doesn’t work for Mr. Philipps. Charlotte Meyer, my roommate, works for the Stratmanns.

I slowly took a step to the side, tightening my grip to the hour hand, now complete. My breath shivered as I watch her do the same. We were like dancing tango—two people watching the other’s actions closely, ready to jump. I took another step, and another, and another, and I quickly opened the window.

The next few seconds went like a daze. All I felt was the wind, blowing past me, sending my hair dancing. I felt like flying. No, I am actually falling. From the window pane. How else would I escape? Zach was probably on the other side of the door.

I glanced below my feet to see where I’d land, not caring if I’d still live afterwards. I saw some bushes, trimmed into squares and cones. I silently thanked the gardeners as I feel myself land on a bed made of leaves. I landed on top of a square trimmed bush. I quickly sat up, not bothering to clean myself, and searched for the nearest window.

I saw a marvelous row of gigantic windows. It’s the library. I quickly ran to the windows and peeked inside. I need to find someone I can trust. I banged the window ala Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, screaming, “Miss Mansfield!” I did this a couple of times, until the woman’s eyes finally landed on me.

I raised the hour hand, showing it to her through the thick transparent glass. The woman’s eyes grew wide as she removed her spectacles, slowly getting up from her seat. I banged once more, urging her to go faster. She sensed this, as she practically dashed to the window to open it for me to climb on.

“Never in my life,” she began as she helped me get inside, “Did I think I will ever see the hour hand.”

In the background, I see Sara Choudhary slowly get up from her seat, leaving her open books on the table, her eyes set on the hour hand.

“Miss Mansfield,” I began, panting, “I need to get to Mr. Philipps’ office from here without getting seen.” She knows what I meant.

“Sara,” she said, turning to the Indian girl who is now right behind her, “Phone Mr. Philipps and tell them we’ll go there through the passages. Iris has the hour hand.”

Sara just nodded as she typed away on her phone, dialing Mr. Philipps. “Iris has the hour hand,” I heard her say, “We’re coming to you through the passages from the library.

Just as she had finished speaking, Miss Mansfield has pulled us to an aisle lined with tall wooden bookshelves. Her grip on my arm is never loosening as she pulled me further into the end of the aisles, to a door labelled “Janitor’s Closet”. She quickly opened the door and motioned us inside. She took one last glance to the other students in the library, making sure we remained unseen, then closed the door.

At one corner, we saw a small door. Miss Mansfield kneeled down and crawled inside. I quickly followed after her and Sara last. The passage was clean, to be honest. And as if reading my mind, Miss Mansfield said, “I use this to easily go to the headmaster’s office.”

The library isn’t quite far from Mr. Philipps’ Office. There is actually just one room that are in between them, which was the school clinic. We took a right from our entry point, then a left. In the outside, it would be the corner. We took another right, and I can assume this is the wall that divides the library and the school clinic.

What amazed me is that, when we turned, there is a narrow descending stairs. The school has a basement too? Miss Mansfield headed downstairs, with me and Sara behind her. In addition to being clean, these halls are very well lit with lightbulbs in place of torches. I guess the teachers use these halls a lot.

We arrived at the bottom of the stairs. On our left was a wooden door, thinner that those upstairs. Miss Mansfield pushed the door open to reveal a den, with several couches on a carpeted stone floor. There were some lamps. What amazed me is the portrait that is hung on the wall—it’s the Velvets. They did pay respect to the original owners.

“It’s the teachers’ lounge,” Miss Mansfield said with a giggle. I had little time to admire the den beneath the school clinic, as she had led us to another set of stairs, going up this time. Once up on the stairs, we saw a door small door on the right.

One by one, we crawled out of it and were welcomed by leather shoes and a brown coat. Mr. Philipps was standing by the door, waiting for us. He already had the blinds of his office drawn. As soon as I got out of the tiny door, he offered his hand for support.

“It wasn’t sarcasm, then,” I began as he pulled me from the floor.

“What is?” he egged me to continue.

“When you asked Zach if he’s related to Eldric Mortimer.”

“It wasn’t,” he replied as he helped Sara up.

“You could have just denied him entrance to the school,” Miss Mansfield said, leaning on the desk, crossing her arms over her chest.

“His family threatened me that they’d tell the police that it was my ancestors that killed the Velvets for money,” he answered, eyeing the now whole hour hand. “Since in the will, it states that all their wealth will go to the last living relative, which is us. Marion was Arthur’s sister,” he said to me, “We’d be cleared out of the will by the Slayer Rule. And according to the will once again, if no relative will step forward, the entire property will go to their closest friends.”

“The Mortimers,” Miss Mansfield finished for Mr. Philipps, nodding in understanding.

 “The only thing I can do then,” he continued to speak as he stepped forward and slowly took the hour hand from me. I handed it to him without a slight tinge of hesitation, he’s a relative of the Velvet, and I know now that he doesn’t mean ill will. “Is to make sure Zach won’t ever lay his hands on the hour hand.”

He took a moment to admire the hour hand, now finally complete. He then carefully handed it back, and continued to speak, “Hence, I formed this team.” He motioned to Miss Mansfield and Sara, his band of spies.

Mr. Philipps peeked through the blinds of his office. He watched the normal student chaos on the halls. He nodded, thinking something to himself probably. Then, he made for his table with Miss Mansfield going out of the way. He reached for the intercom, pressed the button, and began to speak, “Attention, students of Wessman School, this is your headmaster speaking. Classes are suspended for the rest of the day.”

“Why’d you do that?” I asked as he walked away from the intercom, listening to the students outside as they all shouted in glee.

“To lessen the risk of casualties,” he replied in a dead tone. And with a half-smile, he added, “Do you honestly think the Stratmanns would make it easy for us?”

I jumped at the sound of the door as it hit the wall with a bang. “Zach’s parents are here! I heard Iris has completed the hour hand!”, a familiar black boy said.

“Charles?” I said, in disbelief.

Charles gasped at the object in my hands. He walked closer to me. He was chuckling as he took the hour hand from my hands. He held it out and created a red glow in the office with the light that reflected from the ruby. “Miss Gardner,” Mr. Philipps began, “I would like you to meet my fourth spy, Mr. Charles Andrews.”

“I was tasked to watch you from up close,” Charles said as he handed the hour hand back to me. “I am Mr. Philipps’ grandchild.”

Charles and I exchanged smiles. Saying I’m overwhelmed is a total understatement; I just can’t believe everything I had learnt today. I cannot believe that my two best friends are descendants of the two great powerhouses in the 1800s.

“He protested against using ‘Christina, help us’ as my distress signal in the cellar,” Charles said smilingly. I flashed back to that moment in the cellar, when we realized we were locked inside. “He said it was foolish.”

“It was,” Mr. Philipps said from one corner, arms crossed.

“It gave them a good scare,” Charles said as he glanced at his grandfather, his mouth forming a smile.  

“We need to get out of here now,” Mr. Philipps broke our sudden moment.

“We need to hide the hour hand,” I said as we prepared to leave.

“No,” Mr. Philipps said, “I’ve been devising a plan for a decade now, for when the time came that the hour hand was found.” He glanced at me as we start to march out of the room, “We return it to whom it came from. To end this whole thing once and for all.” He held the office door open and motioned us to follow him outside.

“The deity,” I said, glancing to the left and right, to make sure the hallways are fully deserted.

“In the lake,” Charles continued for me. “Where is that, Miss Mansfield?” He turned to the librarian to ask; as she probably have read it.

“The Five Great Lakes,” she began as we walked the now dark halls of Wessman, with only the wall lights to illuminate the space, “It’s at that point where Lakes Superior and Huron met.”

Sara tapped on her phone real fast, probably to Google for the distance from North Carolina to Michigan. Her tapping created a faint echo. “That’s more than a thousand miles from here,” she said as she lowered her phone to look up at Mr. Philipps.  

We were at the main hall of Wesmman when Mr. Philipps stopped in his tracks. I peeked over his towering figures, and saw two people, standing in front of the doorway. I can barely see their faces as they stand against the light.

Thanks to the early suspension of classes, the halls are now clear. All that’s left are us; the headmaster and his grandchild, the librarian, the math prodigy, me with the hour hand, and the two seemingly well-dressed couple at the other end of the hall.

“Hello, Humbert,” the man said with a British accent, “I came to pick up my son, but now I am thinking of hitting two birds with one stone.” He glanced at me, specifically, on the hour hand.  

I tightened my grip around the silver object. Mr. Philipps straightened himself, standing on guard for me. “You plan to change an event that’s happened centuries ago, Thomas!” Mr. Philipps practically shouted. “One act, hell, just one small change will destroy this timeline! This school wouldn’t exist.” He stopped for a few seconds, he seemed to be hesitating, “You might not exist! Haven’t you thought of that?”

“The timeline is supposed to be our families being richer!” Thomas von Stratmann shouted back. “Humbert, I am simply placing things back to what they’re supposed to be!”

Miss Mansfield grabbed me by the arm and started to pull me slowly, as Mr. Philipps began to step forward. Tension can really be felt in the deserted main hall of Wessman. Marion and Eldric’s blood and flesh are facing off again nearly two hundred years later, like they did, in the clock tower in 1845.

“Forget about that, Thomas!” Mr. Philipps’ voice echoed throughout the halls. “I am thinking about this timeline; this very moment; us very people here, right now! WE MIGHT NOT EXIST! Our goal is to make sure that this timeline would exit so that we could exist!”

Miss Mansfield pulled me, more like yanked me. “Come on!” she shouted as she pulled me to run to the other direction, knowing that that conversation would lead to nothing.

I immediately started on my heels, looking back once more to see the Stratmanns run after us, with Mr. Philipps grabbing onto Thomas to stop him. The two had a fist fight. Meanwhile, Zach’s mother continued to run after us, leaving the two men go against each other.

“You just go,” Charles said, running to face off with Zach’s mother. I halted to stop him, but Miss Mansfield continued to pull me with her. Charles noticed, so he gave me a reassuring smile, and I reciprocated, but I still didn’t avert my gaze as I continued to run.

Charles jumped onto Mrs. Stratmann, tackling her and pinning her on the ground. On the distance, Mr. Philipps was pushed back and he fell into the ground. Thomas started to run to the aide of this wife.

“Let her go!” he angrily shouted at Charles. And for the next moment, all I know was echoes. One loud sound that resonated on the empty halls at Wessman, leaving birds flying away, and my good friend Charles with red on his shoulder. Thomas shot Charles on his shoulder.

Mrs. Stratmann pushed Charles off of his wife, and started to run in pursuit of us. I saw Mr. Philipps run to his grandchild, and pulled out his phone to call the ambulance.  

I reluctantly continued to run. I can feel tears starting to form in my eyes. I cannot see where we’re going to; I’m just relying on the librarian for direction. My friend was shot, all in the name of an hour hand. 

“Let’s go through the back door,” Miss Mansfield said in between breaths, “Through the kitchen.”

I let my feet create a quick tap-tapping sound as I treaded the floor, one foot after the other, Miss Mansfield before me and Sara after. I bumped on Miss Mansfield who has suddenly halted, her arms blocking my path. I stopped to glance at what she’s looking at.

On the other side of the hallway, the one that leads to the dining hall, stand my roommate, Charlotte, and the least person to have the hour hand, Theodore Isaac von Stratmann. The two were standing side by side, as straight and tall as they could, blocking the hall.

This was the first time I saw Zach after I learnt that he is a Mortimer. It was like meeting him all over again. That nice gentleman who always insisted on carrying my things, made sure I’m comfortable, and took care of me is gone; all that’s left is a man of tall figure, looming over me and with wavy black hair.

The light from the open doors cast a shadow on the floor, further emphasizing Zach’s tall figure. I took a step backwards, preparing to run for the other side, but I saw the two shadows approaching the turn. It’s Zach’s parents. I am cornered; we are cornered.

“Iris,” Zach began, his now dark voice echoing throughout the deserted hallways, “Just hand over the hour hand. After all, I was the one who led you to where it was.”

Miss Mansfield stood in front of me to block Zach, but I gently pushed her away. I started to walk forward, eyeing Zach with no plans of averting. It’s time I face him. “Your father shot Charles,” I said, gritting my teeth out of anger, “I thought I’d let you know.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Charlotte give Zach a concerned look, but he is unbothered. He didn’t flinch. He continued to give me a death stare.

I started to run towards his direction. Just as he raised his arm to grab the hour hand, I went to my knees and slid across the floor and in between him and Charlotte. I heard him grunt, as he missed me. I quickly stood up, slipping several times before being able to fully stand and run. I didn’t bother to look back. I cannot afford that. I just heard Miss Mansfield and Sara try to stop Charlotte. I quickly ran step after step until I felt something grab my hair, pulling me back. I shrieked as I hit the floor, my scalp hurting as I was being pulled backwards. I felt familiar hands grab me from behind; one on my hair and the other on my neck.

“Hand it over,” Zach said, tightening his grip on my neck.

I clutched the hour hand harder as struggled to breathe. I kicked and kicked as hard as I could as I was strangled, but still tightened my grip on the hour hand. I felt one hand leave my scalp and start to pull the hour hand. No, I can’t let him have this. Without hesitation, I elbowed Zach and he fell back. I took this opportunity to run, but he grabbed my ankle and pulled me back, sending me to the floor as well.

I grabbed at the smooth floor and started crawling, kicking to make Zach let go of my ankle. He didn’t. I kicked harder and harder and harder until I hit his eye. This finally made him let go. I started to stand again but he pulled me back once more, my chin hitting the floor. I felt myself get dragged and spun around. I felt Zach climb over me, settling my body in between his legs and pinning me down. He started to pull the hour hand. I tightened the grip at it even more.

“Let go!” Zach said as he pulled harder.

“I can’t let you erase this timeline!” I shouted as I started to use one hand to push him off.

Zach raised one arm and swung at me, hitting me on my nose. I felt my face go numb for a second, then felt blood spill from my nose. I started to cry.

“Zach, please,” I whispered in between tears. I looked up and was met with dark eyes, brooding with violence. He swung his hand once more, and hit me on the lips this time. The metal-like taste of blood start to fill my mouth. 

I felt my grip loosen as I weaken from Zach’s punches. Zach finally stood up, and pulled the hour hand from my grasp, and I was too weak to pull it back. I weakly spun around, and started to get up, struggling to do so. I felt my face go numb. I weakly but quickly pushed myself up with shaking arms and jumped on Zach who is now beginning to walk away. I grabbed onto him from behind, wrapping my hands around his neck strangling him this time.

With a scream, he ran backwards and slammed me on the wall, making me lose my grip. He picked me up with my hair again, my scalp burning in pain as it was the only thing carrying my whole weight. And Zach did what I never expected him to do; he drew my head back, and with one strong push, he slammed my head onto the wall. And the next thing I knew was darkness.

[navdurga32]

What are good strategies to get more app installs?

In today's competitive mobile app market, acquiring new users is crucial for the success of any app. With millions of apps available across app stores, standing out and increasing your app installs requires a well-thought-out strategy. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to boost app installs and explain why CPIDroid is one of the best platforms to achieve this goal.

1. Optimize Your App Store Listing

1.1. Craft an Appealing App Title and Description

An optimized app store listing is essential for attracting potential users. Your app’s title should be descriptive and include relevant keywords that users might search for. The app description should be engaging, highlighting the key features and benefits of your app. Use persuasive language and include a clear call to action.

1.2. Utilize Eye-Catching Visuals

High-quality screenshots and an engaging app icon can make a significant difference in app installs. Visuals should showcase your app's functionality and user interface. A compelling app video can also help potential users understand your app better and encourage them to install it.

1.3. Leverage Keywords for ASO

App Store Optimization (ASO) involves using relevant keywords to improve your app’s visibility in search results. Conduct keyword research to identify the most effective keywords for your app. Integrate these keywords into your app title, description, and metadata to enhance discoverability.

2. Implement a Robust Marketing Strategy

2.1. Invest in Paid Advertising

Paid advertising is a powerful tool for increasing app installs. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads allow you to target specific demographics and interests, ensuring your app reaches a relevant audience. Experiment with different ad formats, such as display ads, video ads, and search ads, to determine what works best for your app.

2.2. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencer marketing can help you reach a broader audience. Partner with influencers who have a following that aligns with your target demographic. Influencers can create engaging content that promotes your app, driving their followers to install it.

2.3. Use Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms offer an excellent opportunity to promote your app. Create engaging content that highlights your app’s features and benefits. Run contests, giveaways, and promotions to encourage user engagement and drive installs. Utilize paid social media ads to reach a larger audience and target specific user segments.

3. Focus on User Engagement and Retention

3.1. Enhance User Experience

A positive user experience can lead to higher retention rates and positive reviews. Ensure your app is user-friendly, responsive, and free of bugs. Regularly update your app to fix issues and add new features based on user feedback.

3.2. Implement Push Notifications

Push notifications can help re-engage users and encourage them to return to your app. Use personalized notifications to remind users of app updates, promotions, or important events. Be mindful of not overwhelming users with too many notifications.

3.3. Offer Incentives

Rewarding users for specific actions can increase engagement and drive installs. Offer incentives such as discounts, in-app rewards, or exclusive content for users who refer others to your app or complete certain tasks within the app.

4. Analyze and Optimize Your Strategy

4.1. Track Performance Metrics

Monitoring key performance metrics, such as install rates, user engagement, and conversion rates, is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of your strategies. Use analytics tools to gain insights into user behavior and identify areas for improvement.

4.2. A/B Testing

Conduct A/B testing to compare different versions of your app store listing, marketing materials, or ad campaigns. Analyze the results to determine which variations perform best and refine your strategies accordingly.

4.3. Adjust Strategies Based on Data

Use the data collected from performance metrics and A/B testing to make informed decisions. Continuously refine and adjust your strategies to improve app installs and user engagement.

Why CPIDroid is One of the Best Platforms to Get More App Installs?

While implementing the strategies mentioned above can significantly boost your app installs, choosing the right platform to support these efforts is equally important. CPIDroid stands out as one of the best platforms for increasing app installs due to several key factors:

1. Advanced Targeting Capabilities

CPIDroid offers sophisticated targeting options that allow you to reach your ideal audience. The platform provides advanced filters based on demographics, interests, and behavior, ensuring that your app is promoted to users who are most likely to be interested in it. This targeted approach helps maximize the efficiency of your marketing budget and improves the quality of installs.

2. Cost-Effective Solutions

CPIDroid offers competitive pricing models that cater to various budgets. The platform’s cost-effective solutions ensure that you can achieve your app install goals without overspending. With flexible pricing options, you can optimize your marketing spend and achieve a high return on investment.

3. Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting

CPIDroid provides detailed analytics and reporting features that allow you to track the performance of your campaigns in real-time. The platform’s robust analytics tools help you monitor key metrics, such as install rates, user engagement, and cost per install. This data-driven approach enables you to make informed decisions and optimize your campaigns for better results.

4. User-Friendly Interface

The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and manage campaigns. CPIDroid’s intuitive dashboard allows you to create, monitor, and adjust campaigns with ease. This simplicity ensures that you can focus on your marketing strategies without getting bogged down by complex processes.

5. Proven Track Record

CPIDroid has a proven track record of helping apps achieve significant growth in installs. The platform’s success stories and testimonials from satisfied clients demonstrate its effectiveness in driving app installs and enhancing overall app performance.

6. Expert Support

CPIDroid offers dedicated support to assist you throughout your app marketing journey. The platform’s team of experts is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer solutions to any challenges you may encounter. This support ensures that you can make the most of the platform’s features and achieve your app install goals.

Conclusion

Increasing app installs requires a combination of effective strategies and the right platform to support your efforts. By optimizing your app store listing, implementing a robust marketing strategy, focusing on user engagement, and analyzing performance metrics, you can significantly boost your app installs. CPIDroid stands out as one of the best platforms to achieve these goals, thanks to its advanced targeting capabilities, cost-effective solutions, comprehensive analytics, user-friendly interface, proven track record, and expert support. By leveraging CPIDroid, you can enhance your app’s visibility, attract more users, and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market.

[govindhtech]

ADATA SC750 External SSD: Your High-Speed Data Companion

Advance SC750

Compact and lightweight, this mobile phone storage accessory is perfect

ADATA Technology  has released its newest external solid-state drive (SSD), the SC750, with read/write rates of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s and support for the USB 3.2 Gen2 transmission interface. It plugs into smartphones and tablets via Type-C. It works with Android Type-C smartphones as well as the most recent iPhone 15 series.

The SC750 is a useful tool for video artists who frequently go outside to gather materials since it blends performance and portable design to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for transfer speed and storage created by today’s hectic lifestyles. When transferring large files, the SC750 reduces wait times and boosts productivity when working on many project files at once.

Type C Connector

Designed with mobile devices in mind, instantly record and publish high-definition movies

The popular SE880, which has a significantly smaller form factor and does away with the need for an additional data cable, is the model that the SC750 external SSD is based on externally. When working on a project, users no longer have to worry about searching for a compatible data cable. The SC750 is compact, light, and about the size of a flash drive.

It also takes up little room. It is ideal for travel or business. To transfer large files quickly, simply slide out the Type-C connector. Alternatively, edit and view these files immediately on the SC750 to maximize productivity.

Apple ProRes

Record Apple Pores files straight to the drive with support for the iPhone 15 series

The SC750 external SSD uses the widely used Type-C connector, which works with a variety of computer platforms and operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Android. With the top-tier iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, record Apple ProRes films straight to an external SSD to avoid using up phone storage. Using your smartphone in this intuitive way reduces the time it takes to transfer and edit large videos or documents, and consumers can forgo the high-capacity iPhone 15 Pro in favour of saving money for a rainy day.

Advance SC750 Parts Manual

Furthermore, the Steam Deck portable gaming PC can be used with the SC750 external SSD. Reluctant gamers can have their games backed up, saving them time and preventing the need to redownload. With the external SSD SC750, you may work, play, and travel about. The 500GB, 1,000GB, and 2,000GB versions of the SC750 external SSD are now available for purchase through international outlets. The 2,000GB version will be released in Q3. A worldwide, three-year limited warranty is included with all.

USA-made SC750 External SSD

Including Mobile Storage is Simple

High-speed read/write of 1,050/1,000 MB/s

Designed to be lightweight, compatible with mobile phones, and data cable-free

Take straight notes on Apple ProRes picture files on SSD.

Compatible with gaming handhelds, the ideal option for saving and transferring games

Compatible with the newest game consoles

Accommodates a variety of operating systems

High-speed read/write at 1050/1000 MB/s

With read/write rates of up to 1050/1000MB and transmission bandwidth of up to 10Gb per second, the SC750 satisfies USB 3.2 Gen2 high-speed transmission criteria, satisfying the demands of professional photographers and video creators for high-speed access while they’re on the go. Large files can be edited and accessed directly on the SC750, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted working.

Devices need to support UASP drivers and USB 3.2 Gen 2 for best performance. Depending on the hardware and software specifications of the system, actual speeds may differ.

Small Form Factor, Cordless Transmission

Because the SC750 is small and doesn’t require any extra data cords, you won’t have to worry about cables getting lost ever again. The SC750 is compact, light, and about the size of a flash drive. It also takes up little room. It is ideal for travel or business. Its Type-C connector can be removed to begin transferring big data right away.

The iPhone 15 Pro has direct recording support

With the newest iPhone 15 series handsets, the SC750 external SSD allows file transfers and has a Type-C connection. Eliminate the need to buy a high-capacity iPhone 15 Pro by using the top-tier iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models to record Apple ProRes videos. The SC750 is an easy financial upgrade!

A Virtual Safe for Your Mobile Game Device

Do you want to download a lot of games but your gaming device is getting too small for storage? Reduce the length of time spent waiting to redownload by using the SC750 to backup your collection. To rapidly satisfy your craving for gaming, just plug and play!

External Gaming SSD

Your Collection of Games

The newest console generation of games can be linked to the SC750. The SC750 allows you to save games that don’t fit on the internal storage of the consoles, which makes it simple to grow your game collection and enhance your leisure activities.

Depending on the game, the actual loading time may differ, and changing the disc format before connecting to the console may be necessary. You might need to format your game console before you can connect to it.

Uncomplicated Compatibility

You won’t have to be concerned about compatibility whether using Windows, macOS, Android, or another operating system. To begin, simply plug in using the Type-C connector.

External SSDs must be supported and compatible with mobile device hardware and software in order to use OTG data backup and transfer features.

Make sure the mobile device has enough power when connecting it to prevent data loss or transfer failure from power problems.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[dashawfrostart]

This Month In "Time & Again" #19: The Prints Have Been Shipped!.. (possibly an insubstantial post)

Hallöchen!.. All of a sudden, almost a month has passed. And I didn't even notice... Wait, I'm having a rather strong feeling of déjà vu here. Oh ya. The previous post starts the same (well, almost). Some (namely myshelf) might want to go ahead with the joke and say every day is exactly the same (oddly, even as of 2024, I still manage to mix up the title of the song with the title of that short indie game called Every Day The Same Dream). ... But that's probably enough of Nine Inch Nails references for now.

So! The awesome news!

The print-friendly versions of "Time & Again" for the Chapters 1, 2, and 3.1 have been completed, and the prints have been ordered, and now they're already on their way to me! Yaaaaay!

I had troubles with the printer's website, unfortunately, which prevented me from finishing up this giant, outstretched-in-space-and-time project as fast as I [thought I] could. But now it's all done, and all that adding full bleed hassle is over, and I'm not going to bother doing that for chapters 3.2, 4, and 5 for now, because they're not gonna get printed yet. Next time I'm gonna be working on print-friendly iterations of "Time & Again", it's most like going to be once the complete edition is on its way. And I still have ways to go. ... without simple and fast ways of automation, and without assistance of smart AI algorithms that might help speed up the process of flat colouring based on the creator's predefined palettes - I definitely got long ways to go. 😑 *sigh* (yes, yes! I still hope that somebody makes a plugin for Krita that will be able to do exactly that, because that would've been wonderful and SUUUUPER helpful for me! For now though, there's only but nobody came).

And aside from that... I actually don't even think I've done much. Most of my latest accomplishments - including the creative ones - were not "Time & Again" related, to better or worse. Or not quite, let's say.

However, I've started working on an alternative cover art for "Time & Again" - the one that I had in mind for quite a while; the one that's been lurking around somewhere in the perils of my pencil sketch dump for long, that has appeared perhaps around the time of development of Chapter 2. Currently, it's missing proper shading and a background.

Also, following a suggestion of my friend, I made a cute comedic artwork that will eventually end up as an art print for an artistic event I'm planning on participating in later this year. Yaaaay!

For now, I refrain from showing any progress because of some certain reasons, so I'll share the final versions later on.

That's very funny and weird how it turns out sometimes!.. Thanks to one of the minor characters in my story (and spoiler: they will appear in Chapter 6! 😉🥳) I've made a discovery that I quite enjoyed! To get a better understanding of the aforementioned character, I started listening to vaporwave. And I must admit, I'm enjoying the genre through and through. Not exactly your elevator music type thing, but at times not too dissimilar. Or at least it feels soothing and meditative to me, in an odd and crooked way. And hey, lots of distorted samples from my favourite gems of ye olde good 80's. A music nerd such as myself simply cannot cringe at that, for sure. Good job, my character. You must be proud of yourself, you sleek and fixated, yet somehow adorable genius. Now get in the f***ing robot (I wish I didn't say that; it gives me an incredibly unsettling wrong association now... 😅). That very same character is also the reason why I'm intermittently playing Broken Reality now - and also enjoying it through and through. Very inspirational and quite relaxing. Really looking forward to play the anticipated sequel, too!

Alas, there's a little confession to make.

The problem is that, right now I'm not yet certain how to approach Chapter 6. And no, I am not talking about the form of it (however, the visual representation of that giant pile of Lothar's self-hatred should be taken into GREAT consideration as well, indubitably - but that is a rather impressionistic question, methinks).

What I cannot deny right now is that I don't feel like I'm in the mood. "Why is it so important, and why is it such a big deal?" you ask me. Well, first of all, as a content creator, I truly believe that you have to be in the mood in order to create quality content. Second, because of a specific nature of Chapter 6, it's incredibly important to get myself into a certain mood prior to working on the final writing (for even the script is not yet complete, although the substantial majority of it is certainly done, and it's even overflowing in specific spots 🤣😅 dammit, Lothar, you think too much). I could possibly say I'm a little scared to delve into it, because it might turn into a descent into an endlessly black pit with no light anywhere around, even from above. I need a certain mood that is best described as Traurigkeit und Weltschmerz (and virtually anything along the line).

And this is the feeling I'm lacking right now. Perhaps, too much stuff is going on in real life right now, or maybe I simply allow myself to distract from being "Time & Again" productive a little more than I should've... Or maybe the simple answer is that I'm a happy and cheerful person by nature, but to write a proper Lothar I need to become a very dark and grim dude, dammit! 🤣

I also realize that I'm behind on my creative schedule, too. Which is probably not helpful. But, as I said earlier, I'm not exactly scrunching myself into strict timeframes either.

But at the end of the day, albeit slowly and with a certain degree of uncertainty - I'm getting there. Medicated Lothar and his personal problems are definitely not forgotten by me. I'm letting it flow freely, to ensure the greatest result to be achieved.

That's all for today. No illustrations, but that's how it has to be for now! See y'all later! 👋🎨