#james may's old articles

[blackkat15]

James May on stupid sheep

He talks about Fusker 😭

"This month, I have acquired a cat. He’s a black and white tom, eight weeks old, and I have named him Fusker in memory of the late Bob Cook, father of my childhood friend Robert Cook. He was a man who hated cats.

In fact he would refer to any cat as ‘a little fusker’ and it’s only now I realise that he was probably just sparing Mrs Cook’s blushes. But it’s too late. He answers to Fusker, I love him, and he loves me.

But don’t worry. I’m not going to turn into one of those pathetic pussy-whipped blokes who says, “Ha, ha, it was ever so funny the other day with Fusker he climbed onto my desk and jumped onto the computer keybolrddgdfgk lsdkfj l sdf k sdfsldfkjjjjjjj and I said look Fusker there’s a mouse and he chased it, ha, ha, ha, and I lost everything!”

but the other day – it was ever so funny – I opened the fridge to get another beer and found I’d shut him in it! And he was purring!

In the end, even the most ardent cat fancier has to admit that they just aren’t very bright. They have become the stuff of superstition, various cultures have attributed mystical powers to them, and the ancient Egyptians went as far as to turn a cat into a deity. My own experience, however, suggests that the cat understands only two things – the peerless pleasure of a fresh dollop of Whiskas, and the pain of being trodden on following a mistimed lunge at an approaching booted foot.

Mind you, compared with some of the sheep I have met recently, Fusker is Magnus ruddy Magnusson.

I’ve been meeting a lot of sheep, because I’ve been driving in Scotland and Wales. I thought I liked them. They’re decorative and scenic; they wander, lonely, around the hills and vales like the clouds of the earth. At the risk of being misunderstood, the pedigree sheep of Scotland and Wales are quite handsome brutes.

There are obvious downsides to being a sheep: it must be pretty boring and people keep nicking your coat. But, in many ways, life must be utterly idyllic. There’s no work to do, you fear no natural predators, and when you eat grass and live in the Brecon Beacons the whole world is your lunch. The equivalent for me would be if every street in London was carpeted with plates of egg and chips.

So I have to ask why so many of them, even now, are standing in the middle of the A4067 between Defynnog and Abercraf. I’ve tried to work out, using my knowledge of geometry, what percentage of this region of Wales, by area, is road rather than grass. But it’s so small I’ve given up. Proportionally, it’s smaller than that irritating bit of lemon grass in a Thai curry.

Standing in the middle of the road really is idiotic behaviour even by the standards of the beasts of the fields, and especially when I’m enjoying the new Vauxhall Monaro VXR. As a sheep, standing in front of one-and-a-half tons of V8 muscle car is a bit like turning up to a jousting tournament in a cardigan.

The Monaro is actually an Australian car, which is strangely relevant as the Aussies have a similar problem with kangaroos. But at least a road-kill kangaroo can be made into what the manager of a Nullabor roadhouse once described to me as a ‘pie-flavoured pie’.

Sheep are unbelievably thick, and when you examine one closely you can see why. They appear to be quite big but, as with Richard Hammond’s poodle, there isn’t actually very much animal inside that big ball of fluff. And even then, this surprisingly small creature has a disproportionately small head, and hence brain (I once ate a sheep’s brain in the Middle East, and I have to say I came away still hungry). Hammond’s poodle is merely difficult to shoot at, but a sheep is dangerously witless.

It’s not as if they skip about in the road or scamper away in terror. They just sit there looking sheepish as you bear down on them. But if you stop and get out of the car, they run like hell. What does this tell us?

Clearly, we need to deal with the sheep menace, because it’s spoiling some of the best driving roads in Britain. So I rang the RSPCA, probably the most powerful organisation in the country, to see what they were going to do about it. The phone was answered by a computer which said ‘Press one to report a stray animal’, but as I was still in Wales I could see that becoming boring.

Eventually, I got through to a preventionist, and her first recommendation was the erection of more fencing. Brilliant. We’ve never even devised a means of keeping the Scots and the Welsh in, so I can’t see us getting very far with their livestock. And here’s something else that might surprise animal lovers – according to the RSPCA, there is ‘no scientific evidence’ that those ultra-sonic animal alarm things work. All they mean is that the last thought to pass through the mind of a hedgehog is ‘what’s that irritating whining noise?’

Apparently, your typical Welsh or Scottish sheep is ‘hefted’, that is, free to roam. “They know where they’re supposed to be,” said my contact. “They know where the good grazing is and tend to stay there.”

Well, this is patently untrue. They hide behind rocks in groups and say, “Get ready lads – here comes one now”, before leaping out in front of the big Vozza just as I’ve snicked it into fourth. I can’t stand it. The sheer gormlessness of their faces is putting me off my driving.

The solution is simple. I stopped and spoke to a shepherd in Scotland and he told me that sheep farming is now a completely pointless exercise, with whole fleeces fetching prices that he expressed in pence. So why bother? Get rid of the woolly wastes of space. This is confirmation of something I have suspected for a very long time – that the countryside is not for living  in, it’s just for driving through and admiring.

We can get lamb chops from New Zealand."

[keepmycandleburning]

Perhaps the most common misconception about Voldemort is that he only got his snakelike red-eyed appearance after his resurrection. I get why people may assume this (an unfounded assumption typically based on the fact that snake venom was used, and that he was made in a cauldron, and the misunderstanding that Wormtail was an unskilled sorcerer), but there’s lots of evidence that he already looked like that in 1981, and nothing in canon implies his appearance was changed by the rebirthing potion.

In the graveyard, Voldemort calls gaining his current body getting his 'old body back’:

Note that the body creation potion is a pre-existing piece of old magic that Voldemort already knew about. He knew that to get his old body back, he would need to use this ancient potion with the three powerful ingredients. This is not magic he invented himself. Snake venom is not an ingredient in his rebirthing potion, but only an ingredient (along with unicorn blood) in the potion he was drinking while in the rudimentary body. He is not 'made of' snake venom any more than he's made of unicorn blood.

He tells a pretty thorough story of the last 13 years to the DEs, and never implies he looks different and explains why. If he did look different, he likely would have included that in his several pages of explanations of what had happened to him.

This happens right after he summons his DEs to the graveyard and they immediately recognize him—in the dark, from a distance so far away that they have to walk toward him and then crawl the rest of the way.

Fudge and other Ministry workers also immediately recognize him the following year. Harry did publish an interview describing him, but Fudge doesn't trust Harry at that point, or isn't claiming to anyway. The only thing that convinces Fudge is seeing a person he personally believes to be Voldemort with his own eyes. This is a person Fudge recognizes beyond doubt:

In Sorcerer's Stone, Voldemort's face is described:

He already has the white skin, the red eyes, and the slit nostrils years before the snake venom drinking and the rebirthing potion. They did not appear for the first time after he stepped out of the cauldron.

On Halloween 1981, we know two things about his appearance: that his hand is white, and that his face is so terrifying it makes a child run away.

We also know that James recognizes Voldemort immediately. I don't think his face itself would've been well-known, as there aren't any instances in the Second War of Voldemort being photographed, or images of him being published in the paper or hung up with the Azkaban escapees' portraits (only the verbal description in the Quibbler article). It seems more likely that what makes him so recognizable is that he has very unique features.

We know for a fact that by the late 1960s (ish?), Voldemort was no longer the handsome Tom Riddle. He was described like this at his interview with Dumbledore:

Notice the similarities to his appearance in SS & GoF: the white skin, the partially red eyes (the whites & flashing red multiple times), the slitlike nostrils. He seems to be partway through a transformation between the handsome human form of his youth and the snakelike form of his middle age. Harry says Voldemort's features here are not yet 'as' snakelike, which implies they are reminiscent of it, just not fully identical. I see no other possible explanation for Voldemort having somewhat snakelike features and slitlike nostrils and reddening eyes in ~1968, besides him slowly undergoing a visual transformation into the appearance we know. (Well, it could either happen very gradually or it could happen in distinct stages after each Horcrux creation, based on Dumbledore's info in HBP that the Horcruxes are what caused the appearance changes. Either way, it happened over many years.)

(A decade earlier in the Hepzibah Smith memory, Voldemort looks quite normal and like his younger self other than his eyes sometimes flashing red.)

There are around 13 years between this interview and Halloween 1981—years in which we must assume Voldemort's appearance continues changing along the lines it's already changing in 1968 and into the face we know from SS & GoF. Not only does 1968 Voldemort seem well on the way to his canon-era face, I just don't see another explanation for why he would have this face in 1992 if he did not in 1981.

What did Voldemort look like when he killed the Potters? Exactly like he did when he stepped out of the cauldron. Any claims otherwise are headcanons based on conjectures of the effects of the snake venom and the rebirthing process that are not supported by the text.

At no point in the First War was Voldemort handsome in the way he was in his youth. This means that anyone that Voldemort only met after his presumable return to Britain in the late 60s (such as perhaps Bellatrix) never knew him by his old face, only by some version of his new one.

[steviesmarigold]

M’s Week on AO3

3/23/25

First Reads

The Good Morrow: 75k words

Every night, Steve falls asleep and finds himself dreaming about a diner, and every night he finds Bucky waiting for him there. But in the waking world, Bucky has disappeared, gone on the run after the fall of the Triskelion and Project Insight, and the strange dream that they share may be the only way that Steve has to bring him home.

Never Like This: 76k words

The Winter Soldier thrashed, drowning. It was taking forever. His mask seemed to be stuck. He pulled on it, struggling to draw breath, sinking and resurfacing, clawing at his face, the panic in his eyes terrible.

Steve's would-be killer. The very worst HYDRA had ever conjured. A symbol of death and everything he stood against. And Steve just couldn't bear it. He was ready to go, but this guy clearly wasn't.

Bait and Switch: 2.6k words

"Post-action tacos?” Tony suggested. “I’m thinking that place by Fordham. BattleBot, you in?”

“Can’t,” the Soldier said, typing something into his phone. “I have a date.”

Tony stopped talking for an entire three seconds. “You. Have a date.”

The Soldier looked up and blinked, clearly nonplussed to find Sam and Tony both staring at him. “Yes.”

“With who?”

“My boyfriend.”

“You have a boyfriend. You have a boyfriend?” Tony looked like he’d just walked into a lamppost, and then the lamppost had handed him a birthday present.

I’m Not Sick (But I’m Not Well): 29k words

Steve Rogers doesn’t meet Bucky Barnes in the 1930’s. Instead, Steve meets him April 17th, 2012.

Well…sort of meets him.

In actuality, Bucky had almost hit him with his truck.

Or: The fic where millennial Bucky Barnes nearly runs over a freshly thawed national treasure, and what Steve Rogers did to adjust to modern NYC during those two weeks before the events of The Avengers.

watch them rolling back: 16k words

Bucky was just here, he was right here. This can’t be all that’s left.

Well, it’s not all that’s left, not quite. There, in the pile of ash that used to be Bucky Barnes, already drifting to scatter across the soil of Wakanda, to dissipate in the air, to be nothing but dust on Steve’s hands and in his gasping mouth and in his lungs—left there, in that ash and dirt, are his gun, and his left arm, gleaming dully in the sunshine.

I Saw You Yesterday: 9k words

Bruce counts down from five, but Steve never reappears on the platform.

And all of a sudden Bucky starts seeing him everywhere.

ReReads

Incredible! 100 Year Old Man Finds Love: 2.4k words

After Steve finds an article poking fun at his internet usage he tracks down the author's Twitter to give him a piece of his mind. Steve Rogers is not a meme and it's imperative Bucky Barnes knows that.

Captain of Death: 105k words

*Discontinued*

They call him the Captain of Death.

That’s because he’s never lost a fight.

Being forced into the ring every week was as shitty a life as any could have, but it was fight or die, and Steve was not going to die. It was his life; earning loads of money from bets, and never seeing any penny himself, getting punched and kicked on the regular, and beating others half to death. A miserable life.

Then enter James Barnes, head of the infamous Sevastyanov family. He’s heard of this fighter they call the Captain, and he’s interested. It’s not the first time some rich asshole showed interest, but Steve can’t help but feel that this is different somehow. He just doesn’t understand why Barnes looks so familiar. Like a friend of his youth he had long forgotten about, or perhaps a part of a future that has not yet been.

Ain’t Gotta Hide This Heart of Mine: 3.8k words

“Uh, so listen, Steve,” Rebecca says. She seems nervous now and she’s biting her lip, “I don’t want to, uh, come across as rude or anything, but I don’t think a relationship between us would work out,” Rebecca fiddles with the straw wrapper from her cranberry juice, “Mr. Stark sort of sprung this on me and I agreed because I was sort of startled,” she makes eye contact with him, “but I’m actually pretty gay, so…”

Steve can’t stop the sigh of relief that makes its way out of his mouth.

...

Steve has been dating Bucky Barnes, an ER nurse, for over a year. None of the Avengers (excluding Sam) know about this. It leads to the Avengers (mainly Tony) trying to set Steve up on dates.

might never be normal again (but who cares): 51k words

The beginnings of a plan took shape in Steve’s mind, as clear and simple as a tactical frontal assault. He’d prove to Bucky that this was it, he was staying: Steve was retired from the fighting game, Steve wasn’t going to let anything keep pulling them apart. Maybe then when Steve finally told him he loved him, Bucky would believe him.

All things considered, Steve thought he’d handled the whole Thanos killing half the universe thing and the ensuing bitter, desperate quest to defeat him pretty well. Sacrificing his super soldier serum to use one of the Infinity Stones wasn't a problem either, not when it meant getting back the half of the universe they'd lost, and especially not when it meant getting Bucky back. But retirement and finally confessing his feelings for Bucky? Those were proving to be more challenging.

This is the Perfect Time to Panic: 8.7k words

James, the golden voice says. We can’t tell you where you are. But we can tell you that you’re dead.

Fuck his entire life. Except he doesn’t have a life to fuck anymore, apparently. So he can’t really do himself any harm by back-talking the Infinity Stones, can he?

“No shit,” he says.

or: Finding the infinity stones and restoring half the universe is the boring part. The fun part comes next.

Endless War: 27k words

There is always something more to lose.

(Which means all is not lost.)

thot through the heart (and you’re to blame): 9.8k words

"You look like shit," Steve says, and that breaks the spell a little because fuck you, Steve, he looks good. Steve's nostrils flare. "Is that—is that blood on your mouth?"

Oh, fuck. Bucky needs to work on not being a sloppy eater. He wipes his mouth hastily, and without thinking, licks his hand clean. Steve stares.

*

In which Bucky is a baby vampire, a disaster, out to have a good time, and hopelessly in love with his roomate; and in which Steve has a few secrets of his own.

Effects of Obliteration: 25k words

“I watched a documentary on the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima a while ago. In the blast radius, sometimes a… a person blocked the bleaching effect of the radiation. So the person was vaporized, but a shadow was left behind, on a bridge or a wall – their shape, their outline, when they were completely gone," Steve said. "It’s called a nuclear shadow.”

“If you’re implying the Soldier is like a nuclear shadow, then that is seriously fucking dark, man,” Sam said dryly.

OR

Before the fall of the Soviet Union, the Winter Soldier was sent to the American arm of Hydra - only there was a malfunction in the cryo-unit that meant it couldn't be opened, and it was left, powered but abandoned, in an underground base.

25 years later, the Avengers find it.

[reiniesainyo]

IN BETWEEN. charlie bushnell x reader – 01

01 | SPARKS FLY previous | next | masterfile

SYNPOSIS. when a girl's co-star is good to her and now she wants it more than everything in between. (smau)

A/N. this chapter is more like world building (it's where i explain what the fuck i'm doing with the YN okay)

The "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series at Disney+ has added an unexpected pick to its growing cast.

The new live-action series is based on the hugely successful novels from author Rick Riordan of the same title. We will be seeing YN LN join the series as Rina Velasco, one of the supporting characters of the show.

LN's Rina Velasco is referred to as "the offspring of The Muses, goddesses of the sciences and the arts." Unlike most other demigods, she is born out of the artistic and scientific output of the muses. When the moral ingenuity of humans meets the divine musings of The Muses. Her character is described as a unique allrounder who becomes a mentor figure to our main cast as they embark on their journey.

This will be LN's first on-screen role of her career. LN's experience mostly lies in Broadway, she is known for playing Kim in the Miss Saigon revival on Broadway. LN was nominated for a Tony in 2022 for the same role. She is repped by Salonga/Chien Entertainment and B817 Agency.

Riordan posted on the Meta app, Threads, about this update to the casting saying: "YN was one of the actors we didn't expect to see a tape of but when we saw it, we couldn't help but fall in love with her. She embodies the spirit of Rina so well and is such a kind spirit, we can't wait for you to fall in love with her too! Welcome to the cast, YN!"

The live-action show is based on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson book series. It tells the fantastical tale of the titular 12-year-old modern demigod (Scobell), who's just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Grover (Simhadri) and Annabeth (Jeffries), Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.

Production on the show is now underway in Vancouver. Riordan and Jon Steinberg are writing the pilot with James Bobin directing. Steinberg and his producing partner Dan Shotz are overseeing the series and serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Rick Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe, Anders Engström, Jet Wilkinson, and Gotham Group's Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, and D.J. Goldberg. 20th Television is the studio. Salke was formerly the president of Touchstone Television and originally put the show into development.

liked by percyseries, iamcharliebushnell, and 37,789 others thelnarchive the child of the muses @percyseries

percyseries OUR MUSE!

user1 this is literally perfect casting who cried i did ↳ user2 she's so rina coded! thank the gods for the casting directors

iamcharliebushnell only muse in my life ↳ thlnarchive only traveler in my life ↳ user3 the way filming hasn't started and they're already like this ↳ user4 their chemistry is chemistry-ing

user5 roman empire. she is my roman empire.

dior.n.goodjohn i LOVE LOVE LOVE women ↳ thelnarchive HELP i love you

user6 this is so fcking random but i NEED her in a taylor swift music video

A/N i truly hope you guys can forgive the horrible editing in the pictures. the article portion is based on (and has some parts that are directly pulled from) this article from variety ! here's some succint information about rina velasco, the PJO character YN LN plays (and is my childhood OC!) - rina velasco, filipino, 18 years old (year younger than luke) - she's an offspring of the muses, not directly a child or daughter, though she may be referred as such - by her being an offspring of the muses, i mean that she was born in the same way athena's children are born. - but in rina's case she's more like a weird conglomeration of each muse. her birth is a rare event, but her mothers are honored as minor goddesses so she stayed in the apollo cabin (connection to music) - rina operates as a guidance figure for the main trio, especially annabeth - she's also luke's love interest, there's a lot of tragicness and doomed romance stuff with those two - and for the sake of everyone, we pretend like the weird i love you from the books didn't happen !

[yurayura-kurage]

A3! Troupe Event: MY WORST WEDDING | Event Story Translation (10/11)

Neither Japanese nor English is my first language so please forgive me if I made mistake. However, feel free to point me out, I’d love to hear your feedbacks on the translation ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

I recommend reading along in-game for this chapter to get a better visual for what's happening in the play!!

Translation under the cut

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Andrew: “I never thought James-san would get married.”

James: “I was also going to be unmarried, but I’m worried about what people would say then.”

Grayson: “What kind of person is your partner?” 

Andrew: “The three of us took a picture the other day. Here you go.”

James: “She’s younger than me but she’s a sharp person. Perfect suit for a business partner.” 

Andrew: “That sounds so businesslike. But it’s not bad to have someone waiting for you at home, isn’t it.”

Grayson: “I have no idea about how people would feel when they get married. Aside from being on duty, being with someone all the time is like hell.”

James: “That’s Grayson for you.”

*shifts to Ethan’s table*

Ethan: “She is my fated partner. I was sitting next to her at the cafe, and ever since our eyes met, I knew it was what was called love at first sight.”

Noah: “She looks just like an anime character, doesn’t she.”

Ethan: “Do you want to see the picture?”

Lucas: “Ah… But that’s why you’re getting married though. The genius graduating at the top of his class despite skipping grades is still in his teens, huh.”

Ethan: “N-not only that. She also has a nice personality, and we’re even on the same wavelength!”

Noah: “Even so, I thought the president’s son should be able to charter this whole cruise ship, shouldn’t you?”

Ethan: “This time, Olivia has arranged everything for me.”

Ethan: “I told her I wasn’t too interested in helding a bachelorette party, but she said I should definitely do it. She’s such a modest person.”

Noah: “I don’t think a modest partner would book a whole floor which costs this much though.”

Lucas: Well, isn’t that great to do this once in a while? Ethan, you didn’t come out and play much when we were students.

Ethan: “It’s because studying is fun.”

Noah: “By the way, who is the SP today?” (*)

Ethan: “There’s no way I’d bring any of them on a day like this.”

Noah: “Is that so.”

Izumi: (Azami-kun’s Ethan, I can feel like he’s really in love with Olivia. It’s completely different from when we started practicing.)

Andrew: “It seems that those guys over there also came to this bachelorette party like us.”

Grayson: “They look surprisingly young though.”

James: “That boy is…”

Ethan: “Cheers.”

James: “That sounds great, Bocchan. Congratulations on your wedding engagement.”

Ethan: “?”

James: “I just happened to hear your story.”

Ethan: “Aah. Thank you.”

James: “I guess there haven’t been any articles yet about the president’s son getting engaged?”

Andrew: “Yeah, if it happened to be seen somewhere,...”

Ethan: “My father is the only one who is well-known.”

Grayson: “There even seems to be some rumours about how much of a rare genius you are that you’ll be the next president?”

James: “I’m James, the secretary for congressman Brown.”

Ethan: “Nice to meet you.”

Noah: “Could it be that you guys are also enjoying the night before the wedding?”

James: “Aah. Such a coincidence.”

Lucas: “How old are you now, James-san?”

James: “I’m 32.”

Lucas: “Normally people are getting married at around that age. Ethan’s case is too early.” 

Andrew: “Well, I also got married when I was 26.”

Ethan: “Because I will never find anyone who looks like Misaki and matches my personality like this in the future!” 

James: “Misaki?”

Ethan: “Do you know the Japanese anime “One Hundred Poems, One People Each Reincarnated in a Different World”? (**). Misaki is a character in that series. Do you know it?”

James: “Hm–, I think I may have heard that name.” 

Ethan: “Here, you can look at this photo of her! You will see they really look alike!” 

James: “Heh… I’m not sure, but are they that similar?”

James: “Hm…? You said her name was?”

Ethan: “She is Olivia.”

James: “...”

Andrew: “James-san.”

Ethan: “Is there something wrong?”

James: “No, nothing. Please enjoy the party then—”

Grayson: “This woman named Olivia, doesn’t her name and face look just like James-san’s fiancée Olivia?”

Ethan: “Eh? That’s an odd coincidence—”

James: “Maybe it’s just a random resemblance to someone.” 

Grayson: “No, it’s just the hairstyle and hair color that are different, but they’re the same person. You can put it into the analysis software.” 

James: “...”

Noah: “So, what does that mean?”

Lucas: “Hm—, in other words, Olivia is gonna get married with two of you at the same time?”

Ethan: “N-No way! There’s no way that Olivia would marry such an old uncle. She said she likes men younger than her.” 

James: “If you say that, then my fiancée also said the same thing. She said she has no interest in someone younger.”

James: “There is no way that she would make a mistake as marrying such a child.”

Ethan: “With all due respect, I am an independent person. Isn’t it too much to say “such a child”? 

Andrew: “Anyway, why don’t you two ask your fiancée directly to confirm? Maybe they are twins who live away from others.”

Grayson: “Isn’t this a marriage fraud?” 

Lucas: “I thought so too.”

Ethan: “That can’t be true!”

James: “We will know right after confirming with her.”

Ethan: “That’s right. Let me make a call to Olivia—”

Ethan: “What? There is no signal.”

Noah: “We could use wireless LANs though.”

James: “This is strange…” 

Andrew: “My phone can’t connect either.” 

Lucas: “It was connected until a while ago.”

Grayson: “James-san, the state at the floor is nowー”

James: “Get down!”

*The power suddenly went out*

Ethan: “ーー”

Noah: “Eh!? W-What!?”

Lucas: “A power outage!?”

*Grayson and Andrew put their guns out*

*Shifts to the ship’s hold*

 Andrew: “Maybe that’s a hijacking.”

James: “There are too many enemies for a normal hijacking.”

Andrew: “This is strange. There wasn’t a single customer there a while ago.”

Greyson: “Right before the power outage, customers began to move all at once. This is no doubt a corporation.”

James: “I can’t say for sure yet, but it might be better to think that everyone except us is the enemy.”

Ethan: “W-What does that mean? What are they aiming for?”

James: “We still have no idea about it. Anyway, we should think about a way to escape this ship safely for now.”

James: “I will go first. Grayson will be behind me, and Andrew will be in defence of these three.”

Grayson: “Yes sir.”

Andrew: “Yes sir.”

Lucas: “You guys all have experience in the army by any chance…?”

James: “Aah. We’re friends in the same unit.”

Noah: “How reliable!”

Ethan: “W-wait a minute. In the first place, we don’t know if those guys are on the same boat with us or not.”

Lucas: “Now is not the time to say that.”

Ethan: “Like, even Olivia’s case is not still clear yet.”

Ethan: “I can’t trust someone suddenly saying that my fiancée, who is going to get married to me tomorrow, is the same person as his fiancée.”

James: “That’s the same for me too. I don’t mind if you don’t want to follow us.”

Ethan: “ーーW-Wait a minute!”

Andrew: “Isn’t it too bad to leave the president’s son behind?”

Grayson: “Our career advancement opportunities are gonna be out of reach.”

James: “...Tsk.”

Ethan: “For now, I’ll put Olivia’s case on hold. But that doesn’t mean I completely trust you.”

James: “This is why Bocchan is so troublesome.”

Ethan: “What?”

James: “No, nothing.”

Noah: “Uhmー, by the way, can I go back to my room?”

James: “We don’t have time to break now.”

Noah: “Ah, actually I’ve brought a drone here since I was thinking of using it for some photoshoot.”

Noah: “Even if the drone can’t connect through wireless communication now, it can communicate through infrared, and it has a camera too so wouldn’t it still be useful?”

Andrew: “It may be useful to watch the enemy’s movements.”

James: “There is a possibility that the cabin is now surrounded.”

Grayson: “Then I’ll be going.”

James: “If it’s impossible after checking the situation, give up and come back here.”

Grayson: “Yes sir.”

Izumi: (As expected of the ex-militaries. Thanks to the hair makeup, they look dignified and powerful.)

*Short timeskip* 

James: “How is it? Do you find something?”

Lucas: “From the time being, the information recorded on the terminal can be easily obtained though…”

Lucas: “It’s gonna take a lil’ bit of time to get the information that requires access to the headquarters' database.”

Lucas: “Anyway, I’ll share this ship’s map that is quite useful.”

Noah: “Uhmー, I’m currently looking around the ship, but it seems like it’s gradually getting farther away from the port.”

Ethan: “It was supposed to return to the port overnight as planned.”

Andrew: “Where on earth is it heading to…”

Grayson: “I’m sure it’s not a good destination.”

James: “First thing first, let’s find a lifeboat to escape from this ship.”

Ethan: “In addition, in order to communicate with others outside this ship, we should look for the signal jammers.”

Ethan: “That’s no doubt the reason why the radio waves suddenly stopped connecting.” 

James: “Then, let’s split into 2 groups. Grayson, preparing for the field. Lucas, please continue to analyze here.”

James: “And Noah, lend me the drone.”

Noah: “Ahー, the operation is quite complicated so only me can handle it.”

Noah: “Since the radio waves are blocked, you can’t control it unless you’re close to the infrared.”

James: “Then you go with Andrew and secure the lifeboat.”

Noah: “It’ll be like that after all…?”

Andrew: “I will guarantee your safety as much as possible.”

Noah: “I’m looking forward to working with you…”

James: “I will go find the signal jammers.”

Ethan: “What should I do then?”

James: “Bocchan should have some tea here.”

Ethan: “ーーI’ll go with you, James-san. I’ve learned self-defense and gun shooting, so we’ll work in pairs.”

James: “Do as you wish.”

Izumi: (Their blatant hostility towards others is perfect. It’s the kind of relationship that only works because it's Azami-kun and Sakyo-san.)

*Shifts to the cabin*

James: “Stop!” 

Ethan: “ーーTsk.”

James: “If you didn’t come here to be a handicap, then at least don’t get in my way.”

Ethan: “...Depending on the function of the signal jammers, there are several patterns of placement to cover the vast interior of the ship."

*James & Ethans run*

Ethan: “However, no matter which pattern is, there should always be one placed around here. It’s not that way.”

James: “Does that mean you've simulated all the patterns?”

Ethan: “It’s not that I’ve simulated all of it before. You can get it right away once you look at the map.”

James: “I see. Seems like “genius Bocchan”' isn't just for show."

Ethan: “Can you stop calling me Bocchan.”

*Short timeskips*

James: “ーーApparently, your reading is correct. It’s a bingo.”

Ethan: “Once we stop this jammer, we can at least call the police from here. Nowーー”

James: “Wait. It comes with a bonus.” 

Ethan: “?”

James: “A bomb. If you touch this carelessly, the bomb will explode.”

Ethan: “If that happens, its effect on the ship willーー Don’t tell me, the other jammers also have a bomb with it?”

James: “The possibility is high. Maybe they’re planning to sink this ship.”

Ethan: “That’sーー”

James: “We will go back for now. I’m also curious about Andrew’s report.”

*Back to the ship’s hold*

Ethan: “All the lifeboats are gone?”

Lucas: “Then how are we gonna escape from this ship.”

Grayson: “That means the bombs are all bluff?”

James: “No, they didn’t look fake at all.”

Ethan: “Unless they are planning to go down with the ship, their comrades are probably supposed to come pick them up.”

Ethan: “Once they accomplish their goal, won't they contact their comrades and sink the ship to destroy all the evidence?”

Noah: “What do you mean by their goal…?”

James: “Their goal is undoubtedly one of us, or even all of us. There were no corpses around this ship, and no one was running away except us.”

Noah: “What should we do then if there is no way to escape or contact the outside?”

Lucas: “It’s an escape game for real.”

Ethan: “Not something we can joke about.”

James: “For the time being, if we can clean up all the enemies, we can spare some time until the bombs explode.”

Ethan: “Please don’t say that easily.”

James: “If Bocchan doesn’t get in the way, we can do it.”

Ethan: “If that’s the case, let me tell you thisーー I think taking control over the cockpit and heading to the port would be faster than dealing with all the enemies.”

Ethan: “Calling for backup and escaping would take time, but if we get closer to the port, we might be able to escape.”

James: “Well, it’s worth a try. Then, are you going to tag along with me again?”

Ethan: “Yes, of course. I haven’t completely believed in you yet.”

James: “Andrew, follow me. Grayson, continue to take care of this place.”

Andrew: “Yes sir.”

Grayson: “Yes sir.”

Izumi: (Noah, the robot enthusiast, and Lucas, who’s into hacking, make a great brainy team. Compared to the former militaries team, it gives a really interesting feeling.)

*Shifts to the cabin*

SP: “Ethan! Where are you! I have been hiding due to the president’s request! Are you alright!?”

Ethan: “That isーー An SP. I’ve seen his face before. What a relief, we are saved! I’m right here!” 

James: “Waitーー!”

SP: “I’m glad you’re safe�� Finally caught you.” 

Ethan: “?”

Andrew: “ーー”

James: “Wait. Now is not the time to show your face.”

Ethan: “Let go of me! What are you going to do!?”

SP: “If you value your life, be quiet and behave.”

Ethan: “You tricked me!”

Andrew: “...” James: “It’s okay. He didn’t shoot Ethan.”

Andrew: “Their purpose is kidnapping, isn’t it.”

James: “In that case, there is no need to involve us in this.”

Andrew: “There seems to be no doubt that Olivia is also involved.”

James: “...Leave questioning for later.”

*Shifts to the main hall*

SP: “...Contact headquarters.”

Terrorist A: “It took an unexpected effort.”

Ethan: “...”

*The phone rings*

Ethan: “!?”

SP: “Answer it.”

Ethan: “Eh? Can I?”

SP: “If you say anything thoughtless, I’ll kill you right away.”

Ethan: “...Understood.”

Ethan: “Oliviaーー Are you there?”

Olivia: “Yes. I’m sorry.”

Olivia: “I didn't intend to disturb you today, but I have something that needs to be checked about tomorrow’s wedding arrangements.”

Ethan: “That’s not the point! Nowーー”

*Sounds of bullet being loaded*

SP: “...” Olivia: “What happens?”

Ethan: “N-No, nothing.”

Olivia: “Is that so? By the way, I just got a call from the venue, and it seems the flowers we ordered won't be arriving.” 

Olivia: “White is okay, but if there has to be some mix, which one would be better, pink or red? Considering Misaki's image, maybe purple?”

Ethan: “Ah, that’s right…”

Olivia: “Ethan also thinks so? What a relief! Then, I’ll contact the staff right away.”

Ethan: “Rather than that, I want to ask you something.”

Ethan: “Do you know James? He is the secretary for congressman Brown, and he is going to have a wedding with you tomorrow…”

Olivia: “With me? Who?”

Ethan: “It’s James.”

Olivia: “What are you talking about? You’re the guy who will have a wedding with me tomorrow, Ethan. Could it be that you're starting to regret your last single night?”

Ethan: “You really don’t know him?”

Olivia: “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re drunk, aren’t you.”

Olivia: “Show your face properly tomorrow, okay? I'd never want to stand alone at the venue just by myself.”

Ethan: “Y-Yeah. I already know it.”

Olivia: “Then. Good night. I love you.”

Ethan: “ーー”

SP: “That’s fine. If you obediently listen to what I say, I won't’ take your and your friends’ lives.”

Ethan: “Really?”

SP: “However, there is 1 condition. Bring James and others to the cockpit.”

Ethan: “Eh?”

SP: “You were aiming to take control over the cockpit, weren’t you? Unfortunately, this ship is controlled from the outside.”

SP: “If you try to touch the equipment, it’ll explode.”

Ethan: “No way…”

SP: “I’ll release you, so bring James and others. If you do that, I’ll save your and your friends’ lives.”

SP: “You know the location of the cockpit right?”

Ethan: “...I know it.”

*Sounds of shooting gun”

James: “Ethan!” 

*Sounds of loading bullet and shooting gun*

SP: “ーーTsk.”

*They starts to shoot guns towards others*

James: “Come here!”

Ethan: “ーー”

*Shifts to the cabin*

James: “Any injuries?”

Ethan: “I’m fine… But why…”

James: “I can’t leave the president’s son alone.”

Ethan: “...”

James: “What’s wrong?”

Ethan: Oliviaーー No, there’s nothing.”

James: “There is no doubt that woman is involved in this incident. I understand you have lingering feelings, but you need to let her go. Their goal is to kidnap you."

James: "Most likely, they plan to use this as leverage to negotiate with the president. Once they're done, they might sink this ship along with everything."

Ethan: “...”

*Shifts to the ship’s hold*

Lucas: “Welcome back. I was finally able to break into the headquarters’ database.”

Lucas: “For the time being, what seems to be useful in the current situation is the number of enemies and the wiring diagram. And here is the list of enemiesーー”

Ethan: “Thisーー”

James: “As expected, Olivia is one of them. She must have gotten close to us to gather information.”

Ethan: “That’sーー”

Noah: “W-Well, at least you found out before getting married.”

Lucas: “You may be killed the moment you know it.”

James: “What should we do now? Shall we aim for the cockpit again?”

Ethan: “The cockpit on this ship cannot be used. They said that the control is completely left to the outside.”

Ethan: “In other words, it’s impossible for the terrorists to escape unless they are picked up by their comrades. There is no point in annihilating the cockpit.”

James: “...And?”

Ethan: “They promised me to save our lives on the condition that James-san and others were handed over.”

Ethan: “If their goal is to kidnap me and leave the ship, then I'll let them achieve their goal and make the call for the pickup.”

Ethan: “ After that, we'll hijack the rescue ship. That’s the only way.”

James: “That’s fine. It’s a great strategy for Bocchan.”

*Shifts to the cockpit*

James: “? What does this mean? There is no one hereーー”

Terrorist B: “Don’t you dare to move.”

Andrew: “ーー”

James: “We are surrounded.”

SP: “Thank you, Ethan. You saved us.”

Ethan: “...”

James: “Ethan?”

Andrew: “Did you betray us?”

SP: “There are 3 people here. What about your other friend?”

Lucas: “We disagreed on betraying James-san and the others this time. We had a falling out.”

SP: “Well that’s fine. 1 student doesn't make much of a difference. Let's quickly take care of the three of them."

James: “...Didn't you notice that one of the bombs you carefully planted all over the ship is missing? If you shoot now, we will die together.”

Terrorist B: “There’s no wayーー”

Terrorist C: “That’s fine. Leaving you here would lead to the same result anyway. Contact headquarters. We're withdrawing."

SP: “Originally, we were supposed to let the son go down with the ship as well.”

SP: “Negotiations are gonna take time, so you'll be coming with us. Consider yourself lucky.”

Ethan: “In other words, James-san and others' terms didn't matter at all?”

SP: “You made things easier for us. But honestly, you were more persistent than we expected and it was troublesome.”

Announcer: “10 seconds left until the explosion.” 

Terrorist B: “!?”

SP: “What the heck is this drone? Something like this wasn't part of the planー”

Terrorist C: “More than that, what on earth is the “10 seconds left until the explosion”ーー”

SP: “Don’t panic! Shoot it down!”

Ethan: “That Noah guy, even if you said you’re going to use it to get their attention, this is…”

James: “That’s enough.”

*They start shooting guns towards others*

Terrorist B: “Urgh!”

SP: “Youーー!?”

James: “You two, lie down!”

Ethan: “Y-Yes!”

Lucas: “How many times do I have to come close to dying in just one night…!”

*Shifts to the cabin*

Noah: “There are several small boats moored side by side. Only the driver is on board.”

James: “Well, they will have to carry lots of people. Alright, let’s go.”

Ethan: “What do you mean by going, how do weーー”

James: “Jump!”

Ethan: “Eh!?”

Andrew: “Hurry up!”

Noah: “Hehhhhh!” 

Lucas: “How many times do I have to come close to dying in just…!”

*Shifts to the lifeboat*

James: “Who's in charge of the steering?”

Ethan: “I have the license.”

James: “Then, I’ll leave it to Bocchan.”

Andrew: “Haa… It was a hard bachelorette party.” 

Grayson: “If it's a training, you should have told me earlier.”

*The bomb explodes*

Noah: “Uwah, it really exploded.”

Ethan: “​​That was a close call.”

Lucas: “I wonder how many times I’ve come close to dying in just one night. Please give me a break from this real life escape game.”

James: “We’re escaping right at dawn.”

Ethan: “What are you going to do with today’s ceremony?”

James: “Bocchan, what is your plan?”

Ethan: “I’m going.”

James: “I’m also going as planned.”

Lucas: “Are you out of mind?”

Noah: “You must be kidding!”

James: “Please take good care of me, groomsmen.”

Andrew: “I thought you would say that.”

Grayson: “It can’t be helped.”

Noah: “I don’t know what happens anymore!” 

Lucas: “I don’t wanna die yet…”

*The phone rings*

Izumi: (From now, during an audio-only call, Ethan and James will have a quick change)

Ethan: “Are you there, Olivia?”

Olivia: “Ethan? Where areーー”

Ethan: “We’re almost at the port. The ship was delayed a bit, but it's okay. There's nothing to worry about.”

Olivia: “...Is that so?”

Ethan: “Because I’ll be on time for the ceremony.”

Olivia: “E-Ehh. Wait for me a minute.”

*Arriving at the port*

Lucas: “Why do we need to bother dressing up formal when it's just going to get dirty anyway...”

Grayson: “It seems difficult to move.”

James: “You can't show up at a sunny wedding in a wrinkled suit.”

Ethan: “It might feel better if you get it completely dirty later.”

Andrew: “You two are really a good match.” 

Audiences: “!!”

Izumi: (Alright, these two’s quick change is a success! The audiences were surprised. The rest is…)

Noah: “We just need to stall until the police arrive, right?”

Noah: “I brought as many drones and robots as I could, but they're not really meant for combat against people to begin with.”

James: “That’s enough to create distraction.”

Ethan: “Sorry for making you both come all the way here.”

Noah: “It can’t be helped, right. If I’m the only one not here, they'll probably get suspicious, and if I end up being alone, that could be dangerous too."

Lucas: “So I’ll hide with Noah and support him.”

Grayson: “Let’s finish all these things soon.”

Andrew: “I’m sleep-deprived after all.”

James: “Ethan, have you prepared your vows yet?”

Ethans: “It’s all in my head.”

James: “Very good. Let’s go.”

Izumi: (Now Noah and Lucas will step back, and Taichi's quick change and makeup... We've practiced so many times, so it should be fine.)

*Shifts to the ceremony hall*

Terrorist D: “They came!”

Terrorist E: “Kill all of them except the president’s son!”

Andrew: “We've got some dangerous guests gathered here.”

Grayson: ​​”You should be more careful choosing who you date.”

James: “That’s painfully true.”

Terrorist D: “You’re causing us trouble!”

Ethan: “That’s my line!”

Noah: “Ready?”

Lucas: “GO!”

*The robots start intruding*

Terrorist E: “!? W-What the heck are these!?”

Terrorist D: “Damn it, I can’t see anything!” 

Andrew: “It's rude to cause violence in a church.”

Terrorist E: “Urgh”

Grayson: “Guess it's perfect for a confession.”

Terrorist D: “Ughh” 

Ethan: “It was supposed to be the best day of my life!”

Terrorist F: “ーーUgh”

James: “And now it has become the worst day of my life.”

Terrorist G: “Urrghーー”

Olivia: “You really came. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Ethan: “Olivia!”

Audiences: “!?!?”

Izumi: (Okay, a success! I can tell that the audiences are now gasping)

Olivia: “I love you, Ethan.”

Ethan: “Olivia, Iーー”

Olivia: “That’s why behave yourself.”

*Olivia loads the bullet*

 James: “Ellude, Ethan!”

Ethan: “ーー”

Olivia: “ーー”

Olivia: “Tsk. You're really tight-lipped and overly cautious, such a boring man, James!”

James: “Who was the one saying she liked that about me.”

Ethan: “Olivia, these are all lies after allーー”

*Ethan fights against Olivia*

Olivia: “ーーUgh”

Olivia: “I didn’t know you could do something this rough, Ethan. You’re much more charming now.”

Ethan: “You’re terrible! It was! Supposed to be! My first love!”

*They start to fight against others*

Olivia: “Tch, stop shouting! This is why I can't stand kids!”

Ethan: “ーー”

James: “​​Well, there was at least one truth in what you said. Goodbye now.” 

*James shoots Olivia*

Olivia: “ーーUrgh”

*Olivia passes out*

Ethan: “Olivia!”

James: “She hasn’t dead yet. It’s a tranquilizer gun. I guess she was trying to shoot you with that.”

Ethan: “...”

James: “Ethan, how about the vows?”

Ethan: “In sickness and in healthーー”

James: “To honor and cherish each othersーー”

Ethan: “And be faithful to others as long as we both shall liveーー”

Ethan: “There’s no way I could swear that!”

James: “Bastard.”

*They both throw away the rings*

*Shifts to the port*

James: “After all, marriage doesn’t work like business.”

Andrew: “Obviously.”

Grayson: “But I thought marriage might not be that bad.”

James: “Where in all of this can you think that way?”

Ethan: “Haa… I even thought that was my soulmate…Next time, I'll take more time to understand the person before getting married.”

*Noah and Lucas appears through video call*

Lucas: “Please do so.”

Noah: “I’ll tell you this, I’ll never go to the bachelorette party again.”

James: “Well, you should work on improving your judgment of people, Bocchan.”

Ethan: “The same to you.”

*Shifts to Mankai Stage*

Audience A: Azami-kun and Sakyo-san being buddy were so cool!

Audience B: Isn’t it!? I even did a triple take because these two are both blonde!!

Audience C: Taichi-kun’s dual role really surprised me!

Audience A: The quick change and makeup were really amazing~!

Audience B: Speaking of which, the ex-militaries team is insane. They’re so cool.

Audience C: The Ethan team gave the greatest nobility!

Azami: Thank you for coming this timeーー Thank you so much!

Sakyo: Thank you!

Sakyo’s mother: …

Miyako: Onii-chan, you were so cool~!

Sakyo: ーー.

Sakyo’s mother: Azami-kun too!

Azami: Thanks…

Azami: (To be honest, I didn’t understand what is love or true love but…) (***)

Azami: (Perhaps living with this kind of compassion and supporting each other... is what true love is)

Azami: (This, what am I thinking…)

Sakyo: Why are you giving me that look? Let’s go all out with fanservice!

Azami: Annoyingー.

Azami: (Well, it’s okay once in a while. Only once in a while)

Translator’s notes:

(*) SP stands for Security Police.

(**) I think this is a reference to the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首) - a classical Japanese anthology of 100 Japanese waka by 100 poets.

(***) Love is for 恋 (Koi) and 愛 (Ai) is True love.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Previous || Next

[imaginesbymk]

MARSTON. ━︎━︎ ZSAKUVA STRICT PROFESSOR !

chapter thirteen - ❝milk, sugar + luca.❞

← previous chapter: chapter twelve - "the british museum." next chapter: chapter fourteen - "feast." →

fanfic info / read it on wattpad

SYNOPSIS / Andrew is adjusting his time as a full-time professor (and a part-time boyfriend) and is given an assistant for the extra load after Jeremy's departure. 

BONUS / Sakuverse character cameo (bunny boy)

──────── ✧ ────────

A N D R E W

I STOOD STILL, my mind processing the words I never thought would leave Jeremy's mouth, for all the hard work he put in to maintain his spot here at the university. I must be sleeping through my alarm right now.

"Leaving? What do you mean leaving?"

Jeremy's response did little to diffuse my confusion. "Not the university entirely," he clarified. "I'm just transferring to another campus nearby. It's a leap, no doubt, but my expertise aligns with the opportunity to head there. Andrew, you're spilling Splenda on your shoes."

I looked down and saw the contents on the tiles.

"Do you really have to go?" I hear Angela ask. 

"It's an easier commute for not just myself, but my wife is on maternity leave and the job actually pays more. I would arrive home at least half an hour sooner than an hour and a half." Jeremy smiles proudly, pulling his phone out from his pants pocket. "Have I shown you all the ultrasound photos yet?"

His words hung in the air, leaving the literature professors in awe. This sudden revelation felt like a jolt to my system, disrupting the familiar rhythm of our shared academic pursuits. I couldn't help but wonder if this would happen to me one day - transferring or even resigning. Retiring, if I ever make it to the era where I grow old and wrinkly and can be qualified for senior discounts? Or earlier in my life where I live long enough to make it to see the Great Pyramids in person?

Jean-Marc's voice interjected. "C'est de la folie, Jeremy! Have you lost your mind?"

"I'm just around the corner," he reassures. "Who knows, I may come back to add a BBC news article for the students to cite."

Brushing the sweetener off my shoes, I couldn't help but express my concern. "You're leaving Chris to handle everything on his own," I pointed out, looking over at Chris who was snacking on a bowl of fruit.

Jeremy nodded, his tone confident. "Now that you've mentioned him, Chris will be taking on the workload in the literature department. I've already begun preparing him, and setting up assignments and modules for him to oversee. He'll have a head start, and you, along with your new assistant, passed down from myself, will manage the rest of the year."

I stopped sliding away the sweetener. "My what?"

Angela unlocks the passcode of her phone. "Look, my husband did the same thing in editing before we met. He never ended up liking it so it was a waste of his time and meanwhile, his colleagues were just drowning in extra workload. I hope you reconsider this. One man down could change up the whole game."

"Speaking of one man down, Professor Fadden is at life-or-death with his job. Is it true that he's self-medicating?" Jean-Marc sat down at one of the tables, peeling a Granny Smith apple.

"Allegedly, maybe it's just that he's simply a weirdo since the jump. But people have been speculating about it for months." 

I've been quiet for a minute now. No comment. It's unfortunate, but not right to gossip about allegations. I've learned firsthand how damaging rumours can be, and how they can tarnish a person's reputation and shatter their sense of self. I've been through that storm once before, and I'll give anything to avoid it a second time.

Once I track down James Zylos and hold him fully accountable for the review, I can say that my life is calm. I have my teaching job. I have Y/N. I have an outstanding tea collection. I have a roof over my head. I've worked hard to rebuild my image, or at least cover the past of it. I refuse to let anyone or anything make me vulnerable in that way again. The shadows of the past haunt me, reminding me of the pain and the isolation it brought.

The pressure of all that can suffocate like a true crime. It's a lonely journey, one I wouldn't wish upon anyone. Perhaps it was true, given I've seen his behaviour and his physical state through his eyes, paranoid and fidgeting, but as annoying as he can get, why would I care about Professor Fadden and what he's up to?

A more important question is why the Literature department would care about a Math professor. Who told them about him self-medicating, regardless if it was true or not? Maybe someone confused an ibuprofen bottle. 

I grabbed the sweeper and dustpan and finished cleaning the Splenda off the floor, and they were still talking about it, like we were huddled in a high school hallway, exchanging each other gossip like teenagers. I felt uneasy at the thought of them reading those reviews about me, the thought of anything happening to me and them talking about it like what they were doing right now.

If all a friend can do is constantly gossip to you about another friend and nothing else meaningful, chances are they may do the same thing about you. 

And just like straight out of a movie, the next professor to walk into the lounge room was no other than himself. I remember Jean-Marc warned Angela to not let him in the lounge anymore, and the last time he was here, he was frantically stuffing anything he could grab in his pockets like he was raiding us blind. He never compensated our lounge kitchen with new packs of milk and sugar.

I sat there, my heart pounding in my chest for this man I found obnoxious, someone who does not understand time and place in social cues, as Professor Fadden entered the lounge room. The atmosphere instantly became tense, the silence hanging heavy in the air. It was as if the room itself held its breath. Did he hear them? Could he know that they were just talking about him through the door?

"We got a full house, eh?" Professor Fadden's voice cut through the awkward silence, his eyes scanning the room, catching the gaze of each person present. His words were casual, but there was a hint of apprehension in his tone.

I watched as the Math professor made his way toward the kettle, attempting to engage in some small talk. "I did quite the cardio just to get hot water. Even the kettle back at the applied sciences department is broken."

"Doesn't make it okay to just use ours," His tone seemed valid, but Jeremy's words were laced with rudeness. The response was nothing short of polite. I would have expected Angela to say something as such, but Jeremy, who was like a mentor to all of us here, fostering us with balance and leadership in the department, is now ready to depart from our group, not without a passive-aggressive comment to leave behind on some poor guy. I was disappointed.

I grimaced at their behaviour. Professor Fadden, however, appeared unfazed by their remarks. He simply shrugged off their rudeness and offered a polite smile as he prepared to leave. "A bientôt!" he said to Jean-Marc. He shuts the door on the way out.

──────── ✧ ────────

A DAY PASSES. In the early hours of this Tuesday morning, I can feel the university grow stronger and I can tell because more of the students have lined up for coffee. I noticed the flight services students in their uniforms rendered the lunch line from 14:00. The female students paced a bit in their spots but all they seemed to grow concerned about was not the pain of blisters developing on the back of their heels but of the sushi bento boxes running out so fast at the hub. People kept grabbing them because it was a couple of pounds less on Tuesdays. 

But today on this Tuesday I packed my lunch from home. Perhaps I didn't need the kettle and the organizer that kept the milk, cream or sugar packs that Professor Fadden took with him. My thermos kept my Earl Grey warm and I prepped a balanced meal. 

After finishing my meal I resumed my work and used my office hours to aid some of my students, including this one who had a complaint. 

"I know I'm two lessons behind but I have no reason to come here if this could have easily been an email," they sigh, waiting to be dismissed.

"Three," I correct them. "Three lectures behind."

"You give a lot of tentative instructions in long emails and I read them just fine."

"What? As if we've been conducting a whole thread of emails this past week? I understand, Penelope. I do. But I much rather we have this face-to-face. For a more professional atmosphere of the office would be a good change of pace for you, and for me."

"For the last time, I did not use my past assignments for this one."

"Then why am I able to cross-reference this paragraph word-for-word, then?" 

She kept protesting. I kept scolding and reasoning. No one was winning here.

After back and forth and it leading to nowhere, I had no choice but to give her the same lecture I did with Colin Jaden, or C.J... you are responsible for your tuition money. Regardless of student aid or the money coming out of yours or your parents' pockets, you do the work. No substances. No outside sources. No past assignments. 

She sighs and walks out the door right when office hours were done. She slams it and I nearly jump. Careless, disrespectful students I have this semester... and that worries me. 

If I really was some wicked thing that people claim I was on RateMyProfessors, I would have dropped their grade by 10% for just slamming my door like that. No one slams my door.

I hear another knock minutes after. "Come in."

A different student walks in with his bookbag. And he looked dressed. 

"Sorry. Office hours have concluded."

He spoke apologetically. "O-oh! I'm not a student. I actually graduated. I'm here for the new job? I'm the assistant Jeremy and Chris referred."

Right, the assistant. "Apologies. I'm Professor Andrew Marston."

"I know! I heard great things about you," Luca smiles shyly. "My name is Luca Pearce."

We shook hands. His grip is light and a bit sweaty. "Nice to meet you, Luca. I'm assuming you went through the interview process already? Any sort of job shadowing?"

Luca nods. "Yes." As soon as he realized I'm waiting to hear his credentials, he quickly continues. "I graduated from University majoring in psychology. Afterwards, as you probably know, I became TA for Jeremy before his departure."

"That's excellent." It never really occurred to me that I have never seen Luca before until now. Jeremy only spoke of his assistant a couple times without even mentioning his name. Maybe he has and I never had it to remember.

"Thank you," he smiles. 

"So just making sure, you are good with computers?"

"Yes, Professor."

"I'm talking MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Excel... then there's the University's learning management system Moodle, Outlook for the emails, do you have a keycard or a set of keys to the Literature department-"

"Yes. Again, I did graduate with a degree in psychology and been Jeremy's TA. Yes to all of it," Luca chuckles nervously. I could tell I may be coming off as too stern, as what so many people say of me. He hasn't even sat down yet. "Don't worry, Professor Marston. I'll be your shadow."

"Perfect. So, for now, I'm gonna need some help with some poetry analysis, I'd like you to cross-reference the citations using the plagiarism prevention tool..."

"Turnitin, yes. Good ol' Turnitin," Luca said brightly.

"Yes and I need help with my schedules. Especially handling the Excel tables containing my students and the scheduled timestamps for their tutorials." I motion him to come over so I can hand him the cut of my workload. "You got winter boots to break into, Luca. We're gearing up towards this new semester and I'm counting on it. Not to scare you, of course."

"I understand both parties. It's stressful for students to juggle assignments but I never imagined how stressed professors must be as well until I learned it firsthand from Jeremy."

"As long as you can work under pressure. But it's good to step back and breathe. Stress and fear of failing is common and part of the human condition. I'm glad I've found ways to work around it."

"You know what they say?" Luca chuckles. "You're married to your work?"

I could only think of the book I was reading the other night, the two-hundredth page bookmarked in The Melancholy of Resistance. "Perhaps."

"Great. W-where should I..."

"Oh, you can take a seat right there. Oh, watch your step—"

Luca Pearce knocks over the trash bin.

"Sorry. That's my fault. That's a really random place to put a trash bin..."

"No no! It was my fault, really! I—I'll pick it up—" He scrambled to gather the scattered paper, nearly knocking over a chair in the process.

I stared and watched, quite amused.

He got back up and gives me an awkward thumbs-up. I returned my focus to my desk when things seemed to calm a bit, but the moment I glanced up again, Luca drops his pen.

"Jesus—" He sighed, crouching to pick it up, his bottom pushing against the items set on his new desk.

"Careful, your laptop!"

Luca cries as he catches his laptop from falling over the edge. He pants. We both exhaled the breaths we held together.

"This sounds extremely rude, but are you in accommodated with imbalance dysfunction, some kind of neurological decline, or is this just... how you are?" I ask.

"Ahah, no, no inner ear issues. Just, um... breaking in the workspace," Luca laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

At this rate, this young man might break the workspace. Nerves. I get it. I mentally noted this young man's impression thus far as he scrambled to pick up the dropped stationary supplies... adjusting his office chair. Skittish, nervous, clumsy. If he were to work with me from now on, this is what I would have to adjust to.

He finally settled into the chair, exhaling as if he had just had a mental breakdown and came back from sobbing and cursing at his own reflection in the mirror. "Okay! Ready to work."

I walked over and handed him a stack of papers, setting my thermos down for just a second, possibly modelling how poised and careful I handle the important stuff: my students' work. Luca reached for them a little too eagerly, nearly knocking over my thermos of Earl Grey in the process. I snatched it just in time.

Luca froze, looking at me like a child who had nearly set the kitchen on fire. "I—"

I wonder how Jeremy thought of his former assistant. "No disasters on day one, Luca. You got this," I reassure him.

"Right. Of course. No disasters. Noted."

He took the papers more cautiously this time, gripping them as if they were made of glass. I sat back, shaking my head slightly. This was going to be a long semester.

"You'll be fine. It's not like I'm making you jump through hoops to be my assistant."

Luca let out a nervous laugh, placing clicking his pen. "That's okay. I would have knock those over, too."

He opens his laptop and he types in his password, and it led straight to an open tab of some game he was playing, volume at max. He jumps and punched the volume down key, the sounds of xylophone and cartoonish music and sound effects fading into the usual white noise of my office.

I almost buried my head in my hands.

"Sorry—"

"Right." I cut him off and gestured to his workspace. "Just—sit."

"I'm sat."

"Settle in, I mean. And try not to break anything. Please."

Luca followed the instruction. "Yes, Professor." He hesitated before adding, "Uh... your tea?"

I grab my thermos and raise it in salute, walking back to my post. "Oh, and we're out of milk and sugar." 

──────── ✧ ────────

[whencyclopedia]

Siege of Detroit

The Siege of Detroit (15-16 August 1812) was one of the first major actions of the War of 1812. After a botched invasion of Canada, a US army retreated to Fort Detroit, where it was besieged by British and Native American forces under Major General Isaac Brock and Shawnee chieftain Tecumseh. The Americans quickly capitulated, leaving Detroit in British hands.

Background: March to Detroit

By April 1812, war between the United States and the United Kingdom seemed just over the horizon. On the high seas, British warships had been boarding American merchantmen and impressing American sailors with impunity, while on the northwestern frontier, British agents were believed to be aiding two Shawnee brothers, Tecumseh and the Prophet, in their attempt to form a Native American confederacy and resist US encroachment onto their hunting grounds. In Congress, a clique of belligerent, newly-elected representatives – called 'War Hawks' – clamored for war, despite the reluctance of the general population and the underpreparedness of the military. To prepare for a conflict that seemed increasingly likely, the administration of President James Madison looked to shore up defenses in the northwest, where the US shared a border with British-controlled Canada.

As part of this plan, the Madison administration ordered a new army to be raised in the Michigan Territory and then marched to the outpost of Fort Detroit. William Hull, the 59-year-old governor of the Michigan Territory, was commissioned as a brigadier general and offered the command. Hull, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, was reluctant to accept – he had, after all, recently suffered a stroke – but his fear of an increase in Native American attacks against Michigan settlers led him to take the command. On 25 May, Hull arrived in Dayton, Ohio, where his makeshift army was being assembled, and was dismayed at what he found. The volunteers were noisy and undisciplined, lacking adequate arms or powder. Organized into three militia regiments, the volunteers insisted on electing their own officers. As such, the men they selected as colonels – Duncan McArthur, James Findlay, and Lewis Cass – were all either politicians or aspiring politicians, men with no military experience.

After a botched army inspection in which Hull was nearly flung from his horse, the army of Ohio volunteers set out on 1 June. Proceeding at a slow pace, they reached the frontier community of Urbana ten days later, where they were joined by Lt. Colonel James Miller and a regiment of regulars, the 4th US Infantry. At Urbana, some of Hull's volunteers refused to go any further, claiming that they had not received the full pay that had been promised to them. Though they were eventually prodded along by Miller's regulars, it was not a promising start. A few days later another incident took place when one militiaman, drunk on moonshine, was startled by a noise in the dark and shot one of his fellow sentries. The man was promptly court-martialed and given the "grotesque sentence" of having his ears cropped and each cheek branded (Berton, 94). The army then marched into the Great Black Swamp, northwest of Ohio, where incessant rainfalls had overflown streams and turned the ground to mud. Meanwhile, they were, unbeknownst to them, being closely watched by Tecumseh's scouts, hiding amongst the trees.

On 26 June, Hull received a letter from the US Secretary of War dated 18 June, warning him that war was imminent and ordering him to get to Detroit "with all possible speed". On 1 July, Hull reached the mouth of the Maumee River where he hired the schooner Cuyahoga and loaded it with anything that was slowing the army down, including his personal dispatches, officers' baggage, extra uniforms, medical supplies, and around 30 sick men. The Cuyahoga then sailed into Lake Erie to transport the supplies to Detroit. The next day, Hull received a second letter from Washington, also dated 18 June, informing him that war had been declared, but it was too late to recall the schooner. As it attempted to enter the Detroit River, the Cuyahoga, carrying Hull's dispatches, was captured by a Canadian vessel. On 5 July, Hull finally reached Detroit, where he was joined by several companies of Michigan militia, bringing his total number to about 2,500 men. Hull, whose army was running dangerously low on supplies, had hoped to find food in Detroit but was disappointed.

Continue reading...

[franciswhetsel]

I can't find on my blog if I've posted about this before, but the 19th century local dandy that wrote Edgar Allen Poe fanfiction, Douglass Sherley, was mentioned in this letter that a local historian dug up for me and it is fascinating. I'm just going to copy + paste my pillowfort post about it.

So the historian I've been in contact with was an incredible help, and went ahead and transcribed the bits of the letters that discuss Sherley.

"The description of Douglass Sherley is on the final page of that letter (page 6) and reads:

“By this time you have, doubtless, read of the horrible confirmation of the old reports about Douglass Sherley. I did not believe them before and cannot comprehend how he could have been guilty of such baseness. He has consented to leave the country for good next Monday, so ___ Sherley’s brother informed brother Will.” Bruce then goes on to talk about cantaloupes, I think. I believe the blank might be “Mrs.” or a first name.

Second letter, second page

“You say you did not read of Douglass Sherley’s disgrace. Don’t speak of it to anyone, for the disgraceful affair should never pollute a woman’s lips.' "

These letters are from August 23rd and August 28th 1896, and there are barely any mention of him in the Courier Journal after 1896. This is important because prior to that he was all over the paper. There were mentions of him going to numerous weddings and parties, he wrote columns for the paper, and he was involved in putting on things like operas and plays. 

He also died in Martinsville, Indiana, which makes me wonder if that was where he moved. (I believe he still lived in Louisville for part of his last years.) 

I think I've just about reached a wall with my research; the only other thing I have any interest (at the moment, at least) in chasing after are newspapers that he was in when he toured with James Whitcomb Riley. Someone else was kind enough to write a blog entry that includes clippings from non-Louisville newspapers, and they're an interesting look into how Sherley was known outside of Louisville: 

The Wilmington, NC Weekly Star, 8 Dec 1893 (reprinted from the Indianapolis Journal):

Kentucky’s Oscar Wilde Douglass Sherley is doubtless, in a literary way, the most conspicuous person in Louisville. He is notable also in many other ways. At first glance he is seen to be what is styled a “character.” Being fond of character study himself, he would no doubt generously recognize his own claim to the classification. He is a large, well built, squarely adjusted man, with a massive head and neck, dark hair, an intelligent brown, suggestive of femininity in a way, keen and kindly eyes, a large brown mustache, worn in curly ends like the “beau catchers” of the traditional stage spinster, a pleasant, sensitive mouth, with the air of a man of the world, but withal a clean, temperate, perfectly correct man of the world. He has a droll habit of holding his head on one side and looking aslant through his eyeglasses, which gives him a unique expression, and without which and the flowers in his lapel, almost always a red rose, he would hardly be Douglass Sherley, Mr. Sherley is popular among the men, and also much liked by the women, his literary work being more generally appreciated by the latter. There is a fine, feminine, but not unmanly, quality in his writings, which  really only women, or men with a like feminine streak, can interpret and enjoy.

A point of interest is this May 1886 article about Sherley from the Cincinnati Enquirer

A CLUB SCANDAL Douglas Sherley, of the Pelhams, Involved He Hunts for the Originator of the Story, and in His Search Punches a Bank Clerk SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE ENQUIRER LOUISVILLE, KY., May 3 — Nothing is talked of in the clubs to-night except a difficulty which occured to-day between Mr. Douglas Sherley, Present of the Pelham Club, and Mr. Matt Smith, a member of that body. Mr. Sherley is a man of means and leisure, and belongs essentially to society. HE has written several books and has built an aesthetic house that has been the talk of the town for three years. The Pelham Club members are the younger set of society men and recently persuaded Mr. Sherley to accept the Presidency of their club. Within the last two weeks, however, a movement has been on foot in which twenty members of the club were interested to bring about Mr. Sherley’s removal. The understanding was that the twenty members in question should offer their resignations simultaneously to the Board of Directors. When questioned in regard to this unexpected action they were to say they would not belong to an organization which had for its Chief Executive a man who had been guilty of certain disgusting and unnatural practices that were charged against Mr. Sherley. When Mr. Sherley heard of this movement to-day he went at once to Mr. Matt Smith, a blank clerk, whom he had heard was one of his defamers, and demanded an immediate denial in writing of the nasty stories. Mr. Smith said he had not originated the stories, but had repeated them, and refused to sign the paper. Mr. Sherley, who is a fearless man and very athletic, promptly attacked young Smith and gave him a sharp blow in the neck. Smith attempted to return the blow, but outsiders interfered too quickly, and dragged the gentlemen apart before either was painfully injured. The affair quickly went the rounds, and the scandal has been vigorously discussed by society men all day. It is due Mr. Sherley to say that none of his friends believe the stories which gossips have put in circulation about him. He is an eccentric man, and some of his peculiarities have subjected him to comment, but he is a gentleman, nevertheless. Mr. Sherley has secured a cowhide and a pistol, it is said, and will either thrash or kill the man who is at the bottom of the outrage, if he can discover him.

I have a lot of thoughts about the connection but I'll get back around to that later

[japanesedoramaandanimelover91]

Safari, May, 2025, vol 36. Translation of an article with Aiba Masaki from the May, 2025 issue of SAFARI magazine.

AIBA MASAKI-ADULT GAMES. Part 36.

Photography by Takaharu Tsuchiya.

Stylist-Takeshi Yanagawa.

Hair and make-up by Yoshinori Takeuchi.

Text-Takumi Endo.

Photo 1.

Arriving at a place that resembles the lobby of a stylish hotel, I relaxed a bit. The furniture creates an atmosphere that somewhere reminds of good old France. Perhaps this place is related to a historic and traditional hotel!? But no, it is related to one of the artists representing France.

The jumper-¥370,500. The shirt is for reference. Denim trousers-¥180,400. Bracelet-item for reference. Bag-¥918,500 (Bottega Veneta/Bottega Veneta Japan).

Photo 2.

No, i am in an art museum with a vast area! This time i visited the "Lalique Museum" in Hakone. Here you can enjoy many works by Lalique, who worked in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco era, in an elegant space.

Shirt-37,400 yen(Noah/Noah Clubhouse). Knitwear thrown over the shoulders-104,500 yen. Trousers-over 39,600 yen(MAISON et VOYAGE/ MAISON et VOYAGE Azabudai Hills). Bangle bracelet-53,900 yen(ADAWAT'N TUAR EG ).Bracelet-44,000 yen(SYMPATHY OF SOUL/ S.O.S fp Ebisu Main Shop). Sneakers-22,000 yen(Moonstar x MAISON et VOYAGE/ MAISON et VOYAGE, Azabudai Hills).

Photo 3.

It may be a shortcut to enjoying art: "the desire to learn more deeply" about the works and their authors.

Now in touch with culture, Aiba-san is slowly exploring the exhibited cafés and rooms recreated in Belle Epoque style on the Orient-Express. The pieces on display in Paris symbolise Lalique's success as a glassblower, having created such works throughout his life. Inside the museum, vases and interior decorations from the Art Deco era are on display. He began creating beautiful accessories and decorative objects in the 50s, and began his career as a jeweller in his 20s and 30s by creating perfume bottles. René Lalique, a jeweller whose works are kept in museums, now aspires to the "Lalique Museum in Hakone." Aiba-san says, "I've always had an interest in art and museums, and although I haven't visited for a long time, i wanted to travel to enjoy art." Naoshima Island in Utsunomiya is called the ‘holy place of modern art’, and it's really fascinating. Plus, when i came here, i had the opportunity to immerse myself a little bit in that kind of experience. i always thought it should be that way. If i can learn more deeply about the creators, that would be interesting….. But i seemed to just admire the works and not delve deeper into the content. "When i see great work, i always feel it's amazing," he says, looking at interior jewellery created by Lalique. "An exhibition where you can feel the "background" of the works is wonderful."

Profile: Aiba Masaki. Date of birth-24 December, 1982. Place of birth-Chiba City. Performs at PARCO Theatre, Tokyo, Mar.

Performs in Fukuoka and Osaka in the title role in ‘Farewell Lenin!’ Hosts the programme ‘Aaaah! Minna No Doubutsen’ (Nippon TV), “Aiba Marubatsu” (Fuji TV), “Aiba Manabu” (TV Asahi).

Photo 4.

Enjoy a tea party aboard the retired Orient Express trains. Enjoy tea and sweets while admiring Lalique's luxurious furnishings and experience the luxury of the train. of the train. Knitted jacket-133,100 yen(Lardini Toyoda Trading Press Room), Shirt-27,500 yen (James Perse/James Perse Aoyama Store).

Photo 5.

This art museum permanently exhibits around two hundred and thirty carefully selected works by René Lalique from a collection of around 1,500 objects, including jewellery, glass works and interior decorations. The numerous glass works reflecting light and emitting beautiful colours are impossible to ignore. "After all, only by seeing the real works can one truly feel their charm and beauty."

Necklace-209000 yen(SYMPATHY OF SOUL/S.O.S fp, EBISU HONTEN). Sunglasses-46200 yen(EYEVAN/EYEVAN Tokyo Gallery), All stylisations are the same as on page one hundred and eighty.

Not far from the entrance, on the way to the museum from the restaurant, i found a bright red classic Ford Model T car on display. It was manufactured in 1920, and on the radiator cap of this class car museum is an automobile mascot of Lalique's design. It is said that the owner of this museum became a Lalique collector after encountering an automobile mascot designed by Lalique at a Paris flea market.

Photo 6.

Something like the power of art. You can enjoy it as a separate piece of art. "Even the interior of a car interior. I felt it."

This is the only place in Japan where the Orient Express still exists.

Jacket-231,000 yen(TAGLIATORE/TREMEZZO). Shirt-33,000 yen(MAISON et VOYAGE/MAISON et VOYAGE, Azabudai Hills). White denim trousers-13,200 yen. Belt-5,500 yen(Also the previous product is from LEVI'S/LEVI'S STRAUSS JAPAN). Thick bracelets-71,500 yen(GARDELL/SYMPATHY OF SOUL, EBIS U HONTEN). Thin bracelet-57,200 yen(SUMAN DHAKHWA/SYMPATHY OF SOUL, EBISU HONTEN). Bracelet-11,000 yen(RUFUS/SYMPATHY OF SOUL, EBISU HONTEN). Sunglasses in hand-121,000 yen(10 EYEVAN/ EYEVAN PR). Sneakers-22,000 yen(MOONSTAR x MAISON et VOYAGE/ MAISON et VOYAGE, Azabudai Hills).

I visited this month! Hakone Lalika Museum of Art

In addition to Orient-Express, the museum also has a café with informal French food and sweets, Hakone Emoa Teras, and a museum shop(admission to the shop and restaurant is free).

Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigara-kawa District, Hakone City, Sengokuhara 186-1 9:00-16:00 (last entrance at 15:30). Every third Thursday(no weekend in August). 0460-84-2255 (Sorry if my translation looks incorrectly).

[qu33nmakeda]

Black History Month Astro Observation: Art, Music & Dance shown in the Natal Chart. PART II

Astro Content created by @queenlytheeastrobabe copyrights reserved to QueenlyDelights LLC. PSA: Don't. Be. A. Dick, Don't plagiarize or steal my work. You may share, like & comment on this post. Give credit where credit is due, Thank You!

The dividers used in this post are created by @plutism and @saradika-graphics, @strangergraphics, @sweetmelodygraphics

For Black History Month, I've collected a sample of black female artists and their placements that I enjoy listening to from the Neo-Soul, Rap, Afro-beats, R&B, and Alternative genres.

Cleo Sol

Photo found on article by Shahzaib Hussain (https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/cleo-sol-heaven/)

Birth Number 6 : Venus, HARMONY, care, protection, collaboration, art, music, dance.

Life Path Number 11 : Balance, communication, romantic, justice, the Moon, intuition, strong connection to the higher power/ancestors.

Aries Sun & Mercury, Jupiter in Leo (RX):

Cleo's mission is to connect with others through her voice. She mentioned in an Apple Music interview, that her faith and connection with the higher power is a main motivator for continuing her music. She's also in the music group SAULT. She came from a musical background as a middle child, giving her space to blend in behind the scenes, experiment with music, and discover her authentic voice through trial & error. She mentioned that her true purpose as an artist is to be a vessel projecting the messages received from God. The warmth from her voice captivates and comforts her audience.

Venus in Taurus, Moon in Cancer:

Her journey of being a new mother has been affectionately expressed in her album, Mother. She can channel her emotions best when she writes, dance, or sing.

Jill Scott

*Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images

Birth Number 4: Stability, Saturn, hardworking, disciplined, attention-to-detail.

Life Path Number 9 : Mars, Jupiter, expansion, connection to the masses/foreign cultures, humanity, teacher & student

Aries Sun & Mercury in the 10th House:

Jill Scott is a self taught powerhouse with a voice that inspired young black girls like myself to live my life like it was "Golden". Jill is a soprano vocalist who grew up listening to black musicians like Minnie Ripperton, Donny Hathaway, Leontyne Price, Etta James, and other greats that influenced her sound. Her words are soft and her rhythm is loud. She embodies the qualities of a developed Aries woman making a name for herself in the Jazz, R&B, and Neo-soul genres.

https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/who-is-jill-scott-album-anniversary-682562/

Laila!

Photo by Dylan Dejong Dougherty

Birth Number 1 : Natural leader, Sun, Leo, solo artist, ambitious, creativity, independent.

Life Path Number 4 : Stability, Saturn, hardworking, disciplined, attention-to-detail.

Aries Sun at 29°, Aries Mercury at 4° :

Laila is a bright artist that started on Soundcloud and TikTok. She is an R&B child prodigy. Baddies UNITE!! lol, She's a spitfire. She has a strong musical foundation credited to her family ( Brooklyn born Dominican roots) . She plays at her own beat ( literally) developing her sound. She is an individual that made her debut album at 18. Her dream in music is to prove that she is who she says she is.

Venus in Pisces in 14°:

Venus is exalted here. Old soul, young heart. Playful energy, spiritual & intuitive to sound. She makes her own beats in her music. In her music video "Not My Problem" she made an 80's themed self-help hotline of her song/mantra.

Mereba

*Photo by Simone Thompson

Birth Number 1: Natural leader, Sun, Leo, solo artist, ambitious, creativity, independent.

Life Path Number 11 : Balance, communication, justice, the Moon, intuition, strong connection to the higher power/ancestors.

Virgo Sun:

Mereba is a down to earth, purposeful vocalist rooted with her motherland ( Ethiopia) and the South ( Montgomery, AL). Her music reminds me of Chuck Berry and Miriam Makeba. I feel a personal connection to this artist because her music is healing to the inner child and we happen to share a name. Her middle name, Azeb is the name of her album and means , "Where the Sun rises". Azeb/Makeba are also names of the Queen of Sheba.

Megan Thee Stallion

*Photo by Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Birth Number 6: Venus, HARMONY, nurturing, collaboration, art, beauty, music, dance.

Life Path Number 5: Art, Music, Dance, creative self expression, play, children, adventure, theater, sports.

Aquarius Sun 26°( Venus degree), Mercury in Aquarius in 5th° ( Leo/Sun degree):

Megan has mastered her craft as a successful business owner, producer, actress, and rap genius. A daughter of Saturn receives her rewards in abundance when she puts in work and learns her lessons.

Moon & Mars in Leo (RX) in 4th House:

Meg has been ambitious from early childhood because her authenticity & confidence was instilled within by her mother and father.

She has cultivated high self esteem by learning to detach from the noise and focus on her business. Meg has loud & playful vocals like a Lioness -Battle rap, inspired by her mom, Holly Thomas who was a rapper, know as "Holly-Wood".

Venus in Capricorn in 9th House:

The main themes in her music are about making money, her body/pretty girl privilege, and relationships. She raps about her life and hobbies ( anime, education, and her haters who can't seem to keep their mouth shut) as well.

Saturn in Pisces in 12th° in 11th House:

Her karmic lessons relate to friendships, networking & connecting to her community. Megan learned from trial & error that the people in her inner circle need to be chosen intentionally due to the loss, betrayal, envy, and disappointment. She learned to become more selective of her friend group to protect herself as an individual and an artist. Megan is a champion of black women who know their worth by taking the necessary steps to develop themselves, and have a good ass time.

UMI

*Photo done by Eddie Mandell

Birth Number 9: Mars, Jupiter, expansion, connection to the masses/foreign cultures, humanity, mastery of skills/student becomes teacher, spiritual

Life Path Number 3: Mercury, communication, intellectual, creation with hands, childhood fulfillment

Aquarius Sun & Mercury :

An artist who goes by her middle name, UMI, which means "Sea" in Japanese. Tierra grew up learning Japanese from her mom connecting to her Japanese culture. In the youtube video below, she mentioned her main influences came from listening to gospel choir at church with her dad, R&B and J-pop from the 80's & 90's.

Venus, MC, and Jupiter in Pisces :

Her music is spiritual, has intentional movement, and Japanese elements. Her attention to beauty, nature, falling in love, and being present in the moment is what makes her music stand out. "Lullaby" was the first song I heard from her when I was in high school ( years agooo).

Victoria Monet

Photo done by FOXXATRON

Birth Number 1: Natural leader, Sun, Leo, solo artist, ambitious, creativity, independent.

Life Path Number 6: Venus, HARMONY, care, protection, collaboration, art, music, dance.

Taurus Sun and Venus:

Purrr.... I love me some Vic Monet. A talented musician and dancer who is sensual, confident, elegant, respects the old school, and a proud mother. 10's across the board.

Jupiter and Mercury in Gemini:

Playful lyrics, flirty, easy-breezy. Despite Jupiter being in a detriment sign, Jupiter will expand mastery in multiple passions. Victoria is a singer, songwriter, dancer, producer, and mother.

Stay Tuned for Part III

[workingclasshistory]

On this day, 15 May 1970, police opened fire just past midnight on a small group of Black students protesting at Jackson State College, Mississippi, killing two, including a bystander, and wounding 12. This was just 10 days after the much more widely known killings of white students at Kent State. Protests by Jackson State students had been held against the bombing of Vietnam and Cambodia, against the killings at Kent State, and again on this evening in response to rumours of a racist murder. Those killed were Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, 21 (left), father of an 18-month-old baby, and James Earl Green, a 17 year old grocery store worker who just happened to be walking home after his shift. More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/8718/jackson-state-massacre To access this hyperlink, click our link in bio then click this photo https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=626491269524092&set=a.602588028581083&type=3

[queenshelby]

Yes! Mr Murphy (Rewritten)

PART 27: RESIGNATION

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Reader

Warning: Lots of Angst, Age Gap, Teacher x Student, Pregnancy Loss, Infertility

One week later

One week passed, and you finally left the hospital after missing work and school, putting you behind with the curriculum.

During this time, Emma was looking after you, calling in sick from work herself and even Nina visited you twice, once with Connie and once with Cillian, who politely waited outside.

Seeing him still bothered you, and you were not over the fact that he had slept with his assistant, who, you knew, had it out for him, and this did not make it easy on you. You were disgusted by the sheer thought of it, him pleasuring her the way he pleasured you.

You felt disgusted, and you wondered whether he enjoyed it. Did he want her? Was she better than you in bed? She was older, sure. But was she more experienced? The answer was probably yes.

After telling Emma about these thoughts, she told you to try and forget about him. Being an actor probably made him a player, and you may have dodged a bullet when he broke up with you.

“He is not worth your tears,” she reminded you before embracing you. She had been your best friend for life, and you knew she was probably right.

You had to forget about Cillian, regardless of how hard it was or how much you were still in love with him. He was twice your age as well, and he was famous, both matters which could create much trouble for you in the future.

***

While trying to forget about Cillian, you spent most of the weekend catching up on reading the play Enda Walsh had given you to prepare for, and this play, too, reminded you of Cillian.

It was one of his own, called Disco Pigs, and you knew that this was Cillian’s first ever on-stage performance after he had dropped out of law school when he was just 19 years old.

“Christ, why?” you cursed as you put the book aside for the night, and Emma, again, reminded you that this, too, would pass.

“Try not to think of him”, she told you, but this was easier said than done as you missed him a lot and wondered whether he missed you too.

***

After a while, you got some sleep, and then, the following day, you went to school early to address your dispute with James.

James, however, tried to avoid you, and it wasn’t until you asked him whether two could talk that he pulled you aside, and you had the chance to confront him.

“Save it. I won’t say anything to anyone,” James told you before you could say anything yourself. He was squirming, and his reaction surprised you.

“Great, but why the change of mind?” you asked, crossing your arms.

“Your boyfriend’s lawyer sent me a letter, but I am sure you already know that,” he told you, causing you to grin.

“No…well yes…maybe I did” You smirked while James shook his head in disbelief and told you he was embarrassed for you.

“I did see the article in the Irish Times, though,” James thus pointed out, explaining that your lover was a player, and you simply fell for his charm like a silly young girl.

“We aren’t together, James,” you felt the need to point out, but James simply shrugged it off and disappeared into the crowds. He no longer cared, and you found out later that day that he was seeing an old friend of yours.

***

Following your day at drama school, you finally went to dance school to teach the evening class. A new teacher had run the course in your absence, but you knew you could still supervise your students and review their routines even though you were not allowed to perform. You had not healed yet and were instructed to wait at least two weeks before resuming any exercise.

When you arrived at the facility, you were asked to see your employer immediately and wondered what this was all about.

You did not think that you had done anything wrong but had a bad feeling in the pits of your stomach as soon as you walked into his office.

Your employer had a stern look and asked you to sit down. A small manila folder was sitting on his desk, staring at you, and you could not help but ask whether you were in trouble.

“For a matter of fact, you are,” your boss said, and your chin dropped while anxiety filled your mind.

“What did I do?” you asked, thinking that it was because you were absent for the past week.

“It came to our attention that you had an intimate relationship with one of our student’s parents,” your employer exclaimed, and you inhaled sharply. Sweat was now building up on your forehead, and your hands started to fidget nervously. You did not know how to respond, and there was silence for a long minute.

“Of course, you have nothing to say to this, do you?” your employer asked, and you told him quickly that you regretted your intimate relationship with the student’s father.

“The problem is two-fold, Miss Y/LN. Firstly, Mr Murphy has a certain standing in the community, being an actor subject to much publicity. Secondly, he is not divorced yet, and we are, as you know, an institution funded by the Catholic Church,” your employer lectured you, seeing that the academy was attached to one of the best schools in Dublin, which, of course, being in Ireland, happened to be catholic.

“I understand, and I can guarantee you that this affair was short-lived”, you reassured your employer, who handed you a three-page document entitled “Non-Disclosure Agreement”.

“That may be the case; however, we have already found a replacement teacher for you, and your services here will no longer be needed,” your boss told you, to which you shook your head.

“You can’t just fire me,” you told him, but he begged to differ.

“I can because your intimate relationship with Mr Murphy constitutes misconduct in the workplace. But, I would much rather ask you to voluntarily resign and sign this agreement which will entitle you to redundancy pay of six weeks’ worth of wages,” your boss told you while handing you a ballpoint pen.

For a minute, you considered telling him to get lost. Still, then you read the agreement, which prevented you from speaking to the press about your relationship with Cillian and prevented him from doing the same. In addition, your employer could not issue you with a bad reference because of it, which you knew he would do if you did not sign and voluntarily walked away from your job. 

“You see, Miss Y/LN, neither us nor Mr Murphy has any interest in making this public,” your employer told you as you considered your options, taking your time.

“You have spoken to him?” you asked, surprised. You did not expect Cillian to take likely to such a threat.

“No, but I have spoken to his assistant about it, and she concurred”, your boss informed you, causing you to laugh.

“Of course, she concurred”, you chuckled before putting pen to taper. You knew you had no choice, and, at least this way, you were getting paid.

After signing the agreement, you packed up your things and left, tears streaming down your face. You loved teaching these excellent students you had, and now, all of this was coming to an end.

You were not even given a chance to say goodbye to your students, and, just as your boss’s secretary saw you out the door, some of the parents stared at you, being escorted out of the building like some criminal.

You wondered who did this to you, and, in the end, it did not matter. Your short-lived fling with Cillian slowly destroyed your life, and you regretted every moment.

It was your fault. Getting involved with him was wrong; now, you must face the consequences.

***

Unfortunately, you were not the only one to suffer from this, and just as the class commenced without you, the parents began to gossip while their children started to listen.

According to one of the mothers, she had been told by your employer’s secretary that you were fired because you slept with one of the parents.

“He is married too,” she whispered, causing Cillian’s wife, Lorraine, to chuckle.

“How typical of these young women. She is probably after money,” Danielle whispered without knowing who it was you had slept with.

Only Connie decided not to engage in the conversation, telling the others that she did not like to spread unsubstantiated rumours, and it was then that Danielle tried to catch her out.

“It may have been Dermont”, she teased, causing Connie to laugh.

“Uhm, if my husband could land the girls’ dance teacher, I would even go so far as to congratulate him on his achievement, but no, it is not Dermont. I am sure of it,” Connie chuckled, seeing that Danielle was trying to get under her skin.

“Maybe it was Cillian?” another one of the mothers then said, now teasing Danielle, who, too, began to laugh and brushed it off.

“Doubtful. My soon-to-be ex-husband is shagging his assistant, just as I had suspected all those years. Also, this rag of a dance teacher is not his type,” Danielle spat, and it was obvious to the other women who were present that she was still somewhat upset that her husband had moved on with his assistant.

“I suppose we will never find out, so how about we just leave it at that,” Connie said as she began to notice the children listening in; even though Nina was not nearby, she did not want this kind of gossip to be spread amongst the students.

***

Following a rather eventful and unpleasant evening at the dance academy, Nina threw her bag and shoes into the boot of her mother’s car, and it was apparent to Danielle that her daughter was angry and confused.

Danielle knew that Nina liked you and, with that in mind, tried to comfort her in the best possible way.

“It’s all right; you will get used to having someone else teach you. I know you liked Y/N, but she resigned, so there is not much you can do about it,” Danielle explained as they got into the car and drove to Cillian’s house, where Nina would stay for the next three nights.

“She did not resign. She got fired,” Nina pointed out angrily while playing around on her phone and texting you to see whether you were all right. After turning fourteen, she had recently joined Instagram and Facebook and added you as a friend across these platforms, occasionally sharing links with you to dance performances she liked.

“What makes you say that?” Danielle wondered before asking Nina to look at her and get off her phone.

“Oh god, Mum, I am not stupid. I heard the gossip,” Nina told her mother, who was worried about what she may have heard.

“So you know what happened?” she thus asked, gauging the situation.

“Yes, I know what happened, but I don’t know why,” Nina told her mother before accusing her of being the culprit. “Did you tell the academy? Because it seems like something you would do to get back at Dad. It’s just like the stupid court orders he had to get to see me,” Nina spat, telling her mother how upset she had been with these events.

“What are you talking about?” Danielle asked as she pulled the car over in shock.

“What I am talking about is that you did not like the fact that Dad was dating Y/N, so you had her fired. Because all you care about is yourself,” Nina accused, causing her mother’s chin to drop.

“Your dad was dating your dance teacher?” she asked, and Nina quickly realised she screwed up. Her mother did not know, causing Nina to curse and cover her mouth with her hands.

[ohgodwhatdoiputhere]

words: 748

QUIDDICH HEARTTHROB JAMES POTTER HAS A NEW LOVER? Article by Rita Skeeter

We all know and love the quidditch star James Potter, ever since he first came to hogwarts he has captivated all of us with his charming looks and personality, truly the sun in person!

That's why ever since he reached the number one spot in rumours!'s "Hogwarts' most eligible bachelor" everyone has been desperate for a date with him.

However, James Potter himself just admitted to having a crush! And who wouldn't return this boy's feelings?

Last week we did a poll on who you thought could be this mystery person, here are the results! Stay till the end to find who was voted the most.

6. Severus Snape - 15 votes

Ever since stepping foot in Hogwarts these two seemed to have a strong rivalry, going as far as fighting each other on the hallway!

Despite the last 6 years, they seem to have made up? Since a few months ago they have been seen talking normally like nothing ever happened.

Did something happen between them? Some readers say that love was the glue that fixed old wounds, how romantic!!

5. Peter Pettigrew - 19 votes

Being childhood friends, it wouldn't be such a surprise if something happened between them. They are in the same friend group, have the same tastes, even share a room!

Apparently, some readers close to the boys have said that even though they are in the same group of friends, they seem to be more closed off with each other, preferring to keep to themselves in the group.

It's no doubt they have been though a lot together, maybe it was shared experices what pulled them together.

4. Regulus Black - 22 votes

Being his best friend's younger brother, they see each other quite a lot. But that's not only why this couple is so popular between the students.

Whilst James is caring and charismatic, Regulus is more reserved and mysterious, making them the perfect opposites attract!

"James is like the sun and Regulus the stars" Truly beautiful words by a secret informant.

They have even been seen practicing together. Even though they are enemies and in rival houses! It seems like love knows no limits.

3. Barty Crouch Jr. - 30 votes

What an unexpected duo! At a first glance, they would look like they have nothing in common, however, our readers are more observant than that.

Because Barty is a year younger, their first years together they didn't interact much, but as the years passed they seemed to become closer.

The couple has been caught spending time alone in quiet spaces more than once, and when questioned, they quickly change the subject. How suspicious!

One of Barty's housemates said he even went to look for him to speak privately during valentine's day. What could this mean? Our readers are certainly eager to find out more!

2. Sirius Black - 34 votes

He's James' best friend and has been ever since they first met. They are always together, and some people even refer to them as soulmates!

Sirius' good looks landed him the second spot in most eligible bachelor right next to James. It would be no surprise that they end up together.

The duo is known for their elaborate pranks, always being up to something. That's why even teachers have noticed their habit of constantly touching and whispering to each other.

They may cause trouble, but they certainly cause even more confusion about the nature of their relationship.

With their beauty, I'm sure everyone will have mixed feelings about them becoming a couple.

1. Lily Evans - 40 votes

With a whopping 25% of the votes, miss Lily Evans is positioned on first place.

She's the brightest witch of her age, has a heart of gold and strikingly good looks. They met during their first year and since then they have built a beautiful friendship.

James has shown an interest in Lily many times before, going as far as rejecting other people trying to flirt for her.

And even though Lily used to appear mad at him for these acts, lately she seems much more pleased with him than before.

"This truly is a match made in heaven" their yearmates say.

Everyone is excited about these two, how could you not love them!!

These were the results of the poll, who do you think he will end up with? Send us an owl if you have any more information, we're dying to know!!

[conhivemindcent]

So I’ve been consuming a lot of the posts about Oceangate and now that it’s safe to assume the passengers are dead, I want to give my own take. Feel free to disagree.

Firstly, I never heard this on the news. I did hear about the boat where 78 immigrants were killed and hundreds missing off the coast of Greece. This may be a cultural and proxemics thing though, as I’m British (we have shit immigrant laws) and the Oceangate fiasco took place closer to America and Canada. So those claiming this is probably a case of Tumblr once again being American-centric.

Secondly, i don’t know how to feel about the deaths. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. They knew what they were getting into with this, and that their deaths were very likely. I do think this was a failing of their own hubris and also a huge waste of money. Insert something about capitalism and the woes of such here. But if the ship didn’t implode, it would’ve been a living hell. Starving, cramped, excrement everywhere, dark. It sounds like something out of a nightmare rather than something real. I don’t know if I feel sorry, as it’s most likely I won’t experience this ever in my life, but I definitely feel bad about it.

Third, I hope Oceangate gets sued. This was unsafe af, and where most of my anger is directed. These people tried turning a tragedy (itself also being rooted in capitalism) into a tourism spot for only the elite. Not to mention the unsafe conditions and the knock-off Xbox controller used to pilot the ship. This definitely seems like a scam and I hope they suffer repercussions for their actions, especially now it’s likely the CEO is dead.

Forth, I hope the ship imploded. That seems like the most humane way for this all to end. Battle about humaneness all you want and whether the rich deserve it, whether a 19-year-old nobody knew about prior to this deserves this, but I hope they all died quickly rather than long, drawn out, and suffering from lack of oxygen.

Fifth, some of the memes are funny. Mostly the ones about the Xbox controller. I don’t really like memes making fun of people dying. But then again I’ve never liked to make fun of death, whether deserved or not. (Exception to the kind of things in r/peoplefuckingdying because those are over-exaggerations of the most mundane stuff.)

Sixth, this should be taken as a cautionary tale. Don’t underprepare and do your research on shady seeming stuff. Don’t think you’re above death because you’ve got a spare load of money.

Seventh, leave the damn titanic alone. Everyone who was on it is now dead. The ship itself is crumbling. Leave it to rot, and let it echo through history books and that one James Cameron movie. Let children learn about it and use it to learn how to write newspaper articles and as a fun research project, which fun fact: is how I learnt about it. As an 8-9 year old. The novelty’s worn off in the past few years. Let’s just leave it as something cool for kids to learn and not add onto it with stupid stuff like Titan.

[whencyclopedia]

Ûñtsaiyĭ', the Gambler

Ûñtsaiyĭ', the Gambler is a legend of the Cherokee nation, known as a Wonder Story, which features supernatural characters, sometimes interacting with mortals, sometimes with each other. In Ûñtsaiyĭ', the Gambler, all the characters are supernatural entities representing natural phenomena such as thunder and lightning.

Ball Play Dance

George Catlin (Public Domain)

The story features the common Native American motif of the young boy's journey from youth to maturity and the challenges he must overcome. Unlike other wonder stories – including The Man Who Married the Thunder's Sister – there are no mortals in Ûñtsaiyĭ', the Gambler and the action of the piece follows one of the sons of Thunder on his quest for healing and, ultimately, wholeness.

At the center of the tale is Ûñtsaiyĭ', the gambler, a trickster figure similar to those in the legends of other Native peoples of North America, including the Wihio tales of the Cheyenne, Iktomi tales of the Sioux, and the Nih'a'ca tales of the Arapaho, among many others. In this story, the trickster Ûñtsaiyĭ' serves to convey the cultural value of honoring one's promise in agreements and paying what one owes, no matter how great the price.

Ûñtsaiyĭ' (also known as E'tsaiyi or Tsaihi) exemplifies the character of the gambler who lives by his wits but finds his luck run out when he bets against the son of the Thunder. The game they play may be stickball (known as Anetso to the Eastern Cherokee nation) or could be chunkey, the game which, according to Cherokee lore, Ûñtsaiyĭ' invented.

As with all the works of Native American literature, there are multiple levels of meaning to Ûñtsaiyĭ', the Gambler and many possible interpretations. The story was popular among the Cherokee in the past and continues to be shared in their communities in the present day.

Text

The following is taken from Myths of the Cherokee (1900) by James Mooney, republished by Dover Publications, 2014.

Thunder lives in the west, or a little to the south of west, near the place where the sun goes down behind the water. In the old times he sometimes made a journey to the east, and once after he had come back from one of these journeys a child was born in the east who, the people said, was his son. As the boy grew up it was found that he had scrofula sores all over his body, so one day his mother said to him, "Your father, Thunder, is a great doctor. He lives far in the west, but if you can find him, he can cure you."

So the boy set out to find his father and be cured. He traveled long toward the west, asking of everyone he met where Thunder lived, until at last they began to tell him that it was only a little way ahead. He went on and came to Ûñtiguhĭ', on Tennessee, where lived Ûñtsaiyĭ' "Brass." Now Ûñtsaiyĭ' was a great gambler and made his living that way. It was he who invented the gatayûstĭ game that we play with a stone wheel and a stick. He lived on the south side of the river, and everybody who came that way he challenged to play against him. The large flat rock, with the lines and grooves where they used to roll the wheel, is still there, with the wheels themselves and the stick turned to stone. He won almost every time, because he was so tricky, so that he had his house filled with all kinds of fine things. Sometimes he would lose, and then he would bet all that he had, even to his own life, but the winner got nothing for his trouble, for Ûñtsaiyĭ' knew how to take on different shapes, so that he always got away.

As soon as Ûñtsaiyĭ' saw him he asked him to stop and play a while, but the boy said he was looking for his father, Thunder, and had no time to wait. "Well," said Ûñtsaiyĭ', "he lives in the next house; you can hear him grumbling over there all the time"—he meant the Thunder— "so we may as well have a game or two before you go on." The boy said he had nothing to bet. "That's all right," said the gambler, "we'll play for your pretty spots." He said this to make the boy angry so that he would play, but still the boy said he must go first and find his father and would come back afterwards.

He went on, and soon the news came to Thunder that a boy was looking for him who claimed to be his son. Said Thunder, "I have traveled in many lands and have many children. Bring him here and we shall soon know." So, they brought in the boy, and Thunder showed him a seat and told him to sit down. Under the blanket on the seat were long, sharp thorns of the honey locust, with the points all sticking up, but when the boy sat down, they did not hurt him, and then Thunder knew that it was his son. He asked the boy why he had come. "I have sores all over my body, and my mother told me you were my father and a great doctor, and if I came here, you would cure me." "Yes," said his father, "I am a great doctor, and I'll soon fix you."

There was a large pot in the corner, and he told his wife to fill it with water and put it over the fire. When it was boiling, he put in some roots, then took the boy and put him in with them. He let it boil a long time until one would have thought that the flesh was boiled from the poor boy's bones, and then told his wife to take the pot and throw it into the river, boy and all. She did as she was told, and threw it into the water, and ever since there is an eddy there that we call Ûñ'tiguhĭ', "Pot-in-the-water." A service tree and a calico bush grew on the bank above. A great cloud of steam came up and made streaks and blotches on their bark, and it has been so to this day. When the steam cleared away, she looked over and saw the boy clinging to the roots of the service tree where they hung down into the water, but now his skin was all clean. She helped him up the bank, and they went back to the house. On the way she told him, "When we go in, your father will put a new dress on you, but when he opens his box and tells you to pick out your ornaments be sure to take them from the bottom. Then he will send for his other sons to play ball against you. There is a honey-locust tree in front of the house, and as soon as you begin to get tired strike at that and your father will stop the play, because he does not want to lose the tree."

When they went into the house, the old man was pleased to see the boy looking so clean, and said, "I knew I could soon cure those spots. Now we must dress you." He brought out a fine suit of buckskin, with belt and headdress, and had the boy put them on. Then he opened a box and said, "Now pick out your necklace and bracelets." The boy looked, and the box was full of all kinds of snakes gliding over each other with their heads up. He was not afraid, but remembered what the woman had told him, and plunged his hand to the bottom and drew out a great rattlesnake and put it around his neck for a necklace. He put down his hand again four times and drew up four copperheads and twisted them around his wrists and ankles. Then his father gave him a war club and said, "Now you must play a ball game with your two elder brothers. They live beyond here in the Darkening land, and I have sent for them." He said a ball game, but he meant that the boy must fight for his life. The young men came, and they were both older and stronger than the boy, but he was not afraid and fought against them. The thunder rolled and the lightning flashed at every stroke, for they were the young Thunders, and the boy himself was Lightning. At last, he was tired from defending himself alone against two, and pretended to aim a blow at the honey-locust tree. Then his father stopped the fight, because he was afraid the lightning would split the tree, and he saw that the boy was brave and strong.

The boy told his father how Ûñtsaiyĭ' had dared him to play and had even offered to play for the spots on his skin. "Yes," said Thunder, "he is a great gambler and makes his living that way, but I will see that you win." He brought a small cymling gourd with a hole bored through the neck and tied it on the boy's wrist. Inside the gourd there was a string of beads, and one end hung out from a hole in the top, but there was no end to the string inside. "Now," said his father, "go back the way you came, and as soon as he sees you, he will want to play for the beads. He is very hard to beat, but this time he will lose every game. When he cries out for a drink, you will know he is getting discouraged, and then strike the rock with your war club and water will come, so that you can play on without stopping. At last, he will bet his life, and lose. Then send at once for your brothers to kill him, or he will get away, he is so tricky."

The boy took the gourd and his war club and started east along the road by which he had come. As soon as Ûñtsaiyĭ' saw him he called to him, and when he saw the gourd with the bead string hanging out, he wanted to play for it. The boy drew out the string, but there seemed to be no end to it, and he kept on pulling until enough had come out to make a circle all around the playground. "I will play one game for this much against your stake," said the boy, "and when that is over, we can have another game."

They began the game with the wheel and stick and the boy won. Ûñtsaiyĭ' did not know what to think of it, but he put up another stake and called for a second game. The boy won again, and so they played on until noon, when Ûñtsaiyĭ' had lost nearly everything he had and was about discouraged. It was very hot, and he said, "I am thirsty," and wanted to stop long enough to get a drink. "No," said the boy, and struck the rock with his club so that water came out, and they had a drink. They played on until Ûñtsaiyĭ' had lost all his buckskins and beaded work, his eagle feathers, and ornaments, and at last offered to bet his wife. They played and the boy won her. Then Ûñtsaiyĭ' was desperate and offered to stake his life. "If I win, I kill you, but if you win you may kill me." They played and the boy won.

"Let me go and tell my wife," said Ûñtsaiyĭ', "so that she will receive her new husband, and then you may kill me." He went into the house, but it had two doors, and although the boy waited long Ûñtsaiyĭ' did not come back. When at last he went to look for him he found that the gambler had gone out the back way and was nearly out of sight going east.

The boy ran to his father's house and got his brothers to help him. They brought their dog—the Horned Green Beetle—and hurried after the gambler. He ran fast and was soon out of sight, and they followed as fast as they could. After a while they met an old woman making pottery and asked her if she had seen Ûñtsaiyĭ' and she said she had not. "He came this way," said the brothers. "Then he must have passed in the night," said the old woman, "for I have been here all day." They were about to take another road when the Beetle, which had been circling about in the air above the old woman, made a dart at her and struck her on the forehead, and it rang like brass—ûñtsaiyĭ'! Then they knew it was Brass and sprang at him, but he jumped up in his right shape and was off, running so fast that he was soon out of sight again. The Beetle had struck so hard that some of the brass rubbed off, and we can see it on the beetle's forehead yet.

They followed and came to an old man sitting by the trail, carving a stone pipe. They asked him if he had seen Brass pass that way and he said no, but again the Beetle—which could know Brass under any shape—struck him on the forehead so that it rang like metal, and the gambler jumped up in his right form and was off again before they could hold him. He ran east until he came to the great water; then he ran north until he came to the edge of the world and had to turn again to the west. He took every shape to throw them off the track, but the Green Beetle always knew him, and the brothers pressed him so hard that at last he could go no more, and they caught him just as he reached the edge of the great water where the sun goes down.

They tied his hands and feet with a grapevine and drove a long stake through his breast and planted it far out in the deep water. They set two crows on the end of the pole to guard it and called the place Kâgûñ'yĭ, "Crow place." But Brass never died, and cannot die, until the end of the world, but lies there always with his face up. Sometimes he struggles under the water to get free, and sometimes the beavers, who are his friends, come and gnaw at the grapevine to release him. Then the pole shakes and the crows at the top cry Ka! Ka! Ka! and scare the beavers away.

Continue reading...

[thislovintime]

A very brief snippet of footage from the 1968 tour; I’ve tried to sync it with audio of Peter performing “Cindy, Cindy” during that tour.

“The one thing the tour is proving, is that the Monkees, individually and collectively, have talent. […] And they each do individual numbers which show off their talents.Davy Jones sings a spiritual, Peter Tork performs with his banjo, Mike Nesmith does a rock ’n’ roll send-up of Chuck Berry, and Micky Dolenz does a show-stopping impression of James Brown.” - article by Jock Veitch, The Sydney Morning Herald, September 22, 1968 “I love the five-string banjo and some of those lonely old mountain songs.” - Peter, The Life, May 3, 1996