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renaissanceclassics · 2 years ago

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The Pilgrim’s Progress: Part 8

Listen to: The 6th Stage, at Renaissance Classics Podcast.

Pilgrim's Progress: Pilgrim's Progress: Part One, Section 6.

Now, when they were got almost quite out of this wilderness, Faithful chanced to cast his eye back, and espied one coming after them, and he knew him. Oh! said Faithful to his brother, who comes yonder? Then Christian looked, and said, It is my good friend Evangelist. Ay, and my good friend too, said Faithful, for it was he that set me in the way to the gate. Now was Evangelist come up to them, and thus saluted them:

Evangelist: Peace be with you, dearly beloved; and peace be to your helpers.

Christian: Welcome, welcome, my good Evangelist, the sight of thy countenance brings to my remembrance thy ancient kindness and unwearied labouring for my eternal good.

Faithful: And a thousand times welcome, said good Faithful. Thy company, O sweet Evangelist, how desirable it is to us poor pilgrims!

Evangelist: Then said Evangelist, How hath it fared with you, my friends, since the time of our last parting? What have you met with, and how have you behaved yourselves?

Then Christian and Faithful told him of all things that had happened to them in the way; and how, and with what difficulty, they had arrived at that place.

Evangelist: Right glad am I, said Evangelist, not that you have met with trials, but that you have been victors; and for that you have, notwithstanding many weaknesses, continued in the way to this very day.

I say, right glad am I of this thing, and that for mine own sake and yours. I have sowed, and you have reaped: and the day is coming, when both he that sowed and they that reaped shall rejoice together; that is, if you hold out: "for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not." [John 4:36, Gal. 6:9] The crown is before you, and it is an incorruptible one; so run, that you may obtain it. [1 Cor. 9:24-27] Some there be that set out for this crown, and, after they have gone far for it, another comes in, and takes it from them: hold fast, therefore, that you have; let no man take your crown. [Rev. 3:11] You are not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil; you have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin; let the kingdom be always before you, and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible. Let nothing that is on this side the other world get within you; and, above all, look well to your own hearts, and to the lusts thereof, "for they are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked"; set your faces like a flint; you have all power in heaven and earth on your side.

Christian: Then Christian thanked him for his exhortation; but told him, withal, that they would have him speak further to them for their help the rest of the way, and the rather, for that they well knew that he was a prophet, and could tell them of things that might happen unto them, and also how they might resist and overcome them. To which request Faithful also consented. So Evangelist began as followeth:

Evangelist: My sons, you have heard, in the words of the truth of the gospel, that you must, through many tribulations, enter into the kingdom of heaven. And, again, that in every city bonds and afflictions abide in you; and therefore you cannot expect that you should go long on your pilgrimage without them, in some sort or other. You have found something of the truth of these testimonies upon you already, and more will immediately follow; for now, as you see, you are almost out of this wilderness, and therefore you will soon come into a town that you will by and by see before you; and in that town you will be hardly beset with enemies, who will strain hard but they will kill you; and be you sure that one or both of you must seal the testimony which you hold, with blood; but be you faithful unto death, and the King will give you a crown of life.

He that shall die there, although his death will be unnatural, and his pain perhaps great, he will yet have the better of his fellow; not only because he will be arrived at the Celestial City soonest, but because he will escape many miseries that the other will meet with in the rest of his journey. But when you are come to the town, and shall find fulfilled what I have here related, then remember your friend, and quit yourselves like men, and commit the keeping of your souls to your God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Then I saw in my dream, that when they were got out of the wilderness, they presently saw a town before them, and the name of that town is Vanity; and at the town there is a fair kept, called Vanity Fair: it is kept all the year long. It beareth the name of Vanity Fair because the town where it is kept is lighter than vanity; and, also because all that is there sold, or that cometh thither, is vanity. As is the saying of the wise, "all that cometh is vanity." [Eccl. 1; 2:11,17; 11:8; Isa. 11:17]

This fair is no new-erected business, but a thing of ancient standing; I will show you the original of it.

Almost five thousand years agone, there were pilgrims walking to the Celestial City, as these two honest persons are: and Beelzebub, Apollyon, and Legion, with their companions, perceiving by the path that the pilgrims made, that their way to the city lay through this town of Vanity, they contrived here to set up a fair; a fair wherein, should be sold all sorts of vanity, and that it should last all the year long: therefore at this fair are all such merchandise sold, as houses, lands, trades, places, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not.

And, moreover, at this fair there is at all times to be seen juggling cheats, games, plays, fools, apes, knaves, and rogues, and that of every kind.

Here are to be seen, too, and that for nothing, thefts, murders, adulteries, false swearers, and that of a blood-red colour.

And as in other fairs of less moment, there are the several rows and streets, under their proper names, where such and such wares are vended; so here likewise you have the proper places, rows, streets, (viz. countries and kingdoms), where the wares of this fair are soonest to be found. Here is the Britain Row, the French Row, the Italian Row, the Spanish Row, the German Row, where several sorts of vanities are to be sold. But, as in other fairs, some one commodity is as the chief of all the fair, so the ware of Rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted in this fair; only our English nation, with some others, have taken a dislike thereat.

Now, as I said, the way to the Celestial City lies just through this town where this lusty fair is kept; and he that will go to the city, and yet not go through this town, must needs go out of the world. [1 Cor. 5:10] The Prince of princes himself, when here, went through this town to his own country, and that upon a fair day too; yea, and as I think, it was Beelzebub, the chief lord of this fair, that invited him to buy of his vanities; yea, would have made him lord of the fair, would he but have done him reverence as he went through the town. [Matt. 4:8, Luke 4:5-7] Yea, because he was such a person of honour, Beelzebub had him from street to street, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a little time, that he might, if possible, allure the Blessed One to cheapen and buy some of his vanities; but he had no mind to the merchandise, and therefore left the town, without laying out so much as one farthing upon these vanities. This fair, therefore, is an ancient thing, of long standing, and a very great fair.

Now these pilgrims, as I said, must needs go through this fair. Well, so they did: but, behold, even as they entered into the fair, all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself as it were in a hubbub about them; and that for several reasons: for

First, The pilgrims were clothed with such kind of raiment as was diverse from the raiment of any that traded in that fair. The people, therefore, of the fair, made a great gazing upon them: some said they were fools, some they were bedlams, and some they are outlandish men. [1 Cor. 2:7-8]

Secondly, And as they wondered at their apparel, so they did likewise at their speech; for few could understand what they said; they naturally spoke the language of Canaan, but they that kept the fair were the men of this world; so that, from one end of the fair to the other, they seemed barbarians each to the other.

Thirdly, But that which did not a little amuse the merchandisers was, that these pilgrims set very light by all their wares; they cared not so much as to look upon them; and if they called upon them to buy, they would put their fingers in their ears, and cry, Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and look upwards, signifying that their trade and traffic was in heaven. [Ps. 119:37, Phil. 3:19-20]

One chanced mockingly, beholding the carriage of the men, to say unto them, What will ye buy? But they, looking gravely upon him, answered, "We buy the truth." [Prov. 23:23] At that there was an occasion taken to despise the men the more; some mocking, some taunting, some speaking reproachfully, and some calling upon others to smite them. At last things came to a hubbub and great stir in the fair, insomuch that all order was confounded. Now was word presently brought to the great one of the fair, who quickly came down, and deputed some of his most trusty friends to take these men into examination, about whom the fair was almost overturned. So the men were brought to examination; and they that sat upon them, asked them whence they came, whither they went, and what they did there, in such an unusual garb? The men told them that they were pilgrims and strangers in the world, and that they were going to their own country, which was the heavenly Jerusalem, [Heb. 11:13-16] and that they had given no occasion to the men of the town, nor yet to the merchandisers, thus to abuse them, and to let them in their journey, except it was for that, when one asked them what they would buy, they said they would buy the truth. But they that were appointed to examine them did not believe them to be any other than bedlams and mad, or else such as came to put all things into a confusion in the fair. Therefore they took them and beat them, and besmeared them with dirt, and then put them into the cage, that they might be made a spectacle to all the men of the fair.

Behold Vanity Fair! the Pilgrims there Are chain'd and stand beside: Even so it was our Lord pass'd here, And on Mount Calvary died.

There, therefore, they lay for some time, and were made the objects of any man's sport, or malice, or revenge, the great one of the fair laughing still at all that befell them. But the men being patient, and not rendering railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing, and good words for bad, and kindness for injuries done, some men in the fair that were more observing, and less prejudiced than the rest, began to check and blame the baser sort for their continual abuses done by them to the men; they, therefore, in angry manner, let fly at them again, counting them as bad as the men in the cage, and telling them that they seemed confederates, and should be made partakers of their misfortunes. The other replied that, for aught they could see, the men were quiet, and sober, and intended nobody any harm; and that there were many that traded in their fair that were more worthy to be put into the cage, yea, and pillory too, than were the men they had abused. Thus, after divers words had passed on both sides, the men behaving themselves all the while very wisely and soberly before them, they fell to some blows among themselves, and did harm one to another. Then were these two poor men brought before their examiners again, and there charged as being guilty of the late hubbub that had been in the fair. So they beat them pitifully, and hanged irons upon them, and led them in chains up and down the fair, for an example and a terror to others, lest any should speak in their behalf, or join themselves unto them. But Christian and Faithful behaved themselves yet more wisely, and received the ignominy and shame that was cast upon them, with so much meekness and patience, that it won to their side, though but few in comparison of the rest, several of the men in the fair. This put the other party yet into greater rage, insomuch that they concluded the death of these two men. Wherefore they threatened, that the cage nor irons should serve their turn, but that they should die, for the abuse they had done, and for deluding the men of the fair.

Then were they remanded to the cage again, until further order should be taken with them. So they put them in, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Here, therefore, they called again to mind what they had heard from their faithful friend Evangelist, and were the more confirmed in their way and sufferings by what he told them would happen to them. They also now comforted each other, that whose lot it was to suffer, even he should have the best of it; therefore each man secretly wished that he might have that preferment: but committing themselves to the all-wise disposal of Him that ruleth all things, with much content, they abode in the condition in which they were, until they should be otherwise disposed of.

Then a convenient time being appointed, they brought them forth to their trial, in order to their condemnation. When the time was come, they were brought before their enemies and arraigned. The judge's name was Lord Hate-good. Their indictment was one and the same in substance, though somewhat varying in form, the contents whereof were this:

"That they were enemies to and disturbers of their trade; that they had made commotions and divisions in the town, and had won a party to their own most dangerous opinions, in contempt of the law of their prince."

Now, Faithful, play the man, speak for thy God: Fear not the wicked's malice; nor their rod: Speak boldly, man, the truth is on thy side: Die for it, and to life in triumph ride.

Faithful's answer for himself

Then Faithful began to answer, that he had only set himself against that which hath set itself against Him that is higher than the highest. And, said he, as for disturbance, I make none, being myself a man of peace; the parties that were won to us, were won by beholding our truth and innocence, and they are only turned from the worse to the better. And as to the king you talk of, since he is Beelzebub, the enemy of our Lord, I defy him and all his angels.

Then proclamation was made, that they that had aught to say for their lord the king against the prisoner at the bar, should forthwith appear and give in their evidence. So there came in three witnesses, to wit, Envy, Superstition, and Pickthank. They were then asked if they knew the prisoner at the bar; and what they had to say for their lord the king against him.

Then stood forth Envy, and said to this effect: My Lord, I have known this man a long time, and will attest upon my oath before this honourable bench, that he is

JUDGE. Hold! Give him his oath. (So they sware him.) Then he said

ENVY. My Lord, this man, notwithstanding his plausible name, is one of the vilest men in our country. He neither regardeth prince nor people, law nor custom; but doth all that he can to possess all men with certain of his disloyal notions, which he in the general calls principles of faith and holiness. And, in particular, I heard him once myself affirm that Christianity and the customs of our town of Vanity were diametrically opposite, and could not be reconciled. By which saying, my Lord, he doth at once not only condemn all our laudable doings, but us in the doing of them.

JUDGE. Then did the Judge say to him, Hast thou any more to say?

ENVY. My Lord, I could say much more, only I would not be tedious to the court. Yet, if need be, when the other gentlemen have given in their evidence, rather than anything shall be wanting that will despatch him, I will enlarge my testimony against him. So he was bid to stand by. Then they called Superstition, and bid him look upon the prisoner. They also asked, what he could say for their lord the king against him. Then they sware him; so he began.

Superstition: My Lord, I have no great acquaintance with this man, nor do I desire to have further knowledge of him; however, this I know, that he is a very pestilent fellow, from some discourse that, the other day, I had with him in this town; for then, talking with him, I heard him say, that our religion was naught, and such by which a man could by no means please God. Which sayings of his, my Lord, your Lordship very well knows, what necessarily thence will follow, to wit, that we do still worship in vain, are yet in our sins, and finally shall be damned; and this is that which I have to say.

Then was Pickthank sworn, and bid say what he knew, in behalf of their lord the king, against the prisoner at the bar.

Pickthank's testimony

Pickthank: My Lord, and you gentlemen all, This fellow I have known of a long time, and have heard him speak things that ought not to be spoke; for he hath railed on our noble prince Beelzebub, and hath spoken contemptibly of his honourable friends, whose names are the Lord Old Man, the Lord Carnal Delight, the Lord Luxurious, the Lord Desire of Vain Glory, my old Lord Lechery, Sir Having Greedy, with all the rest of our nobility; and he hath said, moreover, That if all men were of his mind, if possible, there is not one of these noblemen should have any longer a being in this town. Besides, he hath not been afraid to rail on you, my Lord, who are now appointed to be his judge, calling you an ungodly villain, with many other such like vilifying terms, with which he hath bespattered most of the gentry of our town.

When this Pickthank had told his tale, the Judge directed his speech to the prisoner at the bar, saying, Thou runagate, heretic, and traitor, hast thou heard what these honest gentlemen have witnessed against thee?

Faithful: May I speak a few words in my own defence?

JUDGE. Sirrah! sirrah! thou deservest to live no longer, but to be slain immediately upon the place; yet, that all men may see our gentleness towards thee, let us hear what thou, vile runagate, hast to say.

Faithful's defence of himself

Faithful: 1. I say, then, in answer to what Mr. Envy hath spoken, I never said aught but this, That what rule, or laws, or customs, or people, were flat against the Word of God, are diametrically opposite to Christianity. If I have said amiss in this, convince me of my error, and I am ready here before you to make my recantation.

2. As to the second, to wit, Mr. Superstition, and his charge against me, I said only this, That in the worship of God there is required a Divine faith; but there can be no Divine faith without a Divine revelation of the will of God. Therefore, whatever is thrust into the worship of God that is not agreeable to Divine revelation, cannot be done but by a human faith, which faith will not be profitable to eternal life.

3. As to what Mr. Pickthank hath said, I say (avoiding terms, as that I am said to rail, and the like) that the prince of this town, with all the rabblement, his attendants, by this gentleman named, are more fit for a being in hell, than in this town and country: and so, the Lord have mercy upon me!

Then the Judge called to the jury (who all this while stood by, to hear and observe): Gentlemen of the jury, you see this man about whom so great an uproar hath been made in this town. You have also heard what these worthy gentlemen have witnessed against him. Also you have heard his reply and confession. It lieth now in your breasts to hang him or save his life; but yet I think meet to instruct you into our law.

There was an Act made in the days of Pharaoh the Great, servant to our prince, that lest those of a contrary religion should multiply and grow too strong for him, their males should be thrown into the river. [Exo. 1:22] There was also an Act made in the days of Nebuchadnezzar the Great, another of his servants, that whosoever would not fall down and worship his golden image, should be thrown into a fiery furnace. [Dan. 3:6] There was also an Act made in the days of Darius, that whoso, for some time, called upon any god but him, should be cast into the lions' den. [Dan. 6] Now the substance of these laws this rebel has broken, not only in thought, (which is not to be borne), but also in word and deed; which must therefore needs be intolerable.

For that of Pharaoh, his law was made upon a supposition, to prevent mischief, no crime being yet apparent; but here is a crime apparent. For the second and third, you see he disputeth against our religion; and for the treason he hath confessed, he deserveth to die the death.

Then went the jury out, whose names were, Mr. Blind-man, Mr. No-good, Mr. Malice, Mr. Love-lust, Mr. Live-loose, Mr. Heady, Mr. High-mind, Mr. Enmity, Mr. Liar, Mr. Cruelty, Mr. Hate-light, and Mr. Implacable; who every one gave in his private verdict against him among themselves, and afterwards unanimously concluded to bring him in guilty before the Judge. And first, among themselves, Mr. Blind-man, the foreman, said, I see clearly that this man is a heretic. Then said Mr. No-good, Away with such a fellow from the earth. Ay, said Mr. Malice, for I hate the very looks of him. Then said Mr. Love-lust, I could never endure him. Nor I, said Mr. Live-loose, for he would always be condemning my way. Hang him, hang him, said Mr. Heady. A sorry scrub, said Mr. High-mind. My heart riseth against him, said Mr. Enmity. He is a rogue, said Mr. Liar. Hanging is too good for him, said Mr. Cruelty. Let us despatch him out of the way, said Mr. Hate-light. Then said Mr. Implacable, Might I have all the world given me, I could not be reconciled to him; therefore, let us forthwith bring him in guilty of death. And so they did; therefore he was presently condemned to be had from the place where he was, to the place from whence he came, and there to be put to the most cruel death that could be invented.

They therefore brought him out, to do with him according to their law; and, first, they scourged him, then they buffeted him, then they lanced his flesh with knives; after that, they stoned him with stones, then pricked him with their swords; and, last of all, they burned him to ashes at the stake. Thus came Faithful to his end.

Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and a couple of horses, waiting for Faithful, who (so soon as his adversaries had despatched him) was taken up into it, and straightway was carried up through the clouds, with sound of trumpet, the nearest way to the Celestial Gate.

Brave Faithful, bravely done in word and deed; Judge, witnesses, and jury have, instead Of overcoming thee, but shown their rage: When they are dead, thou'lt live from age to age*.

*In the New Heaven and New Earth.

But as for Christian, he had some respite, and was remanded back to prison. So he there remained for a space; but He that overrules all things, having the power of their rage in his own hand, so wrought it about, that Christian for that time escaped them, and went his way. And as he went, he sang, saying

Well, Faithful, thou hast faithfully profest Unto thy Lord; with whom thou shalt be blest, When faithless ones, with all their vain delights, Are crying out under their hellish plights: Sing, Faithful, sing, and let thy name survive; For though they kill'd thee, thou art yet alive!

#podcast #audio #story #pilgrim's progress #john bunyan #christian #fiction #renaissance #awakening #allegory #heaven

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dfroza · 4 days ago

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A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 3rd of january 2025 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Book of Acts, Chapter 14 • The Book of 1st Kings, Chapter 16]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 3 and Psalm 3 coinciding with the day of the month and year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 1st revolution this year), accompanied by Psalm 14 for the 14th day of Astronomical Winter

A post by John Parsons:

A Life that Matters...

The Jewish sages likened the life of faith to be one of preparation: "This world is like a corridor before the World to Come; therefore prepare yourself in the corridor, that you may enter into the banquet hall" (Avot 4:21). We prepare ourselves by learning to be in relationship with the LORD. The great commandment is דִּרְשׁוּנִי וִחְיוּ - "Seek Me and live" (Amos 5:4), and as the prophet Isaiah cried out, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near” (Isa. 55:6).

It is an opportune occasion, at the outset of another “new year,” to soberly revist the truth that our lives are relatively short and therefore we ought prepare ourselves for our ultimate destiny while we still have the chance. To borrow a cliche, “today is the first day of the rest of your life,” and consequently whatever you do (or don’t do) today will effect all of your tomorrows -- and will even carry over into the world to come.

What isn’t a cliche is the profound truth that even the seemingly smallest of decisions matter and that nothing is trivial. There is a “butterfly effect,” and a small change in your life will produce big effects. Therefore, since by necessity “one thing leads to another,” we must soberly realize the importance of our decisions and choose wisely. What we do today, the choices we make, will yield future blessing in our lives if we seek the good.

So what to do? How, then, shall we live today? Well for starters make some time to pray to the Lord. Make an effort to read and study the holy Scriptures. Memorize verses that speak to your heart. Meditate on God’s Presence and love. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and turn away from dark thoughts and fears. Call or visit a friend. Listen to your friend and share their burdens. These are just a few suggestions, but the point is that the time we have today is our opportunity to live a life that really matters. Therefore choose life!

We can’t turn back the clock but we can ask God to help us “redeem the time.” He can restore the years that the locust has eaten, so it’s never too late to begin! Let us seek lasting wisdom. Prepare your heart today so that when your hour comes to “enter the banquet hall,” you will not be ashamed but overjoyed and ready to meet the Lord!

Above all do not let your heart be troubled; have faith in God, for he “prepares a place for you” on the other side of the veil of this temporal world (John 14:1-3). “Whoever is born of God conquers the world (νικᾷ τὸν κόσμον), and the overcoming power that conquers the world is our faith” (1 John 5:4). God will help you live a life that truly matters, if you ask him. Therefore while you still have breath, choose life....

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Jeremiah 29:13 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/jer29-13-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/jer29-13-lesson.pdf

1.2.25 • Facebook

from Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

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best-friendship-app · 5 months ago

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The Importance of Friends and Friendship: How Alyke Helps You Find Your Tribe

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Friendship is a beautiful journey, and with Alyke, you’re never alone. Join our community and discover the joy of true friendship today.

By fostering connections and creating opportunities for social interaction, Alyke is changing the way we make friends in the modern world. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your social life and meet amazing people. Download Alyke now and start building the friendships you’ve always wanted.

#friendship #app #friends #alyke

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lyrisnightblood · 4 months ago

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For all the way antis are obsessed with comparing Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling's relationship with modern parent-child dynamics and calling him "abusive" for hitting Jin Ling (which Jin Ling himself attests to that he doesn't do it and actually WEI WUXIAN was the first adult in his life to have dared hit him), they are completely sleeping on how Jiang Cheng treats the women he had encountered as a person.

Let me repeat that sentence again.

Jiang Cheng treats women as a person.

Let me also remind y'all that this is something many men from our modern 21st century fail to do, let alone a man raised in ancient china in a patriarchal and misogynistic mindset.

But Jiang Cheng wasn't the man okay??!!

Sure, Wei Wuxian loved Jiang Yanli, but did he respect her wishes to marry Jin Zixuan? Maybe in the end, yes, when he was ready to put aside his hatred for Jin Zixuan in favour of his martial sister's wishes. But initially? Not at all.

Jiang Cheng is a different case altogether. Not only did he approve of Jin Zixuan (even begrudgingly so) just because his sister loved him, but he forged an alliance of marriage with the Jins (who were the richest and the most powerful Sect then). Now this may not seem impressive ("he just arranged a marriage nbd 🙄") but do remember that Yunmeng Jiang was burnt to the ground, with only 3 survivors, and even after recruiting cultivators and disciples, was still a weak sect with no political swat or financial power. To have a member of his sect marry into the Jin Sect would mean that there was a very good chance of Yunmeng Jiang being absorbed by Lanling Jin. But not only did Jiang Cheng prevent that from happening, he had also succeeded in arranging his sister's marriage to the man she loved. Which brings me to my next point.

Living in the 21st century with all our progressive thinking, I personally have seen people I know facing backlash from their families because they married the person they loved. And of course, the families show zero support in any way. Hells, honour killing is still a thing! Arranged marriages are still a thing! And god forbid if a woman refuses her family's wishes and expresses her own! Misogyny is still a huge issue despite feminism ideals emerging all across the world. Men are still clutching onto patriarchy and refusing women autonomy over their lives because "he's not good for you" "i want only the best" "you aren't mature enough to know".

And Jiang Cheng offered Jiang Yanli the autonomy, the choice to choose her husband, and when she still chose Jin Zixuan, accepted it without a question. Scour through the entire text of Mdzs and you won't find any other character who would do that for a woman. I dare you.

He was also polite and decent with women. In contrast:- Jin Zixuan was polite enough yes, but was also pompous; Lan Wangji was frosty and (in some cases) jealous of the women he met because of WWX; Wei Wuxian was flirting with every woman he met (come at me with your pitchforks IDC but that was sleazy and had wwx come at me that strong I'd have punched him or reported him); Jin Guangyao almost had my respect but then he deceived his wife/sister💀. Wen Chao made me puke; Jin Guangshan made me want to destroy every last man; Jiang Fengmian made my resolve to never marry a man stronger; I can't remember reading anything from the texts but Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang are respectful enough (though I wouldn't call them the golden standard). The only other person who I could remember was genuinely a gentleman was Lan Xichen.

I don't think many people appreciate how unbiased and open-minded Jiang Cheng was when he listened to Bicao. Any other man would have sent her off just because she was a prostitute. They wouldn't have even entertained the thought of listening to her. But Jiang Cheng had not only entertained that thought, he had also made the jianghu sit back and listen to Bicao's testimony without a complaint. Man literally went "this woman has something to say and y'all are listening to it with your goddamn mouths shut or so help me". Let me again remind you that many men, even in the 21st century, wouldn't give this to a woman.

And despite it all y'all are calling this man a misogynist 🤦

Jiang Cheng antis are genuinely some of the most brain dead, booktok coded people I've met in my life.

"JC is a misogynist! 🤬🤬"

Meanwhile, all canon interactions he has with women are of him either being submissive, protective and doting around them (his mother and his sister) or acting like a polite and normal human being (the random prostitute that came to testify about JGY).

I will say that if anything, WWX disrespected women more than JC ever did if we're going to go there. He didn't respect JYL's autonomy and her own decision on whom she wished to marry. How he had WLJ unalived with the table leg in her mouth was somewhat eyebrow raisy considering what she was known for. And then there were the ghost girls he had fawning over him during his cringey YLLZ days.

But sure. Keep making shit up about JC to justify your weird hate fetish ig lmao. And no, him being unmarried and blacklisted isn't proof of being a misogynist, actually. Because one, this was made as a joke by MXTX and was never even in the book and two, people are blacklisted for all sorts of reasons and JC shows no interest in women romantically nor does he show a desire to get married. Doing so does not mean that you hate women, especially when his whole life was, in a sense, centred around women. He adores and thinks the world of his mother and sister. He started a siege in his sister's name, like hello???

In short, you have no proof of this stupid claim and therefore, it has no place in the Canon Jiang Cheng tag. It is entirely a fanon interpretation founded upon non canon text. Good day. 👋

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iamblessedboyy · 1 year ago

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About life

Sometimes right in the middle of our little life and right in the middle of our daily life. At times, we may wonder if we are doing the right things. We ask ourselves if we are making the right choices, are we progressing, are we accomplishing our life's purpose, etc.? Yes… Life can be complex, but in reality, it is not. Our lives can become difficult and stressful due to one simple factor: Ignorance.

How many times in your life have we regretted for a moment the fact of not having been aware of information that could have changed the course of our lives? How many times have we had this feeling of guilt because we had been focused on the wrong things for too long? Listen. Over time, I understood a simple thing that we are all capable of understanding. What do we do when we can't get a machine to work? Obviously, we look for the instructions or simply contact the manufacturer so that they can help us. It's true, no ? But what about our life? Who do you think is the maker or constructor of our life? It's God. The day I started talking to God, my life changed. Yes, my life has changed ! Because a moment spent with our builder, our creator, is only time saved. I have not known fear because God always told me not to fear anything because he will always be with me. I have not experienced failure because he has always told me that he will provide for me. I have not experienced loneliness because he always told me that he will be with me until the end of the world.

The Lord Jesus said: 1) “You shall not kill.” Don't be violent towards others. 2) You shall not commit adultery. Don't be deceptive. 3) Thou shalt not steal. Don't be a thief. 4) You shall not speak false testimony. Don't be a liar. 5) Honor your father and mother. Respect your parents. 6) You will love your neighbor as yourself. Love people! And the last: Be generous. All these instructions are the secrets of happiness.

Well, it's good news that I come to bring you today. No more depression, no more crying, no more poverty, no more sadness, emotional damage and illnesses. God wants to change your life and make it better and enjoyable. He just wants you to give him a chance. He doesn't ask you for a perfect life, he just asks you for your heart.

This is what God wants from you. ❤️

#depression #depressed #aniexty #mental health #love #mental heath support #mentally tired #life #hapiness #self love #i need heeeeelp #i want to diiieeee #heartbreak #sadnnes #quotes #motivation #god #dm me

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sturchling · 5 years ago

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Salt prompt where there are a few transfer students from Italy attending Francois Dupont for three weeks and as soon as they see Lila one breaks down in tears, another starts screaming at her, and the last one stares at her in horror and hatred. Reasons why are up to you.

Here you go! Sorry it took a while, things got kind of hectic for me these last few days. Anyway, hope you like it!

Marinette thought this would just be another day in class. She had given up trying to expose Lila to the class. The class wouldn’t listen to Marinette, so she would just wait until Lila exposed herself. In the meantime, Marinette just avoided hanging out with the class when she knew Lila would be around. Things in the class were still ok. Marinette was still friends with the class and they all got along. Things only got tense when Lila came and tried to turn everything Marinette said against her. Marinette was looking forward to the day that Lila would be exposed. Little did she know that today would be the day that began Lila’s down fall.

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Marinette actually arrived to school early for once and was flagged down by Mrs. Bustier. “Good morning Marinette. I wanted to let you know we are going to have some foreign exchange students join us today. They will be studying here for a month, and three of them got assigned to our class. Since you are class rep, I will expect you to be a good example for them and help them get used to how things work at the school.” Mrs. Bustier walked towards Mr. Damocles’ office, probably to talk with him about these exchange students, and Marinette went to the class room to wait.

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When Marinette walked into the class, she saw that Lila had already started her show for the day. Today’s headline lie is how she helped the president of Italy pass a law to improve the carbon emission rates of the country. Marinette just walked to her seat and ignored the nonsense the Italian was saying. While Lila continued to entertain the class, Marinette wondered about the new exchange students. Mrs. Bustier walked in a few minutes later and got the class’ attention, “Class, I have some exciting news. For the next month, we will be joined by three exchange students from Italy.” That made Marinette pause. It was a very small chance, but what if these kids new Lila? What if they know she is a liar? Would Marinette gain some allies for this month?

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Lila was terrified. She was hoping that these students weren’t from her old school. If they knew her, this could ruin everything! Mrs. Bustier continued, seemingly not noticing the shift in the mood, “I expect you all to make them feel welcome here, and help them if they need it. Their names are Emilio, Carina, and Alessa. You three may come in now!” Three students walk into the class room. One is a taller boy with black hair and brown eyes, who must be Emilio. The girl standing in the middle is a shorter girl with blonde hair and green eyes, who introduced herself as Carina. Finally, there is a tall girl with auburn hair and blue eyes, who must be Alessa. Everything seemed normal, until the three new students see Lila. Then all hell breaks loose.

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The moment that the three new students see Lila, chaos descends on the class. Carina bursts into tears the second she spots Lila. Alessa starts yelling at Lila in rapid Italian, that the class couldn’t understand. Emilio pulls Carina behind him and just glares at Lila with eyes full of venom. The class is beyond confused. It is obvious that Alessa is yelling at Lila, but why do these three seemingly not like her? Mrs. Bustier is trying to gain control of the class again, but it takes a while. Finally, Alessa pauses in her tirade long enough for someone to speak. Alya speaks up, “Wait! Why are you so angry at Lila? And why is she crying?” Alya asked, gesturing towards Carina. Alessa turns to Alya, “Mad doesn’t even begin to cover it. I despise that girl for what she did to Carina. She used to attend our school. She bullied Carina horribly. Constantly tripping and threatening her. She even tricked the school into suspending Carina by saying that Carina had destroyed her project for science class. She tried to ruin Carina’s life, all because Carina was the first to realize she was nothing but a liar.” That is when chaos descended on the class once more.

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The class began yelling at the new students, trying to defend their friend. The class was sure that the new exchange students were lying. Afterall Lila wouldn’t lie to them. Carina, Alessa, and Emilio quickly realized that this class was completely under Lila’s control. They all believed Lila’s every word. It was too much for Carina, who rushed from the room. Alessa, and Emilio followed after her to try and help her calm down. Lila took this opportunity to bust out the crocodile tears, and come up with a story about how those three were actually the bullies. “They used to be mean to me back in Italy. They were part of the reason I was glad to leave. They tried to frame me as a bully because I couldn’t get them tickets to a Jagged Stone concert.” While the class comforted their friend, no one noticed Marinette slip from the room. She walked into the hall and saw the three exchange students sitting on a bench. Carina seemed much calmer, now that they were out of sight of Lila. Marinette definitely felt empathy for Carina, she had gone through almost the exact experience. She approached the small group, and when they noticed her approaching, they seemed to tense up. Emilio was the one to break the silence, “What do you want?” he asked defensively. Marinette smiled kindly at them, “I just wanted to make sure you were ok. I know how rough things can get when dealing with Lila.” The group of three looked shocked. Carina quietly asked, “You know about her?” Marinette nodded, “That she is a liar? Yeah. She did the same thing to me. When she realized that I knew about her, she started harassing me too. It is nice to have other who also know about her. Adrien, the blonde boy in the front row, also knows she is a liar.” The group seemed to relax, knowing that Marinette believed them. Marinette returned to the classroom for a moment to let Mrs. Bustier know that she was going to show the new students around the school and then left to rejoin Alessa, Emilio and Carina.

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Days went by, and Alessa, Emilio, and Carina stuck closely to Marinette. The rest of the class was still treating them coldly, but they were happy to have a friend in Marinette. While the small group wished Lila had been exposed in the initial encounter, they knew it would take some more time. They didn’t realize it, but Lila was about to make a major mistake and expose herself. Lila was nervous that the class would start listening to the new Italians in the class. Lila decided that she had to make sure the three would keep their mouths shut this time. She waited until she saw the weak link go to the restroom alone. Carina was just about to leave, when Lila walked in and cornered her. “Hello, Carina. I just wanted to make sure you still remember our little rules from Italy. If you dare breath a word against me to anyone but your loser friends or try to expose my lies to the class, I will destroy you here, just like I did back then. I already destroyed Marinette, and she was their best friend. So, they will obviously believe me, their close friend, over you, a stranger that just joined the class. They will believe whatever I tell them. Be sure to mind what you say.” Lila didn’t waste anymore time on this loser and went back to the cafeteria where her court awaited.

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What Lila didn’t know is that Alessa had spoken with Rose earlier. Rose seemed the kindest of their new class and Alessa thought she would be safe to approach. She asked Rose if she would just humor her, for the first 15 minutes of lunch. Alessa knew that Lila wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity to approach and threaten Carina, if she saw Carina alone. She told Carina, Emilio, and Marinette the plan and they all agreed. Alessa, and Rose waited inside the stalls in the bathroom. Carina made sure to leave the cafeteria alone, in full view of Lila. Lila took the bait immediately. Alessa had also made sure to hide her phone to record the whole interaction, so they had proof for the class, in case Rose’s testimony wasn’t enough. Rose was shocked by what Lila had said. She couldn’t believe their sweet friend could sound so mean. When she and Alessa emerged from the stalls and went into the locker room, they saw Carina sitting with Emilio and Marinette. Rose teared up, thinking of how Lila had mentioned Marinette. She quickly apologized, not just to Marinette, but Carina as well. Rose got the video from Alessa and sent it to the rest of the class, except for Lila of course.

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The class was horrified by what they saw. How could Lila do that? Lila was really a liar? Marinette had been right all along. The class went back to the class room, looking for the lying Italian who had left the cafeteria earlier to ‘work on her newest proposal for Prince Ali’. Lila had been sitting alone in the classroom for about five minutes. Mrs. Bustier was still out for lunch, and Lila was looking at some official looking fake documents, in case someone came in. Little did Lila know, the class was already on their way and they were furious. As soon as the class walked in, Lila felt a chill go down her spine. She looked up into the venomous glares of her classmates, shocked that they were looking at her like that. What had happened? The class started yelling at her, everyone at once, and Lila couldn’t make out what they were saying. She looked behind the mass of angry faces to see Marinette, Emilio, Alessa, and Carina smirking at her. She knew instantly they had done something to cause this.

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Lila eventually found out exactly what had happened. She had no idea that anyone else had been in that bathroom. If it had just been Alessa, Lila could have done something, but the group had thought ahead in recruiting Rose as a witness. A teacher eventually heard the commotion and came to figure out what was happening in Mrs. Bustier’s room. Alya showed him the video and he immediately took Lila to Mr. Damocles’ office since the video showed her obviously threatening a student. Lila’s mother was called and was horrified to hear what her daughter had done. Mr. Damocles’ spoke with Carina, as well as Emilio, Alessa, and Marinette. When everything Lila had done to the group came to light, Mr. Damocles’ was speechless. Since threatening and bullying other students is a major violation of the student code of conduct, Lila was expelled. The rest of the class apologized to Carina and the others for believing Lila. They also apologized profusely to Marinette. They may not have turned on her, but they also didn’t believe her. They felt horrible that they didn’t even listen to Marinette’s concerns. Everything was forgiven and class became very close once more, happy that the lying Italian was gone from their lives for good.

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eyesaremosaics · 4 years ago

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TRIGGER WARNING:

The past few days, I have been shocked, saddened and disgusted with an artist who I have admired since I was a child. I remember seeing the sweet dreams video when it came on MTV in 1995 when I was 6 years old. I remember being frightened, but mesmerized by him. I pretended to hate him whenever he would come on TV, and my dad would tease me: “oh, there you go it’s your boyfriend Megan.” I would shriek in disgust and say “no!” Secretly I would watch his music videos when no one else was home, there was a hypnotic quality to his voice...something that drew me in. I know many females my age can relate. I bought his albums in secret, and until I was 15 years old I had this very real fear that if my family found out I listened to Marilyn Manson—they would stop loving me. Which seems silly and absurd, I often laugh about that.

However, once high school hit, he became more gimmick and less rock and roll. More self aggrandizing and less of a nihilistic commentator on society. He was once a major influence to me, my style of art, expression and creativity. The women he dated became icon’s to me, something to be emulated. I became a vintage girl because of my interest in Dita Von Teese at age 14. I wore high heels to school, seamed stockings with a garter belt, dressed like a 1950s housewife. I was voted best dressed in my high school senior year (2006).

I never had a crush on him or anything, it wasn’t really like that, it was more like he was a person I looked up to. After his interview in bowling for Columbine, all his interviews, his book, tv appearances etc. he came across as a highly intelligent and creative person who challenged social norms and societal constructs. I appreciated his androgyny, and admired his fearlessness. I listened to his music a great deal in high school, and it got me through some very dark and angsty times.

As the years went on, it became apparent he was losing his edge. I loved Rose McGowan, she was one of the women I modeled myself after as a young person (next to Winona Ryder of course), and she always spoke highly of him, saying he was a good boyfriend, but the drugs were something she couldn’t hang with. When he was with Dita, I fell in love with her too, and found her to be just as cool and interesting.

When he cheated on Dita with Evan Rachel Wood I was devastated. I felt like my idol fell. The stand-up man I thought he was—wasn’t real, and I am ashamed to say I blamed Evan, vilifying her as some “scarlet woman” who destroyed what was (to me) the perfect marriage. Little did I know that this poor girl was suffering. In ways many of us can relate to, and many we can’t begin to understand.

A few girls that I follow on IG have come forward with graphic accounts of the abuse to which they were subjected by Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson), and it made me sick to my stomach. I mean... I wrote him off as a has been in 2007, but I still thought he was an ok person, I still respected him for the art he made that inspired me as a kid. Now I feel like a huge chunk of my childhood was a lie. All the things I thought he stood for were merely conjecture.

All this background was necessary to get to what I really wanted to say: this whole ordeal was very triggering for me as a survivor of narcissistic/sociopathic, sexual, emotional and physical abuse. I stand with these girls, because though I can only begin to imagine some of the things they have described in their testimony... other things I know all too well. In fact many of the situations these poor girls were violently subjected to, have happened to me as well. It actually broke me down in tears to read.

My heart goes out to the survivors, you are strong and beautiful. It takes YEARS to survive this type of abuse. I know because I am living proof. I have been in more than one relationship like this, which led me to have zero self esteem, resort to substance abuse, risky self-destructive behavior, attempted suicide etc. I have been in extensive therapy for these traumas for over five years now, and only in the last two, was I able to get a full sense of self back.

There is so much to say on this issue. I am proud of the girls who came forward, it takes an insane amount of bravery to call out your abuser publicly... I still haven’t had the courage to call out mine. However it gives me strength to know there is a movement of women empowering each other to break their silence and speak their truth.

I am disillusioned and sad about this person I used to think highly of, but it’s the same feeling you go through when leaving a narcissistic/sociopathic relationship. In my own situation... I left feeling like Marion Cotillard’s character in “inception”. The top forever spinning...Not knowing when I would wake up into the real world....Not knowing which was the real world, and which was a dream. Wanting to die, so you can finally wake up.

There are stages of grief that you go through, accepting that this person never cared about you, and saw you only as narcissistic supply, or as ��food” for their ego. They see matters only as a means for power and control. They don’t feel things the way you or I do. It is in this that you should pull power from. You are not the one who is weak, it is they who are weak. They who lack the emotional depth or compassion to function as a normal human being. They will never know love, or real friendship—and you should feel sorry for them. What a terribly lonely and meaningless existence that must be. To be a parasite.

You ( the survivor) still have a chance for life, YOU will love again. It may feel like you will never reach the other side of it, through the panic attacks, the sleepless nights, the terrorizing anxiety, the bouts of crying, the humiliation, the silence, the nightmares—but you will. I learned a long time to let things build and not destroy me. To any of you reading this who may be able to relate: you can do it too.

I never thought I would survive my demons, I have a history of abuse that goes back to my childhood, which is why I am so protective of children now. It’s almost like I have made it my personal mission to assure that no child will ever be hurt the way I was, not on my watch.

Keeping your inner child alive is so crucial to survive the darkness of this world. We have to be the architect of our own reality, and rebuild a new world, a safe one to live in. One where a man can treat us with love and kindness. That doesn’t mean we should forget. We forgive the abusers not because they deserve forgiveness, but because we deserve peace.

I stand with all women out there living with this kind of abuse. Living with domestic violence. You are not alone. I hear you, I see you. There is a deeper systemic problem going on here enabling this kind of violence, and it Must. Be. Stopped.

#breakthesilence

#me #marilyn manson #break the silence

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merakiui · 4 years ago

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then, could i rq mori with a guillable s/o who's maybe a little too trusting in others 👉👈? i just!! rlly like opposites attract stuff hgshndnd

An Ace and a Fox (Mori)

> spy au

Not good, you think to yourself as you analyze your surroundings to determine your current location. The warehouse provides little visibility, lit only by the windows on the second floor. Most of the them have been boarded up, and debris litters the ground. You’ve never found yourself in this sort of situation before. While you’ve been deceived in the past, it was never to this level of extremity. At least you aren’t blindfolded, so one of your senses isn’t completely useless. Still, this isn’t good at all.

No matter how Hollywood the circumstances may seem, you know this won’t have a good ending if you don’t find a way out. Your memory resurfaces as you sit there, tied to an uncomfortable chair with thick rope pressing against your constricted limbs. Hours ago, you were trying to pawn off some items you had found while dumpster diving. You had been desperate for cash, needing it for food and to pay your bills. There was also the money and favors you owed a few acquaintances. The scary reality is beginning to dawn on you as you remember just how late you are on your payment. And this time it’s gotten serious.

In hindsight, you should’ve moved to another country when you had the chance. But would any of that matter? You were positive they’d find you and attempt to wring you dry of the money you so rightfully owed. Unfortunately, you’re at a loss, unable to even afford a night at a one-star hotel. How did they expect you to pay off favors when you were barely getting by? Well, to be frank, you did this to yourself. You knew very well not to get involved with shady dealers. You should’ve turned a blind eye when that suspiciously inviting hand was held out to you in your time of need, a silent testimony to the unfavorable bond you were slowly forming with a hungry snake.

Though this can hardly be called a bond. Waiting for your demise doesn’t seem fair, but this is what your life has become. Best to suck it up and pray that luck is on your side.

A pair of fancy footsteps ring out, startling you into focusing. Designer shoes, made of leather and sewn to grim perfection, make their way towards you. You don’t have to look up to know who it is. You’re well aware of the man looming over you, dressed in a fine tuxedo and an even finer wrath. Your time of ruminating over an escape is over. Your lucky stars have burnt out, falling to Earth just like your dashed hopes.

“I had faith in you this time, (Name),” he speaks, tone thick and heavy with disdain. “I really did. But we both know it’s not good to hold onto worthless expectations when the ones I’ve set in place aren’t even being met.”

“I’m sorry.”

“An apology won’t suffice. I’m afraid begging for salvation isn’t a suitable look on you. What a shame. I thought you knew better than to ignore the clock.”

“I’ll get your money in a week. That’s all I need. You don’t have to tie me up to get your point across! I know I’m wrong, so let me fix this.”

“You can’t mend what’s already broken.” Sighing, he scuffs his shoe against the concrete. “My men are surrounding us as we chat. Try anything and it’s adios. Well, it’s not like you can do anything in that position.”

“One week,” you repeat, hoping to garner his withering sympathy. “Please. Give me another chance. I won’t let you down.”

“But you’ve already let me down. Countless times, in fact. Why should I believe your words now? What impact will they have if they’re spoken with the same tongue that’s lied a dozen times? You either pay now or you don’t pay at all.”

“I can’t!” you shout, glaring daggers at the snide man. “You know I can’t!”

“If you can’t fork over the money, you deserve to pay with your own blood. Surely that’s a fair deal?” He crosses his arms, tutting in mock disapproval. “It’s not what I would’ve wanted, but I need my money. You’ve ran out of time, (Name).”

“I was in the middle of selling some stuff when your men kidnapped me! I’ll give you everything I got today, and if you let me go I’ll get the rest.”

“Who’s to say you won’t contact the authorities?”

“Have I ever done it in the past?” you snap, a bundle of nerves interlacing with your frantic emotions. “I haven’t, so have a little faith in me.”

“You’re like a chapel that’s run out of hacks to sell. Give it a rest.” Pivoting, your kidnapper doesn’t need to announce his leave. “This is where our business officially ends.”

“Wait, no! I'm making a promise. If you just give me—don’t leave! Time. I need more time. I’ll pay you double of what I owe.”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” He motions to the dark shadows surrounding the outskirts of your peripheral, and two people—a man and a woman—step out, pointing the cold steel of their guns at the back of your head. “Get rid of this pest. They’ve run their mouth long enough.”

And then he’s walking away, ignoring your pleading cries.

This is it, you think, pupils blown wide and darting to and fro. This is the day I die. These people are going to kill me, and then they’ll hide my corpse. No one will ever find me. I’ll be an unsolved case until the end of time!

You prepare yourself for the end of your pitiful life cycle. With twin barrels aimed for your skull, you know there’s no possibility of survival. Two bullets will find their way into your brain, causing a grand commotion of signals as your body prepares for death. You won’t be able to wonder whether or not endorphins will flood your head because your death might be instant. Or you could simply bleed out, living in a few minutes of cursed consciousness that have been granted unluckily. In your next life, you hope to be smarter than you are now. If you weren’t so easily tricked and manipulated, you might’ve been able to save yourself from this demise months ago.

It’s too late for that now, though.

Squeezing your eyes shut, you listen for the inevitable gunshots. And yet they never come. A dull click makes your eyes snap open, risking a glance at the people behind you. They curse, fumbling with their pistols and muttering about how both firearms are devoid of ammunition. Your heart practically leaps at this turn of events. As if life has been breathed into you via a tube, you struggle in your bindings, trying as hard as you can to loosen them before they’re able to reload. Around you, a symphony of clicking permeates the stilted air, grumblings coming from all over the place. You listen as your kidnapper’s underlings complain about this odd occurrence.

Without warning, bullets rain from above, and that’s when you see him. Dressed in attire befitting a silver-tongued casanova, rich in his appearance and flair, he’s leaning over the railing, looking down at the surprised men and women.

“Looking for these? You can have them.” His tone is teasing, a simple smile plastered to his face. “As long as I can have that hostage. I assume you’re content with this trade.”

“Absolutely not!” a woman shouts, scrambling to load her weapon. She motions wildly. “Go protect the boss. Little Fox is here!”

Little Fox? What a weird name. It’s one of the many thoughts that crosses your mind, but you’re grateful nonetheless for the masked stranger who has come to your rescue. If it weren’t for him, you’d be dead by now, brain matter scattered on the cold ground. I’m so relieved...

“I had a feeling I’d find everyone here.” He drops down from the second floor with such ease that it makes you question his humanity. “Perhaps you should spend your time gambling rather than intimidating this poor soul out of their funds. I suppose money makes people do crazy things. This is most certainly crazy.”

“Enough talking,” you murmur. “Help me out?”

Catching your words, he turns to face you. “And you’re just going to trust me? That doesn’t seem too wise.”

“Well, it’s not like things can get any worse, and you’re the only sane person here. I’m willing to hedge my bets.”

Your phrasing makes him chuckle. Wordlessly, he reveals a stack of playing cards, shuffling through them before plucking one from the deck. And then he flicks it in your direction. It whizzes through the air, past the men and women who are now shooting at the both of you, and it effectively slices the ropes, which fall in your lap. The glowing card returns to the deck in no time. In awe, you look around at the bullets that seem to evade you, as if they were being controlled.

“What is this?” you whisper, at a loss for an explanation. “Little Fox, who are you?”

“Who are you, to be so gullible as to get tangled up with these people?” he retorts. “We need to hurry. This gimmick won’t last forever.”

“Huh? I’m confused—whoa!” Another playing card zips past your face, nearly cutting your cheek, as it makes way for a man taking aim. More cards, glowing a bright, mesmerizing blue, circle you and Little Fox, inflicting minor flesh wounds to the men and women who can’t seem to get a fatal hit on either of you. “How are you doing this?!”

“You’ll see,” he says and you almost believe him. “Oh. Were you thinking I’d show you the trick? Maybe I should. You look like you’re inclined to trust my every word.”

“Hey, I’m not an idiot!”

“Then you’ll watch where you step.” He grabs your arm, pulling you closer to the floor before a bullet can graze your skin. Meanwhile, the cards work hard to sever the ammunition in two, rendering it inferior. You’ve never witnessed such an interesting force before. Whatever it is, you’re glad it’s working. “We should leave before their boss comes back with reinforcements.”

“Right!” Your hand locks with his, startling the blue-haired fox for a moment, and you make a run for the nearest opening, the cards lighting the way. You do your best to block out the shouting and loud gunshots of the boss’s underlings, pushing ahead even though your every nerve is riddled with fear. “How are we not dead? This is insane!”

Humoring you, he asks, “What if we are dead?”

“Are we? We’re not, right?” You clear your throat as you continue to run, pulling him along. “Just to clarify, we’re not actually dead?”

Your words hang in the air for the entirety of your escape. It isn’t until you’re a safe distance away, hidden on the rooftop of another building and catching your breath, when he finally gives you an answer.

“Don’t worry. You’re alive. That crime syndicate won’t have anywhere to flee. As long as the others apprehend everyone.” There goes that gleaming deck again, practically floating between his skilled fingers as it’s shuffled for the umpteenth time. From your viewpoint, you can see the entire city as the sun begins its steady descent. The colors bathe the fox in a soothing light, making him seem less mysterious than he initially was. “More importantly, do you trust me enough to take my word as the truth?”

“Yeah. I mean, obviously! You saved me. If it weren’t for you and your party tricks, I wouldn’t have survived. So thank you for coming to my aid, card person.”

“Little Fox,” he corrects you. “Although I have another name.”

“Great. What is it? I’m (Name).”

“I’m not going to give out such personal information to someone I’ve only just met.”

“I guess it can’t be helped. You’re supposed to be undercover, right? Like a spy.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. It all depends on what you choose to believe.”

“Okay.” Awkwardly, you avoid his gaze. “So are you a magical spy? Is that what I witnessed back there?”

He merely shrugs and continues to shuffle. A card slips out, floating to the ground. You snatch it before it can make contact, turning it over in your hands to figure out how it was able to slice a bullet in half. You never knew a card could be so strong.

“Which card did you pull?”

“I didn’t pull it. It fell out. But if you must know, it’s the ace of hearts.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure.” You look at the card once more, and its symbols change, reflecting the joker. “What? How? You did that on purpose!”

“It’s a possibility.”

“I’m not in the mood for card tricks. I was almost killed today!”

“Whose fault is that?”

“Mine...” You lower your head in shame. “This is the worst.”

“it’s only the worst because you’ve made it so. If you didn’t know, the ace used to mean bad luck. Now everyone sees it as a decent card.” Once again, the symbols have reverted to said design.

“I’m totally not an ace.”

“An ace wouldn’t blindly trust anyone when someone does them a favor.”

“That was a few times! I’m not going to do it again.” You huff, leaning closer to him. Curiously, you grab his mask, lifting it up to see his face. Golden eyes peer back at you, pupils dilated in silent shock. “Thanks again for saving me.”

“My services aren’t free,” he mutters softly, taken back by your sudden closeness.

“Oh!” You pull away, rummaging through your pockets for any spare change. “Right. Sorry, let me see what I’ve got.”

The fox deadpans, thinking to himself, They can’t be this trustful. There’s no way...

“I’ve got three euro coins. Will this be enough? Probably not, but it’s all I have at the moment. If you give me a few days, I can definitely pay you. I’ll even treat you to a pastry. Is that okay? If it’s not, you can name your price. I won’t—”

You’re cut off by his melodious laughter. Flinching, you stare at him, wondering what in the world could be so funny. “I was kidding.”

“What?! And here I was, ready to pay you for your hard work. I can still give you money, though. If that’s what you want!”

“No, I don’t need your money. Thanks, though. I’d advise you to take better care of your finances so you won’t get tricked again.”

“I should do that.”

“And you shouldn’t put your faith in just anyone.”

“Of course. I’ll do better.”

“And you can’t expect this to happen whenever you’re in a bind. I’m not a babysitter.”

“I... I know that.” Heat rises to your face, burning intensely as night falls upon you and your newfound savior. “You don’t have to scold me. I’m an adult just like you.”

“I would’ve thought you were a child, what with how gullible you are.”

“Very funny. That smile isn’t fooling anyone.”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“I give up...”

------

Mori stares at the ace in his hand, glinting even when held against the stark, rainy backdrop of the window. He thinks of the peculiar person he met the other day. They could’ve been on death’s door, and then he stepped in, ensuring that that wouldn’t happen. It was a relief the Department chose to send him on the mission, as he knew how to look before blindly diving in. He’s learned many things in his past, all of which have been useful lessons in his present life. There’s a somber twinge to his thoughts as he reflects upon the one whom he currently misses. He flips the ace over once in an effort to distract himself from his master.

(Name) seemed like a fun person, albeit far too trusting when it came to a matter of survival. Mori knows better than to trust those around him. He won’t make the same mistake twice, so he can only hope that you will be smart in how you play your cards. Though he may never cross paths with you again and though fate has a cruel way of conjoining those who are opposites, he’s still impressed at your unwavering ability to follow anyone who so much as lends you a hand. How can anyone be like that? It must be a nightmare.

And yet it’s anything but a bad dream. You’re as real as he is, a huge contrast to his morals. While he regrets the fact that you’ve already seen his face—all prospects of anonymity gone—he can’t help the feeling of intrigue. Maybe it’s just misplaced, considering you’re one of the more interesting victims he’s seen during hectic missions. Regardless, he hopes you’ll be wise for the future.

Once again, the ace glitters back at him. Perhaps if you learn to fight your own battles, you might just become the unsuspecting ace in a deck of scrambled misfortunes. If anything turns sour, which is something Mori is more than accustomed to, he knows that money can be trusted far more than the thin wills of most people. Casting all thoughts of the master aside, he puts the ace back into the deck and shuffles.

The joker peeks out, a wild card that can be anything it wants if put to the test. Little Fox smiles a familiar smile. You’re an interesting card. Maybe your paths will intersect one day, and maybe they won’t. It’s not like he knows, nor does he trust that sort of intuition, but it’s nice to think about.

#afterl!fe #after l!fe #afterl!fe mori #afterl!fe x reader #mori x reader #afterl!fe mori x reader #afterl!fe the sacred kaleidoscope #spy au #oneshot

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spinnin-burnice · 3 years ago

Text

Watch Dogs: Legion x AmRev shorts

@burgoyned A little short from the AU ^^ Hope you like it :D

André sat nervously behind the defendant’s row as Parliament began to fill up. Upfront, Albion Chief Lord George Germain sat next to his Director of Journalism Frederick North. Sitting on the witness stand was Charles Cornwallis, playing with his phone while awaiting the testimony to begin. Richard and William Howe sat in the defense seat in front of the judges. André glimpsed past the shoulders of other members, watching William fiddle around with his laptop nervously while Richard sat back on his chair, coolly browsing his phone.

*Hours before the testimony*

“I don’t want to make this worse than possible,” Bagley protested. “Come on, Bagley, you had our back before why not help us out with this?” Richard asked. André unplugged the laptop’s wires. “Bagley can help, but he doesn’t know the whole situation. And so far, everyone is believing the other side. Only we know the real story, but that won’t help since nobody is willing to listen to us.” “Well, if it helps, I can plug in my phone and have Bagley look through everything,” Richard offered. “I can do that,” Bagley said. Plugging his phone next to the AI, Richard watched the data compile through Bagley when the screen closed, and Bagley reemerged.

“Done! I have gathered all the evidence I needed. This shouldn’t take long,” he chirped happily. “Great! Now we just need to sneak you in….” “Don’t worry about that. May I suggest using the computer bag sitting by the PC? I may be a detectable device, however, the guards are not that bright in discovering something from a bomb to a personal assistant.” “Alright. If you don’t mind me turning you off-“ “No, please do. Let’s get this over with,” Bagley chimed. André turned the AI off and placed the device into the computer bag. “I’ll bring the laptop in case Billy might need something,” André suggested. “Please do. He gets annoying when he’s bored,” moaned Richard. The two then left the Safehouse and into the pub. The pub was empty except for Hanger who was scrubbing the bar floor.

And now here we are. André held his breath as Germain stood up to begin the trial. As Parliament settled down, Germain walked to the front of the room where William quickly shut down his laptop. Richard typed in his last few messages before putting his phone into his pocket. “Ladies and Gentlemen of Parliament, we are gathered here today in the trial of the accused William and Richard Howe- (William shifted in his seat) for breaching the security of the Bank of London – (crowds murmured to themselves) - that resulted in a crypto market crash across the globe.” He turned to face the rest. “This violation of security protocol is a threat to our national security. We will begin this trial by asking the only witness to this. Now, your Lordship Cornwallis,” Germain turned to the witness. “What did you see during the night of the security breach?” Cornwallis shrugged. “So far I haven’t noticed anything damaging except accidental data leak,” he replied.

Parliament whispered to themselves, and Germain quickly shushed them. “ ‘Accidental’ you say? How do you justify a crime; a crime that almost destroyed the fabric of this nation’s security, that almost caused inflation in other parts of the world, as accidental?” “Look, I only know that the leak was unintentional and was not intent on breaking the crypto market. Besides, some websites require little to no effort in tracking down their cookies.” “Interesting. And were you, by any chance, an accomplice to this breach?” “No sir, I’m not,” Cornwallis said while passing William a look of ‘What the fuck is happening?’. William shook his head. After pondering for a few minutes, Germain nodded in satisfaction before turning to the defendants. “It appears the witness testimony is quite uninformative and lack of evidence (“How fucking dare you,” hissed Cornwallis under his breath), but now that we are here, how would you explain…or should I say….defend your actions on breaching security at the Bank of London?”

“Like this,” Richard replied as he pulled out a device from the computer bag and sat it down. He pressed the power button and Bagley popped up. “Good morning, Parliament!” he announced. Surprised gasps arose while others quickly started whispering to each other in confusion. “I see we have some confused reactions to my presence. My name is Bagley, and I am a personal assistant to these fine lads sitting front of me!” “Thanks, Bagley! Always appreciate a good compliment!” said William before putting his head on the table and staring off into the distance. “Haha! In any case, shall I gently remind everyone that once I’m here, your information is no longer safe?” Cornwallis ducked behind his stand to cover his laugh. Richard cocked his head to the side, smirking.

Germain glared at Bagley. “I presume you are the defense council for these accused?” “Indeed I am. And I prefer you used the term ‘defendant’ as these two are innocent without a shadow of a doubt.” “And how do YOU know that?” inquired the Chief of Journalism. “Easy! Let me start with this: March 15th. A beautiful fair maiden is sitting in front of me…” “Hang on! That is NOT what I asked for!” Germain interrupted Bagley. “Ohoho! Getting a little frightened I see. Is there something you’re hiding?” Bagley cooed snarkily. Germain turned to North, whose face was beginning to grow red. Bagley continued. “March 15th. A beautiful fair maiden is sitting in front of me; her golden hair glistened in the sunlight and her eyes glistened in the sunlight. I watched her every movement and it was as if Aphrodite herself swept through the room. A mere bartender yes….”

“WAIT!! YOU … “ William shot up, staring at Germain. “Were you….HITTING ON CAROLINE??” he demanded. Cornwallis quickly moved out of his witness seat and tip-toed to André’s spot as Parliament let out a gasp of pure shock. Richard casually pulled out his phone, pretending as if nothing happened. The Albion chieftain began to panic as Bagley continued reading his notes. “Yet her graceful move was everything I could want in a woman. A maiden no doubt. Her breast was voluptuous, as was her behind….” William stared straight at Germain, who was now beginning to back away from the defendant’s table. “….is it wrong for me to ask, God, that a man could want more in life?” Bagley finished reading. By this time, Parliament was already chattering about Germain’s diary.

“Well, if I hadn’t heard enough!” Caroline Howe announced as she got up from her seat and stormed down the aisle to face Germain straight on. Richard looked at William with a big smile on his face. Grabbing him by the collar, Caroline dragged him down the row as members burst out laughing at the sight of Germain’s beet-red face. North, by this time also feeling humiliated, announced the end of the testimony. One by one, Parliament began to disband. André and Cornwallis waited until the aisle was almost empty before walking to the front of the room. The four men convened in the now empty room. “Well, I guess that’s the end of that,” William sighed. “Be thankful I haven’t read your diary in front of everyone,” Bagley said matter of factly.

“Read it back in the Safehouse. I’m done for today.” “Agreed. Why doesn’t everyone grab a drink at the pub and relax?” “Sounds good to me,” Cornwallis said. André closed Bagley before leaving with everyone back to The Earl’s Fortune.

#watch dogs legion x amrev

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doomstypewriter · 4 years ago

Note

ok so this is kinda out there so i totally understand if you decline this short request but: angsty, hurt no comfort, major character death moceit where janus is like 5 minutes away from being executed (i was thinking by hanging) and this is their last goodbye. it probably wouldnt come into play at all but just to be thorough: in my mind its like a vaguely fantasy 18th century setting

Hello, Anon. Thanks for the request.

I normally do not enjoy reading major character death fics, but I surely am most willing to write them.

I was sold-out on the whole fantasy18th century setting.

Did I get carried away? Well, yes.

I hope you don’t mind the piece of subversion I decided to incorporate. Also, I did indeed get carried away and wrote 1808 words for this. I have no self-control.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy it!

AO3 For other requests

TW: Major character death, swearing, HEAVY angst. Really, this will not end up nicely.

Words: 1808

It is one’s duty to abide by the laws

Tap.

The tireless dripping of the filtrations in the stone cell did not stop, a repetition akin to a clock. It followed along the rhythm of the passage of each second he had left.

As expected, the dungeons stunk of humidity and other things he did not wish to dwell on. They hadn’t even allowed him the comfort of a pile of hay to lay onto. All the dirt on his left cheek stuck to his skin disgustingly, god knows how scruffy his appearance would be after a week imprisoned.

Far away, carried by the reverberation of the undergrounds, the sound of steps from upstairs reached his ears. There was a scuffle between who he deduced were four people. Two guards, and two...

“I said let me IN!”

Ah.

Two idiots. His two idiots.

“I needn’t remind you that challenging His Royal authority will wind you up where you are so adamant to give us pass to. I can begin reciting all set laws you’d be violating”.

The loudness in Logan’s voice surprised him. It was almost as if he intended for him to listen too.

A heavy door opened with a low creak. Then steps rushing down the irregular stone stairs.

“Janus!”

Oh. His heart jumped and wailed at the shadows turning the corridor. A sweetness missing from his cheery, silly, and endearing voice. His idiot.

A cloaked figure fell on his knees in front of him, yet the bars rendered him so far away. He removed his hood, and, there he was. With his curly blond hair, the freckles he’d counted so many nights and the round wire glasses he only wore in private. Patton, his lover, but, most importantly, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Ulidorean. Right behind him, as always, the royal advisor, also, his very good friend Logan Abinie.

“What are you doing here? Does His Highness fancy tainting his reputation even more? I did deny our relationship, and anything that may have involved you with this mess, dear. Skillfully so. Have you any understanding of how hard that was? Well, of course not, because here you are, definitely not ruining all of my very light efforts on keeping your reputation untarnished. Lovely”.

A pained smile graced Patton’s face, cutting him in half. He reached for the inside of the cell through the bars, to at least be able to touch him.

“I’m sure those pants are not expensive at all. Thank goodness the guards bother to keep the floors spotless” Janus said as he gave in and got closer.

Patton cupped his cheek, brushing some of the dirt away in a caress. Just as he always did.

Not this time though.

There was so much shit on Janus that not even a thousand caresses could unbury him out of the schemes that had brought him where he was. And, where was he? Oh, right, in a filthy cell, a night away from being executed. By hanging no less, and, oh, what a shame, for his windpipe looked so lovely whenever Patton pressed kisses alongside its column; but would, regardless, end up broken.

All honey in his glance dripped on Janus leaving him with a bitter aftertaste. The brightest light in the world could not afford to be drowned in such sadness.

“I’m going to save you” the whisper was so tiny he’d barely heard it.

It felt like a love confession. ‘I’ll save you, he says, when he should rather save himself from me’.

The half-born reptile looked up at the other person witnessing the prince’s lunacy.

“You, get him out of here”.

“No”.

“Great”.

His scales popped, disentangling themselves from the glamour he had cast with blood magic, costing him a cut on his fingertips. At this point, he should be able to control his emotions. But no, apparently, there was no chance that the kingdom would not see his true visage. Dignity and death did not fit in fate’s plans for him.

“How are you planning to do that exactly? Getting out of tricky situations was never your strong suit, my dear. That’s my job. And just look where it has led me. Where it has led us! You cannot ruin your chances with the crown when Earl Heeldwing and his supporters are threatening your father’s authority like they are”.

“Roman is searching for the Dragon witch” he tried to argue.

“So what? He may be your best knight, but he’s not your brightest one. Virgil is still wounded, and, without his help, he may never find the Dragon witch”.

“You are not the only draconid descendant within the kingdom, the council knows this. If we manage to apprehend the Dragon witch and get her testimony we may be able to persuade the Circle of Elders to reconsider the nature of your penalty and earn the time needed in order to prove your innocence, but first, you must--”

“Logan, goodness, I was not aware of the fact that there are many draconids in Ulidorean. Well, not that you mention that I’m sure it changes the circumstances. The Elders could not have possibly considered that! You are truly the genius everyone pegs you as”.

“Jan, trust me. Everything will be fine, just let me help you”.

“No!” he pulled apart and stood up. “Do you think I have not considered this? I made my appeal to them! I did try to persuade them and show them that I was framed! But nobody in the council believes me anymore. If the Circle of Elders are set on having my head, me, their main consul, then whichever meager testimony you find, will not make it through to a hearing! I am to be hanged by tomorrow morning. So I advise you to leave me alone and save yourselves the heartbreak!”

“I am doing my best!”

“Yes, because surely doing your best is all it takes to change the world! This ridiculous willingness to believe in the good in others. People will condemn an innocent and the world shall not move a finger to stop it. Patton, your naivety is what brought us into this situation!”

Patton struggled to keep his breath steady after that, managing only a nod in response.

“I did not mean that” Janus said as he pushed his body against the bars.

“You said it still” he stood up. “Believing that there is good in others is what brought me to believe in you”.

His chest twisted in pain when Patton pressed a kiss on his forehead and made a move to leave. Janus caught the soft hand before he never had a chance to again.

“Please”.

“Don’t be afraid, I will find a way to keep you safe, okay?”

The hand squeezed back and then let go.

Seeing the dawn one last time. Maybe, if they moved him to the carriage early enough he could watch the sunrise before it got dark for good.

The cell door opened.

A pair of handcuffs were quickly snapped closed on his wrists.

Walking through the corridors he realised. ‘I don’t want to die’.

He disentangled himself from the grip of the guards and he ran. Away, anywhere.

‘I don’t want Patton to marry a noblewoman for heirs, I want him to marry me. I don’t care about what the court thinks anymore, I could not manipulate them. I want to wake up with him. I want to still be the Elders’ consul, I want to write law, I want my books, my house, my friends… I want to live’.

One of the guards caught him. Janus was immobilised in the blink of an eye, the other guard hit him in the head and everything went black.

Not for what seemed long enough.

He woke up to the jolting of a carriage. Unexpectedly, a very nice looking carriage, rather than the disgusting ones which took the prisoners to the gallows.

What?

Impossible. Patton had made it. There was no other explanation. He… he did manage to save him! God. To hell with his views on the nonsense of the institution of marriage, he was going through that wedding Patton had always wished for.

His vision finally focused. The concussion would not heal immediately, but he would have Patton by his side.

By his side, he found Remus instead.

“Remus?”

“Hey, dragon penis. Long time no see. You got pretty roughed up in the dungeons”.

Remus by his side, and in front of him…

“Logan?”

“Ah, you’re finally awake. You might be suffering from a concussion. It would be best if you rested for now. We will wake you once we get to the border”.

“To the border?” Janus asked as he tried to sit up.

A wave of nausea filled his esophagus.

No. Not a good idea.

“Rest. We will explain in time”.

“What is going on?”

“...”

“Logan, you never keep quiet when someone asks a question, what mess…”

“I can hit him in the head again, if you want” offered Remus, not sounding as joyful as usual,

“Where’s Patton?”

With that question, the world for everybody withing the carriage suddenly stopped. Logan tensed within seconds, even Remus held his breath back. They looked at each other in a way that conveyed far too much sympathy, especially considering their personalities. An unspoken message went between the two. Janus could almost hear it. It was a ‘we have to tell him’ kind of look, was it not?

“He pleaded the principle of exchange using his royal power”.

“No”.

The principle of exchange was one of the laws introduced during the reign of Patton’s grandfather, it allowed for a person to exchange the penalty of a crime with that of a relative’s. It was intended as a way to prevent the most vulnerable members of a family to endure the hardness of a punishment they might not be able to withstand, while ensuring they received the impact of said punishment through the bond with their family.

But, for that to happen… Patton must have recognised him as his spouse. Members of the crown could not be executed for a crime, only exiled.

Then…

Oh no.

Patton walked up the wooden planks that made the stairs of the gallows. It was worth it, he told himself. He even kept on telling that to himself when the Circle of Elders encouraged him to reconsider. Janus was convicted before he had made him his husband, which means that the veto on punishment by execution on the royal family did not stand for him. His grandfather had not thought this far ahead when he wrote down the law. One may stand in the place of a relative for a crime. That applied to everybody.

Including him.

Logan and Remus would watch over Janus.

Patton smiled in spite of it all.

He did keep him safe.

...

I AM SO SORRY.

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thebeautifulcatholicfaith · 4 years ago

Text

The FBI warned for years that police are cozy with the far right. Is no one listening?

Mike German

I was an FBI agent who infiltrated white supremacists. Too many local police don’t take the far right seriously – or actively sympathize

Fri 28 Aug 2020 22.47

For decades, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has routinely warned its agents that the white supremacist and far-right militant groups it investigates often have links to law enforcement. Yet the justice department has no national strategy designed to protect the communities policed by these dangerously compromised law enforcers. As our nation grapples with how to reimagine public safety in the wake of the protests following the police killing of George Floyd, it is time to confront and resolve the persistent problem of explicit racism in law enforcement.

I know about these routine warnings because I received them as a young FBI agent preparing to accept an undercover assignment against neo-Nazi groups in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. But you don’t have to take my word for it. A redacted version of a 2006 FBI intelligence assessment, White Supremacist Infiltration of Law Enforcement, alerted agents to “both strategic infiltration by organized groups and self-initiated infiltration by law enforcement personnel sympathetic to white supremacist causes”.

A leaked 2015 counter-terrorism policy guide made the case more directly, warning agents that FBI “domestic terrorism investigations focused on militia extremists, white supremacist extremists, and sovereign citizen extremists often have identified active links to law enforcement officers”.

If the government knew that al-Qaida or Isis had infiltrated American law enforcement agencies, it would undoubtedly initiate a nationwide effort to identify them and neutralize the threat they posed. Yet white supremacists and far-right militants have committed far more attacks and killed more people in the US over the last 10 years than any foreign terrorist movement. The FBI regards them as the most lethal domestic terror threat. The need for national action is even more critical.

In recent years, white supremacists have engaged in deadly rampages in Charleston, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and El Paso, Texas. More ominously, neo-Nazis obtained radiological materials to manufacture “dirty” bombs in separate cases in Maine in 2009 and Florida in 2017, which were only avoided through chance.

But in June 2019, when Congressman William Lacy Clay asked the FBI counter-terrorism chief, Michael McGarrity, whether the bureau remained concerned about white supremacist infiltration of law enforcement since the publication of its 2006 assessment, McGarrity indicated he had not read it. Asked more generally about this infiltration, McGarrity said he would be “suspect” of white supremacist police officers, but that their ideology was a first amendment–protected right.

The 2006 assessment addresses this concern, however, by summarizing supreme court precedent on the issue: “Although the First Amendment’s freedom of association provision protects an individual’s right to join white supremacist groups for the purposes of lawful activity, the government can limit the employment opportunities of group members who hold sensitive public sector jobs, including jobs within law enforcement, when their memberships would interfere with their duties.”

More importantly, the FBI’s 2015 counter-terrorism policy, which McGarrity was responsible for executing, indicates not just that members of law enforcement might hold white supremacist views, but that FBI domestic terrorism investigations have often identified “active links” between the subjects of these investigations and law enforcement officials. But its proposed remedy is stunningly inadequate. It simply instructs agents to protect their investigations by using the “silent hit” feature of the Terrorist Screening Center watchlist, so that police officers searching for themselves or their white supremacist associates could not ascertain whether they were under FBI scrutiny.

Of course, one doesn’t need access to secret FBI terrorism investigations to find evidence of explicit racism within law enforcement. Since 2000, law enforcement officials with alleged connections to white supremacist groups or far-right militant activities have been exposed in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia, among other states. Research organizations have uncovered hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement officials participating in racist, nativist and sexist social media activity, which demonstrates that overt bias is far too common.

Law enforcement officials actively affiliating with white supremacist and far-right militant groups pose a serious threat to people of color, religious minorities, LGBTQ people and anti-racist activists. But the police response to nationwide protests that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, includes a number of law enforcement officers across the country flaunting their affiliation with far-right militant groups.

A veteran sheriff’s deputy monitoring a Black Lives Matter protest in Orange county, California, wore patches with logos of the Three Percenters and the Oath Keepers – far-right militant groups that often challenge the federal government’s authority – affixed to his bullet-proof vest.

A 13-year veteran of the Chicago police department with a long history of misconduct complaints was investigated for wearing a face covering with a Three Percenters’ logo while on duty at a recent protest. A supervisor pictured with him at the scene apparently did not order him to remove it.

In Philadelphia, police officers failed to intervene when mostly white mobs armed with bats, clubs and long guns attacked journalists and protesters. The district attorney has vowed to investigate the matter. The following month, however, Philadelphia police officers openly socialized with several men wearing Proud Boys regalia and carrying the group’s flag at a “Back the Blue” party at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge.

Police officers casually fraternizing with armed far-right militia groups at protests is confounding because many states, including California, Illinois and Pennsylvania, have laws barring unregulated paramilitary activities and far-right militants have often killed police officers. The overlap between militia members and the Boogaloo movement – whose adherents have been arrested for inciting a riot in South Carolina, and shooting, bombing and killing police officers in California – highlights the threat that police engagement with these groups poses to their law enforcement partners.

Law enforcement agencies must do more to strengthen their anti-discrimination policies, improve applicant and employee screening, establish reporting mechanisms, and protect and reward officers who report their colleagues’ racist misconduct.

Prosecutors also have an important role in protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system from the potential misconduct of explicitly racist officers. Prosecutors keep a register of law enforcement officers whose previous misconduct could reasonably undermine the reliability of their testimony and need to be disclosed to defense attorneys. This register is often referred to as a “Brady list”.

The Georgetown law professor Vida B Johnson has argued that evidence of a law enforcement officer’s explicitly racist behavior could reasonably be expected to impeach his or her testimony. Prosecutors should be required to include these officers on Brady lists to ensure defendants they testify against have access to the potentially exculpating evidence of their explicitly racist behavior.

My 1992 undercover investigation didn’t reveal any connections between the neo-Nazi bombmakers and weapons traffickers and law enforcement. In fact, the local law enforcement officers that worked with me on the investigation were consummate professionals who I literally trusted with my life. There are many more just like them.

But, however small, the presence of active white supremacists in law enforcement must be treated as a matter of urgent concern. As Professor Johnson has argued, the criminal justice system “can never achieve its purported goal of fairness while white supremacists continue to hide within police departments”.

#white supermacists #white supremacy #far right #racism #racists #police brutality

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bubblesandgutz · 4 years ago

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Every Record I Own - Day 606: ISIS Shades of the Swarm

This vinyl boxset from ISIS contains all of their recorded output from 1997 to 2007. The band hooked me up with this collection after I helped them out with some very last minute press/bio work for their final studio album, Wavering Radiant. While I was an ISIS fan from the moment I heard their demo, they were a band that would loom large in my life as the years went on. Discussing the entirety of this boxset from a musical perspective would require a week’s worth of entries here, so rather than talking about all these records in detail, I’ll just provide an overview of the band’s development and how it was woven in with my own journey.

I talked earlier about the beginning of ISIS coinciding with the beginning of Botch’s relationship with the Hydra Head community. And that relationship grew as both ISIS and Botch began touring regularly. Like many young men, I was heavily interested in the Beats during college, and I admired the community and camaraderie that surrounded Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs. I always hoped to be a part of an artistic circle that similarly encouraged, nurtured, and fostered creative risks, and as the ‘90s wound down, I felt like we’d found that with the ISIS and Hydra Head camp. I remember Cave In and ISIS coming out to the Northwest in ‘99 for a series of dates with Botch. Cave In was beginning to play out some of the material that would wind up on Jupiter while ISIS were showcasing the first few songs from the upcoming Celestial album. It was exciting to watch these bands push further into new territories, taking the kinds of chances that could potentially alienate their core audience but not giving two shits about it. Celestial remains my favorite ISIS album simply because it loomed so large in my life at the time. It just seemed impossibly low and heavy, but it also had this new dynamic range for the band that hinted at the more moody and pensive material on their horizon.

As Botch began winding down, ISIS began to hit their stride. At our final show in Seattle in 2002, Turner handed me a CD-R of their sophomore album Oceanic. We’ll talk about that one more in the days to come, but looking back now, it was fitting that as we were closing a chapter in our lives, our friends were just starting in on a new one.

Panopticon would prove to be another dominant album in my life, due largely to hearing it night after night when These Arms Are Snakes joined ISIS for their first US tour in support of the album. I know Turner considers it a highlight of their discography and I’m inclined to agree. While my appreciation of the songs might have to do with my degree of exposure to seeing the material unfold on stage over the course of six weeks, I do think there is an ideal balance of pensive atmosphere-building and punishing pay-offs on that album. If I was introducing the band to an uninitiated listener, I would start with Panopticon.

Based on certain individuals’ testimonies, it may be that In The Absence of Truth marked the beginning of the end for ISIS, but at the time there was no evidence that the band was struggling internally. These Arms Are Snakes did a quick run of shows up the West Coast with ISIS shortly before the album came out, and I remember thinking their new songs were tapping into an even wider palette of sounds, greater sense of patience, and more heady melodic approaches. The dudes were kind enough to take These Arms Are Snakes to Japan and Australia on their tour at a time when our band was struggling with morale, and it remains one of my favorite tours of all time.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll be talking about ISIS a bit more over the next few days, but it’s hard to do these records justice when they’re so bound up in my personal experiences. They remain some of my favorite people and I feel very fortunate to have been along for so much of their journey.

#isis #everyrecordiown

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bl4cklabyrinth · 4 years ago

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GiGS October 2020 Cover Feature Translation Part I: Hiro [Vocal] Interview

Disclaimer: Please do not retranslate my work into other languages, as my translation may not be accurate. I am no Japanese or English native.

Photo from here.

Starting things off is a solo corner where I talk to each of them about their latest album “V”.

First up is Hiro, who has been leading MY FIRST STORY as its obligatory frontman.

Not only does he breathe life into their music with his unique, high-toned voice, but he also writes the lyrics to all of their songs. That being said, how did he go about creating this album?

- Hiro, you’ve been writing the lyrics to all of MY FIRST STORY’s songs. Is that something you decided on yourself, or was it something that just came about naturally?

Hiro: I guess I just kind of went with the flow. I’ve always thought that the lyrics should be written by the vocalist, and that the only things I could do in this band were to think of melodies and write lyrics. Because of this, I felt like I had to do what I could. None of the members wanted to write the lyrics either, so I ended up taking on the job.

- I think one aspect of it is that the words coming from the singer himself are more easily conveyed. Having said that, what is important to you when writing lyrics?

Hiro: They aren’t exactly like the punchlines used in rap, but I try to include words that would catch the listeners’ attention and get stuck in their heads even if they were just doing a quick listen. To incorporate hooks, so to speak, in key parts of the song. It’s words like those that leave a strong impression.

- I think being catchy comes with leaving a strong impression. The lyrics you write also always match the taste and deepen the worldview of the song.

Hiro: I’ve never written lyrics before everything else. I listen to the track first, then I quickly jot down the image that comes to mind and the words I could possibly use in the song. I’m the type of person who decides on a theme before I start writing, so the lyrics I come up with naturally complement the music. I guess my songwriting process is kind of like writing an essay or a paper. I don’t just write whatever I want to say at the time; rather, I set a theme and work from there.

- Some people have trouble settling on an image and take some time choosing a theme. How about you, where do you stand?

Hiro: I probably fall among the quick decision makers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t reconsider my choices and change the theme during the writing process. I listen to the song, quickly decide on a theme, then immediately start on the lyrics. The thing is, it takes me quite a while to continue writing after that (laughs).

- I see (laughs). So is adding lyrics the last step in the production process?

Hiro: Yes. I only start writing after the backing track is completed and the melody is set. For example, when words come to me while thinking of a melody, I would sometimes include them in the lyrics if I like them enough, but I won’t start writing the whole thing until the melody is finalized.

- More than that, it’s impressive how your lyrics reveal your inner weaknesses, your pain, and your negative side.

Hiro: I don’t really mind showing that side of me; on the contrary, I have nothing else to write about. I’m also not very good at writing the inspirational, “Let’s do our best!” type of songs. Coming up with those kinds of lyrics frustrates me and tests my patience so I find them difficult to write. However, I was thinking of adding some of those lyrics in the album. Teru composed “Akashi”, and since it’s one of the more cheerful songs on the album, I thought it would be best to make its lyrics positive. So, I decided to give it a shot.

- With the line “Moving forward in the right direction will be my testimony”, “Akashi” is a song that gives the listener a push in the back. Another thing is that your lyrics have the perfect balance between English and Japanese.

Hiro: I guess you can say I find it easier to write lyrics in English. With English, I don’t have to worry too much about the appeal of the words, and there aren’t as many expressions to use either. With Japanese, for instance, the word “ai” (love) connotes all sorts of things such as “itoshi” (dear/beloved), “koishii” (missed/longed for), and “mederu” (to cherish/admire). With English, however, there’s only the word “love” (laughs). It’s straightforward on its own, and you can get your message across depending on how it’s translated. That’s why it’s easier for me to write in English.

- It just occurred to me that you seem to have the tendency to perceive words based on their rhythm.

Hiro: Ah, you’re right. That’s true.

- In that case, it must be easier to write in English.

Hiro: Yeah. English makes it easy to attach words to a melody in a way that sounds good. It’s nice to listen to a melody that’s in sync with the lyrics, right? Getting results like that is simple when you use English. I also think there are a lot of people under the impression that English sounds cooler. I want to make everything as catchy as possible though, even when writing in English, so I try not to use difficult words whenever I can.

- That’s part of the charm. Even so, you added more Japanese lyrics to “V”, didn’t you?

Hiro: That’s right, I did. We’re a Japanese band after all, so writing lyrics in Japanese is still the ideal.

- It’s an advantage to be able to use Japanese and English in a similar way. Speaking of which, when did you write the lyrics to the songs on “V”?

Hiro: It varies from song to song. I wrote the lyrics to “Underground” about a year ago when it was composed. The way this song was made was unusual. I started on the lyrics early because the demo was up sooner than expected and I didn’t want to have a hard time later on, but as it turned out, I didn’t make it in time… or something like that (laughs).

- I see (laughs). On that note, more and more artists are writing about their thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic, but there aren’t any songs like that on “V”, are there?

Hiro: There aren’t. Actually, some of the songs on “V” were made after the coronavirus started spreading. “Starting Over” was composed quite a while ago, but the lyrics were written around the time the pandemic broke out. Same goes for “Daimeiwaku”. Nonetheless, I never thought about writing a song on the coronavirus. I feel like the nuance of the lyrics would be a little too strong for the album. We wanted the whole album to be poppy and catchy, so adding a song about corona would only get in the way of that. I experienced and thought about a lot of things over the course of the pandemic just like everybody else, but I still don’t know what the right thing to do is, and I felt like it wasn’t my place to write about it given the current situation. It’s okay to talk about it during live MCs and stuff like that, but I didn’t want to etch it permanently on something as timeless as a song. That being said, I don’t think I’ll be writing about corona anytime soon. Even if I were to sing about it, it would probably be expressed in a very abstract manner.

- I understand. Every artist is entitled to their own opinion on the subject, so I think those who choose to sing about it and those who don’t are both doing the right thing.

Hiro: I’m in no way trying to invalidate those who sing about corona. As you mentioned, it’s all a matter of perspective. I don’t like singing about topics that directly concern the world… like political discontent. It’s difficult to write about those kinds of themes; I’d rather write lyrics that express my thoughts on a variety of themes and hope that those who are listening can relate them to their own feelings and sentiments at the time.

- There certainly were songs that resonated with me when I listened to them as the pandemic went on, even though they were about something completely unrelated to it. Now that we’ve talked about the lyrics, I’d like to ask you about the songs. How was the recording process for this album?

Hiro: I was away from MY FIRST STORY for a while since quarantine started and I couldn’t hold shows or go to the studio. A long time had passed since I last recorded, so in a good way it felt like I was singing someone else’s songs. That was good for me, because it naturally set forth a new direction and brought out singing techniques in me that I had never used before. Still, I wondered what would happen if I made those kinds of songs with MY FIRST STORY, so I consulted with Nob and our engineer to see how it would turn out. I asked during the recording session, “How would it sound if I sing it like this?” Everyone thought it was unexpected but good when I tried it out, so we just decided to proceed in that direction. It’s this kind of approach that led to more versatile songs this time around. I’d like to believe they fit in with the current era where listeners look for all sorts of things in their music.

- The fact that you were able to present multiple facets in a single package proves that you produced something next-level. “Unexpected but good” is great, because the appeal of a song is more important than the direction it takes.

Hiro: I’m not so sure about that. Most of the songs on “V” were made by Nob, so they were kind of like “Nob’s vision + myself”. It wasn’t all me. I’m glad it all worked out in the end.

- You need a great deal of singing experience to be able to adopt that kind of approach, so I’m sure you sing a lot of different songs on a regular basis. Come to think of it, in the interview with your instrumentalists for the GiGS September 2020 issue, it was mentioned that you sing quite a few songs at karaoke after your live shows.

Hiro: I do (laughs). I find other people’s songs more fresh – or rather, more refreshing. Unlike MY FIRST STORY’s songs, I don’t get the chance to perform them very often so I can sing them pretty casually. I love it. That’s why I sing a ton of artists’ songs when I go to karaoke.

- About singing casually, you’re the type of person who likes to have fun while singing other artists’ songs and doesn’t always stick to his own style, right?

Hiro: Right. To put it another way, there’s a pattern to those who always choose to stick to their own style. I believe that each song has its own merits – ballads, for instance, have a certain charm to them. If you ignore that and sing every single song in the same way, those listening will eventually get bored. Of course, there are advantages to doing that as well, but there’s a part of me that wants to make the most out of things and try different forms of expression in my songs. That’s been in my mind for a while now, and I feel like I was able to expand my range even further with “V”.

- The variety of expressions and range of the songs are wider than ever and they’re really worth listening to.

Hiro: There’s this thing the members often tell me: “Whatever song it may be, it will be MY FIRST STORY as long as Hiro is the one singing”. Teru was the first person to tell me that. He said that around 2 to 3 years ago, and from then on, I stopped being so conscious of my own identity. That was the biggest thing that helped me expand my range.

- Truth be told, the entire album has a touch of Hiro’s personality, all the while showcasing its breadth. Now, if you had to pick a song from “V” that left a strong impression on you, what would it be?

Hiro: There’s really a ton of them this time. It’s like Nob had a theme for each song when we were working on “V”. There were songs that paid homage and some that had a subject matter. I didn’t really pay attention to it, but I was able to see that person’s point of view and the music he’s playing objectively, so I have a strong sense of trust in that. The songs on this album were all new and innovative, so as we got to the later songs, I got a little confused about how to sing them and that made recording pretty difficult. Nob and our engineer pulled it off really well, and I believe we ended up with great results. Among those songs, if I had to choose one that left a particularly strong impression… “Aikotoba” was probably the hardest one to make.

- Bringing something new to the table, “Aikotoba” is a song that has a guitar-rock lyricism to it that’s a bit different from the symphonic ballads you’ve done in the past.

Hiro: That’s true. This song needed to be sung with a nuance that hadn’t been there before. I listened to a lot of music under the so-called guitar-rock genre, and that was the best way for me to get rid of my own tendencies. At any rate, I had to be mindful of singing the song smoothly.

- There are many other notable songs as well. For example, I was strongly drawn to your voice in “moonlight” that seemed to transcend even gender.

Hiro: From the moment I heard the demo for “moonlight”, I knew I wanted to put it in the album. It had a lot in common with “mine” from the “Mukoku” single (2019.8.14) which I thought was a must-have in this album, so I had to make this song just as compelling. I enjoyed recording the song, and I had a great time writing the lyrics as well. I honestly thought that I would struggle with the lyrics, but everything went smoother than I expected, so I have to say that I had the most fun working on “moonlight”.

- We haven’t seen much of it in MY FIRST STORY’s discography so far, but it’s great that you’re able to enjoy songs like this now.

Hiro: I was a bit surprised myself that I was able to make “moonlight” so easily. I’m glad that I discovered a lot of things I wasn’t aware of during the recording of this album, and I’m sure this will continue on for MY FIRST STORY in the future.

#my first story #マイファス #Hiro #print #2020 #this was such a struggle to finish #not bc it was hard #but bc it was so boring to translate #this interview is old news compared to his roj feature #can't wait to start on the other members #sighs

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