#no council no god no one holding him to the standards of an angel

[8o8o8o8o8]

Words cannot describe what this is doing to me after all those 'ARCH#0000FF - Gabriel'

[nana-glass-chillhop-radio-hour]

pray that my feet don’t fail me now

here’s the thing, Faulkner realizes, much later, after the dust has settled and the wounds have scabbed over. The worst thing that ever could have happen to my faith was becoming a prophet.

well, maybe that wasn’t precisely true. The prophet gig wasn’t so bad. It was the Katabasian’s seat that really fucked him over.

it started with his homecoming - the triumphal entrance into the chapel in Paraclete’s Gulch, his victorious return  to the Parish, battered, bruised, and travel-worn, but with revelation dancing on his tongue and the Withertide burned into the back of his eyelids. It was the moment he’d been imagining since before he and Carpenter ever set foot in Bellwethers, before they even knew the Mark had been revealed at last. 

(even as a child, before the water-tower, before the Trawler-man called him to a life devoted to the service of his brackish river’s ways, Faulkner retreated into fantasies wherein he played the role of the leading man, the prophet, the hero, the messiah. the savior.

At the time, he hadn’t known the shape of his calling, or who exactly he’d been saving. It hadn’t been made known to him yet. At the time, it hadn’t been that important. 

All he’d needed to know was that the eyes of the people were upon him, their breath stolen from their lungs in anticipation of what he might reveal to them, and every tongue would cry out in glad hosannas when he had spoken.)

for one shining moment, there in the grotto of the Gulch, Faulkner was exactly who his god had been called to be. 

His troubles had begun the moment after that one, when Mason had bundled him into his office, shook him down for information, threatened him in one breath and bribed him with unthinkable luxuries in another.

Faulkner knew that he had always been a bit of an idealist, a zealot - maybe even a little puritanical at times - but he had never been naïve. He knew there was more to the Katabasians’ council than a the fellowship of the brethren of like-minded believers. He knew it meant playing politics, and projecting strength, and not being afraid to get your hands dirty. He never thought that believing in a god meant being credulous when it came to rising to power among his god’s servants. 

but he hadn’t known how easy it would be to fall into their degenerate and faithless ways. He hadn’t known how good it would feel to be heeded, catered to, appeased, appreciated. He hadn’t known how hard it would be to hold himself to a higher standard.

(I did hold myself to a higher standard, he found him telling Carpenter’s ghost when she dropped by his chambers after hours. She liked showing up when he was sick at heart — in the middle of a good cry, or chewing over a setback, or when he was coming out of a bender and surrounded by the detritus of ecstasy, both religious and material (an indulgence he allowed himself to blot out the guilt when it rose up in his throat late at night, sick and hot and thick). I’m not like the other Katabasians. I still do hold myself to a higher standard, I swear. I’m going to make a difference. I’m a prophet. A reformer. I have to be on the inside so that I can change things for better, reshape the church in the Trawler-man’s image. You just have to give me some credit, Carpenter. It doesn’t happen overnight. Give me some time. 

Carpenter’s ghost never speaks to him, when she deigns to appear to him in the witching hours. Nor does her appearance conform to what the Silt Verses teach about the river’s treasured dead. Those who rise from the garden below are meant to have been changed, flesh transformed to be like unto that of the Trawler-man’s angels, but Carpenter is a stubborn bastard, and she looks the same as she always had. Dressed in a blue-collar Peninsulan uniform of nondescript flannel and worn duck canvas, with her updelta features arranged in a flat scowl. She didn’t even have the courtesy to have turned ashen or something. Her face was the same brownclay sepia as always.

(it was the scowl that got on his nerves, the skepticism she had towards him that was never far off from contempt. It wasn’t something like there was something wrong with her face. Carpenter was perfectly capable of smiling pleasantly like a normal person, he’d noticed during their pilgrimage. She made normal expressions when she was talking to civilians, when they were in public, undercover. She just hadn’t bothered to wear the mask of polite society in front of him.)

he knows much better than to mention any of these apparitions in public, of course. He speaks her name with the reverence due to a martyr, and he murmurs ‘may she know rest in the garden below’ at appropriate intervals.

he’s drowning before he realizes he’s in way over his head. 

 after his trials and tribulations in the wilderness, he comes back to the Gulch with a clutch of loyalist disciples, young and hungry and rabid and ready to turn the church inside out at his word, and an auxiliary contingent of new converts, perhaps less schooled in the ways of the Parish’s teachings (though Faulkner has seen fit to teach them what he thinks they most need to know), unlearned, but eager, and numerous, and absolute in their allegiance to the prophet who had seen fit to missionize to them, to bring them the good news. They arrive at Katabasian Mason’s doorstep not as occupiers, exactly, but the message is clear enough to anyone: the tides have shifted, and it’s Faulkner’s tide that’s rising. 

 fool that Faulkner is, in this moment, he thinks he’s won.

Carpenter would have been on the lookout for something like this. He wanted to be the reformer, the prophet, the miracle-worker, the mouth that speaks. But it was Carpenter — it had always been Carpenter, who learned the arts of river crossings and church politics alike at her grandmother’s knee — who knew how to read the tides best, and listen. 

At their prayer meeting that evening, Katabasian Poole announces that a new scripture has been added to the Verses. A prophecy. It’s unorthodox, perhaps, but the council is convicted of its veracity, and wish to share this revelation with all the Children of the Water forthwith.

Faulkner is sure it will be his gospel, and he is more than half-right. 

The lector stands in front of the congregation and reads out his testimony, how he and the martyred Sister Carpenter bore witness to the miracle of the Withertide, and uncovered the Withermark, and how he brought it back to their people.

But it doesn’t end there. The lector drones on, and Faulkner realizes with mounting horror that these are no longer his words, the words he’d chosen so carefully, that had been revealed to him by their god. 

no. these words must have either been revealed by their god to somebody else — or, even worse, the Katabasians just made them up, and the Trawler-man was powerless to stop them from defiling his own holy script with their self-dealing.

the lector tells them that the Prophet Faulkner went out into the world, and made disciples of the wayward faiths, and when he was done, he returned in power and might, and sat among the brethren in their refuge. 

the lector tells them that though the Prophet’s heart had been afflicted and his mind had been clouded, as though by sand floating in thick water, the Trawler-man in his great mercy had stilled the waters of the Prophet’s soul, and allowed the knowledge of the Withermark to return to him. 

the lector tell the crowd that the Prophet Faulkner had realized that his soul was in need of purification, and so he turned his face away from the river, and walked alone into the desert, that he might learn true deliverance and repentance from the drylands, and take wisdom from the scarcity of the river’s wellspring, rather than its abundance.

the lector tells them that then, after a certain period of wandering, the Prophet Faulkner went to the council of the Katabasians, and, in private, gave the High Katabasian Mason the true marks of the Withertide, and once he had done this worthy deed, he rested, and walked with the Trawler-man, and then he walked no more, and the church was whole once more, and grew in power, majesty, and bounty. the lector tells them, ‘no creature nor child of the water shall know the day or hour that this prophecy shall come to pass, but it shall come to pass, and the river’s rise will see it accomplished. So it is written.’

the congregation intones, ‘so shall it be. Hosanna.’ 

Barely, just barely, Faulkner says it along with them. 

With weeping, and gnashing of teeth, Faulkner leaves the Gulch and sets out into the wilderness that very night. 

As he trudges all unwilling into the desert, the sound of the White Gull River winding through the canyon gets fainter, fainter, fainter, until it’s gone.

(ao3)

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." 43 [Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.] 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?" 49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!" 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man also was with him." 57 But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." 58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" 59 Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean." 60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!" At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64 they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" 65 They kept heaping many other insults on him. 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67 They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us." He replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I question you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70 All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say that I am." 71 Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!" — Luke 22:39-71 | New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved.

[dailybiblelessons]

Tuesday: Reflection on the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Hebrew Scripture from The Writings: Proverbs 3:5-12

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,  and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him,  and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes;  fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh  and a refreshment for your body.

Honor the Lord with your substance  and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty,  and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline  or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves the one he loves,  as a father the son in whom he delights.

Psalm 102:1-17

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me  in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me;  answer me speedily in the day when I call. For my days pass away like smoke,  and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is stricken and withered like grass;  I am too wasted to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning  my bones cling to my skin. I am like an owl of the wilderness,  like a little owl of the waste places. I lie awake;  I am like a lonely bird on the housetop. All day long my enemies taunt me;  those who deride me use my name for a curse. For I eat ashes like bread,  and mingle tears with my drink, because of your indignation and anger;  for you have lifted me up and thrown me aside. My days are like an evening shadow;  I wither away like grass.

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;  your name endures to all generations. You will rise up and have compassion on Zion,  for it is time to favor it;  the appointed time has come. For your servants hold its stones dear,  and have pity on its dust. The nations will fear the name of the Lord,  and all the kings of the earth your glory. For the Lord will build up Zion;  he will appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute,  and will not despise their prayer.

New Testament Lesson: Acts 7:44-56

[This is part of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin; the entire defense is in Acts 7:1-53.]

“Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands; as the prophet says,

‘Heaven is my throne,  and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,  or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’¹

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.” You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.”

¹Isaiah 66:1-2

Year A Easter 5 Tuesday

Selections are from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings copyright © 1995 by the Consultation on Common Texts. Unless otherwise indicated, Bible text is from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV) copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Image credit: Choir hanging, scenes from the life of St. Stephen Image by Wally Gobetz Paris - Latin Quarter: Musée national du Moyen Age - Tenture de chœur - Scènes de la légende de saint Etienne via Flickr. This image is licensed under Creative Commons 2.0-by-nc-nd.

[thecreaturecodex]

Great Old One, Kthanid

Modified version of Cthulhu © Borja Pindado, accessed at MonsterWiki here

[Commissioned by @justicegundam82. I fully expect to get some flak for this one. Kthanid is the creation of Brian Lumley, who wrote several books in the Titus Crow series in the 1970s. They’re pretty much self-insert fanfiction set in a pulp adventure version of the Cthulhu Mythos. Kthanid is one of his OCs, who is literally Cthulhu-but-good. Also, the protagonist gets married to Kthanid’s beautiful (humanoid) daughter, “Tiania the Girl Goddess”. As you can imagine, these books do not hold a high reputation among most Mythos fans.

If the idea of Cthulhu-but-good seems too much for you, feel free to reskin Kthanid to look less like an octopus man. Just reflavor the natural weapons and describe him as any eldritch angel you choose.]

Great Old One, Kthanid CR 28 CG Aberration This immense being is something like a humanoid octopus crossed with a dragon, with great membranous wings stretching from its back. Its eyes glow golden, and despite its immensity, it has a calm aspect.

Kthanid Elderscribe, The Golden God Concerns dreams, magical wards, safety Domains Chaos, Good, Protection, Rune Subdomains Defense, Purity, Redemption, Wards Worshippers dreamers, good-aligned aberrations, redeemed cultists Minions azatas, eclipse giants, Elder Things Holy Symbol the Elder Sign (a pentagram or branched tree) Favored Weapon sap

Kthanid, the Elderscribe, is that rarest of entities, a Great Old One allied with the forces of good. He refers to himself as the brother of Cthulhu—whether he means literally or in a metaphorical sense is unclear—and indeed does closely resemble that feared monster. Kthanid is a peaceful creature, however, and represents and sponsors the redemption of even the most irredeemable. The Golden God understands that the universe is destined to fall apart, but works to make that process a very slow and peaceful one. He seeks to protect the planes and planets from the influence of the Outer Gods, the Dominion of the Black and other cosmic entities that spread evil and horror. Unlike other Great Old Ones, Kthanid encourages his own worship through subtle signs and symbols, and may council repentant cultists in their dreams to turn towards the light and revoke their wicked masters.

Kthanid is a master of signs and symbol magic, and he is believed to have created the mystical Elder Sign. Non-magical representations of this occult glyph serve as his holy symbol, and the artifacts that bear its true power are seen as relics of his faith. Kthanid can create new Elder Sign artifacts, but doing so not only tires him, but alerts other Great Old Ones to his presence. Even rival cults of Old Ones and Outer Gods will work together to subvert Kthanid’s works, and so he tends to be a subtle ally in the fight against the Mythos. It is rumored that Cthulhu himself knows how to kill Kthanid permanently, and is planning an assassination of his benevolent doppelganger.

Kthanid dislikes combat, and hopes to avert it whenever possible with his supernaturally soothing presence. If forced to fight, he prefers to disable and debilitate enemies rather than kill them, turning to lethal means only as a last resort. Kthanid believes in rehabilitation, and will assist his foes in healing and recovery if they are suitably chastened—someone who betrays this trust repeatedly will be put down, in the hopes that their quintessence will find redemption through the natural cycles of the planes. Although Kthanid is immortal, reforming once his physical body is slain is a time consuming process, so he prefers to flee from a losing battle.

Kthanid                CR 28 XP 4,915,200 CG Colossal aberration (chaotic, good, Great Old One) Init +15; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +50, true seeing Aura unspeakable presence (300 ft., DC 37) Defense AC 46, touch 27, flat-footed 41 (-8 size, +5 Dex, +10 insight, +10 deflection, +19 natural) hp 682 (35d8+525); fast healing 30 Fort +26, Ref +26, Will +30 Defensive Abilities freedom of movement, immortality, insanity (DC 37), non-euclidean; DR 20/epic and lawful; Immune ability damage, ability drain, aging, cold, death effects, disease, energy drain, mind-affecting effects, paralysis, and petrification; Resist acid 30, electricity 30, fire 30, sonic 30; SR 39 Offense Speed 60 ft., swim 60 ft., fly 200 ft. (average) Melee 2 claws +38 (4d6+20/19-20 plus grab), 4 tentacles +38 (2d10+20 plus grab) Space 40 ft.; Reach 40 ft. Special Attacks constrict (3d6+20), Elder Sign, mythic power (10/day, surge 1d12), nonlethal mastery, warding dreams Spell-like Abilities CL 28th, concentration +38 Constant—freedom of movement, true seeing At will— banishment (DC 28), dream council, greater dispel magic, greater scrying (DC 27), greater teleport, sending (M) 3/day—forbiddance (DC 26), quickened heal (M), symbol of fear (DC 26), symbol of persuasion (DC 26), symbol of stunning (DC 27) 1/day—gate, empowered holy aura (DC 28), holy word (DC 27, M), mage’s disjunction (DC 29), symbol of vulnerability (DC 29) Statistics Str 50, Dex 21, Con 41, Int 31, Wis 36, Cha 30 Base Atk +26; CMB +54 (+56 trip, +58 disarm, grapple, sunder); CMD 81 (83 vs. disarm, sunder, trip) Feats Ability Focus (banishment), Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Craft Wondrous Item, Dodge,  Empower SLA (holy aura), Flyby Attack, Greater Disarm, Greater Sunder, Improved Critical (claws), Improved Disarm, Improved Sunder, Improved Trip, Mobility, Power Attack, Quicken SLA (heal), Stand Still, Step Up Skills Diplomacy +45, Fly +35, Knowledge (arcana) +48, Knowledge (dungeoneering, engineering, geography, history, nature, religion, planes) +45, Perception +50, Sense Motive +50, Spellcraft +48, Swim +66 Languages Aklo, Celestial, telepathy 300 ft. SQ compression, greater starflight, otherworldly insight Ecology Environment any Organization unique Treasure triple standard Special Abilities Elder Sign (Su) Kthanid can use any of his symbol spell-like abilities as a standard action with a range of Close by creating a short-lived, luminous sign in the air or on the ground. When it does so, the symbol effects creatures in its area as appropriate, and then disappears. In addition, Kthanid’s banishment spell-like ability can affect any creature associated with the Elder Mythos—if the creature is not extraplanar, it is banished back to its home on the Material Plane. Greater Starflight (Su) Kthanid can survive in the void of outer space, and flies through outer space at incredible speeds. Although the exact travel time will vary from one trip to the next, a trip within a solar system normally takes Kthanid 2d6 hours, and a trip beyond normally takes 2d6 days (or more, at the GM's discretion). Immortality (Ex) If Kthanid is killed, his body collapses into a viscous slime that briefly takes the shape of an Elder Sign before disappearing completely. All creatures within 100 feet of Kthanid must succeed a DC 37 Will save or be banished as per its Elder Sign ability (see above). Kthanid then slowly reforms on a random planet over the course of a century. Non-Euclidean (Ex) Kthanid does not exist wholly in the physical world, and space and time strain against his presence. This grants Kthanid a deflection bonus to AC and a racial bonus on Reflex saves equal to his Charisma modifier (+10). His apparent and actual position are never quite the same, granting him a 50% miss chance against all attacks. True seeing can defeat this miss chance, but any creature that looks upon Kthanid while under the effects of true seeing must succeed at a DC 37 Will save or be confused for 1 minute. The save DC is Charisma-based. Nonlethal Mastery (Ex) Kthanid can choose to deal nonlethal damage with his natural attacks without penalty. Tentacles (Ex) Kthanid’s tentacles are primary natural attacks. Unspeakable Presence (Su) Failing a DC 39 Will save against Kthanid’s unspeakable presence causes a creature to fall into a blissful, peaceful state, as per the euphoric tranquility spell, for as long as it remains in the area of effect. Warding Dreams (Su) Kthanid can use his dream council spell-like ability on any creature that has failed a saving throw against the supernatural or spell-like abilities or spells of an Elder Mythos entity. When it does so, it grants that creature a +2 sacred bonus on all saving throws and Armor Class against the attacks of Elder Mythos entities. This bonus lasts for 1 week, or until Kthanid chooses to revoke it as an immediate action.

[britishraptor]

Mahiru’s Bad Day

So...uh...I basically wrote a crack fic. But like, took it seriously? Crack taken seriously. Yes.

Fandom: Servamp

Characters: Ryusei, Koyuki, Mahiru, Kuro. Two sublcass OC’s I guess.

Summary: Mahiru has a bad day at school.

Warnings: slight OOC for Mahiru (cause he’s tired as hell), Memes.

Ever laughed so hard writing a fic you had to take a break so you could calm down enough to write a fic? Me.

Ryusei yawned, stretching his arms above his head as far as they could go. “Man, that lesson was the pits.” Grumbling under breath, he grabbed his booked and haphazardly shoved them into his background, before giving the room a cursory glance. Koyuki was packing up next to him, a mild smile and light tune bubbling from his lips as the other boy stood.

 “I swear, I don’t think I listening to half of that lesson!” Ryusei complained to his best friend.”It was so boring!”

 “I thought it was a little interesting,” Koyuki insisted hesitantly.

 “Interesting?! This is history! Those two words are like, the complete opposite of each other!” Ryusei replied dramatically, using a healthy dose of mock rage and arm waving for emphasis. Koyuki laughed lightly at his friend’s antics, before turning, eyes sweeping the room as the shorter student continued his complaints.

 “Do you think Mahiru will let me borrow his notes? He would, right? Mahiru is too nice for his own good, I swear.” Ryusei said suddenly.

 “Maybe that means you shouldn’t rely on his so much, then,” Koyuki teased. Ryusei pouted in response.

 “Where is Mahiru, anyway? Usually he meets up with us right away.”

 “Um…there. I think.” Koyuki pointed to an ominous figure sitting at a desk. Miasma seemed to saturate the air and nearby students seemed to subtly edge away. Brown ruffled hair was the only indication that the student had, at one point, been one Mahiru Shirota, as his face was thoroughly pressed up against the top of the desk.

 “Is he dead??!!!” Ryusei yelped. “Mahiru, Mahiru, stay with us! You can’t die! If you do, who’ll organise this year’s cultural festival?! Mahiru-sama!”

 The figure shifted sightly and a muffled string of words escaped where his face continued to press into the desk. The two took a step closer, ears straining.

 “What was that?” aske Koyuki politely.

 “I said,” Mahiru snapped, peeling himself from his desk, eyebrows twitching in rage. “Don’t call me that! And I’m not just a convenient excuse to slack off, ya know! Pull some weight!”

 “He’s alive!” Ryusei cheered. Koyuki however, frowned.

 “Mahiru,” he asked. “Are you okay?” Mahiru turned to look at his timid friend. Heavy bags hung beneath both eyes, and the twinkle of enthusiasm that normally dwelled there seemed dull. His skin was pale, and everything about him screamed ‘tired’! “You look a little unwell.” he tried.

 Mahiru’s left eye twitched.

 “I’m fine,” he sighed. “I’ve just had a lot on my plate lately.” He added.

 “You shouldn’t overexert yourself-” Koyuki began, before being interrupted by Ryusei.

“What could possibly wear out the great Mahiru-sama? You’re like, inexhaustible, a forever moving steam train of practicality!”

Mahiru stared at them, almost through them, actually, like he was looking beyond into the void itself.  

“Cats,” Mahiru said finally. “Cats and foxes and hedgehogs and stupid angels and mad scientists, and then my budget was  blown out the water because Kuro let the heater run all night, and now the athletics club needs new equipment so I have to do up a proposal for that, and the student council put me in charge of the bake sale, and I’m still behind the massive amount of schoolwork because THE SCHOOL BLEW UP and oh god its spring next week and I need to start cleaning, with the added stress of the fact that the whole apartment is just. Black cat fur everywhere, no one warned me about that and god-”

 “Woah, woah, woah, slow down. Your cat knows how to run the heater?”

 “MORE importantly,” Koyuki interjected, giving Ryusei a glare. “You sound ike you’re running yourself ragged, Mahiru. You’ve got to take care of yourself too. You’re our friend, remember? Don’t run yourself into the ground, and don’t forget,” he smiled encouragingly. “If you can’t ask your friends for help, what’s the point?”

 Mahiru stared at him for a moment before relaxing, and letting out a small, genuine smile. “Thanks, Koyuki. I needed that. But still,” he grumbled, pushing himself from behind his desk roughly. “If just one more thing goes wrong today, I,” he said venomously. “Will have a meltdown.”

  For the second time in a year, an explosion rocked the school. Ryusei let out a startled scream as plaster rained down from above, and his pen rolled off his desk.

 “What the hell?” he gasped. Never one to ignore his curiosity, he sprinted for the classroom door, ignoring the panicked call of his teacher, and flung it open. At the end of the hall, there was a hole in the wall. A big hole at that. And in that hole stood two people Ryusei could confidently say he had never met in his life.

One man was tall and spindly, wrapped in a thick gray cloak, with long greasy purple hair and glaring red eyes. The other was dressed in the standard denim jeans and green hoodie, with blonde hair and, again, red eyes. The first sneered at the faces of shocked students, while the other looked bored. Fangs flashed as one hissed and the other yawned.

 “Greetings!” the greasy haired one called. “Puny mortal high school students! Tremble before our might as your new vampire overlords!”

 “Oi, oi,” the blonde one scolded softly. “We’re stopping for a snack and to spread a little chaos. None of this ‘overlord’ crap. We can’t stay long anyway. Don’t want that brat’s friends to show up, after all.”

 “Ah, yes, the brat!” the other purred, eyes scanning the room. “The slavemaster of sleepiness, sloth’s servant’s master, the eve himself of the most unholy of sins-”

 “Would you shut up?!” the other snarled, hitting the other over the head. The dramatic act interrupted, the cloaked man whimpered.

 “What the hell,” whispered Ryusei. “What the actual hell. Did they say vampires? Are those teeth real?”

 “Oh, you have got to be kidding me.” The familiar voice had Ryusei whipping around in seconds. There stood Mahiru Shirota, tired eyes and white plaster lightly dusting his hair.

 “I,” he growled. “was in the middle of a math test. That I spent ALL NIGHT studying for.”

 “Mahiru,” Ryusei squeaked. That…was a very scary look on Mahiru’s face. Mahiru could lose his temper sometimes, but this was a whole ‘nother level. Oh yeah, someone was definitely going to die.

 “Um,” lost for words, Ryusei searched or a way to lighten the tension (it’s what he did best, after all). “I don’t suppose vampire hunting is one of your endless skills at all? Cause otherwise,” he joked, glancing back at the leering vampires. “I think you might want to sit this one out. Unless of course you’re planning on scolding them to death,” he added, laughing nervously.

 Mahiru was trembling. “One day. Just one day!” he muttered hysterically, slowly shuffling forward. A small meow drew both sets of eyes as Mahiru’s small black cat, appeared from nowhere, winding itself around the other students legs. And maybe Ryusei was going mad, because there was no other reason as to why there were vampires in the school and how that cat looked so concerned despite being, well, a cat.

 Mahiru suddenly smiled. Watching him go from enraged to smiling was quite literally the scariest thing Ryusei had ever seen. Including the vampires behind him and that car accident he’d supposedly been in.

 “You just stay right here, Kuro,” Mahiru chirped. “I’ll take care of it, don’t worry. This wont be hard. And I’ll just ask Lily to clean up after me, okay?”

 The cat looked vaguely horrified, if that was a thing. This cat, Ryusei decided, was very relatable.

 Mahiru began to stalk toward the two vampires, and, like a wave, the student body parted before him. Everyone knew Mahiru Shirota was the most responsible person around; of course they’d let him through. He’d know what to do. No one wanted to acknowledge the maniacal gleam in his eye.

 Soon enough, he stood before the two vampires. “Eh?” the blonde one blinked. “You’re that brat.” He noted.

 “Sorry,” Mahiru said lightly. The two blinked in confusion. “Normally, I’d much rather talk than fight. But,” saying this he pulled off the armband he always wore. “I am having a very bad day and that,” he said coldly. “Was a very important test.”

 A bright flash of blue light blinded the student body for a second. Ryusei quickly opened his eyes to see Mahiru, his best friend Mahiru holding a spear. A spear made of what looked like black electricity, of all things. And more importantly, the vampires? Looked. Terrified.

 Mahiru raised the spear, face blank but eyes dancing crazily, before he swung the swear like a baseball bat. The spear collided with the right vampire, pushing him into his partner with a grunt. Dust and wind exploded, and the two vampires screamed in terror, before they were rocketed backwards through the hole in the wall, launched almost faster than he could blink.

Adding to the surreal experience, some kid next to him laughed manically, and some thoughtful student in the back managed to shout ‘YEET!’ before the crowd began to disperse.

 Mahiru stood there silently for a moment, before tuning back to face the student body. A flash of light and the spear was gone, and a tattoo ringed the student’s wrist instead. Mahiru still looked tired, and somewhat strained. But the stiffness in his shoulders was gone, and no longer did the flames of wrath burn in his eyes. He made his way to Ryusei silently, before picking up his cat.

“That was fun,” he commented to the cat. “I’ll try not to do it again, and Sakaya and Tsubaki are going to be pissed, but it was fun.” The cat meowed. “I know it’s a pain. I can’t imagine trying to explain to Lily what happened. Ah well,” he sighed. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”

  Omake:

 “What did you just say?” Lily asked, bewildered.

 “Mahiru yote two vampires out a window at his school.”

 “Kuro, it wasn’t a window, it was a hole in the wall, which they caused-”

 “You yote them?”

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient book of Proverbs and book of Psalms

for September 16 of 2021 with Proverbs 16 and Psalm 16, accompanied by Psalm 89 for the 89th day of Astronomical Summer and Psalm 109 for day 259 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 16]

[Wisdom Exalts God]

Go ahead and make all the plans you want,

but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps.

We are all in love with our own opinions,

convinced they’re correct.

But the Lord is in the midst of us,

testing and probing our every motive.

Before you do anything,

put your trust totally in God and not in yourself.

Then every plan you make will succeed.

The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose.

Even the wicked are included in his plans—

he sets them aside for the day of disaster.

Yahweh detests all the proud of heart,

for pride attracts his punishment—

and you can count on that!

You can avoid evil through surrendered worship

and the fear of God,

for the power of his faithful love

removes sin’s guilt and grip over you.

When the Lord is pleased with the decisions you’ve made,

he activates grace to turn enemies into friends.

It is better to have little with a heart that loves justice

than to be rich and not have God on your side.

Within your heart you can make plans for your future,

but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.

[Living like a King]

A king speaks the revelation of truth,

so he must be extraordinarily careful in the decrees that he makes.

The Lord expects you to be fair in every business deal,

for he is the one who sets the standards for righteousness.

Kings and leaders despise wrongdoing,

for the true authority to rule and reign

is built on a foundation of righteousness.

Kings and leaders love to hear godly counsel,

and they love those who tell them the truth.

The anger of a king releases the messenger of death,

but a wise person will know how to pacify his wrath.

Life-giving light streams from the presence of a king,

and his favor is showered upon those who please him.

Everyone wants gold, but wisdom’s worth is far greater.

Silver is sought after,

but a heart of understanding yields a greater return.

Repenting from evil places you on the highway of holiness.

Protect purity and you protect your life.

Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure.

The higher you lift yourself up in pride,

the harder you’ll fall in disgrace.

It’s better to be meek and lowly and live among the poor

than to live high and mighty among the rich and famous.

One skilled in business discovers prosperity,

but the one who trusts in God is blessed beyond belief!

[Walking with Wisdom]

The one with a wise heart is called “discerning,”

and speaking sweetly to others

makes your teaching even more convincing.

Wisdom is a deep well of understanding

opened up within you as a fountain of life for others,

but it’s senseless to try to instruct a fool.

Winsome words pour from a heart of wisdom,

adding value to all you teach.

Nothing is more appealing

than speaking beautiful, life-giving words.

For they release sweetness to our souls

and inner healing to our spirits.

Before every person there is a path

that seems like the right one to take,

but it leads straight to hell!

Life motivation comes from the deep longings of the heart,

and the passion to see them fulfilled urges you onward.

A wicked scoundrel wants to dig up dirt on others,

only to spread slander and shred their reputation.

A twisted person spreads rumors;

a whispering gossip ruins good friendships.

A vicious criminal can be persuasive,

enticing others to join him as partners in crime,

but he leads them all down a despicable path.

It’s easy to tell when a wicked man

is hatching some crooked scheme—

it’s written all over his face.

His looks betray him as he gives birth to his sin.

Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor,

for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.

Do you want to be a mighty warrior?

It’s better to be known as one who is patient and slow to anger.

Do you want to conquer a city?

Rule over your temper before you attempt to rule a city.

We may toss the coin and roll the dice,

but God’s will is greater than luck.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 16 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 16]

The Golden Secret

A precious song, engraved in gold, by David

A prayer of David.

Protect me, God, for the only safety I know is found in the moments I seek You.

I told You, Eternal One, “You are my Lord,

for the only good I know in this world is found in You alone.”

The beauty of faith-filled people encompasses me.

They are true, and my heart is thrilled beyond measure.

All the while the despair of many,

who abandoned Your goodness for the empty promises of false gods, increases day by day.

I refuse to pour out blood offerings,

to utter their names from my lips.

You, Eternal One, are my sustenance and my life-giving cup.

In that cup, You hold my future and my eternal riches.

My home is surrounded in beauty;

You have gifted me with abundance and a rich legacy.

I will bless the Eternal, whose wise teaching orchestrates my days

and centers my mind at night.

He is ever present with me;

at all times He goes before me.

I will not live in fear or abandon my calling

because He stands at my right hand.

This is a good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy,

and my body is at rest.

Who could want for more?

You will not abandon me to experience death and the grave

or leave me to rot alone.

Instead, You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.

As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending,

and I know true joy and contentment.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 16 (The Voice)

[Psalm 89]

Will You Reject Us Forever?

Poems by Ethan the Ezrahite for instruction

[First Poem – God’s Promises to David]

This forever-song I sing of the gentle love of God!

Young and old alike will hear about

your faithful, steadfast love—never failing!

Here’s my chorus: “Your mercy grows through the ages.

Your faithfulness is firm, rising up to the skies.”

I heard the Lord say, “My covenant has been made,

and I’m committed forever to my chosen one, David.

I have made my oath that there will be sons of David forever,

sons that are kings through every generation.”

Pause in his presence

Can you hear it? Heaven is filled with your praises, O Lord!

All the holy ones are praising you for your miracles.

The sons of God are all praising you for your mighty wonders.

We could search the skies forever and never find one like you.

All the mighty angels could not be compared to you.

You are a God who is greatly to be feared

as you preside over the council of holy ones.

You are surrounded by trembling ones

who are overwhelmed with fear and dread,

stunned as they stand in awe of you!

So awesome are you, O Yahweh, Lord God of Angel Armies!

Where could we find anyone as glorious as you?

Your faithfulness shines all around you!

You rule over oceans and the swelling seas.

When their stormy waves rise, you speak, and they lie still.

You crushed the strongholds of Egypt,

and all your enemies were scattered

at the mighty display of your glory-power.

All the heavens and everything on earth belong to you,

for you are the Creator of all that is seen and unseen.

The four corners of the earth were put in place by you.

You made the majestic mountains

that are still shouting their praises to your name.

Breathtaking and awesome is your power!

Astounding and unbelievable

is your might and strength when it goes on display!

Your glorious throne rests on a foundation

of righteousness and just verdicts.

Grace and truth are the attendants who go before you.

O Lord, how blessed are the people

who know the triumphant shout,

for they walk in the radiance of your presence.

We can do nothing but leap for joy all day long,

for we know who you are and what you do,

and you’ve exalted us on high.

The glory of your splendor is our strength,

and your marvelous favor makes us even stronger,

lifting us even higher!

You are our King, the holiest one of all;

your wraparound presence is our protection.

[Second Poem – God Keeps His Promises]

You spoke to your prophets in visions, saying,

“I have found a mighty hero for my people.

I have chosen David as my loving servant and exalted him.

I have anointed him as king with the oil of my holiness.

I will be strength to him, and I will give him

my grace to sustain him no matter what comes.

None of his enemies will get the best of him,

nor will the wicked one overpower him.

For I will crush his every adversary

and do away with all who hate him.

Because I love him and treasure him,

my faithfulness will always protect him.

I will place my great favor upon him,

and I will cause his power and fame to increase.

I will set his hand over the sea

and his right hand over the rivers.

And he will come before me, saying,

‘You truly are my Father, my only God, and my strong deliverer!’

I am setting him apart, favoring him as my firstborn son.

I will make him the most high king in all the earth!

I will love him forever and always show him kindness.

My covenant with him will never be broken.

For I have decreed that he will always have an heir—

a dynasty that will release the days of heaven on earth.

But if his children turn from me and forsake my words,

refusing to walk in my truth, renouncing and violating my laws,

then I will surely punish them for their sins

with my stern discipline until they regret it.

But I will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives.

My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them.

How could I revoke my covenant of love that I promised David?

For I have given him my word, my holy, irrevocable word.

How could I lie to my loving servant David?

Sons of David will continue to reign on his throne,

and their kingdom will endure as long as the sun is in the sky.

This covenant will be an unbreakable promise that

I have established for all time.”

Pause in his presence

[Third Poem – Why Has Our King Been Defeated?]

Why have you rejected me, the one you anointed?

Why would you cast me away?

Why would you lose your temper with me?

You have torn up the contract you made with me, your servant.

You have stripped away my crown and thrown it to the ground.

You have torn down all my walls of defense

and have made my every hiding place into ruins.

All the passersby attack and rob me while my neighbors mock!

Instead of fighting for me, you take the side of my enemies,

even giving them strength to subdue me,

and then watched them celebrate their victory!

You are no longer helping me in battle.

You’ve forsaken me to the swords of those

who would strike me down.

You’ve made my regal splendor to decrease

and allowed my rule to be overthrown.

Because of you, I’ve become old before my time,

and I’m publicly disgraced!

Pause in his presence

[Fourth Poem – Save Us, God]

How long will you hide your love from me?

Have you left me for good?

How long will your anger continue to burn against me?

Remember, Lord, I am nothing but dust,

here today and so soon blown away.

Is this all you’ve created us for? For nothing but this?

Which one of us will live forever?

We are all mortal, terminal, for we will all one day die.

Which one of us would ever escape our appointment with death

and dodge our own funeral?

Pause in his presence

So God, where is all this love and kindness you promised us?

What happened to your covenant with David?

Have you forgotten how your own servants are being slandered?

Lord God, it seems like I’m carrying in my heart

all the pain and abuse of many people.

They have relentlessly insulted and persecuted us,

your anointed ones.

Nevertheless, blessed be our God forever and ever.

Amen! Faithful is our King!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 89 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 109]

For the worship leader. A song of David.

O True God of my every praise, do not keep silent!

My enemies have opened their wicked, deceit-filled mouths and blown their foul breath on me.

They have slandered me with their twisted tongues

And unleashed loathsome words that swirl around me.

Though I have done nothing, they attack me.

Though I offer them love and keep them in my prayers, they accuse me;

Though I treat them well, they answer me with evil;

though I give them love, they reply with a gesture of hatred.

Here’s what they say: Find some evil scoundrel to go after him.

Let’s get some accuser to level charges against him.

At his trial, let’s make sure he is found guilty

so that even his prayers become evidence that convicts him.

Let his days be few, his life cut short;

let another take over his position.

Lay waste to his family—

let his children become orphans and his wife a widow.

Let his children wander the streets—his legacy, homeless beggars

scavenging for food,

[driven out of] the rubble and slums where they live.

Let the bankers take what is his;

strangers help themselves to what little is left of all he’s earned.

Let there be no one around to offer him compassion,

nor anyone to give his fatherless children warmth or kindness.

Let his family line come to an end—

no future generations to carry on his name!

Let the sins of his fathers be remembered before the Eternal,

and the sins of his mother never be erased.

Let their offenses always be before the Eternal

so that the memory of this family is long forgotten by all the people of the earth,

Because it never occurred to him to show compassion;

instead, he oppressed the poor, afflicted,

and brokenhearted and sent them to their death.

He loved to invoke a curse—so let his curses come back to him.

He preferred not to speak a blessing—so let all blessings be far from him.

He wrapped himself with cursing, draped around him like a cape;

may it flood his body like water

and seep into his bones like oil.

Let those curses wrap around him like a cloak on a cold night,

like a belt tightly knotted around him every day.

Let the Eternal so reward my accusers,

all those who speak and plot evil against me.

But You, my Master, the Eternal,

treat me with kindness for the sake of Your name, the good of Your reputation;

because Your unfailing love is so good, O deliver me!

You see, I am poor and needy,

and my heart is broken inside me.

My life is fading away like a shadow that vanishes in the evening;

I am like a locust easily brushed off the shoulder.

I can barely stand; my knees are weak from not eating;

I am haggard and drawn, just skin and bones.

I have become a person of contempt to my accusers;

whenever they see me, they taunt me, shaking their heads in disapproval.

Help me, Eternal One my God; come to my rescue!

Save me through Your unfailing love.

Let everyone know that You are the source of my salvation

that You, Eternal One, have done this mighty work.

Let them utter a curse, if they will, but You will speak a blessing;

[when they come to attack,] let them know utter shame.

Then Your servant will celebrate and praise You!

Let my enemies be clothed with disgrace and humiliation;

let them be dressed in a robe of their own shame.

I will continually give thanks to the Eternal

with the praises of my mouth;

I will praise Him in the company of many.

For He always stands in support of the afflicted and needy

to rescue their souls from those who judge and condemn them.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 109 (The Voice)

[patriotsnet]

Why Do Republicans Deny Climate Change

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/why-do-republicans-deny-climate-change/

Why Do Republicans Deny Climate Change

Florida Could Be Underwater In A Few Decades Can Republicans Win The Battleground State If They Refuse To Heed Environmental Warnings

Why Do Republicans Deny Climate Change Science?

Molly OTooleKeith JohnsonForeign Policy

MIAMI Florida is waging a quixotic battle against climate change that becomes immediately and aggravatingly apparent when driving anywhere in Miami. Endless orange traffic cones, flashing detour signs, and car-swallowing pits clog the streets as the city tries to rebuild overloaded sewer systems and literally raise roads above the encroaching flood waters.

Sitting in his cramped, cluttered office at the University of Miami, geophysics professor Chris Harrison squints at a rising red line on his computer monitor. It shows sea levels in Key West, which have risen 2 mm per year on average in the last hundred years or so. No longer: Now theyre rising by 3 mm each year bad news for a place where the highest elevation is 345 feet. So is Miami eventually doomed to a watery death?

Well, yes, he said.

MIAMI Florida is waging a quixotic battle against climate change that becomes immediately and aggravatingly apparent when driving anywhere in Miami. Endless orange traffic cones, flashing detour signs, and car-swallowing pits clog the streets as the city tries to rebuild overloaded sewer systems and literally raise roads above the encroaching flood waters.

Well, yes, he said.

I dont have a plan to influence the weather, he dismissively answered a question about climate change at a town hall in New Hampshire.

People Who Have Changed Their Position

“I used to be a climate-change skeptic”, conservative columnist Max Boot admitted in 2018, one who believed that “the science was inconclusive” and that worry was “overblown”. Now, he says, referencing the Fourth National Climate Assessment, “the scientific consensus is so clear and convincing.”

Climate change doubter Bob Inglis, a former US representative for South Carolina, changed his mind after appeals from his son on his environmental positions, and after spending time with climate scientist Scott Heron studying coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef. Inglis lost his House race in 2010, and went on to found republicEn, a nonprofit promoting conservative voices and solutions on climate change.

Jerry Taylor promoted climate denialism for 20 years as former staff director for the energy and environment task force at the American Legislative Exchange Council and former vice president of the Cato Institute. Taylor began to change his mind after climate scientist James Hansen challenged him to reread some Senate testimony. He became President of the Niskanen Center in 2014, where he is involved in turning climate skeptics into climate activists, and making the business case for climate action.

Weather Channel senior meteorologist Stu Ostro expressed skepticism or cynicism about anthropogenic global warming for some years, but by 2010, he had become involved in explaining the connections between man-made climate change and extreme weather.”

Farmers And Climate Denial

Seeing positive economic results from efforts at climate-friendly agricultural practices, or becoming involved in intergenerational stewardship of a farm may play a role in turning farmers away from denial. One study of climate change denial among farmers in Australia found that farmers were less likely to take a position of climate denial if they had experienced improved production from climate-friendly practices, or identified a younger person as a successor for their farm.

In the United States, rural climate dialogues sponsored by the Sierra Club have helped neighbors overcome their fears of political polarization and exclusion, and come together to address shared concerns about climate impacts in their communities. Some participants who start out with attitudes of anthropogenic climate change denial have shifted to identifying concerns which they would like to see addressed by local officials.

Also Check: Democrats More Educated Than Republicans

Young Republicans See Shift In Gop: ‘from Outright Denial To Climate Caucus’

Twenty-four-year-old Republican Danielle Butcher is watching with anticipation as GOP leaders move from outright denial to now having a climate caucus a move she sees as the first step in integrating climate action into formal party policy.

Butcher, the executive vice president of the American Conservation Coalition , spoke to The Hills Equilibrium on Tuesday, just a week after Rep. John Curtis ;launched the Conservative Climate Caucus and the same day that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy

The partys progress is huge, when you apply the context, Butcher said.; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

This is an excellent first step, she continued. The first thing you have to do in achieving climate action is start talking about these problems.

To Butcher, integrating climate action into Republican politics speaks to her partys historic conservation core the GOP with a deep-seated, rural heritage, was responsible for creation of the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency under former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon.

I also see this as us reclaiming our heritage, she said.

But with two-thirds of Americans indicating that the government should do more on climate change a stance that Butcher observed is especially true among young people” she said Republicans need to be talking about these issues and involving the younger generation in the discussions.

The GOP has notoriously struggled with young people, she added.

% Of Scientists Agree That Humans Are Causing Global Warming Yet Belief In Climate Change Continues To Depend On Political Beliefs Above All Else

It is no secret that belief in climate change in America is strongly divided along party lines, a fact we were reminded of in last weeks Republican leadership debates. The relationship was assessed in an experiment by Dan Kahan published in Advances in Political Psychology earlier this year, which demonstrated that there exists an extremely bizarre paradox that is as mind bending as it is troubling. Believe it or not, the more Republicans know about science, the less likely they are to believe in climate change.;

The Ordinary Science Intelligence measure which runs across the bottom of the graphs above measures how likely someone is to answer tests of scientific knowledge and reasoning correctly. For example, someone with an average Ordinary Science Intelligence score has a 70% chance of giving the correct answer to the simple scientific question âelectrons are smaller than atoms â true or falseâ. Someone would have to be a full standard deviation below average to be more likely than not to get this question wrong.

As the graph above shows, a Democrat with an average level of scientific understanding has an 80% chance of believing in global warming, while the equivalent Republican has only a 20% chance. Astonishingly, this number falls even further as Republicansâ scientific literacy increases.

Follow Simon Oxenham on;,;,;,;RSS,;or join the;mailing list;to get each weekâs post straight to your inbox. Image Credit: ;FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty

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Neither I Nor Any Christian I Knew Really Worried About Things Like Pollution Global Warming Climate Change Or Any Of The Other Seemingly Apocalyptic Scenarios Put Forth By The Scientific Community I Thought I Had Insider Information About The End Of The World And It Had Nothing To Do With Climate Change

When it comes to Christian eschatology, there are numerous end-times scenarios embraced by evangelicals. The details may change but the main plot rarely does. In general, there are three main theories: Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and Amillennialism. The first posits that the end of time will bring a tribulation of suffering, that Jesus will return, and that Christians will be raptured, which is when Jesus takes the faithful back up to heaven with him. Within this theory are two types: pre-tribbers and post-tribbers. Pre-tribbers believe that true Christians will be raptured first and that seven years of hellish suffering brought by the Antichrist will follow, after which Jesus will return again to rule over the earth for the remainder of the Great Tribulation and give people one more chance to reject him before destroying the world. Post-tribbers contend that Christians wont be raptured until the tribulation ends and must evangelize during this time.

Postmillennialism holds that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will happen after a thousand years of relative peace on earth made possible by the practice of Christian ethics, at which time final judgment and the Rapture will occur and the world will end.

The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.

A Majority Of Republicans Say They Support Policies To Mitigate Climate Change

Percentage of Republicans in each congressional district who agree thatwe should regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant

National average:57%

A majority of Republicans in almost every congressional district support regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant, even when they dont believe those emissions are causing climate change.

That may seem like a paradox, but theres a long history of support among people of all partisan backgrounds for regulating pollution basic things like clean water and clean air, Professor Egan said. To the extent global warming is framed that way, it raises support for policy interventions more than the abstract concept of climate change.

Despite this majority support, Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, has worked to repeal Obama-era policies regulating power plant emissions. He has also raised questions over whether his agency should be regulating greenhouse gases at all.

Bob Inglis, a former Republican congressman from South Carolina who is working to get others in his party to accept climate change, said that Republicans are often willing to embrace solutions, even if they say they dont believe in climate change.

It doesnt help to point the finger at conservatives and ask, Do you believe? he said. By showing me a solution that fits with my values, Ive got a way to accept the existence of the problem.

Republican support for various policy proposals, nationwide

Support

Read Also: Do The Republicans Have The House

Yet Half Of Republicans Say That Climate Change Is Happening With Strongest Support On The Coasts And In Places Where Climate Effects Are Now Being Felt

Percentage of Republicans in each congressional district who say that global warming is happening

National average:50%

Climate views at the local level tend to reflect where liberal and moderate Republicans live compared to conservative Republicans,said Patrick J. Egan, a professor of politics and public policy at New York University. So its no surprise that Republicans in major cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and New York are most likely to say climate change is happening.

But, there are also tantalizing hints that geographic vulnerability to climate change may affect opinion, Professor Egan said.

For example, in south Florida, an area vulnerable to sea level rise and increased risk of extreme weather, an estimated 56 percent of Republicans agree that climate change is happening. A majority of Republicans in both Alaska and Hawaii say the same.

Nearly Nine In 10 Foresee Global Warming Effects Eventually Occurring

Why Climate Change Denial Still Exists In The U.S.

In addition to the 59% of Americans who believe the effects of global warming have already begun, another 10% predict they will start happening within a few years or in their own lifetime. A further 19% foresee the effects affecting future generations, bringing the total who believe global warming will eventually affect humans to 88%. Most Americans across all demographic groups expect this, including large majorities of Republicans and independents , and nearly all Democrats .

Still, there is variation across groups in the belief that the effects of global warming have already begun, a view that may be more relevant to the propensity for people to be politically active or factor it into their voting. Democrats , adults aged 18 to 34 , college graduates , non-White Americans and women are significantly more likely than their counterparts to say the effects have begun.

Already begun

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Figure 20 Proportion Of Each Group Who Believed The Worlds Temperature Will Probably Go Up Over The Next 100 Years

Future warming. Since 1997, majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents have believed that the earth will probably be warmer in a century if nothing is done to prevent it. In 2020, 94% of Democrats, 72% of Independents, and 56% of Republicans believe that warming will probably continue in the future. No notable growth has occurred in the partisan gap since 2011.

5°F warmer would be bad. Majorities of Democrats and of Independents have consistently believed that 5°F of global warming would be bad, but the proportion of Republicans expressing that belief has hovered around the midline, peaking at 59% in 1997 and dipping to its lowest points of 47% in 2010 and 2015. The partisan gap in 2020 is the biggest observed since 1997 at 34 percentage points.

A Case Of Legal Bribery

12 ;Chris Mooney, The Republican War on Science , 30-32.

13 ;Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Tru

14 ;Ibid., 169-215.

4;;;;;In the 1970s eager to protect its activities from regulations and above all its profit margins, corporate America began to challenge the growing influence of environmental organizations and other advocacy groups who had been instrumental in ushering in this golden age of environmental legislation.12 Corporate leaders drew their inspiration from the successful tactics of the tobacco industry to thwart any restrictions on their activities: Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway use the term tobacco strategy to explain how corporations set up or fund seemingly independent think tanks and hire experts and scientists in order to discredit scientific research and evidence likely to justify governmental regulations on their activities.13 Needlessly to say, this constitutes a complete perversion of the scientific process, as the goal results in the fact that no scientifically-based call for environmental or safety regulations go unanswered and doubt is cast on the consensus reached in peer-reviewed scientific research. The climate change denial movement is part and parcel of this larger corporate effort to hinder regulations.14

Read Also: How Many Registered Democrats And Republicans In Kentucky

On Why The Republican Party Has Become Opposed To Taking Action On Climate Change

Why has the Republican Party shifted? I have one answer for you: Money. They have been bought off by the fossil fuel industry. If its a congressman from Virginia, or Mitch McConnell from Kentucky where they have the coal or some of the oil and fracking interest theres a very clear correlation. Theres a reason there’s the phrase follow the money. Because if you do, you will see that the voting correlates with those major contributors to the Republican party, and most of them happen to be in the fossil fuel regions of our country.

Responding To Climate Denial

An Irish Times article notes that climate denial “is not simply overcome by reasoned argument”, because it is not a rational response. Attempting to overcome denial using techniques of persuasive argument, such as supplying a missing piece of information, or providing general scientific education may be ineffective. A person who is in denial about climate is most likely taking a position based on their feelings, especially their feelings about things they fear.

Lewandowsky has stated that “It is pretty clear that fear of the solutions drives much opposition to the science.”

It can be useful to respond to emotions, including with the statement “It can be painful to realise that our own lifestyles are responsible”, in order to help move “from denial to acceptance to constructive action.”

Recommended Reading: What Is The Lapel Pin The Republicans Are Wearing

Whats In The Pipeline

The annual carbon footprint from new oil and gas facilities in Texas and other Gulf states could be as high as 541 million tons of greenhouse gases by 2030the equivalent of 131 coal-fired power plants.

The industry was dramatically out of favor at the moment, in most every corner of the investing and political world, he said, and it needed urgently to adapt. At its most basic level, I think we can all agree that having less CO2 emissions in the atmosphere would be a good thingand as Houstons business leaders, we need to be committed to working to make that happen.;

For skeptics inclined to think the change in rhetoric was just a PR move, Staples for one was ready to oblige. Two days after his call with reporters, he went on the public radio show the Texas Standard to clean up his spill. It seemed as if he had intended to signal a change in messaging but was surprised by how seriously everyone had taken it. I think the term climate change has been hijacked. I think its been used to unfortunately introduce climate hysteria or climate confusion. I think the term is used in such a way to confuse the public that the sky is falling in, he said.;

Of course, theres something a little ridiculous about parsing statements from oil and gas trade groups at a time when Australia and the Amazon are burning. Theres a kind of recurrent amnesia that paints climate change as a perennially new problem, an issue that is just reaching critical mass of awareness.;

Emotional And Psychological Aspects

Florida State Senator Tom Lee has described the emotional impact and reactions of individuals to climate change. Lee says, “If these predictions do bear out,;that it’s just economically daunting. I mean, you have to be the Grim Reaper of reality in a world that isn’t real fond of the Grim Reaper. That’s why I use the term emotionally shut down, because I think you lose people at hello a lot of times in the Republican conversation over this.” Emotional reactions to climate change may include guilt, fear, anger, and apathy. Psychology Today, in an article titled “The Existential Dread of Climate Change, has suggested that “despair about our changing climate may get in the way of fixing it.” The American Psychological Association has urged psychologists and other social scientists to work on psychological barriers to taking action on climate change.

Recommended Reading: Can Republicans Vote In The New Hampshire Primary

[musikat18]

Light of Valhalla, Fire of Hel: Prologue (Skurge x Reader)

Pairing: Skurge/Reader

Warnings: Language, mentions of combat, meet-cute and other fluff, SLOW BURN

Summary: You’re the best friend of Thor and Sif, a high-born Asgardian lady with a penchant for running off into battle, enchanted halberd blazing. The battle of Vanaheim brings your secret close to being discovered, but when the goddess of death arrives in Asgard, you must examine how far you are willing to go to preserve both of your lives when her new assistant happens to be the one man outside the Royal Family who knows the truth about how you spend your time.

AN: Soooooo...I accidentally posted this, deleted it, finished it, and now here it is for real this time with a promise for more in the future, since I came up with an idea to flesh it out into a longer multipart story. That Would Be Enough’s next part will likely be up before Christmas, so keep an eye out for that, too!

Prologue: Day Breaks In Vanaheim

-- Next>

“I’ve got this completely under control!”

“Is that why everything’s on fire?”

“There’s a lot of reasons for that, Thor!”

The prince of Asgard did not quite understand what his warrior friend was referring to until he saw you storming the battlefield. He smiled and shook his head, not sure what else he expected as he watched you decapitate and dismantle monster after monster.

Your father was the head of Odin’s Council of Defense. Lovely and elegant, you had more than your fair share of suitors chasing after you-- Thor once remembered a time, long ago when he was a younger man, when his mother spoke of a possible betrothal to the distinguished daughter of Asgard’s finest strategist, kindly assuring him it would certainly work out.

Oh, how he had been sorely mistaken.

“I REFUSE, FATHER!!!”

He remembered hearing the shouting match from the other side of the door, and stepped closer upon hearing the clanging of some metal object on the wall.

“Prince Thor is the heir to the throne of Asgard!” he heard your father pleading. “There is scarcely a more worthy husband. If you marry the prince, you’ll-”

“I’ll be forced to live and die as a lady of the court, making no greater impact than the courtly gossip over my feast dresses, while you get to call yourself the Queenfather of Asgard!” you snapped. “Your intentions may be pure, but I will not marry anyone without having a say in it, and my say of Prince Thor is no! I cannot sit idly by as a courtly trophy, Father. I refuse to. I want to forge my own path.”

“Y/N-”

Your father’s voice quieted as he saw the door open to reveal the young prince.

Blond and blank as ever, you thought to yourself with some bitterness.

“Prince Thor...” your father bowed his head. “My daughter, Y/N, Lady of Light.”

Thor noticed how you made no motion to acknowledge him. Prideful, defiant you, wrapped in gold and white, stood firmly in place. 

“If she protests, I won’t ask for her hand,” Thor insisted. “Her calling lies...elsewhere, it seems.”

Your Y/E/C eyes widened only slightly at this. Thor seemed to notice this, offering you only a friendly smile and a nod of camaraderie; a bow of the head reserved only for the warriors of Asgard.

You smirked in your pride. Perhaps the prince wasn’t as blond and blank as you thought.

“ARE YOU DAFT, THOR?!” you yelled across the battlefield at the reminiscing prince, swinging your halberd around your body as it burned through your attackers and pulling back your hood to properly express your fury. “What happened to the God of Thunder?!”

“You do realize your father would have my head if he found out I let you come here,” he chuckled as you crossed the field to meet your closest companions. 

“Nobody lets me do anything,” you quipped. “Why do you think I stowed away?”

“I let you do plenty of things,” Sif offered.

“You know I’ve always beaten you fair and square,” you said, “because I am the only one who is able to think any sort of plan through.”

Thor and Sif were holding back laughter. You, in turn, did not hesitate to let loose your impending eye roll.

“We just need to get this mess cleared up in time for me to get home before the council dinner,” you pointed at the prince and the warrior before you ran off to the next cluster of creatures. Pulling your hood back up, you sprinted at a small band of warriors that all dispersed when you launched your weapon through the monster, save for a man with tattoos on his head and an ax in hand.

“Oy!” he yelled as you roughly grabbed his arm and pulled him aside. “I had that under control!” The creature behind him teetered, seeing as it was no longer operating with a heart or head, and moved to come crashing down. With a swift motion, you grabbed the man and rolled to the side with him, your hood falling out of place in the process. 

“And what, pray tell, was your grand plan for having that under control?” you asked. He let out a gasp as he recognized you and dropped to his knees.

“Lady Y/N...I didn’t...wait, what are you even doing here?” he stood again. “Shouldn’t you be back in Asgard having a fancy garden party or something?”

The look you shot him told him you weren’t amused.

“Say nothing,” you glowered, replaced your hood, and returned to battle.

You felt striking hazel eyes on your back, ignoring the stare as you went. You had more important things to worry about.

Skurge stood among the wreckage, watching you converse with the Prince of Asgard, arms crossed and stance defiant.

The day had been won, of course, but something was sticking in the man’s stomach. Even as the people of Vanaheim were reuniting, gathering their belongings that had survived the struggle, it wasn’t all sitting right with him.

“Hey,” he stopped one of his passing comrades. “What’s the deal with the masked soldier? The tiny one?”

“The wielder of Daybreaker?”

Skurge watched as his fellow warrior pointed along your back at the halberd strapped to it, gleaming gold and even giving off a rich shimmer in the sunlight. The ax-wielder nodded in confirmation.

“No one knows. Some say he’s the champion of the head of the Council of Defense. His identity is unknown, so that’s what we call him. Daybreaker.” The warrior chuckled, “A kindly name for so fierce a warrior.”

Skurge remembered the ferocity in your eyes. He was certain he was getting the right information.

“And you’re certain it’s a he.”

“The Valkyrior are long extinct, Skurge,” his companion said, “and Lady Sif is a rare case. Who else could Daybreaker possibly be?”

Out of the corner of Skurge’s eye, he noticed Thor gesturing his way. A dreadful sickness settled in the tall man’s stomach when he saw your frown set harder on your face.

“I pray for your soul, Skurge.”

Not even the words of his comrade could comfort him for what he knew was to come.

Many an Asgardian warrior would be up to the challenge if there was ever a conflict brewing, but Skurge felt his apprehension was justified by the very dangerous position he was in.

You were staring him down, fury burning through your eyelashes as you looked up at him. Even though your hood was down, it didn’t stop you from appearing intimidating. You were shorter than him, yes, but with toned arms set on defiant hips and legs planted like the roots of Yggdrasil, it would be hard for even the fiercest warrior to not be a little chastened.

“You understand I can’t allow you to tell anyone that I do this,” you insisted. “I can’t have my father finding out I steal his great ancestral weapon to run amok with the great warriors of Asgard.”

“’S not stealing if it’s your family’s.”

“I’ll have you know--” you paused as you processed his words. “Pardon?”

“I said what I said,” he shrugged. “Don’t believe me?”

“It’s not like this is a standard hobby for high-born ladies.”

“It’s easier to just let you do what you want and not say anything.”

You frowned at his words.

“So, that’s it then,” you said. “You’re not going to tell anyone because you’re more afraid of me for insulting a lady than you are of me for me.”

“D’you want me to be afraid of you? ‘Cause that’s not hard, either, angel.”

“I never said-”

“That’s basically what you said.”

“Well, it’s not what I meant!”

“I told you, I can be scared of you, if you’d like, m’lady,” he offered. “But I’m not gonna run around spilling your secret. Some people are into kinkier stuff than others, and that’s alright by me.”

“I’m not playing around! Do you think I’d be in battle if I just wanted to play at war?”

“You’re pretty. Pretty people get what they want more easily than others.”

His tone had gone from understanding to stony, and you set your jaw hard.

“If you think I’m just doing this because I’m a bored heiress, you’re sorely mistaken,” you snarled.

“All the more reason to believe you may as well be, angel,” he shot back.

Your hand clenched Daybreaker for a moment, but you thought better of yourself. It would be much harder to hide your activity if you were caught with the blood of a warrior on your father’s supposedly-retired weapon.

“Tell a soul, and I’ll give you reason to take me seriously.”

His eyes burned into your back again, but this time, you weren’t so sure it was something you were happy about.

Tagging: @boldlywritingtrek @skosmo @dirajunara @goodnightwife @waterbabybel @gladheonreads @annathewitch @atomicdna @aubinkey @space-helen @lauuerodz @goingknowherewastaken @bkwrm523 @eyeofdionysus @andfeelmyroarrrr @star-trekkin-across-theuniverse

(Let me know if it didn’t work for you b/c tumblr is weird about tagging people sometimes)

[thefaithlesstheologian]

The Council of Angels

Somewhere, deep in the primordial mists of time and space, an angel guides a weary soul along a mysterious path. As it followed Azrael, the spirit’s embrace of the cosmic mist forged uncertainty and fear in their being. No wind blew, no voices cried, indeed nothing but these two seemed to disturb the gaseous plane. Having been reduced from a body to little more than the spark of life the soul felt a keen vulnerability much like that of a freshly molted crustacean.

They began to doubt their guide and thought that they perhaps were false and indeed a kind of hallucination or Demon meant to tote them along a sisyphusian path. The hooded figure bore no face and carried them forth in impersonal silence refusing to answer any questions presented serving only the task at hand.

It was not until sometime into the vexing journey that the angel finally stayed his course and spoke:

“Now my dear friend, before I take you to our next destination I must ask you this:

Do you fear Judgement?”

The soul, embittered by Azrael’s former evasiveness and overwhelmed by such a sweeping and personal question, remained silent for a time, Death with his everlasting patience waited until the final moments when they answered in a feeble affirmative.

“I see, now, come this way.” Death said grimly.

There was a sudden flash of light, and at first, it seemed the angel of death had gone. Seven more beings had taken his place, surrounding the soul as small stars in a crescent.

The centermost, a star of pure white which flared with violent arches spoke in a thunderous voice:

“Here now sits this soul before us

Uncertain, unweighted

Let us calibrate the scales!”

Then, in turn, the stars began to speak. The first of which was Raphael who took the form of a golden sun not dissimilar from Earth’s:

“Once this soul knew faith,

Indeed in their youth

Their voices uttered prayer

Pleads for mercy and forgiveness.

Yet as youth faded

So did their resolve

And they rejected the name.”

Then spoke Raguel, a smoldering red ball of gas:

“In desecration they decried us!

Smote our god with contemptuous words!

Accused his laws of injustice!

Claimed in arrogance they knew better!”

He was followed by Gabriel a cool blue sphere:

“They took no value from life

Entranced by only taboos.

The shadows spoke to them

And this soul spoke back

Entreated their mysterious calls

Off of the narrow trail

To create their own.”

Ariel whose flame arced about him as mane growled:

“For a great while, they hid

The light had scorned them

Like the vampire, like the demon

It sought to smite them

To prey on them

Indeed they feared the very day.”

Cassiel, whose lights danced whimsically attested thus:

“Pain was your sovereign

Agony your unholy creed.

You found it and still you did not retreat

From shadow nor devil

As the cosmic clock

Trickled its way around to midnight

Further, you retreated from our sight

Charting lands forbidden

Connecting to them your road!”

Then Michael that silver star and the most critical of all:

“A path was laid out for man

So as to keep them from pain

Yet the soul appears to seek it

And at every pass ignored the voice

Of brother Gabriel and brother Azrael alike

Strayed deeper into the shadows

Where devils may lurk.”

The soul quivered under their might. Their judgments, their criticisms had all been heard before in another life. It suddenly felt as if they were in a nightmare, where some damnable echo chamber had formed to torment them for their iniquity. For a moment they wondered how angels could be so cruel when they were so full of grace. They wondered how the path, if so safe, is so easily strayed from. They wondered what devils might say!

Then, the last and wisest of all the council spoke:

“Now my brothers, stay your wicked tongues!

You speak with vitriol and grief for our child

Yet none of you know of hypocrisy!

You speak of their sin

As being pure iniquity

And yet you think little of consequence!”

It was the river-like voice Uriel, the bearer of all truths whose gnosis was sprung forth unto the council so as to fertilize their desolate and dreary manner of thought.

Michael then protested:

“They strayed that path,

that one route

And found shadows where the unknown lurks

They found pain on their own

And lost faith of their own.”

Michael’s callousness stirred Raphael and softened his heart:

“Now my brother, perhaps Truth is being fair

Never once did I look in the shadows

For this lost soul.

Never did I heal them in their abandonment!

I must ponder how many were abandoned

By my oversight my objectivity

How many damned wander

Where they do not deserve

When we so selfishly withhold our light?”

Raguel then intervened as a prosecutor:

“Laws are as such

And must be enforced.

Our rules were laid out for us

And no exception may be made

Not even by the almighty himself!”

Cassiel then returned and said:

“Now my rowdy brethren

Perhaps we have missed

Something vital here.

What is the manner of consequence?

Did this one not create, just as our Lord did?

Are we not a similar mold?

Do we forget how the spark of creation passes

from one unto the other?

They created joyous works

Of flesh and earthly materials

Did they not fulfill their duty?”

Raphael returned:

“Indeed, tortured as this soul may be

Wounded and crumpled

They cast not their pain unto others

No! Indeed they healed others

Comfort and solidarity,

They brought them to ease

Such as where I failed

They succeeded!

Pain turned to Empathy, the mastery of such!

It was only then that they did not suffer!”

Ariel then spoke:

“Indeed with strength and dignity

In the face of the tumultuous shadows

They carried forth, not prey to demons.”

Michael furious at this tumultuous argument:

“Yet was it not the same shadows

Which consumed brother Lucifer?

Is it not the mystery of shade

The mastery of pain

Which led him to cruelty

And cast him unto the pit?”

Uriel:

“Yet here they stand

Neither a devil nor demon’s soul in sight!

You must wonder if Lucifer fell of his own

Or if simply we thrust him below

What wonder could there have been

If our brother angel was treated as such?”

Michael:

“You speak blasphemy!

I will hear no more!

This has scorned us

To Hell, it goes forevermore!”

Raguel now moved by Michael’s indignation met him with his own:

“No dear brother! Your word is not the only!

Our brothers speak in turmoil

And so no decision may be made!

Due process is also law

And this discourse must yet be resolved!”

Uriel, pleased by this continued:

“You worry about faith

But what does that mean?

What is God but a name?

What are we but a brand?”

Raphael:

“Yes indeed, although no prayers were uttered

They carried our virtues.

They healed the sick.

Held firm and awarded upon them

That which they justly deserved,

Held true in their self

Their ideals

Their Kin.

How could we condemn one so righteous?”

Gabriel:

“Yes, yes! Now I see!

Brother Raguel I know your tender heart!

Surely you can see out of all of us

That there are those dance neither in light

Nor shadow!

For that is where you live!

That is where you work!

That is where this one followed!

They judged not the shadows from afar

But with their own senses!

And brother Michael, temperamental art thou!

Mercurial, don’t you see

That this soul is your kin?”

Uriel:

“Indeed I must say

I have had enough of this masquerade

We are not stars

Nor are we scions!

Brothers our nature our souls must reflect!”

It was then that the spirit of Uriel flashed and flickered. The star imploded casting its dust through the primordial lands in a red haze. Upon its clearing the angels no longer stood, Indeed there stood seven men each reflecting familiar character to the soul.

Michael most of all resembled them, almost mirror-like and in response spoke in lament:

“I see my brothers perhaps

I speak with shame

They treat us with such revelry! Such praise!

How can we ever bear that standard?”

Uriel now a wizened entity:

“We can as long as we continue this discourse!

In days of old, we taught the humans!

Now, perhaps we allow them to grant us insight!

We too are but men of God

And even then what is he?

Perhaps its because we know that

Infallibility is myth

and we forget

that is what exalts us!”

Azrael reappeared to the soul and in his wake his brothers vanished, returning to their kingdom to spread their new insights. The Angel of Death drew back his hood, revealing a kindly face of a man with a short grey beard and gentle hazel eyes. He reached his hands took hold of the spirit then spoke calmly:

“Now you see my friend, the question was not ‘Do you fear Judgement?’ But rather do you fear your own? You answered what you thought would be truthful, your one and only sin. For clearly you do not, for never did you waver in character, nor did your call upon the demons of Pride and Envy to thrust it upon others even in the direst throes of pain.

Come now weary friend, come! Your wisdom will be invaluable in the next life, just as it had been now. Come! We are proud to call you our kin!”

[zephyrthejester]

Let’s talk at length about NGE episode 15′s final minute

After Episode 15 of Neon Genesis Evangelion, everything changed. Everything! And the idea of moving straight on from it with such little fanfare didn't sit right with me. Not when nearly all my theories were tossed out the window, not when many past events got re-contextualized. Not when I've obtained some entirely new theories...! So today, in an effort to gather all my thoughts in one place so you readers are on the same page as I am as we move forward, I'm going to write an essay on the final minute of NGE's fifteenth episode... and also some other details I haven't talked about yet.

Ready for some words? Click "Keep Reading" to continue.

Part 1: Adam and...?

We need to talk about the big, white, seven-eyed elephant in the room first thing. Adam, the First Human. Adam, the First Angel. Adam, the Enemy. Crucified and skewered by the Lance of Longinus, as I've been informed, in the exact same manner that Christ himself suffered. So what is his deal?

My first thought here was that the Angel attacks on Tokyo-3 haven't been to destroy the city and Nerv HQ, but to rescue Adam and bring him home. Or maybe to trigger Third Impact... But then I remembered that there were multiple Angel attacks on the city well before Adam was delivered to it, which greatly complicates that theory. I've nothing to continue with concerning this matter, so I guess I'll have to move on to talking about his origin.

Misato identified Adam as being the cause of Second Impact. There was the briefest flash of the roof of a building being torn apart by the winds of the incoming explosion, which I remember from the flashback to Second Impact we had a few episodes ago. That's proof enough for me. It is very reasonable to assume that Adam is indeed the First Angel that was discovered and experimented on by a team of scientists, Misato's father among them. And as we'd recall, it was specifically human meddling that incited Second Impact.

But what happened to Adam immediately afterwards? When Kaji handed him off to Gendo, he was encased in an amber-like substance and in the form of a fetus. The fetus form, I'm guessing, being a default state that all Angels are born/created in before emerging from their Chrysalis and taking their true shape. Remember Clusthulhu's initial similarity to Adam? I can only assume that Adam reverted to fetus form and was flash frozen following Second Impact. I think that the folk at Nerv let Adam take his true shape, then crucified him.

And now Gendo wants to kill him. But is that all? Kill him with the Lance of Longinus, and no more Angels appear? Humanity is saved? Is he slowly dying after being stabbed with the Lance, or are further plans in store? Is the Lance even killing him, or doing something else entirely? Is this the Human Instrumentality Project? I guess time will have to tell. Right now, all I can do is speculate.

Moving on, I'd like to note that Adam is probably very, very special among Angels. He bleeds golden blood, for one thing. I know that the other Angels are identified as having "blue blood type," even though they bleed red. Weird. Furthermore, he is probably the progenitor of Humanity, if the humanoid growths on its lower half are any indication. They aren't moving, so maybe the Lance put a stop to that... Oh yeah! Remember how Angels share 99.89% matching DNA with humans? Now we know why! In a sense, is the being called “Adam” closer to “God?”

Finally, we need to talk about something really big. Like, really important. 'Cause man, there's still one Angel unaccounted for. The Second Angel. And you know it, man, you just know it... Where there's an Adam, there has to be an Eve.

And I speculate that "Eve" is none other than Evangelion Unit 01.

Why else would Gendo place extreme importance on the safety of Unit 01, even beyond the other two Evangelions? Why else would the intro of this show prominently depict Unit 01 sprouting golden wings that strongly resemble those that Adam sprouted during Second Impact? And you just know it'd be the juiciest drama for the show's main character to one day discover.

Following this theory, I'm going to have to assume that the other two Eva units are purely artificial. After the Simulation Bodies were shown to us, it seems likely. Or, just maybe, Eve was really flipping huge and all three Evas are made of her flesh, too.

Part 2: Gendo and Seele

I'm grateful to have been informed that the HIPC is really just Seele. Those other bigwigs at the council in the dark room? They're Seele. At least, that's what I've gathered. I get the sense that Gendo is sort of lone-wolfing it... Though the others speak down to him like they're his superiors, Gendo is self-assured because he holds all the cards. And that is true. Something tells me that if it came down to it, Gendo would be willing to totally screw over Seele just to do what he thinks is right. But for now, it seems they're all working towards fulfilling the Human Instrumentality Project. Though there's no telling if Gendo and Seele's vision of the HIP are identical.

One big mystery is what Gendo was doing in the Antarctic a few episode ago. It was well after Adam was delivered, so it couldn't have been related to that, right? For some reason, Gendo personally payed a visit to the site of Second Impact... But to do what, exactly? Why did he need to be there?

I'd also like to mention the strange long, thin object covered by a tarp in the Moby Dick episode. Looking back on it, that was probably the Lance of Longinus, yeah? That really confuses me. Is the Lance man-made, then? What's so special about it that it's apparently needed to kill Adam? Was it picked up from Germany along with Asuka and Kaji, or did it come from somewhere else? Still a lot of mysteries here.

Part 3: Rei and Shinji

It's pretty clear that Rei is indeed genetically engineered now. To pilot an Evangelion, certainly. To wield the Lance of Longinus and stab Adam, most probably. But what comes next for Rei? Does she have more business with Adam in the future? Why is it that she and Gendo are so close? Rei is definitely intentionally keeping secrets from Shinji, not that the boy asks any questions anyway.

If it comes down to it, I won't be surprised if Rei sides with Gendo over Shinji and Asuka if some sort of conflict arises.

Furthermore, the vat Rei was floating in was hooked up to a giant machine that looked a lot like the Magi. Did the Magi help create her, then? (Does that mean Rei is technically Ritsuko's sister?) And furthermore, what was Rei doing in that vat, anyway? Regenerating, or something? Undergoing further DNA modifications? It's really weird!

Part 4: Misato and Kaji

I haven't said this yet, but Misato is my favorite character on the show. I really admire her calculating, razor-sharp decisiveness during Angel attacks, and outside of those situations, she's truly the only person who shows Shinji any true kindness and warmth. I've only just realized it, but her conflicted feelings for her father really does make her like Shinji. The two are far more similar than I've given them credit for. And the thing is, because Misato sees so much of herself in Shinji, she can really offer just the right words of encouragement to help him out. She’s a great character.

Then there's Kaji. I didn't mention it at the time, but we learned who he's really working for: Japan's Ministry of Home Affairs. So he's working for just some standard-fare government thing? How boring. Still, I guess I should be grateful that the scale of wackiness doesn't go beyond Seele.

When it comes to Misato and Kaji's relationship, well... If Misato loves him, knowing full well the sort of man he is, I guess it's kinda okay? I just hope the nature of their jobs don't land them in deep trouble down the line. Things could really turn dangerous and nasty if stuff hit the fan, y'know?

Part 5: Asuka and Shinji

Let's end this on a happy note, shall we? I can't believe I'm only now realizing it, but Asuka is just a straight up tsundere. I've even noticed her many attempts at showing off for Shinji's benefit and her many gripes that Shinji isn't more interesting. Heck, there was even the synchronization training! But it's only now clicked...

So what prompted the kiss? I'd wager that spending a day out with some boy from school on an arranged blind date was what did it. She probably spent all that time thinking about a certain someone she'd much rather be with! Claiming to be bored, that she did it just for fun, is her way of making an excuse so she could back out of it and maintain her self-perceived dignity.

Shinji being a lonely, horny teenager who was already attracted to her, yeah, I'd guess that he'd be more than willing to pursue Asuka. He almost passed out holding his breath for the kiss, after all. If Asuka said "Shinji, we're dating now," I guarantee you he'd say "O-okay." Though I can imagine that the shipping wars in this fandom must have been... intense... during its heyday.

So yeah, guess that's all the thoughts in my head vomited out. Not sure how to end this, so... See you with more Evangelion tomorrow!

[awakeningofthedeath]

Awakening of the Death-Chapter #6

Few weeks later

“I sear to the Almighty one, Jack, if these informants don’t give us a strait answer...” Hellen’s face turned red with frustration as they’d walked out of one of the assassin informants headquarters to find the mentor missing in action. “...then someone is going to notice they’re missing something in the...”

“Does everything have to involve the threat of removing a man’s...” Jack couldn’t even pul himself to say the words, even in the privacy of their apartment.

Hellen turned her head to stare at him. “Of course I do. It’s my signiture afterall. How else did I bring evidence of my targets being executed?”

“By removing the blood of your enemy with a handkerchief, all assassins have...” 

“Well obviously I’m not like all the assassins. Out there. In the real west, you have no room for civilizations when you have to prove a point.”

As they walked, Jack noticed the mass of people coming and going of all cultures driving from the boats that were deceiving immigrants from Ellis Island. “Dare I ask, but where did you get the...inspiration to...”

Hellen gave a devious smile that made Jack feel that he was in for a surprise. “Believe it or not Jackass, I picked it up from a passage from the good book.”

Jack stopped and crossed his arms, and staring are her. Hellen turned and raised her hands. “It’s true! Believe it or not. When I was on my first mission at sixteen, I was walking through a wagon train circle when a circuit rider was telling a group of children a passage in the bible.  1 Samuel 18 I think. Can’t really say. But what caught my attention was that David was tasked by the King, Saul to kill 100 Philistines and bring their foreskins to him in order to marry his daughter. And David, being a bad ass killed 200 of them and brought all their...”

“Alright! Alright! I get the picture! You got inspired by a biblical figure to prove the assassin’s your completion.” Jack was starting to feel uneasy when Hellen gave such details of her inspiration. He was even shocked on how casual she was explaining all this to him as if it were tea time. 

“At first, from what I’ve been told, the council was shocked about this new method of mine. They tried to discourage me from continuing on the matter, but then they’d realized that they really couldn’t catch a renegade assassin out west.”

Jack and Hellen continued their way. Jack pondered all that Hellen told him and he asked, “So are you considered more of a traitor or renegade?”

“Neither” Hellen replied with no thought needed. “I think more of myself as, a maverick. One who is part of something, but yet has more freedom to follow their instinct. I just...follow by the creed, yet have my own doctrine and interpretation of it. Like a church denomination.” Hellen gave a dry laugh. “Hell I remember Collin telling me one time how a templar actually started a cult following long before I was born. Even the templars couldn’t risk having him influence their order with the hog wash of philosophy that he claimed was “a vision from God”. I say, this fellow must of drank too much communion wine and fell into that cave when he had to. Some claimed he did saw an angel. Or...” Hellen looked around and whispered in Jack’s ear. “Some say from what I’d overheard was there was a peace of dean involved, but was never found. But like I said, this man and his right hand man was probably mad as a hatter. Mad enough to have a huge religious war in Missouri and have a so called “Exodus” all the way to the desert with nothing but sand and salt.” 

Jack gave a small laugh.

Hellen raised an eyebrow at him. “What?”

“Nothing. Never knew a woman as ambitious as you can know so much knowledge.”

“So...you originally thought of me a simpleton?” Hellen asked with a raised voice. Before Jack could answer, Hellen kept on ranting. “Oh I understand now. Just because I’m a “wild savage” to the assassins and even in my hometown, dosn’t mean I can be smart at times. Well guess what Mr. came from a high class country we Americans loved gaining our freedom from, I’m...” Hellen gave an unexpected gasp. Her green eyes widened as they’d suddenly rolled back, and her body went limp. 

Jack quickly caught her before anyone in the square could witness what happened. With speed, he placed her arm around his shoulder and dragged Hellen to an ally. He laied her sitting upright against the brick wall, and lightly smakked her face, trying to wake her. He placed two finger on her neck, and detected a heartbeat. She was still alive, but it was rapid. He looked at the side of her left shoulder to see a dart implanted. He quickly removed it from her and shoved it into his coat pocket. He knew without a doubt that this dart was posionus. He needed to get help. He scopped Hellen’s body into his arms and carried her another way back to the informants, for he feared the templars had set a trap for them.

“Hold on Hellen. Just hold on.” Was all Jack could say.

Meanwhile upon the rooftop of a building across from where hey’ve been talking, an assassin hunter stood, watching his prey escape. But he didn’t persue them, for he knew that they weren’t of this regions assassins. But mostly, he couldn’t beleive that he not only shot the most wanted assassin by McGriffon’s standards; he just saw the most astonishing prey he had ever seen. “Cudgel” Cormac took a breath as he placed the air rifle of his proud liniage upon his back. “Don’t think this be the last we cross lass. I’ll find you, even if it takes me a lifetime. So enjoy your victory. It maybe your last escape, if the poison is merciful.”

Fortunately, Jack got to the hideout of Hellen’s New York gang, The Dark Horses, just in time to have the romainian herblist making a remedy for the posioned Hellen. She told Jack to keep “the boss lady” in bed and to be sure she drank water, even if he had to tilt her head at times. And with the help of two female members, Jack took her home, allowing the women to change Hellen into the closest thing she had to a night gown. A shirt way too big for Hellen’s shoulders. 

Jack would stay by Hellen’s bedside, making sure that she was comftorable and hydrated. He even took Hellen’s hand to check her pulse. The beats pounded against his ungloved hands. He couldn’t though stop holding it though, as if he would lose that beating heartbeat. He did however took the liberty to move a few strands of her hair away from her face. As he placed it behind her left ear, he traced the torn edges of then by accident, Hellen shifted and moaned; but didn’t wake her when Jack’s callused hands kept on feeling the details of this wound.

When Jack got up to release himself, he’d noticed upon Hellen’s dresser a bottle of Mexican voka that he had only recently seen at another time. 

Days Earlier

“I feel like a porcelain doll, out of place in this monstrous dress.” Hellen growled as she fitted herself in the dress that Hellen managed to find in the rubbish bin near a tailors shop. She looked down to see that the front was torn to bits. “Did a tiger used it as a toy?” Hellen took a pair of sheers and started cutting away the pieces, making the dress suitable, yet couldn’t save the length. Hellen shook her head, “At the Dusty Rose, the girls would be greener then a cucumber; but I’m obviously going to stick out terribly.”

Hellen looked down upon the letter again from an assassin resource.

Grand gala on tonight. Target: Marcus Brown will be attending. Try to blend in with formal attire.

C.A.

Hellen wasn't sure of who the author of the note was. Though she’d suspected that Collin Anderson was involved. 

Hellen looked down, embarrassed to see the only shoes that Hellen managed to snatch from the rubbish bin that were in surprise condition. A pair of dancing slippers in a golden satin with a small blood stain on the bottom right toe area.  Still, she couldn’t complain since her boots would be sticking out like a sore thumb in the gala.

Won’t be like the Queen of England, but it’ll have to do.  

“Not unless you wear this instead.” 

Hellen gave a squick in surprise as she realized that Jack was standing behind her. He was holding a folded up bundle of blue and gold in his hands with some ruffle sticking out from one edge. Without a word, she took the bundle, to which it also contained some armor and hidden weapons that even Hellen was surprised. When she came out, Hellen was admiring the beautiful site before her. The dress was everything that matched her style of grace and intimidation, one that she could count as great improvement.

Moments after her admiration, Hellen smiled and said, “We can’t keep Mr. Brown waiting. Let’s crash this hoe down.”

At the gala, Hellen had definitely stuck out like a sore thumb, but in the most unexpected of circumstances. The men of the gala would stop and stare upon the beauty walking across the room. A waiter had offered a tray containing a few glasses of champagne, to which Hellen didn’t waste time to except the offer. She gave the sweet drink a good gulp for courage. Damn it! Where is that jackass? Shouldn’t take him long to find a monkey suit and blend in!

An older gentleman that was about Hellen’s high with a bulging red face and black beard with a belly that showed that he’d never missed a meal in his lifetime. Hellen cursed as she realized that this was not only a fat bastard that stood in her way between her and Brown, but is going to attempt to impress her.

“Excuse me miss.” Hellen turned to see Jack coming in with the conversation with Hellen and Brown. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

The man’s brows expressed his annoyance within the space“I’m afraid the lady and I were just...”

“Of course. Yes dear sir, I’ll dance with you Mr...”

“Patterson. Jack Patterson.” He took her hand and gave a kiss on the top upon a white scar near her index finger. Hellen took a good look at Jack, for he was wearing a red suit uniform that looked as if he had been

“Sarah O’Brien.” Hellen gave her alias name.

As Jack escorted her, she whispered. “Why using my family name Jack? You could get killed using it.”

“Not nessissary. They are looking for a Hellen Patterson, and a man with no name. So I took your name to save us both.”

Hellen’s eyes had a look of panic as she realized something she’d failed to mention to Jack.

“Wait, Jack! I...I don’t know how to waltz!” Hellen whispered.

“Your telling me this now?” Jack replied in a harsh whisper. He’d shook his head. “No matter, just don’t say a word and let me lead you.”

Hellen blushed slightly as he placed a hand on her waist, and another covering her small hand. She’s placed to see if the other women had some other detail for a dance, and Hellen noticed and reciprocated placing her free hand on Jack’s shoulder. 

The music then began to play, Hellen felt herself being lead by Jack as they waltzed along the marble floor, like a horse legged into a certain position or lead. She did tripped over her feet a few time, but Jack would sweep her up quick enough for them to give the illusion of a move of the waltz.

“Where the hell did you learned to dance?” She asked Jack, looking into the mysterious blue eyes.

“I never learned.” He admitted. “But I’ve been to many missions where I’ve seen waltz. From present dance lessons to the queen’s ball.”

Hellen gave him a hard stare. “Seriously?”

Jack never responded back, but kept on leading Hellen into the waltz. Despite her being the most, “savage looking” among all the fine ladies of New York, Hellen felt strangely confident and beautiful in this gold and navy blue dress that she was wearing. Despite the face she was wearing leather gloves and hidden blades upon her arms. And for moments, Hellen and Jack were dancing to a smooth cadence to the slow waltz. As planned, Hellen touched Jack’s face to show the crowd the Cinderella touch to it. But for a moment, she felt that it wasn’t true. What is real? And what is pretend?

“Hellen.” Jack said softly.

“Yes?”

Jack leaned in closer to Hellen’s face. Her cheeks blushing red as she could feel his breath.

“Brown just took a maid out of the ballroom.”

Hellen opened her eyes as the waltz ended, applause echoed in the ballroom. She nodded and whispered, “Let’s see if he’s after fine Russian vodka shall we?” As Hellen gave a clumsy curtsey and Jack a bow. 

 Jack and Hellen managed to catch Brown going into the winery storage where he’d made affairs with a servant girl. Jack and Hellen surrounded him, and as she interrogated him about McGriffin’s plans, Jack found documents of recent reports from an Indian School. 

As he died, Hellen was prepared to remove the jewels of Brown’s manhood when Jack stopped her and placed a white handkerchief in her hand. “People would suspect it was you due to your...signature.”  Jack insisted, though his tone felt uncomfteble  when mentioning Hellen’s signature.

Rolling her eyes, Hellen slipped the blood from Brown’s shoulder and placed it into Jack’s hands. “Happy now Jackass?” She remarked sarcastically. As the both left, Hellen looked at the clear bottle and cursed. “Liars! This is Mexican! Oh well. Better now then never, they do take their sweet time making this high quality.”

“What the...” Hellen sat up from her bed. Looking around, she was no longer in the bedroom, but in her small bedroom. “Ah! It was only a dream.” Hellen rubbed her eyes.

Hellen looked at the note that the assistant left her seven days before, and noticed the blood stained handkerchief that she’d brought as proof of Brown’s assassination. 

Rubbing her eyes, she laid back down. How ridiculous that dream was. I gotta stop drinking this whiskey before bed. I will admit though. Hellen gave a small smile. It was a damn magical moment for an intoxicated dream. Best I had...ever really. Wondered if he���d ever danced. Nah. I know most of that happened. Before Hellen could repulse herself for asking that question, she’d realized, last time she was awake, she was defending herself from Jack’s suppose judgment. It wasn’t until she felt something sharp implanted her neck and it all went black. Holy mother of Moses! I was poisoned! But by who? How? Ah! My body feels like it been through hell in a hand basket. But, how did I get here? Unless...

Hellen turned to see Jack in a chair fast asleep, his arms crossed and using a rolled up blanket as a pillow for his head against the wall at the corner. He looked to be in high alert, even if his breathing showed he was asleep.

“Well damn, I should of known better.” She expressed this to herself out loud. 

 She slowly hoisted herself out of bed, grabbed a spare blanket and placed it upon Jack’s body. But before she went back to bed, she took the bottle of vodka from her dresser, poured a shot and raised it towards her sleeping savior. 

“To a successful mission.”

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The 144,000 of Israel Sealed

1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand sealed, out of every tribe of the sons of Israel, 5 twelve thousand sealed out of the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand of the tribe of Gad, 6 twelve thousand of the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand of the tribe of Naph′tali, twelve thousand of the tribe of Manas′seh, 7 twelve thousand of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand of the tribe of Is′sachar, 8 twelve thousand of the tribe of Zeb′ulun, twelve thousand of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand sealed out of the tribe of Benjamin.

The Multitude from Every Nation

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels stood round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.”

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God,    and serve him day and night within his temple;    and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;    the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,    and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” — Revelation 7:1-17 | Revised Standard Version (RSV) Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved.

[dailybiblelessons]

The Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Complementary Hebrew Scripture from the Latter Prophets: Isaiah 35:4-7a

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,  “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.  He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense.  He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,  and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer,  and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.¹ For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,  and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool,  and the thirsty ground springs of water.

¹Jesus quotes these words in response to the messengers who come from John the Baptist to ask whether he is the one who is to come. Jesus' speech is in Matthew 11:2-6 and Luke 7:18-23.

Semi-continuous Hebrew Scripture from the Writings: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,  and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor have this in common:  the Lord is the maker of them all. Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,  and the rod of anger will fail. Those who are generous are blessed,  for they share their bread with the poor. Do not rob the poor because they are poor,  or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord pleads their cause  and despoils of life those who despoil them.

Complementary Psalm 146

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live;  I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes,  in mortals, in whom there is no help. When their breath departs, they return to the earth;  on that very day their plans perish.

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,  whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth,  the sea, and all that is in them;¹ who keeps faith forever;  who executes justice for the oppressed;  who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;  the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;  the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers;  he upholds the orphan and the widow,  but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,  your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord!

¹This passage is found at least three times in the Christian Scriptures. In Acts 4:24 it is part of a prayer in which believers pray for boldness. The prayer is at Acts 4:23-31. Later in Acts (14:15), Paul uses the phrase in responding to the crowds in Lystra, who want to offer sacrifices to him and Barnabas. His speech is at Acts 14:8-18. Finally, in Revelation 10:6, it is part of a speech by an angel holding a small scroll. The speech is at Revelation 10:1-7.

Semi-continuous Psalm 125

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,  which cannot be moved,  but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem,  so the Lord surrounds his people,  from this time on and forevermore. For the scepter of wickedness  shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous,  so that the righteous might not stretch out their hands to do wrong. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,  and to those who are upright in their hearts. But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways  the Lord will lead away with evildoers. Peace be upon Israel!

New Testament Epistle Lesson: James 2:1-17

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”¹ But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,²” also said, “You shall not murder.”³ Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

¹Leviticus 19:18   ²Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18   ³Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17

New Testament Gospel Lesson: Mark 7:24-37

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.¹

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

¹There is a parallel passage at Matthew 15:21-28, which was the Saturday Gospel reading.

Year B Ordinary 23 Sunday

Selections from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 1995 by the Consultation on Common Texts. Unless otherwise indicated, Bible text is from The New Revised Standard Version, (NRSV) copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All right reserved. Footnotes in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that show where the passage is used in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) from Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) by David H. Stern, Copyright © 1998 and 2006 by David H. Stern, used by permission of Messianic Jewish Publishers, www.messianicjewish.net. All rights reserved worldwide. When text is taken from the CJB, the passage ends with (CJB) and the foregoing copyright notice applies. Parallel passages are as indicated in The Holy Bible Modern English Version (MEV), copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved. When text is taken from the MEV, the passage ends with (MEV) and the foregoing copyright notice applies. Footnotes in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) that show where a passage from the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) is used are from The Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®), copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. When text is taken from the NIV, the passage ends with (NIV) and the foregoing copyright notice applies. Image Credit: Michael Gilbertson for The Lectionary Company.

[dailyaudiobible]

03/14/2019 DAB Transcript

Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:26-56, Psalms 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11

Today is the 14th day of March. Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I'm Brian. It is great to be here with you. It is great to have this opportunity to take the next step forward and that next step forward will take us back out into the wilderness in the book of Numbers. And then of course, yesterday we began the third gospel, the gospel of Luke and we left off learning about John the Baptist and we'll pick up that story when we get there, but first from the English Standard Version this week, Numbers chapter 21 verse 1 through 22 verse 20 today.

Commentary:

Okay. So, in the book of Numbers the children of Israel asked a couple of other nations if they could just stay on the main road and go through. Like, they needed to get somewhere else. Could they just pass through? And they were denied. And so king Sihon of the Amorites and king Og of Bushon they attacked and the Israelites defeated them, which gave them a little bit of land that they could at least temporarily kind of sojourn in but these victories unsettled the power distribution of the region. And, so, that caused a lot of anxiety in king Balak of Moab. Now, the land of Moab is just on the other side of the Dead Sea. So, directly to the east of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a high point. And, so, the land slopes down from Jerusalem, all the way down to the lowest point on the earth, the Dead Sea and then out on the other side of the Dead Sea is modern day Jordan, which is ancient Moab. So king Balak sent for a man named Balaam to curse God's people for him because he's freaked out about these people. And at first God told Balaam not to go but then Balak, the king, sent a more distinguished entourage and God told Balaam to return with them, but to only speak what he was told to say. And we will watch how that unfolds in the coming days.

And then here the gospel of Luke, we have probably the most developed narrative of the birth story of Jesus. And, so, we have the angel Gabriel visiting Mary, Mary going to visit her relative Elizabeth, Mary breaks out into worship, “my soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold from now on all generations will call me blessed, for He who His mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name.” Of course, her outburst of worship is now known as the Magnificat.

Then in our reading from Proverbs we’re confronted again. And we’ll be confronted, actually, again and again and again about this topic, the way that we use our words. Our words can destroy our friendships, they can destroy our relationships, and we probably already know this, but according to the Scriptures using our words this way is “godless behavior” - a sobering thought that should have us catching ourselves today before we speak what we can't un-say, In fact, we’re counseled that wicked speech can even tear whole communities apart and we may have even seen that happening around us. What we say, what we say today, actually matters. Like, our relationships could undergo a complete transformation if we would submit our tongues to the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than using them as weapons in relationship wars that can't be won. If we’ll heed the council of the Proverbs then we will be the ones who reap the benefits.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for your word and we thank You for the different nuances and the different places that it takes us today - personal places, places of worship and reflection of your coming for us in the story of your birth, and the drama brewing in the desert in the book of Numbers. Come Holy Spirit plant the words that we've read today or heard today deep in our souls. May they be fertile soil for the fruit of the Spirit to grow within us. Come Holy Spirit we pray. In the mighty name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

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We’ve also been mentioning the More Gathering for women that will take place April 11th through the 14th, which is…I mean…today's the 14th of March… so one month from today will be the final day of the More Gathering. So, it’s coming right up. You can get all the details for that at moregathering.com and we’re looking forward to seeing you there, a grand celebration of an era for the More Gathering this time this year. So, check it all out moregathering.com or go to the Initiatives section at dailyaudiobible.com.

And now the jetlag has abated and kinda back to normal again. I think back to all of the things we did in Israel just less than a month ago, all of the things that we saw, some of these areas that we’re wandering through the book of Numbers are places that we wandered through. So, I'll remind us all that the intention is to go back in 2020 and registration for that pilgrimage to the land of the Bible is open and you get all the details at dailyaudiobible.com in the Initiatives section. You’ll find Israel 2020 there. Everything that you would want to know is there.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, you can do that at dailyaudiobible.com. There is a link that lives on the homepage. If Daily Audio Bible and what we mean to each other is bringing light and good news and life into your world, then thank you for your partnership. So, there's a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or, if you prefer, the mailing address is PO Box 19 6 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And as always, if you have a prayer request or comment 877-942-4253 is the number to dial.

And that's it for today. I'm Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi, this is Shandi from Amarillo. I’m just calling for a praise report. I called in August 2018 about finding my son that I placed through adoption in 1962. Well, we have had our first face to face the end of February 2019 and I want to praise God and I want to thank all of you for your prayer. It was as though we had never been separated. I’ve listened to the Daily Audio Bible daily now for about three years and I pray for you and I pray that Brian and family and all team members that help keep the global campfire burning. They help me. And I also pray for everybody…all my family around the campfire I pray for your health and __ fear __ addictions __ I pray with you as you call. I thank you so much. You don’t know how much you all mean to me. Bye.

Hello, this is Christine with the Bumpy Dog. I was calling in for prayer request. Protected by His Wings called with a beautiful prayer for me, Psalm 91, and I really appreciate that. I’m fighting leukemia and have been since the beginning of October and it is now the middle of March. I now have ostensive transplants set up for April the 17th and I’m struggling now in this time in between. I find myself in a place of just hopelessness and waiting and just losing my grip on my faith. I know He is still there, but each day is just going on endlessly as I wait. I’m not allowed to go out because of too many germs out there and I’m really subject since my white cell count I need to stay away from germs especially in this flu season. So, if you could please pray for me to get a renewed vigor for Him and to find some purpose in this time of waiting I would really appreciate it. Thank you all for all of those who pray.

Hi, this is Holly from California. I started listening to Daily Audio Bible about a year ago and I just want to say thank you so much Brian for what you do and for everybody that calls in, you are so incredibly encouraging, and you feel like family. Anyways, so, I have a young son, his name is Gideon, and I’m a single mother but I have been undeniably called to the mission field since I was three and I am desperately trying to push into that because I know it’s what God has for my life. There are many ways where I feel like He’s about to make it possible, but I don’t want to speak for God and I don’t want to…I don’t want to go anywhere without Him. I want to move a single step without Him. So, family if you could just surround me in prayer, please, that God would make it abundantly clear what I’m supposed to do and if the things I am leaning towards are the right decisions and that I just would walk in step with Him. I’m praying for you all. I listen to all your prayer requests. You are incredible warriors and I love you all so much. Bye.

Hello Daily Audio Bible family, this is Dr. John from Southern Illinois. First, I want to say thank you to Brian and Jill and this community. I still am overwhelmed sometimes at the love and the grace that this family extends to everyone, everyone that calls, whether their need is minor or major or overwhelming. The love and the grace that’s given out is completely different, something new, it’s something the world hasn’t seen until now. And I just want to say thank you to this family because this is what I look forward to every day. This is how I start my day, and this is what gets me through the day. I was listening this morning and I heard the call from Natalie, that she has a prodigal son and I just want to assure her that God is listening, we are listening, and to hold out hope, to stand fast because there’s a reason why that story was in the Bible, there’s a reason it was given so plainly by Christ. It teaches us to wait until he is sent back and that your son will return. I have a son by the name of Jason who I haven’t seen in years and I feel the same thing, I’m holding out hope and believing that God will repair this wound. I would ask you too, if you would, would you remember my family and my wife whose been struggling with breast cancer. Thank God she’s doing well, but her whole family has cancer. This whole area in southern Illinois, it seems like there’s a great deal, an overwhelming amount of cancer in this community. And I would ask the DAB family if they would lift us up and believe God for change, believe God for healing. I thank you all again I…

My name is Mary and my husband committed infidelity against my marriage and right now I want prayer for Lord to give me a clear path as to what steps I need to take. We’re living separately but we do communicate together. This is hard on us, hard on the children, and I just want something clear. This is greatly painful and hurtful and very confusing for all of us and I just ask for those prayers that you can pray for me and my family for our marriage. I’ve forgiven my husband. My husband doesn’t want to tell me the truth he continues to deny it, but he did say he wants to start over, but I’m still not trusting in him. So, if the Lord can…please pray for me…that the Lord give me direct…direct my steps as to what next. Thank you so much. I appreciate your prayers. Good day.

[theajaheira]

missing (6/6)

“do you know why we might be connected in this way?”

“maybe it’s one of those yearning-for-each-other-across-time-and-space things,” said jenny. “very doctor who.”

this chapter: jenny makes her choice.

It felt surreal and strange to be back. Almost dreamlike. This Buffy didn’t have the same hard, angry edges as the Buffy Jenny knew, and she smiled a little sadly when Jenny came into the library. “You guys getting started with trying to fix the portal?” she asked.

“We’re—spending the day together,” said Rupert, hand resting on Jenny’s shoulder. “We’ll resume researching tonight.”

Buffy hesitated, then said, “Ms. Calendar, if this doesn’t work out, I hope you know that there’s always a place for you here. With us.”

Jenny thought about all the times she’d taken the easy way out. Kept her mouth shut about Angelus. Waited for everything to fix itself. Staying here, acting like there was no way to fix what had happened, letting herself be happy no matter what the eventual cost would be for the people she loved—that never ended well. Not for anyone. “I know,” she said. “But there’s a place that needs me, and I need to be there if they’ll have me.”

There was a new kind of respect in Buffy’s eyes. “Wow,” she said finally.

“I think she kind of expected you to give in and stay after you finally slept with Giles,” Xander added helpfully from the table.

“Xander!” said Buffy reprovingly.

“So you’re telling me that it was all platonic cuddling last night between Giles and Ms. Calendar?” said Xander knowingly.

“Please don’t,” said Rupert in a resigned sort of way.

Jenny laughed, but it hurt a little. She’d missed things like this. “So,” she said, resting her head briefly on Rupert’s shoulder, “what’s the plan for today?”

“I’ll mostly be around the library,” said Rupert, but his voice was very subtly flirtatious. “Standard procedure, I expect.”

“Are you...expecting any students?” Jenny asked casually.

“I have class,” said Buffy in a high voice. “You guys—have fun with your—whatever it is that you’re doing. Just please don’t tell me what it is.” She grabbed Xander’s arm, pulling him with her.

Jenny turned to Rupert, and he kissed her. She wanted to make some kind of joke about the fact that this was all they’d been doing since she returned, but she was too busy kissing him back, so she decided to file that concept away for later.

Rupert was the one to pull back. “There are so many things I want to tell you,” he said softly. “I—missed you so much.”

Jenny smiled a little sadly. Every piece of her wanted to stay with him. “So tell me,” she said, taking his hand and pulling him gently to the library table.

Rupert followed, sitting down in one of the chairs. Jenny pulled herself up onto the table, sitting in front of him with his hands in hers. “Well,” he said. “I managed to avoid having to direct the talent show this year.”

“Really,” said Jenny, and kissed him, just because she could.

It wasn’t a very eventful day, nor was it a long one. Rupert had to stay on campus because he was still technically on the clock, but they spent a lot of time kissing and touching and talking. He gave her a bunch of his old journals and things that he said the Council would probably have taken away in her universe, and a few books from his personal collection that he thought might be of use to her, and then Jenny finally got to print out all the articles she’d found over the last year that had made her think of him.

“Very funny,” said Rupert dryly, placing Man Nearly Killed By Book, Saved By His Own Computer down on his desk.

“It is,” said Jenny, grinning. “Science always triumphs.”

Rupert grinned back. “You’re quite dreadful,” he informed her. “I believe I forgot about that.”

“Well, you know what they say,” Jenny replied cheerfully. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Rupert’s smile faded. “That it does,” he agreed.

Jenny was suddenly reminded of the fact that, if all went according to plan, she would never get to see Rupert again. “I’ll try and hang onto the bad things about you too,” she said, reaching up to stroke his cheek. “Not a romanticized version of you in my head.”

Rupert hesitated. “You didn’t do anything wrong,” he said finally. “I don’t know what part of your death or your life I can hold onto as bad.”

Jenny laughed out loud. When Rupert’s expression didn’t waver, she stopped. “Wait, you’re serious?” she said.

“Is that funny?” Rupert frowned, looking somewhat confused. As though it was clear as day that Jenny had never once been at fault.

Jenny sighed. “Rupert,” she said. “I stayed late at night at school. I told a stranger about what I was doing. I wasn’t nearly as careful as I should have been.”

“Still—”

“Still, I knew the risks and I took them, disregarding what could and would have happened because I thought Angel’s redemption was worth more than my life.” Jenny bit her lip, letting her hand drop to Rupert’s shoulder. “If nothing else,” she said, “I know that I don’t want you to romanticize the way your Jenny died.”

“Jenny—”

“I’m not a martyr,” said Jenny. “Neither was she. Her death wasn’t an accident, Rupert. She always knew what she was getting into.”

Rupert hesitated. “What do you want me to think of her?” he said finally, quietly.

Jenny smiled slightly. “Whatever you want,” she said. “As long as you don’t think she didn’t do anything wrong.”

Rupert studied her face, then kissed her softly. “That seems reasonable enough,” he murmured.

“Good,” Jenny whispered, kissing him back.

“Giles!” called Buffy’s voice from the library, and Jenny heard the clattering of footsteps. “Is he here? It’s time to start doing the whole research thing!”

Rupert looked at Jenny, his expression pained, and hugged her very tightly. “I don’t want you to go,” he whispered, voice shaking as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Jenny had never once heard him sound like that.

“Giles?” Buffy called again.

“I don’t want to leave you,” Jenny said very softly. It was the first time she’d said it aloud. “I don’t want you to be dead.”

Rupert pulled back and kissed her. “I promise I’ll be safe here,” he told her.

“I want you to be safe with me,” said Jenny vehemently. She might have been crying.

She wanted Rupert to steer her wrong in that moment. Both of them knew that if he told her then that it wasn’t too wrong to stay, that the children wouldn’t miss her too much, that she should stay in a place where she could love and be loved and be happy, she would give in and stay.

But Rupert had never been that kind of person.

“I know,” he said, hugging her. “I know.”

Jenny uttered a small, broken sob into his shoulder. He was alive here, and he loved her, and she wanted to be with him. The right decision fucking sucked sometimes.

“Gi—oh. Okay.” Buffy backed out of the office. “I think they need a minute,” Jenny heard her say to Willow and Xander.

“No,” said Jenny, and sniffled, looking up at Rupert. “Let’s get started.”

Jenny sat down in front of the mirror.

“This feels like one of those spy movies,” Xander was saying to Buffy. “You know? Cut the right wire or everything goes to pieces.”

There were seven sigils on the left side, and eight on the right. Jenny was fairly certain that she’d seen Buffy rub out one on the right side of her mirror, so she could always just rub out the lowest one there—

—or maybe Buffy had thought this one through. Buffy seemed to want Jenny to stay out of her universe, anyway, so maybe she’d picked a sigil that Jenny hadn’t even thought of. Maybe she’d picked one of the middle ones on the right side. Maybe she’d picked one on the left side and was banking on Jenny being as muddled as she felt right now. Maybe—

“Maybe you should take a breath,” said Rupert very gently, taking Jenny’s hand (which she appeared to have curled into a fist) and unclenching her fingers.

“This is serious business,” said Jenny.

“I know,” Rupert agreed. “I’m not disputing that. But your stress won’t change the outcome.”

Oh, god, Jenny was going to miss him so much if she ended up leaving. “Yeah,” she agreed somewhat reluctantly, squeezing his hand. “You—you’re probably right.”

Rupert raised their joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. Jenny wanted to start crying again.

“Okay,” said Buffy, who looked the same kind of sad that Jenny felt. “Um—maybe I can help? If it’s other-me that erased the sigil on the other mirror, maybe this me can erase the sigil on this mirror.”

Jenny hesitated. It seemed a little dicey.

“I feel as though it’s the closest we can get to definite,” said Rupert hesitantly, “given that the Buffy from Jenny’s world isn’t here, and the Buffy from our world is.”

“I…guess so,” Jenny agreed finally, scooting her chair over so that Buffy could see the mirror.

Buffy stepped closer, examining the mirror. She looked at the sigils, cocking her head, and then rubbed out one with her thumb.

The mirror sparked and fizzled.

“Is that good?” said Buffy anxiously. “That’s good, right?”

“Um,” said Jenny weakly. “I’m not sure?”

The surface of the mirror glowed golden, and then Jenny saw a different Sunnydale library reflected back at her. Buffy, Willow, and Cordelia were all talking in low, sad voices; Willow looked like she had been crying.

“Do you see them?” Rupert inquired, glancing over her shoulder.

“Yeah, I—” Jenny hesitated. “Look, can I have some privacy?” she said finally to the room. “This might take a while.”

There was a murmur of assent from the children, all of them heading out of the library. Rupert hesitated, then nodded as well. “If—you’re gone—”

“Then this can be our goodbye,” said Jenny with conviction. Rupert nodded crisply, but she could see that he was holding back tears. “Kiss me?” she requested, trying to keep her voice steady.

Rupert obliged, threading his fingers through her hair and pulling back only to kiss her forehead. “I love you,” he whispered. “So much.”

“I love you too,” said Jenny. So much for the whole steady-voice thing.

She wanted to grab him and pull him back the moment he stepped away, but she couldn’t, so she didn’t, turning instead back to the mirror. The girls hadn’t noticed her yet.

“Hey,” said Jenny loudly.

Willow jumped. “Ms. Calendar?” she said tearfully.

Buffy’s face was unreadable.

“Can I talk to Buffy for a second?” Jenny asked, heart pounding in her chest. She didn’t know what she wanted the outcome of this conversation to be, and that was somehow the scariest part of all this.

Willow sniffled, then nodded. “Can you talk to me next?” she asked timidly. “I—have some stuff I want to say.”

“Of course,” Jenny agreed, and waited until Willow and Cordelia had left the mirror-library before locking eyes with Buffy.

“What do you want?” Buffy inquired somewhat thinly.

Jenny hesitated. “You were open with me before,” she said finally. “What’s changed?”

“Look,” said Buffy, her voice almost too even, “if this is about me breaking the connection, you and Giles made that connection, however accidentally, because you wanted to be with each other. It wouldn’t be right for me to tie you to a world that doesn’t have the guy you love.”

“Buffy, you know that’s not how that works,” said Jenny.

Buffy pressed her lips together. Her eyes were wet.

“There is no way I could live with myself here if I knew I’d left someone who needed me,” said Jenny. “And there’s no way I could live with myself if I decided to stay here based on someone lying about not needing me. Believe me, Buffy, I know what lying looks like.”

Buffy didn’t say anything.

“Please,” said Jenny. She didn’t touch the mirror, not yet sure what it would do. “Please be honest with me.”

“Ms. Calendar,” said Buffy in a small voice, “the last time I saw Giles really smile before he died was when he was smiling at you.”

Jenny opened her mouth, then shut it. She didn’t know what she could possibly say in response to that.

“And—I saw the way you were smiling at him through the mirror,” said Buffy. “I saw how you started smiling after you heard him on the phone. You—I never bothered to think about how hurt you must have been when he died. Not once.”

“That’s okay,” said Jenny firmly. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not.” Buffy shook her head emphatically. “I was—”

“You were grieving,” said Jenny. It felt strange, saying these gentle words when a part of her still felt an angry, unjustified resentment for all those weeks of loneliness and apathy—not at Buffy, not directly, but at the situation as a whole. Maybe that part would never really go away. Maybe the trick was learning to move through it. “You lost your boyfriend and your Watcher in the span of a few weeks, and at seventeen. You don’t have to carry my emotional responsibility on your shoulders.”

“That’s not what I’m doing,” said Buffy fiercely. “Ms. Calendar, you of all people deserve a chance to be happy. If your love and loneliness can rip apart dimensions, you shouldn’t have to stay in a place that makes you that upset.” Jenny considered her answer very carefully. Finally, she said, “My loneliness wasn’t because you and the kids weren’t enough for me. I never want you to think that.”

Buffy uttered a small, shaky breath. Jenny wasn’t sure if she was going to say anything in return, but then Buffy replied with visible effort, “Then why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you feel so alone?”

It was a pretty personal question, but Jenny had asked for honesty from Buffy, and it would be hypocritical if she wasn’t truthful in return. She breathed out, then said softly, “Because I felt like I couldn’t do anything to help you.”

Buffy looked stunned by this. “I didn’t know—” she began.

Jenny smiled tiredly. “It’s fine,” she said.

“I didn’t know you cared about me,” said Buffy finally. “I always thought—after Giles died, you just pulled back so completely. It was like we weren’t even there.”

Abashed, Jenny looked down. “I’m sorry,” she said, surprised by the words. She hadn’t realized that her disconnected nature after Rupert’s death would affect Buffy that much. “I thought—I’d done enough damage as it was, you know? I didn’t want to make things worse.”

“Well, you did,” said Buffy, an angry sadness in her voice. “I want to get to know you, you know? Giles always used to talk about you and how you always made ketchup smiley faces on your burgers and how there was this one time that you almost set the teachers’ lounge on fire. And you just—I wanted someone to be there, after Giles—you were never there. And you loved him just as much as I did, and you were never there.”

“If I’d known—”

“You never even tried to know.”

“I was hurting too.”

“So now you can go off and forget it ever happened.” Buffy was half-crying. “I thought maybe things had changed when you started looking at us instead of through us, but that’s the way it always works for you, isn’t it?”

Jenny made her decision right then and there. She thought of Rupert one last time, storing the one day she’d had in a wonderful corner of her heart. And then she touched the mirror.

A flash, and a burning sensation, and Jenny toppled over on the floor again, except this time she couldn’t stop crying.

“Oh my god,” Buffy whispered. “Oh god, Ms. Calendar, no.”

She’d wanted to stay so badly—

“—you were supposed to be happy—”

—so badly, and she’d never see him again—

“—why would you leave for me?” Buffy demanded, half-sobbing, grabbing Jenny’s shoulders. “You were going to be happy!”

Jenny pulled Buffy into her arms and hugged her, hard. Buffy started crying, really crying, and hugged her back.

It was many hours later before Jenny finally had the chance to answer Buffy’s question. “It’s not—” She hesitated, thinking. “It wouldn’t be right,” she said finally. “I couldn’t have just up and left you like that.”

“Maybe I don’t need you,” said Buffy. “What happens if it turns out the person you are isn’t someone I like?” But there was a note in her voice that made it very clear that this wasn’t a real question—more a test to see what Jenny would answer.

Jenny tucked a strand of Buffy’s hair behind her ear. “Then I try and become someone who can help you,” she said. “Rupert loved you for a reason.”

A ghost of that old brilliant smile flickered across Buffy’s face. “He loved me?”

“More than anything,” Jenny promised her.

Buffy smiled again. Nodded to herself. “Well,” she said. “Giles always seemed like the type who’d want the people he loved to get along, so—”

“Yeah,” said Jenny, and tucked her arm into Buffy’s. “I have a bunch of stories I think I want to tell you about him.”

“Embarrassing ones?”

“Oh, definitely,” said Jenny, and in a strange way, this felt a little like old times.

According to a spell on the mirror Jenny did a few weeks later, there were only a few loose threads left connecting her world to Rupert’s. She had a feeling that they would linger for a while, but she didn’t think she needed to worry about them all that much. Buffy was thinking of joining the cheer squad, and Jenny needed to figure out how to help her practice.

She never really got a goodbye phone call from Rupert, but that was okay. She had a feeling that he was probably figuring things out.