#obstacles son of spectacles

[noughticalcrossings]

AGON

Our silly little characters going through world-ending trauma at the hands of our DM, for growth.

Kyla and Obstacles, my boy Lacedaemonius, Ophelia, and my most beloved elevated NPC Thessia whose weapon of choice is the smelling salts

[boldstarks]

Giedi Prime (House Fenrir Dune AU)

word count: 1498 Words pairing: Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen x Bene Gesserit!Reader warnings: none (yet) summary: you arrive on Giedi Prime for the Na-Baron's birthday celebration, but you have another task ahead of you.

Before you arrived on Giedi Prime, you didn't believe a place could be completely devoid of color, but as you stand on one of your father's heighliners looking over the planet, you have come to believe what they say. You peered at the black and white planet below from the bridge as the ship waited for its permission to land on the surface. House Fenrir was one of the many invited to the celebration for the Na-Baron's twentieth birthday and one-hundredth gladiator fight.

Even from outside the atmosphere, you can see the planet is heavily polluted from the fervent industrialization led by House Harkonnen over the centuries.

A nervousness settled in your stomach when you entered the planet's orbit, and your father's reservations about the match weren't easing the anxiety creeping through your bloodstream. Today was the day that you would begin to seduce the Baron's heir.

"We could always go back home," the archduke said. He has joined you at the window.

"It would not serve our house to make an enemy out of the Harkonnens," you reply in a monotone voice.

They were known for maintaining a cruel and tyrannical grip over their worlds. Violence and war were ingrained in their culture, and you had no doubt they would inflict that bloodshed on your people. If their treatment of the people of Arrakis was any indicator of how they treated those who displeased them, you knew they could do the same to Fenrir.

"Wise words," Lady Aurelia, your father's concubine, said.

Lady Aurelia was the closest thing you had to a mother after your own had died of a mysterious illness during your adolescence. You knew she did not see you the same way, though. Your father openly favored you and your older sister, Maron, over her two sons. To her, you were simply an obstacle in the way of her eldest son inheriting your father's title.

"They could reverse engineer our harvesters or simply kill us and take over production, and the emperor wouldn't bat an eye," you said, turning away from the grim image of the planet that you would soon call home if all went according to the Reverend Mother's plan.

"I hate the thought of leaving you in this place," Vulcan says.

Lady Aurelia sighs. "Y/N can take care of herself; I've seen to it."

"Lady Aurelia is right, father. I am more than capable of completing the task that the sisterhood has given me," you tell him.

Your reassurance only causes the worry lines around his mouth and forehead to deepen.

"Your Grace," a servant said.

The three figures at the window turn, and the servant curtsies quickly in respect.

"We have been given permission to land, Your Grace. We await your command," the servant says and curtsies again.

You watch her nervously scamper off. It seems that Vulcan wasn't the only one on edge today.

The landing was relatively uneventful, and the surface of Giedi Prime was just as bleak as you imagined. There were no natural plants in sight, and the air had a bitter taste to it that coated your tongue, throat, and sinuses. It made you miss Fenrir bitterly, with its vast oceans and thick forests that enveloped the less developed parts of the planet.

In the light of Giedi Prime's black sun, your ice blue dress looks silver. It's form-fitting to your body with a halter neck and leaves your arms bare. The look was completed with teardrop-shaped pearl earrings set in silver hardware.

A female servant is already waiting for you when the ship lands. She is pale and completely devoid of hair. She wears a dark-colored dress of a peculiar cut, and she keeps her eyes on the floor.

She curtsies deeply when you step off the ship with your father and Lady Aurelia into Harkonnen Palace's ship dock.

"I have been ordered by the Baron to show you to your quarters before the spectacle, Your Grace," the servant says in a small, timid voice.

Your father opens his mouth to reply, but the girl turns on her heel quickly and hurries toward another crowd of visitors being led by another woman in an identical dress. She waits to let the guests from a house you didn't recognize pass before continuing her beeline to the door.

You see Vulcan and Aurelia exchange a glance before all three of you follow after her.

The inside of the Harkonnen Palace is just as bleak as the outside. It is made up of identical black and white hallways; one could easily get lost in them. The servant girl expertly navigates these identical hallways without raising her eyes. She's obviously been here for quite a while. You wonder what horrible things she witnessed, or perhaps endured, in her employment here.

The woman is completely silent until she arrives at a nondescript slate gray door with a black panel installed on the wall next to it. "This is your room, Lady Y/N, and your parents are right beside you."

She motions toward an identical door to the left.

Lady Aurelia goes to her and your father's door and presses her hand to the panel. The panel glows, and the door slides open.

"What did it just do?" your father asks, puzzled.

"The doors to your quarters are programmed, so you need your handprint to get into them, Your Grace," the girl responds. "The Baron has found guests feel more secure when they are the only ones who have access to their living space."

Your father nods and presses his hand to the panel. Lady Aurelia walks into their room without another word.

"Just knock if you need anything, darling," Vulcan said, following her inside.

Their door slides shut behind them, leaving you alone with the servant.

"How did I find my way around?" you ask.

The girl makes eye contact with you for the first time.

"I strongly advise you not to walk around without someone to escort you, My Lady," the servant girl said firmly. "This is not a place where one wants to get lost."

This wasn't a request; it was a warning. The girl's eyes darted back toward the ground. You place your hand on your door's panel. It warms slightly when it scans your handprint. The door slides open, and you step inside. The servant girl won't meet your eye again before the door slides shut.

If you were anyone else, you would feel as though you had stepped into the belly of the beast. But you're not just anyone; you're Bene Gesserit. You're exactly where you're meant to be.

---------

You sit on an elevated platform that sits slightly lower than the one occupied by the Baron Harkonnen, the Reverend Mother, and your father, the Archduke, along with an unknown count and his wife. The crowds in the stands below are packed with Giedi Prime citizens. The black sun has once again washed the color out of everything. You were provided a pair of small field glasses to view all the fights through.

You're sitting with six other Bene Gesserit sisters that you have never met before. Despite knowing little about them, having some of your sisters here is a comfort.

In some twisted way, you looked forward to having your way with Feyd-Rautha. The Reverend Mother Helen described him as violent, calculating, and isolated. The Baron and his brother, whom they called the Beast, were neither fit to raise an emotionally intelligent, stable child. That only made your job simpler. It doesn't matter how physically strong Feyd-Rautha is; he's sexually and emotionally vulnerable. And you could mold him into whatever you see fit.

The opening fights are lackluster. It's obvious the opponents have been drugged to ensure the safety of the Harkonnen gladiators. You noted this with distaste and nearly rolled your eyes. The Harkonnens claimed to be the most dominant, well-trained fighters in the galaxy, but they couldn't be bothered to truly fight someone without resorting to petty vices and trickery. Nevertheless, the crowd roars with satisfaction whenever blood is spilled on the sand of the gladiator pit.

Now comes the main event: Feyd-Rautha's one-hundredth kill in the gladiator pit. Was this the measure of a Harkonnen man? Slaughtering drugged prisoners was supposed to be a show of power and strength while wearing a shield.

A horn blows, and the crowd begins to shriek and whoop once again. In the arena, a large set of doors slide open, and the Na-Baron emerges from the darkness beyond the doorway, a knife in each hand. He raises them toward the sun and circles the pit. The light of the black sun glints off the blades. He's hairless, like the other inhabitants of his planet. He's dressed in light black armor and practically preens for the crowd before kneeling. He bows his head in respect to his uncle and dedicates this win to the man.

The Baron is satisfied by this display, and the barbarism begins.

taglist: @ariesmai

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page

Come Back to Me  Chapter 12 

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 

Turning the Page Series Masterlist My Complete Masterlist 

Main pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

AAll characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who both belong to this series. 

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 

Rating: M 🔞 - Warnings – Series will contain crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 3331 

Come Back to Me, Chapter 12 

Chapter Summary: As Liam and Riley’s visit continues in Lythikos, they are joined by guests from the Capital. 

Music & Title Inspiration: Come Back to Me, David Cook 

A/N1: A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’) 

‘...and when you see what you need to see 

When you find you 

Come back to me 

...and I hope you find everything that you need 

I’ll be right here waiting to see 

You find you 

Come back to me...’ 

Lythikos, Cordonia 

Liam and Olivia sat together in the cozy sitting room of Nevrakis Chateau, their hands wrapped around steaming cups of dark roast Cordonian coffee. Through the large bow windows, they could see gentle flakes of snow falling from the sky, blanketing the landscape in a soft, pristine white. 

The room was adorned with rich, dark wood furnishings, plush sofas and armchairs arranged around a crackling fireplace that emitted a warm glow. Paintings depicting scenic landscapes, adding to the ambiance of comfort and luxury tastefully decorated the walls.

Mischa and Zeus, Olivia’s malamutes, were vigilantly sitting at their mistresses’ feet as she and Liam conversed in hushed tones, their voices blending harmoniously with the peaceful surroundings. Occasionally, the king and duchess would pause to gaze out at the snowfall, admiring the beauty of nature's quiet spectacle as they awaited the arrival of their guests in the early morning.

"I appreciate you taking the time to spend with Riley." Liam smiled warmly; his cup of coffee half raised. 

"Of course, Li ... after every obstacle she has had to overcome since arriving in Cordonia for your social season, she deserves validation of her worth.” 

"She is struggling, trying to find her place here again.” Liam shook his head, the guilt once again overwhelming him. 

"She'll find it.” Olivia observed her friend closely. Olivia sighed and put her cup down. 

"Liam, I'm going to tell you something.” 

"Okay.” Liam lifted his gaze from his hands in response with hesitation. 

"I've never been good at saying these kinds of things, so I'll make this quick.” 

"Go on, Liv.” 

"You are my best friend, and I care about you. And I know that Riley is the woman for you. I've known that for some time now.” Olivia exhaled deeply. “Even though ...” Olivia twisted her fingers in her lap. “Even though, I wish it were me that you chose.” 

Liam listened attentively to Olivia's words, his expression a mix of understanding and empathy. He reached out and gently placed his hand over hers, offering a reassuring squeeze. 

"I value our friendship more than words can express, Olivia," Liam spoke with sincerity. "You've been by my side through thick and thin, and I cherish every moment we've shared." 

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "As for Riley, she's an extraordinary woman, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have her back in my life. Our connection is deep and meaningful, and I believe she's the one I want to build a future with." 

Liam's gaze softened as he spoke. "I understand your feelings, Olivia. You have always been a constant source of support and understanding for me, and I value that more than you know. I hope that you will always remember how much you mean to me, regardless of who I'm with romantically." 

Olivia nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "I do know, Liam. And I'm genuinely happy for you and Riley. You both deserve all the happiness in the world." 

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of barking. The guests had arrived, and Liam and Olivia exchanged a knowing look, their unspoken bond of friendship and mutual respect stronger than ever after their confessions.

"Thank you again, Olivia.” Liam said as he stood to greet the guests. 

"And if anyone tries to get between the two of you, I'll be right there by your side.” Olivia smirked. 

"That's good to know, Liv.” Liam chuckled. 

“By the way, have you heard from your ex-wife?” 

Liam's expression changed, the lines around his eyes deepened, and his jaw tightened. 

"Not a word.” 

"You know I can personally locate her, right?” 

"I have no doubt, but it's not necessary. I have assigned Damien to personally lead an intel team to track her.” 

"Okay, but ....” 

"She's not going to come between Riley and me.” 

"Good. Because if she does, I will personally handle her.” 

"You know, I have a feeling you're enjoying this more than you should." 

"Perhaps.” 

Liam chuckled as he turned to watch Riley with Willam walk hand in hand down the grand staircase. 

"Good morning, love." Liam smiled as he bent down to kiss her cheek and reached down to scoop William in his arms.

"There she is...there is my little blossom!" Maxwell cried, running towards Riley engulfing her in a bear hug, lifting her off the ground. Bertrand, Savannah and Bartie followed greeting Liam and Olivia.

"It's good to see you too, Max. You look well." Riley laughed as he spun her around in the air. 

"I'm not letting go until you promise to never leave me again." 

"Alright, alright, put me down!" Riley giggled, feeling the warmth and affection of her Cordonian best friend. “What are you guys doing here?” 

“We came to say hello, silly.” Maxwell winked, as Bertrand walked up to Riley to place a kiss on her cheek. 

William tugged on Liam’s pants, "Who's that?" William gestured towards the little boy holding his mother’s hand. 

"That's Bartie, buddy. He is Maxwell’s little nephew." 

"Hi." William beamed as he waved to Bartie. Damien stepped forward in anticipation to follow the crown prince. 

“Hi.” Bartie returned the greeting with a smile. 

“Lady Riley, you look well.” Bertrand stood beside Savannah and Bartie. 

“It's so good to see you both!” Riley moved up to hug Savannah and accept a kiss on the cheek from Bertrand. 

"Bertrand, it's so good to see you." 

"Likewise, Lady Riley. You are a welcome sight." 

"Aww, thanks, Bertrand." 

"And this must be William.” 

Bertrand bowed to the crown prince. 

"Yes. William, this is your uncle Bertrand.” 

"Hello, William.” 

"Hewwo." William shyly greeted him, hiding behind Riley's leg. 

"Oh, my. This is awkward. I'm not very good with children." Bertrand said nervously. 

"It's okay, Bertrand. Just be yourself.” Savannah gently pushed him forward 

"Very well. I, ....um, brought you a gift." 

Bertrand held out a small box. 

"Aww, thank you, Bertrand. That is not necessary."  Riley answered.

"Of course, it is. It is only proper etiquette. William is the crown prince of Cordonia." Riley grinned, shaking her head. “I stand corrected.” 

*** 

Under the gently falling snowflakes outside Nevrakis Chateau, William and Bartie ran through the snow-covered gardens, their laughter echoing in the crisp air. Maxwell’s cheeks were rosy from the cold, and his eyes sparkled with childlike delight as he tried to catch snowflakes on his tongue, trying to impress his nephew. 

Liam, scooping up snow to build a snowman with William, laughed heartily as he watched his son splayed on the ground creating a snow angel. His normally composed demeanor gave way to playful enthusiasm as he encouraged William's creative ideas for their snowy adventures. 

Riley, with Savannah stood by with a smile, capturing the joyful moments with her phone. Her eyes glowed with happiness as she watched Liam and William further bond over the simple pleasure of playing in the snow. 

Their guests, a mix of friends and family, joined in the snow-filled festivities. Laughter and good-natured banter filled the air as everyone engaged in snowball fights, built snow forts, and created snow angels together. 

As the day progressed, everyone gathered around a crackling fire inside the chateau, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories. The warmth of the fire contrasted with the cold beauty of the snowscape outside, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 

***

....later in the evening...

Surrounded by snow-peaked mountains, ensconced in romantic candlelight, Liam grasped Riley’s hand and led her to submerge down into the thermal waters of the outdoor hot tub of the Royal suite. 

Riley sank down to let the warm water wash over her. "This is perfect, Liam.” 

"It is.” 

They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the moment. 

"What's going on in that sweet, beautiful mind of yours, Riley?" 

"I was just thinking about how much time we've lost." Liam could see the hurt in her eyes mixed with unshed tears starting to form before she looked down, unable to keep eye contact with him.  Liam reached over to gently lift her chin, as she became emotional.

"We'll make up for lost time." 

"How, Liam?" 

"By spending every moment together, cherishing each other, and never letting go." 

"That does sound nice." 

"It does." 

Liam reached forward and brushed a strand of hair away from Riley's face. 

"I promise you, love. I will do everything in my power to make you happy." 

"I know, Liam.” 

"So, are you ready to talk about the future now?" 

"I am." Riley breathed in.

"Good." 

Liam paused, gathering his thoughts. 

"I want us to be a family, Riley. A real family. 

"Me too, Liam. But, how do we do it?" 

"We start by taking things one day at a time. We spend time together and get to know each other again. We take things slowly and enjoy the journey."

Liam looked at Riley with adoration, his eyes filled with love. 

“Je veux t’emmener a Paris.” Riley quickly turned her head to look at Liam. 

["I want to take you to Paris”] 

“Il y a tellement de belles choses que je veux partager avec vous la-bas.”

["There are so many beautiful things I want to share with you there."] 

“Okay, okay ... I caught the words, ‘Paris’ and ‘beautiful’.” Riley giggled and then waved her hand in the air. “Everything else went way over my head.” 

Liam smiled wide and shook his head. “I want to take you to Paris and share the beauty with you.” 

“The Eiffel tower was breathtaking.” 

“There is so much more to Paris than the Eiffel tower.” Liam lifted Riley’s hand to his lips and turned her wrist over to gently kiss. 

“Je dois montrer a l’amour de ma vie a quel point elle compte pour moi. Te revoir dans ma vie n’a pas de prix.”  

[“I need to show the love of my life how much she means to me. To have you back in my life is priceless.” ]

Liam tugged Riley’s arm and pulled her onto his lap. 

Cupping her cheek, he met her lips in a slow, sultry kiss, his tongue coaching her to allow him to take her breath away as his tilted her head to deepen the kiss. 

Riley more than willingly let Liam take the lead. She missed the thrill she felt when he would take control and melted into his embrace.

Liam’s hands moved down to her waist pressing her body down against his, as Riley wrapped her arms around his neck she felt his impressive length as she could not resist grinding her hips down. 

"Let's take this inside," he whispered huskily. 

"Mmmhmm." Riley purred. 

Liam rose up from the tub and lifted Riley up as she wrapped her legs around him. Dripping water and leaving a trail of wet footprints on the floor, Liam carried carried her inside to the bedroom.

With one arm supporting her, and the other opening the doors, they made their way inside. 

"I've missed this," he whispered, kissing her deeply. 

"So have I," she replied, her eyes half-closed, reveling in the feeling of his body pressed against hers. 

They moved further into the room, stopping at the bed. Liam lowered Riley down onto the mattress, his body following hers. 

Riley ran her fingers through his wet hair, pulling him in for another heated kiss. 

"I need you, Riley," he whispered, his voice low and husky. 

"I'm yours, Liam," she whispered back, her body responding to his touch. 

Liam kissed down her neck, his hands roaming over her curves, exploring every inch. 

"Liam," Riley moaned, her body aching for more. 

“William ...” 

“William is comfortably sleeping in the next room.” 

Liam paused,  as he kissed his way down her body, his hands caressing her breasts, his lips teasing her nipples. 

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. 

"I'm yours," Riley replied, her voice full of desire. 

Liam kissed his way down her stomach, his hands caressing her hips. He parted her legs, his lips trailing over her inner thighs. 

Riley could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her body aching for his touch. 

"Please, Liam," she whispered, her voice a plea. 

The world seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in each other's embrace. It was if time itself had paused, allowing them this moment of reunification after so long apart. Their hearts beat in unison, a rythym of longing and desire that had been suppressed for too long.

They collapsed on the bed, their bodies entwined, their breathing heavy. 

Riley’s fingers traced the lines of Liam's face, memorizing every detail as if afraid this moment might slip away.

Liam, with a gentleness that belied his intensity, cradled her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers as if trying to convey a lifetime of unspoken words.

"I've missed you," Riley whispered, her voice barely audible above the rush of emotions between them.

Liam nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "I've missed you too, more than words can say."

"Stay with me," he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion. 

"Always," Riley replied, her heart full of love. 

Riley snuggled closer to Liam, their bodies fitting perfectly together. 

"I love you," she whispered, her heart finally feeling complete. 

"I love you too," Liam whispered back, his love for her shining through his eyes. 

"This is perfect," she sighed, her body completely content. 

"You're perfect," he murmured, his arms holding her close as he kissed her forehead. 

***

The next day at Nevrakis Chateau in Lythikos dawned with a gentle warmth that matched the newfound closeness that returned between Riley and Liam. As they woke up entangled in each other's arms, the sunlight filtering through the windows painted their room in a soft golden hue. 

Riley stirred first, her fingers tracing patterns on Liam's chest as she watched him sleep peacefully. She couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of contentment she had not experienced in a long time. With a gentle kiss on his cheek, she whispered, "Good morning, my love." 

Liam blinked his eyes open, a lazy smile spreading across his face as he saw Riley's loving gaze. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, pulling her closer for a lingering kiss. 

"Riley," Liam began, his voice filled with affection, "I have a special arrangement for William today. I thought it would be wonderful for him to spend the entire day with Bartie, Maxwell, Savannah, and Bertrand." 

Riley's eyes lit up with delight at the thought of William having a day filled with fun and adventure with his friends. "That sounds fantastic, Liam! I'm sure they'll have a great time together." 

Liam nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I thought it would also give us a chance to have some uninterrupted time together, just the two of us. We can explore more of Lythikos, enjoy a quiet lunch, and simply cherish each other's company." 

Riley leaned in, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I love that idea, Liam. Spending time with you like this is truly special." 

They shared a tender moment, savoring the anticipation of a day filled with shared experiences and cherished moments. Liam's thoughtful gesture to arrange William's day with their friends allowed them the opportunity to reconnect and deepen their bond in the enchanting surroundings of Nevrakis Chateau and Lythikos. 

After a leisurely morning together, they decided to explore more of Lythikos. Liam had planned a surprise outing for Riley, eager to show her some of his favorite spots in the picturesque region. 

They ventured out hand in hand, enjoying the crisp morning air and the breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding them. Liam took Riley to a secluded spot overlooking a serene lake.

"I used to come here often to clear my mind," Liam shared, his eyes reflecting the tranquility of the place. "It's peaceful, away from the chaos of the palace." 

"It's beautiful," Riley whispered, leaning into him as they watched the gentle breeze upon the water's surface. 

As they talked and shared stories from their past, Riley felt a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. Being with Liam in such a serene setting, away from the pressures of their responsibilities, allowed them to connect on a deeper level. 

After spending a blissful day together, they returned to the chateau in the evening, where a romantic dinner awaited them. Liam had arranged for a Michelin star chef to prepare a gourmet meal, complete with candlelight and soft music playing in the background. 

Over dinner, they talked about their hopes and dreams for the future. Liam expressed his desire to create lasting memories with Riley, to travel the world together and experience new adventures. 

"I want us to live fully, without any regrets," Liam said, his eyes locked on Riley's. "I want you by my side in every journey, every moment." 

Riley's heart swelled with love, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of Liam's feelings for her. "I want that too, Liam," she replied, reaching across the table to take his hand. "I want us to embrace life together, to cherish every moment." 

As the evening progressed, their conversation turned lighter, filled with laughter and playful banter. They danced together in the moonlit courtyard, lost in each other's arms, their worries and doubts melting away in the magic of the moment. 

Eventually, exhaustion caught up with them, and they retired to their room, cuddled up in each other's embrace. With a whispered "I love you" and a tender kiss, they drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever the future held for them, united in their love and commitment to each other. 

Thanks for reading; please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from this series.

📌@ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @bascmve01 @busywoman @kristinamae093 @kingliam2019 @emkay512 @karahalloway @malblk21 @tinkie1973 @emersyn-in-cordonia @dutifullynuttywitch @charlotteg234 @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @imjusthereforliam

📌@choicesficwriterscreations

[mrsines]

Destinée ensorcelée

Résumé : Ivana, la fille aînée de Wanda, perd mystérieusement ses pouvoirs, ce qui la plonge dans une grande détresse. Ne sachant pas comment récupérer ses capacités, elle se tourne vers Agatha, une sorcière expérimentée, pour obtenir de l'aide. Ensemble, elles élaborent un plan pour ouvrir la route des sorcières, espérant que cela les mènera à une solution.

Pour renforcer leur magie, elles décident de réunir un sabbat, une cérémonie qui pourrait leur donner accès à des forces occultes puissantes. Cependant, alors qu'elles se préparent, des complications surviennent. Des forces obscures semblent contrecarrer leurs efforts, et des tensions émergent entre les participantes. Ivana et Agatha doivent naviguer à travers ces obstacles tout en découvrant des vérités cachées sur leurs propres pouvoirs et sur la nature de la magie. Cette quête les amène à remettre en question leurs croyances et à affronter des dangers inattendus, transformant leur aventure en un véritable test de courage et de détermination et d'amour.

Chapitre 1 : L’éveil d’une sorcière

Ivana Maximoff se trouvait au cœur d'une forêt dense, enveloppée par une brume légère qui flottait au ras du sol. Les arbres, aux troncs massifs et tortueux, semblaient murmurer des secrets anciens, leurs feuilles bruissant doucement dans le vent. La lumière de la lune filtrait à travers les branches, projetant des ombres dansantes qui ajoutaient une atmosphère mystérieuse à cet endroit.

Ivana sentait une présence, quelque chose de sombre et de malveillant qui rôdait autour d'elle. Les démons, aux traits grotesques et aux yeux luisants, émergeaient des ombres, leurs rires résonnant comme des échos sinistres. Ils se déplaçaient avec agilité, leurs corps se contorsionnant de manière surnaturelle, créant un spectacle à la fois fascinant et terrifiant.

Ivana, bien que pétrifiée, ressentait également une étrange curiosité. Elle pouvait entendre leurs chuchotements, des promesses de pouvoir et de connaissance, mais aussi des avertissements de danger. Chaque pas qu'elle faisait dans cette forêt semblait l'attirer plus profondément dans un monde où la réalité et le cauchemar se mêlaient.

Les couleurs autour d'elle étaient saturées, presque irréelles, avec des teintes de violet et de vert qui illuminaient la scène, créant une ambiance à la fois envoûtante et inquiétante. Ivana se tenait là, au milieu de ce chaos, son cœur battant à tout rompre, se demandant si elle pourrait échapper à cette danse macabre.

Ces silhouettes indistinctes semblent se rapprocher, glissant silencieusement sur le sol, créant une atmosphère de tension palpable.

Ivana, ressentant une présence menaçante, se réveille en sursaut. Son cœur bat la chamade dans sa poitrine, et un cri perçant échappe de ses lèvres, brisant le silence de la nuit. Elle se redresse, les yeux écarquillés, cherchant désespérément à comprendre ce qui se passe. La lumière de la lune filtre à travers la fenêtre, projetant des ombres inquiétantes sur les murs, mais il n'y a personne d'autre dans la pièce.

En reprenant lentement ses esprits, Ivana réalise qu'elle vient de faire un cauchemar. Elle se frotte les yeux, essayant de chasser les images terrifiantes de son esprit. Elle se demande ce qui lui est arrivé durant cette nuit désastreuse. Pourquoi ces ombres l’ont-elles hantée ? Quel message caché se cache derrière ce rêve troublant ? Elle se sent perdue, comme si une partie d'elle-même avait été touchée par une peur inexplicable.

Les questions tourbillonnent dans son esprit, et elle se demande si ce cauchemar est le reflet de ses angoisses profondes ou d'une menace qui rôde dans sa vie éveillée. La nuit, autrefois paisible, semble désormais pleine de mystères et d'inquiétudes, laissant Ivana dans un état de confusion et de vulnérabilité.

☆○o。　　。o○☆.☆○o。　　。o○☆

Ivana était assise sur son lit, les draps froissés autour d'elle, témoins de son agitation nocturne. Son cœur battait encore la chamade, résonnant dans sa poitrine comme un tambour de guerre. Elle fixait le mur en face d'elle, mais son esprit était perdu dans un tourbillon de pensées confuses. Les images de ce qu'elle venait de vivre se bousculaient dans sa tête, si réelles qu'elle avait du mal à croire qu'il ne s'agissait que d'un rêve.

Elle passa une main dans ses cheveux en désordre, soupirant profondément. Les souvenirs de cette expérience troublante l'assaillaient, la laissant dans un état de confusion totale. Elle se leva lentement, ses jambes encore un peu faibles, et se dirigea vers la salle de bain. 

Le carrelage frais sous ses pieds la ramena à la réalité, mais l'angoisse persistait. Elle ouvrit la porte de la douche, ajusta la température de l'eau jusqu'à ce qu'elle soit chaude, presque brûlante, espérant que la chaleur apaiserait son esprit tourmenté. Alors qu'elle se tenait sous le jet d'eau, elle ferma les yeux, laissant les gouttes glisser sur son visage.

L'eau s'écoulait, emportant avec elle les résidus de ses pensées sombres. Elle se frotta les bras, comme si elle pouvait laver ses angoisses. Mais même sous le doux murmure de l'eau, les échos de son expérience la suivaient, la rendant incapable de se libérer de ce poids qui l'oppressait.

Ivana sortit de la douche, l'eau encore gouttant le long de sa peau. Elle avait enveloppé son corps dans une serviette moelleuse, l'odeur de son gel douche préféré flottant autour d'elle. Les gouttes d'eau glissaient sur ses bras, et elle se sentait rafraîchie, prête à affronter la journée. En entrant dans la cuisine, la lumière du matin filtrait à travers les volets, illuminant les surfaces en bois et créant une ambiance chaleureuse.

Elle se dirigea vers le réfrigérateur, son esprit encore embrumé par la chaleur de la douche. Elle ouvrit la porte, cherchant quelque chose à manger, quand soudain, un frisson d'inquiétude la traversa. Elle tenta de faire léviter une pomme, comme elle le faisait si souvent, mais rien ne se produisit. Ses mains, qui d'habitude émettaient une douce lueur, restaient désespérément normales.

Ivana plissa les yeux, se concentrant, mais aucun éclat magique ne se manifesta. Elle se mit à trembler, la serviette glissant légèrement sur ses épaules. "Non, pas maintenant," pensa-t-elle, sa voix intérieure teintée d'angoisse. Elle ferma les yeux, cherchant à ressentir cette énergie familière, mais elle était introuvable, comme un rêve qui s'estompe au réveil.

Les souvenirs de ses pouvoirs affluèrent dans son esprit : les moments où elle avait manipulé les objets avec aisance, où elle avait ressenti la magie pulser en elle. Tout cela semblait désormais hors de portée. Elle se retourna brusquement, ses yeux se posant sur le miroir de la cuisine. Elle y vit son reflet, une expression de confusion et de peur marquant son visage.

Ivana se mit à marcher nerveusement dans la pièce, le bruit de ses pieds nus sur le carrelage résonnant dans le silence. "Pourquoi cela m'arrive-t-il ? Qu'est-ce qui a changé ?" se demanda-t-elle, la panique commençant à s'installer dans son ventre. Elle se rappela des avertissements qu'elle avait reçus, des signes qu'elle avait ignorés.

Avec un soupir lourd, elle s'appuya contre le plan de travail, le cœur battant. "Il doit y avoir une explication," murmura-t-elle, la détermination commençant à remplacer la peur. Elle savait qu'elle devait trouver un moyen de comprendre ce qui lui arrivait, même si cela signifiait affronter des vérités difficiles.

Ivana se redressa, prenant une profonde inspiration, prête à se battre pour retrouver ce qu'elle avait perdu, même dans cette cuisine qui lui semblait désormais si ordinaire.

Ivana savait que la seule personne qui pourrait l’aider à retrouver ses pouvoirs était Agatha Harkness, mais demander de l’aide à cette femme était du suicide. Pourtant, la détermination brûlait en elle, et elle avait décidé d’y aller quand même. 

Elle se dirigea vers sa voiture, une berline noire qui semblait presque impatiente de partir. Les phares s’allumèrent dans un vrombissement familier alors qu’elle s’installait au volant. "Allez, un dernier coup," murmura-t-elle pour se donner du courage, avant de démarrer en trombe en direction de Westview.

La route défilait à toute vitesse, le paysage flou derrière elle. Ivana se sentait à la fois excitée et nerveuse. Cependant, la vitesse était trop élevée, et bientôt, elle aperçut les girophare de police dans son rétroviseur. Son cœur s’emballa. "Non, pas maintenant," se dit-elle, mais il était trop tard. Elle se gara sur le bas-côté, la peur nouant son ventre.

Alors qu'elle attendait, Ivana pouvait sentir l'adrénaline pulser dans ses veines. La silhouette d'Agatha se dessina dans le rétroviseur. Elle s'approcha, un sourire mystérieux sur le visage.

Ivana, choquée, n'arrivait pas à croire qu'Agatha était là, en uniforme. "Agatha ? Qu'est-ce que tu fais ici ?" demanda-t-elle, la surprise se mêlant à l'inquiétude.

Agatha se pencha légèrement, son expression sérieuse. "C'est  détective O'Connor. Je ne connais pas d’Agatha désolé.," annonça-t-elle d'une voix suave, ses yeux pétillant de malice.

Après un rapide contrôle, Ivana continua son chemin en voiture, les pneus crissant sur l'asphalte. Le paysage défilait à toute vitesse, les arbres se transformant en flous vert et marron, tandis que son esprit était envahi par des souvenirs de son enfance. Elle savait qu’Agatha était touchée par le sort de la sorcière rouge, et cette pensée la hantait, mais elle était déterminée à retrouver une solution.

En arrivant devant son ancienne maison, Ivana ressentit un mélange de nostalgie et d'appréhension. La maison, bien que familière, semblait avoir perdu de sa splendeur. La peinture s'écaillait, et des herbes folles poussaient entre les dalles du chemin. Elle se gara rapidement et sortit de la voiture, le cœur battant à tout rompre.

En entrant, l'odeur de poussière et de vieux souvenirs l'accueillit. Les murs étaient ornés de photos jaunies, capturant des moments heureux d'une époque révolue. Ivana ferma les yeux un instant, se remémorant les rires et les jeux d'enfance. Mais elle n'avait pas le temps de s'attarder. Elle devait fouiller de fond en comble pour retrouver une solution afin de rompre le sort de sa mère.

Elle commença par la cuisine, ouvrant les tiroirs avec frénésie. Des ustensiles oubliés et des recettes jaunies l'entouraient. Rien d'utile. Elle se dirigea ensuite vers le salon, où le vieux canapé était recouvert d'une couche de poussière. Ivana souleva les coussins, espérant y trouver quelque chose de précieux. Elle trouva seulement des pièces de monnaie et des bonbons durs, oubliés depuis longtemps.

Frustrée, elle monta à l'étage, où se trouvait sa chambre d'enfance. La porte grinça en s'ouvrant, et elle entra dans la pièce. Tout semblait figé dans le temps. Les murs étaient recouverts de posters de ses idoles, et son bureau était encore chargée de livres et de cahiers. Elle fouilla chaque tiroir, chaque recoin, sa détermination grandissant avec chaque minute qui passait.

Finalement, dans un vieux livre de contes qu'elle avait laissé là, Ivana découvrit une page pliée. En l'ouvrant, elle tomba sur une formule ancienne, une incantation oubliée qui pourrait peut-être l'aider à rompre le sort. Son cœur s'emballa d'espoir. C'était peut-être la clé pour sauver sa mère et briser l'emprise d'Agatha.

Avec cette découverte, Ivana savait qu'elle avait fait un pas décisif. Elle devait maintenant retourner à Westview, prête à affronter Agatha et à utiliser tout ce qu'elle avait appris pour défendre ceux qu'elle aimait.

Ivana se tenait devant la porte d'Agatha, le cœur battant la chamade. Elle avait enfin trouvé ce qu'elle cherchait, et maintenant, il était temps d'agir. Elle leva la main et sonna à la porte, le son résonnant dans le silence du quartier. Après quelques instants, la porte s'ouvrit lentement, révélant Agatha, les yeux écarquillés par la surprise.

« Qu'est-ce que tu fais ici ? » demanda Agatha, fronçant les sourcils, visiblement perplexe. Sa voix trahissait une inquiétude mêlée de curiosité.

Ivana, sans perdre une seconde, poussa doucement Agatha sur le côté pour entrer dans la maison. L'air était chargé d'une tension palpable. Elle se retourna alors pour faire face à Agatha, ses yeux brillants d'une détermination ardente.

« Écoute, j'ai pas le temps pour tout expliquer, » déclara Ivana d'une voix ferme, presque impatiente. « Il faut que tu m'écoutes et que tu me crois. »

Agatha, encore sous le choc, ne savait pas quoi répondre. Elle croisa les bras, la méfiance se lisant sur son visage. « Attends une minute, je ne te connais . Tu ne peux pas juste entrer chez moi comme ça et... »

« Oh c’est pas vrais j’avais oublier comment Agnes était pipelette» coupa Ivana, sa voix s'élevant légèrement.

Ivana, les yeux fixés sur Agatha, ressentait une vague d'émotions l'envahir. Elle savait que même si ses pouvoirs avaient disparu, la magie analogique pouvait encore opérer des miracles. Elle inspira profondément et murmura le sort, sa voix à peine audible, comme un souffle porté par le vent.

« Libère-toi, Agatha... » chuchota-t-elle, chaque mot chargé d'intention.

À cet instant, Agatha sentit une chaleur douce l'envelopper, comme si une lumière intérieure s'éveillait en elle. Elle plongea son regard dans celui d'Ivana, et un flot de souvenirs afflua. Chaque moment partagé lui revenait en mémoire, vibrant d'une tendresse oubliée.

Agatha, touchée par cette connexion, réalisa à quel point Ivana avait changé. La petite fille qu'elle avait connue était devenue une sublime jeune femme, pleine de force et de détermination. Ses traits étaient marqués par la maturité, mais une lueur d'innocence persistait dans son regard.

« Mini Maximoff, » murmura Agatha, penchant la tête sur le côté, un sourire ému se dessinant sur ses lèvres. « Je suis surprise de te voir ici. »

Ivana, un léger sourire aux lèvres, sentit une chaleur envahir son cœur. « Je sais que c'est inattendu, mais j'avais besoin de toi, Agatha. »

Agatha hocha la tête, la surprise laissant place à une compréhension profonde. « Je vois. Tu as beaucoup grandi, ma chère. Mais dis-moi, que veux tu ? »

Ivana, le regard déterminé, se tourna vers Agatha, son cœur battant avec une impatience palpable. « Je veux rejoindre la route des sorcières, » annonça-t-elle, sa voix pleine de conviction.

Agatha plissa les yeux, un sourire ironique aux lèvres. « La route n'existe pas, Ivana. C'est une légende, une illusion. »

Ivana, frustrée, secoua la tête. « Ne sois pas une menteuse, Agatha ! Je sais que ça existe. »

Agatha s'approcha d'elle, son regard perçant comme une flèche. Avec douceur, elle déplaça une mèche de cheveux d'Ivana derrière son oreille, créant un moment d'intimité.

« Écoute-moi, » murmura-t-elle. « La route va te tuer. »

Ivana, choquée, observa Agatha s'éloigner, se sentant à la fois trahie et confuse. « Mais tu ne t'es pas fait tuer, toi ! » lança-t-elle, tentant de garder sa voix ferme.

Agatha se retourna, un air de défi dans ses yeux. « Moi, je suis exceptionnelle. » Elle laissa échapper un léger rire, comme si la question ne méritait même pas d'être débattue.

Ivana, ne se laissant pas abattre, croisa les bras, son regard défiant. « Je vais aller sur la route, avec ou sans toi. »

Agatha éclata de rire, amusée par la détermination d'Ivana. « Et qu'est-ce que tu veux vraiment de cette route ? »

« Retrouver mes pouvoirs, » répondit Ivana, sa voix empreinte de passion.

Agatha, sérieuse à présent, hocha la tête. « Pour ça, il te faudra un sabbat. »

Ivana, intriguée, se pencha en avant, désireuse d'en savoir plus.

« Un sabbat ? Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire par là ? »

Agatha, avec un air mystérieux, se contenta de sourire. « Tu as encore beaucoup à apprendre, ma chère. »

Agatha se leva, déterminée, et se dirigea vers le porte-manteau. Elle attrapa sa veste en cuir noir, la passant rapidement sur ses épaules, avant de chausser ses bottines à talons. Le bruit des fermetures éclair et le claquement des semelles résonnaient dans l'air, créant une ambiance de tension palpable.

Elle se retourna alors vers Ivana, qui était toujours figée, son regard perdu dans le vide. Agatha plissa les yeux, un sourire amusé sur le visage. « Aller, c’est pas en restant figée comme ça qu’on va trouver un sabbat, » lança-t-elle avec une pointe d'ironie dans la voix.

Ivana, surprise par l'énergie d'Agatha, sentit son cœur s'accélérer. Elle voulu répondre, mais les mots restèrent coincés dans sa gorge. Agatha, ne laissant pas le temps à Ivana de réagir, tourna les talons et s'apprêta à quitter la pièce.

« Je regrette immédiatement cette décision, » murmura Ivana, presque inaudible, alors qu'une vague de doute l'envahissait.

Elle soupira, se sentant tiraillée entre son envie de rester et celle de suivre Agatha.Après un moment d'hésitation, elle prit une profonde inspiration et se décida à la suivre. « Comment les choses vont-elles se passer ? » se demanda-t-elle, angoissée mais excitée à l'idée de l'inconnu qui l'attendait. Elle rattrapa Agatha, se préparant à plonger dans cette aventure qui pourrait changer leur destin à toutes les deux.

[fieldofdaisiies]

Little Star

ship: Feysand type: fluffy drabble word count: 1,02k words warnings: none summary: baby Nyx's 1st Starfall for @officialfeysandweek2023 💜 set post-canon

"Make a wish." Her voice is like the softest whispers, as it dances on the wind, the cool night breeze caring it right to her mate's ears. 

"I am sorry, I can‘t." Rhys rests his chin on top of Feyre’s head, arms curling around both her and baby Nyx. "Because everything I‘ve ever hoped for is right here in my arms. There is no more wish I could have."

His arms are like a thick coat in winter, warm and soothing, providing comfort and safety. The High Lord is right — everything one could ever hope for is right here. Right here on this balcony. 

The landscape below is is dark, but the night sky is lit by many passing stars that feel like whispers in the darkness, telling tales and secrets of old times. Each one is a fleeting sparkle, glowing and illuminating a small part of the darkness. The House of Wind is dark behind them, so everyone's focus can be on the sky. 

"This," Rhysand says as he lowers his gaze for a moment, "is the kind of darkness I was talking about. The one that is restful, peaceful, soothing." He kisses the top of Feyre's head. "And in this peaceful darkness, it is not the travelling spirits in the sky, but the two who are the brightest lights in my life, darling." 

A single tear leaves the corner of Feyre's eye, leaning her head to the side so she can rest it on Nyx's head. "You are, Rhysand."

The night sky above them looks like a puzzle that keeps changing every second, with stars moving by, leaving their shimmer behind. 

"Da!" Nyx babbles, suddenly, kicking out his tiny feet, his little hands frantically waving when a shimmering shooting star passes right above their heads. He looks after it, eyes aglow just like the travelling spirit and starts to bounce up and down in his mother's arms. "Ma!"

"Your first Starfall, my little star," Feyre hums and presses a soft kiss to the giggling baby in her arms. She looks at him for a long moment, her heart swelling once again. "Maybe, I do have a wish though."

Speaking it out loud is bad luck, so Feyre only opens her sense to her mate, lowering her mental shields. I want the brightest future for Nyx. I want no obstacles in his life. I want him to ever be happy and joyful. And I want him to find the same love I found in you.

Feyre closes her eyes, relaxing back against Rhysand's solid chest. He hums, and kisses the side of her head. "I will wish for the same thing, darling."

His own eyes close for a moment, nothing but the calm chatter of their family and some soft music in the distance surrounding them. 

It is later on, when more spirits start to travel, that Feyre hands their baby boy to his father, and accepts a glass of wine from Mor. 

Rhysand lovingly cradles his little son in his arms. Nyx's eyes are still wide with awe as he gazes at the spectacle above. Wine glass in one hand, Feyre rests her other hand gently on her baby boy's back, a bright smile on her lips. 

Nyx's eyes shimmer with wonder as he excitedly points to the stars, bouncing up and down in Rhysand's strong arm. "Dada!" he babbles, giggling and squealing and pointing at every travelling spirit on the night sky. 

Rhysand's eyes always follow the direction, for every passing spirit he shares little Nyx's excitement. "Exactly, this one, little star, is yours," Rhys chuckles, now also pointing at different shimmering lights in the sky. Nyx squeals happily, drumming his little hands and feet against his father's chest. 

But all of a sudden it happens. Something bright and glowing heads right into their direction. Before Rhysand can turn him and Nyx away it —something sparkly, blinding and tinkling— hits the High Lord's face, little droplets also splashing onto baby Nyx's face who squeals at first. Then he looks shocked, eyes wide, lips quivering. But Feyre is quickly there to comfort him, rubbing his back and mumbles soothing words, while a radiant smile is plastered on her face. She is delighted, her mate and little baby boy looking just too adorable with the glowing dust on their faces.  

"Oh, baby," she says, "did a traveling spirit hit you, huh?"

"And what about me?" Rhys huffs, faking a dramatic pout. But it does not stay on his face for long before it turns into a full toothy grin. 

A whole hearted laugh escapes Feyre's face, taking in the colourful and twinkling dust on Rhysand's face. Rhysand soon joins in, his chest rumbling when he looks back at little Nyx. 

The High Lord loves his son's fascination, cuddling him even a little tighter so Nyx can drag his little finger through the colour on his face. 

"Dada," Nyx squeals again, his little wings wiggling on his back. He is bouncing once again, fingers full of the colourful glimmer as he reaches them up to his father's face. 

"Well, buddy, this is Starfall. Full of shimming and twinkling spirits that pass over our heads." 

Rhys squeezes him, and places a gentle kiss to the top of Nyx's head. 

Turning fully to her son and mate, Feyre says, "Isn't it beautiful, sweetheart? Aren't you beautiful?" She giggles softly, the sound warming Rhysand's heart just like the babbly noises that escape Nyx. The little boy beams at his mother, then once again at Rhys. 

And as the High Lord gazes at his little son, a single tear also slips out the corner of his eye. How did he ever get so lucky?

He blinks rapidly, his throat a little dry all of a sudden. 

"Starfall is proof for all the wonders in your world, but the biggest wonder, the greatest gift, I hold in my arms, my little star."

As if he is already able to understand his father's words, Nyx let his head rest against his father's chest, snuggling tightly to him. A contented sigh parts his little mouth when his eyes close. 

~~~~~~~~~

tag list: @girlinglass999  @autumndreaming7 @a-frog-with-a-laptop @brekkershadowsinger

[jeanchrisosme]

Si vous me cherchez Vous ne me verrez pas dans les grands magasins, parmi la foule assoiffée de biens matériels. Je préfère le calme de la forêt, ou la sérénité des vieux cimetières isolés, pieds nus dans l'herbe, attentive aux bruits des branches qui se meuvent sous la brise, aux chants des oiseaux qui sonnent comme une mélodie harmonieuse, aux vols des papillons, petits clins d'œil des défunts... Vous ne me trouverez pas dans les centres aquatiques ou de thalassothérapie. Je me baigne dans les rivières ou la mer, parmi les êtres de la nature. J'adore le bruit des vagues s'échouant sur le sable, le massage des courants plus ou moins chauds ou froids sur mon corps. J'aime observer le parcours de l'élément eau que rien n'arrête. L'eau contourne les obstacles, les dépasse, et poursuit sa route sans se poser de questions. Vous ne me croiserez pas à des spectacles sons et lumières, bondés de monde et de nuisances sonores. Je serai sous les rayons de la pleine lune, me remplissant de ses douces énergies, en scrutant les étoiles où résident mes frères galactiques. Enveloppée de l'obscurité de la nuit, je ferai face à la lumière de la reine des astres, me rappelant mes origines stellaires. Vous ne m'apercevrez pas sous les projecteurs, sous les stroboscopes, au contact d'une population déchaînée. Je préfère les crépitements du feu de bois, la danse de ses flammes, ses messages, sa chaleur. Le son du tambour, aligné sur les battements de mon cœur. La communion avec les éléments et les différents plans. Je suis fille du feu, de la terre, de l'eau et de l'air. Femme sur Terre, une âme de l'Univers. Je suis tout et rien à la fois. L'œil du cyclone au cœur de la tempête, la pluie, le beau temps, l'arc en ciel, l'orage et l'ouragan.

Patou Llech

[frasier-crane-style]

We Who Are About To Die episode 1

This got bad reviews, but what sword and sandals media gets good reviews? That said:

-Bewilderingly, the show has several Numidians and plays them as the most cliched African tribesmen imaginable, instead of as Berbers. I can only imagine that Peacock got more ESG points for black people than for Arabs. Either that or they saw that the source material had a "slaves trying to break free" plot and just had to make those characters black.

-It also plays them as Noble Savages entirely straight, being just aghast at how humans can kill for reasons other than eating. Okay, Tarzan, whatever you say.

-Naturally, the one gay character is the most debauched, out-and-out villain. Roland Emmerich is gay, so I think this is just his throwback to Spartacus and the like, but who would've thought a German would have that much of a sense of humor?

-In case you're wondering how dumbed down this all is from actual Roman history, they say at one point "All the people care about are bread and games." Because circus = spectacle = games is too big a leap for their target audience to make, one guesses.

-At one point, the chariot race announcer declares "Ride or die!"

-Anthony Hopkins gets the thankless role of old guy emperor. Would it be too much to ask that they get Pacino or Deniro for one of these? I feel Hopkins has done this character a dozen times.

-Speaking of, I know the British accent isn't realistically what ancient Romans would sound like, even if they were speaking English--but is it too much to ask for some consistency? It's just weird to hear the Romans go from British accents to American accents at random.

-The main 'Numidian' chick, Cala, has entirely too much plot armor. She's played something like a reverse Paul Atriedes who is induced into Roman society and immediately comes up with all these one-neat-tricks to improve things, as well as instantly becoming the right-hand man to antihero Tenax. It was unbelievable to me that Tenax has so small an organization that Cala is the first person to come along that he can delegate to, but at the same time he's such a huge power broker that he can affect the course of the Empire.

-This show has waaaay too many characters, man. Just for starters, we have three Spanish horse guys, four Numidians, two rival charioteers, the Roman emperor and his competitive sons, assorted gladiators, assorted politicians, random Romans who hold stock in the arena, and all their kooky love stories... it got to the point that two female characters started having a love scene: I had no idea who one of them was and whether the two had ever had scenes together before. And it's not like all of these characters come together at the end. Plenty of them are just THERE and never contribute to the larger plot. I understand not thinking this would get a second season, but surely they could've saved a few of these people for later instead of cramming them all in at once.

-A surprising amount of plot points arise from the charioteers 'boxing each other in' against a wall so that they can't get out of the way of an obstacle and crash right into it. I don't know, I'm not an expert chariot racer, but... horses stop, don't they? It's not just turning them left or right, you can actually make them stop, correct?

[saiacross]

Chapter 26 The Past, The Present, & The Lost : 8,854 : Series

This Work is part of an overarching story that can be read as a one-shot with little overlapping information from other chapters.

⬅ Bonus Chapter 5: Surprise!💜 Chapter 27: TBD ➡ Master List

Dean, Sam, and Y/N attend an Apple Festival in Nappanee, Indiana while they try to figure out who or what is taking the teens in the area. Just as it seems they have hit a dead end a woman rushes in panicking that her son, Ben, has gone missing. Lisa of course doesn't remember Dean or Sam in the slightest. However, Y/N knows who she is. Now Y/N must navigate this unexpected obstacle with Dean while trying to save Ben. But what about Sam?

*** = the start of this song. My Demons by Starset https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSvOTw8UH6s

Nappanee, Indiana  Apple Festival

The quaint streets of Nappanee, Indiana, were alive with the vibrant energy of the annual Apple Festival. Sam, Dean, and Y/N navigated the bustling crowd in their FBI suits, a comical juxtaposition against the festive backdrop. As Sam approached a stall to purchase a bundle of apples, Y/N couldn't contain her excitement, her eyes dancing with anticipation.

Dean, however, seemed less enthused, an air of skepticism clouding his features. Y/N shot him an amused glance, her smile widening. "Come on, Dean! It's a festival! Live a little," she urged, her tone playful.

Dean grunted, “Yeah, nothing says excitement like a town obsessed with apples.”

Sam returned, a small bundle of apples in hand, and handed one to Y/N. "Gotta admit, Dean, even FBI agents don’t scowl THAT much," Sam teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Dean shot Sam a glare, but Sam was no longer paying attention and was now handing Y/N one of the fresh apples.

Y/N took a bite of the juicy apple, savoring the crisp sweetness as Dean expressed his aversion to the healthy snack.

"Sorry, I've never been a fan of apples. Too healthy for my taste," Dean quipped, earning a chuckle and scoff from Sam, who seized the opportunity to mention Nappanee's famed apple pies.

"Hey, Y/N, isn't Nappanee famous for their apple pies?" Sam inquired, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Y/N, unaware of the playful banter, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I read their pies have won first place in regional competitions for the last several years."

Dean's disinterest in apples took a sudden turn as the prospect of apple pie emerged. "Apple pie, huh? Now you're talking my language," Dean exclaimed, his eyes scanning the festival grounds for any sign of a booth selling the coveted dessert.

A man with a pie caught Dean's attention, and without hesitation, he set off in pursuit, eager to indulge in the renowned apple pies of Nappanee.

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Dean stood there, a slice of pie in one hand and a fork in the other, lost in a world of delicious delight. The blissful groans that escaped him with each savory bite were a symphony of indulgence that left Sam and Y/N exchanging uneasy glances. The public display of Dean's pleasure bordered on discomfort for the onlookers.

Y/N leaned in and whispered to Sam, "Those aren't sounds that should be made in public."

Sam nodded in agreement, his discomfort mirroring Y/N's. Unable to endure the spectacle any longer, Sam called out to his pie-loving brother, "Uh Dean, man, you're scaring the kids. Besides, we got a job to do here.”

Dean rolled his eyes as he turned away from the two in order to finish his indulgence in peace. The sweet aroma of the award-winning apple pie lingered in the air, even as the trio prepared to tackle their next job.

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Dean tossed his plate into the trash with a satisfied thud, dusting off his jacket from the remnants of pie crumbs. Wiping his hands with a napkin, he turned to the business at hand. "So what are we dealing with here?" he asked, his tone now serious.

Sam took a deep breath, walking alongside his brother as he began to explain, "Well, that's the thing. We don't know. We've been researching most of the drive up here but couldn't narrow down what it could be. Just that it's snatching teens without any obvious rhyme or reason."

Dean furrowed his brow, considering the possibilities. "So it could be anything. Vamp, Wolf, Shifter."

Sam nodded, continuing to provide details, "Three boys and two girls. Day and night. No bodies were found. The only connection is that they're all around 14 years old."

"Alright then, We talk to the victims' families and see what they have to say." Dean offered.

Just as the trio were about to head back to the car, a distressed woman's voice cut through the shuffling of the crowd, calling out, "Excuse me, officer!" The familiarity of the voice caused Dean and Sam to spin on their heels, though Y/N wasn't as quick on the draw. The woman approached a nearby on-duty police officer, her desperation evident in her voice as she pleaded, "Please, Officer, my son, Ben. I can't find him. He's 14, brown hair. He's wearing a leather jacket, and..."

The officer attempted to calm the frantic woman, who continued to spew notable details about her missing son. Y/N observed the scene, noting the guys' strange behavior. It was Sam who finally asked, "Dean, is that..."

Dean hadn't blinked the entire time, as if fearing that doing so would make him wake up from a bad dream. Swallowing hard, he whispered, "Lisa."

Y/N's head snapped between Dean and Sam. She had heard that name before, but only once and mostly by mistake. The air around them thickened with tension and unspoken history.

Y/N's voice held skepticism as she looked to Dean and asked, "Wait, you mean Lisa LISA?" She then turned to Sam and questioned, "Like THE Lisa?" Sam simply nodded as his eyes darted between Lisa, Y/N, and Dean, capturing the unspoken tension in the air. Meanwhile, a young boy, fitting the description of Lisa's son, approached her and the officer. Without hesitation, Lisa enveloped Ben in a tight hug, relief washing over her.

As the officer left the pair with a smile, Lisa hugged Ben once more, then looked up over his shoulder, noticing the trio standing and watching. With a warm smile, Lisa directed Ben toward Dean, Sam, and Y/N.

Panic crept into Dean's voice as he uttered, "Sammy..." but Sam cut him off, whispering, "Yeah, I see it." Both brothers tensed up as Lisa and Ben approached.

Just moments before the encounter, Y/N muttered, "Well, this is about to be awkward."

Lisa, undeterred, approached Y/N with open arms, reaching in for a hug as she stepped past Sam and Dean, saying, "Alice! What are you doing here?"

Y/N smiled warmly and returned the hug, replying, "Lisa! How nice to see you again!" The air crackled with the unspoken complexities.

Ben, standing next to his mother, greeted Y/N, "Hi Ms. Cooper."

Y/N smiled warmly at Ben and replied, "Hello, Ben. It's been a while. Hope you're still doing well in school?"

Ben nodded and said, "Well, none of the teachers are as cool as you were, but I'm getting by."

Lisa wrapped one arm around Ben and added, "Ben here is top of his class now, thanks to you."

Y/N chuckled modestly, dismissing the compliment, "Ah, I was just a sub."

Meanwhile, Sam's eyes continuously darted between Y/N, Lisa, and Dean, as though he were awaiting Dean's head to explode from the brewing tension. Suddenly, Lisa looked up at Sam and Dean, and asked, "So who do you have with you today?"

Dean, attempting to act normal, reached for his badge and introduced himself with forced professionalism, "I'm Agent Swift, and this is my partner, Agent Crue. We're FBI, here investigating the missing children reports."

Lisa continued to gaze at Dean, a playful quirk on her lips as she asked, "FBI? And how does a substitute middle school teacher know a couple of FBI agents?" Dean began to answer, but his words seemed to get caught in his throat as their eyes locked in a momentary, unspoken exchange. The air was thick with tension.

For Y/N, time seemed to freeze, torn between the past and the present. Her heart ached to witness the interaction between Dean and Lisa. Could she do it? Could she put Dean's happiness before her own feelings? The life he once had with them. What was she to do or say? She knew about Lisa. About Her and Dean, about Dean's time living with them, his connection to Ben, and what Dean gave up to protect them. Watching them now though broke her heart. Could she do it? If it meant Dean had it all back, Lisa and Ben…

Before Y/N could fully process her thoughts, her mouth acted on its own accord. The words spilled out in a rush, "Sam here is actually my boyfriend." Y/N took a step closer to Sam, leaning into his side and wrapping her arm around him. She continued, "He and Dean here knew that I wanted to see the Apple festival, so they let me tag along. You know, as long as I didn't get in the way." Y/N shot Lisa and Ben a friendly smile. Sam responded by wrapping his arm around Y/N, subtly squeezing her shoulder for reassurance.

Hearing Y/N's unexpected revelation, Dean's brows furrowed with concern, and his eyes sought Y/N's for a moment. He sensed something significant had transpired but the specifics remained elusive.

As Y/N finished her statement, Sam interjected with a calm demeanor, "Um, actually, we overheard you telling the officer that you lost track of Ben here for a bit. If you don't mind, my partner here would like to go over a few things with you, just as a precautionary measure, of course."

Lisa, though visibly relieved to have found her son, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, of course, sure."

Dean's eyes shot up to Sam, registering the unspoken apology in his brother's expression. The weight of the situation pressed on Dean's shoulders.

Y/N then cleared her throat, breaking the moment's tension. "Awesome, well, I need to find something to drink. Come find us when you're finished, alright? And maybe we can hang out later."

With that, Y/N gently tugged Sam away from the group. As she passed Dean, she gave his arm a reassuring pat, a silent assurance that they would navigate this delicate situation together. Y/N then turned, offering a warm smile to Lisa and Ben, before fading into the bustling crowd of the Apple Festival. The air hung heavy with unresolved emotions, leaving everyone wrestling with their thoughts and the unspoken complexities of the situation.

As Y/N and Sam navigated through the lively crowd, Y/N's thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and the weight of her decision. Sam's concern mirrored in his eyes as he gently squeezed Y/N's hand, seeking reassurance.

"You sure about this, Y/N?" Sam asked, his voice a steady anchor amid uncertainty.

Y/N took a shaky breath, the weight of her words evident. "Not really, Sam. But what's done is done. Let's just get through this investigation and deal with whatever comes next."

Sam nodded, understanding the sacrifice she was making. The forced smile Y/N offered failed to mask the turmoil beneath the surface of Sam’s gaze.

Meanwhile, back with Dean, Lisa, and Ben, an unspoken tension lingered. Dean's discomfort was evident as Lisa's gaze was filled with curious longing. Ben, caught up in the festival's joy, remained blissfully unaware.

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 It was much later in the evening, well past dark by the time Dean had returned to the small 2 bedroom Air B&B they had rented for the duration of the investigation. Due to the festival, all the hotels and motels had been booked up, not that Y/N minded having a bit more room than normal and no neighbors on the other side of the wall.

The door clicked shut behind Dean, the room's silence a stark contrast to the festival's liveliness still echoing outside. Sam sat at the table, his eyes shifting between his laptop screen and the hallway. He glanced up at Dean's entrance, then quickly scanned the corridor for Y/N's presence.

Dean dropped a couple of bags of food on the table with a casual, "Hey," his tone holding a touch of weariness. Sam took a moment, seizing the opportunity, and inquired, "So?"

Dean's confusion was palpable as he echoed Sam's question, "So?"

An exasperated sigh escaped Sam. "So, how did it go? With Lisa?"

Dean's body tensed slightly, a reflexive glance toward the hallway betraying his unease. "Well, she doesn't remember a thing but..." Dean's words trailed off, and before he could finish.

Sam jumped in with an impish grin, "But she's still into you."

Dean's smitten smile surfaced, tinged with a hint of grittiness. "Yeah," he murmured softly, almost to himself, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes before he added, "She's..." He paused, lost momentarily in thought. "She's doing good."

Their conversation hung in the air, charged with unsaid words and unspoken emotions.

As Y/N entered the room, Sam and Dean's attention shifted, noting her choice of attire and the subtle, inviting aura she exuded. The purple tank top and short sleep shorts painted a picture that had both Sam and Dean shooting a brief glance at each other, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken intentions.

"Hey,” Y/N greeted casually, "OOOh Tacos!" she exclaimed, her voice peaking with excitement,  Her voice, though upbeat, carried an unusual tone while her eyes remained fixed on the bags, avoiding any direct contact with Sam or Dean. This raised an invisible alarm in the minds of both brothers.

Dean, sensing the tension, cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence. "Uh, yeah. It was the only place that didn't have apples spewing from the seams, so I hope that's alright." His attempt at lightening the mood conveyed uncertainty, mirroring the unspoken concerns lingering in the room.

"Smells good, at least," Y/N remarked, her focus on unwrapping the food. Only then did she look up at Dean, her eyes intentionally avoiding direct contact as she asked, "So, Ben good?" She took a bite of a taco, maintaining a facade of casualness.

Dean, caught off guard by Y/N's question, stumbled over his words momentarily. The internal struggle between his head and heart played out on his face. Sam's throat clearing acted as a subtle cue, giving Dean the nudge he needed to regain control.

"Huh, well, actually, seems like Ben might have seen something after all," Dean explained, his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty.

The revelation brought both Sam and Y/N to a pause.

Dean continued, "Apparently, Ben was browsing some booth by the tree line of the woods when he thought he heard something snarl, but when he looked around, there were no dogs or other animals. Since then, he was feeling like something was watching him up until we got back to their hotel room."

Sam shot Dean a concerned glance, silently questioning him.

Dean continued, "We sat down to do some questioning, the usual stuff until Ben asked about wild animal attacks in the area."

Sam was the first to speak, questioning, "Wild animals? Why?"

Dean shifted in his stance as he explained, "I think he saw whatever this thing is we’re hunting. He didn’t want to worry his mom, but as soon as she left the room to get some water, he spilled the beans."

Y/N, intrigued, interjected, "What did you tell him?"

Dean chuckled in surprise, "Well, what could I tell him? I said that wild animal attacks had been on the rise, probably a wolf, but we would take care of it."

Sam, still processing the information, asked, "And Ben believed you? Or you think he knows or remembers?"

Dean shook his head and sighed, "Remember? Nah. Actually, I'm not sure he believed me. As a matter of fact, he said he was only trusting me because Ms. Alice Cooper here was my friend, and he trusts her."

Y/N nodded in agreement, stating, "He's a good kid."

Y/N dusted her hands off, clearing any food crumbs, and then declared, "Alright, so we’ll check out the woods in the morning. I’m gonna get some sleep." She leaned in to give Sam a kiss on the cheek, whispering, "Night," before turning to Dean and repeating the gesture. With a swaying of her hips and tails, Y/N turned to walk back down the hall.

Both guys instinctively turned their heads to watch her departure, anticipation hanging in the air as they waited to see which room Y/N would enter. Right for Sam’s room, left for Dean’s room; straight ahead led to the bathroom. Without hesitation, Y/N glided around the doorway and right into Sam’s room.

Sam couldn’t help but smirk at his silent victory, the anticipation of tonight's events playing out across his face. Dean, on the other hand, turned his gaze straight ahead, leaning onto the table with one hand while running the other down his face with a heavy sigh.

"Sorry, man," Sam offered a consoling remark.

Dean shook his head, dismissing the apology. "Nah, it's fine." The weariness in his voice hinted at the complexity of the situation.

Sam leaned back in his chair, studying Dean's expression. The weariness, the conflict, it was all there. "Dean," Sam began, his voice soft but earnest, "if it's too much, if you want to step back—"

Dean interrupted with a half-smile, "Sammy, it's not that. Just... you know how it is. Complicated."

"Yeah," Sam agreed, his eyes reflecting understanding. "But Y/N, she seems to be handling it well."

Dean sighed, a mixture of frustration and admiration in his tone. "Yeah, she's something else. Handles the crazy life we lead better than I ever could."

The two brothers sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history and the complexities of their relationships hanging in the air. Finally, Dean pushed himself away from the table, standing up. "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow's another day of hunting."

Sam only nodded.

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The next morning, the trio gathered in the kitchen; Y/N was already sipping on a cup of coffee at the table with Sam when Dean joined them. As Dean walked through the doorway, rubbing his temples and trying to shake off the fatigue, Sam asked, "You good, Dean?" noticing the tension in Dean's demeanor.

Dean flashed a tight smile and in his rough morning voice, just said, "Peachy," as he made his way to the fresh coffee.

The quiet morning was abruptly shattered by a loud banging, echoing through the small house. A familiar and frantic voice called out from the front door.

Sam, Y/N, and Dean all froze, their eyes locking onto each other, their expressions mirroring a mix of concern and confusion.

"Alice! Dean! Help!? Please!?" Lisa's urgent plea sent a shiver down their spines, instantly jolting Sam and Dean into action. Y/N, though was closest to the door, sprang up, setting her coffee down, and dashed to swing it open.

Y/N's heart raced with alarm as she hastily opened the door, allowing Lisa to rush in. "Lisa, what's wrong?" Y/N's voice trembled slightly, concern etched on her face.

Before Lisa could say a word, she spotted Dean and sidestepped Y/N to approach him, "Dean! It's Ben! He was taken..." Lisa's words trembled, her voice tinged with fear and desperation. Her eyes pleaded for help, filled with raw panic.

"Lisa, calm down." Dean's voice was firm but laced with concern, his eyes searching hers for answers as he placed a hand on either shoulder to steady her.

Sam's brows furrowed in alarm, his mind racing to piece together the situation. "Taken? How? When?"

"Lisa, calm down. Breathe!" Dean's voice was firm but laced with concern as he placed a hand on either shoulder to steady her.

Sam's brows furrowed in alarm, his mind racing to piece together the situation. "Taken? How? When?" Sam questioned, his eyes searching for any details that could provide a clue.

Lisa's gaze shifted from Dean to his brother over his shoulder before she began to recount the terrifying encounter.

"It... It was huge and came out of nowhere. Like it fell from the sky right in front of us, and then, it just snatched Ben up with one hand and took off. I-I tried to stop it, but..." Lisa's voice trailed off, her trembling hands clasped together.

Dean pulled her into a comforting hug, whispering reassurances. "We'll find him. I promise." Dean's determination echoed in his words.

Meanwhile, Sam and Y/N were already in motion, pulling out the weapon bags and loading them up. Sam inquired about the creature's direction, "Did you see which way it went?"

Lisa nodded, wiping away tears as she pulled away from Dean. "Yeah, that tree line near the booths. We were walking around there for our morning walk."

That's when Lisa heard the sound of a gun being racked. Her eyes widened as she watched Y/N hand the gun to Dean, who seemed to handle it with familiarity. Y/N, in the meantime, picked up a shotgun from the bed and began loading it with shells. The unexpected sight left Lisa shocked, confused, and concerned.

"Uh, Alice, what are you..." Lisa began, but Y/N quickly cut her off, a sense of urgency in her tone, "I will explain later. For now, just take us to that spot. We have to be quick."

Hesitantly, Lisa nodded her head, uncertainty etched across her face. She led the group out the door, anxiety lingering in the air. The weight of the situation pressed on them as they moved with purpose, the urgency reflected in every step. The unknown threat had become more than just a mysterious entity; it was a tangible danger that demanded immediate action.

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The group followed Lisa through the quiet morning streets, the air heavy with tension. Y/N kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, all her fox senses on high alert for any signs of danger. Dean gripped his gun tightly, his jaw set with determination, while Sam carried the shotgun, ready for whatever awaited them.

As they approached the tree line near the booths, Lisa pointed to the spot where the incident occurred. It was a serene area, now tainted by the fear that gripped their hearts. The group spread out, scanning the surroundings for any clues.

Y/N’s eyes focused on the tree line, "Which way did it go, Lisa?"

Lisa pointed in the direction, her hand trembling. "That way. Toward the deeper woods."

Sam looked to Y/N and motioned with a jolt of his head towards the trees. “Y/N?”

Y/N nodded in response before she took the lead.

Sam then turned to Dean before looking toward Lisa, “Stay close.”

 The group entered the woods, the foliage casting dappled shadows on their path. The sense of urgency heightened with each step. As they delved deeper, the woods seemed to close in around them, the silence broken only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional creaking of branches.

As they ventured deeper, the sounds of the forest seemed to hush, creating an eerie silence. Y/N held up her hand, signaling the others to stop. Lisa gripped Dean's arm, her eyes wide with fear. The group surveyed their surroundings, searching for any sign of Ben.

Then, through the shadows, they spotted him. Ben lay on the ground, unconscious, his eyes closed and a faint bruise on his forehead. Relief washed over Lisa as she rushed to his side, calling his name. Y/N and the Winchesters approached cautiously, their eyes scanning the area for any potential threat.

However, the sense of relief was short-lived. A sinister laughter echoed through the woods, sending shivers down their spines. The air became thick with malevolence as a colossal figure emerged from the shadows.

Standing before them was a grotesque amalgamation of nightmare and reality. A hunched forward, 7-foot-tall, lengthy form was covered in black dead tree bark, adorned with a layer of white and green moss. Its deer skull head, complete with antlers, turned slowly, revealing small yellow beads as eyes that gleamed with an otherworldly malevolence. With every breath, it emitted a snarl, sending a chill down their spines.

Dean's grip tightened on his weapon, his jaw clenched. "What the hell is that thing?"

Y/N's eyes narrowed, her instincts warning her of imminent danger. "I don't know.”

As the creature stepped forward, a low growl emanated from its monstrous form. Ben, seemingly abandoned on the ground, was revealed as bait, a pawn in a deadly game.

"It was a trap," Sam warned, his eyes fixed on the creature.

As the Wechuge let out a horrid howl that seemed to echo through the very fabric of the woods, the air filled with tension. Dean's eyes widened, locking onto the monstrous creature before them. Without a moment's hesitation, he barked at Y/N, "Y/N, get Ben and Lisa out of here. Now!"

Y/N hesitated, torn between the instinct to stay and fight and the responsibility to ensure the safety of Lisa and Ben. Dean's urgent voice cut through her internal conflict. "Go, Y/N!" he yelled, a mixture of command and concern in his tone.

Sam, too, added his voice to the chorus of urgency. "Dean's right. Get them out of here. We'll handle this."

With a determined nod, Y/N swung Ben effortlessly over her shoulder, utilizing her Kitsune strength. Lisa, still visibly shaken, was grasped firmly by the hand. Without another word, Y/N turned on her heels and sprinted back towards the town, going as fast as she could without losing Lisa along the way.

The distant sounds of gunfire, the beast’s snarls, and Dean and Sam's resolute battle cries lingered in the air as Y/N led Lisa and the unconscious Ben through the dense foliage. The urgency of their retreat heightened as another eerie howl pierced the silence, signaling the ongoing struggle behind them.

Breaking through the dense woods and emerging into the park, Y/N, Lisa, and Ben found themselves in the early morning stillness. The park seemed deserted, with no sign of the chaos that unfolded in the woods just moments ago. As they approached the street where the Impala was parked, Lisa suddenly broke free from Y/N's grasp, her eyes filled with confusion and fear.

"What is happening around here? What was that thing?" Lisa fired off her questions, her voice filled with urgency and panic. "And why did Dean and Sam call you Y/N? Just who are you, people!?"

Y/N, realizing the need to provide some answers, attempted to calm Lisa down. "Lisa, I know this is a lot to take in, but we need to get away from here first. It's not safe." She took a step closer to Lisa.

Lisa, however, was not easily appeased. "No, I need answers now! I saw that thing, and it took Ben. What kind of danger are we in?"

Before Y/N could respond, a haunting howl resonated through the air, much closer than before. The realization that the creature was near sent shivers down their spines. Y/N's eyes widened, and she reached for Lisa's arm, urgency in her voice. "We need to move. Now."

Just as Y/N reached for Lisa's arm, the Creature emerged from the tree line, soaring through the air with menacing grace. Its monstrous form landed with a deafening thud, shaking the ground beneath. In the chaos, Lisa was knocked away, tumbling to the ground.

The impact caused Y/N to lose her footing, and her grip on Ben slipped. The two crashed to the ground, disoriented and vulnerable. Before Y/N could fully regain her balance, the Creature moved with unnatural speed, pinning her against the side of a nearby vehicle. The sheer force of the creature crushed the car, leaving Y/N trapped and defenseless.

Metal groaned and screeched as the Creature’s claws pierced the vehicle, leaving Y/N exposed and bleeding from the gash on her side. Desperation filled her eyes as she struggled against the creature's immense strength, but it was futile.

The Creature, towering over Y/N, leaned in with a low and ominous snarl. Its deer skull head tilted to the side, small yellow beads of eyes locking onto Y/N's. The air thickened with fear, death, and horror as the creature studied its prey.

Y/N, trapped and wounded, stared back into the abyss of the Creature's eyes. Her blood ran cold as the realization of her dire situation set in. The Creature's presence was an embodiment of terror, and Y/N could feel the weight of impending doom hanging in the air. As the creature loomed over her, the world seemed to hold its breath, suspended in a moment of relentless dread.

Y/N could feel the creature’s killing intent bearing down on her, a suffocating pressure that left her powerless against the creature's grasp. The monstrous being slowly began to open its mouth, ready to consume her in a horrifying display of its deadly intent. The moment seemed to stretch into eternity, and Y/N knew she wasn't strong enough to break free no less defeat it.

However, just as the creature’s fang grazed Y/N’s neck, a woman's enchanting voice echoed through the air, halting the creature in its tracks. "Not yet, my pet. We still need her alive, for now."

Y/N's eyes darted around, trying to identify the source of the mysterious voice, but she couldn't discern anyone nearby. The creature, obedient to the unseen speaker, slowly began to pull away, allowing Y/N a gasp of relief.

In the nick of time, Dean and Sam burst through the tree line, panting and breathless from their frantic pursuit of the monstrous creature. They stopped in their tracks, pistols raised, aiming at the towering creature. The brothers' eyes locked onto the creature, determination etched across their faces as they prepared for the impending confrontation.

The Creature, having turned to face the brothers, unleashed a horrifying screech that cut through the air. Sam and Dean, taken off guard, instinctively covered their ears, wincing at the piercing sound. In the disorienting aftermath, the Creature released Y/N from its crushing grasp, allowing her to slide down the side of the damaged car, clutching her injured side.

Taking advantage of the distraction, the creature swiftly lunged for Ben, scooping him up once again, and with a powerful leap, disappeared into the woods. By the time Sam and Dean regained their senses, the Creature was already gone.

Dean, recovering from the deafening screech, scanned the surroundings for any trace of the Wechuge. Panic filled the air as he spotted Lisa lying on the ground. Fear and urgency in his voice, he shouted, "Lisa!" Sprinting past Y/N and towards her, he knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he tried to assess her condition. "Stay with me, Lisa."

Y/N winced, her breaths shallow and labored as she gripped her side. Sam, quick to react, rushed to her side. "Y/N! Hold on, are you okay?" he asked urgently, his eyes searching hers for signs of distress.

The tension in the air was thick as Y/N, grimacing in pain, interrupted Sam's attempts to help her. "I'll be fine, but he took Ben," her voice held a determined edge despite the obvious agony. Sam, concern etched across his face, gently assisted Y/N to her feet, allowing her to lean against the damaged car.

Suddenly, Dean's furious expression loomed before Y/N. He was seething, and his anger was palpable. "What the hell? How could you let this happen? You had one job!" Dean's words cut through the air like a whip, each syllable loaded with frustration. Y/N tried to respond, but Dean's anger drowned out any attempt at explanation.

She was supposed to keep Lisa and Ben safe and she failed. Ben was now in the hands of that monster because of Y/N. Y/N was taken aback as Dean pushed her against the car she had once been pined to as he yelled at her.

As Dean continued his heated tirade, Y/N's eyes shifted over his shoulder to where Lisa, now awake, observed the confrontation. Sam, seeing the escalating tension, reached out to intervene, placing a hand on Dean's shoulder in an attempt to pull him away from Y/N. However, Dean brushed off Sam's attempt, storming away with Lisa.

Sam, torn between following them and addressing Y/N's condition, hesitated. Before he could make a decision, Y/N stopped him by grabbing his arm. "Sam, wait," she pleaded, her voice strained. Y/N removed her hand from her side, revealing the alarming amount of blood that had pooled in her hands.

Concern flashed across Sam's face. "Y/N, we need to get you help. This can't wait," he insisted.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Hours later, Sam is pacing the shared living area back at the small house they were renting with his phone pressed to his ear. "Yeah, thanks, Garth. See you soon." He hung up, scratching the back of his head as he contemplated their next move.

Slowly, Sam walked down the hall towards his bedroom. As he entered, he saw Y/N lying on his bed. She looks up, curiosity in her eyes. "Who was that on the phone?"

Sam tossed the phone onto the bed, "I called in some backup with you injured and Dean not thinking straight We'll need all the help we can get. So, Cass is rounding up Garth, Jody, Donna, and Charlie and bringing them here."

Y/N winces as she tries to sit up, determination in her gaze.

Sam quickly approaches her bedside, gently easing her back down. "You shouldn't be moving. You'll pop those stitches."

Y/N sighs, frustration evident in her expression as she lays back down. "I hate feeling helpless."

Sam leans down to kiss Y/N's forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. As he pulls away, he whispers, "Let me heal you."

Y/N closes her eyes, contemplating Sam's offer. With a shaky voice, she says, "I want to, but it doesn't feel right."

Sam lifts his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb rubbing gently against her skin. He maneuvers to lay down next to her, his voice sincere as he says, "You don't need to worry about Dean. He's just... having a hard time right now."

Y/N sounds like she's trying to fight back tears as she confesses, "Sam, I messed up so badly. And worst yet, I feel like I'm not being fair to you."

Sam scoffs amusingly, brushing a strand of hair from Y/N's face. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm not going anywhere," he reassures her.

Y/N opens her eyes, meeting Sam's gaze. There's gratitude in her expression as she whispers, "Thank you."

Sam leaned in, and just moments before their lips could meet, the sound of the front door opening and closing interrupted the intimate moment. Y/N and Sam froze in place, their eyes locking in shared frustration. Sam looked at Y/N and said, "I'll be right back," before he got up and headed for the shared living area.

"Dean?" Sam called out, spotting his older brother who seemed preoccupied with gathering things into one of their weapons bags. Concern etched Sam's face as he asked, "Dean? What the hell, man? I've been calling you for hours!"

Dean, however, ignored Sam's inquiry and continued his task, dismissing his brother's presence. Frustration built in Sam as he questioned, "Where have you been, and what were you doing?"

Finally, Dean answered, "I took Lisa back to her hotel."

A crease formed in Sam's brow as he put a hand on Dean's arm, urging him to stop and look at him. "That was three hours ago, Dean."

Dean pulled his arm from his brother's grip, irritation evident in his voice. "And? What, you my mother now?"

Sam stumbled on his words, attempting to keep his voice low so Y/N couldn't hear as he addressed the elephant in the room. "Dean, you weren't... with Lisa, right? Because Y/N..."

That's when Dean erupted with anger, spinning around on his heels to confront Sam. He yelled, "Oh, come off it, Sammy! We both know she is way more your girlfriend than she ever was mine. I’m just the damn extra for when you can't keep going. And as for what Lisa and I do together, it’s none of your damn business."

Sam was fighting to hold his tongue and not yell back, his frustration reaching a boiling point. His eyes shifted just behind Dean, causing his older brother to turn around and see what had captured Sam's attention. As Dean turned, he found Y/N standing there, and she looked furious.

Without a word, Y/N approached Dean and delivered a resounding slap across his face. "Never have I ever given you any reason to think that," she asserted. Dean and Sam both stood stunned by her sudden action as Y/N walked out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

Sam swallowed hard, shaking his head at Dean in disapproval, before turning to follow Y/N. However, his path was instantly blocked by the arrival of Castiel and the group of hunters he brought with him. Startled, Sam muttered under his breath, "Damnit, Cass," before side-stepping the angel and heading out the door. Sadly, Sam had already lost sight of Y/N.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Sam stood in the middle of the shared living area, typing away on his phone as he paced. Charlie, engrossed in her computer work, glanced up at the unsettled younger Winchester. She commented, "So, you think Dean will stay with Lisa this time?"

Sam stopped in his tracks, lowering his phone but avoiding eye contact with Charlie. The possibility that Dean might choose Lisa over Y/N hadn't crossed his mind. Charlie continued, "Even if he doesn't, I don't see how he could make it up to Y/N. I mean, your brother is a real piece of work, but even this seems like..."

Sam interrupted, "Charlie! Can we, uh, just stick to the case, please?"

Charlie nodded awkwardly, her eyes returning to her screen. She remarked, "Well, I don't know what else to say, Sam. Everything here points to a Wechuge."

Sam asked, "A what?"

Charlie proceeded to explain, “You know the Wendigo right? The Algonquian people believed it to be an evil spirit that possessed humans and caused an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Well, The Wechuge is a similar being that appears in the legends of the Athabaskan people. It too is cannibalistic; however, it is characterized as enlightened with ancestral insights.

Sam looked to Charlie confused, “Enlightened with ancestral insights?”

Charlie looks back to her screen and begins reading “It is said to be a person who has been possessed by the power of one of the Ancient Giant Spirit Animals. The people believed that one could become Wechuge by breaking a taboo and becoming "too strong". Whatever the means. But they had a lot of taboos like a person having a photo taken with a flash, listening to music made with a stretched string, or…. eating meat with fly eggs in it. Yuck who would Want to do that? Anyways they say it’s a curse or a punishment.”

Sam asked, "Any way to kill it?"

Charlie responded, "Being thrown on a campfire and kept there overnight." She then looked up at Sam to continue, "But, Sam, while I'm, like, 110% sure this thing is a Wechuge, there's still something strange about it."

Sam looked at Charlie with concern and asked, "What do you mean?" She replied,  "Well, all accounts of the creature describe it as normal human size, and the way you describe it, that thing is normal human-sized."

Sam sighed and said, "Yeah, that’s probably the witch's doing. Dean and I ran into her in the woods right after Y/N ran off with Lisa and Ben. The... Wechuge chased after them, and before we could stop it, this woman got in our way." Sam paused for a moment, as though the memory of the incident was painful to recall.

“Sam?” Charlie called out Sam's name in concern.

"We assumed she’s a witch anyway. She... warned Dean that he was going to lose Lisa and Ben because of Y/N. She seems to be using them to get to us."

Charlie sat back in her seat, taking in the explanation, and said, "Woah, that is some extra evil shit."

“Yeah..” Sam's voice was almost a whisper as he agreed with Charlie.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Y/N sat on the small bridge that arched over the tranquil creek, the gentle murmur of water providing a soothing backdrop. The wind rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, adding to the serene atmosphere. Leaning against the railing, Y/N gazed down at the flowing water that meandered toward a wide river in the distance.

In the peaceful quiet, she couldn't escape the weight of recent events. Y/N sighed, her voice breaking the stillness as she spoke to the empty air, "Shouldn't you be helping the others?"

A soft flutter of wings announced Castiel's arrival. The angel appeared beside her, his expression as stoic as ever. "Sam told me everything that happened, I thought you could use the company." His eyes scanned Y/N briefly before settling on the blood seeping through her shirt. In his usual monotone voice, Castiel remarked, “You re-opened your wound, I can heal you.”

Y/N didn't protest as Castiel approached. He placed his hand on her shoulder, the warm glow emanating from his touch signaling the healing process. The wound on her side gradually faded. Once the process was complete, Castiel withdrew his hand, and Y/N, without looking at him, simply uttered, "Thank you."

Y/N turned her gaze away from the flowing water, focusing on the distant horizon as she asked, "How are the others doing?" Her voice held a hint of apprehension, revealing her fear of the answer she might receive.

Castiel, without hesitation, responded, "Sam and Charlie are at the house, doing research. Dean and the others are out trying to set a trap for it in the forest."

"A trap?" Y/N questioned, her brow furrowing with curiosity.

Castiel nodded and provided further explanation, "Yes. Since we don't know what it is, the hope is that we can trap it until we figure out how to kill it."

There was a momentary silence between them before Castiel broached a more delicate topic, his voice filled with concern, "Y/N, what Dean said back there..."

"Don't!" Y/N cut him off sharply, her tone firm and pleading. "Cass, just don't."

Despite her warning, Castiel pressed on, "Y/N, I understand what Dean said wasn't right. But you still have Sam, who is currently split between worrying about you and Lisa and Ben. So, if we could just return for him..."

Y/N's voice remained restrained, a struggle to keep her emotions in check as she responded to Castiel's attempt to convince her to go back. "Cass, you know those two better than anyone. So, you should know that they will always choose each other over anything or anyone else."

Castiel's brow furrowed with realization, and he asked, "You are concerned that if Dean leaves, so will Sam."

Hearing the words spoken aloud caused Y/N to bite her bottom lip, a desperate attempt to contain the tears threatening to spill. "Those two have never let anything come between them. They have literally died and gone to hell and back for one another. Even if... even if they did part, they always find each other again."

Castiel sensed the deep hurt and fear in Y/N's words. "Don't get me wrong, I love each one as an individual, and I don't want to believe that Sam is that shallow. But if it came down to it, how could I come between them?" Y/N's grip on the bridge's railing tightened, her knuckles turning white as it became the anchor grounding her at that moment.

Finally, Castiel began to speak, his words attempting to reassure Y/N. However, mid-sentence, he froze in place, staring off towards the ground, a sudden change in his demeanor.

Y/N turned to Castiel as soon as he fell silent, sensing a shift in his demeanor. Urgency and apprehension painted her features as she asked, fully alert, "Cass, what is it? What are they saying?"

Castiel's expression remained somber as he met Y/N's eyes. "It's Dean. They've encountered the creature. They're leading it to the traps, but it has Ben." His gaze lingered on Y/N, delivering the news with a heavy weight.

Hearing those words sent a sharp jolt of pain through Y/N. The worry for Ben, the fear for Dean.

Castiel looked to Y/N and continued, "Dean is calling for you."

Y/N nodded, her resolve firm, knowing they needed her help. But before she approached Castiel to leave, she couldn't help but express her inner turmoil. "Castiel, I need you to do me a favor, though." Her voice carried a mix of vulnerability and determination, an unspoken plea for understanding. The use of his full name underscored the gravity of her request.

Castiel, attuned to the subtle shifts in emotions, nodded in agreement, his concern evident. "What is it?" he inquired, ready to assist in any way possible.

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The forest echoed with the pounding footsteps of Sam and Dean as they pursued the creature through the dense woods. The urgency in their movements mirrored the heightened tension in the air. The creature, bearing Ben unconscious in its jaws, surged ahead, unaware of the trap that awaited it.

In a clearing, a radiant light emerged from the ground, outlining a pentagram that blended symbols from various cultures, a testament to Charlie's resourcefulness. The light dissipated, leaving the branded mark beneath the creature's feet. Hunters hidden in the shadows materialized around the perimeter of the pentagram, prepared for the imminent confrontation.

The creature, now confined within the invisible barrier, began to thrash violently, its strength evident even within the magical confines. Weapons were drawn, and the hunters tensed, uncertain of what would happen next. Donna voiced the collective uncertainty, "Now what?"

Charlie looked to Dean, her expression revealing a mix of concern and uncertainty. "I'm not sure how long it will be able to hold the Wechuge if it keeps that up," she admitted, the gravity of the situation apparent. As if responding to her words, a crack appeared in the barrier, visible only when the creature's attacks sent shockwaves through the otherwise imperceptible wall. The precariousness of the situation hung in the air, and the hunters braced themselves for whatever would happen next.

Dean's frustration flared, and he barked at Castiel, "Cass! Where are you!?" The tension in the forest was thick, the creature thrashing against the magical barrier as if it sensed the impending confrontation.

Castiel appeared between the brothers startling them and answering with his usual monotone, "Hello, Dean." Dean's eyes darted between Castiel and the creature, suspicion evident in his gaze. "Where the hell have you been and where is Y/N?”

Castiel hesitated, a deviation from his usual composed demeanor. Sensing something amiss, Sam asked, Cass?”

A brief pause hung in the air before Castiel spoke, "Y/N asked me to drop her off further in the forest to prepare." Sam shot Dean a concerned glance, and the creature's relentless assault on the barrier underscored the urgency of the situation.

Dean's impatience flared, "Cut the crap, Cass! This is no time for games man!"

Castiel's demeanor, however, shifted from his usual composed self, hinting at an unspoken truth. Sam was about to voice his unease when Castiel continued, "She also asked me to pass along a message to both of you."

The crackling energy of the magical barrier and the creature's relentless attacks heightened the tension.

Suddenly Dean and Sam's blood both ran cold and the color drained from their faces, they didn't know why but hearing Castiel's words brought a sense of dread upon them.

Castiel then continued, “She loves you both very much.”

 Castiel looked to Dean, “And she understands.”

Castiel then looked to Sam, “Sam,” there was a pause in Castiel's words before he finished, “Sam please forgive her.”  The weight of those words settled heavily in the forest, The air grew thick with the ominous revelation. The brothers exchanged a troubled look, grappling with the unsettling foreboding surrounding Y/N's message

***

Suddenly, a blurred figure dashed from the treetops, a streak of motion over Sam and Dean's heads. They barely caught a glimpse of the figure before it violently crashed into the Wechuge. The creature roared in pain, dropping Ben from its jaws as it tumbled to the ground, colliding with the far side of the magical barrier.

Amidst the chaos, a feral and furious Y/N emerged. Her eyes glowed a haunting, brilliant red with horizontal pupils, and her fangs and claws were fully extended. Tails swayed erratically behind her, fox ears alert, and small whisker-like markings streaked across her cheeks. Hairs stood on end all over her body, giving her an otherworldly and menacing appearance. Below her lay Ben's unconscious form, as if Y/N were a protective fox, shielding her pup.

The sight sent chills through the onlookers, who had never witnessed Y/N in such a primal and fearsome state. Castiel, the only one familiar with this transformation, watched with concern.

Dean's eyes remained fixed on the feral Y/N, his mouth slightly agape as he struggled to comprehend the sight before him. He managed to utter a single word, "Cass?"

Sam, equally shocked, couldn't take his eyes off Y/N either. His voice trembled as he asked, "Y/N?"

As the loud moment passed, and everyone regained their senses, Sam took a hesitant step forward, his concern etched across his face. However, Castiel intercepted him, grabbing his arm to hold him back “Sam. Don't. I can't guarantee she will recognize you right now.” Sam's eyes, though, remained fixated on Y/N, his worry intensifying.

Dean, not one to stay silent, demanded answers. "Cass, what happened?"

Castiel deliberated on whether to disclose the truth, but Y/N hadn't forbidden him from revealing her nature. He finally spoke, "What you see now is closer to Y/N's true form. The appearance you're familiar with is a result of self-restraining."

Sam turned to Castiel, perplexed. "You don't seem fazed by this. Have you seen her like this before?"

Castiel nodded solemnly. "Yes, but I would estimate that what you're witnessing is only about 90% of her power released."

The revelation left both Dean and Sam in stunned silence. Their gaze oscillated between Castiel and the formidable Y/N, standing before them in her primal state.

As if time had resumed its relentless march, the Wechuge shifted its weight, assuming a predatory stance as it prepared to attack. Y/N, driven by her primal instincts, mirrored the movement, readying herself for a one-on-one confrontation. Her determination echoed in her eyes as she resolved to face the threat alone, safeguarding the others and ensuring Ben's safety for Dean to return him to Lisa.

With another deafening roar, the Wechuge charged forward. Y/N crouched lower, anchoring herself to the ground, a powerful leap propelling her headlong into the creature. Despite the vast difference in size, Y/N's agility and strength sent the Wechuge hurtling through the air, initiating a ferocious mid-air clash between the two formidable adversaries.

The clash unfolded into an all-out brawl between monsters, the forest echoing with the sounds of snarls, roars, and the collision of titanic forces. Y/N, fueled by a primal determination, grappled with the Wechuge, each vying for dominance in this fierce battle.

It was only when Y/N released a cry of pain from the Wechuge digging its teeth into her shoulder did the hunters suddenly snapped out of their daze and drew their weapons on the Wechuge, carefully taking shots only when certain that Y/N wouldn't be caught in the crossfire. Sam and Dean seized the opportunity to move closer to Ben, their focus divided between the ongoing skirmish and the unconscious boy.

Y/N's relentless efforts pushed the Wechuge further into the dense forest, away from the vulnerable Ben, as the hunters continued their attempts to weaken the formidable creature.

As the chaos unfolded in the forest, the malevolent force controlling the Wechuge decided to escalate the confrontation. The witch, hidden in the shadows, emerged, her presence commanding and ominous. With a wave of her hand, she directed the Wechuge to seize Y/N, a sinister plan unfolding that Y/N, lost in her feral state, failed to grasp.

The Wechuge swiftly retreated into the depths of the forest. Y/N, oblivious to the danger, followed the creature, driven by her feral instincts to confront the perceived threat. Sam and Dean, however, understood the implications of the witch's directive. They exchanged a grave glance before bolting into action, determined to catch up with Y/N and the Wechuge.

Dean's voice echoed through the forest as he yelled, “Cass protect Ben!”, the urgency in his tone revealing the gravity of the situation.

The brothers raced through the dense foliage, chasing after the elusive figures disappearing into the heart of the woods. Each step brought them closer to the unknown, the tension building with every stride.

The pursuit reached a harrowing climax when Y/N's distressed cry for help pierced through the forest. Sam and Dean, hearts pounding, arrived at a somber scene: a cliff overhanging a roaring river. The ground was marked by freshly dug claws, an ominous sign of the struggle that had unfolded. Yet, Y/N was nowhere to be found.

Breathless and uncertain, Dean and Sam stood at the cliff's edge, their eyes scanning the turbulent river below. The realization dawned upon them that Y/N ensnared in the clutches of the Wechuge and the witch's dark magic, had tumbled off the edge into the rushing waters. The brothers faced an unsettling truth, left with the daunting uncertainty of what to do next. The forest held an eerie silence as if mourning the loss of one of its own.

To Be Continued..

This is the Female Reader-Insert Version of my Story, please consider taking a look at the Original with my OFC Saia.

Please comment & 💜

@snowayumi @soxysarah92

[lepartidelamort]

Comme je le disais, on a pas fusillé assez de ces « résistants » qui sont responsables du chaos absolu dans lequel nous sommes

Ce cirque politico-médiatique autour de l’invasion de l’Europe, le 6 juin 1944, est un véritable supplice chinois. Depuis le stockage de la carcasse du bandit communiste Manouchian au Panthéon, Macron fait campagne à fond sur le thème antifasciste, excitant les boomers névrosés avec le fatras résistantialiste le plus périmé.

Parlez-moi encore de ces « résistants » armés de fusils de chasse qui tiraient plus souvent les lapins qu’autre chose. Sans eux pour mener le putsch gaullo-communiste en 1944, on ne nagerait pas dans l’immigration planétaire actuelle.

Et les derniers de ces chacals trouvent que les choses ne vont pas assez vite.

J’aimerais vraiment le pousser dans l’escalier celui-là.

Le meilleur, ce sont tous ces ahuris qui passent l’année à se plaindre d’être noyés d’afro-musulmans, mais qui célèbrent ceux qui ont pris le pouvoir en 1944 pour les leur fourguer.

Les juifs sont au moins cohérents.

C’est leur invasion.

L’Europe de l’Ouest actuelle, France en tête, est le résultat de cette invasion.

En s’effondrant totalement en 1940 après une guerre déclarée à l’Allemagne révolutionnaire par une république aussi vérolée qu’enjuivée contre l’évidente volonté des Français, la déchéance finale était amorcée. Le bricolage gaullo-communiste de 1944 n’a pas fait illusion, sauf dans la tête des demi-tarés qui peuplent l’Hexagone.

En France, les dernières forces vitales, raciales, étaient réunies autour de l’Allemagne nationale-socialiste. Dans son ensemble, la France ne voulait plus rien, pas plus en faveur des démocraties alliées que de l’Axe. L’esprit d’épicerie petite-bourgeoise avait déjà dévoré l’essentiel de la population. Elle ne voulait déjà plus que pousser des caddies avant même qu’ils n’apparaissent.

Les rares hommes à même de faire face aux enjeux étaient les Doriot, Déat et Darnand.

Jacques Doriot

Marcel Déat

Joseph Darnand

Et bien sûr l’héroïque milice française, dernière force armée véritablement française de l’histoire à avoir opéré sur le territoire. Environ 15,000 hommes réunis en dépit des obstacles d’un régime de Vichy peuplé de calculateurs, de recyclés, de lâches et de traîtres.

Je ne peux pas m’empêcher de prendre un certain plaisir à voir le débarquement se poursuivre, mais en sens inverse.

Les Britanniques sont punis par là où ils ont péché.

J’espère que cet alcoolique de Churchill peut voir le spectacle depuis l’Enfer où il est.

Et aujourd’hui, l’étape finale de cette invasion a lieu, en présence du juif Zelensky.

Télé OTAN est formelle : les jeunes veulent mourir pour les juifs.

Hors de question d’aider cette armée à la solde des juifs.

La position correcte est un refus de s’engager dans cette guerre, de s’y opposer résolument, de tout faire pour que cet engagement foire splendidement.

Démocratie Participative

[droitsdesfemmes]

Bessie Coleman, 1921.

Née le 26 janvier 1892 à Atlanta, Texas, Bessie Coleman est entrée dans l'histoire comme la première femme noire d'origine amérindienne à devenir pilote d'avion. Issue d'une famille de 13 enfants, sa jeunesse est marquée par la pauvreté et les défis de la ségrégation raciale. Malgré ces obstacles, elle nourrit des rêves ambitieux dès son plus jeune âge.

Après avoir terminé ses études dans une école ségréguée, Bessie s'installe à Chicago où elle travaille comme manucure. Inspirée par les récits des pilotes revenant de la Première Guerre mondiale, elle développe une passion pour l'aviation. Cependant, son chemin vers le ciel est semé d'embûches. Aux États-Unis, aucune école de pilotage n'accepte de femmes noires. Refusant de se laisser décourager, elle apprend le français et s'envole pour la France.

Là, elle s'inscrit à l'école de pilotage des frères Caudron. Après seulement sept mois de formation, Bessie fait sensation en obtenant sa licence de pilote de la Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, brisant ainsi les barrières raciales et de genre dans l'aviation.

De retour aux États-Unis, elle fait sensation. Elle se spécialise dans les spectacles aériens, exécutant des cascades époustouflantes et gagne le surnom de « Queen Bess ». À travers ses performances, elle rêve d'ouvrir une école de pilotage pour les Afro-Américains.

Mais sa carrière est tragiquement écourtée. Le 30 avril 1926, lors d'une répétition pour un spectacle aérien en Floride, elle est éjectée de son avion et meurt sur le coup. Son héritage, cependant, perdure. Bessie Coleman reste une figure emblématique, symbolisant le courage, la détermination et le pouvoir de briser les barrières.

Son rêve de former des pilotes afro-américains se concrétise en 1928 avec la création, par William J. Powell, du Bessie Coleman Aero Club et de la Bessie Coleman Flying School à Los Angeles. En 1931, des pilotes de Chicago lui rendent hommage en survolant sa tombe et y répandant des fleurs, une tradition qui perdure chaque année jusqu'à la retraite de tous les pilotes constituant le groupe d'origine. Son nom est donné à des rues et lieux publics dans diverses villes. En 1995, la poste américaine émet un timbre à son effigie. Bessie est également honorée par des intronisations posthumes dans des halls of fame et inspire une bande dessinée (Black Squaw) et le nom d'une montagne sur Pluton (Coleman Mons).

[lecorps-exquis]

𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

« Je conçois que mon aveu est d'autant plus ridicule que je ne suis pas une créature à sang chaud, pas émotive, volontiers méfiante envers tout ce qui se loge trop près du cœur. »

𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 : Vampire

𝐀𝐠𝐞 : 153 ans

𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐞 : Homme

𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 : Pansexuel

La Citroën DS, véritable symbole de l'ingéniosité et du savoir-faire de l'ingénierie automobile française, glissait à pleine vitesse sur le tapis d'asphalte des vastes autoroutes de France, telle une navette spatiale traversant l'espace interstellaire. Depuis plusieurs heures déjà, Neven, avec une détermination inébranlable et inégalée, la dirigeait à travers le paysage français qui se déroulait devant lui comme un défilé de panoramas changeants, offrant un spectacle visuel de beauté naturelle.

Il avait franchi le péage qui marquait son entrée sur l’A6, cette route emblématique qui serpentait à travers le pays comme une artère pulsante, reliant les régions avec un rythme cadencé. Ce passage lui avait fourni une indication précieuse du temps qui lui restait à parcourir, comme un compte à rebours jusqu'à sa destination.

Avec cette information, il savait maintenant qu'il lui restait encore plusieurs heures de route avant d’atteindre la ville lumière, la capitale tant attendue, Paris. Cette ville, avec son mélange unique d'histoire et de modernité, était l'objectif final de son voyage.

Neven avait une façon particulière de voyager. Il ne se guidait jamais à l’aide d’un GPS, préférant se diriger uniquement à l’aide des panneaux routiers ou de son intuition du moment. L’idée d’être dirigé par un objet électronique le mettait mal à l’aise, comme s'il cédait une part de son indépendance à une machine. Il préférait de loin perdre son temps, et cela lui avait d’ailleurs permis de faire de nombreuses rencontres, toutes plus enrichissantes et mémorables les unes que les autres.

Le jour commençait lentement à se lever, baignant le monde dans une douce lumière dorée qui faisait légèrement plisser les yeux de Neven à la vue des premiers rayons de soleil. Cette lueur matinale, bien que belle, était suffisamment forte pour attaquer ses yeux fatigués et pourtant résilients. Pour se protéger de l'éblouissement croissant, il glissa une paire de lunettes noires sur son nez, un geste presque instinctif dès l'apparition de l'aube. Toute la nuit, il avait laissé sa fenêtre ouverte, permettant à l'air frais de la nuit de remplir l'intérieur de son véhicule, apportant une certaine sérénité et un répit face à la chaleur de l'été. Mais maintenant, avec l'arrivée du jour, il décida de fermer sa fenêtre, se coupant de l'air frais mais aussi de l'éclat du soleil.

Neven lâcha un court instant son volant, faisant confiance à son fidèle compagnon d'acier et de chrome, sa vieille automobile, pour continuer sa route sans sa surveillance constante. Il ramassa sa longue chevelure blonde et l'attacha délicatement, laissant ses boucles tombées en cascade dans le creux de son dos, libérant ainsi son visage de tous obstacles.

Un court soupire lui échappa des lèvres alors qu'il se rendait compte que la route se remplissait progressivement de monde. L'aube, avec son manteau de lumière dorée, apportait avec elle une armée d'automobilistes matinaux. Ces premiers voyageurs du jour étaient probablement en route pour le travail, les écoles ou d'autres tâches quotidiennes, signe indéniable du début imminent de l'agitation du jour. C'était une routine à laquelle il était bien trop habitué, une danse quotidienne qui commençait toujours à la même heure.

Neven savait qu'il allait devoir ralentir son rythme et se préparer mentalement aux potentiels bouchons qui l'attendaient en vue de son arrivée imminente sur la capitale. Il y avait une certaine tension dans l'air, un sentiment d'urgence qui se mêlait à l'excitation du début d'une nouvelle aventure qui s’offrait à lui. Au fond de lui, il espérait ne pas trop tarder sur la route, sentant très sérieusement une fatigue naissante s'installer en lui.

Après tout, il était sur la route depuis maintenant six longues et interminables heures, guidé par les phares de sa voiture qui déchiraient l'obscurité de la nuit. La perspective de trouver rapidement une chambre d’hôtel lui semblait de plus en plus attractive. Il se voyait déjà se glisser dans des draps propres après une douche brûlante bien méritée, cette douce idée le faisant frissonner d’impatience.

Afin de se donner un peu plus de courage pour affronter les centaines de kilomètres qui lui restaient à parcourir. Neven, avec une détermination imprégnée de résignation, attrapa d'une main ferme une bouteille en verre qu’il avait laissé sur le siège passager. Cette bouteille, enveloppée d'un tissu de soie ébène, paraissait presque sacrée dans sa main. Il la débouchonna avec une certaine hâte, avide de savourer quelques gorgées de son contenu, qui promettaient un soulagement à sa gorge sévèrement asséchée.

Le liquide descendit, apportant un réconfort instantané, savourant le goût du breuvage dans sa bouche. Il claqua sa langue contre son palais en réalisant avec une pointe de désespoir que sa bouteille était maintenant vide. Un second soupir lui échappa, un son chargé de regret, le ramenant brusquement à la triste réalité qu'il allait devoir trouver une solution, et vite, afin de ne pas manquer trop longtemps de ce cher nectar.

Depuis de nombreuses années, il avait consommé cette boisson, initialement par pure gourmandise, plus que par nécessité. Cependant, ses circonstances actuelles avaient transformé ce qui était autrefois un simple plaisir en une nécessité vitale. Il avait intégré cette routine dans sa vie, la cherchant non seulement pour ses effets revigorants, mais aussi pour son goût unique et inimitable.

Il fit glisser doucement sa langue sur ses lèvres, veillant à ne perdre aucune goutte de ce précieux liquide. Le liquide avait la teinte d'un vin rouge profond, presque envoûtant et hypnotisant dans la lumière tamisée de l'endroit. Sa consistance était un peu épaisse, rappelant celle d'un nectar riche et sucré qui serait servi dans les banquets royaux, mais l'odeur était un mélange unique et indéfinissable de différents alcools, créant une symphonie olfactive qui titillait les narines. Cependant, le goût ne ressemblait à rien de ce qui pourrait être attendu de tous ces éléments. Il avait un goût fort et ferreux, un goût si prononcé qu'il pouvait être imbuvable pour beaucoup de curieux non initiés à cette expérience sensorielle intense.

Maintenant, il se sentait suffisamment revigoré pour affronter le reste du voyage. De plus, il devait trouver une nouvelle proie pour assouvir sa gourmandise insatiable.

[thebillionaireinsider]

A Joyful Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration with Family and Brother Mukesh Ambani

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India's most cherished festivals, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by millions. For the Ambani family, the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi has always been a grand affair, marked by traditional rituals, family togetherness, and spiritual devotion. This year, Anil Ambani, despite the challenges he has faced in recent times, celebrated the festival with his brother Mukesh Ambani, and their extended family, showing the world that faith and family values remain at the heart of their lives.

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. For Anil Ambani, the festival holds special significance, not just as a time of spiritual renewal, but also as a period of reflection on life’s challenges and victories. In the face of his financial struggles and business challenges, Ganesh Chaturthi presented an opportunity for him to find peace and seek blessings for a brighter future.

This year, Anil Ambani’s celebrations were marked by an important gesture—reuniting with his elder brother Mukesh Ambani, India's wealthiest businessman, at the family’s famous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The Ambani family, known for their grand festivities, welcomed the occasion with warmth, faith, and tradition, putting aside any past differences to come together as one family.

The Ambani family’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebration has always been a spectacle of devotion. The celebration took place at Mukesh Ambani’s iconic residence, Antilia, where a large idol of Lord Ganesha was installed in the family's prayer room. The idol, decorated with intricate floral arrangements and traditional ornaments, was a symbol of the Ambanis' devotion to Lord Ganesha, whom they believe has been instrumental in guiding their lives and fortunes.

Anil Ambani joined his brother Mukesh, sister-in-law Nita Ambani, and the entire Ambani family in performing the traditional Ganesh puja (prayer ceremony). The rituals were led by a team of priests who chanted mantras, performed aarti, and offered prayers for prosperity, well-being, and peace. For Anil, this moment was not just a religious ceremony but also a symbol of renewal and hope, especially given the difficult few years he has faced.

The presence of Anil and Mukesh Ambani together at the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations was significant. Despite reports of tensions and differences between the two brothers over the years, their reunion during the festival emphasized the importance of family unity. The festival allowed the Ambani brothers to reconnect, share prayers, and demonstrate their enduring bond to the public.

Both brothers were seen smiling and sharing warm moments with their families during the celebrations. Anil’s wife, Tina Ambani, and their sons also joined in, participating in the prayers and festivities. The family collectively performed the aarti, offered modaks (Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet) to the deity, and later enjoyed a family meal, keeping with the festive spirit.

For Anil Ambani, the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was not only a time to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings but also a reminder of the importance of perseverance. Despite the challenges he has faced, including business setbacks and financial hurdles, his faith in Lord Ganesha remains steadfast. The festival served as a time of reflection for Anil, providing him with renewed energy to tackle the future with optimism and resilience.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 was a time of spiritual reflection, family unity, and joyful celebration for Anil Ambani. By joining his brother Mukesh Ambani in celebrating the festival, Anil demonstrated the power of family ties and faith in overcoming obstacles. The Ambanis’ devotion to Lord Ganesha continues to guide them in their personal and professional lives, and this year’s celebration was a testament to the strength of their bond and shared values.

As Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, Anil Ambani’s presence at the festivities with his brother Mukesh symbolizes his continued journey of resilience, seeking divine blessings for prosperity, peace, and a promising future.

[freelance-informatique]

D1 Arkema : Paris FC décroche une place pour le tour préliminaire de la Ligue des champions

Paris FC vient de décrocher une victoire contre le Stade de Reims lors de la petite finale des play-offs de la D1 Arkema. La rencontre, qui s'est conclue par une séance de tirs au but, a offert un spectacle électrisant aux supporters présents malgré des gradins relativement clairsemés. Paris FC, une victoire contre le Stade de Reims Le duel entre le Paris FC et le Stade de Reims s'est déroulé dans un contexte météorologique difficile, avec des conditions instables et un ciel menaçant. Malgré cela, les deux équipes ont livré une performance remarquable. C'est Clara Mateo qui a ouvert le bal pour le Paris FC en marquant un but spectaculaire. Sa performance remarquable a donné le ton pour le Paris FC, qui a dominé une grande partie du match grâce à une stratégie bien orchestrée sur le terrain. Lire aussi : Frédéric Hébert quitte Paris pour Lens Un match marqué par les rebondissements Pourtant, le Stade de Reims n'a pas dit son dernier mot. Le club a réussi à égaliser grâce à un penalty en fin de match, ce qui va créer un suspense intense jusqu'au coup de sifflet final. À l'issue du temps réglementaire, aucune équipe n'avait réussi à prendre l'avantage, la tension était à son comble lors de la séance de tirs au but. Chaque penalty était important, chaque tir suscitait l'émotion. Finalement, c'est Louna Ribadeira qui a inscrit le tir décisif pour le Paris FC et scella la victoire tant convoitée pour le club de la capitale. Cette victoire revêt une importance capitale pour le Paris FC, qui décroche ainsi une place au tour préliminaire de la Ligue des champions. Après une année d'absence, le club peut à nouveau aspirer à la prestigieuse phase de groupes de la compétition européenne, un retour en force sur la scène continentale qui plait bien aux supporters. Voir également : Le Paris FC s'est montré résilient Le Paris FC a démontré sa force et sa détermination lors de ce match épique contre le Stade de Reims. Malgré les obstacles rencontrés, l'équipe a su rester concentrée et unie pour décrocher une victoire historique. Avec les yeux désormais tournés vers la Ligue des champions, le Paris FC est prêt à relever de nouveaux défis et à marquer son empreinte sur la scène européenne. Read the full article

[canaldesmoulins]

LE CANAL DES MOULINS DE CHABEUIL A BESOIN D'ENTRETIEN.

Photo 1, rang 1 : Ce printemps 2024, la Véore est belle, haute, très en eau. Il y a deux semaines, son débit, mesuré au pont des Faucons était de 1700 litres/seconde, retombé à 1200 l/s cette semaine (mi-avril). Par ailleurs, le Bureau de Recherche Géologiques et Minières (BRMG) estime que les nappes phréatiques sont déclarées 'hautes' dans l'ensemble de la Drôme, voire 'très haute' du côté de Charpey.

Dans cette situation favorable, voyons donc ce qu'il se passe pour le Canal des Moulins de Chabeuil. Ce petit reportage photographique, réalisé à la mi avril, permet de comprendre le contexte : pourquoi, avec autant de flotte dans la rivière, le Canal ne coule-t-il pas mieux, et ne parvient il pas jusqu'au centre ville ? On n'en est pas loin pourtant. Entre autres raisons, montrées ici, c'est surtout qu'il n'est pas entretenu et qu'une série de fuites, d'embâcles et d'infiltrations, TRÈS ÉVITABLES et réparables, l'empêche de couler. Mais le Canal parvient tout de même jusqu'au centre équestre, à l'entrée EST de Chabeuil, ce qui n'était pas arrivé depuis un grand moment !

Rang 2, photos 2 et 3. La chute photographiée ici est celle qui marque la prise d'eau du Canal et qui ouvre son amenée d'eau. Le spectacle est réjouissant d'une Véore cascadante, vive et puissante. Mais ce dénivelé dans la rivière a jadis été désigné (loi sur l'eau et sa ribambelle d'interprétations d'intérêt surtout piscicoles) comme un obstacle à la 'remontaison' des truites, trop haut pour leur 'capacité saltatoire'. Cet ouvrage est une 'passe-à-poissons' : une échancrure a été ouverte dans l'amenée d'eau du Canal, par quoi l'eau de la rivière s'engouffre et dévale une pente à escaliers, que les truites sont invitées à remonter, pour franchir ainsi l'obstacle ; les fario fario de souche très prisées des pêcheurs débouchent donc dans l'amenée d'eau du Canal. Cet ouvrage (120 000 €) n'a jamais été évalué (combien de fario, pour un investissement public de cet ordre ?) ; il a été construit en janvier 2016 par le Syndicat Mixte du Bassin Versant de la Véore ; il est maintenant sous la responsabilité du service rivière de l'agglo.

Problème : l'échancrure dont on parle ici crée de tels tourbillons dans l'amenée d'eau du Canal qu'elle aspire une bonne partie de l'eau entrante qui s'engouffre vers la passe-à-poissons. C'est la première cause de déperdition d'eau dans le Canal des Moulins : un débit très affaibli dès l'entrée, insuffisant pour 'pousser' le Canal tout au long de son parcours.

[CALENDRIER explicatif : janvier 2016, mise en service de la passe-à-poissons : 1er assec dans le Canal de 10 semaines./Été 2017 : sécheresse, 2e assec dans le Canal/Janvier 2018 : fortes pluies et installation par l'agglo d'un gabarit dans l'échancrure. Le tout favorise un bon débit dans le Canal, tout au long de son parcours./Été 2018 : plus d'eau dans le Canal : les difficultés deviennent récurrentes./Juin 2020 : arrêté préfectoral d'autorisation du Canal : tous les espoirs sont permis. Mais la COVID empêche l'entretien du Canal par les services communaux./2020-21 : Gestion calamiteuse par l'adjoint en charge, occupé à des manigances qui aboutiront à l'effondrement du Conseil municipal : faible campagne d'entretien, et arrêts des investissements dans le Canal./2022-23-24 : le Canal des Moulins ne figure plus au budget, tant en investissement qu'en fonctionnement. Très faible campagne d'entretien en septembre 2023 par une entreprise d'insertion, qui fait ce qu'elle peut.][Lecture de ce calendrier : près de cinq ans sans eau : le Canal, après le choc d'assec de l'installation de la passe à poissons, paye au prix fort un très net désinvestissement de la Commune, au point qu'il est maintenant gravement menacé]

Reprenons : les trois petites images du rang 3 représentent Sacouly et les demi-lunes (demi cylindres de béton qui accélèrent le débit du Canal) : là, tout va bien, la zone étant ou ayant été entretenue, tant par le propriétaire riverain que par les ACMC qui y ont mené à l'hiver 2022/23 une forte corvée d'entretien, tant et si bien que l'eau coule, dès qu'il pleut un tant soit peu. Mais ces demi-lunes sont fragilisées par le trop faible débit du Canal, les limons ne sont pas assez vivement charriés par l'eau : ils se déposent trop vite : ils ensablent l'ouvrage qui, surchargé s'est effondré en au moins un point notable. Une reprise de ces demi-lunes garantirait un débit rapide du Canal, lui donnant de la vitesse...

Exemple maintenant des deux grandes photos du rang 4. Un embâcle à l'entrée d'un passage busé retient l'eau, qui forme alors devant la grille de protection une espèce de lagon, qui finit par déborder : le Canal fuit alors, et perd pas mal d'eau, qui retourne à la Véore, qui coule à quelques mètres en contrebas. Là encore, on comprend qu'un peu d'entretien, pas grand chose, permettrait d'assurer un meilleur débit et éviterait ces fuites néfastes.

Les quatre petites photos suivantes (rang 5 et 6) montrent l'aval immédiat de la papèterie, dans la partie arrière du bâtiment. Là, ronces, limons et embâcles provoquent un débord important du Canal, qui inonde le champ voisin, à l'arrière du bâtiment. La prairie est verte et grasse, et profite de cette infiltration. Mais c'est tout de même beaucoup d'eau perdue, là encore par manque d'entretien.

Plus à l'aval, sur un segment de très faible pente, les mêmes ronces, les mêmes feuilles mortes, les mêmes limons provoquent un très net ralentissement du Canal, encore un. Deux gros arbres morts, couchés en travers du lit du Canal ajoutent à la gêne. Sur ce segment surtout l'absence d'entretien se fait sentir : le Canal n'est plus qu'un mince filet d'eau, qui progresse très lentement. En quelques centaines de mètres, on est passé d'un fort débit à la papèterie, à un pauvre filet d'eau à son aval immédiat.

Les deux dernières images montrent une triste réalité : les chevaux du centre équestre sont mis à la pâture DANS le lit du Canal. C'est pourtant la partie où l'on trouvait encore il y a peu une riche population, perenne, d'Agrion, espèce de libellule protégée. Maintenant, le lit est défoncé, inégal : l'eau s'y perd et ne franchit pas l'obstacle de ce champ de boue. Il ne faudrait sur cette partie pas grand chose pour rétablir un bon état du Canal : un peu d'explication vers les nouveaux locataires du Centre équestre, et ça pourrait s'arranger...

Bilan donc, en cette période de bons niveaux d'eau dans la Véore : le Canal a progressé, mais n'est plus assez fort pour franchir le centre équestre, route de Combovin, à un kilomètre du centre ville. On répète : avant la mise en service de la passe à poissons, avec ces volumes, pas de problème : le canal était dûment entretenu, et l'eau coulait en abondance, SUR TOUT LE PARCOURS, centre ville compris.

LES ACMC.

NOTA : LES AMIS DU CANAL DES MOULINS TIENNENT LEUR ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE ORDINAIRE LE SAMEDI 25 MAI, DE 10 À 12 H. À CUMINAL. VENEZ NOMBREUX (comme vous avez compris à la lecture de ce qui précède, le Canal a besoin de votre soutien...)

[marie-bradshaw]

Show Me How You Burlesque

Chers lecteurs, bien le bonsoir!

Ca faisait un moment, entre mon escapade aux Philippines, mon agression et la reprise de mon projet.

Bonne année à tous, déjà.

Commençons par le commencement.

2023 a été difficile pour pas mal de monde, dont ma petite personne.

Donc célébrons ce renouveau et ce passage à la suite (en espérant qu'elle se déroule sous de meilleurs augures).

Pour ça il faut généralement sortir de sa zone de confort, accepter les obstacles et les surmonter avec grâce (si on veut).

Ce soir, en parlant de zone de confort, je suis totalement sortie de la mienne.

J'avais eu l'occasion de tester un cours de Burlesque sur Paris il y'a quelques années, et j'avais adoré.

Plus que ça, à la fin du cours toutes les élèves étaient venues me voir pour me demander si j'en faisais depuis longtemps, et c'était ma première fois.

La prof m'avait même proposé de faire un show en solo, mais COVID faisant, ça n'a pas été possible avant mon départ de la capitale.

J'étais donc restée sur cette extraordinaire impression de renouer avec une vie antérieure de danseuse de burlesque, glamour à souhait.

Une sensation envoûtante, d'entrer dans un univers où tout est possible.

Où être Femme est un art dont tu peux reprendre la pleine possession, un pouvoir de faire rêver sans rien donner.

Plus que ça, j'avais trouvé tout bonnement incroyable le fait d'assumer pleinement son corps peu importe son âge, sa morphologie, et ce que la société moderne considèrerait de "disgracieux".

Au diable la société.

Au diable les tailles 0 uniformes des magazines.

Ici il n'y a que des vraies femmes, aux courbes voluptueuses, à l'audace acérée, et aux mouvements hypnotisants.

Munies d'un boa de plûme, d'un éventail ou de longs gants de velours noir, d'un déhanché elles vous font traverser le temps et rejoindre la scène des glorieuses années 20.

D'un regard, effronté, elles se saisissent de vos entrailles et ne les relâchent qu'à la fin du spectacle.

Moi, quand je danse le burlesque, je me transforme.

La diva en moi prend pleinement possession de ses quartiers, réaménage à sa guise, et tease qui bon lui semblera pour le simple plaisir de pouvoir le faire.

Je me sens plus femme que jamais, dénudée et pourtant couverte de mon assurance comme si j'étais dotée de pouvoirs magiques.

Ce trait d'eyeliner, ces lèvres rouges voluptueuses, ces yeux de biche, ce teint de porcelaine, m'ouvrent les portes du Glamour et du "tout est possible".

Alors naturellement, en renouant avec cet art, ni une ni deux, je me suis portée volontaire pour rejoindre le "gang" des show girls à la fin du cours.

Se mettre à nu sur scène, plus ou moins du moins, et sentir voler en éclat ses peurs, ses frustrations, ses angoisses, pour ne laisser que fougue et assurance, quand le monde s'attend à vous voir exposée et vulnérable, je trouve ça magnifique.

C'est l'effet qu'a le burlesque sur moi.

Energisant, grisant, j'aimerais chaque matin laisser la diva en moi "inkydolly" faire son show et hypnotiser la journée pour qu'elle soit remplie de paillettes et de plumes.