#predation substitution training

[connorskeepers]

She got a new prey dummy for training snf she’s big excited, she says “gimme bunny now”

[tea-time-terrier]

Threatening squirrels every chance she gets.

[valtsv]

an element of horror that the silt verses does really really really well is establishing how utterly normalised and accepted human sacrifice is in both "civilised" society and counterculture communities. "a god must feed, a god must be fed" is taken as common sense; the idea of questioning it is laughable to most people. animal sacrifice is seen as at best a temporary substitute for the real thing, and not cost-effective enough to maintain. whether lured into traps and staked to posts as offerings to predatory gods, or coerced into signing contracts that forfeit your life to the state by predators in suits and ties and butchered for parts in sterile white rooms where no one will hear you beg and scream for help, sacrifices are treated like animals, seen as less than human. prayer marks to hallow someone into a saint are branded onto the body like those of livestock. a character who will go on to become one of the most progressive actors for change in the show is introduced to us thanking a saint for their suffering (which powers the train which she takes to commute to work every day) because she sincerely believes that offering a meaningless platitude in order to lessen her guilt at her own complicity is all that she can do. not a single character is introduced to us believing in any system but the one that they've always known. the abuses and exploitation that the entire societal structure relies on are baked into the foundations so completely that imagining anything different outside of it terrifies them at first. it's bone-chillingly brilliant worldbuilding.

[haunted-planes]

Some train facts that may help for your living train oc:

(From a dude who is a train mechanic and casually drives subways and city trains for years.)

Trains eat a lot of sand, some prefer mixtures with oil and other minerals but no matter what train you choose for your oc, sand is a crucial substitute for a healthy and happy train.

Rails are lubed by trains. The more trains drive on the same track the smoother the ride. (Fun idea if you wanna follow a train’s traces.)

Trains, including electric trains require a variety of oil, lubes, fluids and other liquids to operate. (Fun ideas for food or cosmetics products for trains. Fr, some materials look so freaking delicious)

Sudden and fast movements are painful for trains and can bend trails. Trains are powerful but they need more time to build up speed.

Subway trains have a burning hatred for pigeons. The amount of dead pigeons in tunnels is INSANE, despite all efforts to stop them from entering tunnels, pigeons are very passionate about flying into their dead trap.

The newest generation of trains panic about little intervention. Very anxious and scream at lot (at the driver)

All trains have graffiti on them. If it’s not outside then it’s on the inside.

Street trains or bims are like chihuahuas in my eyes. They may be small but they are thought and ready to fight anyone.

Modern Trains have several cameras inside and outside, they can see all around their body or what their passengers are up to.

Some trains are whiny bitches and constantly need service while others never complain about anything for years. (There is a fucked up reason for that but that’s a deep rabbit hole I won’t go into the details)

You don’t want to meet train drivers, they’re insane.

You absolutely don’t want to meet subway drivers, they’re insane beyond measure.

Trains honk at everything that’s near their trails.

Trains are surprisingly quiet while moving on trails. They can take you by surprise. (They did many times) Please stay away from trails.

Stopping a train is difficult, it’s nothing like a car or truck, When they arrive into a station, trains hit their brakes way before they can see the station. That’s why trains can’t stop in time when there is an obstacle on the rails.

All trains have ONE head. Most modern trains rear and front end look exactly the same, both ends have cockpits with very similar controls but their main controls are located on the head. They look like that to confuse predators.

This is optional but it makes sense to me that trains are very sensitive about their rails, they treat them like it’s part of their body, especially the ones in their region and base. You can’t compare them like cars on the road, it’s a completely different dynamic for trains.

That’s all for now, I started writing this in July and collected ideas over the months from my personal experience with driving and fixing trains. I will probably do a part 2 since I still have a lot to learn. You should be able to look up everything on the internet.

Feel free to add your own ideas below.

[frostbitebakery]

filled prompts for @codywansleepbingo :D we got: spooning, deep sleeper, insomnia! nothing particularly to warn for, though this is set sometime in the HEA phase of I Got My Head Checked, the Sithywan AU. Rest of the ficlet and bingo card under the cut!

Soft Sick Underbelly

“Major or long-lasting stress can lead to chronic insomnia.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Obi-Wan mutters to himself.

It has been… a while since sleep turned away from him in such a snit. He’s not unfamiliar with insomnia. For a long time he had been too afraid to sleep, catching naps here and there during his training—

“Abuse,” Cody would correct him.

His unconventional youth.

Sleep was for doomed prey until he was shaped enough into a predator to grab the luxury and take advantage of it. To take and take until the sleep deprivation was a fond, silly memory of the weak.

To sleep soundly, arrogantly, next to an enemy until the blaster was pressed against his forehead like birdsong. Nothing to concern himself with because he was made to be just that good.

Cody, Obi-Wan mourns to think of their first morning, isn’t anything special in that regard. What made him special, and continues to do so, is that Obi-Wan came back into his arms to sleep, to rest, over and over.

With Cody, he could wake up slow and unafraid. How Cody manages the same is a mystery to Obi-Wan still, on some days. Possibly the insomnia talking him into the spiral of fear, hate…

He doesn’t bother to remember what came after hate in Qui-Gon’s little speech. Cody said it was something to do with toasters.

Cody isn’t naïve. Perhaps he’s still lacking a bit of life experience, down to the few years he’s existed and how, but he’s not going into situations without a plan. Admittedly, he had lost his sight for a tiny bit there when Obi-Wan slithered into his life like the snake he was. Nevermind that it all had backfired on Obi-Wan rather spectacularly, the blind spot for himself Obi-Wan had started to cultivate in Cody had turned out to be mutually beneficial.

Obi-Wan snorts to himself and goes back to reading treatments for insomnia in hopes the irony alone will put him to sleep.

The small data pad is balanced on Cody’s upper arm in front of him, angled away so no light shines into Cody’s face. Obi-Wan is nothing but courteous.

Cody is a deep sleeper, here. In their space, their home, with Obi-Wan. Endearing and humbling. Not naïve. Not even with his back, his neck, to Obi-Wan like a lamb.

It’s trust like a soldier shows. Endearing and humbling, indeed.

Obi-Wan desperately wants to hold his hand, suddenly. The urge rising in his chest. The back of his fingers brush over Cody in substitute, careful not to disturb.

Cody wakes up anyway.

Slow for a minute, then all at once with a jaw-breaking yawn. One of his hands flaps over and behind him, and Obi-Wan offers his own. Like Cody knows.

His hand is guided around Cody, cradled into his chest.

“Bad night?” Cody asks in a murmur.

Obi-Wan fits himself closer into Cody’s warmth, not exactly hiding from the world.

Sleepy eyes turn to him. “Still blue.”

He feels his eyes are blue but it’s a relief to have the confirmation. Sometimes he can’t tell the difference, insides feeling breakable and rotten.

Cody shuffles back into him, a barrier between Obi-Wan and everything else that is not in his head only.

The early morning sun shines on the windows, sneaks through the glass, and plays with Cody’s skin. It's mesmerizing. Charming, in its own way.

The tiredness, the pulling at his eyelids and thoughts, is sudden and unwelcome. It’s morning. They should get up. Routine is good for both of them, after everything. A bit of predictability to stabilize them. They still get up to too many fun adventures. They're somewhat the personified headache of the Jedi Order, especially after their vacation. But this is home. Home is where the masks fall.

Cody latches onto more of his arm, lays his cheek into Obi-Wan's palm. “I’m awake now. Do you want to sleep?”

“Keeping watch for me?” Obi-Wan teases and his wrist is kissed.

“If you want.”

He sighs into Cody’s neck. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Never.”

Obi-Wan closes his eyes. Inserts the details into himself, of Cody watching over him like Obi-Wan watches in return. The light behind his eyelids, no suffocating darkness. Cody's stubble scratching over callouses.

Sleep doesn't come immediately. It takes its time. But eventually it's there, welcomes him like Cody's warmth.

[berryless]

"Would you mind terribly if I'm…a bit rusty in that regard?"

"Rusty? You sound like it's been quite some time since you slept with another."

"Some years, yes. I don't remember the exact number."

"Oh dear. Was your last lay so terrible at their duties you swore the entire thing off?"

"Quite the opposite, actually." Tav laughed softly, and he could see her eyes warming in reminiscence for just a moment as she looked aside. It passed quickly, though, and soon she looked back at him, with that familiar intense stare.

Sometimes Astarion would find it quite uncomfortable, but now he relished the feeling, knowing she was looking at him and not at the person in her memory through him. He knew the difference, would've been harder not to when he played the role of substitute lover enough to make him lose count.

"We weren't meant to be, however. It's in the past." Tav smiled again and lifted her hand to cup his cheek. "Just letting you know I have a sizeable threshold of expectations. Though given your height, it shouldn't cause you much trouble."

She joked, this much was clear, but it still didn't sit well with him for some reason.

"Oh? Is this how it's going to be?" Astarion purred, crouching over her, caging Tav between his arms. "You'll find I perform perfectly well under pressure."

Something shifted in her, Astarion could feel that. In the way her gaze softened, in the little smile her lips curved, in the soft brush of her thumb against his skin.

"You don't have to perform," Tav said, pulling him closer. "Anything. At all. I know I won't."

She kissed him, slow and mellow, enjoying the taste of closeness the same way she savored wine. Her rough lips moistened by saliva looked delectable, and Astarion didn't stop himself from letting his fang puncture a hole to lick the blood. It was as sweet as usual. As many things about her were. A few months prior Astarion would call them cloyingly saccharine. And yet he found himself enjoying them now. Her gentle touch, her warm embrace, her unceasing attention, gaze trained on his face, piercing and rapt. Just as he bit open her lip to taste blood, Tav was prying him open with her eyes alone, devouring whatever was leaking through the cracks of his perfectly trained expressions. She smiled each time that happened, a content smile of a cat who caught a rat in its clutches and was now licking the creature's fur instead of eating it in one gulp.

He was supposed to be the predator between the two of them.

And yet with that smile Astarion was forgetting to care about adhering to the strict roles between vampire and his prey.

[saintarmand]

a stray cat from a toy shop

while i'd noted it before, this post by @iwtvfanevents gave me a title for the cat painting in claudia's room: The Kitten's Art Lesson by Henriëtte Ronner-Knip. (if you enjoy being insane like me go read the artist's biography at the link, but keep in mind that just because you CAN draw parallels doesn't mean they were necessarily intentional. but they ARE delightful.)

let's take a look at the kitten's art lesson!

the kittens are studying under the watchful eye of the adult cat, who seems disappointed by the lack of decorum. the kittens are in a playful mood! one of them has torn through a painting. another is clinging to the art board with tooth and nail... just playing or trying to hold on after nearly falling? a couple are in a half closed drawer—almost like they could be trapped inside at any moment. one has actually found a paint brush but doesn't seem to know what to do with it. the teacher is not impressed.

i can't help but note the one staring towards us from the drawer looks awfully familiar:

the art teacher and students aren't the only cats in claudia's room; there's also a cat statuette on the mantle (click to see the closeups in full.)

above the cat painting, there's a blurry painting of what looks like some women sitting, and one of them looks she might have a cat in her lap, though that might be wishful thinking on my part. the bottom of the painting blends in so well with the wallpaper that at first glance i actually thought the painting had been cut into, which sent me on a wild train of thought but yeah that's not actually true lol. but the effect is interesting regardless. the cat on the mantle definitely evokes the idea that it escaped from the painting nearby, and could flee at any moment—and in episode 6, it's no longer on the mantle or anywhere else that i can see.

i wonder if it broke along with so much else in the house at the end of episode 5, or if claudia moved it somewhere. fellow insane people keep an eye out, a kitty's gone loose!

so... why cats?

there aren't many cat references in iwtv compared to other animals, but the ones that are there speak volumes. in episode 3, we see louis bite into a black cat as a substitute for the human blood he craves. later in the evening lestat says he "fears for the feline population of new orleans" (after comparing louis to fish and birds). when louis reaches a breaking point, "rats, cats, dogs, would no longer suffice." so what he really wants or needs is something else?

in the next episode, claudia delivers the punchline:

“I used to [live around here] too. I remember there used to be a toy shop a few doors down by there. They used to keep stray cats in boxes for people to take.”

claudia sees herself as a cat. louis took her in like a stray—a helpless little kitten in need of rescue—and he took her (took for free because no one else wanted her) from a box at a toy shop—a place where you find things to play with.

but cats love to play and they love sleeping in boxes so this is fine actually!

...right?

claudia knows herself much better than anyone else in this show. she is a cat in a kitten's body.

the thing you always have to keep in mind about cats is that they are not docile and subservient by nature. they don't do things because they are told but because they choose to. a cat's fur may be pretty and soft to touch, but don't forget those sharp teeth and claws! it's not that they don't like to be pet at all, you just have to get permission first. and even if you do, they might just change their mind, as is their right.

cats do like good company but they also like their independence. they prefer to come and go as they please; not to be locked up inside, and not to be kept on leashes. they like boxes because they feel safe in there, but they also like to jump out for play time: hunt! catch! kill!

they may be small and cute and soft but they're still predators, and brutal ones. if they don't get to hunt for their food in your care, you better find them another outlet or they'll go for your ankles. they developed that instinct to survive, but hunting also happens to be fun! cats love to play with their food.

if you manage to earn their trust, they'll make for wonderful companions—but do not make the mistake of assuming you can ever own them... or you'll have to sleep with one eye open like they do. they're quick and clever but also patient, and they know how to move without a sound. let them out of your sight for even a second, and you won't know what hit you until it's too late. and they'll relish the kill!

no matter how others may speak of her, claudia is not a lap dog, nor a bird in a feathered nest. lestat is not a beauceron herding sheep, and his last name does not make him a lion. the three of them are not fellow dogs either. from the very beginning, claudia knows she's a cat. and by the end, she realizes what lestat let slip in the pilot: he's just an overgrown fucking rat. and while “a cat and a rat” rhymes, that does not mean they're the same thing.

[pokemonbiologyirlthetabletop]

Nidoran, Nidorina, Nidorino, Nidoqueen, & Nidoking

Nidoran♀ (#29) & Nidoran♂ (#30)

Nidorex infans feminae (Nidoran♀) Nidorex infans masculus (Nidoran♂)

General Information: Nidoran, the Poison Pin Pokémon. Nidoran are a small herbivorous species that are famous for their intense sexual dimorphism. This dimorphism impacts their base stats and their movepools.

Watch out, the horns on their heads are filled with a nasty venom!

The females are more sensitive to scent and changes in the weather, while males seem to have more acute hearing. This seems to be of benefit to each other as the different sexes specialize differently, allowing for the herd as a whole to better detect trouble.

The females average at 1’4 feet (0.4 M) and 15.4 pounds (7kg). The males average at 1’8 feet (0.5 M) and 19.8 pounds (9 kg).

Habitat: Nidoran can be found all over South Asia and the surrounding region, with a general preference for grassland habitats but not urban environments. They will live with their parents in their respective caves and large burrows until maturity.

Life Cycles: Nidorans are born every couple of years to litters of 2-4 calves to overly protective and doting parents. Nidorans rarely leave the security of their parents until they have evolved into Nidorina/Nidorino. Between both parents, there is a 75% first-year survival rate amongst Nidorans, with most deaths being a result of large predators like Ariados, random accidents, disease, and humans.

Nidorans are almost always too weak/young to reproduce in the wild, but even in captivity where they can reach higher levels, Nidorans seldom reproduce because of social reasons within the herd. Wild Nidos are typically at least three years old before they reproduce, at which point they are almost certainly at least a Nidorin@ if not a Nidoqueen/Nidoking.

Behavior: Nidos are hypersocial animals that form small to medium sized herds with each other. Nidorans in particular are playful and curious.  

Diet: Nidorans mostly eat berries, fruits, insects, and nuts.

Conservation: Threatened. While Nidos are broadly quite capable of fending off poachers, their real issue is habitat loss.

Relationship with Humans: Nidoran make infrequent starter Pokémon in the South Asian (and surrounding regions) world. They are reasonably docile, good to train, and when raised by humans from a young age are quite agreeable companions. Outside of South Asia though, it is incredibly unlikely that anyone has a Nidoran or their evolved forms outside of foreign breeding programs.

Nidorans are commonly depicted in media as the go-to analogy for mix-gender twins and romantic lovers. They can be seen on many valentine’s day cards and twin birthday cards!

Classification: Nidorans are classified in the genus Nidorex. They are in the same Family as Aggrons and Rhydons.

Note: While rhinoceros-ish in appearance, the Nidos are not true rhinos and do not fully substitute for them in their respective Asian ecosystems. Their similarities are superficial at best, and they may in fact live alongside true rhinos.

Nidorina (#31) & Nidorino (#32)

Nidorex medius feminae (Nidorina)

Nidorex medius masculus (Nidorino)

General Information: Nidorin@s are the evolved form of Nidoran.

Nidorinas average at 2’7 feet (0.8 M) and 44.1 pounds (20 kg). Nidorinos average at 2’11 (0.9 M) and 43 pounds (19.5 kg).

Habitat: Nidorin@s can be found in South Asia and its surrounding environment.

Life Cycles: Nidorin@s make excellent parents. Nidorinas will carefully chew leaves, grasses, berries, and nuts for their babies until they’re a fine pulp.

Nidorina/Nidorino will live upwards of 40 years in captivity. However, Nidorina experience breeding difficulties in captivity stemming from their nervous and anxious personalities. Because of this, many breeders resort to Dittos, though some have mastered the fine art and hard science of Nido breeding.

When Nidos are socially and developmentally ready to mate at around 3 years old, they will have headbutting contests to win over mates—and this goes both ways! Females participate in headbutting contests just as much as the males do! The winners of these contests (often more than 1 in large enough herds) will be the ones who mate that year.

Behavior: Nidorin@s are anxious and nervous creatures, though excellent parents. Mothers will chew food for their young, and fathers will aggressively protect their babies from harm. Nidorinos in particular are known for being finicky and temperamental, however this is only a problem with poor upbringing. In the wild they are finicky and temperamental because they have to survive, their anxiety is a benefit to them, but in captivity their anxiety becomes a hinderance to their ability to socialize and play well with others, so please treat your Nido with love, care, and compassion toward their anxious natures from the start!

Many Nidos will spend a significant amount of time searching for Moon Stones to evolve.

Diet: Fruits, berries, leaves, nuts, and sometimes cobras! Strangely, this doesn’t seem to pit them in competition with Yongooses too often.

Conservation: Threatened

Relationship with Humans: Nidorin@s are fairly standard sorts of Pokémon to have. They make great companions, many folks have them as their starter, and they’re incredibly gentle with children—and protective of them! Really, a Nidorina or Nidorino is a great choice to have in the household, so long as they are treated with the love and care that they deserve. In Eastern media, they are regularly part of the protagonist’s team line-up (or one of their other Evolutionary forms).

In the children’s cartoon Tuesdays with Turtwig, there is a friend Nidorino who has a lot of anxiety and finds himself headbutting things without thinking, and shenanigans and life lessons ensue as Turtwig helps his friend solve his problems.

Nidorin@s are known for eating cobras (or Ekans/Arbok), giving them another utility amongst human society.

Classification: Nidorin@ is believed to be diverging point between themselves and the Rhyhorn line.

Evolution: Evolve from Nidoran at level 16.

Nidoqueen (#33) & Nidoking (#34)

Nidorex nidorex feminae (Nidoqueen) Nidorex nidorex masculus (Nidoking)

General Information: Nidoqueens and Nidokings are both dangerous Pokémon that are incredibly protective of their young. Their claws can release a painful acid, and the spines on their backs inject venom—though the individual is capable of choosing when and if this venom is injected, especially around its children. Both are capable of immense destruction with their tails and claws.

Habitat: They live through South Asia and neighboring regions, but NOT in urban environments. They tend to live in “burrows” though these are more like caves.

Life Cycles: Contrary to popular belief, Nidoqueens can actually reproduce, they’re just super extremely finicky and captive breeding programs are practically rocket science just to get Nidoqueens to breed. So, most don’t. Because of this, most captive-breeding programs get newborns from Nidoking x Ditto pairings.

Nidoqueens and Nidokings are usually five or six (or older!) years old when they evolve. They do not engage with the headbutting contests of the Nidorin@s, instead they engage in their own courtship rituals with mates of their choice. In general, it’s the Nidokings competing for the affections of the Nidoqueens, but both regularly cross-mate with other Pokémon species, so it becomes more than competitions of strength, but also competitions of winning the individual over. Nidos are unique individuals who value different things! Romances are not all on the male’s efforts!

Nidos live for upwards of 40 years in captivity. They only mate every 2-4 years, depending on environmental circumstances and the individual.

Behavior: Wild (or poorly raised) Nidokings are known to go on rampages when protecting their herd or their territory. Nidoqueens tend to be more level-headed, and use this milder temperament to ease the aggression of their Nidoking counterparts. Both are gentle parents, who use their thick, diamond-hard armor to protect their offspring from threats.

Diet: Fruits, berries, branches, nuts, and snakes. They have also been known to hunt Ariadoses… whether it’s for sport or for eating, is hard to say.

Conservation: Threatened.

Relationship with Humans: Nidoqueens and Nidokings make excellent companions, though they do require a competent trainer to raise them well. They are quintessential “parents” in media, alongside a few others such as Leavanny, Kangaskhan, and Drampa.

In the wild, Nidokings and Nidoqueens are a terrifying presence to behold, and are the cause of death for many poachers and illegal loggers annually.

Many daycares and kindergartens in South Asia have a Nidoqueen or Nidoking amongst its Pokémon staff and inhabitants, very much because of their gentleness and protective natures. While potentially dangerous, they are no danger to the children, and there is little concern over their presence. Because they are starter Pokémon, they are a completely normal sight to see in amongst the general population. They are especially useful amongst the Rangers and Task Force members of South Asia, who value their dependability, strength, and ferocity when dealing with dangerous situations.

In Tuesdays with Turtwig, the Nidorino friend has two parents, Nidoqueen and Nidoking, who are seen occasionally.

Classification: It is unclear whether the Aggron or Rhyhorn lineages are more closely related, but both seem to have diverged within the last 6-8 million years.  

~~~~~~~~

Hey guess what, if you like my stuff, this is my website where you can find other Pokémon I've written on and more information about the game that I’m slowly making! Check it out! I write books sometimes too.

[hashtag-xolo]

Well I found one big reason why so many R+ fear free trainers are rampantly quoting that prey drive isn't a thing. There's an article that Simone Mueller translated on her Predation Substitute Training website in which the author states that he doesn't think that predation is a drive. He articulates what he believes a drive is and why predation doesn't meet this criteria for him. So this being posted by such an authority on the topic, even if it isn't their own original work, is definitely fuel for their fodder in "proving" that dogs don't have a prey drive.

[redrascal1]

Kylo Ren..and where he came from

Okay, I’ve been reading an  article on how abuse shapes a person...I was reading about Emily Bronte’s infamous anti hero Heathcliff, but here we have some fascinating quotes which could also apply to Kylo.

the hero could be a victim or a perpetrator or both, and how does abuse affect his personality and attitudes towards himself and the society he lives in. Besides, the victim may develop anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, and may suffer permanent physical or emotional damage and that of course will make a deep scar in the hero’s psyche which will turn him into either an angel or a devil. 

Now, obsessed fans such as those on the JCF, despise those who love Adam’s conflicted ‘villain’ for many reasons, one being they see his unhappy childhood and the subsequent events that caused Ben’s ‘fall’ as ‘demonising’ the OT cast. I have said repeatedly on this site why it doesn’t, so I don’t need to go into detail of why I believe that, but what I want to explore here is how their very human mistakes led to their son/nephew being essentially driven into the arms of a predator who had been waiting in the wings since his birth.

This is one interesting comment (statement by the WHO in 1999):

Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.

Han, Leia and Luke never physically abused Ben. But the above article states that abuse isn’t always physical or sexual. It can be psychological. And sadly, Ben suffered more than a hint of psychological abuse from his family. The TLJ novelisation mentions how he overheard his parents talking about his ‘potential’ for darkness. Han himself said there was always ‘too much Vader’ in him. Leia chose her career as an escape from her worries, Han spent his time enjoying himself on the Falcon; both spent far too much time with Poe Dameron, or Greer Sonnel, whilst ignoring his own child. And as we all know...he was sent to train with Luke at a very young age, despite having no choice in the matter.

Snoke naturally fed his insecurities about whether or not his family wanted him - and Luke’s fatal mistake the night the temple burned was what truly sealed Ben’s fate. He fled to Snoke who had cultivated his need for a ‘father figure’, and as we saw both in TLJ and the Kylo Ren stand alone comic, Snoke was physically abusive to him, as well as psychological.

Snoke turned Ben to the dark side, but his family set him upon that path, by allowing the scars of their experience with Vader to affect how they saw their child and nephew. Ironically TROS, which tried to satisfy obsessive OT character fans, only made them seem ten times worse than TFA and TROS...instead of coming across as damaged humans who loved their child and nephew but were scarred by their past, TROS made both Luke AND Leia into unfeeling icons rather than human beings, who happily accepted yet another unfeeling icon as a replacement for their broken damaged ‘blood heir’. Ben never enjoyed what Rey did, a blessing from Luke and lots of hugs plus one on one training from his mother. 

Instead, he was cast aside, ignored and forgotten, having to rely on a made up memory of his father to ‘do the right thing’ and save the ‘more important’ person - the girl his family had chosen as his substitute and almost killed him.

Ultimately, like Bronte’s Heathcliff, Ben Solo never stood a chance. Like Heathcliff, there could be no happy ending for him.

 He was unwanted from the very beginning.

[thxnews]

Combatting Child Sexual Abuse Online: UK-US Collaboration

  A Global Fight Against AI-Generated Child Exploitation

In a significant move to combat the disturbing proliferation of AI-generated child sexual abuse images, the United Kingdom and the United States have forged a collaborative alliance. Home Secretary Suella Braverman, accompanied by US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, has announced their commitment to explore comprehensive strategies in tackling this alarming crisis.   A Joint Pledge to Innovate and Collaborate In a joint statement issued by both nations, they have pledged to join forces, fostering innovation and exploring novel solutions to combat this abhorrent imagery. The deeply troubling AI-generated content, created by malevolent individuals, has prompted the call for international unity in this battle.  

A Transatlantic Effort Begins

This development follows Home Secretary Suella Braverman's recent campaign, in which she urged Meta not to roll out end-to-end encryption on its platforms without robust safety measures. As a result, concerns have arisen that without these measures, children may be left vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation within messaging channels.   The Urgent Need to Act In her remarks, Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized the urgency of addressing the surge in AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery. She stressed the global nature of this heinous crime and the necessity of collaboration with the United States to combat it effectively. Braverman also commended the tireless efforts of the NCMEC and called on social media companies to prioritize child safety on their platforms.  

Disturbing Findings by the Internet Watch Foundation

Investigations by the Internet Watch Foundation have uncovered the disturbing growth of AI-generated child abuse images, even depicting infants and toddlers. Some of these images depict the most severe offenses under UK and US law. The organization has also exposed an online 'manual' aimed at aiding offenders in refining their prompts and training AI to produce increasingly realistic results.   Alarming Implications for Law Enforcement and Child Safety The rising tide of AI-generated images poses grave concerns for law enforcement agencies and charities alike. They fear that the normalization of child sexual abuse material will lead to an increase in victims. Moreover, these images could hinder the efforts of law enforcement agencies in identifying victims and apprehending offenders.  

Technology's Dark Potential

AI technologies not only facilitate the creation of these abusive images but also provide offenders with the capability to manipulate benign imagery. For example, through a process known as inpainting, perpetrators can remove clothing or substitute someone's face with indecent images of real children.   Meta's Encryption Controversy This development follows Home Secretary Suella Braverman's recent campaign urging Meta not to roll out end-to-end encryption on its platforms without robust safety measures. The concern is that without these measures, children may be left vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation within messaging channels.  

The Impact on Law Enforcement

Currently, UK law enforcement agencies arrest approximately 800 predators each month, leading to the safeguarding of up to 1,200 children from child sexual abuse. However, if Meta proceeds with its encryption plans, the detection of child abuse on its platforms could become nearly impossible. As a result, the National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that thousands of criminals could potentially evade detection by losing a significant portion of referrals from Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct.   The Online Safety Bill's Recent Passage In light of the Online Safety Bill's Recent Passage, the UK and US collaboration aligns with this landmark legislation. This bill deems AI-generated child sexual exploitation and abuse content illegal, irrespective of whether it features real children. Additionally, tech companies will be mandated to proactively identify and remove such content. Furthermore, Ofcom will have the authority to direct companies to utilize or develop technology for identifying and removing this content.  

Advancing Safeguard Measures

Efforts are underway within the government to deepen understanding of the risks posed by AI and develop solutions. Initiatives include the creation of the AI Taskforce and hosting the first global AI Safety Summit this autumn. Although foundation model AIs hold tremendous potential, their use raises concerns about public safety and national security that remain partially understood.   An Invitation to Dialogue and Collaboration The United Kingdom welcomes open dialogue and increased collaboration with tech industry leaders, experts, and like-minded nations. The goal is to harness the benefits of AI technology while safeguarding society from its potential risks. In this transatlantic partnership, the UK and US aim to protect the most vulnerable among us, ensuring that the scourge of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery is combated on a global scale.   Sources: THX News, Home Office & The Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP. Read the full article

[buildugsroamin]

Parallel Botany, Part 3

Despite its low pedigree as far as life ships were concerned, HEG-2522 was still afforded some unnecessary amenities to ensure passenger enjoyment during the long trek across the aether. These included a water dispenser, a library of Venusian board games, and most esteemed of all, the observation deck. A quarter kilometer strip of semi-transparent chitin, gracefully curving at a 45-degree angle, it allowed passengers to take in all the wonders of the solar system as the ship journeyed to its final destination. Even when HEG-2522 crashed on that fateful day all those millions of years ago, the chitin had remained intact, something the Batavians considered nothing less than a divine miracle on Kib’s part.

Now, of course, that same vast panel lay buried beneath half a mile of sand, revitalized from time to time via stem cell transplants from more functional sections of the Monastery. What would normally have been a grand indoor promenade was transformed into an endless dark corridor. Only a small number of bioluminescent lanterns, a cheap substitute for what had come before, made navigation possible.

Vera strode ahead Azul to the wall of the formerly glorious deck, where a pair of immaculate wooden beds rested under a cozy green glow. The darkness was so great that from the entranceway they looked as if they were floating in endless space. But unlike the other hallways in the Monastery, Vera couldn’t hear a single bat chittering far above, which somehow made the whole thing a thousand times more terrifying than the halls outside. Azul couldn’t help but notice her friend was hunched over, arms wrapped around themself. They walked as though the floor was made of needles.

“A-aren’t you cold?” Vera shivered. Were it brighter, they would have expected to see icicles dangling from the ceiling, waiting to come loose and strike.

“I cannot say I am. I’ve worked in both the scriptoriums and the archives, and both are far more frigid.” Her slight, trembling, body, however, suggested otherwise.

Vera couldn’t believe someone lived their entire life like that, in the middle of a desert yet trapped in a frozen prison devoid of light. The thought made them shiver all the more. Their pace hastened.

They practically dove under the covers as they reached the bed, burrowing like the cold itself was a lurking predator, poised to strike their vulnerable flesh. Fortunately, the panotti wool blankets held in heat quite well, and before long they’d found themselves in that perfect temperature which was not so hot as to be scalding, but warm enough to calm their frayed nerves and gently lull them to slumber.

Yet slumber did not come. Cautiously, Vera peeked their head out from under the covers to see Azul slipping off into the darkness.

“Hey!” They cried, their voice echoing a thousandfold in the vast cavern. Azul turned around, yellow eyes glowing.

“My feet are cold. Would you mind warming them up?”

Azul froze. “I-I do not feel it would be best for me to be in close contact with-!”

“No, it’ll be easy! Just lay down at the foot of the bed, and it’ll warm the covers up!”

Azul paused.

“For my sake? Pleeeeaaaaase?” Whimpered Vera, opening her crimson eyes wide.

Azul sighed and lay down at end of the bed, right over her guest’s feet. Much as the young nun-in-training hated to admit it, the soft warmth of her companion’s body, travelling up through the sheets and into her, delivered a soft comfort that allowed her to sleep easily. It felt… nice, in a way her exhausted body hadn’t felt in a long time. A way she wasn’t sure she deserved.

But for once, the philosophical conundrums could wait another night. Azul let out a great yawn, and consigned herself to slumber.

Malagasy was tired. Malagasy was weary. Malagasy was tired and weary and exhausted and just wanted the bats over his head to shut up and stop squeaking, the cold air to stop creeping down his neck, and to join his kid snuggled in bed.

But at the moment, he could not.

Instead, he locked eyes with his former lover, just six feet away, right outside the door to the observation deck. He knew what was going to happen, what always happened every time he made his rounds at the Monastery, but certainty bought little comfort. If anything, it only made things worse. Thankfully, the children (and more importantly, the other nuns) weren’t around to see. But that wasn’t an excuse not to remain cautious. Echoes travelled far in the Monastery, and a wayward slip of the tongue could spell trouble. Fortunately, he and Creosote had developed an elegant solution during their travels long ago.

Moving her fingers, Creosote signed

Malagasy, I’m worried about you.

To which the tall Venusian asserted

Creo, if this is about me being a man, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m not sick. This is who I am.

But his former love simply shook her head.

But how can you be so certain? You’ve always been proud, Malagasy. Too proud to back down from a challenge, too proud to lay down when you’re ill. It’s okay to admit you’re wrong about something for once.

At one point those words would have been a dagger plunged straight through his chest and out the other side. By then, though, the scar had healed into an indestructible carapace.

And how can YOU be so certain? Don’t you get it?! You’ve made an assumption, but you’ve taken that assumption to be true and base all your evidence on the grounds that it is! So how can I possibly argue against you when you’ve already decided the truth? I so much as make a good argument, I’m clearly under the influence of my ‘illness’! You act like you’re smart, but you’re just as deluded as those other nuns, just as deluded as that stupid Madame Saguaro-!

Please! Protested Creosote, Insult me if you must, but do NOT insult the divine-!

And there you go, acting like she’s only trying her best, that she has this island’s best interests! That FREAK is poisoning this place with her piety. Poisoning the nuns, poisoning the kids, poisoning YOU!

And then he stood there, head bent down, breathing steady, fists clenched at his sides. He didn’t accuse his beloved of seeing him as a self-hating woman, nor the monastery of only interacting with him because, as someone who realized they were a man later in life, he was thus as dam*ed as they were. That would have been a touch too far. But he knew.

Please, Creo. He begged, You have to LEAVE! Join Vera and me. Let’s be a family. Travel together. Like old times.

And Creosote, beautiful, horrible Creosote, shook her head.

Am I being poisoned? Perhaps. But there are things I believe I can teach this place. And in being here, I can ensure the children are getting ‘poisoned’, as you say, a little less. Certainly better than just fleeing the problem in a little raft-!

See?! You’re just like Vera! Always got to fix everything and be the hero! Think you know best when you really being reckless! It’s like I’m talking to-!

Thundering footsteps interrupted his signing as bats fluttered away. Madame Saguaro was walking the halls.

[labradork]

I saw that too. 🤦‍♀️ I prefer R+ methods but I find it frustrating when training arguments are based on non-science. They could have talked about predation substitute training, which is super interesting and R+, but instead they just said nonsense to prove their point. Evangelicalism on either side helps nobody.

losing my entire mind at this hot take in an aggresisvely R+ Facebook trainer's post. comment section is full of people asking for sources and the poster claiming the "prey drive myth" has been debunked same as alpha theory. I can't comment because I'm not in the group but oh my god.

[pokemonbiologyirlthetabletop]

Lillipup, Herdier, & Stoutland

Lillipup (#506)

Canisborealis familiaris

Lillipup is a normal-type dog Pokémon that evolves twice through level-up. It averages at 1’4 feet (0.4 M) tall and weighs 9 (4.1 kg) pounds. They are, in fact, mostly just fluff and are much scrawnier than one would think them to be at first glance, and are basically the size of a very fluffy house cat. As a fun fact: the fur around their face is sensitive (like whiskers!) to environmental changes, giving them a keen insight to shifts in their surroundings.

Habitat: In the wild, Lillipups and their evolutions are found in the upper half of North America as the ecological substitute for wolves. In captivity, Lillipups are very popular as indoor pets both because of their incredible pack bonding abilities and amicability, and also because they’re surprisingly very quiet.

Life Cycles: Lillipups are born in the Spring (Mid/Late April to as late as mid-May) with the exact timings dependent on their latitude, with northern latitudes having later birth dates than more southern latitudes. Litters are typically between 1 and 4 pups, though in captivity litters have been known to get as large as 12! The eggs are typically laid in February to March, when the parents stay inside their dens for days on end keeping themselves sheltered from the winter weather and their eggs warm.

Lillipups can reproduce starting at level 15 just like normal, however they also evolve into Herdier at level 16, so the realistic chance of wild Lillipups having babies of their own is incredibly slim. They also must be at least 1 year old, whichever developmental milestone comes last, so typically they are not actually having babies of their own until they are almost 2 years.

Typically Lillipups are predated upon by just about anything that would think a 9 pound dog sounds like a delicious snack: snakes, giant spiders, medium to large sized bird Pokémon, and other carnivores. Their main defense against predation are their parents, their pack, and their own intelligence that keeps them wary of strong opponents.

Behavior: Lillipups are intelligent and brave Pokémon, who enjoy initiating battles with worthy opponents but have the sense to flee when they realize their opponent out-classes them and will avoid battle with Pokémon who are far stronger than it in the first place. They are pack bonders, amicable, and surprisingly quiet. Be warned though, that Lillipups remember kindness and malice from the people around it, and they will only retain loyalty to trainers that treat them with love and respect.

Diet: Lillipups are carnivores. In general, wild Lillipups tend to eat small rodents, bugs, and maybe even fish or birds if they can catch them. However, it’s usually the older and stronger members of their pack, specifically the Herdiers and Stoutlands, who do much of the hunting of big game, and the Lillipups are trained on hunting techniques and pack cooperation until they evolve. Until they are old enough to join the hunts, they eat last from whatever kill the pack caught or they snack on rodents and bugs.

Conservation: Threatened (in the wild), Least Concern (in captivity)

Relationship with Humans: Lillipups are incredibly common as starter Pokémon in North America because of their many wonderful qualities that make them Very Good Boys. They are popular as plushies, toys, and are present in many classrooms/day-cares, they’re seen on TV all the time, and they make excellent service Pokémon. They are in a sense, just dogs, and loved every bit as dogs! Lillipups and their evolutions are considered one of the most human-friendly, child-safe Pokémon that we have access to.

It is heavily hypothesized that Lillipups and co. were one of the earliest domesticated Pokémon, if not the earliest, but as many groups throughout the globe domesticated different Pokémon for similar purposes in different regions, it’s hard to know for sure which Pokémon was truly domesticated first.

Classification: Lillipups and its evolutions are given the genus name Canisborealis. They are in the Spiricanis clade with Maschiff, Mabosstiff, Snubbull, and Granbull, which means upon death they have a chance at reincarnating into a Greavard. However, despite the recent common ancestry amongst these dog Pokémon, the Lillipup lineage is strongly evidenced to be the most basal of the lineages. These lines do not descend from each other, rather they descend from a much more ancient dog Pokémon population that no longer exists, and to whom the only evidence that exists for it is in the shared DNA of the Spiricanids. But while the proto-Maschiffs and proto-Snubbulls spread out through Eurasia, the proto-Lillipups entered North America along the Bering Strait.

Of note, while Lillipups and family have been living with humans for thousands of years, as evidenced by cave paintings and ancient writings, these same artistic depictions show that ancestral Lillipups looked much different than the ones we know today, and though Lillipups, Herdiers, and Stoutlands may be fiercesome apex predators of the Yukon, even their wild populations have been heavily influenced by the process of domestication. Of course, the entire Spiricanid clade has been heavily influenced by domestication and its relationship with humans.

Note: Players, your qualifying dog Pokémon can only reincarnate into a Greavard upon death if certain requirements are met: Your dog must have both its affection and friendship stats maxed out.

Herdier (#507)

Canisborealis domesticus

General Information: The evolved form of Lillipup, Herdier continues to be a loyal, intelligent, and kind companion. It averages at 2’11 feet tall (0.9 M) and 32.4 pounds (14.7 kg). Beware: their fur is incredibly dense and horribly unmanageable to brush out—this softens the blows from attacks, but it makes them difficult to groom!

Habitat: The northern half of North America, and also in human homes and apartments.

Life Cycles: Herdiers usually evolve from Lillipups within the first 2 years of its life, but this certainly is not a hard rule. They are often the scouts of the pack, capable of taking down much larger prey than themselves on a regular basis by working together in cooperative hunting, but this tends to scale up to Stantler or Sawsbuck. Herdiers make up the majority of any given pack, but they are also the medium-aged segment of the group, where they are neither rambunctious children, nor do they have the lived experience and wisdom of the Stoutlands in their pack. They are suitable hunters, warriors, parents, and very family-orientated, who care for their young and give their respects to the Stoutlands in their pack. Many Herdiers die in territory disputes with other Pokémon or in hunts gone wrong or from disease, and so most (60%) do not make it to their final evolution.  

Behavior: Herdiers are incredibly loyal, smart, and friendly and have great parental instincts. They are a wonderful assistant to have when raising other Pokémon, making them a truly wonderful companion for any Pokémon trainer to have. They are known for obeying their trainers faithfully, but if someone they don’t respect tries to order them around, they will not listen.

Diet: They are carnivores. In the wild, Herdiers hunt medium to large sized prey together, such as Deerlings and Bunearies, but can only take down the largest prey with the help of Stoutlands.

Conservation: Threatened (in the wild), Least Concern (captivity)

Relationship with Humans: Herdiers are incredibly common Pokémon in North American households.

Classification: They are in the genus Canisborealis in the clade Spiricanis.

Stoutland (#508)

Canisborealis malliarosus

General Information: The final evolution of the Best Good Boys is Stoutland, the Big-Hearted Pokémon! This Pokémon has an incredible knack for finding lost travelers in mountains and in blizzards or people buried under snow! It averages at 3’11 feet (1.2 M) tall and 134.5 pounds (61 kg). Its thick fur effectively protects itself and others from freezing temperatures.

Habitat: The northern half of North America, and human households.

Life Cycles: Herdiers are typically at least 5 years old before they evolve into Stoutland, but many take far longer to evolve. Stoutlands are the wisened warriors and grandparents of the pack, who’ve seen many things in their day and know the wiley ways of the wilderness. As the largest members of the pack, and the strongest, Stoutlands are also the ones who will lead hunts on larger game Pokémon, like Stantler, Sawsbuck, Lopunnies, and other Pokémon of similarly large sizes.

Stoutlands are also the most likely to successfully mate with others of its kind. Their impressive volume of fluff also makes them the best at caring for Lillipup eggs, so are usually the ones who stay behind to care for eggs and Lillipups while the Herdiers find smaller prey to bring back.

Stoutlands have been known to live up to 40 years in captivity, but 30 years is a much more typical lifespan. As a member of the Spiricanids, Stoutlands that love their trainers deeply are very likely to reincarnate into a Greavard.

Behavior: Stoutlands are beyond friendly. They love people, and even wild Stoutlands will warm up to humans within a matter of days if treated right. They are wise, loyal, loving, valiant, trust-worthy, kind, intelligent—all the traits needed to be the optimal human companion. Stoutlands are also great trackers and finders with sniffers that can find lost souls in the dead of a winter blizzard.

Stoutlands have “mustaches” that get longer as they get older, of which they are quite proud of! The longer a Stoutland’s mustache, the older it is, and thus the more respect it earns from its pack. It is disrespectful to cut a Stoutland’s mustache.

Diet: Stoutlands are carnivores! Please feed them meat—ah, I said meat, pizza is not good for them. Yes, I know they’re giving you that look, but you should really avoid feeding your dog pizza. In the wild, Stoutlands eat medium to large-sized prey such as Lopunnies, Sawsbucks, Stantlers, and the likes.

Conservation: Threatened (in the wild), Least Concern (in captivity) Like many apex predators, Stoutlands face habit destruction and illegal hunting by humanity. Most of their habitat loss is in the southern regions of their natural range, while populations in Alaska and the Yukon remain fairly healthy.

Relationship with Humans: In farming communities, wild Stoutlands are a real threat to livestock, and hunting them is considered a pre-emptive measure.

But in captivity, Stoutlands are in almost every household in northern regions due to their immense fluffiness (good for keeping warm), and reliability as a hunting dog/guardian dog, as well as their ability to find lost folks. They are practically ubiquitous to the idea of living in the northern regions of North America.

Shed Stoutland fur is sometimes made into textiles, though it is a bit itchy, so it’s best used as an outerwear.

Because of the fact that many Stoutlands end up reincarnating as Greavards, there is a popular media trope called “A Trainer’s First Houndstone.” (see: Greavard & Houndstone for more information)

Classification: Stoutlands are in the genus Canisborealis in the Spiricanids.

~~~~~~~~

Hey guess what, if you like my stuff, this is my website where you can find other Pokémon I've written on and more information about the game that I’m slowly making! Check it out! I write books sometimes too.

[ravingancient]

The Neverseen is violent because its members don't eat gnome food

One of the many questions about the Neverseen is how they commit violent acts without going mad from the elvin mind's inherent inability to handle guilt. But what if I told you that elves don't have an inherent inability to handle guilt? What if I told you that it's likely caused by gnome-grown vegetables?

I don't care if I sound crazy. Let's go over the evidence.

Animals in the Sanctuary are turned vegetarian by feeding them gnome food. Apparently, they get used to it because some gnomish produce tastes exactly like meat. The problem is that feeding predatory animals a convincing meat substitute does nothing to suppress their hunting instincts. Humans call it fox-in-the-henhouse syndrome. A fox will kill every hen in a henhouse, even though it can't eat them all. Predators with enough to eat will still hunt. It's the same reason well-fed dogs can still be hunting hounds and well-fed cats still catch mice, to give more human examples.

Still, all Grady and Edaline do to train the animals is feeding them gnome food. They never do anything that specifically suppresses their hunting instincts. So how do the animals stop hunting? Unless...

Eating gnome food is what suppresses their hunting instincts.

By extension, a member of an intelligent species who eats enough gnome food would have any violent urges quelled. Gnome food turns people into pacifists, and this affects almost the entire elvin species.

The entire species except the Neverseen, of course. When Keefe was in the Neverseen, he said that their food is awful because it isn't grown by gnomes.

Yes, Sophie didn't eat any gnome food while in the human world, but she didn't have a reason to commit crimes. Elves are more aggressive without gnome food, but not to the point where they'd commit crimes for no reason. The Neverseen has a vision they're fighting for.

Humans aren't the only intelligent species capable of violence. Elves rely on goblins for protection not only because goblins are stronger, but also because goblins are more willing to fight. Goblins and ogres are warrior species, trolls have an army of super strong children, and dwarves at least have fighters that they sent to Mount Everest and the ambush in Loamnore. Elves and gnomes are the only truly pacifist species, and they just happen to live with each other.

My guess is that when gnomes use their special abilities to grow plants, a bit of their peaceful nature becomes part of the plant. Anyone who eats the plant gains that peacefulness.

In conclusion: Gnomes are inherently peaceful. Elves aren't; they turned pacifist after switching to a diet of solely gnomish plants. Elves that stop eating gnomish plants revert to their true nature, which is capable of violence. This is how members of the Neverseen avoid breaking from guilt.

[lilxberry]

Many A Conflicts} 1

Synopsis;

Sharing a womb and many experiences had you close with your siblings, but they certainly do not share your trauma. You had suffered loss and pain, much like Pietro and Wanda but they do not know that you face many a battles that they were not present for.

You fight to gain control of your powers, fight to take a hold of your sanity, fight for respect that your two counterparts had gained much more easily than yourself; you fight to grasp on to whatever is left of you.

Are you losing the fight?

Warnings: Mentions of riots. Mentions of violence. Nightmares. Language. Angst.

Words: 2,094

Pairings: Wanda & Pietro Maximoff x Reader (triplet!reader) (female reader) (platonic) / romantic pairing = undecided

(A/N: I have used Slovak in substitute of Sokovian. Slovak in bold italics and translations are in bold italics encased in brackets. I do not speak or use the language so, translation may be quite off.) 

Chapter 2  >

_______________

Those who rally around you chant, scream, shout; it’s deafening.

The loud thump, pounding, pumping, stomping sound of your heartbeat in your ears remind you that you’re here, you’re alive, you’re breathing, you’re coursing with adrenaline. The mind wishes you to lurch you forward, to charge, to join in with the chanting and the screaming and the shouting. There’s a logical, scared side of you that wishes to remove yourself from the situation you find yourself in; to run away scared. It’s a feeling so strong and overwhelming that you almost listen but you never yield, you never give in to that instinctual urge of fight of flight.

You chose to fight. You will not run. You will not flee. You will stand your ground.

Somewhere, you knew you made a decision you weren’t going to turn away from the moment everything had truly gone wrong for you, for those around you. Shit, for everyone who currently lives and breaths and stands and moves on this damned rotating planet that will not cease.

For as long as it continues to revolve, there will always be someone who lives and breaths and stands and moves; always be someone to stand and fight, to try their hardest to change something, anything.

The masses of bodies before you geared up in that of dark protective wear, helmets and thick gloves and heavy boots. Their riot shields and batons are on full display to those who they prepare to face off against. They repeatedly hit their batons against their shields.

BANG.

BANG.

BANG.

BANG!

It’s their way to intimidate you and those that are riled up around you; to scare them away, to deter them from proceeding further in this show of defiance. It’s done nothing of the sorts, rather more so riling them up further.

A stand off in the wild, growing and howling and animalistic movements of the body. It’s primal, it’s dangerous. The civilians, the public, the prey; they’ve risen up and have become predators. The authorities, the suppressors, the predators; they’re facing something new, something they can’t turn their backs on.

A war is coming and you’re sure it won’t cease, not for a long time. This is something many believe is overdue, including yourself.

You find yourself in the first few rows of protesters, rioters. Eyes scan before you, flittering across the abundance of riot officers and weapons and vehicles. The local authorities have taken a step back to allow those with more efficient, situation specified training to take over and honestly, you don’t blame them.

Fuck, you hadn’t had enough coffee, but did you sure feel awake. Your pulse was fast and erratic; you’ve never felt more alive. Maybe it was the premise of death that possibly awaited you when either side make their first move. It was thrilling but it never took away the reason why you stood here, why you all stood here.

A lone man steps forward, a simple clipper lighter in one hand and Molotov Cocktail in the other, or as you preferred to call them, a poor man’s grenade. A piece of fabric loosely covers the lower half of his face and nose which only would muffle his Sokovian accent slightly. He brings his large, dirt covered hand that grasps the lighter to the cloth that flaps softly in the breeze.

His thumb rolls across the flint barrel, creating a spark which catches the gas emitting from inside the lighter. He brings the small flame to the cloth and speaks, his voice loud, commanding and carries over to everyone that crowds that very street; the rioters having quietened the moment they spotted movement from the man.

“Náš čas je teraz! Musíme bojovať, aby sme získali našu ochranu? Nech sa šudo!” The cloth is quick to ignite and engulf in flames and the man promptly winds his arm up and back before releasing the bottle in a powerful throw, hurtling the bottle through the air towards that oppose the cause the people of Sokovia fight for. (Our time is now! We must fight to earn our protection? So be it!)

The bottle smashes just before the wall of men with shields, glass scattering everywhere, and a large burst of flames rise up and consume the oxygen filled within the air that’s already clouded with smoke and thick with burnt scent.

An uproar of screams and yells break out and a voice reaches your ear beside you.

“Ste pripravení, sestry?” your brother asks from your right, directed both to you and your other sister that stands on his left, sandwiching him between you both; the sisters he had shared the small, confined, cramped, overcrowded space of their mothers’ womb. (Are you ready, sisters?)

“Samozrejme, Pietro.” The corner of your mouth lifts up into a small smirk as you side glance him, something which he eagerly returns before both of your gazes’ fall to in front of you once more. (Of course, Pietro.)

Your sister certainly isn’t happy with what is about to go down, but she understands the need to do this, why you all need to do this. This not only means something to you and Pietro, but this is also something meaningful for each and every person that they share this country called home with, including her. She just wishes there was a less violent, more peaceful way to resolve this.

“To je idiotské,” Wanda quietly sighs out to herself but nonetheless readies herself to charge. (This is idiotic.)

The man that stands at the front releases a cry, of frustration, anger, desperation, adrenaline? You do not know. But the moment the man moves his one foot in front of the other, it all runs in slow motion for you, the sounds become fuzzy and all movement around you seem delayed, as if someone plays with time.

Your feet carry you on their own accord and you hadn’t even realised that you had began to scream and yell and shout and cry out until you and the others crash against the line up of men in riot gear, your siblings right there beside you, their actions mirroring your own.

_______________

A heavy coating of sweat coated your skin; glistening and soaking your body, clothes, and the sheets that you’ve kicked off of your body during the night. Your breaths come out short and quick, taking in gasps of oxygen your lungs could swear they could have been deprived of for years on end.

Awakening from the dream, the nightmare, the memory, you had shot up in bed, sitting, your body tense. Your eyes scan across the darkness of your room, adjusting to the dim lighting with difficulty. They land on the alarm clock beside your bed, and you sigh heavily.

3:47 A.M.

Head buzzes and throbs, a painful reminder that you’re still here; you’re alive and you’re breathing, and you’re fed up of the constant thoughts of Sokovia that keep you up at night. Swinging your legs over the edge of the bed, you rest your elbows atop your sweat slicked thighs and hold your head in the palms of your hands. You can feel the sweat on your hairline, and you cringe.

Calming breaths don’t help much, not at all actually. Granted, they help regulate your breathing and heartbeat, but it does nothing to help with what your feel and think. Each night is a vicious cycle, a repetitive motion, a schedule that’s tedious right down to its core; a never-ending riot.

You hadn’t heard the hurried steps of your siblings until the door had swung open with quite a force and they trample past the threshold and into the room that brightens a millisecond later as Pietro flips the switch of the lights on.

They probably felt the tremor you had unconsciously released, there’s no probably about it really. Everyone in the compound most likely felt it, in all honesty; your body reacting in such a way when your emotions are not in check.

You feel a pair of arms wrap around your sweaty form and a sweet, soft coo in a weakening Sokovian accent calls out to you like a siren, hoping to bring you back from the edge and ground you once more.

“What happened, moja láska?” She kisses your shoulder which was still lightly coated in sweat from the terror that played in your sleep. If she was bothered even in the slightest because of your sweat, she did nothing to show so, like usual. She looked at you with patient eyes filled with concern. The name she used on you helped calm and relax you. My love.

“Nightmare.” Your reply was curt and straight to the point. There was no point in dancing around with an answer; they knew, you knew.

The bed to your left dips and you feel another set of arms encase your body, much of that like your sisters’. A kiss is planted on to your sweaty left temple and you could only relax further. Your siblings were your true place of comfort, of safety, of security; much like you were to them.

“Which was it this time?” Pietro inquired softly.

Lips parting, a sigh passes them, and you close your eyes, squeezing your eyes shut tightly, wishing, praying. God, you were so tired. “The riots.”

Tightening their hold on you, they hugged you in a show of that they’re here; they’re here and they were not leaving. “That was 11 years ago. We have nothing to worry about here,” Pietro started soothingly. “We are with friends, family. We have each other. We do not need to worry about such things anymore.” You were glad that Pietro hadn’t lost the thickness of his accent unlike your sister, who intentionally dropped it when you had all gone against Ultron and sided with the Avengers.

A deep, heavy breath passes out through your nose, and you open your eyes to stare out in front of you wish. “Thank you,” you whisper quietly to the both of them and they all but gave you another comforting squeeze. Craning your neck slightly, you turn to face your sister and give her a small smile, something that doesn’t quite reach your eyes but nonetheless, is a smile. “I do not think I will be going back to sleep tonight,” you chuckle.

“I could help, if you’d like sister.” Wandas’ offer for her to use her powers to put you to rest were very enticing but yet, you always refuse, this time being no exception.

Shaking your head, you brush the small hairs that had stuck themselves to your forehead back. “No. I will never get better if we force it in such a way.” The little of possessions you own all fall into your eyesight as you allow yourself to look around you, trying to find someway to pass the time until the sun rises, your eyes landing on a small pile of books that you had yet to begin reading. “I think I would like to start one of those novels.”

The two sat either side of you sigh out but know that there would be no changing your mind, and both give you one last kiss, this time on both temples, before standing and moving towards the door of your bedroom that had been left wide open from them entering.

“We shall see you soon, moje svetlo.” With that, they walk out of your room, closing the door behind them, and head back towards their own respective bedrooms within the compound looking and feeling defeated. (My light.)

With a heavy sigh, you raise from the bed and trudge along the cool, wooden floor of your room and reach the desk that lines one of the four walls. With leisurely movements, you snatch the book that sat on top of the small pile and move your way back towards the bed, eyes lazily scanning the front cover and blurb, taking in the words that tell you the author, title and description.

Normal by Graeme Cameron.

Situating yourself in a comfortable position, you open the book and skip straight to the prologue of the novel and begin your reading for the next few hours; passing the time by reading until it was a reasonable time to shower and leave your room.

In the back of your mind, you knew that Fury was going to chew you out about the damn tremor you released during the early hours of the morning at some point and God, was you not looking forward to it.

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I have no idea whether I want to add a romantic element to this

I mean, ya peeps can make suggestions on who if so

If you’d like to be added to a taglist lemme know

I’m working out this kinks of this story as I go but please

Tell me if you like it and whether I should continue with it or nah

Anywho, I hope you enjoy

As always, constructive criticism and requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated :D

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Marvel taglist:

@thanossexual​ @iwazoomingouttahere​ @xxxtwilightaxelxxx​