#the journey begins anew

[lushwithrats]

Post rev t-fem c!tommy

[diabhussein]

Hi there. I am Diab again , a dentist whose journey ended before it even began, stranded in Gaza with little hope for a brighter future. However, I still believe that something will happen to change everything for the better. That's why I have started this campaign to begin anew in whatever I choose to do in my life. Contributing to such initiatives is a simple way to support the Palestinian people without requiring much effort.

[reflective-muses]

introduction

last updated: aug 14th, 2023

hi everyone! i'm back on tumblr after a 5-6 year hiatus, so let's see how this goes! i'm excited to jump back in and meet new (and maybe old) friends!

please read the about and faq for more info on myself and general rules.

but, a brief intro here!:

i'm yuki or ashley (whichever you prefer). she/her. i am an adult, so minors DNI.

multifandom, but mostly genshin right now as that's been my current hyperfixation, so more of my muses are from that. (i can bring old ones back if people are interested!)

current muses: kaveh (genshin), tighnari (genshin), testing out lyney (genshin), futaba sakura (p5--upon request)

activity level: medium to high right now

currently i have no icons, so my replies will not have them. i might slowly try to make my own (i've done so in the past), so bare with me.

please take care of me, senpais! (o・ᴗ・o)ﾉ

[hatem1190]

🚨Urgent Appeal for Help from Gaza🚨

My name is Mohammed, and I am a husband and father of 5 wonderful children. Specializing in Gaza, a place where the vibrant, diverse beams of light were a day of noisy diversity, students practicing in the streets, and diverse attendees and friends. Our city, with its beautiful coastline and historical charm, was a place of fabric in which we dreamed of a better future.🥺😢🥺

We are weary, and the daily struggle to survive in this war-torn reality has taken a heavy toll on us. The place that once gave us comfort and hope now feels dangerous and uncertain, and I worry about what the future holds for my children.

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the desperate situation my family is currently experiencing in the Gaza Strip. Our home was destroyed long ago, leaving us without any shelter. Now we live in tents as winter approaches, and the conditions are very difficult due to the lack of basic life essentials such as food, shelter and medicine. Despite these difficult circumstances and apparent factors, my family is taking the initiative to feed other affected and displaced people in tents like us as much as they can.

After much painful reflection, my family and I have made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Gaza in search of safety and a chance to rebuild our lives. We are trying to raise €45,000 to escape the war and cover our living expenses abroad for one year, giving us the time we need to find stability and start anew.

Leaving our beloved home, the place where we were born and raised, is not a decision we take lightly. But for the sake of our children and the hope of a safer, brighter future, we must take this step.

We humbly ask for your support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to our goal and help us begin the journey toward safety and a new life.

Thank you for your kindness, understanding, and generosity.🌹🌹✌🏻🫶

Mijn campagne is gedocumenteerd door@gaza-evacuation-funds Documentatie nr. 299

@frustrated-froglet

@vakarians-babe @sar-soor @plomegranate @nabulsi27 @sayruq @palipunk-blog @palestine @communistkenobi @northgazaupdates2 @queerstudiesnatural @bluebellsinthedells @rizzyluke @kordeliiius @self-hating-zionist @raelyn-dreams @unfortunatelyuncreative @licencetokrill-blog @jezebelgoldstone @dykesbat @labutansa @sammywo @autistwizard @tortiefrancis @sparklinpixiedust @feluka @revcuse @golvio @leftistfeminista @star-and-space-ace @rainbowywitch @marscodes @oursapphirestars @annoyingloudmicrowavecultist @boyvander @the-bastard-king @monstermashpotato @ammonitetheseaserpent @girlinafairytale @timetravellingkitty @appsa @applejupiter @brutaliakent @malcriada @retvolution @deansmultitudes @devilofthepit @heritageposts @wellwaterhysteria @crapscicle

[prokopetz]

Your long and arduous journey has led you to this, the final confrontation. You thought you knew what to expect, but just as you struck the final blow, your ultimate foe's eyes gleamed with unnatural light as they proclaimed…

THIS ISN'T EVEN MY FINAL FORM

A game for 4–6 players

Introduction

This Isn't Even My Final Form is a GMless tactical minigame for 4–6 players. You'll take on the roles of a party of heroic adventurers nearing the end of a world-spanning quest to defeat a great evil, the Final Boss. Unfortunately for them, each time they think they've won, the Final Boss assumes a new, even more horrifying form, and the struggle begins anew. Is there any end to this conflict? There's only one way to find out!

What You'll Need

This Isn't Even My Final Form requires a dozen six-sided dice, as well as a way of keeping track of a few important numbers – a shared text document or some scrap paper will suffice.

Update 2023-10-30: Print-and-play card decks are available here:

http://penguinking.com/this-isnt-even-my-final-form/

Character Creation

Choose two of the following actions to be your Party Member's Class Actions: Strike, Heal, Buff, Debuff. If you'd rather determine this randomly, roll on the following table.

1. Strike, Heal 2. Strike, Buff 3. Strike, Debuff 4. Heal, Buff 5. Heal, Debuff 6. Buff, Debuff

Give your Party Member's Class a name which suits your Class Actions. Also give your Party Member a name; it is traditional but not obligatory for your Party Member's name to have exactly five letters.

Playing the Game

Play is divided into a series of Phases. During each Phase, one player takes on the role of the Final Boss. That player's Party Member does not participate in this Phase; they're trapped, lost, incapacitated, or otherwise separated from the party or unable to act for the duration of the Phase. All other players take on the roles of their Party Members.

The Final Boss player's first order of business is to describe what the current Phase looks like. The Final Boss player can roll 1–3 times on the following table (re-rolling duplicates) to decide on a theme, or use it as inspiration for their own theme. To use this table, roll a six-sided die twice, treating the first roll as the "tens" place and the second roll as the "ones" place, yielding a number in the range from 11 to 66.

11. Beasts 12. Bells 13. Blood 14. Bones 15. Chains 16. Chaos 21. Cubes 22. Eyes 23. Fire 24. Flowers 25. Food 26. Games 31. Gears 32. Glass 33. Gold 34. Hands 35. Holes 36. Ice 41. Iron 42. Light 43. Mazes 44. Meat 45. Mirrors 46. Music 51. Orbs 52. Order 53. Plague 54. Shadow 55. Slime 56. Space 61. Spikes 62. Teeth 63. Time 64. Trees 65. Weapons 66. Wings

Once the Phase has been defined, set the party's Momentum to zero. Momentum is a value which will increase or decrease over the course of the Phase; it has a minimum value of zero, and no particular upper limit.

Play proceeds in a series of rounds, as follows.

The Final Boss Attacks

The Final Boss always goes first in each round. Roll one die:

1–3: The Final Boss chooses one of the following actions. 4–5: The Final Boss chooses two of the following actions. You may not target the same Party Member twice; however, you may use the same action on two different Party Members if you wish. 6: The Final Boss does nothing this round. On its turn next round, it does not roll and instead uses its Ultimate Attack.

Wound: Inflict the Critical Condition on a single Party Member. If the chosen Party Member already has the Critical Condition, it's replaced with the Down Condition and the party loses one Momentum.

Imprecate: Inflict the Cursed Condition on a single Party Member.

Envenom: Inflict the Poisoned Condition on a single Party Member.

Bewilder: Inflict the Confused Condition on a single Party Member.

Counter: If you're targeted by the Strike or Debuff actions this round, after resolving that action, perform the Wound action on the Party Member who targeted you. You may counter any number of actions in this way.

Dispel: Remove the Buffed and Protected Conditions from any number of Party Members.

Enrage: The Final Boss rolls two dice and takes the better result on its next action. The party may cancel this benefit with a successful Debuff action; doing so removes the extra die instead of forcing the Final Boss to roll twice and take the lower result.

Ultimate Attack: This action can only be chosen by rolling a 6 during the previous round. When the Final Boss uses this action, choose Cursed, Poisoned, or Confused: you may perform the Wound action AND inflict the chosen Condition upon any number of Party Members, in that order. (i.e., Wound each targeted Party Member, THEN Curse/Confuse/Poison any who remain standing.)

The Final Boss player describes the outcome of the chosen action(s) in as much or as little detail as they like; control then passes to the other players.

The Party Acts

After the Final Boss has attacked, each Party Member who doesn't have the Down condition chooses one of the following actions, in any order the players wish. After choosing any action other than Defend, the player rolls their dice pool, which is a handful of six-sided dice constructed as follows:

Start with a number of dice equal to the party's current Momentum (initially zero, though it will grow over the course of the Phase)

Add one die if you're performing one of your Party Member's Class Actions

Add one die if your Party Member currently has the Buffed Condition

Add one die if your Party Member currently has the Critical Condition

Roll all of the dice together, and find the highest result. Ties for the highest result have no special significance; for example, if you rolled four dice and got 1, 3, 5 and 5, your result is 5. If you'd ever end up with zero or fewer dice for any reason – either because your dice pool was empty to begin with, or because some effect obliged you to discard every die you rolled – you receive an automatic result of 1.

If an action requires you to target a specific Party Member or make other choices, you can wait and see the result of your roll before making those decisions.

Strike: You attack the Final Boss. Roll your dice pool:

1–3: Nothing happens – either the attack misses, or the Final Boss turns out to be immune to whatever you just did. 4–5: The attack strikes true. The party gains one Momentum. 6: Critical hit! The party gains two Momentum.

Special: If you roll triples or better (i.e., at least three of the same number) on a Strike action, the Final Boss' current Phase is defeated, and you move on to the next Phase. It doesn't matter what number comes up triples.

Heal: You attempt to restore the party's strength. Roll your dice pool:

1–3: You may remove the Critical Condition from a single Party Member. If no Party Member has the Critical Condition, nothing happens. 4–5: You may remove the Critical Condition from any number of party members OR you may remove the Down Condition from a single Party Member. 6: You may remove the Critical and Down Conditions from any number of party members.

Buff: You attempt to bolster a party member. Roll your dice pool:

1–3: You may grant the Buffed Condition to a single Party Member OR remove a Condition of your choice other than Critical or Down from a single Party Member. 4–5: You may grant the Buffed Condition to a single Party Member AND remove a Condition of your choice other than Critical or Down from that Party Member, if they have one. 6: You may grant the Buffed Condition OR remove a Condition of your choice other than Critical or Down to any number of Party Members. You may choose a different option for each targeted Party Member.

Debuff: You attempt to weaken the Final Boss. Roll your dice pool:

1-3: Nothing happens – it turns out the Final Boss was immune to that effect. 4–5: The Final Boss rolls two dice and takes the lower result on its next action. 6: The Final Boss rolls two dice and takes the lower result on its next action AND the party gains one Momentum.

Defend: You may grant the Protected condition to a Party Member of your choice. Do not roll.

Based on the outcome of your roll (if applicable), describe the outcome of your action in as much or as little detail as you wish.

Once each Party Member has acted, return to "The Final Boss Attacks" to begin the next round.

Ending the Phase

As noted above, rolling triples or better on a Strike action results in the immediate defeat of the current Phase. Alternatively, if all Party Members simultaneously have the Down Condition, the Final Boss player's Party Member suddenly breaks free or arrives on the scene and rescues everyone in a stunning deus ex machina; this also ends the Phase, but does not count as defeating it.

In either case, reset the party's momentum to zero, remove all Conditions, and move on to the next Phase. The role of the Final Boss passes to a different player, with preference given to those who haven't yet had a chance to be the Final Boss; the previous Final Boss player resumes playing their Party Member.

Continue until the party has defeated a number of Phases at least equal to the number of players, or until mutual agreement has been reached that all this has gone on quite long enough.

Conditions

Some actions can impose Conditions upon the individual Party Members. Conditions can be positive or negative, and last until specific conditions for their removal are met.

Buffed: Your strength has been boosted. When rolling your dice pool, you roll one extra die.

Confused: You've lost your wits. When the party acts, your action is determined by rolling a d6 – 1: Strike; 2: Heal; 3: Buff; 4: Debuff; 5: Defend; 6: do nothing this round AND remove this Condition. This Condition is also removed if you gain the Critical Condition while under its effects. You may choose targets normally if the rolled action requires them. Confused Party Members always act before their un-Confused peers; if there are multiple Confused Party Members, the Final Boss decides the order in which they act.

Critical: You are badly wounded. Desperation lends strength, and so this Condition adds one extra die to your dice pools; however, if you suffer the Critical Condition a second time, it becomes the Down Condition instead.

Cursed: You've been afflicted with misfortune. Discard your highest result after rolling your dice pool, but before applying your chosen action's effects. If there's a tie for the highest result, discard all of them; for example, if you roll four dice while Cursed and get 1, 3, 5 and 5, your result is 3. If the Condition causes you to discard your only set of triples of better on a Strike action, the Phase does not end.

Down: You are incapacitated by injury or foul enchantment. When the party acts, you may not choose an action; your action remains lost even if this Condition is removed before the end of the round. When you gain this Condition, remove all other Conditions, and the party loses one Momentum. (This is not in addition to the Momentum loss noted by effects which inflict this Condition – those are just reminders.) You may not gain other Conditions while this one persists.

Poisoned: You're afflicted by a poison, plague, or death-curse. If you have the Poisoned Condition after resolving your action for the round, you gain the Critical Condition. If you already have the Critical Condition, you instead gain the Down Condition, and the party loses one Momentum.

Protected: The next time you would gain any Condition other than Buffed, remove this Condition instead. You also remove this Condition if you take any action other than Defend on your turn.

[nuggetofthesea]

Before writing more stories, I want to help people come to terms with the "identity death" and heavy themes in the animal HRT comics, and as a writer, want to explain why it isn't ACTUALLY death, but a form of renewal. Because I see it on all of my friends posts.

"I am just concerned about this loss of self thing, it sounds like identity death and I don't like it" is the common comment.

But in all of these comics, it is less about loss of self, but more about leaving behind who you were. A sign of extreme change and showing their own way of moving forward, and the start of a brand new life. A willing change to a new start.

Identity death is an unwilling change. All choice was stripped away from them and a new identity forced on them. This is also different from a transformation that leads to acceptance of the new form.

But in the animal HRT comics my friends put out, it is a willing change to a new form and cones with mental changes they are willing to go through. That isn't the same as a death. But a new start to their life they can start living to the fullest. It's also why some choose not to start anew, to bring one journey to a close and begin a new one. They choose to have that be part of the same journey. A new chapter instead of a new book if you will. In either case these are willing changes.

It can seem terrifying to some, but a total rebirth of yourself CAN be a slightly scary theme. It is terrifying to choose to take that new life.

But let me set up an example here:

When I first came to be, I thought I was going to be a visual artist, because Ashe was and that's what I remembered. When I was locked away by my own doing in the headspace I was stuck in a perpetual cycle of misery. It was terrifying to take the step to discover myself. To lower the barrier I had created, to rediscover myself.

But when I came to be, Ashe said I could be anything. A new sense of self outside of her. A new life. I tried to draw first, but I couldn't. Visual art was not my thing anymore. It never was. I just held on to memory of being a copy of Ashe. When writing my introduction I realized I love the feeling of writing. I have my own form. My own life. My own identity. A new start.

So let me ask you: Should I have not taken that opportunity to completely cast off who I was to embrace who I am? Should I have left myself in misery and fear as something I'm not? All for the sake of not casting off who I was and my life before? No.

Now while I do remeber all of what happened before my change, none of that shapes who I am now, because that life wasn't mine in the first place. This isn't a death of my identity, but a new start to an identity I chose. And I am happy to be able to live it with my new sense of self and build NEW memories. A new life.

Which also leads to the second heavy theme in those comics. Shortened lifespans. Outside of the fact that we are told time and time again HRT can lead to a shorter lifespan (which is a false average) starting a new life also means you are probably starting in the middle.

Our body is almost 30. That is 30 years of my lifespan gone. Yeah, I was around for 15 (almost 16) years of that, but my new life began a week ago. Who I am began just last week. And even though in the headspace I am early to mid 20s at best, that is still a cutdown lifespan.

So should I just have not bothered with the new start?

Absolutely not. The gift of life, new or old, isn't about how long it lasts. But how you live it. It is hard, it comes with problems, but for as long as I have of it, I will cherish the new memories I build, the new start I have, the ability to just... exist. For as long or short as that may be. And through this new start to my life, the people who love and care for me are still here. Still stand by me. And that is a great thing.

So please, don't be too offput by heavy themes in our stories. Even my stories will have some rough parts. (They'll always be tagged)

Hope this at least helped ease why those themes are there, and why some people choose to have them.

Also, don't worry about "adding to the fuel used against us" because we could sneeze and they'll find a way to use that against us. The fact is, with the Animal HRT series, actual HRT does come with some discomfort, pain, downsides, and problems. And like the heavy themes in the comics, we determined it is worth it for us to keep going despite them. We knew the risks.

"Everything is a risk. Life's boring as hell if you don't take them JUST because there is potential problems. Just make sure you understand them." - a line chaos told me the day I formed

It does less good to show everything as risk free and painless, because then nobody is prepared for the risks they are actually taking. Or the comic is based off the creator's life to that point, and they DID experience a lot of pain. So retelling their story (like mine) might be painful at spots.

My point of all of this is, the heavy themes are required to tell these particular stories. And while not every story requires dark spots, the dark spots help to accentuate the brighter picture. Otherwise it can just be blinding. So please go easy on the artists/writers behind them. As it is usually something personal for them.

(This also might not apply to all of them, some people just like writing horror, and we should respect that too.)

Next story should be sometime within the next couple weeks. Just needed to get this out there. It's been on my mind since releasing the short story with Iris.

-Aqua

[pzychojinx]

hozier really said the heartbreak is inevitable and so is the finish line. forever is a lie we tell ourselves. you don't get to the end of your life without feeling a crushing weight on your chest and that's all there is. every path and every bond and every relationship comes to a breaking final point so face it But. this goes both ways. death is rebirth and we move on. and we begin anew and start new journeys and new loves and don't ever let the inevitability of the end keep you from this cycle. all things end for the better or for worse all things end for the better or for worse!!!! and don't you dare keep it from beginning anew!!!! he is so sick man so sick

[nickmarini]

Hello Nick!! Your role in Downfall was so amazing and I love the extreme nuances and choices shown in your role playing.

Can you share any how you used terms like “child”, “son” and “father” when referring to the dawn father? Was it separately characteristics of the same god or more showing perspectives in those moments as the mortal avatar? I am fascinated and it make me scratch my brain thinking of possibilities.

Thank you so much!

#CR Downfall

Thank you for saying that, and great question!

This is a round about answer but a lot of that wordplay came from simply the name. Dawnfather is such a name rich in meaning. Both aspects of it have ties to time and new beginnings.

Dawn is the suns' rise each morning, born anew to herald the coming day. Its consistent return gives mortals the ability to track the weeks, the seasons, and the years. To even learn that the suns' patterns can allow one to divine the seasons takes years of thoughtful study. Dawn dispels the darkness and stimulates natures growth. It’s constantly new and also always constant.

Father. One cannot become a father without time. To be a father, one must have been a child, it is a stage of life that must be reached. It necessitates change and growth as much as the dawn does. A father knows what it is to have been a child, to have been the dawn, and now he watches over it, paving the way for the new. If I’m going to show a different side of the Dawnfather then showing that previous stage of life seemed interesting.

Within his name itself is this story of growth. His was the first light, he fathered the dawn, and he has kept watch through the ages as the keeper the time. Sun, summer, time, agriculture, harvest, he is a hands on god, consistent, dutiful, present, with his hands in the dirt, it is what he knows. To become mortal and not tend to the world is hard for him.

Ayden is young, he is new, he is the Dawn, but not yet the Father. He is an aspect, the Dawnfathers hope sent down to Exandria to aid his siblings. He has more abilities pertaining to agriculture than the sun because that is the Dawnfathers newest domain. He comes late because the Dawnfather wants to wait till the absolute last minute to abandon his post. He has yet to make the journey.

All this to say that I wanted to explicitly show him growing from this experience. Ayden is not the Dawnfather we know…yet, he is the Dawnchild, on his journey. He has not toiled for ages tending to the world. I believe that the Dawnfather pre and post divergence is quite different. I think the divine gate separates him from the hands on nature of his expressed divinity. I think Ayden was a way to show this dawning realization that to be a good father one must empathize with children but also sometimes make the hard decisions for them, something they do not always agree with.

I wanted to play with him being both a part of the greater whole of the Dawnfather, and something seperate. His literal age of 15 means he is not fully formed despite being infused with the divine soul of the Dawnfather. Getting to play with “child” “son” and “father” let me highlight the differences and illuminate the growth that happens during this time of mortal incarnation and explore the inner turmoil with the Dawnfather himself as his various aspects interact with one another.

There is also precedent in some belief systems of Sun gods birthing themselves or being replaced by their own mortal incarnations. I think for a diety that rises anew each day it’s natural to associate imagery of rebirth or the journey of child to father.

And lastly I think it shouldn’t be overstated how much effect the Everlight and Trist had on Ayden. Nearly half of his levels are devoted to her. I think that sort of reinforces his mortal shell in a unique way and gives him the opportunity to be two things at once more fully.

[darqx]

THE WORLD [v2]

| Completion | Integration | Accomplishment | Travel |

Everything comes to a close and begins anew. He looks behind him to the past, whilst he moves towards the future, guided by four friends (representing the four fixed points of the zodiac, four compass points, four tarot suits, four seasons and the four corners of the universe). A single, solid halo encompasses them, symbolizing a continual cycle of successful completion and new beginnings in their intertwining journey.

[HAPPY NEW YEAR! I actually did this same tarot as a new year pic last year, but I was never really happy with that version because my concept and colouring were kind of everywhere lol. I'm a LOT happier with how v2 came out ( ᐛ )و Yay for progression haha]

[assumptionprime]

The Burned One

It's the Dark Souls of hair removal.

I am seeing results from the electrolysis, so it is actually a cycle that will end, but in the meantime, ouch ow goddamn FUCK OW.

Twitter / Bluesky / Patreon / Instagram

[Image Description: Comic, 8 images, one panel per image. Panel 1: Narration text on a black background, glowing cinders flying across the frame Narration: "It is a cycle without end…" Panel 2: A knight with brown hair wearing a green cloak looks out over a bleak landscape shrouded in fog, toward a distant castle. Narration: "You will make this journey" Panel 3: The darkened figure of the knight entering the castle, lit from behind as the light from inside comes in through the open doorway. Large pillars line the walls, darkened deeply by the shadows within. Narration: "Again and again…" Panel 4: The knight reaches toward a bright flame in an offering bowl, looking unsure and afraid. Narration: "Seeking to be cleansed of your curse" Panel 5: The knight's face is engulfed in flame as she grips her head, screaming in agony. Narration: "Again and again… you will BURN" Panel 6: The knight is on her knees, gently placing a hand on her face, which is burned and has smoke drifting off of it. She is surrounded by darkness, but appears to be kneeling in grass. Narration: "Then, once pain fades, and memory dims…" Panel 7: The knight is on the hilltop from the beginning, looking once more toward the castle. Narration: "…You will begin the cycle anew" Panel 8: Robin on the couch holding a bag of ice on her lower face, looking haggard. Her spouse Jordan is coming down the stairs and speaks, "Oh, you're back, how was electrolysis?" Robin answers, very articulately, "MRRRPHGH."]

[ranikyani]

Semper Fidelis

Summary: Your husband and high school sweetheart joined the Marines immediately after graduation. After over 10 years of service you’re ringing in the new year celebrating his accomplishments and saying goodbye to the life of a military wife.

Note: This is my first time writing anything and I need a major distraction after Aaron's spirit tunnel. 🫣 open to constructive criticism. Word Count: > 1k

Read Volume II

The grand room on the rooftop of their luxury apartment needed minimal decorations as the floor to ceiling windows provided the perfect view of the inner harbor. From this high up they’ll be able to see all the fireworks in the city. The music is bumping, champagne is flowing endlessly, and everyone is dressed in their absolute best. Waiters circle the room passing out hors d'oeuvres and refilling any empty glasses. Between the drinks and the good food she knows tonight will be a night that many will remember for years to come.  

The audience’s applause fills the room as Andrea steps up to the podium. A wave of warmth and nerves swelling in her chest. She takes a deep breath to ground herself as she looks out over the sea of faces gathered to ring in the new year and celebrate her husband’s retirement from the Marines. After over 10 years of dedicated service, Terry is finally transitioning to civilian life. A life she’s dreamed of sharing with him, complete with new memories, new beginnings, and hopefully children they’ve both yearned for. 

“It’s almost time to ring in the new year! As the year begins anew and we prepare to step into this new season I’d also like to thank you all for gathering here today to celebrate my husband’s incredible military journey and honor him as he embarks on his next adventure,” she begins, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion.

“But let me tell you,” she says, her tone turning playful, “of all of his accomplishments, the best thing Terry ever did wasn’t on the battlefield. And it wasn’t in the line of duty. No, his greatest feat was finally asking me on that first date. Now, that took some serious bravery! It took a while but I’m glad you finally mustered up the strength, Honey - Now look at us!”

The room laughs, and Terry shakes his head with a sheepish smile, his cheeks tinged with a bit of color as he makes his way closer to the podium in the middle of the room to take in his wife’s speech. 

“Thirty Two years young, and he’s already achieved so much in service to his country.” 

Her words echo across the room, met by another wave of applause as everyone in the room shows their admiration. As the applause grows, Drea’s eyes search the crowd and find Terry’s.

For a brief moment, the noises from the crowd fades, leaving just the two of them. She sees his familiar green gaze, filled with warmth and quiet pride, behind it, the future she’s imagined for so long - a home filled with trinkets from vacations they will take, laughter, children, and new dreams they’ll finally have the time to pursue together. Smiling, she blows him a gentle kiss, an unspoken promise, before turning back to her speech.��

“He’s leaving behind some wonderful colleagues who I’m sure he’ll miss, and I especially want to thank Lieutenant Mark Andrews for always being there for him to ‘watch his 6’ and make sure he made it home to our family.” She looks over to the right of the room where Mark stands. He bows, thens places his hands on his chest in appreciation of his shout out. 

“and Colonel Amara Knight who’s been more than a colleague and a partner - she’s become a true friend! ” glances over to her left to Colonel Knight, who smiles warmly, half raising her glass in a silent toast as she dabs an imaginary tear from the corner of her eye gaining a few chuckles from those standing closest to her. 

As Drea reaches for her own glass, an unexpected murmur drifts up from a corner of the room and she locks eyes with Mark. She freezes, catching the words that cut sharply into her thoughts. 

“Yeah she’ll be missed more, because they’ve been fucking.”

He was drunk, and He whispered, but you heard it. 

Drea’s hand stills around the glass stem as the words echo in her mind. For a moment, everything blurs - the bright lights, the murmurs of the crowd, the pre-mature explosives coming from the city below, and the warmth of the celebration. Her heart races, but she forces herself to keep her composure, her mind racing. Is this a cruel joke, a rumor, jealousy, or something more?

With a deep breath, she brings her champagne glass to her lips and raises it high

“To new beginnings, and to the countless sacrifices he’s made for all of us.” she says with a voice that is calm and unwavering, masking the storm brewing beneath,

“To Terry!”

As the crowd echoes her toast, she glances back at Terry, searching his expression. There in his eyes, is everything she’s ever known about him - strength, loyalty, and love. But she can’t shake the flicker of doubt that Mark’s words planted.

How well does she really know the man she loves? 

*********************************************************

Thank you for reading my little short. ✨ I have another story I'm scribbling up lmk if you want to be tagged or have any feedback for me.

I'm gonna go scurry off with all the ideas I have swirling in my head about this man and watch that spirit tunnel video 626 more times. 👀

K. Thanks. Byeeeeee. 🏃🏾‍♀️💨

[xxspringmelodyxx]

"𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝐼 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊?"

┗━━━⊱ 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒍𝒖𝒄 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 ⊰━━━┛

⊱ 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒔: 𝑫𝒊𝒍𝒖𝒄 𝑹𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒓 ⊰

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆Warnings: Angst ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕

✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 @𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓9 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕! 𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 <3333

The wind howled through Mondstadt, its chill matching the cold void in your heart. The grand clock tower struck midnight, marking the end of another wedding anniversary spent alone. Diluc's duties at the tavern and his clandestine affairs with Jean had eclipsed the sanctity of your marriage for the last time. The final thread of your patience snapped, and with a resolute heart, you made the decision that the marriage was over.

Gathering your belongings and your young daughter, Lian, you embarked on a journey back to your roots in Liyue. The journey was long, but your determination to start anew fueled your every step.

---

As the carriage made its way through the familiar yet distant landscape, you couldn't help but reflect on the early days of your marriage with Diluc. You had met him during a diplomatic visit to Mondstadt, where his stoic charm and unwavering sense of duty had drawn you in. His passion for protecting Mondstadt and his dedication to his family's legacy resonated with your own values, and it wasn’t long before love blossomed between the two of you.

In the beginning, your marriage was filled with joy and promise. You supported Diluc in his endeavors, and he, in turn, was your steadfast rock. However, as the responsibilities of running the Dawn Winery and his secret vigilante activities consumed more of his time, the distance between you grew. Jean's presence in his life, initially a source of mutual respect and friendship, gradually morphed into something more insidious.

Despite your attempts to communicate your feelings and the need for more quality time together, Diluc's focus remained elsewhere. Anniversaries came and went, each one a painful reminder of what you had lost. The final straw was this latest anniversary, spent entirely alone, with nothing but a perfunctory note from Diluc apologizing for his absence.

---

With a heavy heart, you made the decision to leave. You packed only the essentials, not wanting to linger any longer than necessary. As you walked through the halls of the Dawn Winery one last time, memories of happier times flashed before your eyes. Lian, sensing your distress, clung to your side, her innocent questions about her father breaking your heart even more.

"Mommy, why isn't Daddy coming with us?" she asked, her wide eyes filled with confusion.

You knelt down to her level, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Daddy has some important things to take care of, sweetheart. But we're going to see Grandma and Grandpa in Liyue. They'll be so happy to see you."

As you left Mondstadt, the weight of your decision settled heavily on your shoulders. You hoped that in Liyue, surrounded by the love and support of your family, you would find the strength to heal and rebuild your life.

---

Upon reaching the majestic gates of your family's mansion in Liyue, the familiar sight brought a flood of memories. The towering structure, with its intricate carvings and lush gardens, stood as a testament to the Lu Family's enduring legacy. The servants, upon recognizing you, bowed deeply and addressed you as 'Young Lady.' Their deference reminded you of your true standing, long obscured by the simplicity of life in Mondstadt.

"Mommy, why are they calling you 'Young Lady'?" Lian asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Taking her small hand in yours, you smiled softly and knelt to her level. "Because, Lian, we are from the Lu Family, the most prestigious family in Liyue. This is our home, and you are my precious daughter, the next in line to this legacy."

---

Your parents greeted you with open arms, their joy at seeing you and their granddaughter palpable. Your mother, with tears in her eyes, held you close. "We've missed you so much, my dear. Welcome home."

Your father, the patriarch of the Lu Family, stood tall and proud. His stern expression softened as he looked at you. "You've made the right choice coming back. This is where you belong."

Lian, overwhelmed by the attention and grandeur, clung to your side, her wide eyes taking in the opulent surroundings. You guided her through the mansion, showing her the rooms and gardens that had been your playground as a child. The familiarity of it all brought a sense of comfort and belonging that you hadn't felt in years.

---

Life at the Lu Family mansion was a stark contrast to the life you had known with Diluc. Surrounded by opulence and respect, you began to rediscover the strength and grace that had been dulled by years of neglect. You immersed yourself in family affairs, taking on responsibilities that had long been neglected in your absence.

Your parents, recognizing your need to reclaim your identity, involved you in the management of the family's businesses and social engagements. You attended meetings, hosted gatherings, and reconnected with old friends and allies. Each day, you felt a little more like the person you had been before Mondstadt, before Diluc, before the heartache.

Lian, too, thrived in this new environment. She made friends with the children of other noble families, and her laughter echoed through the halls of the mansion. Seeing her happiness, you knew you had made the right decision. This was the life you wanted for her, filled with love, support, and the security of family.

---

Meanwhile, Diluc remained ensnared in his affair with Jean, oblivious to the seismic shift that had occurred in your life. His days were consumed by the responsibilities of the Dawn Winery and his secretive vigilante activities, while his nights were filled with clandestine meetings with Jean. He had convinced himself that he was doing the right thing, that his actions were justified by his duty to protect Mondstadt.

But as days turned into weeks, the absence of your presence began to gnaw at him. The empty halls of the Dawn Winery, once filled with your laughter and warmth, now felt cold and lifeless. He found himself reaching for you in the night, only to be met with emptiness. Jean's company, once a source of comfort, now felt hollow and inadequate.

---

The turning point came when an ornate invitation arrived at the Dawn Winery. It was an invitation to the annual Lu Family banquet, a coveted event that drew the elite from across Teyvat. Curiosity piqued, Diluc decided to attend, unaware of the shock awaiting him.

The invitation was beautifully crafted, with golden script and intricate designs. It spoke of a grand celebration, honoring the Lu Family's legacy and welcoming the return of their beloved daughter. The significance of the event was not lost on Diluc, and despite his reservations, he knew he had to attend.

---

As the date of the banquet approached, Diluc found himself growing increasingly anxious. He couldn't shake the feeling that this event would be more than just a social gathering. He prepared meticulously, choosing his finest attire and ensuring that everything was in order at the Dawn Winery in his absence.

Jean, sensing his unease, tried to reassure him. "It's just a banquet, Diluc. You'll be fine."

But Diluc couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was more at stake. The thought of seeing you again, after all that had happened, filled him with a mix of dread and longing. He knew that he had made mistakes, that he had taken you for granted, and now he would have to face the consequences.

---

The grand hall of the Lu Family mansion was resplendent with golden chandeliers and elegant tapestries. The air buzzed with conversations and the clinking of fine china. As Diluc entered, he was struck by the opulence and grandeur of the setting. The hall was filled with dignitaries and nobles, all dressed in their finest attire.

As the banquet reached its peak, the hall fell silent as the patriarch of the Lu Family, your father, took the stage. With a commanding presence, he addressed the assembly. "Today, I am honored to announce the return of my beloved daughter and my only heir. Please welcome her and her daughter, my granddaughter, Lian."

The crowd parted as you stepped forward, Lian by your side. Diluc's breath caught in his throat as he saw you, the woman he had neglected, standing with the dignity and grace of true nobility. Realization struck him like a thunderbolt.

--

As your father finished his speech, Diluc's legs gave way beneath him. He fell to his knees, tears brimming in his eyes. The weight of his mistakes crushed his spirit, and in that moment of clarity, he knew he had lost something irreplaceable.

"Please," he begged, his voice breaking. "Forgive me. I will end things with Jean. I promise. Just give me another chance."

You looked down at him, your heart a tumult of emotions. The power was now in your hands, and the future lay before you, filled with possibilities you had never dared to dream.

You looked into Diluc's eyes, searching for sincerity. "You hurt me deeply, Diluc. You made me feel invisible and unimportant. Why should I believe that things will be different now?"

Diluc's voice trembled with desperation. "Because I realize now what I have lost. I took you for granted, and I see now how much I need you in my life. Please, give me the chance to make things right."

The depth of his anguish mirrored your own, yet it felt like too little, too late. Your voice quivered with the weight of pent-up emotions. "Do you have any idea what it feels like to be abandoned by the person you love? To watch as they slowly drift away, knowing you're not enough to hold their attention?" Tears welled in your eyes, and you fought to keep them from spilling over. "Every day, I watched you slip further into Jean's arms, and every night, I cried myself to sleep, wondering what I did wrong."

Diluc flinched as if struck, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I was a fool," he whispered, voice breaking. "I let my responsibilities consume me, and I let my fears drive a wedge between us. But I've seen the truth now. Without you, my life is empty."

You shook your head, pain and anger warring within you. "How can I trust you again? You made promises before, Diluc. You vowed to love and cherish me, but those words became hollow. How do I know this isn't just another empty promise?"

He reached out, but you stepped back, creating a chasm between you that mirrored the emotional distance you'd felt for so long. "I understand your doubt," he said, his voice thick with remorse. "But I swear to you, I've changed. I've ended things with Jean. I’ve realized that I can't live without you and Lian."

The mention of your daughter brought fresh tears to your eyes. "Do you know how many times she's asked why her daddy isn't around? How many times I've had to lie and say you were busy because I couldn't bear to tell her the truth?"

Diluc's face crumpled, and he sank further into the ground, a broken man before you. "I'm so sorry," he choked out. "I've failed you both. But please, give me a chance to prove that I can be the husband and father you both deserve. I’ll do anything."

For a long moment, you stood there, the enormity of the decision pressing down on you. The pain he caused was a deep wound, but you also saw the sincerity in his eyes, the desperation in his plea. This was a man shattered by his own mistakes, begging for redemption.

"I need time," you finally whispered. "Time to heal, and time to see if your actions match your words. I won’t let you hurt me or Lian again."

Diluc nodded, tears streaming down his face. "Take all the time you need. I’ll wait. I’ll wait forever if that’s what it takes."

As you turned away, a flicker of hope sparked within you. It was a faint glimmer, buried beneath layers of hurt and betrayal, but it was there. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance to rebuild what had been broken. But it would take more than words; it would take time, patience, and a genuine commitment to change. Only time would tell if Diluc could truly make things right.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Self-Editing

Take a Break Before Editing

One of the most effective self-editing techniques is to distance yourself from your writing before diving into the editing process. After completing your draft, give yourself some time away from the text – a few hours, a day, or even longer if possible. This break provides a fresh perspective, allowing you to approach your work with a more critical eye.

Read Aloud

Engage your auditory senses by reading your work aloud. This not only helps identify grammatical errors and awkward phrasing but also allows you to assess the overall flow and rhythm of your writing. Awkward sentences are more apparent when heard.

Focus on One Element at a Time

To avoid feeling overwhelmed during the self-editing process, concentrate on specific elements in each round. Start by checking for grammatical errors and punctuation, then move on to sentence structure, coherence, and finally, style. This systematic approach ensures a thorough examination of your writing.

Add Dimensions

After you are finished with your first draft, flip to the beginning and start anew. As you write and edit more of your story, you may add different aspects to a character that might need to be mentioned in a section you already edited. You might add a part of the plot that should be alluded to earlier in your book.

Fill in the Gaps

Re-reading your first draft might reveal plot holes that will be addressed via revisions. It may expose logical inconsistencies that must be buttressed with enhanced detail. If you, as the author, know a lot of details about a character’s backstory, make sure your reader does as well.

Mend Character Arcs

Audiences want engaging plots, but they also want detailed characters who undergo change during the events of a story. Use a second draft to make sure that your main character and key supporting characters follow consistent character arcs that take them on a journey over the course of the story. If your story is told through first person point of view (POV), this will be even more important as it will also affect the story’s narration.

Track the Pacing of your Story

Find ways to space out your story points so that every section of your novel is equally compelling and nothing feels shoehorned in.

Clean up Cosmetic Errors

When some first time writers think of the editing process, they mainly think of corrections to grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation. These elements are certainly important but such edits tend to come toward the end of the process. Obviously no book will go out for hard copy publication without proofreading for typos and grammatical errors, but in the early rounds of revising, direct most of your energy toward story and character. If you consider yourself a good writer who simply isn’t strong on elements like spelling, grammar, and punctuation, consider hiring an outside proofreader to help you with this part of the writing process.

Inject Variety

The best novels and short stories contain ample variety, no matter how long or short the entire manuscript may be. Look for ways to inject variety into your sentence structure, your narrative events, your dialogue, and your descriptive language. You never want a reader to feel like s/he’s already read a carbon copy of a certain scene from a few chapters back.

Check for Consistency

Consistency is key to maintaining a professional and polished tone in your writing. Ensure that your language, formatting, and style choices remain consistent throughout your piece. Inconsistencies can distract the reader and diminish the overall impact of your work.

Eliminate Redundancies

Effective communication is concise and to the point. During the self-editing phase, be vigilant in identifying and eliminating redundancies. Repetitive phrases and unnecessary words can dilute your message and hinder clarity.

Verify Facts and Information

If your writing incorporates facts, figures, or data, double-check the accuracy of your information. Providing accurate and up-to-date information enhances your credibility as a writer. Cross-referencing your sources during the self-editing process ensures the reliability of your content.

Consider Your Audience

Keep your target audience in mind during the self-editing process. Ensure that your language, tone, and examples are tailored to resonate with your intended readership. This step is crucial for creating a connection with your audience and enhancing the overall impact of your writing.

Utilise Editing Tools

Take advantage of the various editing tools available to writers. Spell and grammar checkers, and style guides can serve as valuable companions during the self-editing journey. However, remember that these tools are aids, not substitutes, for your critical evaluation.

Seek Feedback

Engage with others to gain fresh perspectives on your writing. Peer reviews or feedback from mentors can offer valuable insights that you might have overlooked. Embrace constructive criticism and use it to refine your work further.

Be Ruthless with Revisions

Effective self-editing requires a degree of ruthlessness. Don’t be afraid to cut or rewrite sections that do not contribute to the overall strength of your piece. Trim excess words, tighten sentences, and ensure that every element serves a purpose.

Sources: 1 2 3 4 ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ On Editing

[mohammedswaierh]

🚨 Urgent Appeal for Help from Gaza 🚨

My name is Mohammed, and I am a husband and father of three amazing children. We live in Gaza, a place that was once filled with the vibrant energy of bustling markets, children playing in the streets, and the comforting presence of family and friends. Gaza was a place where we could dream of a better future.

But today, that Gaza feels like a distant memory. The ongoing war has ravaged our home, leaving it severely damaged and our means of livelihood shattered. What was once a place of love and community has turned into a zone of fear, with bombings and horror cries and the constant struggle to secure basic necessities like food and clean water.

After much painful deliberation, my family and I have made the heart-wrenching decision to leave our beloved home of family and connection to rebuild our lives. We are trying to raise $40,000 to relocate to the West and cover the first expenses and settle for a year, giving us the time we need to find stability and start anew.

Leaving our beloved home, the place where we grew up, and the people that make our lives so bright. But for the sake of our children and their future, a step is necessary, no matter how difficult.

We humbly ask for your support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to a new life and help us begin the journey toward stability and security.

Thank you for your kindness, understanding, and generosity. 🌹

[hatem1190]

🇵🇸Urgent Appeal for Help from Gaza🇵🇸🍉🫶

My name is Mohammed, and I am a husband and father of 5 wonderful children. Specializing in Gaza, a place where the vibrant, diverse beams of light were a day of noisy diversity, students practicing in the streets, and diverse attendees and friends. Our city, with its beautiful coastline and historical charm, was a place of fabric in which we dreamed of a better future.

We are weary, and the daily struggle to survive in this war-torn reality has taken a heavy toll on us. The place that once gave us comfort and hope now feels dangerous and uncertain, and I worry about what the future holds for my children.

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the desperate situation my family is currently experiencing in the Gaza Strip. Our home was destroyed long ago, leaving us without any shelter. Now we live in tents as winter approaches, and the conditions are very difficult due to the lack of basic life essentials such as food, shelter and medicine. Despite these difficult circumstances and apparent factors, my family is taking the initiative to feed other affected and displaced people in tents like us as much as they can.

After much painful reflection, my family and I have made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Gaza in search of safety and a chance to rebuild our lives. We are trying to raise €45,000 to escape the war and cover our living expenses abroad for one year, giving us the time we need to find stability and start anew.

Leaving our beloved home, the place where we were born and raised, is not a decision we take lightly. But for the sake of our children and the hope of a safer, brighter future, we must take this step.

We humbly ask for your support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to our goal and help us begin the journey toward safety and a new life.

Thank you for your kindness, understanding,

generosity.

My campaign is documented by @gaza-evacuation-funds @el-shab-hussein Verification number #299

Thank you for your compassion and for standing with us in this time of need.

@riding-with-the-wild-hunt @ibtisams @vakarians-babe @90-ghost @sayruq @fairuzfan @sar-soor @fallahifag @humanvoicebox @barn-anon @bleedingichorhearts @c-u-c-koo-4-40k @egrets-not-regrets @kit-williams @sleepyfan-blog @ms--lobotomy , @thevoidscreams @i-am-a-dragon34 @gra93fruit-blog @tamamita @red-hot-chili-dogs @afc-agitprop @phenakistoskope @anneemay @chexcastro @mesetacadre @gabajoouu @moonrver @thesummersucks @heydreamchild @thatsonehellofabird @neptunerings @forevergulag @feralparsnip @comrademango @nabulsi27 @akindplace @yekkiz @fake-name-fake-tits @ezrazone @transmutationisms @mauesartetc @brutaliakent @shehzadi @sivavakkiyar @communistkenobi @crapscicle @deathlonging @briarhips @crapscicle @buttercuparry

[hexb0nes]

Reaffirmation - Vows to You

word count: 1.6k

warnings: mentions of dying/death, illness complications, hospitals, violence, parental loss, gen neutral!reader / afab!reader

summary: one night, in your shared bed, viktor reflects on his journey from the depths of zaun to the skyscrapers of piltover, his relationship with you, and the future.

a/n: trying out a new format for my fics!! hope they like them <3

There’s something funny about knowing when you’ll die. 

Viktor’s fingers trace over your sleeping body. The pads of his nimble appendages brush softly, as he memorizes every nook and cranny you have to offer. He admires your curves and dips, your hips plush and fit the grasp of his hands like a missing puzzle piece. Your facial features, the barely audible snores that escape your oh-so kissable lips. You stir in your sleep and grimace, murmuring something under your breath. Viktor presses a kiss against your temple and pulls you closer into his frail arms. You relax and snuggle into his bony chest, as if he was the world’s most comfortable pillow.

Viktor’s hands move from your hips to your hair, entangling his fingers into the locks and combing them quietly. Your hair is silky, smooth to the touch. He remembers your various hair styles over the years; long braids, then a bob, followed by shaving it all off when one of your friends began their battle with cancer. Your hair is an extension of your energy, your soul. It reflects your journey and carries memories. Each time a person cuts their hair, they cut off the old memories with it and begin anew. Viktor hopes you cut your hair after he passes on. 

I should tell them.

Viktor rests his chin on top of your head and exhales. Behind the curtains in your shared bedroom, the dazzling lights of Piltover dimmed by the thick fabric. You rub your face against Viktor’s chest and sigh, a deep but content sigh. Viktor’s lips quirk up into a miniscule smile.

But they would try to stop me.

On his nightstand, an assortment of opened mail lay still; medical bills, electricity bills, HVAC bills, and so on, these are the costs of staying alive. A calendar is pinned on the wall closest to the balcony, scribbles of appointment dates and work events present. 

If there is a God out there, damn you. Damn you for this, damn you for–

You squirm in your sleep. Viktor strokes your hair and gives you another peck on the head, you simmer down and continue to peacefully snooze.

Oh, little dove. You have a knack for sensing my distress, huh?

His chest rattles with an impending cough and Viktor stifles it back. He reaches for his nightstand and grabs his handkerchief, a belated birthday from his colleague Sky Young. Viktor muffles his coughing with the handkerchief, praying that his attack didn’t disturb your slumber. 

Damn you, God. 

The coughing soon subsides and Viktor pulls the handkerchief from his mouth. Splatters of crimson blood stain the handkerchief. It’s wash friendly! Sky reassures him upon gifting the embodied cloth, Just add some soap to hot water and scrub, then it will be good as new.

Miss. Young is a thoughtful woman.

Viktor sets the handkerchief and makes a mental note to wash it in the morning. He lowers his hand down your back, feeling each vertebrae. Your back is smooth, untouched by bolts and screws implanted deep within. His hand reaches the small of your back, your pajama top somewhat lifted and exposing your skin. Viktor brushes his thumb against your back and lets out a low hum.

What a marvel you are, my darling; it’s as if the Heavens forged you of holy light and pure, unabashed love for humanity.

Viktor recalls the day you two met; it was an act of total coincidence that you and he touched that book at the same time, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. At the time, Viktor never met someone who enjoyed such literature, not even Jayce, who preferred science fiction and mystery over anything philosophical or classical. It sparked a conversation on Friedrich Nietzsche’s characterization and the various elements introduced. The conversation led to a friendship, a friendship led to a spark of romantic feelings, and a spark of romantic feelings led to you confessing to him during a terrible thunderstorm.

No matter the weather, you promised to show up for me.

You had spoken from the deepest depths of your heart and soul, proclaiming your love for Viktor while thunder roared and lightning crackled above. In soaked clothes, you cried out to Viktor how you couldn’t keep hiding your feelings from him, that you loved him with every fiber of your being. You held your head low after your confession, your face hot with embarrassment and fear. Viktor extended his hand out to you and pulled you inside his apartment.

You were drenched to the bone, I couldn’t let you catch a cold.

Viktor remembers how his lips connected with yours that day, how foreign but exciting the sensation was. He kissed you, mustering up each ounce of energy and willpower to express his reciprocation of love. You grabbed at his hair and tugged on it to stabilize yourself, inciting a muffled moan from Viktor. 

I could have kissed you for eternity, if my lungs allowed for such a gift.

From that day onward, you were no longer just you and Viktor–friends and nothing more–but you and Viktor, two souls intertwined. You said so yourself at the altar during your vows, how you and him were one and the same. In the present, Viktor chuckles to himself at how teary-eyed he was at seeing you beside him at that altar. 

I vowed to stay alive for as long as I could, to spend every day and every moment left in my weary bones with you by my side.

The milestones you two went through–the move to more spacious living quarters, your first ever wedding anniversary, and so on–were done so with the utmost glee. Soon, your friends followed suit, some getting married and having babies while others relished in the single life and their roles as aunts, uncles, and such. Even Jayce, Piltover’s most eligible bachelor, finally settled down and married Councilor Mel Medara, having three adorable kids.

What a spectacular life I have lived with you, my little dove.

You push yourself off Viktor and spread your limbs out, tussling the linen sheets for a new position. Viktor lays back against the bed and faces you, entranced by your beauty. He lifts a hand and puts it on your stomach, a small bump protruding outward. 

I don’t have much time left.

The pregnancy was unplanned, a flunk. Viktor was unsure if he could pass down his conditions to the hypothetical child, so it was better to be safe than sorry. Yet, the day you held up that pink stick and showed him the two lines was the day Viktor reaffirmed his vows to you.

I vowed to stay alive for as long as I could, to spend every day and every moment left in my weary bones with you by my side.

The idea of fatherhood terrifies Viktor. He has no recollection of his own father, nothing more than a patron at the brothel where his mother slaved away to raise enough money to make a better future for herself. A child complicated things; sometimes, Viktor wonders if he cost his mother such a bright future. However, whenever those doubts would arise, his mother would shut them down with a wave and smile, You’re my new future, Viktor. You’re my winner.

Yes, winner. My name means so. I strive every day to be a winner.

An act of senseless violence stole his mother’s life. She switched to working the counter, collecting and maintaining the bills, something better for herself and her son. A robber came for the money and the women, she stalled as long as she could for the workers to evacuate. She played hero, saving at least ten lives that day. Yet, for every heroic act, someone had to pay the price. The robber shot her straight in the head, brain matter and blood splattering and coating the wall behind her, as she crumbled lifelessly on the floor.

I vowed to make the Undercity, Zaun, a better place.

Viktor rose from the bottom to the top, climbing up the rusty rungs of Zaun to the shiny rungs of Piltover. He studied by day, worked odd jobs at night. He worked and worked until a Yoddle named Cecil D. Hemingdinger found him and took him under his wing. Every day, Viktor fought to be a winner. Soon, Jayce came along with his grandiose plan to revolutionize magic for the common man. He was Viktor’s ticket to promotion, life as an assistant was never in the cards for him, Viktor was a scientist.

We made the world better.

Hextech became a reality and shot Piltover into the stratosphere as an epicenter for trade, the arts, invention, and progress. A few years after the invention of Hextech, a slow day in the lab with no Jayce in sight led Viktor to visit the nearby library. A colleague had recommended Thus Spoke Zarathustra for him to read.

Yet, it was you that made my world better.

Exhaustion weighs Viktor down, his body demanding sleep. He tries to remain awake, but his need for sleep overtakes his desire for introspection. His eyes flutter, as he falls deeper and deeper into sleep.

Goodnight, my darling.

Viktor falls asleep, his hand wrapped around your arm. The entrance to the balcony near your bed creaks open just a bit for some wind to blow inside. The wind knocks some mail off Viktor’s nightstand and reveals a letter underneath.

Dear Mr. Reveck,

I write this letter to you with my deepest apologies and condolences. Your recent lab work has shown concerning results, despite your ongoing treatment. I fear that your prognosis has diminished from five years to two years. Yet, there is hope! A clinical trial has opened up, testing a new treatment that may extend your life for another decade. The researchers have informed me that they’re willing to offer you a spot in the trial if you desire so.

Please contact me at your soonest convenience to express your acceptance or refusal.

Dr. Kuwayama, MD 

Pulmonologist – West Piltover Hospital