#their youth and endurance in the face of tough times

[thelustybraavosimaid]

*cries* okay the Ellderet series is so fucking good I just wanna...I just wanna talk about it for days on end.

I'm on the first book but WOW, MAN WHAT THE FUCK THIS IS SO GOOD WHAT THE FUCK

E. M. Markoff, bless you to the moon and back 😭😭

[geneviveleocardius]

leon kennedy romantic headcanons

after raccoon city trauma, still in love with you, his superior

leon’s admiration for you hasn’t faded; if anything, it’s grown deeper. now, it’s less about being starstruck and more about respecting your resilience and strength after everything you’ve both endured.

he’s better at hiding his feelings now, but his eyes linger when you’re talking, and his voice softens when he says your name, betraying the emotions he’s tried to bury.

he doesn’t hover as much as he did in his rookie days, but his protective nature hasn’t disappeared. his “are you okay?” comes with genuine concern and a deep understanding of the dangers you face.

leon feels a unique connection with you because of the shared weight of what happened in raccoon city. late-night conversations about the past become moments where he feels closest to you.

years have made him more subtle in showing affection: leaving a cup of your favorite drink on your desk, checking your gear before missions, or simply being the first to volunteer to cover your six.

he’s more self-assured now, but when it comes to you, he still feels like that awkward rookie at times. “you know, i still have no idea how you manage to make this job look easy,” he’ll say with a crooked smile.

even after years of proving himself, leon still values your opinion the most. a simple “good job, kennedy” from you can light up his entire day.

he knows when to push and when to give you space, quietly standing by your side during tough moments, offering a reassuring glance or a simple, “i’m here if you need me.”

leon sometimes struggles with feeling like he’s not good enough for you. the thought of you seeing him as just a “rookie” still lingers in the back of his mind, even if it’s unfounded.

he trusts you more than anyone, which leads to rare moments where he lets his guard down, admitting, “some nights, i still hear their screams,” and finding comfort in your presence.

he tries to play it cool when others get your attention, but his jaw tightens, and he becomes uncharacteristically quiet until you reassure him, even unintentionally, by focusing back on him.

leon trusts your judgment completely, often saying, “if you think it’s the right call, i’m with you,” even if it means taking risks he’d usually avoid.

he has a way of looking at you during quiet moments, like when you’re going over reports or checking your weapon, his expression unreadable but filled with quiet affection.

while he’s more mature, he hasn’t lost his humor, occasionally teasing you with, “do they teach you to be this intimidating in superior training, or is it just you?”

leon doesn’t always put his feelings into words, but his actions—staying late to help you with paperwork or insisting you take a break—speak volumes about his devotion.

he’s terrible at letting you go on missions without him, always saying, “just… be careful, okay?” with a hint of worry in his voice, even if he knows you can handle yourself.

leon often tells himself, “if she can keep going, so can i,” whenever the weight of his job feels too heavy, drawing strength from your unwavering determination.

the two of you often find yourselves talking after hours, the lines between professional and personal blurring as you share stories, laugh softly, or simply enjoy the silence together.

leon’s love for you is steady and quiet, not fueled by youthful infatuation but by years of respect, admiration, and a deep emotional connection.

though he values your professional relationship, leon can’t help but wonder what it would be like if things were different, the thought lingering in his mind every time he watches you walk away.

[callsigns-haze]

You knew? Part 3 of 3

Part 1 Part 2

Pairing: Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x Reader! Callsign Ace

Chapter Summary: A fierce rivalry between two Navy pilots, Ace and Rooster, turns into a deeper connection as they confront their fears, emotions, and unspoken feelings after a near-fatal incident forces them to rely on each other.

This chapter contains themes of emotional conflict, betrayal, and recovery from a near-death experience, mentions of inequality and anxiety. Expect tense dialogue and unresolved emotions

Two months had passed since Ace's crash, and the recovery process had been slow, gruelling, and at times, frustrating. After three weeks in the hospital, where she’d undergone multiple procedures and endured long days of observation, she had been released to start physical therapy. The last few weeks had been filled with rehab, regaining mobility and strength in her battered body. Her right wrist was still wrapped in a brace, a constant reminder of the crash, and a knee brace stabilized her leg. Three fingers on her left hand were splinted, but despite all that, tomorrow was the day she had been waiting for—her return to work.

Today, though, was about one last bit of self-care. Penny and Amelia had come over to help her wash her hair, a simple luxury she hadn’t been able to manage easily on her own in weeks. Now, they were gathered around the kitchen sink in Penny’s cozy house, sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow over the room.

Ace sat in a chair pulled up to the sink, her head tilted back as Penny worked the shampoo through her hair, fingers gentle but firm. Amelia stood nearby, holding a towel and chatting animatedly with her mother and Ace as she helped by handing Penny anything she needed.

“You're so lucky you get to go back to work tomorrow," Amelia said, her youthful energy spilling over into every word. “You must be excited.”

Ace smiled faintly, though the truth was, excitement wasn’t the only emotion swirling in her chest. "Excited? Yeah, sure. But also a little nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve flown, and I’m not exactly in perfect shape yet.” She wiggled her splinted fingers as if to emphasize the point.

Penny chuckled softly, rinsing out the shampoo with warm water. “Trust me, you’ll be fine. You’ve been working so hard to get back, and everyone at the base knows you’re tough as nails. Besides, you're just easing into things, right? No dogfights on your first day back.”

Ace sighed, the warm water soothing as it ran through her hair. “Yeah, I’m just doing some simulations and light training, nothing crazy. But you know how it is, there’s always that pressure to be perfect, especially with everyone watching.”

Penny glanced down at her, a reassuring smile on her face. “No one expects you to be perfect. Just take it slow. You’ve been through a lot, and you need to give yourself credit for how far you’ve come.”

Amelia nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, besides, with all that cool gear you’ve got—" she motioned to the wrist brace and knee brace with a playful grin, “—you look like a total superhero.”

Ace laughed, the sound bubbling up from her chest in a way that felt good. Light. “Oh yeah, I’m definitely rocking the superhero vibe.”

Penny finished rinsing the last of the shampoo from Ace’s hair and reached for the conditioner. “You’ll be back to your old self in no time. And it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got people who care about you.”

Ace went quiet for a moment, thinking about those words. People who cared. She hadn’t made it easy for them, not with the way she had been avoiding Rooster, Hangman, and even Phoenix since the whole email mess. She’d kept her distance from the Dagger Squad, focusing on recovery and shutting out anything else. But Penny was right—she wasn’t alone.

“You’re right,” Ace said finally, her voice softer. “I guess I’ve just been too stubborn to realize it.”

Penny smiled knowingly as she worked the conditioner through Ace’s hair. “It’s okay to be stubborn sometimes. Just not when it keeps you from letting people in.”

Amelia chimed in again. “Yeah, like us! You know we’re here to help you with anything. Even something as simple as washing your hair.”

Ace smiled again, the warmth of their kindness washing over her like the water from the sink. “Thanks, shortstack. I really appreciate this. I didn’t think I’d miss something as small as having clean hair.”

Penny chuckled, gently massaging the conditioner into Ace’s scalp. “Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, especially when you’re healing. You’ve earned a bit of pampering.”

Amelia handed Penny a comb, and she carefully started working through Ace’s damp hair. “And speaking of pampering, maybe you should take tomorrow easy. Just focus on getting back in the cockpit, not proving anything to anyone.”

Ace exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of that advice. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. I don’t have to prove anything… except that I can still kick everyone’s ass when I’m fully healed.”

Amelia grinned, stepping closer with the towel. “That’s the spirit! Just make sure you wait until you’re totally ready. We don’t need another close call.”

--

The sun was barely rising as Ace pulled into the parking lot at the base, the familiar hum of engines and the sight of planes in the distance reminding her of how much she had missed this. Today was the day she would finally return to work, and despite the aches in her body and the braces she still wore, a part of her felt more alive than she had in months.

As she parked her car and grabbed her bag, she spotted a familiar figure waiting by the edge of the lot—tall, with a cocky grin already plastered on his face. Hangman. Her wingman. He waved at her, his ever-present confidence practically radiating from him.

Weeks ago, they had finally made amends after the email debacle. Despite his tendency to be a total douche, he had been the first to apologize, and Ace, knowing they were bound as wingmen, had accepted. Their relationship had always been complicated, but they’d grown closer after everything. He was still cocky and annoying, but he was her wingman, and that meant something.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, he called out to her. “Well, well, if it isn’t the bionic woman herself! Ready to fly again?”

Ace rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “Don’t start, Hangman. I’m barely back, and you’re already running your mouth.”

“Wouldn’t be me if I didn’t,” he shot back, striding over to her with his easy, swaggering gait.

Before she could say anything more, Hangman’s arms were open, and in a rare display of softness, Ace ran into his hug. His arms wrapped around her tightly, and for a moment, she let herself relax into it. It felt good. Comforting, even.

“Missed you, Ace,” he said, his voice softer than usual as he held her close. “It wasn’t the same without you out there.”

She chuckled against his shoulder before pulling back slightly to look up at him. “Missed me or missed someone keeping you in line?”

“Both,” he admitted with a grin, his green eyes twinkling. “But mostly you.”

She rolled her eyes again, playfully shoving him back. “Alright, don’t get all sentimental on me. You’re still a douche.”

“And you’re still a pain in my ass, but I guess that’s why we work so well together,” he shot back, slinging an arm around her shoulders as they started walking toward the hangars.

The early morning air was crisp, and the base was already buzzing with activity as they walked, the sound of jets warming up in the background. Ace felt a sense of relief wash over her. This was her world—the adrenaline, the camaraderie, the sky. And as much as she liked to pretend she didn’t care, having Hangman by her side meant something. He wasn’t just a wingman in the air; he was one on the ground, too.

“So,” Hangman started, his arm still draped around her as they made their way toward the flight deck, “what’s the plan? You gonna take it easy, or are you back to kicking ass right away?”

Ace smirked, glancing up at him. “You know me. I never do anything halfway.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, I figured as much. Just try not to break any more bones, alright?”

“Only if you keep your mouth in check,” she teased.

“Deal,” he said, grinning widely.

-

Rooster and Phoenix were sitting in the briefing room, catching up on the day’s assignments before the pilots gathered for the afternoon’s debrief. Rooster was flipping through a stack of paperwork, while Phoenix studied a training report, their conversation flowing easily between them.

“You know,” Phoenix began, glancing up from her report, “I saw Hangman and Ace talking in the parking lot this morning. It looked like they were actually... getting along.”

Rooster looked up, a skeptical eyebrow raised. “Hangman and Ace? Really? After everything that’s happened?”

“Yeah,” Phoenix replied with a nod. “I know it’s been a mess, but it seems like they finally patched things up. They were hugging and joking around. It’s good to see them talking, especially after how things went down.”

Rooster sighed, setting down his paperwork. “I suppose it’s good. Hangman’s an ass sometimes, but he’s still a part of the team. And Ace... well, she deserves to have things settled. It’s been rough for her.”

Phoenix nodded in agreement. “Definitely. I think it’s a step in the right direction. Everyone’s been a bit on edge, and having some harmony back will help. She’s been through enough already.”

Rooster leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. “Yeah. I guess it’s nice to see some normalcy returning. I just hope she’s ready for the workload. It’s not going to be a walk in the park.”

“True,” Phoenix said, “but I think she’s more than ready. She’s a tough one, after all.”

-

As Ace and Hangman walked into the hangar, their presence didn’t go unnoticed. The air was charged with anticipation as pilots from different squadrons looked up from their desks. The chatter in the hangar hushed, and one by one, the pilots began to stand up, clapping and cheering as Ace made her way through.

Ace’s cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected reception, but she couldn’t hide her smile. The applause was a testament to how much she had been missed, and the camaraderie she had felt throughout her career was palpable. Hangman grinned at her, his usual cocky demeanour softened by a rare moment of genuine pride.

“Looks like they missed you,” Hangman said, his voice loud enough for her to hear over the clapping.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Ace replied, a mix of emotions crossing her face as she acknowledged the warm welcome. “It feels good to be back.”

As they continued to walk toward their desks, Cyclone approached them, his expression serious but not unfriendly. He was one of the senior officers, known for his no-nonsense attitude and his role in maintaining the high standards of the squadron.

“Ace,” Cyclone said, extending a hand. “Welcome back. I see you’ve made a full recovery.”

“Thanks, Cyclone,” Ace replied, shaking his hand firmly.

Cyclone’s gaze was steady as he regarded her. “There’s something we need to discuss, though. Before you get back into the thick of things, I need to give you the ‘getting shot’ talk.”

Ace’s smile faded slightly as she nodded, taking a step closer. Hangman, sensing the seriousness of the conversation, gave Ace a supportive pat on the back before stepping back to give them space.

Cyclone led her to a quieter corner of the hangar, away from the bustling activity. “Look, Ace,” he began, his tone serious but not harsh, “you’ve been through a lot. We’re all thrilled you’re back, but I need to remind you of the risks.”

Ace nodded, her face turning serious as she listened. “I understand, Cyclone.”

“The job isn’t forgiving,” Cyclone continued, “and while we’re all rooting for you, I need to make sure you’re aware of what you’re getting back into. Things might not always go as planned, and you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenarios.”

“I’m ready,” Ace said firmly. “I’ve been through a lot, and I’m ready to face whatever comes my way.”

Cyclone studied her for a moment, then nodded approvingly. “Good. I know you’ve got the skills and the determination. Just remember, even with everything you’ve been through, don’t push yourself beyond your limits. The squad needs you at your best, and that means taking care of yourself.”

“I will,” Ace promised. “I’m not planning to take unnecessary risks.”

Cyclone’s stern expression softened slightly as he clapped her on the shoulder. “Alright then. Just remember we’re all here for you. Now, go get settled in. We’ve got work to do.”

As Cyclone walked away, Ace returned to her desk, her heart warmed by the support she had received from her fellow pilots and the encouraging words from Cyclone. The applause and the talk had reinforced her resolve, reminding her that she was not just returning to work, but stepping back into a community that valued her.

--

Ace stepped into the break room, hoping to grab a quick coffee before the next round of meetings. She was grateful for a moment of peace after the overwhelming reception she had gotten that morning. The applause had been heart-warming, but she still wasn’t sure how to handle all the attention. Her wrist brace rubbed against her skin, a constant reminder that she wasn’t fully healed. The splints on her fingers made even small tasks feel clumsy, and the knee brace pulled with every step. She just wanted to get through the day without feeling like everyone was watching her every move.

As she filled her cup, she heard the door to the break room open and felt a familiar presence behind her. Rooster.

Ace stiffened, trying to focus on the sound of coffee pouring into the mug. She hadn’t spoken much to Rooster since the email incident months ago, and the tension between them had only grown. She’d made it her mission to avoid any serious confrontation, especially after everything that had happened. But now, in this small break room, there was no escape.

"Hey," Rooster's voice cut through the quiet, low and cautious.

Ace glanced over her shoulder, giving him a quick nod before turning back to her coffee. “Hey,” she mumbled, hoping to keep the exchange brief.

But Rooster’s eyes weren’t on her face. They were locked on her wrist brace, his gaze then traveling down to her splinted fingers, and finally her knee. She could feel his eyes on her, taking in every bit of evidence of her injuries.

“You alright?” he asked, his voice thick with concern.

Ace forced a small smile, trying to brush it off. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a few bumps and bruises.”

Rooster didn’t buy it. His brow furrowed, and the usual lightness in his eyes was replaced by something heavier. “Ace… you don’t have to act tough all the time.”

She bristled at that, her hand tightening around the mug. “I’m not acting tough. I am tough,” she shot back, a bit more sharply than she intended.

Rooster sighed, stepping a little closer. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I don’t get why you hate me so much.”

The words hit Ace like a punch to the gut. She froze, staring into the coffee as if it could give her the answer to what had been brewing inside her for so long. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel her walls starting to crack, but she wasn’t ready to go there. Not now. Not with him.

“I don’t hate you,” she said quietly, but the lie was thin.

Rooster shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. “No, you do. You’ve hated me for years, Ace, and I don’t know why. Is it because of the email thing? Or is it something else?”

The dam inside her finally broke. She slammed her cup down on the counter, the sound loud and jarring in the small room. Her whole body tensed as she spun around to face him, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and pain.

“You want to know why?” she shouted, her voice cracking under the weight of years of pent-up frustration. “It’s because all my life, I’ve had to prove that I’m better than you! Every. Single. Time. I’ve had to fight tooth and nail just to be seen as your equal!”

Rooster blinked, taken aback by the intensity of her outburst, but she wasn’t done.

“You don’t get it, Bradley. You never had to. You walk into a room, and people respect you. You get the benefit of the doubt. But me? I have to prove myself every single time because I’m a woman. And it’s not enough to just be as good as you. I have to be better. I have to be perfect, because if I’m not, no one gives me a second look.”

Her voice was rising now, years of resentment spilling out like a flood she could no longer contain. “Every time you were just a few points behind me, you still got the job, the promotion, the respect. You got to fly, and I had to fight for every damn mission! And why? Because I wasn’t a man? Because no one believed I could be as good as you?”

Rooster stood frozen, his mouth slightly open, but the words wouldn’t come. He had never seen her like this—so raw, so exposed. The anger in her voice shook him to his core.

Ace was breathing heavily now, her hands trembling as she tried to keep it together. “Do you know what that feels like?” she continued, her voice breaking. “To have to prove over and over that you’re good enough? And even when I do, it’s still not enough! I almost died out there, Rooster. I almost didn’t make it, and no one would’ve cared because to them, I’m just a woman trying to play in the boys’ club!”

Tears were threatening to spill from her eyes, but she blinked them back, refusing to let herself break in front of him. Not completely.

Rooster finally found his voice, though it was hoarse and low. “Ace, I didn’t know… I didn’t realize it was like that for you.”

“Of course you didn’t,” she spat, her voice laced with bitterness. “You never had to think about it.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of her words hanging heavily between them. Rooster didn’t know what to say, how to fix the wound he hadn’t even realized existed. All he could do was stand there, staring at her as she stood on the edge of breaking down.

“I don’t hate you, Rooster,” Ace finally said, her voice quieter now, full of exhaustion. “But I hate how easy it is for you. And I hate that I have to work twice as hard just to be seen.”

Rooster stepped closer, reaching out as if to touch her arm, but he stopped himself. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I never wanted you to feel like that.”

Ace shook her head, wiping at her eyes roughly. “It doesn’t matter. It’s just the way it is.”

Rooster looked at her, his own emotions conflicted, guilt weighing heavily on him. He wanted to say more, to fix it somehow, but nothing seemed enough.

-

The room was buzzing with energy, pilots eager to get up in their jets, but everyone quieted as Maverick cleared his throat.

“Alright, listen up,” Maverick started, his voice carrying the authority that came from years of experience. “Today, we’re pairing up for some head-to-head dogfights. I want you pushing yourselves, testing your limits, and working together. Your teams are as follows: Rooster, Phoenix, and Bob—your trio is up against Hangman and Ace.”

Ace felt her heart skip a beat. A dogfight against Rooster? After everything that had gone down between them, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to be in direct competition with him again. But she wasn’t about to back down. Not now. Not after everything she’d fought through to get back here.

“Get in your daggers and take to the sky,” Maverick said, his eyes scanning the group. “Give me your best. I’ll be monitoring from the ground.”

Ace exchanged a glance with Hangman, who gave her a confident smirk. “Ready to show them what we’re made of?” he asked, his voice oozing with cocky enthusiasm.

She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. “Always.”

The Daggers launched into the sky, their jets slicing through the air like knives. Ace settled into the cockpit of her F/A-18, the familiar weight of her helmet and the tight confines of the jet making her feel at home. It had been weeks since she’d been in a full-on dogfight, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins told her she was more than ready.

“Alright, Ace,” Hangman’s voice crackled through her headset, “let’s take it to them.”

“Copy that,” she replied, her voice steady, though inside she felt the rush of anticipation building.

Up ahead, Rooster, Phoenix, and Bob were already in formation, their planes glinting in the sunlight. Rooster’s jet took point, with Phoenix and Bob flanking him. They were an experienced team, and she knew they wouldn’t be easy to take down.

The exercise began with the two teams on opposite ends of the airspace. As soon as Maverick gave the signal, they surged forward, closing the gap between them.

“Stay sharp,” Hangman said, his voice calm but with an edge of excitement. “We’ll break off, keep them guessing.”

“Got it,” Ace replied, her hands tightening on the controls.

Rooster’s team was the first to engage, diving toward them in a sharp descent. Ace quickly banked left, feeling the g-force pull her hard against her seat. Hangman followed suit, both of them splitting up to force Rooster’s team to make a decision—go after her or Hangman.

“Phoenix, Bob, take Hangman. I’ve got Ace,” Rooster called out through the radio, his voice filled with determination.

Ace’s heart raced as she heard Rooster’s voice in her headset, knowing he’d chosen to target her. She pushed her jet to its limits, pulling tight turns and diving low, trying to shake him. But Rooster was relentless, sticking close behind her, his jet always in her rear-view.

“You’re not gonna shake me that easy, Ace,” Rooster’s voice taunted over the radio.

She gritted her teeth, refusing to let him get the upper hand. “We’ll see about that,” she muttered under her breath.

Ahead, she saw her chance—a controlled stall. It was a risky manoeuvre, especially with her recent history, but if she timed it right, she could drop below Rooster, forcing him to overshoot her.

Without hesitation, Ace pulled back hard on the throttle, her jet climbing steeply into the sky. At the apex, she cut the engines, allowing her jet to stall, hanging momentarily in the air before beginning its fall.

Rooster shot past her, his jet zooming overhead as he lost sight of her. It worked. But just as Ace went to flick the engines back on, nothing happened.

For a split second, panic surged through her. The jet was still falling, the ground coming up fast, and her fingers flicked the switches again and again, waiting for the familiar hum of the engines roaring back to life.

“Come on, come on…” she whispered, her heart pounding in her chest. The cockpit was eerily quiet, the stall lasting longer than it should have.

Finally, with a sputter and a roar, the engines kicked back in, sending her jet lurching forward. But the delay had been enough to send her heart racing, and the brief moment of terror still gripped her. She levelled out, her breathing heavy, her hands slightly trembling on the controls.

“I’m calling it,” she said into the radio, her voice uncharacteristically shaky. “I’m done for the day. Requesting permission to land.”

There was a pause, and then Maverick’s calm voice came over the comms. “Permission granted, Ace. Take her in.”

Ace steadied her jet, bringing it around toward the base. Hangman’s voice crackled through her headset, concern lacing his tone. “You alright, Ace?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, though her voice lacked its usual edge. “Just need to get on the ground.”

As she began her descent toward the runway, the rest of the Daggers continued their dogfight above. But Ace’s focus was solely on landing her plane. Her mind replayed the moment of panic over and over, the feeling of helplessness as the engine refused to start.

The second Ace’s plane touched the ground, she didn’t waste a moment. As soon as her jet came to a stop on the tarmac, she popped the canopy, her breath shallow and hurried. She climbed down from the cockpit, her legs wobbly beneath her, but she didn’t wait for anyone. Not the ground crew, not the Dagger squad, no one.

Without making eye contact with anyone, Ace pulled off her helmet and sprinted across the base, straight toward the changing rooms. Her vision tunnelled, her heart racing in her chest, and her only focus was on getting away from the eyes of her teammates. The air felt too thick, too hot, pressing in on her from all sides. She could hear her own shallow breathing in her ears, louder than the hum of engines behind her. Her hands were trembling, the adrenaline that had once fuelled her now turning into something darker—panic.

As she reached the door to the changing rooms, she shoved it open and slammed it behind her. The room was empty, silent, but it did little to calm the storm building inside her. Ace leaned against the locker, her hands gripping the cool metal as she gasped for air. Her chest tightened, and her head swam as the reality of what had happened in the air hit her with full force. She had lost control. She could’ve crashed. The panic she had fought off in the sky was now consuming her, and she didn’t know how to stop it.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Dagger squad began their descent. Hangman, Rooster, Phoenix, and Bob touched down one after the other, the adrenaline of the dogfight still buzzing in their veins. Hangman glanced over to the spot where Ace’s jet had landed and frowned. She was already gone, no sign of her anywhere on the tarmac.

“Where did she go?” Phoenix asked, her voice concerned as she climbed out of her jet.

Rooster’s eyes followed the path Ace had taken, his gut twisting. “I think she went to the changing rooms,” he muttered, already moving before anyone could stop him.

Hangman watched him with a knowing look, but said nothing. Phoenix and Bob exchanged glances, but they didn’t ask questions. They knew something was wrong—everyone could feel it in the air.

Rooster didn’t wait to hear anything else. He jogged across the tarmac, his heart pounding in his chest, not from the flight but from the fear that something was wrong with Ace. The way she had bolted from her jet, the way she avoided them—something wasn’t right.

He reached the door to the changing rooms and hesitated for a split second before pushing it open. The moment he stepped inside, he heard it—the sound of rapid, shallow breaths, gasps that echoed off the walls. His heart clenched as he rounded the corner and saw her.

Ace was sitting on the floor, her back pressed against the lockers, her knees pulled up to her chest. Her helmet and flight gear were tossed carelessly to the side, and her hands were gripping the fabric of her flight suit so tightly her knuckles had turned white. Her eyes were wide and unfocused, and tears streaked down her face as she struggled to breathe, each breath coming in ragged gasps.

“Hey, hey,” Rooster said softly, rushing to her side and kneeling down in front of her. “Ace, it’s okay. It’s okay.”

She didn’t respond, her chest heaving as she tried to pull in air, but it wasn’t coming fast enough. She was lost in the panic, trapped in the fear that had taken hold of her.

Rooster’s heart broke at the sight of her like this, so strong and fierce but now unravelling in front of him. Without thinking, he reached out and gently took her hands in his, prying them away from her flight suit. “Ace, look at me,” he urged, his voice low and calming. “Breathe with me, okay? Just breathe.”

Her eyes flickered to his, but she still looked far away, her breaths coming in harsh pants. Rooster squeezed her hands, grounding her in the present. “In through your nose, out through your mouth. Come on, you can do this.”

He demonstrated, taking slow, deep breaths, and after a few seconds, Ace began to follow his lead. Her breaths were still shaky, but they were slowing down, becoming more controlled. Rooster didn’t let go of her hands, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles against her skin.

“That’s it, you’re doing great,” he whispered, watching as the tension in her shoulders slowly began to release. “Just keep breathing.”

After a few minutes, Ace’s breathing evened out, and she slumped back against the lockers, her chest still rising and falling rapidly but no longer in a full-blown panic. Rooster stayed close, his hands still holding hers, not saying anything for a moment, just giving her time to collect herself.

When she finally looked at him, her eyes were red and puffy, and she looked exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

“I—I lost control up there,” she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. “I could’ve crashed. I don’t know what happened…”

Rooster shook his head softly, moving closer. “You didn’t crash,” he said firmly. “You handled it. You brought the plane down. You’re here, Ace. You’re okay.”

She swallowed hard, the weight of what had almost happened still heavy on her chest. “I panicked… I don’t panic.”

Rooster reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch soft and reassuring. “You’re human. Even the best of us get scared sometimes.”

She closed her eyes, trying to steady herself, but the vulnerability was too much. “I thought I was past this. I thought I could handle it…”

Rooster leaned in, his forehead resting lightly against hers. “You don’t have to handle everything alone,” he whispered. “I’ve never wanted to be better than you, Ace. I’ve always just wanted to fly with you.”

Her breath hitched, and she opened her eyes, meeting his. He gave her a small, tender smile, the usual cocky bravado gone, replaced with genuine care.

“I’ve always cared about you,” he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I never wanted to compete with you. I just wanted to be beside you.”

Before she could say anything, Rooster pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment. It wasn’t romantic—it was comforting, grounding. He was showing her that she wasn’t alone.

Ace’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions—relief, fear, gratitude, and something she couldn’t quite name. She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath, leaning into him just a little.

For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel like she had to prove anything. Not to him. Not to anyone.

This sure took a while but I reached 1k and thought I should finish it!

[lagoonalake]

STRAY KIDS IDEAL TYPE

BANG CHAN

Personality: 4 of wands, the moon, the tower

he is interested in a long term relationship, he is attracted to mysterious, magnetic, reserved, private, intense, passionate people, someone with depth and many layers that he has to peel, he likes having to dig deeper to get to know is partner, someone with a rather explosive personality, all or nothing type of person, who can be a bit unpredictable, someone quite different from him, that would transform his life, he can be attracted to people who are out of reach. Strong, “real” personality, intimidating, yet very invested in the relationship once they are in. Someone who went through a lot, tough person hardened by life, a survivor. scorpio, aries, mars, pluto, cancer

Appearance: knight of swords, 5 of swords, 3 of swords

someone with a sharp, dark quality, black hair or dark colors, tall or gives the impression of beig tall, athletic, good posture, intense expression, striking, big, magnetic eyes, serious countenance, black, dark colors, simple or more sporty or street fashion scorpio, pluto, mars

Turn-offs: queen of swords, the emperor, 8 of swords

someone who hides behind a mask, he likes someone who is authentic, someone snobbish, uptight, spoiled, he is kinda put off by people who may come off as too posh or from a richer background, not because he wants his partner to be poor but he prefers people from a more simple environment, insecure people who tries too hard to come off as important or proper, pretentious people leo, libra, capricorn

LEE KNOW

Personality: page of cups, the tower, the chariot

someone with an artistic, kind, sensitive, innocent energy, a dreamer, with a big personality nevertheless, someone who is a go getter, follows their heart and their dreams no matter what, someone who despite hardships they may have encounter keeps their optimism and “purity” of heart, an animal lovers, someone with a lot of love to give, idealistic, enthusiastic, combative, someone who has faith, think hero of a shounen type of energy lol, a bit over the top and happy but can be destructive or overwhelming too, could be younger or act childlike at times, very spontaneous sagittarius, jupiter, leo, pisces

Appearance: 8 of wands, 4 of swords, 7 of swords

Physical appearance isn’t something he is super picky about, it’s more about the overall vibe, he likes a person who is active, has a lot of energy, quick movements, animated, expressive, youthful, a mischievous face, foxy features, someone he could find a bit intriguing, piercing, smiley eyes, sharper, smaller features, petite or not too tall. gemini, aries

Turn-offs: knight of wands, justice, page of wands

what he is turned off by is similar to his type, so it’s like the negative side of such a person, when it becomes too much, cockiness, bullies, irresponsible people, people who are too wild or childish, overly controlling people who think that they way is the only way, preachers people who force their opinion on others. sagittarius, aries, saturn

CHANGBIN

Personality: 8 of pentacles, knight of pentacles, 5 of wands

A hard worker, someone more quiet, humble, patient, yet who never gives up, endurance, capable of doing something for a very long time, quietly combative, stable and grounded, a reassuring presence, soothing, capable of great focus, organized, someone who is sweet and always ready to help others, yet if you cross them they won’t hesitate to defend themselves, strong character despite their initial apparent sweetness, someone polite but private, a bit shy, who doesn’t open up too easily virgo, taurus, saturn, aries

Appearance: the emperor, 2 of coins, 9 of wands

someone both tough and sweet looking, who can be intimidating at first sight but is actual sweet looking when you approach them, someone who stands out from the crowd, a mix of sharpness and softness, could be frowning face, but round features, small in stature yet big presence no matter their short height…etc, simple style, nothing too flashy capricorn, scorpio, virgo, aries

Turn-offs: the hanged man, ace of wands, 7 of swords

too much eccentricity, people who try toe hard to go against the current or do things differently, irresponsible people, laziness, people who are too impulsive and don’t think before making a decision (he prefers calm), trickster, people who try to hard to amuse others, people who are two-faced, people who always try to have things the easy way, crooks, people who have that fake artist vibe gemini, aquarius, pisces

HYUNJIN

Personality: knight of swords, the fool, 3 of pentacles

Someone spontaneous, even a bit impulsive or naive, but enthusiastic and optimistic, who has a lot of faith, someone curious who likes to learn and explore, could be someone younger than him, teacher/student dynamic where he is the teacher, someone intelligent and witty, intellectual, who doesn’t hesitate to voice their opinion, could be blunt or unpolished with words but he prefers someone with no filters, someone a bit idealistic, even if a bit blunt remains joyful, funny and happy most of the time gemini, pisces, sagittarius, mercury, jupiter

Appearance: temperance, justice, six of cups

very balanced, symmetrical and harmonious features, a classic beauty, kind, agreable, approachable face, soft features, flexible body, a good dancer, sexy, sensual, body language that shows you can trust them like someone who is more touchy yet it doesn’t seem out of place, someone with a certain stillness, who doesn’t move too much or is too fidgety or nervous, friendly aura, stylish, good fashion sense that is original but never garish libra, pisces, neptune, venus

Turn-offs: the emperor, 3 of swords, 6 of pentacles

Controlling, imposing, invasive people who ask too many questions and want to tell him how to live his life, untrustworthy, opportunistic people, people who try to hard to help him, get on his good side, pick me types, narcissists leo, negative air signs

HAN

Personality: knight of wands, the moon, ace of swords

someone adventurous, bold, brave, enthusiastic, a bit loud, fun, sporty, who enjoys the outdoors, honest and straightforward, fast paced, who wants to explore the world, yet there could be something a bit conditioned about this person, like someone who is overly competitive because of the pressure put upon them, or who wants to achieve so many things and is always up for a challenge but lack direction. This could be a specific person, or simply the type of person he always attracts/is attracted to, and he is meant to bring a bit of structure into their life, while this person motivates him and brings spontaneity in his life.  all fire signs, especially sagittarius and aries, uranus

Appearance: temperance, 3 of cups, the magician

balanced harmonious features, similar to Hyunjin's type, a flexible body, most likely a dancer, a friendly face, long thick hair, a more “exotic appearance”, could like foreigners, mischievous smiley feminine small features, round youthful face, could like a more artsy or ornated style especially jewelry or expensive clothes that are a bit eccentric in style libra, gemini, uranus, leo

Turn-offs: 2 of swords, strength, 6 of pentacles

someone indecisive, hesitant, always in control, too disciplined or never really able to express themselves with spontaneity, someone who expect things in return, calculating opportunistic people, people who are too focused on work, task, chores, overly practical people, people who don’t treat others as equals and try to be on top libra, virgo, capricorn, saturn, leo

FELIX

Personality: 8 of cups, page of swords, 5 of coins

Someone private, humble, remote from the kpop industry, probably not a celebrity, someone who may have been in the industry but wants to see something else, someone who could even see the shallow sides of his lifestyle and understands that their is more to life than fame and money, someone who understands money values, who understands what it is to struggle and work hard, a more simple person with a simple lifestyle, someone a bit spiritual who wants to focus on their well being and prioritize peace and quiet, an intelligent, knowledgeable, introspective person who he can learn from  pisces, scorpio, virgo, aquarius

Appearance: the chariot, ace of swords, 8 of wands

Someone regal, dignified yet simple, possibly a foreigner, mountain style, someone who doesn’t look too delicate or put together, he prefers a certain simplicity that conveys strength, a fresh, clean, natural vibe, healthy, an honest face earth signs, aries, sagittarius

Turn-offs: 3 of pentacles, 8 of pentacles, 10 of swords

Someone who wants to learn from him (I feel like he would prefer to learn from his person), a workaholic, someone trapped in their job, lifestyle, someone depressed, overworked, without energy for anything but their tasks, someone who could use substances or drugs/medications, someone who doesn’t take care of their health, unbalanced people, someone who overthinks, someone messy whose life is disorganized saturn, mercury, neptune

SEUNGMIN

Personality: the wheel of fortune, page of wands, the hierophant

Someone who goes with the flow, believes in life and let things happens, a very happy, funny, fun-loving, positive person, someone who is interested in many different things and activities, a ray of sunshine, someone very interested in exploring and needs movements yet also wants a comfortable stable safe haven they can go back to, a affectionate, loyal, steady partner, someone who always has a story to tell, someone with whom he would feel the bond is fated, a soulmate, possibly a foreigner or someone who has travelled a lot or would want to do so and is interested in different cultures, the life of the party sagittarius, pisces, jupiter, taurus, leo

Appearance: 2 of wands, queen of swords, 4 of wands

someone who looks marriage material, someone who can be a bit intimidating or impressive at first sight but is actually very warm and friendly, smiley, someone who could have a good fashion sense, very stylish and sophisticated, elegant, could look like him, strong body, could prefer someone with more meat on their bones leo, sagittarius, libra

Turn-offs: ace of swords, 5 of wands, the hierophant

blunt, rude, aggressive, competitive people, bad communicators, stupid, ignorant people who are too stubborn or stuck in their views, the hierophant showed up in what he is attracted to but it was in addition to very open minded, adventurous, joyful cards, which showed he needed a balance, but overly traditional people would suffocate him.  aries, mars, taurus

I.N

Personality: the moon, 4 of cups, queen of pentacles

Someone mysterious, dreamy, who may look uninterested in him or plays hard to get, a bit haughty, or who looks bored. Seductive and sensual, healing presence, soft, calm, feminine, reassuring. Sexual chemistry is important for him. An introvert, a bit reclusive. Could be a bit sulky. I see someone in their boudoir who is like a comfort for him by how warm and comfortable and pleasurable their presence is XD Someone whose presence sort of wraps around him. Could be a specific energy. capricorn, virgo, taurus, scorpio

Appearance: 2 of coins, 3 of swords, the hanged man

Someone with balanced features, soft, curvier huggable body type, melancholic look, a kind face, looks a bit sleepy, feminine, princess vibes, brown, green, earthy rich colors, thick rich voice, slow sensual movement, a bit of a siren pisces, earth especially taurus, venus, neptune

Turn-offs: page of wands, 3 of pentacles, 9 of pentacles

Someone childish, wild, too loud, exhausting with too much energy, can never sit still, probably someone younger than him who still has so much to learn, naivety, cluelessness, people who are out of touch with reality, someone who shows off their money or use money to control others, pay for everything in a way that he’d feel indebted, people who seem too happy, content or satisfied with their life and show off their happiness to others XD sagittarius, gemini, leo, negative taurus/capricorn

[penguinsnoot]

East Asian Dramas You Should Watch

1) Put Your Head on My Shoulder {China} (1 season, 24 episodes) [Romance, Comedy, Coming-of-age]

Close to graduating and unsure of her future, Situ Mo ends up living with a genius physics student and finds love along the way. 

2) A Love So Beautiful {China} (1 season, 23 episodes) [Romance, Comedy, Coming-of-age]

Five friends endure high school life together and become closer at time goes on, with friends and neighbors Xiao Xi and Jiang Chen figuring out their relationship as they grow older. 

3) My ID is Gangnam Beauty {South Korea} (1 season, 16 episodes) [Romance, Comedy, Coming-of-age, Drama]

Bullied for her looks growing up, Mi-rae decides to get plastic surgery before starting college in the hopes of avoiding ridicule, but instead faces new challenges that wear at her self-esteem. 

4) My Secret Romance {South Korea} (1 season, 14 episodes) [Romance, Comedy]

Jin-wook and Yoo-mi, two people with drastically different personalities, fall in love amidst a series of misunderstandings and accidents.

5) Find Yourself {China} (1 season, 41 episodes) [Romance, Comedy]

Fanzing is caught in a love triangle between a young employee and an older executive, leading to tough decisions about love and life. 

6) Wait, My Youth {China} (1 season, 24 episodes) [Romance, Coming-of-age]

A group of friends experience the ups-and-downs of life together as they face hardships in love and life. 

7) Moonshine and Valentine {China} (1 season, 25 episodes) [Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Drama]

An ancient deity helps his soulmate with an ancient curse believe in love.

8) Alice in Borderland {Japan} (2 seasons, 16 episodes) [Thriller, Drama, Sci-fi]

Arisu finds himself in a desolate Tokyo where he must compete in dangerous games to survive. 

9) Sweet Home {South Korea} (1 season, 10 episodes) [Drama, Horror]

As humans are turning into dangerous monsters, an apartment complex’s tenants fight to survive together. 

10) Mr. Heart {South Korea} (1 season, 8 episodes) [Romance]

A pacemaker and marathon runner find themselves falling in love despite a rocky start. 

[rosainta]

Day 4 of Rosain Quivan’s Daily Logs

Started December 10th, 2023 at 8:24PM, Home Finished December 10th, 2023 at 10:45PM, Home Log #4

Author's Notes: Originally, I planned for this short story to be only a two-parter. However, I got so carried away with writing backstory and researching facts about the Siberian Mountains and the USSR that I ended up having enough for two more parts. I hope you don't mind, but hey, at least that means more Heavy and Medic-centred interaction in the future, heehee!

I won't say much more, but I hope you enjoy this history-compliant log, as well as all the little references sprinkled here and there!

Title: King of Hearts (Part Two) Fandom: Team Fortress 2 New Mexico, Badlands, Teufort City, The Cap Point 6:45PM, sometime during the Gravel War

"Well", Heavy begins, "it all starts when I first begin to live in Siberian Mountains with family, after escaping shoot-out in gulag."

Sniper nods, acknowledging the tough living conditions his friend had to endure to provide for his family. If he wasn't so curious about the toughened man's relationship with the team doctor, he would have diverged into another conversation entirely, mostly about survival tips. Ever since he was a child, had always dreamed of living in the mountains one day, just him and his camper van... but that is a story for another day.

"Anyway, our father had just been killed, and we had no money. We could not show face to society, or Soviets would put family back in gulag, so we head to Urals."

"Life was very hard on us, but Heavy had to protect family at all cost. We found small but safe community on far outskirt of Soviet city Magadan, where we meet with kind lady who let us settle in her late husband's house in exchange for manual work and company."

Heavy shifts in his chair and pulls a worn, leather wallet out of his pocket. Flipping through a few cards and other minuscule belongings, he eventually retrieves a small, faded picture.

"Here, this is lady", the robust Russian says softly, holding the photo out for the marksman to see and pointing at an aged figure. "Behind is woman's shoppe. If ever you visit Siberia, you must visit. Is very cozy."

The full image was of a youthful Heavy and his sisters and mother, alongside another woman wearing a red hood and light-brown coat. She seemed to be in her late 40's, but she would most likely be a lot older now, considering the aged quality of the picture. Everyone was smiling happily, with frosty snow cozily blanketing their feet. Behind them was a furnished wooden cabin, with the name "магазин джугджур", which roughly translates to "Jugjur Shop."

"Wow", the bushman half-whispered, "you must owe a lot to her if you kept a shot of her all these years."

Heavy smiles, putting the photo and the wallet back. "Yes, is true. Without her, Heavy and family would have probably frozen to death, or be captured and tortured in another city."

Sniper takes a sip of his martini. "I do have a question, though."

"Go ahead."

"How'd you make sure she wasn't a Soviet? She might'a been a secret agent and turned you in to the police, or maybe even captured you herself?"

"Ah, Heavy had same doubts too at time", he says, tipping the waitress as she brings him his drink.

"Luckily, lady was as anti-Soviet as I was. Her son, who was abroad in Moscow at time, was shot by Soviet officer during civilian massacre. It had ruined her husband, and he had committed suicide only a year after."

"The Soviets had ruined her life and her family, and she hated them with passion that is remarkable for such a nice lady. Maybe it was reason she was so eager to help us when she found out we were refugees."

"Oh. I see. I'm sorry to have brought that up, that must've been hard to recount," Sniper replies silently, slightly stunned and uncomfortable from the sudden change in mood that sprang from his question. Thankfully, Heavy senses his mood and puts his bottle of vodka down next to his martini.

"Do not worry, she is strong woman. Heavy's family takes good care of her, because she is part of us now", the giant says gently.

Sniper worried expression softens to a smile. "That's good to hear, mate."

"Anyway," Heavy continues, "family continues to live in mountains in secret for some time. We hunt bear, and... well, mostly bear, and we cut wood and help run shoppe with lady for a few years before only visiting once a month."

"Is nice, but eventually, family gets bored of seeing snow and killing bear all the time, you know?"

"Ah, yeah," the shartpshooter replies, though he doesn't quite know what to make of that, seeing as he's never done that before. Not minding, Heavy goes on.

"So, one day, Heavy takes family to go out and visit city of Magadan on mother's birthday. At time, I was blinded by boredom, and I did not consider how highly dangerous it was to bring family back to place where we could get imprisoned again."

"But, we were all hungry for something more than food, and it was special occasion after all, so we decided we would hide ourselves with thick coat hood and keep away from guards and populous area."

"At first, we were very excited to be back in a community again. We could see buildings, hear people talking everywhere, smell food that was not killed with fist. But sister Bronislava, who was still quite young at time, was most excited of us all, and she really loved being in city."

"She was always pointing at different stores we pass by, and her laughter when she heard choir boys singing near churches was infectious. However, her most favourite sight of all were boats at the port of Magadan."

"Even when she was very little, Bronislava loved travelling. She read many books on world, and her dream was to visit Paris one day and become pilot. Of course, she knew because of how Russia was at time that this dream could not be possible, but this did not stop her from dreaming."

"So," Heavy says, uncapping his vodka and pouring it into a glass "she was begging for us to go closer to port to see boat. 'Please, brother Misha, let us go on boat and sail!', she would say. But I said no- there were too many guards nearby and we would get caught for sure."

"Aw, can't let a little girl have some fun?," Sniper interrupts, teasing.

"If you don't want to be killed, then no," the towering man replies blatantly.

"Right, sorry, go on," Sniper says quickly, blushing.

"Sister Bronislava would not listen, though, no matter what Heavy or mother or sisters said to her. She would insist and insist, and we had to hold her back at one point so she would not run away herself, but she continued."

"She really wanted to go on the boats. Her whining turned to crying, and her crying turned to screaming, until it was certain a guard would catch us anyway because of how loud she was being. It was miserable and terrifying sight, and Heavy could already feel regret for having endangered and hurt family like this."

"But luckily," Heavy says with a chuckle, "her tantrum did not last very long. Just as family was about to leave and hide from inevitable imprisonment, a very interesting, travelling man tapped my shoulder from behind."

Just as Heavy utters the words, someone really does tap his shoulder. Heavy turns to meet their eyes, and immediately, he grins.

"Eavesdropping again, doktor?", he asks, pulling a chair for him to sit next to him and Sniper.

"Ooh, I simply couldn't resist! Mostly because I can still picture ze face you made when you turned around like a frightened deer", Medic exclaims, laughingly.

Heavy groans and rolls his eyes, whilst his two seatmates look at each other, both surprised and amused.

"The big, tough, scary Heavy, frightened? I'd never imagine such a thing!" Sniper chuckles, clinking his martini glass to cheers with the doctor's fizzing sparkling water.

"It was not as bad as doktor puts it, okay?", Heavy grumbles, eyes averted to their playful gazes. Still, you could tell by the way his face reddened and, again, the way his eyebrows lifted that it was, in fact, as bad as he put it.

"Whatever floats your boat, mein friend", Medic says, no pun intended. Sniper downs his martini in one go, signaling the waitress for another glass.

Wanting to change the subject, the flustered giant gets up to grab a deck of cards on a nearby table. He returns, shuffling the cards in his large, calloused hands.

"Let us continue story over game of cards, yes? I find that it will fit in well with next part."

To be continued in RQDL 5... Credits: Team Fortress 2 by Valve Image source: Team Fortress 2 Written by Rosain Quivan Cross posted on Amino ( Rosain Quivan )

[batologia]

❝ i would've come sooner. i would've been here if you'd only asked. ❞

MISC SENTENCE STARTERS WITH A DASH OF ANGST * accepting

  In the passing years, it has become easier to conceal the truth from his family. Some may argue that he has always been a gifted liar, right from the very beginning. From the very moment his broken hands dared to attempt to clumsily built this lumpy, uneven foundation of this terrible, beautiful thing that he could call his family. To an extent, they would not be incorrect. Even then, so many years ago, he had mastered a great portion of the art of deceit. What they fail to realize is that he has always been a poor, poor liar towards their faces. They had all been children then: so small, so believing. He did not doubt that if they heard half the things he had said to them then right now, they would be able to see through his paper thin lies in an instant.

  It is perhaps fortunate that as his children had grown up, he too had grown old. Filth is a familiar taste in his mouth, sitting alongside white lies &&. fraud. Yet, could he be entirely blamed for it? There is no one good parent in this world who do not lie to their children: about Santa Claus, about the tooth fairy, about their hopes &&. their dreams, about what came before the children, about what will come after. It is only natural. It is part of their DNA, of their genetic material, to soothe their children. To lie, to bury the truth six feet deep, underneath the casket of their parents that came before them, in the desperate hopes to maintain their children’s happiness. Bruce is a parent. A father. Against all odds. For all of his faults, he still wishes his children all of the joys in the world &&. none of the sorrows.

  Bruce looks at his daughter now, Helena / @batheir so grown &&. so, so far away from his baby girl whom he had so despairingly cradled in his arms. She is her own woman. She is his precious little girl. She is strong, tough, &&. courageous. She is everything he has hoped for her to become yet feared of her becoming. He still cannot stop himself from seeing the baby who weeps when she is sleepy &&. exhaustion has taken a toll on her. She was an achingly loud baby: Bruce wants to stop the motions of the world the moment her lips part &&. a cry is torn out of her lips.

  Helena looks at him now, fierce &&. incredible, &&. Bruce doesn’t know what to do with his hands. So, he ducks his head low, and he looks at his open palms instead. They are bleeding. They were bleeding, earlier, where glass had dug right into the tender meat of his hands when he had crawled out of a caved in building. It is not the worst injury he has sustained, but it is the longest that he has gone, injured on the field, without calling for backup.

  Bruce knew Helena was there, on the other side of the comm-line, just one order away, but he couldn’t make himself call for her. He still can’t. The Bat will have to endure more injuries, more time-offs, but Bruce cannot call Helena. He cannot call her daughter. He cannot let her see just how far he had fallen since his youth — just how broken he had made himself in a futile attempt to fix something that he has long ago suspected would eternally remain in ruins. He cannot. He is still a father. He is still her father. He still cannot find the right words to say … or any words at all.

[sentimentalsongz]

Lyrics that Lift and Lull: How Songs Shape Our Emotional Landscape

Music is not just an art form; it's a companion through life’s highs and lows. In this blog, we'll explore how the poetic nature of song lyrics can magnify these experiences, providing both a catalyst for energy and a source of comfort.

Music is not just an art form; it's a vital companion through life’s highs and lows. In this series, we'll delve into how the poetic nature of song lyrics can dramatically magnify these experiences, serving both as a catalyst for energy and as a source of profound comfort.

The Power to Motivate

Songs do more than entertain; they motivate us, shaping our mindset and propelling us forward. Consider the iconic track "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. This song isn’t just about rhythm and melody; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. The lyrics "Face to face, out in the heat / Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry" utilize vivid imagery and repetition to instill a sense of endurance and persistence. How does this song make you feel? Does it pump you up for a challenge?

A Comfort in Sadness

Music also acts as a balm during our more vulnerable times. Take "Fix You" by Coldplay, for example. The song's lyrics, "When you try your best but you don't succeed / When you get what you want but not what you need," speak directly to the soul with their raw honesty and simplicity. By using gentle metaphors and a slowly building melody, it offers solace and understanding to those in pain. Think about a time when a song comforted you—what was the song, and what was happening in your life?

Nostalgia and Memories

Lyrics can trigger a vivid flashback to specific moments, almost like a time machine. "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams is a perfect example. It's not just about a time period; it's a celebration of youthful enthusiasm and nostalgia, with references that evoke intense personal memories for many listeners. "Got my first real six-string / Bought it at the five-and-dime," sings Adams, conjuring images of youthful summers and first adventures in music. What are some of your nostalgic songs and the memories they bring?

Lyrics do more than accompany melodies; they shape our emotional landscapes and anchor deep-seated memories. They lift us, soothe us, and take us back in time, proving that music is indeed a powerful life companion.

I’d love to hear about the songs that have shaped your emotional world. Which lyrics resonate with you the most? Do you have a go-to song that motivates you, comforts you, or brings back a flood of memories? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s discuss how music helps us navigate life's complex emotions.

[nectaric]

repost and rate your muse's traits out of 10 in each category !

★  ⸻   COMPASSION: 4/10. hera is not unempathetic, and does care deeply about others in some regard - but she also has a very tough love mentality, and while she feels for those who suffer, she's hardly about to become a sweet and nurturing person just because someone is having a hard time.

★  ⸻   BITTERNESS: 8/10. hera is very bitter about the horrible things she has endured, and can be very inclined to hold a grudge.

★  ⸻   HAPPINESS: 5/10. hera is very pleased with her life on the surface level. she is queen of a powerful kingdom, has numerous children to be proud of, a successful and handsome husband who, despite his faults, loves her a lot. she is powerful and wise and beautiful, clever and strong. she should be happy, but ultimately, hera has a lot of envy and bitterness in her that sours her experience. she is surrounded by people who remind her of her pain. not to mention, her job is incredibly stressful.

★  ⸻   POLITENESS: 6/10. manners are important to hera for the sake of diplomacy, and she stands very firm in maintaining a polite and well-mannered facade when it comes to her official duties... but in her personal life, hera does not pull punches. she tells it how it is, and doesn't care if it comes across a little rude.

★  ⸻   MORALITY: 5/10. its not that hera is incapable of seeing right from wrong, or upholding it in other people - punishing the wicked, uplifting the do-gooders, etc... but she also doesn't care sometimes. if putting the interests of her loved ones first is wrong, or getting violent revenge on those who do her wrong is evil, or if meddling in the lives of mortals is wrong... then so be it.

★  ⸻   CHIVALRY: 7/10. i would say this is fairly high for her, simply because things like honour, courage, and justice are very important qualities to her. and as a little bit of a romantic, she likes the idea of chivalry, too.

★  ⸻   PRIDE: 9/10. hera is incredibly prideful, rarely willing to admit when she's done wrong or made a mistake. she stands by her views steadfastly, and can be incredibly vain about things like money, looks, or good standing.

★  ⸻   HONESTY: 8/10. again, hera will always tell it how it is, even if it might hurt others. the only times she lies is for political gain or to redirect unwanted attention at herself. a classic "i'm fine" if you will.

★  ⸻   BRAVERY: 8/10. hera fears very little, and even when she does, she faces it pretty head on. she is willing to do difficult things, even when afraid.

★  ⸻   RECKLESSNESS: 3/10. in her youth, hera was far more hot-headed and reckless, but she has simmered down a lot in her older years. angry, sure. but she is far more measured in her decisions, even when those decisions are made in anger.

★  ⸻   AMBITION: 10/10. there is nothing in this world hera will not have if she sets her mind on having it. she was not always so ambitious - being queen, for example, was a nice thought but not a necessity. now that she has it though, success is one of her greatest desires.

★  ⸻   LOYALTY: 8/10. faithful? absolutely. loyal? most of the time. she can be unwavering in her support of those she cares for - to a point. if they hurt her too much, she will turn on them. case and point, zeus.

★  ⸻   LOVE: 9/10. i think one of hera's most redeeming qualities is the love she holds for those around her. it might not seem like your typical kind of love, but everything she does is for those she loves. (aside from success) the only other thing she has ever wanted was to be loved, and give of herself as much love as she can muster.

★  ⸻   SENSE OF FAMILY: 10/10. family is everything to her. not only as her domain, but who she is. she just sometimes has a funny way of showing it.

★  ⸻   ATTRACTIVENESS: 10/10. maybe i'll start a trojan war 2.0 with this comment, but hera is easily the hottest lady on olympus and you cannot change my mind.

★  ⸻   AGILITY: 10/10. hera is in peak physical performance, and agility is one of her strong suits. she's quick, and she's nimble, and her skill with a bow speaks for this ranking.

★  ⸻   SEX DRIVE: 8-9/10. she is so horny all the time, zeus really lucked out with this one tbh. life just sometimes gets in the way.

[paigelts05]

Renegade AU night guards [FNAF]

https://www.deviantart.com/paigelts05/art/Renegade-AU-night-guards-FNAF-1006717353

Published: Dec 31, 2023

It's about time I redrew my main guard lineup. It's not like I didn't like the old one - most of them turned out well - but one was bugging me. I didn't like how I drew Krasnyy and some of the poses felt a bit stiff, so here I am with a redraw of the main guards of the Renegade AU.

I like this one a lot better.

Under the decorative separator, you'll find the details about each guard, from left to right.

°*°•°*°•°*°•°*°•°*°•°*°•🌹•°*°•°*°•°*°•°*°•°*°•°*°

Vincent Taylor The Hitman 🗡️🥀⚔️ Quiet and sad, this assassin stuck in indentured servitude to a children's entertainment company has a cold demeanor that was cultivated via his parents raising him to never show any emotion and forming him into a killer since his youth. He wants nothing more than to put his blade down for good, but he knows that if he were to strike out against his employers alone, he and everyone connected to him will wind up dead, and he'd rather avoid that.

Krasnyy Guy The Journalist 🌹📹🗞️ Hardy, timid, and brave. Three words that describe the heart of this paranoid motormouthed investigative journalist. This urban survivalist has endured a lot to survive, and faces every day and night at Freddy's no matter how terrified he is, and he will always see a story to the end, no matter how dangerous it becomes. Sometimes, the torment that Golden Freddy Gerald Taylor has inflicted on him leaves him feeling like a shell of a person, but he will always push forwards. He is always willing to lend a hand to others and make friends, because he hopes that one day, with a good group of friends at his side, he will expose the truth behind everything, and it will all make him feel safe again.

Mike Schmidt The Paranormal cop 📒🔦🛡️ Sweet, caring, and fair, this man prefers to handle situations - no matter how far it has escalated - with words, kindness, and compassion. But when adversaries do not understand kindness, he makes sure that he is the one to take the brunt of the usually robotic wrath. There is a line in the sand where he draws for when  kindness is no longer an option, but he has not cornered those at the top of the Fazbear food chain yet.

Jeremy Fitzgerald The Private Investigator 🔫🔎📌 Tough as nails with a heart of gold, this PI has a plan for everything, and if his plan falls apart, he can switch to working off of his insticts within moments. So much so that his instincts appear to be fully thought out plans to those unfamiliar with his true plans, so it is widely beleived that he has a plan for everything. However, his plans usually account for that, meaning his instincts may be more calculated than what they first appear to be. Regardless, how else would he have been able to tell that Mangle was going for the throat and not the head.

Fritz Smith The Tinkerer ⚙️🛠️💻 Smart and quirky, this tech wiz is far more than what meets the eye. With his bubbly surface hiding a skilled and calculating interior, he is easy to underestimate and hard to think of as a threat, so is usually seen as the weakest link, but Fritz knows this, so also knows that he can slip around unnoticed because the moment he is noticed as an actual threat, the opposition usually either has a barrage of machinery hurtling towards them or the software the adversary was relying on has been entirely replaced with a single function that plays a weebish gif. He has also found a cycle in which he can reset the animatronics corrupted codebase to thier 'night 1' states to keep them as manageable as possible for the night staff without risking the ghosts within the bots from retaliating and immediately corrupting thier entire codebases to a full 20 threat level.

[sleepy-achilles]

This is what I like to call a fight between Ministry and John and lil Leon getting between it.

And then a grown up version with Taker instead of Ministry, but it reminds John of those times.

------------------------------------------------------------------

John stares as this man growls at him. A man wearing his step father's face. A face taken over by rage and anger.

"What did you say boy?" The demon growls getting into youths face. "You ain't him." John snaps. "Ain't him huh? Is that what you think." Ministry pushes into John's space. John doesn't back down. "Enough!" Leon barks. "You just wait until uncle kane is back." John snarls causing the other to laugh. "And a shame you won't be here to see it" Ministry smirks going to grab John.

Leon grabs the man and forces them apart.

"Enough! Please!" Leon yells, keeping himself between them.

Leon, still a teenager, hasn't hit his growth spurt yet. He will grow to be taller than John, but right now? Right now he's the shortest in this situation.

His back is pressed to John as a warning to stay back. His jaw is clenched, his eyes set on the demon in anger.

Ministry chuckles. "Your lucky I need you alive." Ministry tells him. "Yeah. Lucky me." Leon grumbles.

------------------------------------------------------------------

John was getting older. He..he was wanting to settle down.

But then he thinks about his childhood. The things he saw, the things he had to do. And whilst he understands life outside the valley isn't that way, he can't help but think he couldn't be a dad.

He's brought out of his thoughts by Orton dropping onto the bench next to him. "Whats wrong Johnny boy? Still having that mid life crisis?" Randy teases, grabbing pretty much everyone's attention.

Leon, who doesn't straight up gawk, glances at his brother, reading his body language first before looking back at his script.

"Mid life crisis huh? Your the champ, what crisis do you have?" Taker asks teasingly as he sorts his locker out. "Knowing if your going to be a fucked up dad or not is pretty crisis enduring." John bites. Leon fully looks up, shawn also watches them now. Taker pauses, hand tightening on the locker. "And what gives you that evaluation?" Taker asks looking at him.

Whilst Taker and John got on beautifully, it's also the reason their rare fights have the biggest impact on the family. Leon and Taker? They could have a world war over a piece of wood if they wanted too. Shawn and John? They have history, it's tough and traumatic for them both. Means they have access to each others raw spots. Cassie and Leon? They are the babies of the family and Leon is the end of the trauma whilst cassie is the birth of the pure and innocent. They clash a lot about that and one of them, cassie, doesn't understand why Leon can be so angry. Cassie and shawn? Despite what people think, shawn is not a girl dad at all. Taker? He is. But shawn? He's feminine, sure, but that doesn't mean he understands why one girl needs 100 barbies. He grew up in a toxic male dominant household. He thought he'd be perfect to father a girl. He was wrong. They argue about anything and everything. Kinda like sister do, takers words. Cassie and taker? They are the perfect example of princess and girl dad. They mostly argue about basic things like, outfits or people she hangs out with. John and cassie? They argue like all siblings do. Leon and John? They've seen the most together, been through it all, but there's deep routed jealousy and competition in their relationship. Their respect levels are also different. And finally shawn and Leon. Whilst Leon has always and always will be a papas boy, they do still argue. It's always over within a hour and ends with shawn crying and Leon begging him to forgive him. Leon's a sucker for tears.

So? My point? Families argue. But John and taker? They don't just argue, they goto nuclear level war.

"You know damn well what" John growls standing up. Shawn glances at Leon who looks knowingly. Taker fully turns to him. "Normal parents tell kids there's nothing in their closet. They don't hand them a bottle of holy water and a bible! They don't teach their kids Latin and how to perform a exorcism!" John barks. "You lived in the valley, you had to be safe!" Taker snaps as he moves closer. "I was a kid who didn't want to believe the eyes in the shadows were real! I wanted a father who would hold me until I slept and tell me it was all a nightmare! Not start putting hexes on my wall!" John yells in his face.

"Now lis-" "enough!" Leon snaps standing up, not liking the fact they are fighting or the fact the whole lockeroom is hearing their messy childhood. "I mean my own brothers face got fucked up because of your damnd cult!" John scoffs. Taker fills the space by moving. "You know damn well I had nothing to do with that!" "Do I?!" "Enough you two!" Leon yells pushing between them.

Leon, now fully grown and taller than John, but not taker, stands between the two.

His eyes burn into taker with warning, his hand held back to John begging him to stop. His jaw tightened with discomfort.

"If you two have issues to air out take it elsewhere. No one here needs to hear this and I sure as hell don't want to deal with it" Leon growls.

John's eyes widen as he stares at the boys head. When did he get so tall? John remembers a 17 year old Leon, smaller than life, protecting him from the big bad demon in their dad. Now here he is, aged 30, doing it all again.

This time, it's not as scary.

"Right. Right. I'm sorry." Taker sighs. "Me too." John nods. Leon lowers his hands, a confused look mirrors on his and shawns face. "What?" They both ask as John and taker shake hands and walk away.

Of course, John wasn't the only one to remember. Whilst Taker wasn't in charge, he still saw. He saw the fear in his kids eyes. And as he sees Leon pushing his way between them, he's taken back to a darker time and that kills him.

Never again.

(This was literally ended after, 'he still saw.' And well I thought I'd give it a lil bit more to make it seem like it could continue or end. )

[nandinishenoy]

Narayana Murthy Advocates Passion Over Money for Career Success

Mumbai: Renowned Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently shared his career wisdom on The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show, addressing a dilemma that many young professionals face: Should one pursue passion or money? Appearing alongside his wife and celebrated philanthropist Sudha Murthy, as well as Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal and his wife Gia Goyal, the episode was a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and career-defining advice.

The Power of Passion in a Career

When asked by host Kapil Sharma what young people should prioritize, Murthy stressed the importance of passion as the foundation of meaningful success. “Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without passion,” he remarked. “It sustains you when you’re stuck, uncertain, or facing sacrifices. Whether it’s being away from family or weathering challenges, passion is the anchor that keeps you going.”

Murthy’s words resonated deeply, highlighting that passion fosters resilience and dedication, especially during tough times. He reflected on the early days of Infosys, emphasizing how it was passion, not the lure of financial success, that motivated him and his team to persevere through challenges.

Supporting Insights from Deepinder Goyal

Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato, echoed Murthy’s sentiments. Sharing his observations from the startup world, Goyal stated, “Startups driven by passion tend to perform better. Ventures motivated solely by money often struggle to endure in the competitive market.” Goyal’s insights reinforced Murthy’s perspective, providing a modern-day validation of the timeless principle.

Entrepreneurship Beyond Tech

Kapil Sharma, known for his humor and sharp wit, received a unique compliment from Murthy, who praised his career as an entrepreneur. “Entrepreneurship is about offering something distinct, and you’ve achieved that with your humor. You’re as much an entrepreneur as anyone in the corporate world,” said Murthy, leaving Kapil visibly moved.

Sudha Murthy also chimed in, adding, “In your form of entrepreneurship, humor is your capital, and it has taken you far.” Her comment highlighted the diverse ways passion can manifest, from technological innovations to comedic brilliance.

A Takeaway for the Youth

Murthy’s advice serves as a timeless reminder for today’s generation to focus on what truly drives them. While financial rewards are important, he underlined that they often follow when one commits wholeheartedly to their passion.

The episode, a perfect blend of inspiration and entertainment, offered invaluable lessons not just for budding entrepreneurs but for anyone aiming to leave a meaningful mark in their field.

[medheimrsaga]

The Gilded Daughter

This is the third short story in in a series that I've posted. Please read "The City of Gold and "The Ordeal" before this. This is an original work of art. I do not consent to its use in AI training.

Her hair, locks of gold. Her eyes, blue as the sea. Her skin, as fair and beautiful as freshly fallen snow. She was the first child and only child of Aeden.

Her people came from a land of brilliance, but spoiled by a snake who poisoned all. The Daughter knew only the lands of Gold from tales her many Aunts and Uncles would speak of. She often wondered what it would have been like to grow up there, surrounded by the beauty that matched her own.

The Gods reveled in their precious daughter. She wanted nothing, and was never bored. Alas, the bane of children came when their precious daughter wasn't so small, and her needs and curiosity grew exponentially. The Gods did the best they could to satisfy her needs still. Whatever whim she felt was swiftly fulfilled. Even the most passing desires was accompanied by a throng of offerings by those who loved her so.

As the years ticked by, so too did the toll of life. That youth that once sprang forth in brilliance like water springs from a fountain began to come out like a slow trickle. There were days where their beautiful daughter would spend sleeping with nary a laugh or smile to fill their hearts.

One day a Valkyr was found at the Daughter's bedside, found by her father. The Father spoke to the creature in fear, knowing the Valkyr as omens of death.

"Why have you come, thou who has once served us?" said the Father to the creature.

The Valkyr responded: "I have come for your daughter. Precious and lovely she once was, she now lays down at the end of her time."

The Father's face took a sorrowful look as he began to cry, a thing the Gods do not do.

The Valkyr looked surprised, then smiled. It said: "I may carry death, but I do not do harm. If you are willing, there is something you can do to save her."

The Father's sorrow was lifted as he fell to his knees, pleading with the Valkyr. "Please, anything to save my most precious creation!"

The Valkyr nodded, and said: "Do this. Pray for your daughter's life, and she will be saved."

So did the Father who knelt before his daughter's bed and prayed for her life to be spared death. The father prayed for countless hours. His knees hurt, his back ached, but he endured the pains of his task for the one he loved.

He prayed for so long, his knees began to take root. His arms, so sturdy they became branches. His flesh became tough and unmoving, like bark. The Father prayed for so long he was transformed into a tree. That tree sheltered his daughter from death's embrace.

The tree stood, and the Daughter slept for many more years. One day a Valkyr landed on a branch of that tree, and spoke again. "Loving father who stood guard over his daughter in prayer. Know that your trial has ended. Behold, the fruit of your labors!"

A golden apple sprung forth from the tree's branches above the Daughter who slumbered. The Valkyr took the apple and presented it above the Daughter's mouth. The Daughter, though spared death, still yearned in hunger. In the presence of the delicious apple she quickly devoured it. The Daughter's hair, grayed with age, returned to the lustrous gold. Her eyes opened once again, shining with the deep blue of the sea. Her skin, wrinkled and weathered, returned with the fair brilliance of fallen snow. She was young, and once again her youth sprung forth like water out of a fountain.

In the eras since, the Gods have faded. Their daughter became our Maiden, and is still loved. The tree, her loving Father, became the flesh of which humans were crafted. Aeden, a land of purity and brilliance became one of loving sorrow, cared for by Maiden.

[riearchivistfornow]

Extreme Discipleship

TeensXcite 2014.12.20 Extreme Discipleship

The key verse is from Joshua Chapter 1:8-9

Judges 21:25 NIV

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

In those days, they had rejected God as their King and had man for kings, then they rebelled and they had split up.

The moment the people of God rejected Gpd as their King, everything went downhill for them. Things will get tougher.

James 1:2-4 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If things are getting tougher, what do we do? As FCBC, we are called to be extreme desciples.

"Tomorrow may be tougher, but no matter how tough it is, we will match up and not let tomorrow break us." - US Navy Seals' motto.

Your life will get tougher and tougher everyday. We need to understand that.

"We were promised sufferings." - C.S. Lewis

1 Peter 1:12 NIV

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Don't find it strange that life will get tougher. God promised that he will be with us, not that life will be smooth.

Luke 9:23-25 NIV

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

When you face troubles:

1. You must endure it and persevere.

James 1:3-4 NIV

because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Enduring means to stand firm and stay put, but peseverance means to keep moving, dispite of that hardship.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are called not to be Christians, we are called to be Jesus. We have to learn what it means to pesevere till the very end. We can boast of that victory of Jesus Christ. Jesus can pesevere because he draws his strength from the Lord.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are you going through tough situations in life? How we can go through tomorrow? it is by drawing from the strength of God. Are you going to draw strength from God when we are in troubles times.

We still need to have our own strength. When your strength is running out, he will renew it and give him your strength.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Have you trained yourself up for tomorrow? Have you been doing your quiet time everyday? You must always train yourself for tomorrow. You must prepare yourself for hardship that is going to come. "Mind over Matter" works only when your method can work. It is not that simple. If you are not spirirtually ready then you will not be able to do it. The devil doesn't want you to finish the race.

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

God is in it to see that you will finish the race. Satan wants you to finish the race.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Be strong and courageous.

James 1:12 NIV

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

"If you are going through hell, keep going."

Winston Churchill

2. We need to embrace whatever that comes tomorrow.

Embrace: To except willingly and enthusiastically.

James 1:2 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

We have to be able to consider it, our troubles, pure joy. A lot of us have the difficulty to endure and pesevere through. Why? Because we do not find it pure joy.

While other worldviews lead us to sit in the most of life's joys, forseeing the coming sorrows. Christianity empowers its people to sit in the most of this world's sorrows. Tasting the coming joy.

Before it is writen down in history, it is writen down in courage.

Matthew 14:25-31 NIV

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

"A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are made for."

"A great ship asks deep waters."

Many of us are hiding, as lomg as you allow fear to be in your life, we can never do great things.

The devil wants you to be afraid. Moses is a leader that led Israel, yet he was afraid to speak, he slurs and he stutters.

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Jesus considered his own death pure joy.

Either step forth in faith or step back in fear. Fear feeds on fear, so the more you step back, the greater is grows and cripples you. The more you move forth in faith, the only thing you lose is the fear that hinders you.

[tweety-transl]

Excerpt From The Beautiful Wife In The 70s Is An Educated Youth

Website Book Link Kofi

Su Qing, pretending not to see the fleeting jealousy in Cai Meijia's eyes when she saw her, smiled and greeted her, "Meijia, come and sit down. I actually have something to discuss with you!"

"What is it? I heard you went to the supply and marketing cooperative at the commune. Did you go shopping?" Cai Meijia asked with a smile, speaking in a friendly manner.

"Yes," Su Qing nodded and said, "I just got back not long ago."

"Your life seems so enviable. Look at me, I've been working all day today, and my hands are really sore from all the work." Cai Meijia extended her hand and said.

Her hands looked quite rough. Ever since she moved to the countryside, she truly had to work hard; this life was really hard to endure!

"Farming work is indeed tough," Su Qing thought of herself as not particularly delicate, but just thinking about participating in such labour made her shiver.

The work in the fields was incredibly exhausting, not something an ordinary person could handle. She was not born and raised here; at most, she was a latecomer who could barely cope.

The reason she could adapt to this situation was that she had grown up in the countryside in her previous life, but that was about it.

"I'm not as lucky as you. You don't even have to work, and every month your parents send you so many things. By the way, what did you buy at the cooperative today?" Cai Meijia asked her.

Su Qing understood that this was probably the reason she had rushed over, seeking to benefit from her. With a hint of disinterest, she replied, "What else could I buy? Just some soy sauce and vinegar. There's nothing we need at home; it's really hard to manage."

"Didn't you say you spent all your money? Did your parents send you more?" Cai Meijia asked.

She had been thinking of going into town for some good food, and if Su's parents had sent money, she would have taken the opportunity to enjoy a nice meal on Su Qing's dime!

"No, I asked Wei Shiguo for some. I was almost embarrassed; it was my first time asking him for money. He only gave me a few dimes. Meijia, my parents might take a while longer to send money. You still owe me money, right? Altogether, you've borrowed about twelve yuan from me, haven't you? Please pay me back quickly. I'm so broke right now, and I'm really craving some White Rabbit cream candy," Su Qing said.

Cai Meijia's face stiffened. This was the first time Su Qing had asked her for money, and it was indeed that amount when she calculated it.

She had thought Su Qing was genuinely generous, not realizing she was keeping track of the money!

"Qingqing, you know my family situation. Since I moved to the countryside, they haven't sent me anything. The only way I've managed to get by is with your help. If you suddenly ask me for money, where am I supposed to get it? Especially twelve yuan," Cai Meijia said.

"I know it's not easy for you. I genuinely value you as a good friend I grew up with. Otherwise, why would I lend you so much money? Twelve yuan—people's monthly wages aren't even that much, and I lent it to you without a second thought," Su Qing said. You truly need to be wary of fire, theft, and friends. This was the female supporting character’s so-called good friend!

All that money was basically thrown to the wolves, and the wolves kept pushing her into an endless abyss!

Su Qing sneered inwardly but continued speaking, "You know my nature. I wouldn’t ask you for money unless absolutely necessary. I can't accept the fact that I have to ask Wei Shiguo for money, given that there's no emotional bond between us. Please find a way to pay me back soon."

Wei Shiguo, who had finished his farming work early and had returned to get his gear for fishing, happened to overhear this conversation.

His foot, which was about to step into the house, halted.

Fortunately, he never believed a word from this woman; otherwise, it would have been a real joke.

[kokodachallengesunshinecoast]

The Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast: A Comprehensive Guide for Adventurers

The Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most iconic and challenging endurance events. Inspired by the World War II Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, this event is more than just a physical test; it’s a journey of resilience, teamwork, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-timer, participating in the Kokoda Challenge can be a life-changing experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential aspects of the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast, including common topics, challenges, a step-by-step guide, a case study, and a conclusion. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this remarkable event.

1. Understanding the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast

The Spirit of Kokoda: A Historical Perspective

The Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is more than just a race. It’s a tribute to the soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track during World War II. These soldiers faced unimaginable hardships in the dense jungles of Papua New Guinea, and their courage, endurance, and mateship are the values celebrated through this event. The challenge aims to honor their legacy while raising funds to support youth programs that empower young Australians.

The Course: A Test of Physical and Mental Endurance

The Sunshine Coast course covers various terrains, including steep hills, rugged trails, and dense forests. Teams of four must complete either the 18km, 30km, or 48km course within a set time. The event is not just about finishing first; it’s about pushing your limits, supporting your teammates, and embodying the Kokoda spirit.

2. The Unique Challenges of the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast

Physical Challenges: Navigating Tough Terrain

One of the most daunting aspects of the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is the terrain. The course is designed to test your physical endurance with steep inclines, rocky paths, and unpredictable weather conditions. Participants must be prepared to face muscle fatigue, blisters, and dehydration.

Mental Challenges: Overcoming the Inner Battle

The Kokoda Challenge is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Long hours on the trail, coupled with fatigue and discomfort, can take a toll on your mental state. It’s essential to stay positive, motivated, and focused on the end goal. The support of your teammates is crucial in overcoming these mental hurdles.

Teamwork Challenges: Supporting Each Other

The Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is a team event, and success depends on effective teamwork. Your team must stick together, pace themselves, and support each other through difficult moments. Communication, empathy, and cooperation are key to ensuring that everyone crosses the finish line together.

3. Preparing for the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assemble Your Team

Your team is your greatest asset in the Kokoda Challenge. Choose teammates who share your commitment, fitness level, and determination. A good mix of strengths and skills will help your team navigate the diverse challenges of the course.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals

Before you begin training, set clear goals for your team. Are you aiming to complete the challenge within a specific time? Is your focus on fundraising for a cause? Understanding your team’s objectives will help guide your preparation and keep everyone motivated.

Step 3: Train Smart and Train Hard

Training for the Kokoda Challenge requires a mix of endurance, strength, and mental preparation. Focus on long-distance hikes, hill climbs, and strength training exercises. Incorporate team training sessions to build cohesion and practice pacing strategies. Don’t forget to simulate the event by training in similar terrain and conditions.

Step 4: Plan Your Nutrition and Hydration Strategy

Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for peak performance during the challenge. Plan your meals and snacks carefully, focusing on energy-dense foods that are easy to carry and consume on the go. Hydration is equally important, so ensure that each team member has a reliable water source and knows when to hydrate.

Step 5: Prepare Your Gear

The right gear can make a significant difference in your experience. Invest in high-quality hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothing, and a sturdy backpack. Test all your gear during training to avoid any surprises on the day of the event. Additionally, pack essential items such as a first-aid kit, headlamp, and trekking poles.

Step 6: Develop a Race-Day Strategy

On the day of the challenge, having a clear strategy is vital. Plan your pace, rest stops, and team roles in advance. Decide how you’ll handle difficult sections of the course and ensure that everyone knows the plan. Flexibility is also important, so be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the conditions and your team’s performance.

4. Case Study: A Team’s Journey Through the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast

Meet Team Endeavour: A Story of Resilience and Victory

Team Endeavour was a group of four friends who decided to take on the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast as a way to push their limits and support a cause close to their hearts. None of them were seasoned athletes, but they shared a deep sense of camaraderie and a determination to succeed.

The Preparation

The team started their preparation six months before the event. They met every weekend for long hikes and worked on their strength and endurance during the week. They also focused on building their mental toughness by participating in smaller events and practicing mindfulness techniques.

The Challenges Faced

During the challenge, Team Endeavour encountered several obstacles. On one particularly steep section, one of their members suffered from severe leg cramps. The team slowed down, took breaks, and provided encouragement to help their teammate recover. Despite the setback, they maintained their spirits and continued to push forward.

The Triumph

After 12 hours of relentless effort, Team Endeavour crossed the finish line together, exhausted but victorious. They not only achieved their goal of completing the challenge but also raised significant funds for youth programs. The experience deepened their friendship and taught them valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and perseverance.

5. Conclusion: The Essence of the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast

The Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is more than just an endurance event; it’s a transformative experience that tests your physical, mental, and emotional limits. It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of the Kokoda soldiers, support a meaningful cause, and challenge yourself in ways you never thought possible.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning participant, the Kokoda Challenge offers a unique and rewarding journey. By understanding the challenges, preparing thoroughly, and embracing the spirit of Kokoda, you can make the most of this incredible event. So gather your team, lace up your boots, and get ready to take on the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast. It’s a journey you’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts

The Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is more than just a race; it’s a symbol of perseverance, mateship, and community. The challenges are tough, but the rewards are immense. By participating in this event, you’re not only testing your limits but also contributing to a greater cause. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the physical challenge, or the sense of camaraderie, the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is an experience that will leave a lasting impact on your life.

Now that you know what to expect, there’s only one thing left to do—take on the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast and embrace the journey ahead.