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2023.06.06 21:06 StupidInternetFart Tinder Misadventures - Pt2. Bellybutton Boy
Seems like ReddX enjoyed the last story he narrated, and people here seem to want more... Far be it from me to deny you that all-too-enticing hit of cringe, so we'll get after is again today. Before we do though, I'd like to invite you into my head. It might help explain my reaction (or lack of one) to the previous dating nightmare. I was young, I was raised by alcoholic parents, and I was taught that speaking up about anything only brings trouble.
I don't need pity, I've been to therapy and moved past it for the most part, it's simply to shed some light on why I remained so passive through these events. Truth be told, this series of strange and awful dates slowly helped to bring me out of the shell that I'd built for myself, so it was all happening for a reason I guess... but we aren't there quite yet.
Dean was the worst date, but he wasn't the first date that I subjected to myself from Tinder. No, that honor belongs to Ben the Bellybutton Boy. Cast lists are unnecessary, TLDR is at the end. Let's get the cringe-train rolling.
Ben's profile wasn't very intricate. A single line about wanting something meaningful, which doesn't hold much water for me anymore... but I was 18 and naïve. Some might say that I was also fairly shallow. In one picture he was drinking a Natty Ice, in another he had on a backwards hat. I was close to swiping left on yet another bro-dude and carrying on... But then I got one look at Ben with his shirt off and I was hooked.
It might be a catfish, but for a body like that? I was more than willing to take my shot. Suffice to say, that he was a gorgeous human being. I should've been looking more than skin deep though, because Ben had some deep dark secrets. He did match with me though, and I was super flattered. We had a meandering conversation. I learned that he loves his mom, and is absolutely terrified of horror movies. Those things will come into play later. He didn't seem to have much to say that was interesting or clever, but I let it all slide. Ben's abs were blinders, a 3 pack on each side.
He seemed to push for a meetup rather fast, which usually made me go ghost in the few Tinder conversations I'd had before... But I thought to myself that now I was finally ready for an actual date with an internet stranger. Maybe he was way more interesting in person. (He was interesting, but not in the way that I'd hoped.) The fact that his body was chiseled from granite-turned-flesh had nothing to do with my decision. Again, isn't it funny the lies that we tell ourselves?
Ben wanted me to come over to his place and stupidly, I agreed to do so. We'd only been talking for about a week, and now I was going to deliver myself to his front door? Walk right into the wolf-den and hope for the best? God... I swear, I'd love to shake the living shit out of my past-self... but I truly didn't know better at the time. Maybe we would actually watch some Netflix and chill? Could he actually be looking for something meaningful?
Ben's place was in a lower-middle-class section of the LA outskirts. At the time, I thought it looked pretty busted but compared to some of my later encounters? It wasn't the worst house. Sort of non-descript and uninteresting, but well-maintained... much like Ben himself, I suppose. I scoped it out for a few minutes. Surfboards on the porch, a few potted plants, a bench-seat out front. It seemed very normal, so I collected myself, headed up to the front door, and knocked.
Ben answered and he was all smiles. He lifted my arm above my head and I gave him a little twirl. After a wolf-whistle, he commented that he'd like to see something that showed a bit more of my midriff. He gestured for me to show my stomach to him, and I did. I didn't mind. I put work into it. A strong body starts with a strong core. Ben seemed satisfied. Maybe a bit more than that in hindsight. His eyes devoured me, but he was a hunk. So I didn't mind. His predatory nature would soon be revealed to me, but I had no idea what I was in for quite yet. Instead, I let him scoop me up into a hug before he invited me inside.
The house was sort of bohemian. Lots of incense holders and dreamcatchers. Definitely not the sort of thing I'd pick, but he was a stoner-surfer bro-dude. Maybe all of this stuff was just evidence of a more sensitive side to him? I asked about some of the knick-knacks, just trying to initiate idle conversation and maybe dig past the surface level. It worked a bit. He ended up telling me about spending time in India. He seemed to harbor a lot of disdain for the country. Said people were shitting all in the streets and he couldn't find clean water anywhere. "It's like Mexico with way more poop and a few less beheadings."
I laughed. The line wasn't that funny, but the laugh also served to diffuse some of the tense atmosphere that had been created after endless jabs about everything from the caste system to the "dirty" street food and everything in between. He didn't overly-focus on a lack of attention from women, but it was mentioned. I made a mental note. Ben definitely had some entitlement issues, and with that rage simmering below the surface? It could be an explosive combination. I made a note to mind my P's and Q's and shifted the subject, asking what he had planned for Netflix.
He led me to the couch without answering and handed me the remote. "I'll leave that up to you. I've gotta finish preparing the feast." There had been a couple of red-flags so far, but nothing that would make me go screaming into the night. At least, not yet. I hit 'surprise me' on Netflix, and Ben came back into the room with a platter covered in fish. They were sardines. Even before my seafood surprise from part 1, I wasn't a huge fan of fish. Ben saw the look on my face and presumed that he should explain his dining choices. I really wish that he hadn't.
"I try to eat sardines and pineapple almost exclusively because I'm load-maxxing." he said with a nod.
I thought it was a weight-lifting term, and I just sort of nodded... but my face must've still look quizzical because he continued.
"You know how some male porn stars can shoot like the biggest loads of jizz? I think that's super hot, and I wanna be able to do that... But also have it taste good too. Not that I'm gay or anything, I don't eat my own cum like some [redacted] but I just think it's super sexy when a girl is enjoying herself. I'm also taking selenium supplements and it's totally working. I can fill up a whole shot glass now. Before I started load-maxxing it was just like, this sad little poot of semen... But now I'm shooting ropes of the stuff! I might show you later, if you're lucky."
I frowned and shook my head, but I don't think he took much notice of it as he went to work obliterating those smelly, oily little fishies. I didn't speak up, but like any sane person... I knew that I had to make my escape. However, due to the constraints of the social contract that we've all unwillingly signed, I'd need to bide my time and find the proper strategy. I definitely didn't want to have this jizzed up meathead explode in my face, if you'll excuse the pun. You don't just declare war, y'know? You prime the press, you square things with the UN, you make up your reasons.
The 'surprise me' movie that I can't remember rolled on, and he offered me the fish-plate. I politely declined. My brain was occupied with the perfect exit, and hunger is a decent motivator even aside from the unpredictable meatball that I was seated next to. Truth be told? I should've just blitzed the front door and not bothered to explain myself. He might get upset, but I'd be safe in the car... But then I wouldn't have this story to share.
Eventually, the sardines all went to meet poopoo-Jesus and he leaned back on the couch. He snaked his hand onto my shoulder and pulled me backwards. I wasn't in the mood to cuddle so I'd scoot away, then he'd inch closer. I hated every second of this awkward little dance, but the strangeness got turned up to 11 when he started running his oily unwashed fish-fingers around my bellybutton. I squirmed away and stood up. I told him that this was all getting to be a little bit too much, too soon... but Bellybutton Boy wasn't about to let me escape that easily.
He stood up in that same moment and blocked the walkway to the front door. He asked me to please sit back down while at the same time 'guiding' me by the shoulders. He was far too forceful for my liking. It was a gentle pull into his arm, a gentle push back into the couch... But this was our first date. I've seen things like this before between my own parents. This toolbox is one bad argument away from throwing a cinderblock at the back of my head. I took a deep breath and used my go-to tactic of avoiding conflict at that time: submission.
As I sat back onto the couch, he dropped to his knees. I was expecting the worst to happen, but instead he started to baby-talk me... Which is still pretty fucking bad.
"Does wittle Dawnie want to see baby Ben's tongue? I can wick your wittle bewwybutton. Then maybe we can go pway wiff somefing ewse. My woad is about to expwode..."
I still wonder if he meant for it to rhyme. It was effective, in a way. I still remember those words many years later. The thousand-yard stare I had adopted as my defense started to gaze through time and space. Trying to find any reality that wasn't this one. Just because my body was stuck there, didn't mean that my brain had to be... So I disconnected as much as possible, but even Terri Schiavo would take notice of the horror that would befall me next.
I suppose baby Ben the bellybutton bully boy took my silence and disaffected staring at the ceiling as consent, because he lifted my shirt enough to expose my bellybutton. The first this he did was give it a really deep sniff before letting out a satisfied "ohhhh yeahhhh". Was he looking for a good scent? A bad one? Was he just THAT excited to unveil the mysterious allure of a teenage navel? The debate rages on until this very day. It doesn't matter much, because he didn't stop at smelling it.
His tongue slipped into that umbilical scar and started to explore. I never wanted this. I didn't consent at any point, but I didn't outright say "NO" either. I've unpacked this experience with multiple therapists. I think what I remember most vividly was looking down and seeing his oily fish lips. They were sucking on my stomach like my navel was the last source of oxygen on the planet. I recall seeing his tongue, covered in the desiccated and masticated remains of a sardine meal, fishing around for whatever the hell it was he wanted. He kept muttering to himself between spelunking expeditions, weird shit like "ooo baby wike your bewwy" and "mama make benny's peepee so hawd".
The cringe-meter was redlining, and I finally realized that he wasn't going to stop unless I made him stop. I told him that I had to pee, and that he should PLEASE drink some water. I was hoping it might wash away some of the sardine leftovers, if I really did need to come back. At this point, my plan was to bail out the bathroom window. Until I got to the bathroom and saw that the window was only about 6 inches tall. Just enough to air out sardine-and-selenium-laden ploppers, but not enough to do me any good.
I must've stood in that bathroom for 20 minutes or so. There was no escape. If I wanted out, I'd need to go through. Just as a reminder from the universe, every once in a while I'd hear Ben let out a large belch. At least he was washing his fishy mouth out. I steeled myself and headed back into the living room. I lied that I had a text from my mom and had to leave, but Ben wrapped his arms around me and begged to finish. I could clearly smell beer on his breath. Memories of dear old dad must've kicked in, because I found myself agreeing to sit on the couch again.
He continued rubbing his stale-beer-smelling mouth all over my stomach, except this time there was the added benefits of pauses to burp every so often. "Doesn't dat sound wike a echo mama?" I truly did want to die in that moment. I had to find some way to at least pump the brakes, if not bail out completely. I squirmed away from him, again. I told him this was moving too fast, again. He didn't ignore me this time. So I suggested that we watch a new movie. This time I chose a Chucky movie. Either he would get scared and give me an out, or I'd pretend to be scared and make the exit for myself.
If I knew how he'd actually react, I might not have taken this measure. The moment the movie started Ben was immobilized. He had stopped trying to molest my bellybutton. All he did was apply a nervous death-grip the arm of the sofa. I asked if he was OK, but he insisted he was fine. He was not fine however, and after the first murder I looked over to see tears rolling down his cheeks.
This was my moment. It was either act like a cold-hard bitch, or continue being assaulted. I asked incredulously, "ARE YOU CRYING??" He nodded and started his whining baby-talk, but he didn't follow me as I leapt from the couch, called him a sissy, and flung the front door open. I quickly walked to my car. My brain had second thoughts, but I started the ignition. I legitimately wanted things to work with Ben. I would've been mommy. Whatever. But he didn't ask for consent at any point and was overly-pushy about everything he wanted.
While I felt bad about doing that to Ben, and piling an insult on top of it... I felt much more delight than despair. This situation was headed for a place that I didn't want it to go, and I was able to scratch and claw my way back to freedom. The bellybutton boy had unveiled his Achilles heel as a silly talking point, and I thanked my lucky stars that I was able to use that to my advantage. He could've flown into a rage over it, but he didn't. The guardian angel on my shoulder was working overtime on that day, I have no doubts about that. Looking back, should I have called the cops and reported him? Probably. Instead, I just thanked my lucky stars and tried to move past it in my own way...
You'd think that would be the end of this tale, but there was a follow-up to the bad date. Remember when I mentioned that Ben was close to his mother? Well, she charged into battle in defense of her little bellybutton man... I answered the first time she called. I wouldn't make that mistake again. She accused me of abusing her special boy, she threatened me with everything from death to lawsuits, she slung every curse under the sun at me. After 5 minutes, I realized I was trying to talk sense into a lunatic and blocked her number.
Bellybutton matriarch wasn't done yet though... I would get sporadic VOIP calls for weeks afterwards. She contacted my job to report me. She attempted to harass MY mom and every other contact she could find. I suppose that's the unfortunate part of social media. I explained to everyone what had happened and they all agreed that she was completely unhinged. Luckily, it seemed like her harassment was confined to the internet. I went dark for a month, and I guess she found a new target. Ben wouldn't have trouble getting more dates, even if he was a certified navel-gazer.
It was at this point that I swore off of Tinder for the first time. That wouldn't stop me from meeting up with maniacs though. My therapist says that I demonstrate a concerning amount of thrill-seeking behavior, and that these encounters are a manifestation of that. While I don't disagree 100%, I still think I overanalyze and avoid uncertainty in a lot of other areas of my life. Maybe the comments will let me know how they feel about that diagnosis?
Speaking of therapy... In hindsight, I can absolutely see how that insane woman could've produced a self-absorbed, baby-talking dunderhead. If you look at it through that frame then the tale of Ben the bellybutton boy takes on a much more depressing tone. He's like a modern-day Frankenstein, but he does still bear some responsibility for his actions. At least, that's what I tell myself when I start feeling guilty.
I did manage to stay of Tinder for a while, but in our next installment we are headed to Craigslist. Be afraid. Those are tales for another day though... Thanks to ReddX if he reads this. Please subscribe to him on YouTube if ya haven't. I'll see you again next time my little Tinderlings. -Dawn
TL;DR Lunatic lugnut baby-talks my bellybutton with his fish-lips.
submitted by StupidInternetFart to DatingHell [link] [comments]
I don't need pity, I've been to therapy and moved past it for the most part, it's simply to shed some light on why I remained so passive through these events. Truth be told, this series of strange and awful dates slowly helped to bring me out of the shell that I'd built for myself, so it was all happening for a reason I guess... but we aren't there quite yet.
Dean was the worst date, but he wasn't the first date that I subjected to myself from Tinder. No, that honor belongs to Ben the Bellybutton Boy. Cast lists are unnecessary, TLDR is at the end. Let's get the cringe-train rolling.
Ben's profile wasn't very intricate. A single line about wanting something meaningful, which doesn't hold much water for me anymore... but I was 18 and naïve. Some might say that I was also fairly shallow. In one picture he was drinking a Natty Ice, in another he had on a backwards hat. I was close to swiping left on yet another bro-dude and carrying on... But then I got one look at Ben with his shirt off and I was hooked.
It might be a catfish, but for a body like that? I was more than willing to take my shot. Suffice to say, that he was a gorgeous human being. I should've been looking more than skin deep though, because Ben had some deep dark secrets. He did match with me though, and I was super flattered. We had a meandering conversation. I learned that he loves his mom, and is absolutely terrified of horror movies. Those things will come into play later. He didn't seem to have much to say that was interesting or clever, but I let it all slide. Ben's abs were blinders, a 3 pack on each side.
He seemed to push for a meetup rather fast, which usually made me go ghost in the few Tinder conversations I'd had before... But I thought to myself that now I was finally ready for an actual date with an internet stranger. Maybe he was way more interesting in person. (He was interesting, but not in the way that I'd hoped.) The fact that his body was chiseled from granite-turned-flesh had nothing to do with my decision. Again, isn't it funny the lies that we tell ourselves?
Ben wanted me to come over to his place and stupidly, I agreed to do so. We'd only been talking for about a week, and now I was going to deliver myself to his front door? Walk right into the wolf-den and hope for the best? God... I swear, I'd love to shake the living shit out of my past-self... but I truly didn't know better at the time. Maybe we would actually watch some Netflix and chill? Could he actually be looking for something meaningful?
Ben's place was in a lower-middle-class section of the LA outskirts. At the time, I thought it looked pretty busted but compared to some of my later encounters? It wasn't the worst house. Sort of non-descript and uninteresting, but well-maintained... much like Ben himself, I suppose. I scoped it out for a few minutes. Surfboards on the porch, a few potted plants, a bench-seat out front. It seemed very normal, so I collected myself, headed up to the front door, and knocked.
Ben answered and he was all smiles. He lifted my arm above my head and I gave him a little twirl. After a wolf-whistle, he commented that he'd like to see something that showed a bit more of my midriff. He gestured for me to show my stomach to him, and I did. I didn't mind. I put work into it. A strong body starts with a strong core. Ben seemed satisfied. Maybe a bit more than that in hindsight. His eyes devoured me, but he was a hunk. So I didn't mind. His predatory nature would soon be revealed to me, but I had no idea what I was in for quite yet. Instead, I let him scoop me up into a hug before he invited me inside.
The house was sort of bohemian. Lots of incense holders and dreamcatchers. Definitely not the sort of thing I'd pick, but he was a stoner-surfer bro-dude. Maybe all of this stuff was just evidence of a more sensitive side to him? I asked about some of the knick-knacks, just trying to initiate idle conversation and maybe dig past the surface level. It worked a bit. He ended up telling me about spending time in India. He seemed to harbor a lot of disdain for the country. Said people were shitting all in the streets and he couldn't find clean water anywhere. "It's like Mexico with way more poop and a few less beheadings."
I laughed. The line wasn't that funny, but the laugh also served to diffuse some of the tense atmosphere that had been created after endless jabs about everything from the caste system to the "dirty" street food and everything in between. He didn't overly-focus on a lack of attention from women, but it was mentioned. I made a mental note. Ben definitely had some entitlement issues, and with that rage simmering below the surface? It could be an explosive combination. I made a note to mind my P's and Q's and shifted the subject, asking what he had planned for Netflix.
He led me to the couch without answering and handed me the remote. "I'll leave that up to you. I've gotta finish preparing the feast." There had been a couple of red-flags so far, but nothing that would make me go screaming into the night. At least, not yet. I hit 'surprise me' on Netflix, and Ben came back into the room with a platter covered in fish. They were sardines. Even before my seafood surprise from part 1, I wasn't a huge fan of fish. Ben saw the look on my face and presumed that he should explain his dining choices. I really wish that he hadn't.
"I try to eat sardines and pineapple almost exclusively because I'm load-maxxing." he said with a nod.
I thought it was a weight-lifting term, and I just sort of nodded... but my face must've still look quizzical because he continued.
"You know how some male porn stars can shoot like the biggest loads of jizz? I think that's super hot, and I wanna be able to do that... But also have it taste good too. Not that I'm gay or anything, I don't eat my own cum like some [redacted] but I just think it's super sexy when a girl is enjoying herself. I'm also taking selenium supplements and it's totally working. I can fill up a whole shot glass now. Before I started load-maxxing it was just like, this sad little poot of semen... But now I'm shooting ropes of the stuff! I might show you later, if you're lucky."
I frowned and shook my head, but I don't think he took much notice of it as he went to work obliterating those smelly, oily little fishies. I didn't speak up, but like any sane person... I knew that I had to make my escape. However, due to the constraints of the social contract that we've all unwillingly signed, I'd need to bide my time and find the proper strategy. I definitely didn't want to have this jizzed up meathead explode in my face, if you'll excuse the pun. You don't just declare war, y'know? You prime the press, you square things with the UN, you make up your reasons.
The 'surprise me' movie that I can't remember rolled on, and he offered me the fish-plate. I politely declined. My brain was occupied with the perfect exit, and hunger is a decent motivator even aside from the unpredictable meatball that I was seated next to. Truth be told? I should've just blitzed the front door and not bothered to explain myself. He might get upset, but I'd be safe in the car... But then I wouldn't have this story to share.
Eventually, the sardines all went to meet poopoo-Jesus and he leaned back on the couch. He snaked his hand onto my shoulder and pulled me backwards. I wasn't in the mood to cuddle so I'd scoot away, then he'd inch closer. I hated every second of this awkward little dance, but the strangeness got turned up to 11 when he started running his oily unwashed fish-fingers around my bellybutton. I squirmed away and stood up. I told him that this was all getting to be a little bit too much, too soon... but Bellybutton Boy wasn't about to let me escape that easily.
He stood up in that same moment and blocked the walkway to the front door. He asked me to please sit back down while at the same time 'guiding' me by the shoulders. He was far too forceful for my liking. It was a gentle pull into his arm, a gentle push back into the couch... But this was our first date. I've seen things like this before between my own parents. This toolbox is one bad argument away from throwing a cinderblock at the back of my head. I took a deep breath and used my go-to tactic of avoiding conflict at that time: submission.
As I sat back onto the couch, he dropped to his knees. I was expecting the worst to happen, but instead he started to baby-talk me... Which is still pretty fucking bad.
"Does wittle Dawnie want to see baby Ben's tongue? I can wick your wittle bewwybutton. Then maybe we can go pway wiff somefing ewse. My woad is about to expwode..."
I still wonder if he meant for it to rhyme. It was effective, in a way. I still remember those words many years later. The thousand-yard stare I had adopted as my defense started to gaze through time and space. Trying to find any reality that wasn't this one. Just because my body was stuck there, didn't mean that my brain had to be... So I disconnected as much as possible, but even Terri Schiavo would take notice of the horror that would befall me next.
I suppose baby Ben the bellybutton bully boy took my silence and disaffected staring at the ceiling as consent, because he lifted my shirt enough to expose my bellybutton. The first this he did was give it a really deep sniff before letting out a satisfied "ohhhh yeahhhh". Was he looking for a good scent? A bad one? Was he just THAT excited to unveil the mysterious allure of a teenage navel? The debate rages on until this very day. It doesn't matter much, because he didn't stop at smelling it.
His tongue slipped into that umbilical scar and started to explore. I never wanted this. I didn't consent at any point, but I didn't outright say "NO" either. I've unpacked this experience with multiple therapists. I think what I remember most vividly was looking down and seeing his oily fish lips. They were sucking on my stomach like my navel was the last source of oxygen on the planet. I recall seeing his tongue, covered in the desiccated and masticated remains of a sardine meal, fishing around for whatever the hell it was he wanted. He kept muttering to himself between spelunking expeditions, weird shit like "ooo baby wike your bewwy" and "mama make benny's peepee so hawd".
The cringe-meter was redlining, and I finally realized that he wasn't going to stop unless I made him stop. I told him that I had to pee, and that he should PLEASE drink some water. I was hoping it might wash away some of the sardine leftovers, if I really did need to come back. At this point, my plan was to bail out the bathroom window. Until I got to the bathroom and saw that the window was only about 6 inches tall. Just enough to air out sardine-and-selenium-laden ploppers, but not enough to do me any good.
I must've stood in that bathroom for 20 minutes or so. There was no escape. If I wanted out, I'd need to go through. Just as a reminder from the universe, every once in a while I'd hear Ben let out a large belch. At least he was washing his fishy mouth out. I steeled myself and headed back into the living room. I lied that I had a text from my mom and had to leave, but Ben wrapped his arms around me and begged to finish. I could clearly smell beer on his breath. Memories of dear old dad must've kicked in, because I found myself agreeing to sit on the couch again.
He continued rubbing his stale-beer-smelling mouth all over my stomach, except this time there was the added benefits of pauses to burp every so often. "Doesn't dat sound wike a echo mama?" I truly did want to die in that moment. I had to find some way to at least pump the brakes, if not bail out completely. I squirmed away from him, again. I told him this was moving too fast, again. He didn't ignore me this time. So I suggested that we watch a new movie. This time I chose a Chucky movie. Either he would get scared and give me an out, or I'd pretend to be scared and make the exit for myself.
If I knew how he'd actually react, I might not have taken this measure. The moment the movie started Ben was immobilized. He had stopped trying to molest my bellybutton. All he did was apply a nervous death-grip the arm of the sofa. I asked if he was OK, but he insisted he was fine. He was not fine however, and after the first murder I looked over to see tears rolling down his cheeks.
This was my moment. It was either act like a cold-hard bitch, or continue being assaulted. I asked incredulously, "ARE YOU CRYING??" He nodded and started his whining baby-talk, but he didn't follow me as I leapt from the couch, called him a sissy, and flung the front door open. I quickly walked to my car. My brain had second thoughts, but I started the ignition. I legitimately wanted things to work with Ben. I would've been mommy. Whatever. But he didn't ask for consent at any point and was overly-pushy about everything he wanted.
While I felt bad about doing that to Ben, and piling an insult on top of it... I felt much more delight than despair. This situation was headed for a place that I didn't want it to go, and I was able to scratch and claw my way back to freedom. The bellybutton boy had unveiled his Achilles heel as a silly talking point, and I thanked my lucky stars that I was able to use that to my advantage. He could've flown into a rage over it, but he didn't. The guardian angel on my shoulder was working overtime on that day, I have no doubts about that. Looking back, should I have called the cops and reported him? Probably. Instead, I just thanked my lucky stars and tried to move past it in my own way...
You'd think that would be the end of this tale, but there was a follow-up to the bad date. Remember when I mentioned that Ben was close to his mother? Well, she charged into battle in defense of her little bellybutton man... I answered the first time she called. I wouldn't make that mistake again. She accused me of abusing her special boy, she threatened me with everything from death to lawsuits, she slung every curse under the sun at me. After 5 minutes, I realized I was trying to talk sense into a lunatic and blocked her number.
Bellybutton matriarch wasn't done yet though... I would get sporadic VOIP calls for weeks afterwards. She contacted my job to report me. She attempted to harass MY mom and every other contact she could find. I suppose that's the unfortunate part of social media. I explained to everyone what had happened and they all agreed that she was completely unhinged. Luckily, it seemed like her harassment was confined to the internet. I went dark for a month, and I guess she found a new target. Ben wouldn't have trouble getting more dates, even if he was a certified navel-gazer.
It was at this point that I swore off of Tinder for the first time. That wouldn't stop me from meeting up with maniacs though. My therapist says that I demonstrate a concerning amount of thrill-seeking behavior, and that these encounters are a manifestation of that. While I don't disagree 100%, I still think I overanalyze and avoid uncertainty in a lot of other areas of my life. Maybe the comments will let me know how they feel about that diagnosis?
Speaking of therapy... In hindsight, I can absolutely see how that insane woman could've produced a self-absorbed, baby-talking dunderhead. If you look at it through that frame then the tale of Ben the bellybutton boy takes on a much more depressing tone. He's like a modern-day Frankenstein, but he does still bear some responsibility for his actions. At least, that's what I tell myself when I start feeling guilty.
I did manage to stay of Tinder for a while, but in our next installment we are headed to Craigslist. Be afraid. Those are tales for another day though... Thanks to ReddX if he reads this. Please subscribe to him on YouTube if ya haven't. I'll see you again next time my little Tinderlings. -Dawn
TL;DR Lunatic lugnut baby-talks my bellybutton with his fish-lips.
2023.06.06 20:47 AccomplishedKale795 On the lam : The Marriage Edition
Devi was pleased at the surprising lack of itchiness that usually came with ethnic attire. This time, it seemed as if she had lucked out - the inside of her lehenga was incredibly soft, and the outside made her feel like a princess. As she looked at herself in the store mirror, she heard her mother call out - she would be inside the dressing room with Kamala.
After the frenzy that the past week had been, Devi relished the solitude of the moment.
Getting herself comfortable in a little armchair, she looked around the store - laden from floor to ceiling with Indian clothes of all kinds, for all ages, for all occasions. A few years ago, this same store would have elicited disgust from her, but now she felt happy and safe. At home.
She was also pleased but surprised at how comfortable she had grown to become with her Indian-ness. One might even say that she had missed feeling Indian.
A semester at Columbia will do that to you.
Kamala and Nalini emerged from the dressing room, Kamala donning a dark red lehenga with golden embellishments.
"You look beautiful Kamala!" Devi smiled at her. She doubted there was anything in this universe that Kamala could wear and not look pretty in, but this, this outfit felt as if it were made just for her.
Kamala, however, did not return Devi's smile. Instead her face held a grimace.
"Thank you Devi." she replied, standing in front of the mirror while Nalini moved around her excitedly, adjusting the veil on her head. Devi simply could not place what was wrong, but Kamala seemed more anxious than excited about her wedding, which was just two days away.
Five minutes later, Devi was back in her regular clothes with a bag in her hand and a disturbing thought in her head - Kamala didn't want to get married to Mr.K.
-----------------------------
Devi was convinced every doctor in the US was the kid of one of her mother's colleagues.
"And, Anderson, you know - he was in my third year residency! I think he's practicing in Boston now, and his daughter is in Harvard! He told me that she wants to pursue neurosurgery."
Pulling out her chair and serving herself some sphagetti, Devi wondered if shattering her eardrums and permanently losing her hearing was truly that bad of an option if she wouldn't have to listen to her mother go on and on and on about who was going to study what.
"Mom, I've told you, I don't want to become a doctor. It's too much work!"
"All professions are work, Devi!"
"I know, I know, but I think that the process is so long and grueling that you can only complete it if you really, really want to. And I don't"
"Well, you need to declare your major soon Devi. Have you been able to find another option? I'm not going to let my only daughter study something like art history"
Devi sighed. Here it was again, the same conversation that had been repeated every single night for four days straight since she had come back home for Thanksgiving.
Any time she tried to talk about her major, her brain drew a blank. Nothing seemed appealing and yet it all seemed interesting at the same time.
"This is important Devi. I don't understand how you don't have a single idea for what you want to do. All your classmates have five year plans mapped out - no, don't you interrupt me young lady! I heard you conversation with Ben! I had expected you to have at least some semblance of a vision!"
This conversation was uncomfortable, just like any conversation featuring parental disappointment was for her.
Devi had spent hours researching the process to become a doctor, only to realise that she simply did not have the stomach to study that much. Ever since, she had tried several 'what career is right for me' tests online. The result that popped up most frequently was attorney or lawyer.
She had tried to bring up the option with her mother once, only to have all her hopes crushed. "Lawyers are serious, sincere people Devi, and it is a very hard job. Are you sure you about this?"
As much as she had wanted to fire right back and tell her mother that the job of a doctor was also very hard, the first few of her words struck too hard. She didn't think Devi could ever be serious and sincere.
Ever since, she had been unable to discuss the idea again, scared that she might learn more of what her mother thought of her.
Her mother was right, even she had expected better from herself.
However, she wasn't going to suffer through this heaviness for yet another dinner, because today, she had the perfect distraction.
"Anyways, Kamala! You looked a little anxious in the store today, is everything alright?"
Kamala, who had been silently lost in her thoughts so far, suddenly sat up straighter.
"Huh? Wha - oh, that? No, I was just feeling a bit down because of the heat." she replied with a nervous smile.
Kamala's strange reaction drove any thoughts about her major out of Devi's mind, because the AC in the store had been cranked up to the point that all the metallic emebellishments on her lehenga had felt cold.
"Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?"
"No, Devi, I am perfectly fine. Now if you will please excuse me, I need to go to bed early today" Kamala snapped, taking her barely touched food back to the kitchen.
Oh, something was definitely wrong.
-------------------------------------------
The day before the wedding, the Vishwakumar household had been abuzz with activity since the morning. The final trial for their clothes had taken place earlier that day, but Devi was yet to take off her attire - she was too busy helping Pati with the flowers. Finally, when Mr.K and his parents arrived in the afternoon, Devi got the chance to sit down.
Devi realised that she had suffered the misfortune of becoming quite close to her annoyingly pretty, wannoyingly Indian cousin - so much so, that only she could tell that Kamala wanted nothing more than to escape this marriage. Hence, she also realised, the mantle to help her cousin escape this wedding, bollywood style, now also rested on her.
This realisation dawned upon her when she saw Kamala constantly fidgeting with a pen while Mr.K sat calmly by her side. No one else in the room seemed to notice that something was wrong - not Mr.K's parents, not Nalini, not Nirmala, just her.
Getting up and walking towards the stairs, she gestured at Kamala to follow her. With a nervous 'I'll be back in a moment', Kamala hurried after her.
"Okay, cousin, something is up with you. You have to tell me at least." Devi said as soon as the door to her room was shut.
Sighing, Kamala sat down on the bed.
"I don't know why, but I'm still scared of getting married. Manish is such a great guy, and I'm doing great in my career, but I still don't feel ready."
"What are you scared of?" Devi asked.
"I don't know. But maybe, I'm scared that this will change after getting married. I won't see all of you as often, and my relationship with Manish won't stay the same either. What if it's not the same any more and I regret my decision?"
Change, Devi realised. Kamala was scared of change. As much as she was herself convinced that she and Mr.K made a perfect match, she wasn't sure if she was up to the task of convincing Kamala.
"I think you should talk about this to Mr.K, no?"
"I know, but I'm too scared of that. I don't want him to think that I'm rejecting him or anything. I'm just not ready."
Kamala's voice wavered towards the end of her sentence, and Devi knew that she wouldn't be able to go through with this wedding.
But maybe she could save Kamala from having the face the music herself and leave it all for her mother and grandmother to deal with.
She might not be a great daughter, she might not know what her major should be, but she sure as hell could be a great sister right now. She was too young to give Kamala any advice, but she could buy her a lot of time.
"Alright then, Kamala" she began, with the mischievious smile that had always preceded the wildest of her plans "You don't want to get married, then don't get married. We're escaping this stuffy Indian event right now."
-----------------------------------------
Devi had never felt as much relief as she did when her feet finally touched the ground.
"That" she thought "seemed a lot more effortless when Paxton and Ben did it. Well, I would like to see them do it in a lehenga."
Devi's idea this time, had been to reach the backyard through her window, and then run to Ben's house without being found out by anyone. She had realised the risks the plan carried the moment she had placed one foot out the window, but she was willing to risk a few broken bones for the sake of being a good cousin and for the thrill of adventure.
Well, if worst came to worst and she did end up breaking something, the event would be cancelled anyways, but she preferred other, less injurious method of helping Kamala.
Dusting her hands off, she called out to her cousin.
"Kamala, you there? Just slowly put on leg out of the window, and then the other, and then hold your balance on the ledge! Don't be scared, I didn't die or hurt myself at all!"
"Why are you yelling at the window, I'm right here!"
Devi jumped in surprise and turned around to find her cousin standing right behind her.
"Wait, Kamala? How did you get here so quick?"
"I didn't want to climb down from the window so I came out through the kitchen door."
Despite being slightly pissed that Kamala had ruined her big dramatic moment, Devi whipped out her phone and dialled a number. About five minutes later, a shiny black Porsche was parked a few houses away from her, ready to take her and her cousin to safety.
---------------------------------------
"So, have you turned my home into some sort of safe house that you can escape to any time you're on the lam?"
Devi rolled her eyes at Ben. So far she had only spent five minutes in his room, but with the number of criminal activity jokes she had heard it might as well have been five hours.
"Well, I'm glad to have made the acquaintance of such a seasoned outlaw. Why are you on the wrong side of the rules this time around?" he laughed, stretching his legs out where he sat on the bed. Devi roamed around, observing.
Before Devi could send back a witty reply, she spotted something on his desk.
A grief journal. Identical to the one Dr.Ryan had given her years ago.
Kamala had requested some solitude, so they had left her alone in one of the fifty million spare bedrooms that Ben's house had, while they headed up to his room.
The room felt emptier, and Devi felt a bit strange being back here. The semester in Columbia had led to Devi becoming accustomed to Ben's dorm room, and this room brought back memories of an older self.
So far she had smiled at all the memories, as she remembered how she had run here in sophomore year, how Ben had helped reunite her with her friends, how she had lost her virginity in this very room to the boy she was slowly beginning to fall in love with.
But on seeing the journal a face suddenly flashed in her brain - a face she had gone a surprisingly long time without thinking about.
What would Dad have said, if I told him I wanted to become a lawyer?
She remembered how she had gotten into a fight with her mother, and how they had reconciled to spread her dad's ashes.
You don't like me, mom.
These thoughts were supposed to be in the past - why was she still worried that her mom didn't like her?
They are serious and sincere people, Devi, are you sure about this?
Was her mother disappointed that she hadn't been able to get into Princeton? Columbia was still an ivy , but maybe her mother had wanted her to go to her first choice.
Devi shook her head - she had to clear away all these thoughts before they became a problem.
"What is this, your journal?" she asked, holding up the book.
"Oh, that? Yeah, my old therapist gave it to me. It's empty though, never wrote anything in it"
"Your old therapist? Did you get a new one?" Devi asked as she sat on the floor beside the bed, looking up at Ben.
"Nah, I quit. I don't really need therapy, you know? I've never gone through anything traumatic and my life is great!" he smiled at her.
But Devi could tell there was something behind his smile, something he was not telling her.
"Ben, my life is great too. But I still go. What's up?"
Ben opened his mouth to throw another reassurance at her, but then thought the better of it.
"It's just, I don't like talking about anything bad that happened. My life really is great. I'm going to my dream college, I'm getting good grades, I've got you, I've got Dad, I've got Ronny and Mitch. Life is great. I don't want to dig up any of the bad stuff from the past and ruin it all"
"But then what about the next time life isn't great?" Devi asked, looking down at her hands, "All the stuff you leave unresolved will come back to haunt you, and you won't have answers for any of it."
Ben looked at her carefully for a minute.
"Are you alright, David? Is there anything bothering you?"
Devi was surprised at how well Ben could read her. Sure, she had been thinking about how she never quite convinced herself that her mother liked her, and now her doubts were here to ruin her days with full force.
"What major do you think I should pick?"
Ben was slightly taken aback by the question - this was not what he had expected.
"Uh, I don't know. What career do you want to pursue after college?"
"I don't know."
Devi turned around again to look at him.
"Suppose I wanted to be a lawyer. Would you say I'm not sincere enough to do it?"
"Who said you aren't sincere enough?"
"Mom"
And there it is, Ben thought, that is what's bothering her. By the expectant, slightly scared look on her face, Ben could tell that Devi did not like what her mom had said.
"I think you would make a great laywer, actually. You've got a great memory so you'll do well in law school, you'd be great at presenting in court, and you're a very clever and dedicated researcher. My dad's a lawyer, maybe you could ask him?"
He could see Devi visibly deflate with relief.
They stayed silent for a while, contemplating the words that had passed between them, before Devi spoke up again.
"I wonder what Dad would've said about this, if he was here."
Ben didn't quite know what to say, so he said what he believed Devi wanted to hear.
"I think he would've encouraged you to go for it. I think you can do it too, if you want to. And I forgot to tell you, I think you look really pretty in that outfit. Like a princess."
Devi closed her eyes and smiled, before looking at him again with adoration in her eyes.
"Ah, Mr. Gross, what would I do without you."
"You'd probably die."
The laughter that followed left Devi feeling a little lighter.
-----------------------------
Kamala had spent the past two hours lying on the bed, occasionally nibbling at her nails, and discovering that clear nail polish tasted extremely bitter.
She simply could not convince herself to go back. She thought she had wanted time, time to think and convince herself, but now after thinking for so long she was convinced that she absolutely could not do this. She could not get married - she just didn't have the ability.
She heard a gentle knock on the door, and Devi entered.
"How are you then, decided on anything? We can't keep hiding out here forever!"
"I know. But I still don't want to get married, and that's scary."
Devi sighed and sat down on the bed beside her cousin. If the past few years had taught her anything, it was that she hated it when other people kept giving her advice or assuming things when she was upset. Maybe if she just asked Kamala questions, her cousin would feel better.
"You're scared that you don't want to get married?"
"I'm scared that I might never want to get married at all."
Devi's eyebrows went up high as she registered what her cousin has said.
"I - earlier I thought that I didn't want to mess up my career, and that's why I was so against the idea of marriage. But even now, when everything is going great, I still can't bring myself to do it. I have no doubt that Manish will support me through anything. But I'm still scared. I can't do this without discussing this with him first and figuring it all out."
Devi nodded.
"If you're having trouble talking to him, maybe you could write him a letter or an email?"
Five minutes later, Kamala sat typing away on Ben's laptop, while Devi watched, smiling to herself. She was sure she had been a good sister today.
-------------------------------------------------
Patty frowned as she paced around in the living room.
"They'll destroy my kitchen, these kids." she muttered to herself.
Ben and Devi had decided to cook dinner that day. After long deliberation (and several threats from Patty about what she would do if they set something on fire), they settled on pasta. Simple, tasty, and with very little chance of the fire department being called.
As Devi poured out the water from the pasta, she decided to bring up their earlier conversation again.
"So, Ben, you said you don't want to go to therapy because you don't like talking about the past."
Ben stopped chopping his mushrooms for a moment, but then continued with a smile.
"Nothing gets past you, huh?"
Hoisting herself to sit on the counter, Devi continued "You know, I used to think therapy was all hokey stuff too. For the kinds who stare out of rainy windows and listen to too much Lana Del Ray - "
"Hey, anti-Lana speech is not tolerated in this house." Ben said, playfully stern, pointing his knife at her.
"No, of course not!" Devi laughed "But, case in point, I used to think therapy is for the kind of people who ponder on the meaning of life and are sad all the time."
"And it's not?"
"It's not. After Dad died, I tried to push Dr.Ryan away a lot, but at the end of the day, her advice helped me become a little less crazy."
Ben sighed and set his knife down.
"You were never crazy. You were sad because you lost the most important person in your life."
"Oh, is that so? Am I talking to the same person who once said I went straight up psycho?"
Devi had meant it as a joke - she was glad that these days she was able to joke about that period of her life, but the way Ben suddenly stopped dead and stared at her, told her he hadn't understood the joke.
"I was joking, Ben, I didn't mean - "
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that I said all that stuff to you. The things about faking your paralysis, and the UN thing, god, I was so dumb. I'm so sorry, those were such terrible things to say, I shouldn't have done that" he blurted out in a rush.
Devi smiled back at him.
"It's okay Ben. You've done more than enough to make up for it. I'm not mad at all."
"You're not an unfuckable nerd at all" he said shyly "You're actually very pretty. Especially in those clothes."
"It's called a lehenga."
"Especially in a lehenga." he smiled, going back to his vegetables.
"So, what was I saying? Yeah, therapy helps Ben."
"I know, I just - "
He paused for a moment, with his eyes closed, but when he opened them again his mind was made up.
"I know it helps. I don't want it to help. I don't want to feel any of the bad stuff again. When my parents wouldn't have dinner with me and I would be lonely, when you - you cheated on me with Paxton, I was, broken. I was broken. And I know I've broken others. There's so much resentment and guilt in those memories, there's not point in digging them up."
Devi hopped off the counter and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. This was it, she had the perfect answer.
"I'm sorry for the cheating thing, really, really sorry." she began "I was a dumb kid back then. Still am, but slightly less dumb. But the thing is, you haven't overcome any of the resentment or guilt, Ben, you've just pushed it deep down. It's still there. And if you go to therapy, you can actually get rid of it. You can forgive everyone else and yourself."
Ben looked at her for a moment, smiling slightly, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll try it out when we get back to Columbia, alright?"
Devi nodded happily and went back to her pasta, now fully drained and dry, ready to be mixed with the sauce.
"And for the record" Ben said "You would make an excellent lawyer."
Devi smiled. Good sister? Check.
Good girlfriend? Check, baby.
---------------------------------------------
Ben was convinced it was karma that had come back to get him. For all the dinners in the Vishwakumar household that he had interrupted, this was the ultimate payback.
Because Nalini Vishwakumar was currently standing in his dining room, looking angry enough to explode. The only saving grace was that she wasn't looking at him - no, she was glaring daggers at Devi and Kamala.
Ben and his father looked at each other and gulped. Neither had the courage to speak.
"How dare - HOW DARE YOU TWO DO SUCH A THING?"
"I- I can explain - " Kamala began nervously, but was cut off by Nalini's angry rant.
"WE SEARCHED FOR YOU EVERYWHERE! WE WERE SO WORRIED! Kamala, you can't keep doing this again and again! Why did you agree to marry him when you were just going to run away again? You should have seen the look on his face! He was heartbroken!"
"Manish, he was heartbroken?" Kamala asked quietly, on the verge of tears.
"Yes! He was worried you were kidnapped or dead in a ditch somewhere! He was so relieved when he recieved your email! It was from some ID called 'ben is not gross' and he thought you had run away with your secret boyfriend or something! I was the one to figure out where you where!"
As much as Devi had the urge to just shut up and let the storm pass, she knew that this was her idea to begin with.
Stupid morals.
"Mom, don't yell at Kamala. I thought she was scared and needed some time to herself, this was my idea."
Nalini's glare now turned from Kamala to Devi.
"What, Devi, instead of telling me what was wrong, you decided that running away was the best course of action? Who put you in charge? If you want to be treated like an adult you have to behave like one! This is not how adults behave!"
Devi racked her brain for an answer that would calm her mother down.
"Mom, think about it, this is marriage! It's a life long commitment! If I had taken Kamala to you, you would've convinced her to go through with this! I can't let her do that unless she's entirely sure!"
Nalini opened her mouth angrily, ready to yell some more, before realising she did not have a retort for it - Devi was right. She would indeed have convinced Kamala to go through with her wedding.
"Devi, this conversation should have happened in our living room, not in another neighbourhood entirely with less than 24 hours remaining!"
"But mom! Mr.K was there, and his parents were there, you were there, you all would have told her to not ruin it and get married! She needed some space and time to think for herself and she couldn't find it at home! I couldn't just let her get married and ruin two lives because I didn't have the guts to help her run away!"
Nalini had a strange look on her face as she looked at Devi silently for a bit. Howard Gross finally gathered the courage to clear his throat.
"We'll, uh, this seems like a family matter, we'll leave" he said, gesturing to Ben and walking out the door rapidly.
Nalini pulled out a chair and settled down in it, massaging her temples in frustration.
"Well, Kamala, I'm very disappointed in you. I want you to speak with Manish right now. He's been calling you all day."
Kamala nodded. Dialling a number on her phone, she rushed out of the room.
"Now as for you, Devi."
Devi braced herself for the upcoming punishments.
"I'm proud of you."
Huh?
Devi stared at her mom as if she had sprouted two heads.
"You made the right choice. Sure, you brought great shame upon this family, for the third time now, but you made the right choice. You placed what was important over what was easy and obvious. I'm very happy with you."
Getting up, she held out her hand for Devi to hold. Hand in hand, they walked out, with a giant smile on Devi's face.
Did that just happen? Am I dreaming? Am I stuck in a simulation?
In the kitchen, Kamala was speaking in pensive tones and nodding frquently, but from the absence of tears Devi could discern that all was well between Kamala and Mr.K.
"Mr.Gross, I'm so sorry that my daughter and niece disturbed you for so long."
"Oh, no problem, she's a delight to have around anyways."
A few minutes later, the Vishwakumars were seated in Nalini's car, speeding off towards home.
"He was angry, but mostly relieved that I was safe. His parents didn't seem to care much, to be honest. We'll have a talk when I get back home." Kamala said, quickly relaying her conversation to the other two.
Devi was happy that Kamala wasn't in trouble, but more than that, she was feeling all warm inside from her mother's words.
I'm proud of you. She's proud of me!
"Hey mom!" Devi said suddenly "Remember the conversation we had last night about my major?"
"Yes, Devi, I realise that I'm rushing you a bit. Make this choise wisely, okay? But no art history or liberal science or anything."
"Yeah, about that, I've decided. I am going to be a lawyer. I know it's tough and only sincere students are able to make it, but trust me, I can do this."
"Devi, I never doubted you for a second. Why would you think so?"
Devi was stunned for a second. But then -
"You said that only serious and sincere people become lawyers, and if I was sure?"
"Yes, it's true! It's a path as difficult as becoming a doctor, if you were so wary of studying medicine then I thought you should know it's equally difficult to become a lawyer!"
I am such an idiot.
"Oh thank god. I've been upsetting myself this whole time thinking that you found me dumb or something."
"Devi, I - of course I don't find you dumb! Why would you ever think of such things?"
Devi hesitated for a moment, before remembering the advice she gave Ben. Turning to look into her lap, she blurted it all out in one go.
"I - sometimes I tend to think that you don't like me or the things I do, and that you think that I'm lazy and I won't be able to achieve anything great. I -I thought you were disappointed about me not getting into Princeton."
A few moments of tense silence passed before Nalini spoke again.
"I'm so proud of you, Devi! You got into an ivy league school, who cares which one it is? Of course I like you! You are a brilliant, kind and strong young lady, and you will do great things. Sometimes I disapprove of the things you do, but I am so proud of you! I wouldn't want anyone else on the whole planet for a daughter! You'll make an excellent lawyer! I was fuming when I entered that room and you managed to bring me back to reason!"
A weight she didn't know she was carrying was lifted off her shoulders, making her feel weightless. Here they were, the words she had been dying to hear all her life. She didn't bother to stop her tears, but she still smiled through them.
"Thanks mom. I love you."
I love you too, Devi"
Good sister? Check. Good girlfriend? Check.
Good daughter? Finally, check.
The day may have started off with running away from a wedding, but it had ended up being one of the most wonderful days Devi had experienced in a long time.
Perhaps, she thought, it might just be one the of the best days ever.
----------------
Author's Note: Whew that was long.
So, I don't like this one as much I liked the Ben one. In my effort to stay true to the show's style, I think I got too intentionally cheesy and feel good, and the dialouge is a bit clunky. Well, I'm always improving.
I have managed to fulfil two of my greatest wishes :
I hope you enjoyed reading it! Again, critism and feeback is most appreciated, but please be kind.
submitted by AccomplishedKale795 to Neverhaveievertvshow [link] [comments]
After the frenzy that the past week had been, Devi relished the solitude of the moment.
Getting herself comfortable in a little armchair, she looked around the store - laden from floor to ceiling with Indian clothes of all kinds, for all ages, for all occasions. A few years ago, this same store would have elicited disgust from her, but now she felt happy and safe. At home.
She was also pleased but surprised at how comfortable she had grown to become with her Indian-ness. One might even say that she had missed feeling Indian.
A semester at Columbia will do that to you.
Kamala and Nalini emerged from the dressing room, Kamala donning a dark red lehenga with golden embellishments.
"You look beautiful Kamala!" Devi smiled at her. She doubted there was anything in this universe that Kamala could wear and not look pretty in, but this, this outfit felt as if it were made just for her.
Kamala, however, did not return Devi's smile. Instead her face held a grimace.
"Thank you Devi." she replied, standing in front of the mirror while Nalini moved around her excitedly, adjusting the veil on her head. Devi simply could not place what was wrong, but Kamala seemed more anxious than excited about her wedding, which was just two days away.
Five minutes later, Devi was back in her regular clothes with a bag in her hand and a disturbing thought in her head - Kamala didn't want to get married to Mr.K.
-----------------------------
Devi was convinced every doctor in the US was the kid of one of her mother's colleagues.
"And, Anderson, you know - he was in my third year residency! I think he's practicing in Boston now, and his daughter is in Harvard! He told me that she wants to pursue neurosurgery."
Pulling out her chair and serving herself some sphagetti, Devi wondered if shattering her eardrums and permanently losing her hearing was truly that bad of an option if she wouldn't have to listen to her mother go on and on and on about who was going to study what.
"Mom, I've told you, I don't want to become a doctor. It's too much work!"
"All professions are work, Devi!"
"I know, I know, but I think that the process is so long and grueling that you can only complete it if you really, really want to. And I don't"
"Well, you need to declare your major soon Devi. Have you been able to find another option? I'm not going to let my only daughter study something like art history"
Devi sighed. Here it was again, the same conversation that had been repeated every single night for four days straight since she had come back home for Thanksgiving.
Any time she tried to talk about her major, her brain drew a blank. Nothing seemed appealing and yet it all seemed interesting at the same time.
"This is important Devi. I don't understand how you don't have a single idea for what you want to do. All your classmates have five year plans mapped out - no, don't you interrupt me young lady! I heard you conversation with Ben! I had expected you to have at least some semblance of a vision!"
This conversation was uncomfortable, just like any conversation featuring parental disappointment was for her.
Devi had spent hours researching the process to become a doctor, only to realise that she simply did not have the stomach to study that much. Ever since, she had tried several 'what career is right for me' tests online. The result that popped up most frequently was attorney or lawyer.
She had tried to bring up the option with her mother once, only to have all her hopes crushed. "Lawyers are serious, sincere people Devi, and it is a very hard job. Are you sure you about this?"
As much as she had wanted to fire right back and tell her mother that the job of a doctor was also very hard, the first few of her words struck too hard. She didn't think Devi could ever be serious and sincere.
Ever since, she had been unable to discuss the idea again, scared that she might learn more of what her mother thought of her.
Her mother was right, even she had expected better from herself.
However, she wasn't going to suffer through this heaviness for yet another dinner, because today, she had the perfect distraction.
"Anyways, Kamala! You looked a little anxious in the store today, is everything alright?"
Kamala, who had been silently lost in her thoughts so far, suddenly sat up straighter.
"Huh? Wha - oh, that? No, I was just feeling a bit down because of the heat." she replied with a nervous smile.
Kamala's strange reaction drove any thoughts about her major out of Devi's mind, because the AC in the store had been cranked up to the point that all the metallic emebellishments on her lehenga had felt cold.
"Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?"
"No, Devi, I am perfectly fine. Now if you will please excuse me, I need to go to bed early today" Kamala snapped, taking her barely touched food back to the kitchen.
Oh, something was definitely wrong.
-------------------------------------------
The day before the wedding, the Vishwakumar household had been abuzz with activity since the morning. The final trial for their clothes had taken place earlier that day, but Devi was yet to take off her attire - she was too busy helping Pati with the flowers. Finally, when Mr.K and his parents arrived in the afternoon, Devi got the chance to sit down.
Devi realised that she had suffered the misfortune of becoming quite close to her annoyingly pretty, wannoyingly Indian cousin - so much so, that only she could tell that Kamala wanted nothing more than to escape this marriage. Hence, she also realised, the mantle to help her cousin escape this wedding, bollywood style, now also rested on her.
This realisation dawned upon her when she saw Kamala constantly fidgeting with a pen while Mr.K sat calmly by her side. No one else in the room seemed to notice that something was wrong - not Mr.K's parents, not Nalini, not Nirmala, just her.
Getting up and walking towards the stairs, she gestured at Kamala to follow her. With a nervous 'I'll be back in a moment', Kamala hurried after her.
"Okay, cousin, something is up with you. You have to tell me at least." Devi said as soon as the door to her room was shut.
Sighing, Kamala sat down on the bed.
"I don't know why, but I'm still scared of getting married. Manish is such a great guy, and I'm doing great in my career, but I still don't feel ready."
"What are you scared of?" Devi asked.
"I don't know. But maybe, I'm scared that this will change after getting married. I won't see all of you as often, and my relationship with Manish won't stay the same either. What if it's not the same any more and I regret my decision?"
Change, Devi realised. Kamala was scared of change. As much as she was herself convinced that she and Mr.K made a perfect match, she wasn't sure if she was up to the task of convincing Kamala.
"I think you should talk about this to Mr.K, no?"
"I know, but I'm too scared of that. I don't want him to think that I'm rejecting him or anything. I'm just not ready."
Kamala's voice wavered towards the end of her sentence, and Devi knew that she wouldn't be able to go through with this wedding.
But maybe she could save Kamala from having the face the music herself and leave it all for her mother and grandmother to deal with.
She might not be a great daughter, she might not know what her major should be, but she sure as hell could be a great sister right now. She was too young to give Kamala any advice, but she could buy her a lot of time.
"Alright then, Kamala" she began, with the mischievious smile that had always preceded the wildest of her plans "You don't want to get married, then don't get married. We're escaping this stuffy Indian event right now."
-----------------------------------------
Devi had never felt as much relief as she did when her feet finally touched the ground.
"That" she thought "seemed a lot more effortless when Paxton and Ben did it. Well, I would like to see them do it in a lehenga."
Devi's idea this time, had been to reach the backyard through her window, and then run to Ben's house without being found out by anyone. She had realised the risks the plan carried the moment she had placed one foot out the window, but she was willing to risk a few broken bones for the sake of being a good cousin and for the thrill of adventure.
Well, if worst came to worst and she did end up breaking something, the event would be cancelled anyways, but she preferred other, less injurious method of helping Kamala.
Dusting her hands off, she called out to her cousin.
"Kamala, you there? Just slowly put on leg out of the window, and then the other, and then hold your balance on the ledge! Don't be scared, I didn't die or hurt myself at all!"
"Why are you yelling at the window, I'm right here!"
Devi jumped in surprise and turned around to find her cousin standing right behind her.
"Wait, Kamala? How did you get here so quick?"
"I didn't want to climb down from the window so I came out through the kitchen door."
Despite being slightly pissed that Kamala had ruined her big dramatic moment, Devi whipped out her phone and dialled a number. About five minutes later, a shiny black Porsche was parked a few houses away from her, ready to take her and her cousin to safety.
---------------------------------------
"So, have you turned my home into some sort of safe house that you can escape to any time you're on the lam?"
Devi rolled her eyes at Ben. So far she had only spent five minutes in his room, but with the number of criminal activity jokes she had heard it might as well have been five hours.
"Well, I'm glad to have made the acquaintance of such a seasoned outlaw. Why are you on the wrong side of the rules this time around?" he laughed, stretching his legs out where he sat on the bed. Devi roamed around, observing.
Before Devi could send back a witty reply, she spotted something on his desk.
A grief journal. Identical to the one Dr.Ryan had given her years ago.
Kamala had requested some solitude, so they had left her alone in one of the fifty million spare bedrooms that Ben's house had, while they headed up to his room.
The room felt emptier, and Devi felt a bit strange being back here. The semester in Columbia had led to Devi becoming accustomed to Ben's dorm room, and this room brought back memories of an older self.
So far she had smiled at all the memories, as she remembered how she had run here in sophomore year, how Ben had helped reunite her with her friends, how she had lost her virginity in this very room to the boy she was slowly beginning to fall in love with.
But on seeing the journal a face suddenly flashed in her brain - a face she had gone a surprisingly long time without thinking about.
What would Dad have said, if I told him I wanted to become a lawyer?
She remembered how she had gotten into a fight with her mother, and how they had reconciled to spread her dad's ashes.
You don't like me, mom.
These thoughts were supposed to be in the past - why was she still worried that her mom didn't like her?
They are serious and sincere people, Devi, are you sure about this?
Was her mother disappointed that she hadn't been able to get into Princeton? Columbia was still an ivy , but maybe her mother had wanted her to go to her first choice.
Devi shook her head - she had to clear away all these thoughts before they became a problem.
"What is this, your journal?" she asked, holding up the book.
"Oh, that? Yeah, my old therapist gave it to me. It's empty though, never wrote anything in it"
"Your old therapist? Did you get a new one?" Devi asked as she sat on the floor beside the bed, looking up at Ben.
"Nah, I quit. I don't really need therapy, you know? I've never gone through anything traumatic and my life is great!" he smiled at her.
But Devi could tell there was something behind his smile, something he was not telling her.
"Ben, my life is great too. But I still go. What's up?"
Ben opened his mouth to throw another reassurance at her, but then thought the better of it.
"It's just, I don't like talking about anything bad that happened. My life really is great. I'm going to my dream college, I'm getting good grades, I've got you, I've got Dad, I've got Ronny and Mitch. Life is great. I don't want to dig up any of the bad stuff from the past and ruin it all"
"But then what about the next time life isn't great?" Devi asked, looking down at her hands, "All the stuff you leave unresolved will come back to haunt you, and you won't have answers for any of it."
Ben looked at her carefully for a minute.
"Are you alright, David? Is there anything bothering you?"
Devi was surprised at how well Ben could read her. Sure, she had been thinking about how she never quite convinced herself that her mother liked her, and now her doubts were here to ruin her days with full force.
"What major do you think I should pick?"
Ben was slightly taken aback by the question - this was not what he had expected.
"Uh, I don't know. What career do you want to pursue after college?"
"I don't know."
Devi turned around again to look at him.
"Suppose I wanted to be a lawyer. Would you say I'm not sincere enough to do it?"
"Who said you aren't sincere enough?"
"Mom"
And there it is, Ben thought, that is what's bothering her. By the expectant, slightly scared look on her face, Ben could tell that Devi did not like what her mom had said.
"I think you would make a great laywer, actually. You've got a great memory so you'll do well in law school, you'd be great at presenting in court, and you're a very clever and dedicated researcher. My dad's a lawyer, maybe you could ask him?"
He could see Devi visibly deflate with relief.
They stayed silent for a while, contemplating the words that had passed between them, before Devi spoke up again.
"I wonder what Dad would've said about this, if he was here."
Ben didn't quite know what to say, so he said what he believed Devi wanted to hear.
"I think he would've encouraged you to go for it. I think you can do it too, if you want to. And I forgot to tell you, I think you look really pretty in that outfit. Like a princess."
Devi closed her eyes and smiled, before looking at him again with adoration in her eyes.
"Ah, Mr. Gross, what would I do without you."
"You'd probably die."
The laughter that followed left Devi feeling a little lighter.
-----------------------------
Kamala had spent the past two hours lying on the bed, occasionally nibbling at her nails, and discovering that clear nail polish tasted extremely bitter.
She simply could not convince herself to go back. She thought she had wanted time, time to think and convince herself, but now after thinking for so long she was convinced that she absolutely could not do this. She could not get married - she just didn't have the ability.
She heard a gentle knock on the door, and Devi entered.
"How are you then, decided on anything? We can't keep hiding out here forever!"
"I know. But I still don't want to get married, and that's scary."
Devi sighed and sat down on the bed beside her cousin. If the past few years had taught her anything, it was that she hated it when other people kept giving her advice or assuming things when she was upset. Maybe if she just asked Kamala questions, her cousin would feel better.
"You're scared that you don't want to get married?"
"I'm scared that I might never want to get married at all."
Devi's eyebrows went up high as she registered what her cousin has said.
"I - earlier I thought that I didn't want to mess up my career, and that's why I was so against the idea of marriage. But even now, when everything is going great, I still can't bring myself to do it. I have no doubt that Manish will support me through anything. But I'm still scared. I can't do this without discussing this with him first and figuring it all out."
Devi nodded.
"If you're having trouble talking to him, maybe you could write him a letter or an email?"
Five minutes later, Kamala sat typing away on Ben's laptop, while Devi watched, smiling to herself. She was sure she had been a good sister today.
-------------------------------------------------
Patty frowned as she paced around in the living room.
"They'll destroy my kitchen, these kids." she muttered to herself.
Ben and Devi had decided to cook dinner that day. After long deliberation (and several threats from Patty about what she would do if they set something on fire), they settled on pasta. Simple, tasty, and with very little chance of the fire department being called.
As Devi poured out the water from the pasta, she decided to bring up their earlier conversation again.
"So, Ben, you said you don't want to go to therapy because you don't like talking about the past."
Ben stopped chopping his mushrooms for a moment, but then continued with a smile.
"Nothing gets past you, huh?"
Hoisting herself to sit on the counter, Devi continued "You know, I used to think therapy was all hokey stuff too. For the kinds who stare out of rainy windows and listen to too much Lana Del Ray - "
"Hey, anti-Lana speech is not tolerated in this house." Ben said, playfully stern, pointing his knife at her.
"No, of course not!" Devi laughed "But, case in point, I used to think therapy is for the kind of people who ponder on the meaning of life and are sad all the time."
"And it's not?"
"It's not. After Dad died, I tried to push Dr.Ryan away a lot, but at the end of the day, her advice helped me become a little less crazy."
Ben sighed and set his knife down.
"You were never crazy. You were sad because you lost the most important person in your life."
"Oh, is that so? Am I talking to the same person who once said I went straight up psycho?"
Devi had meant it as a joke - she was glad that these days she was able to joke about that period of her life, but the way Ben suddenly stopped dead and stared at her, told her he hadn't understood the joke.
"I was joking, Ben, I didn't mean - "
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that I said all that stuff to you. The things about faking your paralysis, and the UN thing, god, I was so dumb. I'm so sorry, those were such terrible things to say, I shouldn't have done that" he blurted out in a rush.
Devi smiled back at him.
"It's okay Ben. You've done more than enough to make up for it. I'm not mad at all."
"You're not an unfuckable nerd at all" he said shyly "You're actually very pretty. Especially in those clothes."
"It's called a lehenga."
"Especially in a lehenga." he smiled, going back to his vegetables.
"So, what was I saying? Yeah, therapy helps Ben."
"I know, I just - "
He paused for a moment, with his eyes closed, but when he opened them again his mind was made up.
"I know it helps. I don't want it to help. I don't want to feel any of the bad stuff again. When my parents wouldn't have dinner with me and I would be lonely, when you - you cheated on me with Paxton, I was, broken. I was broken. And I know I've broken others. There's so much resentment and guilt in those memories, there's not point in digging them up."
Devi hopped off the counter and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. This was it, she had the perfect answer.
"I'm sorry for the cheating thing, really, really sorry." she began "I was a dumb kid back then. Still am, but slightly less dumb. But the thing is, you haven't overcome any of the resentment or guilt, Ben, you've just pushed it deep down. It's still there. And if you go to therapy, you can actually get rid of it. You can forgive everyone else and yourself."
Ben looked at her for a moment, smiling slightly, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll try it out when we get back to Columbia, alright?"
Devi nodded happily and went back to her pasta, now fully drained and dry, ready to be mixed with the sauce.
"And for the record" Ben said "You would make an excellent lawyer."
Devi smiled. Good sister? Check.
Good girlfriend? Check, baby.
---------------------------------------------
Ben was convinced it was karma that had come back to get him. For all the dinners in the Vishwakumar household that he had interrupted, this was the ultimate payback.
Because Nalini Vishwakumar was currently standing in his dining room, looking angry enough to explode. The only saving grace was that she wasn't looking at him - no, she was glaring daggers at Devi and Kamala.
Ben and his father looked at each other and gulped. Neither had the courage to speak.
"How dare - HOW DARE YOU TWO DO SUCH A THING?"
"I- I can explain - " Kamala began nervously, but was cut off by Nalini's angry rant.
"WE SEARCHED FOR YOU EVERYWHERE! WE WERE SO WORRIED! Kamala, you can't keep doing this again and again! Why did you agree to marry him when you were just going to run away again? You should have seen the look on his face! He was heartbroken!"
"Manish, he was heartbroken?" Kamala asked quietly, on the verge of tears.
"Yes! He was worried you were kidnapped or dead in a ditch somewhere! He was so relieved when he recieved your email! It was from some ID called 'ben is not gross' and he thought you had run away with your secret boyfriend or something! I was the one to figure out where you where!"
As much as Devi had the urge to just shut up and let the storm pass, she knew that this was her idea to begin with.
Stupid morals.
"Mom, don't yell at Kamala. I thought she was scared and needed some time to herself, this was my idea."
Nalini's glare now turned from Kamala to Devi.
"What, Devi, instead of telling me what was wrong, you decided that running away was the best course of action? Who put you in charge? If you want to be treated like an adult you have to behave like one! This is not how adults behave!"
Devi racked her brain for an answer that would calm her mother down.
"Mom, think about it, this is marriage! It's a life long commitment! If I had taken Kamala to you, you would've convinced her to go through with this! I can't let her do that unless she's entirely sure!"
Nalini opened her mouth angrily, ready to yell some more, before realising she did not have a retort for it - Devi was right. She would indeed have convinced Kamala to go through with her wedding.
"Devi, this conversation should have happened in our living room, not in another neighbourhood entirely with less than 24 hours remaining!"
"But mom! Mr.K was there, and his parents were there, you were there, you all would have told her to not ruin it and get married! She needed some space and time to think for herself and she couldn't find it at home! I couldn't just let her get married and ruin two lives because I didn't have the guts to help her run away!"
Nalini had a strange look on her face as she looked at Devi silently for a bit. Howard Gross finally gathered the courage to clear his throat.
"We'll, uh, this seems like a family matter, we'll leave" he said, gesturing to Ben and walking out the door rapidly.
Nalini pulled out a chair and settled down in it, massaging her temples in frustration.
"Well, Kamala, I'm very disappointed in you. I want you to speak with Manish right now. He's been calling you all day."
Kamala nodded. Dialling a number on her phone, she rushed out of the room.
"Now as for you, Devi."
Devi braced herself for the upcoming punishments.
"I'm proud of you."
Huh?
Devi stared at her mom as if she had sprouted two heads.
"You made the right choice. Sure, you brought great shame upon this family, for the third time now, but you made the right choice. You placed what was important over what was easy and obvious. I'm very happy with you."
Getting up, she held out her hand for Devi to hold. Hand in hand, they walked out, with a giant smile on Devi's face.
Did that just happen? Am I dreaming? Am I stuck in a simulation?
In the kitchen, Kamala was speaking in pensive tones and nodding frquently, but from the absence of tears Devi could discern that all was well between Kamala and Mr.K.
"Mr.Gross, I'm so sorry that my daughter and niece disturbed you for so long."
"Oh, no problem, she's a delight to have around anyways."
A few minutes later, the Vishwakumars were seated in Nalini's car, speeding off towards home.
"He was angry, but mostly relieved that I was safe. His parents didn't seem to care much, to be honest. We'll have a talk when I get back home." Kamala said, quickly relaying her conversation to the other two.
Devi was happy that Kamala wasn't in trouble, but more than that, she was feeling all warm inside from her mother's words.
I'm proud of you. She's proud of me!
"Hey mom!" Devi said suddenly "Remember the conversation we had last night about my major?"
"Yes, Devi, I realise that I'm rushing you a bit. Make this choise wisely, okay? But no art history or liberal science or anything."
"Yeah, about that, I've decided. I am going to be a lawyer. I know it's tough and only sincere students are able to make it, but trust me, I can do this."
"Devi, I never doubted you for a second. Why would you think so?"
Devi was stunned for a second. But then -
"You said that only serious and sincere people become lawyers, and if I was sure?"
"Yes, it's true! It's a path as difficult as becoming a doctor, if you were so wary of studying medicine then I thought you should know it's equally difficult to become a lawyer!"
I am such an idiot.
"Oh thank god. I've been upsetting myself this whole time thinking that you found me dumb or something."
"Devi, I - of course I don't find you dumb! Why would you ever think of such things?"
Devi hesitated for a moment, before remembering the advice she gave Ben. Turning to look into her lap, she blurted it all out in one go.
"I - sometimes I tend to think that you don't like me or the things I do, and that you think that I'm lazy and I won't be able to achieve anything great. I -I thought you were disappointed about me not getting into Princeton."
A few moments of tense silence passed before Nalini spoke again.
"I'm so proud of you, Devi! You got into an ivy league school, who cares which one it is? Of course I like you! You are a brilliant, kind and strong young lady, and you will do great things. Sometimes I disapprove of the things you do, but I am so proud of you! I wouldn't want anyone else on the whole planet for a daughter! You'll make an excellent lawyer! I was fuming when I entered that room and you managed to bring me back to reason!"
A weight she didn't know she was carrying was lifted off her shoulders, making her feel weightless. Here they were, the words she had been dying to hear all her life. She didn't bother to stop her tears, but she still smiled through them.
"Thanks mom. I love you."
I love you too, Devi"
Good sister? Check. Good girlfriend? Check.
Good daughter? Finally, check.
The day may have started off with running away from a wedding, but it had ended up being one of the most wonderful days Devi had experienced in a long time.
Perhaps, she thought, it might just be one the of the best days ever.
----------------
Author's Note: Whew that was long.
So, I don't like this one as much I liked the Ben one. In my effort to stay true to the show's style, I think I got too intentionally cheesy and feel good, and the dialouge is a bit clunky. Well, I'm always improving.
I have managed to fulfil two of my greatest wishes :
- Ben apologising for his rude comments in the beginning of S1
- Nalini telling Devi she's proud of her.
I hope you enjoyed reading it! Again, critism and feeback is most appreciated, but please be kind.
2023.06.06 20:11 bringout_the_gimp The Hammer Of The Gods
With his closed door testimonials, David Grusch has given Congress a big hammer to swing----some might say the Hammer of the Gods. Per Ross Coulthart, David Grusch has given them "chapter and verse" on just about everything that's been kept swept under the rug for almost a century.
Garry Nolan stated this has caused "a hornet's nest" in Washington.
Then came the big article yesterday that shook everyone up. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't get much done all day after I read it.
In his 'Need To Know' podcast, Ross Couthart denounced the major media players such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. He called them cowards and was disgusted with their inability and unwillingness to even recognize this story.
Perhaps coming to heel, these big dogs started to slowly grind their wheels, and one by one, bigger and bigger newspapers and media outlets began to release the story.
And then today, a breath of fresh air came from Grusch yet again as he struck down Stephen Greer in a released statement demanding that he stop using his name immediately to further his own personal agenda.
I don't know about you, but it seems like this is really an extraordinary moment where Fact finally confronts Fiction, and there is going to be a massive clash, a war if you will. And I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really feel like it's almost a Light against Darkness kind of scenario.
The best part is we haven't even gotten to the meat and potatoes of the matter, we haven't even touched on Grusch's 7-hour interview with Ross.
But what if this all eventually goes away? What if it all eventually dies out again?
Can you even fathom such a scenario happening? After such monumentous information is now being made public and has already been testified to behind closed doors in much greater detail and with all the documentation you can swing a stick at, can you even see things going back to normal?
But what if it does? What if Congress takes a look at that Hammer they've been given, and just puts it in a drawer? What if they don't swing it at the wall of secrecy and at the people that hide behind it with the goal of prosecution for the crimes that they have committed?
I'm afraid they're going to pull a 'Fast Fitzgerald' and just go "Meh.......nothing to see here."
Couthart expressed his doubts about Senator Hildebrand. He expressed his doubts about her true intentions. He wondered aloud how she could sit there when 'Fast Fitzgerald' was clearly not being forthright when she knows what she knows because of what she has heard behind closed doors.
I guess what I'm asking is what if this all goes away once again? I don't know what I would do after having the ground truly shaken under my feet yesterday and wondering in awe of what is to be revealed here in the very near future. What recourse would we have as a people if Congress decides not to swing that Hammer?
submitted by bringout_the_gimp to UAP [link] [comments]
Garry Nolan stated this has caused "a hornet's nest" in Washington.
Then came the big article yesterday that shook everyone up. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't get much done all day after I read it.
In his 'Need To Know' podcast, Ross Couthart denounced the major media players such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. He called them cowards and was disgusted with their inability and unwillingness to even recognize this story.
Perhaps coming to heel, these big dogs started to slowly grind their wheels, and one by one, bigger and bigger newspapers and media outlets began to release the story.
And then today, a breath of fresh air came from Grusch yet again as he struck down Stephen Greer in a released statement demanding that he stop using his name immediately to further his own personal agenda.
I don't know about you, but it seems like this is really an extraordinary moment where Fact finally confronts Fiction, and there is going to be a massive clash, a war if you will. And I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really feel like it's almost a Light against Darkness kind of scenario.
The best part is we haven't even gotten to the meat and potatoes of the matter, we haven't even touched on Grusch's 7-hour interview with Ross.
But what if this all eventually goes away? What if it all eventually dies out again?
Can you even fathom such a scenario happening? After such monumentous information is now being made public and has already been testified to behind closed doors in much greater detail and with all the documentation you can swing a stick at, can you even see things going back to normal?
But what if it does? What if Congress takes a look at that Hammer they've been given, and just puts it in a drawer? What if they don't swing it at the wall of secrecy and at the people that hide behind it with the goal of prosecution for the crimes that they have committed?
I'm afraid they're going to pull a 'Fast Fitzgerald' and just go "Meh.......nothing to see here."
Couthart expressed his doubts about Senator Hildebrand. He expressed his doubts about her true intentions. He wondered aloud how she could sit there when 'Fast Fitzgerald' was clearly not being forthright when she knows what she knows because of what she has heard behind closed doors.
I guess what I'm asking is what if this all goes away once again? I don't know what I would do after having the ground truly shaken under my feet yesterday and wondering in awe of what is to be revealed here in the very near future. What recourse would we have as a people if Congress decides not to swing that Hammer?
2023.06.06 20:07 bringout_the_gimp The Hammer Of The Gods
With his closed door testimonials, David Grusch has given Congress a big hammer to swing----some might say the Hammer of the Gods. Per Ross Coulthart, David Grusch has given them "chapter and verse" on just about everything that's been kept swept under the rug for almost a century.
Garry Nolan stated this has caused "a hornet's nest" in Washington.
Then came the big article yesterday that shook everyone up. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't get much done all day after I read it.
In his 'Need To Know' podcast, Ross Couthart denounced the major media players such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. He called them cowards and was disgusted with their inability and unwillingness to even recognize this story.
Perhaps coming to heel, these big dogs started to slowly grind their wheels, and one by one, bigger and bigger newspapers and media outlets began to release the story.
And then today, a breath of fresh air came from Grusch yet again as he struck down Stephen Greer in a released statement demanding that he stop using his name immediately to further his own personal agenda.
I don't know about you, but it seems like this is really an extraordinary moment where Fact finally confronts Fiction, and there is going to be a massive clash, a war if you will. And I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really feel like it's almost a Light against Darkness kind of scenario.
The best part is we haven't even gotten to the meat and potatoes of the matter, we haven't even touched on Grusch's 7-hour interview with Ross.
But what if this all eventually goes away? What if it all eventually dies out again?
Can you even fathom such a scenario happening? After such monumentous information is now being made public and has already been testified to behind closed doors in much greater detail and with all the documentation you can swing a stick at, can you even see things going back to normal?
But what if it does? What if Congress takes a look at that Hammer they've been given, and just puts it in a drawer? What if they don't swing it at the wall of secrecy and at the people that hide behind it with the goal of prosecution for the crimes that they have committed?
I'm afraid they're going to pull a 'Fast Fitzgerald' and just go "Meh.......nothing to see here."
Couthart expressed his doubts about Senator Hildebrand. He expressed his doubts about her true intentions. He wondered aloud how she could sit there when 'Fast Fitzgerald' was clearly not being forthright when she knows what she knows because of what she has heard behind closed doors.
I guess what I'm asking is what if this all goes away once again? I don't know what I would do after having the ground truly shaken under my feet yesterday and wondering in awe of what is to be revealed here in the very near future. What recourse would we have as a people if Congress decides not to swing that Hammer?
submitted by bringout_the_gimp to UFOB [link] [comments]
Garry Nolan stated this has caused "a hornet's nest" in Washington.
Then came the big article yesterday that shook everyone up. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't get much done all day after I read it.
In his 'Need To Know' podcast, Ross Couthart denounced the major media players such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. He called them cowards and was disgusted with their inability and unwillingness to even recognize this story.
Perhaps coming to heel, these big dogs started to slowly grind their wheels, and one by one, bigger and bigger newspapers and media outlets began to release the story.
And then today, a breath of fresh air came from Grusch yet again as he struck down Stephen Greer in a released statement demanding that he stop using his name immediately to further his own personal agenda.
I don't know about you, but it seems like this is really an extraordinary moment where Fact finally confronts Fiction, and there is going to be a massive clash, a war if you will. And I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really feel like it's almost a Light against Darkness kind of scenario.
The best part is we haven't even gotten to the meat and potatoes of the matter, we haven't even touched on Grusch's 7-hour interview with Ross.
But what if this all eventually goes away? What if it all eventually dies out again?
Can you even fathom such a scenario happening? After such monumentous information is now being made public and has already been testified to behind closed doors in much greater detail and with all the documentation you can swing a stick at, can you even see things going back to normal?
But what if it does? What if Congress takes a look at that Hammer they've been given, and just puts it in a drawer? What if they don't swing it at the wall of secrecy and at the people that hide behind it with the goal of prosecution for the crimes that they have committed?
I'm afraid they're going to pull a 'Fast Fitzgerald' and just go "Meh.......nothing to see here."
Couthart expressed his doubts about Senator Hildebrand. He expressed his doubts about her true intentions. He wondered aloud how she could sit there when 'Fast Fitzgerald' was clearly not being forthright when she knows what she knows because of what she has heard behind closed doors.
I guess what I'm asking is what if this all goes away once again? I don't know what I would do after having the ground truly shaken under my feet yesterday and wondering in awe of what is to be revealed here in the very near future. What recourse would we have as a people if Congress decides not to swing that Hammer?
2023.06.06 20:07 Janius [H] June Humble Choice, Mole Mail, Dicey Dungeons, Medal of Honor, Crysis 2, Luck be a Landlord [W] Bug Fables, Oaken, Chernobylite, Vanaris Tactics, Miasma Chronicles and Dreamscaper and Offers!
IGS Rep
My barter.vg page
Games that I want most currently: Bug Fables, Oaken, Chernobylite, Vanaris Tactics, Miasma Chronicles and Dreamscaper
My full wishlist is below, but I will consider other games that I don't know about/aren't on the list. I really like to play Roguelites, RPGs, Strategy, Card games, and certain sims.
I will respond to all offers!
I have:
112 Operator
911 Operator
A Blind Legend
Agent in Depth
Aground
Alchemist's Castle
Arcade Spirits
Autonauts
Backbone
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Book of Demons
Builder Simulator
Calico
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Cook, Serve, Delicious!
Cosmic Express
Crysis 2 Maximum Edition
Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse: The Eye of Isis
Dead Age
Death Squared
Detached: Non-VR Edition
Dicey Dungeons
Dishonored
DOOM 64
Doughlings: Arcade
Doughlings: Invasion
Dustforce
Eternal Threads
Evan's Remains
Farming Simulator 17
Field of Glory II
Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue
Five Dates
Frick, Inc.
Ghostrunner
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Golden Light
GRIME
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
Guns & Fishes
Hack 'n' Slash + Soundtrack (& Spacebase GIFT)
Honey, I Joined a Cult
Hyper Gunsport
Izmir: An Independence Simulator
Just King
Kingdom Two Crowns
Lighthouse Keeper
Luck be a Landlord
Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For-
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Mail Mole
Medal of Honor(TM) Single Player
MegaRace 1
MegaRace 2
Meow Express
MirrorMoon EP
Monaco
Nomad Survival
Non-Stop Raiders
Orbital Racer
Out of Space
🧠 OUT OF THE BOX
PAYDAY 2
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Perfect
Pill Baby
Pixross
Planet TD
Porcunipine
Project Chemistry
Quadrata
Rebel Galaxy
Re:Call
Red Faction: Armageddon
Remnant: From the Ashes - Complete Edition
Rogue: Genesia
Safety First!
Slime-san
Songbringer
Soul Axiom Rebooted
Soul Searching
Soulblight
Soulflow
Space Crew: Legendary Edition
Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition
Stacking
StarCrossed
Steel Rats
Stick Fight: The Game
stikir
STONE
Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
Survivalist
SWINE HD Remaster
System Shock 2
System Shock: Enhanced Edition
Teacup
The Amazing American Circus
The Enchanted Cave 2
The Forest Cathedral
The Inner World
The Wild Eight
Ticket to Ride
Treasures of the Aegean
Turbo Golf Racing
Turok
Voyage: Journey to the Moon
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
World of Goo, Anomaly, Osmos, and EDGE
Wounded - The Beginning
X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
Massive Chalice
EA
Burnout Paradise The Ultimate Box
Crysis 2 Maximum Edition
Dead Space™
Dead Space 3
Medal of Honor
Mirror's Edge
Epic Games Store
Sifu Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle
I want:
Absinthia
AETHERIS
Aethermancer
Age of Wonders 4
Alchemia: Creatio Ex Nihilo
Angkara: The Horde
Arcadian Atlas
Archmage Rises
ARIA CHRONICLE Amazon
ARIA CHRONICLE Invoker
ARIA CHRONICLE NECROKNIGHT
Ash of Gods: The Way
Astrea
Backpack Hero
Baldur's Gate 3
Before Your Eyes
Beloved Rapture
Braid
BRAVELY DEFAULT II
Bravery and Greed
Brutal Orchestra
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
Capes
Card Shark
Cassette Beasts
Castle Of Alchemists
Castle of the Underdogs : Episode 1
Cataclismo
Chernobylite Enhanced Edition
Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game
Crimson Tactics: The Rise of The White Banner
Curious Expedition 2
Cygnus
Dark Quest 3
Darkest Dungeon
Dead Cells
Demiurges
Demonschool
Depersonalization
Devil's Deck 恶魔秘境
Dice & Dungeons
Dice Hero: The Unoriginal Story
Die in the Dungeon
Diplomacy is Not an Option
Disgaea 6 Complete
Draft of Darkness
Dreadful River
Dream Tactics
Dreamscaper
Dungeon Alchemist
Dungeon Drafters
Dungeons of Aether
Dungeons of Voidria
Eden's Last Sunrise
Epic Battle Fantasy 5
Fabledom
Farthest Frontier
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
For The King II
For The Warp
Fortune-499
Full Circle
God Of Weapons
Golfinite
Grand Arms: March of the Red Dragon
Gunfire Reborn - Visitors of Spirit Realm
Hades II
HELLCARD
Hero’s Hour - Rogue Realms
Hex of the Lich
Hexrogue
Himeko Sutori
Hogwarts Legacy
Horizon's Gate
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
Ignited Steel
Immortal Tactics: War of the Eternals
IMMORTALITY
Infested Fortress
Infinite Mana
Intergalactic Pawn Shop
Jagged Alliance 3
Keylocker Turn Based Cyberpunk Action
Kingdoms of the Dump
Knock on the Coffin Lid
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk
Lakeburg Legacies
LakeSide
Lost In Fantaland
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
MatchR
Mercenaries Rebirth
Miasma Chronicles
Monster Roadtrip Hitchhiker Pack - Oz & Amira
Netherguild
News Tower
Night Book
Night Trap - 25th Anniversary Edition
Nightmare Reaper
Nordic Ashes
Oaken
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II
Pacific Drive
Perfect Round Disc Golf
Phantom Brigade
Quartet
Ravage Road
Ravenswatch
REMORE: INFESTED KINGDOM
Ring of Fire: Search for a Killer
Rising Lords
Rogue Dungeon
Rogue Legacy 2
Roll Player
ＲＰＧタイム！～ライトの伝説～
SacriFire
SaGa Frontier Remastered
Sea of Stars
Shadows of Forbidden Gods
Shadows Over Loathing
Shattered Heaven
Shores Unknown
Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
Showgunners
Sigil of the Magi
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire
Slaves of Magic
SOULVARS
Spelldrifter
Spire of Glory
Spiritlink Tactics
STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE
SteamWorld Build
Stones Keeper
Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
Super Fantasy Kingdom
TaleSpire
Tape to Tape
Ten Dates
Ten Thousand Coins: The Golden Merchant
Terra Nil
TerraScape
The DioField Chronicle
The Dragoness: Command of the Flame
The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk - Back To The Futon
The Last Starship
The Oregon Trail
The Pale Beyond
The Simulacrum
The Thaumaturge
The Wandering Village
Tiny Bookshop
Together in Battle
Tower Tactics: Liberation
Towers Deck
TRIANGLE STRATEGY
Twilight Wars
Tyrant's Blessing
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer
Untamed Tactics
Vagrus - The Riven Realms
VALKYRIE ELYSIUM
Vampire Survivors: Legacy of the Moonspell
Vampire Survivors: Tides of the Foscari
Vanaris Tactics
Vestaria Saga I: War of the Scions
Vestaria Saga II: The Sacred Sword of Silvanister
Void Marauders
Voor de kroon
Wandering Sword
Whisker Squadron
Whisper Mountain Outbreak
Witchbrook
Writer's Block
Yaengard
Zelter
submitted by Janius to indiegameswap [link] [comments]
My barter.vg page
Games that I want most currently: Bug Fables, Oaken, Chernobylite, Vanaris Tactics, Miasma Chronicles and Dreamscaper
My full wishlist is below, but I will consider other games that I don't know about/aren't on the list. I really like to play Roguelites, RPGs, Strategy, Card games, and certain sims.
I will respond to all offers!
I have:
112 Operator
911 Operator
A Blind Legend
Agent in Depth
Aground
Alchemist's Castle
Arcade Spirits
Autonauts
Backbone
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Book of Demons
Builder Simulator
Calico
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Cook, Serve, Delicious!
Cosmic Express
Crysis 2 Maximum Edition
Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse: The Eye of Isis
Dead Age
Death Squared
Detached: Non-VR Edition
Dicey Dungeons
Dishonored
DOOM 64
Doughlings: Arcade
Doughlings: Invasion
Dustforce
Eternal Threads
Evan's Remains
Farming Simulator 17
Field of Glory II
Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue
Five Dates
Frick, Inc.
Ghostrunner
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Golden Light
GRIME
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
Guns & Fishes
Hack 'n' Slash + Soundtrack (& Spacebase GIFT)
- Hack 'n' Slash
- Hack 'n' Slash Soundtrack
- Spacebase GIFT
Honey, I Joined a Cult
Hyper Gunsport
Izmir: An Independence Simulator
Just King
Kingdom Two Crowns
Lighthouse Keeper
Luck be a Landlord
Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For-
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Mail Mole
Medal of Honor(TM) Single Player
MegaRace 1
MegaRace 2
Meow Express
MirrorMoon EP
Monaco
Nomad Survival
Non-Stop Raiders
Orbital Racer
Out of Space
🧠 OUT OF THE BOX
PAYDAY 2
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Perfect
Pill Baby
Pixross
Planet TD
Porcunipine
Project Chemistry
Quadrata
Rebel Galaxy
Re:Call
Red Faction: Armageddon
Remnant: From the Ashes - Complete Edition
- Remnant: From the Ashes
- Remnant: From the Ashes - Swamps of Corsus
- Remnant: From the Ashes - Subject 2923
- Remnant: From the Ashes - Bomber Hat
Rogue: Genesia
Safety First!
Slime-san
Songbringer
Soul Axiom Rebooted
Soul Searching
Soulblight
Soulflow
Space Crew: Legendary Edition
Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition
Stacking
StarCrossed
Steel Rats
Stick Fight: The Game
stikir
STONE
Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
Survivalist
SWINE HD Remaster
System Shock 2
System Shock: Enhanced Edition
Teacup
The Amazing American Circus
The Enchanted Cave 2
The Forest Cathedral
The Inner World
The Wild Eight
Ticket to Ride
Treasures of the Aegean
Turbo Golf Racing
Turok
Voyage: Journey to the Moon
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
World of Goo, Anomaly, Osmos, and EDGE
- Anomaly Warzone Earth
- EDGE
- Osmos
- World of Goo
Wounded - The Beginning
X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
- X-Morph: Defense
- X-Morph: Defense - Soundtrack
- X-Morph: Defense - European Assault
- X-Morph: Defense - Survival Of The Fittest
- X-Morph: Defense - Last Bastion
- Zombie Driver HD
- Zombie Driver HD Apocalypse Pack
- Zombie Driver HD Burning Garden of Slaughter
- Zombie Driver HD Tropical Race Rage
- Zombie Driver HD Brutal Car Skins
- Zombie Driver HD Soundtrack
Massive Chalice
EA
Burnout Paradise The Ultimate Box
Crysis 2 Maximum Edition
Dead Space™
Dead Space 3
Medal of Honor
Mirror's Edge
Epic Games Store
Sifu Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle
I want:
Absinthia
AETHERIS
Aethermancer
Age of Wonders 4
Alchemia: Creatio Ex Nihilo
Angkara: The Horde
Arcadian Atlas
Archmage Rises
ARIA CHRONICLE Amazon
ARIA CHRONICLE Invoker
ARIA CHRONICLE NECROKNIGHT
Ash of Gods: The Way
Astrea
Backpack Hero
Baldur's Gate 3
Before Your Eyes
Beloved Rapture
Braid
BRAVELY DEFAULT II
Bravery and Greed
Brutal Orchestra
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
Capes
Card Shark
Cassette Beasts
Castle Of Alchemists
Castle of the Underdogs : Episode 1
Cataclismo
Chernobylite Enhanced Edition
Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game
Crimson Tactics: The Rise of The White Banner
Curious Expedition 2
Cygnus
Dark Quest 3
Darkest Dungeon
Dead Cells
Demiurges
Demonschool
Depersonalization
Devil's Deck 恶魔秘境
Dice & Dungeons
Dice Hero: The Unoriginal Story
Die in the Dungeon
Diplomacy is Not an Option
Disgaea 6 Complete
Draft of Darkness
Dreadful River
Dream Tactics
Dreamscaper
Dungeon Alchemist
Dungeon Drafters
Dungeons of Aether
Dungeons of Voidria
Eden's Last Sunrise
Epic Battle Fantasy 5
Fabledom
Farthest Frontier
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
For The King II
For The Warp
Fortune-499
Full Circle
God Of Weapons
Golfinite
Grand Arms: March of the Red Dragon
Gunfire Reborn - Visitors of Spirit Realm
Hades II
HELLCARD
Hero’s Hour - Rogue Realms
Hex of the Lich
Hexrogue
Himeko Sutori
Hogwarts Legacy
Horizon's Gate
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
Ignited Steel
Immortal Tactics: War of the Eternals
IMMORTALITY
Infested Fortress
Infinite Mana
Intergalactic Pawn Shop
Jagged Alliance 3
Keylocker Turn Based Cyberpunk Action
Kingdoms of the Dump
Knock on the Coffin Lid
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk
Lakeburg Legacies
LakeSide
Lost In Fantaland
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
MatchR
Mercenaries Rebirth
Miasma Chronicles
Monster Roadtrip Hitchhiker Pack - Oz & Amira
Netherguild
News Tower
Night Book
Night Trap - 25th Anniversary Edition
Nightmare Reaper
Nordic Ashes
Oaken
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II
Pacific Drive
Perfect Round Disc Golf
Phantom Brigade
Quartet
Ravage Road
Ravenswatch
REMORE: INFESTED KINGDOM
Ring of Fire: Search for a Killer
Rising Lords
Rogue Dungeon
Rogue Legacy 2
Roll Player
ＲＰＧタイム！～ライトの伝説～
SacriFire
SaGa Frontier Remastered
Sea of Stars
Shadows of Forbidden Gods
Shadows Over Loathing
Shattered Heaven
Shores Unknown
Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
Showgunners
Sigil of the Magi
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire
Slaves of Magic
SOULVARS
Spelldrifter
Spire of Glory
Spiritlink Tactics
STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE
SteamWorld Build
Stones Keeper
Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
Super Fantasy Kingdom
TaleSpire
Tape to Tape
Ten Dates
Ten Thousand Coins: The Golden Merchant
Terra Nil
TerraScape
The DioField Chronicle
The Dragoness: Command of the Flame
The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk - Back To The Futon
The Last Starship
The Oregon Trail
The Pale Beyond
The Simulacrum
The Thaumaturge
The Wandering Village
Tiny Bookshop
Together in Battle
Tower Tactics: Liberation
Towers Deck
TRIANGLE STRATEGY
Twilight Wars
Tyrant's Blessing
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer
Untamed Tactics
Vagrus - The Riven Realms
VALKYRIE ELYSIUM
Vampire Survivors: Legacy of the Moonspell
Vampire Survivors: Tides of the Foscari
Vanaris Tactics
Vestaria Saga I: War of the Scions
Vestaria Saga II: The Sacred Sword of Silvanister
Void Marauders
Voor de kroon
Wandering Sword
Whisker Squadron
Whisper Mountain Outbreak
Witchbrook
Writer's Block
Yaengard
Zelter
2023.06.06 20:07 bringout_the_gimp The Hammer Of The Gods
With his closed door testimonials, David Grusch has given Congress a big hammer to swing----some might say the Hammer of the Gods. Per Ross Coulthart, David Grusch has given them "chapter and verse" on just about everything that's been kept swept under the rug for almost a century.
Garry Nolan stated this has caused "a hornet's nest" in Washington.
Then came the big article yesterday that shook everyone up. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't get much done all day after I read it.
In his 'Need To Know' podcast, Ross Couthart denounced the major media players such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. He called them cowards and was disgusted with their inability and unwillingness to even recognize this story.
Perhaps coming to heel, these big dogs started to slowly grind their wheels, and one by one, bigger and bigger newspapers and media outlets began to release the story.
And then today, a breath of fresh air came from Grusch yet again as he struck down Stephen Greer in a released statement demanding that he stop using his name immediately to further his own personal agenda.
I don't know about you, but it seems like this is really an extraordinary moment where Fact finally confronts Fiction, and there is going to be a massive clash, a war if you will. And I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really feel like it's almost a Light against Darkness kind of scenario.
The best part is we haven't even gotten to the meat and potatoes of the matter, we haven't even touched on Grusch's 7-hour interview with Ross.
But what if this all eventually goes away? What if it all eventually dies out again?
Can you even fathom such a scenario happening? After such monumentous information is now being made public and has already been testified to behind closed doors in much greater detail and with all the documentation you can swing a stick at, can you even see things going back to normal?
But what if it does? What if Congress takes a look at that Hammer they've been given, and just puts it in a drawer? What if they don't swing it at the wall of secrecy and at the people that hide behind it with the goal of prosecution for the crimes that they have committed?
I'm afraid they're going to pull a 'Fast Fitzgerald' and just go "Meh.......nothing to see here."
Couthart expressed his doubts about Senator Hildebrand. He expressed his doubts about her true intentions. He wondered aloud how she could sit there when 'Fast Fitzgerald' was clearly not being forthright when she knows what she knows because of what she has heard behind closed doors.
I guess what I'm asking is what if this all goes away once again? I don't know what I would do after having the ground truly shaken under my feet yesterday and wondering in awe of what is to be revealed here in the very near future. What recourse would we have as a people if Congress decides not to swing that Hammer?
submitted by bringout_the_gimp to ufo [link] [comments]
Garry Nolan stated this has caused "a hornet's nest" in Washington.
Then came the big article yesterday that shook everyone up. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't get much done all day after I read it.
In his 'Need To Know' podcast, Ross Couthart denounced the major media players such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. He called them cowards and was disgusted with their inability and unwillingness to even recognize this story.
Perhaps coming to heel, these big dogs started to slowly grind their wheels, and one by one, bigger and bigger newspapers and media outlets began to release the story.
And then today, a breath of fresh air came from Grusch yet again as he struck down Stephen Greer in a released statement demanding that he stop using his name immediately to further his own personal agenda.
I don't know about you, but it seems like this is really an extraordinary moment where Fact finally confronts Fiction, and there is going to be a massive clash, a war if you will. And I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really feel like it's almost a Light against Darkness kind of scenario.
The best part is we haven't even gotten to the meat and potatoes of the matter, we haven't even touched on Grusch's 7-hour interview with Ross.
But what if this all eventually goes away? What if it all eventually dies out again?
Can you even fathom such a scenario happening? After such monumentous information is now being made public and has already been testified to behind closed doors in much greater detail and with all the documentation you can swing a stick at, can you even see things going back to normal?
But what if it does? What if Congress takes a look at that Hammer they've been given, and just puts it in a drawer? What if they don't swing it at the wall of secrecy and at the people that hide behind it with the goal of prosecution for the crimes that they have committed?
I'm afraid they're going to pull a 'Fast Fitzgerald' and just go "Meh.......nothing to see here."
Couthart expressed his doubts about Senator Hildebrand. He expressed his doubts about her true intentions. He wondered aloud how she could sit there when 'Fast Fitzgerald' was clearly not being forthright when she knows what she knows because of what she has heard behind closed doors.
I guess what I'm asking is what if this all goes away once again? I don't know what I would do after having the ground truly shaken under my feet yesterday and wondering in awe of what is to be revealed here in the very near future. What recourse would we have as a people if Congress decides not to swing that Hammer?
2023.06.06 20:02 InternetStrangerGuy Invading is a miserable experience
Disheartening, depressing, bitter, boring, annoying, ridiculous, lazy, bad. It's just bad.
I've only played co-op so far but decided to give invasions a try. Man, I shouldn't have. Honestly, it's so bad it should just get entirely removed from the game.
It's bad for people just trying to co-op peacefully.
But it's also bad for invaders. Let me share you my experience:
First, the queue (or is it a timer?) is much worse for invasions then it is for co-op. It's 5-10 minutes waiting time (closer to 10) while you can't make any meaningful progress (you need to teleport? your request was cancelled. you entered a former boss area even though the boss is long gone? your sign was cancelled. you died? your sign was cancelled. plus you will leave your runes who knows where anyway so you'd better not have a lot on you)
After a long long wait you are put somewhere randomly. Maybe a gank squad is awaiting you in the same room. Maybe it's close to the boss area but the host is just at the beginning of the area and you have no way to get them so it's yet again waiting. Maybe it's some dueling dude using the tongue. Maybe it's the middle of nowhere and by the time you find the host they either die or enter boss area.
When you finally engage your targets it's usually over in like 2 seconds. Now I don't know whether I'm just so bad at this game or my build is that bad. Maybe both. But severe lag plus 3 vs 1 is basically unplayable. You're all chopping at imagined hitboxes until somebody lucks out and hits and since its 3 vs 1 it's way more probable that it'll be them and not you.
Out of like 10 attempts (maybe more, counting only those where I did manage to invade) exactly 2 was even worth mentioning.
One was at Castle Morne. I spawned at the end area, after the fall so I had no way to get to the host. I waited for them emoting "what do you want?" next to the bridge in style. Guess what they did? The [censored one] stopped up at the castle wall and tried to hit me with explosive jar cannon. But that must have been a decoy as the host ran ahead and jumped head first down into a room full of rats. This was my time or so I thought. I ran into the room and spammed Blade of Death but somehow it hardly ever hit. Meanwhile the reckless host somehow remained unharmed from the swarm of rats and me and ran out of the room. I chased them but then somebody killed me from behind. (Maybe the jar cannon [censored one], maybe a 3rd player, I don't know.) So hooray, I waited 10 minutes plus some for this 10 seconds of gameplay.
The other was in that catacomb that has a large shade that you need to lead into the sacred light in order to open the gate. I spawned next to the shade. Again I thought this was jackpot. The 3 players didn't dare to enter the room and I thought this was going to be interesting. But one of them scouted ahead and I thought to engage... But boom I was dead within two seconds. Great.
So why I think this game mode should be removed? Because it's only fun for gank squads and the most OP griefer invaders, no one else. And none of the two groups should be supported I think.
I'd also mention that in my 20-30 or so co-op sessions an invader was successful like 3 times:
- he backstabbed us (not literally) while we were fighting an Ulcerated Tree Spirit. Which is pretty low if you ask me. - he sniped the host from rooftops in Vulcano Manor. Okkkay. - the host just sat down and let the invader duel me. Which I didn't understand back then. Now I do. But it's certainly not the intended game mode.
submitted by InternetStrangerGuy to Eldenring [link] [comments]
I've only played co-op so far but decided to give invasions a try. Man, I shouldn't have. Honestly, it's so bad it should just get entirely removed from the game.
It's bad for people just trying to co-op peacefully.
But it's also bad for invaders. Let me share you my experience:
First, the queue (or is it a timer?) is much worse for invasions then it is for co-op. It's 5-10 minutes waiting time (closer to 10) while you can't make any meaningful progress (you need to teleport? your request was cancelled. you entered a former boss area even though the boss is long gone? your sign was cancelled. you died? your sign was cancelled. plus you will leave your runes who knows where anyway so you'd better not have a lot on you)
After a long long wait you are put somewhere randomly. Maybe a gank squad is awaiting you in the same room. Maybe it's close to the boss area but the host is just at the beginning of the area and you have no way to get them so it's yet again waiting. Maybe it's some dueling dude using the tongue. Maybe it's the middle of nowhere and by the time you find the host they either die or enter boss area.
When you finally engage your targets it's usually over in like 2 seconds. Now I don't know whether I'm just so bad at this game or my build is that bad. Maybe both. But severe lag plus 3 vs 1 is basically unplayable. You're all chopping at imagined hitboxes until somebody lucks out and hits and since its 3 vs 1 it's way more probable that it'll be them and not you.
Out of like 10 attempts (maybe more, counting only those where I did manage to invade) exactly 2 was even worth mentioning.
One was at Castle Morne. I spawned at the end area, after the fall so I had no way to get to the host. I waited for them emoting "what do you want?" next to the bridge in style. Guess what they did? The [censored one] stopped up at the castle wall and tried to hit me with explosive jar cannon. But that must have been a decoy as the host ran ahead and jumped head first down into a room full of rats. This was my time or so I thought. I ran into the room and spammed Blade of Death but somehow it hardly ever hit. Meanwhile the reckless host somehow remained unharmed from the swarm of rats and me and ran out of the room. I chased them but then somebody killed me from behind. (Maybe the jar cannon [censored one], maybe a 3rd player, I don't know.) So hooray, I waited 10 minutes plus some for this 10 seconds of gameplay.
The other was in that catacomb that has a large shade that you need to lead into the sacred light in order to open the gate. I spawned next to the shade. Again I thought this was jackpot. The 3 players didn't dare to enter the room and I thought this was going to be interesting. But one of them scouted ahead and I thought to engage... But boom I was dead within two seconds. Great.
So why I think this game mode should be removed? Because it's only fun for gank squads and the most OP griefer invaders, no one else. And none of the two groups should be supported I think.
I'd also mention that in my 20-30 or so co-op sessions an invader was successful like 3 times:
- he backstabbed us (not literally) while we were fighting an Ulcerated Tree Spirit. Which is pretty low if you ask me. - he sniped the host from rooftops in Vulcano Manor. Okkkay. - the host just sat down and let the invader duel me. Which I didn't understand back then. Now I do. But it's certainly not the intended game mode.
2023.06.06 19:55 Issac_E234 Azur Waves, Chapter 28 (part 1)
Previous, first, next,
Fanfiction.
(A/N) This one turned out to be a long one so its been split between two posts. Enjoy.
Chapter 28
The sound of the gunshot still rang in my ears. The room felt hot, almost stifling. Questions ran amok in my head, Did he have a family? Had this been the only option? Was I now just as bad as him? The last few seconds played over and over in my head.
All I could do was look at his body. The scientist laid in front of me–unmoving, his dirty shirt darkening around the wound. I just stared at the life I just took, and for a moment, the questions in my mind became overwhelming.
It wasn't until a hand reached out and grabbed me by the shoulder I was pulled back to the present.
“James!” Warspite’s voice called out. I realised her tiny hands were pulling at me. I met her eyes in a daze, the concern on her face telling me she had already tried calling my name several times now.
“Warspite… I-” I tasted bile in my throat.. My eyes unconsciously broke contact with hers, and meandered back to the body.
“Don't! Look at me, James.” She accentuated her point by cupping my cheeks and forcing me to focus on her and only her. “Eyes on me.”
“Y-yes.” I complied awkwardly.
“I’ve radioed her Majesty, they'll be at the mouth of the river soon. Go with the others and get to the docks. Get out of here.”
A semblance of reason finally returned to my mind. “The others? What about you?”
“I’m going to burn this wretched place to the ground.” Seeing that I was finally cognisant she turned me around in place and pushed me over to the others, ensuing the entire time I couldn't see what I had done. Javelin was quick to receive me in a tiny hug.
Everyone bar Cleveland now had their rigging out, who was still slumped on the floor, holding her sister’s cube with Z23 trying to console her. Zuikaku had her sword drawn and was watching every entrance to the room, her entire body tense, ready to act at a moment's notice with a hard expression.
“Javelin, I need one of your depth charges.” The Dreadnought ordered. “I’ll wire up its timer to level this room.”
“R-right.” Javelin closed her eyes and focused. She lifted up her arms and a large barrel shaped munition appeared in her hands. She passed it over to Warspite with ease. “Here.”
“Good.” She looked to Cleveland. Her tone softened slightly. “Are you good to move?”
“Aye.” She spoke with a sniffle as she stood up, still tightly holding the cube against herself not letting it leave her sight for even a second.
Warspite stared me down. “Turn and leave, keep your eyes forward and don't look back. I'll catch up.”
With a shove she pushed me around and towards the door we had entered from. I stood still for a moment, a part of me wanting to turn back one more time, and I probably would have if not for a small hand reaching out to me. I found Javelin staring at me compassionately, her cheeks and pretty emerald eyes still marked with dried up tears. She stood gently still.
Despite the overbearing desire to do so, Warspite’s words echoed in my head. I jolted forward and didn't look back once.
Cleveland whimpered as we left the building before running ahead of us, through the smoke from the fires that filled the air I was just able to see the source of her dread.
The Montpelier was still in its dock, but where we had left it in an almost pristine condition it was now in a complete state of disrepair, the gun barrels hung limp in their housings, with several having even fallen into the deck. The panels lining the hull were coming apart as the welds and rivets that held them failed, the ship looked to be listing slightly as water was probably leaking in through collapsed bulkheads.
“No…” I heard Cleveland dash past me.
Cleveland scrambled over to her sister’s deteriorating ship, followed close by the rest of the girls, ignoring the muffled sound of an explosion that came from the building behind us.
With burning lungs I finally caught up to her as she reached the dock. “Please, Monty. Don’t go.” The cruiser pleaded, keeping the cube firmly grasped in one hand and placing her palm against the hull.
The ship moved as its weight shifted, a loud scraping noise rang out as the metal grinded against the dock.
Cleveland continued to rub the metal affectionately. “Shh, it's ok. Your big sister is here. Everything will be fine now.”
As was the usual case whenever something happened around these girls the hairs on my neck stood up as both the ship and Cleveland both began to glow.
There was a moment of hope as I looked at the cube clutched in her arm, but it still looked inert, even the light radiating from her body seemed to avoid it.
As I had seen countless times now, the ship became a mass of energy, the light hovering where the ship had previously been before Cleveland suddenly went rigid as the light flowed into her.
The cruiser yelped in pain as her body fought to contain the energy, a hand grabbed my collar and pulled me away. I was too transfixed on the spectacle to see who had done so.
Blood dripped from Cleveland's nose and she dropped to her knees, not letting go of Montpelier’s cube at all. Her rigging glowed bright, and an ethereal shape took form around it. The more I stared at it, the more I understood that this shape had the outline of a rigging, and it was fighting to occupy the same space as Cleveland’s already existing one, who grit her teeth and winced.
A gust of wind blasted around her, and in a matter not too dissimilar to when her rigging had formed, the light coalesced once more. A black line was suddenly drawn along the seam of her cape at the same time it was torn around the edges, followed by the ends of her golden locks of hair lost their lustre, changing into a silver white.
After what had felt like an eternity Cleveland seemingly regained control of her body once again, the tension in her arms and legs relaxed. With sweat dripping from her head she reopened her eyes, and slowly stood back up with laboured breaths. Her left eye shone with a different lustre for a moment, still red, yet a slightly different hue that slowly disappeared as she blinked.
“Are you ok?” I asked, unsure of what being ok could even be classed as right now.
“I thi-” She did a double take as what sounded like two voices came from her mouth, her own overlapping with another one. She put a hand to her mouth and coughed. “I think I am?” Her voice came out normal then. She wiped the blood away from her with her elbow, noticing that the fingerless glove on her right arm now ran across the full length of her elbow.
Running footsteps pulled our attention over to Warspite, who sped over to us. Smoke poured out of the roof of the building behind her, further adding to the cloud surrounding the facility and reducing visibility even further. Any further and I’d begin to choke.
Warspite took a second to stare at Cleveland before quickly returning her attention to the matter at hand, I noticed something hidden within her scarf as she adjusted it. “Commander, we need to move. Cleveland, are you able to sail?” The cruiser gave a slight nod. “Good, Zuikaku take him, the rest of you stay close.”
Slender but firm arms wrapped around me, and the carrier in question slung me over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes and jumped off the edge of the dock without warning. Zuikaku didn’t even give me a chance to retort as we splashed against the water, quickly gaining speed. I was able to see the others land on the water one by one and begin to follow behind us, quickly catching up. They all had a solemn expression as we once again found ourselves only just escaping complete disaster.
Zuikaku let me go once her feet touched the Warspite’s deck. The ship was already gaining speed and heading towards the relative safety of the open ocean, leaving behind a smoking land, the morning wind fanning the flames even more. I took out my binoculars and dared look back. I knew there would only be burnt rubble left by the time the fires died.
I felt the rush of what had happened slowly die down. A burning at the back of my throat threaded to force me to empty my stomach. The air was hot, almost stifling, it had never stopped burning even after leaving that place. Everyone's eyes were now on me, with the three girls that had stayed back looking with confusion on their faces.
“Get-” I paused, forcing my voice to stay steady and my dinner to stay down. “Get us out to the open sea and stay alert for any ships, Siren or otherwise. Everyone go and get some rest, it's been a long night.”
I did not wait for a reply and made my way inside the ship with unsteady steps, pushing my hands deep into my pockets to try and stop them from shaking. Someone called out to me as I walked but I just ignored it.
It was only when I went to open my cabin door did I realise someone had followed me, a white gloved hand covered mine as I tried to turn the handle.
“Not now, Hood.” I sighed, almost whispering. I turned my head to look at the woman, finding her beautiful blue eyes looking back at me with concern.
“James, I-”
“Please don’t.” I cut her off, wincing at the harshness of my own voice. I felt my stomach churn more, but I just didn't want to deal with anyone right now.
“But-”
“Don’t make me order you.”
The words left my mouth before I even realised. Hood stood still for a moment, mouth agasp and eyes wide with incredulity. She retired her hand away from mine, placing it against her chest. A mixture of emotions ran on her face, ones I didn’t dare look at.
I opened the door and darted inside the cabin before she recovered, slamming it shut behind me.
I stood deathly still for a moment. Was it a minute? Was it an hour? I just stood against the door, my legs feeling numb. Eventually, I heard the distinctive click of Hood’s heels disappear into the distance.
I held for a moment longer. For just a moment longer, I stood alone, bearing the weight. Then it came crashing down.
I ran my hands through my hair and tried to calm myself down. It was hopeless. Blood was on my hands, I could still smell the gunpowder, it was an oppressing scent that overpowered everything else. I found myself staring at my hand, how long had it been locked in that gripping position? I could still feel the weight of the gun.
I felt nauseous.
My arm still ached from the recoil, unable to hold the gun properly without being noticed. I had felt pain shoot up my arm the moment I fired and now even closing my fist was a difficult affair.
Unable to stand still any longer, I began to pace back and forth in the small cabin. Forward and backwards, side to side, the walls closed in on me every time I turned, making it harder and harder to breathe.
“It’s just a trick, it’s all in your head.” I repeated to myself, but the words rang hollow.
The sequence replayed over and over in my head, each time more vivid than the last. The details ran too clearly. Steven’s voice, the whimpers of the girls, my own heart pounding, my own ears ringing.
Cold metal against my skull. My spine freezing.
I sat down on the bed, and cradled my head in my arms. I closed my eyes trying my hardest to force the image out of my head. It was a useless effort.
Without even meaning, I whimpered silently. The sound of something dripping onto the deck pulled my attention away from the memory. Something ran down my face and I realised I had started crying. I tried to wipe my eyes with my sleeve, hoping nobody would come in at this moment. What kind of leader would cry at a time like this? All those girls looked to me for guidance and leadership, yet time after time again I led us straight into disaster
It had been me that had almost cost the girls their freedom. I didn't deserve to be their Commander.
I breathed deeply and tried to get a lid on my emotions and push them down.
“Think practical James. You're just in shock.” I told myself before taking several more deep breaths, remembering the first aid books Hood and I had read together. Thinking of Hood again made me feel miserable.
I reached into my pocket. Even sitting down it still felt like an iron weight pulling me down. I feebly grasped the old wooden handle and pulled the gun back out from where I had quickly stashed it. The scent of burnt gunpowder seemed to double as it entered the open air.
My stomach twisted again, and I let go of it, followed by a rushed scampering. I reached under my bed, not really caring where, just looking for something suitable to get that thing away from me and my mind. I found an old bag and frantically tossed the gun inside, producing a distinctive clicking sound.
“Shit.” I cursed and reached inside with my hand, finding an old bottle of scotch. The opaque, unlabelled glass was thankfully intact, but it showed me my warped, miserable reflection. I don’t know what possessed me then, for I grasped it by the neck and pushed the bag with the gun back under the bed.
I pried it open. It had been a gift from one of the sailors in the fleet. Twisting the wax securing the cap I realised such a bottle was nigh impossible to get on a sailors wage so I guessed this one had probably been listed as smashed during the attack.
I sat further back in my bed and lifted the bottle up to my mouth. The old familiar taste burned my throat as the amber liquid went down but the pleasant warming effect was soon to follow.
Taking another large swig I noticed a third of the bottle had already been drunk. I laid the bottle down and burrowed my head down on the pillow, desperately waiting for the numbing effect of the alcohol to kick in.
I looked once again at the door to my cabin. Part of me wanted nothing more than for one of the girls to open the door and come in, even if it was just to sit in silence with me. Even if it was Hood. God, why did I snap at her like that?
Sighing, my gaze turned to look up at the ceiling as my mind began to wander. I thought of the short time Javelin and I had spent together when we first met. It felt like a lifetime ago when she was showing me around her ship, trying her hardest to impress me with every rivet and weld used in her construction.
And thanks to me she just experienced nightmare after nightmare. Warspite had been right. I just keep throwing myself into situations without thinking about the consequences.
Maybe it would be best for me to just return home. The girls would be far better off leading themselves, I would probably be arrested the moment I returned, but it would be for the best.
I lifted the bottle again.
–
I spent a long while laying on my bed thinking of both home and the small moments of comfort I had shared with the girls, riding out the buzz of the alcohol until it eventually faded. Leaving my mouth dry and the warning signs of an oncoming headache. I didn’t dare drink myself to a stupor, but I drifted listlessly in my thoughts for an unknown amount of time. The ship had stopped moving a while back, and now the light coming through the porthole had darkened. There was a constant soft tapping sound against the hull from a rainstorm.
Both thirst and growing hunger forced me to get up. I left my cabin with a sigh, and was surprised to find a tray with some sandwiches by the door. I never heard anyone knock so I didn't know how long it had been left out for or who left them. Eating them helped sate my hunger and slightly quell the pain in my stomach but also added to the growing guilt of how the girls were willing to go out of their way for me.
I placed the empty tray into my cabin to take to the mess later. I began walking towards the bridge, knowing the ship's owner would be there. I knew if there was anyone on this ship who could set me straight, it was her.
I found the Dreadnought sitting in the captain's chair, her long blond hair and scarf flowing down each side of the chair and her short legs idly dangling in the air. The bridge echoed with the sound of the rain and I could see the droplets flowing down the glass. The cabin was slightly dark, with just the night lights on.
Warspite rested her head in her palms and looked out of the cabin, seemingly unaware of my presence. Not wanting to overly startle someone who controlled naval cannons, I announced my presence as I walked to her side.
“Hey, Warspite. Anything to report?”
She immediately jolted in her seat with a rather cute yelp. She twisted her head towards the source of the noise. “Oh, James. Sorry, I didn't hear you enter.” She placed a hand against her chest to calm her racing heart.
“Aren’t you always able to tell where everyone is on your ship?” I asked, trying to make conversation. Just being in her presence was bringing some welcome relief, I didn't know why but it was like I could always be at ease around her.
“That still holds true, but my mind was elsewhere.” Her eyes shifted nervously and she pulled her scarf up slightly.
Her face turned to a look of concern. I knew what she was going to say before she even spoke. “How are you feeling?.”
“I’m fine.” I quickly replied, suddenly unable to meet her gaze.
“Poppycock. I can smell the alcohol James.”
I cursed the girl's heightened senses. I had come to the bridge to find someone to talk to, but now confronted with it I wanted to be anywhere but here.
“I just… We wouldn’t have gotten into that situation if it wasn’t for me. It’s always like this. It’s always on me. You keep risking yourselves and it’s my fault.”
“It’s not like that, James. We are yours to command. Danger will happen one way or the other.”
I trembled with a myriad of feelings, but the one that overtook me the most was frustration. “You have better chances to survive without me leading you into stupid danger.”
I could see her eyes widening, but I continued before she had the chance to react. “You are irreplaceable, all of you. If that happens again, I want all of you to get to safety even if it means leaving me behind. You deserve better than some guy who’s always winging it.”
Warspite sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. She hopped down from the chair and stepped forward until she was right in front of me. She placed her hands behind her back and tilted her head up. “Could you lean forward for me please? My head height will do.” She asked politely.
Confused, I leaned forward until our eyes met at the same level. The pupils of her eyes seemed to widen as she studied every aspect of my face. After a few seconds had passed I began to wonder what she was doing.
In a flash her face twisted to anger and she slapped me across the face with enough force to make me stumble. My hand immediately went to where she had hit feeling a burning sting, there was a slight taste of blood in my mouth. Then I felt her weight on my chest.
“Don’t!” I could feel her trembling on my chest. “Don't you dare ever say something like that again!” She balled her hands into fists and hit my chest repeatedly while stomping her foot into the deck, a sight all too familiar from her sister.
I stood idly and dumbfounded as she vented her frustrations. Warspite then wrapped her arms around me and pulled us into a tight hug, burying her face into my chest. The sudden hug only added to my surprise. Barring the occasional time’s she had offered her hand in comfort and how she had scoffed whenever the other girls had hugged me I had figured she wasn't one for personal contact. And yet, I hugged her back, trying to comfort her, or was she the one comforting me? It was hard to tell.
We both stood in silence for what felt like an eternity. Warspite didn't say anything during the entire time, only keeping a tight grip around my waist while keeping her head against my chest. There wasn't any sobbing or crying, but I could feel a slight dampness on my shirt from her tears.
Once she had decided that enough time had passed Warspite finally let go and stood back, wiping at her eyes in an attempt to hide the fact she’d been crying. “You…” Her voice was shaky, obviously trying with all her might to keep her emotions at bay. “You are not to say such things again. I swore an oath to protect you with my life and by my boilers I will uphold that oath until my last breath, dammit! No matter how difficult you make it for me! You are also irreplaceable, James. Never, ever forget that!” There was a slightest bit of a smile with her last comment.
Sighing I leaned against a console and rubbed my head. “I’m sorry. I can see how much your oaths mean to you. It's just it would be all my fault if something happened to you girls.”
“Don’t apologise, your reasoning is a noble one.” Warspite shook her head and pulled my face back to face hers again. “You, my sisters and Her Majesty are my dearest people in my life, and I couldn't live with myself if something was to happen to any of you, I would rather be the one laid low if it would ensure you had each other.”
A confident smile returned to her face. “But you needn't worry. I will always find the strength to get us out of any situation we find ourselves in.”
“I wish I had even an iota of your confidence.” I replied, my spirits lifting once again just by being in her presence.
“Comes with having eight fifteen inch guns to back me up.” The battleship boasted proudly, her smile turning tender afterwards. “But you shouldn't sell yourself short. Despite the outcomes of your actions, it's obvious to anyone your heart is in the right place and that the decisions you make are right and just.”
She gave a long sigh, her eyes flickering to a side, her lips pursing into a thin line. I followed her gaze to a small object on her chair. I could barely make out what it was.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Something I've been meaning to talk to you about, but I was going to give it a little more time before bringing it up.” Warspite replied as she walked over to fetch it. She presented a small notebook to me. “When I was setting the fuse in the depth charge I couldn't help but look over his body, if only to spit at it. However I spotted this jutting out of his pocket.”
I examined the item further. The black leather bindings showed it was rather valuable, but the paper inside looked yellowed and worn with several loose papers clasped inside. And finally there was the slightest hint of blood on the bottom edge, hastily dried to ensure the contents were not damaged.
“What's… What’s written inside?” I asked. A pregnant silence followed. “...Do I even want to know?”
“That's the thing. I haven't looked yet.” She moved the weight of the notebook around in her hands, half treating it with care like it was a priceless artefact and half looking like she wanted to throw it to the ground. “I can hazard a guess as to what it will entail, and that's what got me perplexed.”
I started to put the pieces together. “If it was in his lab coat then…”
“It's probably his notes on the experiments he ran.” The battleship finished. “In conflict, knowledge–both of yourself and your foe, is power. This book may contain valuable information regarding my kind and what we are capable of.” She looked down at the book and rubbed the leather with her thumb. “But.”
“The way that information was obtained was nothing short of a crime against humanity.”
“Rather more against ship kind if we’re being accurate.” She half joked with a tense smile. “I wanted to ask what you think I should do with this. Her Majesty told me to trust my judgement when I asked her, but I also value your opinion on this.”
Scratching my chin, I looked at the book. Within it may be invaluable information that may help us begin to piece together some of the mysteries of this world. But then I thought of Cleveland and what had happened to her sister. “I’m sorry Warspite, but ultimately this is about your kind. I’d rather have it be one of your kind who ultimately makes that decision.”
“I had a feeling you’d say something along those lines.” She said with a sincere smile, putting the notebook to the side. “I’ll give it some thought. Probably for the best as I’m sure the contents will only worsen my already low opinion of humans. That and I want to get Cleveland’s permission as well, but I’ll give her some time to recover first.”
“Cleveland...” I thought out loud. “How’s she been?”
“Reclusive.” Warspite sighed. “Once we were back on the ship we asked if she needed anything. She just shook her head and began aimlessly wandering my ship, from what I can tell she hasn’t eaten much or spoken to anyone since.”
“Where is she now?”
“Out on deck.” Warspite nodded her head towards the window. “Near the railing by the port side of B turret, she’s been out there since the rain started.”
“Oh?” I tried to look out the window to catch a glimpse of the cruiser, but the turret was blocking the view. I kicked myself for being so distracted when we got back to the ship. “I’ll go make sure she’s ok. Keep us out in the open ocean for now, we’ll figure out our next move soon. I’m sure Z23 can give us a good idea of what our supplies are like.”
“Roger, I’ll keep a lookout for anything.”
Just as I turned to leave I felt her hand grab mine. I looked back to see what it was she wanted. After rocking on her feet a few times she finally spoke “Uh… about what happened this morning, if you wish to talk about any of it. I'm always willing to lend an ear.” There was the slightest hint of a blush on her cheeks
“Thanks… it's been a shock to the system, I'll be sure to remember your offer if I need it.” I made way towards the door. I stopped at the frame. “Warspite?”
“Hm?”
“Thank you. I know I say it a lot, but I truly mean it. Thank you for everything.” I said with gratitude. I left the bridge and walked out into the rain with a smile.
(A/N) Part 2 should come out shortly after this one. Or you can find it in its entirety on Fanfiction.
submitted by Issac_E234 to AzureLane [link] [comments]
Fanfiction.
(A/N) This one turned out to be a long one so its been split between two posts. Enjoy.
Chapter 28
The sound of the gunshot still rang in my ears. The room felt hot, almost stifling. Questions ran amok in my head, Did he have a family? Had this been the only option? Was I now just as bad as him? The last few seconds played over and over in my head.
All I could do was look at his body. The scientist laid in front of me–unmoving, his dirty shirt darkening around the wound. I just stared at the life I just took, and for a moment, the questions in my mind became overwhelming.
It wasn't until a hand reached out and grabbed me by the shoulder I was pulled back to the present.
“James!” Warspite’s voice called out. I realised her tiny hands were pulling at me. I met her eyes in a daze, the concern on her face telling me she had already tried calling my name several times now.
“Warspite… I-” I tasted bile in my throat.. My eyes unconsciously broke contact with hers, and meandered back to the body.
“Don't! Look at me, James.” She accentuated her point by cupping my cheeks and forcing me to focus on her and only her. “Eyes on me.”
“Y-yes.” I complied awkwardly.
“I’ve radioed her Majesty, they'll be at the mouth of the river soon. Go with the others and get to the docks. Get out of here.”
A semblance of reason finally returned to my mind. “The others? What about you?”
“I’m going to burn this wretched place to the ground.” Seeing that I was finally cognisant she turned me around in place and pushed me over to the others, ensuing the entire time I couldn't see what I had done. Javelin was quick to receive me in a tiny hug.
Everyone bar Cleveland now had their rigging out, who was still slumped on the floor, holding her sister’s cube with Z23 trying to console her. Zuikaku had her sword drawn and was watching every entrance to the room, her entire body tense, ready to act at a moment's notice with a hard expression.
“Javelin, I need one of your depth charges.” The Dreadnought ordered. “I’ll wire up its timer to level this room.”
“R-right.” Javelin closed her eyes and focused. She lifted up her arms and a large barrel shaped munition appeared in her hands. She passed it over to Warspite with ease. “Here.”
“Good.” She looked to Cleveland. Her tone softened slightly. “Are you good to move?”
“Aye.” She spoke with a sniffle as she stood up, still tightly holding the cube against herself not letting it leave her sight for even a second.
Warspite stared me down. “Turn and leave, keep your eyes forward and don't look back. I'll catch up.”
With a shove she pushed me around and towards the door we had entered from. I stood still for a moment, a part of me wanting to turn back one more time, and I probably would have if not for a small hand reaching out to me. I found Javelin staring at me compassionately, her cheeks and pretty emerald eyes still marked with dried up tears. She stood gently still.
Despite the overbearing desire to do so, Warspite’s words echoed in my head. I jolted forward and didn't look back once.
Cleveland whimpered as we left the building before running ahead of us, through the smoke from the fires that filled the air I was just able to see the source of her dread.
The Montpelier was still in its dock, but where we had left it in an almost pristine condition it was now in a complete state of disrepair, the gun barrels hung limp in their housings, with several having even fallen into the deck. The panels lining the hull were coming apart as the welds and rivets that held them failed, the ship looked to be listing slightly as water was probably leaking in through collapsed bulkheads.
“No…” I heard Cleveland dash past me.
Cleveland scrambled over to her sister’s deteriorating ship, followed close by the rest of the girls, ignoring the muffled sound of an explosion that came from the building behind us.
With burning lungs I finally caught up to her as she reached the dock. “Please, Monty. Don’t go.” The cruiser pleaded, keeping the cube firmly grasped in one hand and placing her palm against the hull.
The ship moved as its weight shifted, a loud scraping noise rang out as the metal grinded against the dock.
Cleveland continued to rub the metal affectionately. “Shh, it's ok. Your big sister is here. Everything will be fine now.”
As was the usual case whenever something happened around these girls the hairs on my neck stood up as both the ship and Cleveland both began to glow.
There was a moment of hope as I looked at the cube clutched in her arm, but it still looked inert, even the light radiating from her body seemed to avoid it.
As I had seen countless times now, the ship became a mass of energy, the light hovering where the ship had previously been before Cleveland suddenly went rigid as the light flowed into her.
The cruiser yelped in pain as her body fought to contain the energy, a hand grabbed my collar and pulled me away. I was too transfixed on the spectacle to see who had done so.
Blood dripped from Cleveland's nose and she dropped to her knees, not letting go of Montpelier’s cube at all. Her rigging glowed bright, and an ethereal shape took form around it. The more I stared at it, the more I understood that this shape had the outline of a rigging, and it was fighting to occupy the same space as Cleveland’s already existing one, who grit her teeth and winced.
A gust of wind blasted around her, and in a matter not too dissimilar to when her rigging had formed, the light coalesced once more. A black line was suddenly drawn along the seam of her cape at the same time it was torn around the edges, followed by the ends of her golden locks of hair lost their lustre, changing into a silver white.
After what had felt like an eternity Cleveland seemingly regained control of her body once again, the tension in her arms and legs relaxed. With sweat dripping from her head she reopened her eyes, and slowly stood back up with laboured breaths. Her left eye shone with a different lustre for a moment, still red, yet a slightly different hue that slowly disappeared as she blinked.
“Are you ok?” I asked, unsure of what being ok could even be classed as right now.
“I thi-” She did a double take as what sounded like two voices came from her mouth, her own overlapping with another one. She put a hand to her mouth and coughed. “I think I am?” Her voice came out normal then. She wiped the blood away from her with her elbow, noticing that the fingerless glove on her right arm now ran across the full length of her elbow.
Running footsteps pulled our attention over to Warspite, who sped over to us. Smoke poured out of the roof of the building behind her, further adding to the cloud surrounding the facility and reducing visibility even further. Any further and I’d begin to choke.
Warspite took a second to stare at Cleveland before quickly returning her attention to the matter at hand, I noticed something hidden within her scarf as she adjusted it. “Commander, we need to move. Cleveland, are you able to sail?” The cruiser gave a slight nod. “Good, Zuikaku take him, the rest of you stay close.”
Slender but firm arms wrapped around me, and the carrier in question slung me over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes and jumped off the edge of the dock without warning. Zuikaku didn’t even give me a chance to retort as we splashed against the water, quickly gaining speed. I was able to see the others land on the water one by one and begin to follow behind us, quickly catching up. They all had a solemn expression as we once again found ourselves only just escaping complete disaster.
Zuikaku let me go once her feet touched the Warspite’s deck. The ship was already gaining speed and heading towards the relative safety of the open ocean, leaving behind a smoking land, the morning wind fanning the flames even more. I took out my binoculars and dared look back. I knew there would only be burnt rubble left by the time the fires died.
I felt the rush of what had happened slowly die down. A burning at the back of my throat threaded to force me to empty my stomach. The air was hot, almost stifling, it had never stopped burning even after leaving that place. Everyone's eyes were now on me, with the three girls that had stayed back looking with confusion on their faces.
“Get-” I paused, forcing my voice to stay steady and my dinner to stay down. “Get us out to the open sea and stay alert for any ships, Siren or otherwise. Everyone go and get some rest, it's been a long night.”
I did not wait for a reply and made my way inside the ship with unsteady steps, pushing my hands deep into my pockets to try and stop them from shaking. Someone called out to me as I walked but I just ignored it.
It was only when I went to open my cabin door did I realise someone had followed me, a white gloved hand covered mine as I tried to turn the handle.
“Not now, Hood.” I sighed, almost whispering. I turned my head to look at the woman, finding her beautiful blue eyes looking back at me with concern.
“James, I-”
“Please don’t.” I cut her off, wincing at the harshness of my own voice. I felt my stomach churn more, but I just didn't want to deal with anyone right now.
“But-”
“Don’t make me order you.”
The words left my mouth before I even realised. Hood stood still for a moment, mouth agasp and eyes wide with incredulity. She retired her hand away from mine, placing it against her chest. A mixture of emotions ran on her face, ones I didn’t dare look at.
I opened the door and darted inside the cabin before she recovered, slamming it shut behind me.
I stood deathly still for a moment. Was it a minute? Was it an hour? I just stood against the door, my legs feeling numb. Eventually, I heard the distinctive click of Hood’s heels disappear into the distance.
I held for a moment longer. For just a moment longer, I stood alone, bearing the weight. Then it came crashing down.
I ran my hands through my hair and tried to calm myself down. It was hopeless. Blood was on my hands, I could still smell the gunpowder, it was an oppressing scent that overpowered everything else. I found myself staring at my hand, how long had it been locked in that gripping position? I could still feel the weight of the gun.
I felt nauseous.
My arm still ached from the recoil, unable to hold the gun properly without being noticed. I had felt pain shoot up my arm the moment I fired and now even closing my fist was a difficult affair.
Unable to stand still any longer, I began to pace back and forth in the small cabin. Forward and backwards, side to side, the walls closed in on me every time I turned, making it harder and harder to breathe.
“It’s just a trick, it’s all in your head.” I repeated to myself, but the words rang hollow.
The sequence replayed over and over in my head, each time more vivid than the last. The details ran too clearly. Steven’s voice, the whimpers of the girls, my own heart pounding, my own ears ringing.
Cold metal against my skull. My spine freezing.
I sat down on the bed, and cradled my head in my arms. I closed my eyes trying my hardest to force the image out of my head. It was a useless effort.
Without even meaning, I whimpered silently. The sound of something dripping onto the deck pulled my attention away from the memory. Something ran down my face and I realised I had started crying. I tried to wipe my eyes with my sleeve, hoping nobody would come in at this moment. What kind of leader would cry at a time like this? All those girls looked to me for guidance and leadership, yet time after time again I led us straight into disaster
It had been me that had almost cost the girls their freedom. I didn't deserve to be their Commander.
I breathed deeply and tried to get a lid on my emotions and push them down.
“Think practical James. You're just in shock.” I told myself before taking several more deep breaths, remembering the first aid books Hood and I had read together. Thinking of Hood again made me feel miserable.
I reached into my pocket. Even sitting down it still felt like an iron weight pulling me down. I feebly grasped the old wooden handle and pulled the gun back out from where I had quickly stashed it. The scent of burnt gunpowder seemed to double as it entered the open air.
My stomach twisted again, and I let go of it, followed by a rushed scampering. I reached under my bed, not really caring where, just looking for something suitable to get that thing away from me and my mind. I found an old bag and frantically tossed the gun inside, producing a distinctive clicking sound.
“Shit.” I cursed and reached inside with my hand, finding an old bottle of scotch. The opaque, unlabelled glass was thankfully intact, but it showed me my warped, miserable reflection. I don’t know what possessed me then, for I grasped it by the neck and pushed the bag with the gun back under the bed.
I pried it open. It had been a gift from one of the sailors in the fleet. Twisting the wax securing the cap I realised such a bottle was nigh impossible to get on a sailors wage so I guessed this one had probably been listed as smashed during the attack.
I sat further back in my bed and lifted the bottle up to my mouth. The old familiar taste burned my throat as the amber liquid went down but the pleasant warming effect was soon to follow.
Taking another large swig I noticed a third of the bottle had already been drunk. I laid the bottle down and burrowed my head down on the pillow, desperately waiting for the numbing effect of the alcohol to kick in.
I looked once again at the door to my cabin. Part of me wanted nothing more than for one of the girls to open the door and come in, even if it was just to sit in silence with me. Even if it was Hood. God, why did I snap at her like that?
Sighing, my gaze turned to look up at the ceiling as my mind began to wander. I thought of the short time Javelin and I had spent together when we first met. It felt like a lifetime ago when she was showing me around her ship, trying her hardest to impress me with every rivet and weld used in her construction.
And thanks to me she just experienced nightmare after nightmare. Warspite had been right. I just keep throwing myself into situations without thinking about the consequences.
Maybe it would be best for me to just return home. The girls would be far better off leading themselves, I would probably be arrested the moment I returned, but it would be for the best.
I lifted the bottle again.
–
I spent a long while laying on my bed thinking of both home and the small moments of comfort I had shared with the girls, riding out the buzz of the alcohol until it eventually faded. Leaving my mouth dry and the warning signs of an oncoming headache. I didn’t dare drink myself to a stupor, but I drifted listlessly in my thoughts for an unknown amount of time. The ship had stopped moving a while back, and now the light coming through the porthole had darkened. There was a constant soft tapping sound against the hull from a rainstorm.
Both thirst and growing hunger forced me to get up. I left my cabin with a sigh, and was surprised to find a tray with some sandwiches by the door. I never heard anyone knock so I didn't know how long it had been left out for or who left them. Eating them helped sate my hunger and slightly quell the pain in my stomach but also added to the growing guilt of how the girls were willing to go out of their way for me.
I placed the empty tray into my cabin to take to the mess later. I began walking towards the bridge, knowing the ship's owner would be there. I knew if there was anyone on this ship who could set me straight, it was her.
I found the Dreadnought sitting in the captain's chair, her long blond hair and scarf flowing down each side of the chair and her short legs idly dangling in the air. The bridge echoed with the sound of the rain and I could see the droplets flowing down the glass. The cabin was slightly dark, with just the night lights on.
Warspite rested her head in her palms and looked out of the cabin, seemingly unaware of my presence. Not wanting to overly startle someone who controlled naval cannons, I announced my presence as I walked to her side.
“Hey, Warspite. Anything to report?”
She immediately jolted in her seat with a rather cute yelp. She twisted her head towards the source of the noise. “Oh, James. Sorry, I didn't hear you enter.” She placed a hand against her chest to calm her racing heart.
“Aren’t you always able to tell where everyone is on your ship?” I asked, trying to make conversation. Just being in her presence was bringing some welcome relief, I didn't know why but it was like I could always be at ease around her.
“That still holds true, but my mind was elsewhere.” Her eyes shifted nervously and she pulled her scarf up slightly.
Her face turned to a look of concern. I knew what she was going to say before she even spoke. “How are you feeling?.”
“I’m fine.” I quickly replied, suddenly unable to meet her gaze.
“Poppycock. I can smell the alcohol James.”
I cursed the girl's heightened senses. I had come to the bridge to find someone to talk to, but now confronted with it I wanted to be anywhere but here.
“I just… We wouldn’t have gotten into that situation if it wasn’t for me. It’s always like this. It’s always on me. You keep risking yourselves and it’s my fault.”
“It’s not like that, James. We are yours to command. Danger will happen one way or the other.”
I trembled with a myriad of feelings, but the one that overtook me the most was frustration. “You have better chances to survive without me leading you into stupid danger.”
I could see her eyes widening, but I continued before she had the chance to react. “You are irreplaceable, all of you. If that happens again, I want all of you to get to safety even if it means leaving me behind. You deserve better than some guy who’s always winging it.”
Warspite sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. She hopped down from the chair and stepped forward until she was right in front of me. She placed her hands behind her back and tilted her head up. “Could you lean forward for me please? My head height will do.” She asked politely.
Confused, I leaned forward until our eyes met at the same level. The pupils of her eyes seemed to widen as she studied every aspect of my face. After a few seconds had passed I began to wonder what she was doing.
In a flash her face twisted to anger and she slapped me across the face with enough force to make me stumble. My hand immediately went to where she had hit feeling a burning sting, there was a slight taste of blood in my mouth. Then I felt her weight on my chest.
“Don’t!” I could feel her trembling on my chest. “Don't you dare ever say something like that again!” She balled her hands into fists and hit my chest repeatedly while stomping her foot into the deck, a sight all too familiar from her sister.
I stood idly and dumbfounded as she vented her frustrations. Warspite then wrapped her arms around me and pulled us into a tight hug, burying her face into my chest. The sudden hug only added to my surprise. Barring the occasional time’s she had offered her hand in comfort and how she had scoffed whenever the other girls had hugged me I had figured she wasn't one for personal contact. And yet, I hugged her back, trying to comfort her, or was she the one comforting me? It was hard to tell.
We both stood in silence for what felt like an eternity. Warspite didn't say anything during the entire time, only keeping a tight grip around my waist while keeping her head against my chest. There wasn't any sobbing or crying, but I could feel a slight dampness on my shirt from her tears.
Once she had decided that enough time had passed Warspite finally let go and stood back, wiping at her eyes in an attempt to hide the fact she’d been crying. “You…” Her voice was shaky, obviously trying with all her might to keep her emotions at bay. “You are not to say such things again. I swore an oath to protect you with my life and by my boilers I will uphold that oath until my last breath, dammit! No matter how difficult you make it for me! You are also irreplaceable, James. Never, ever forget that!” There was a slightest bit of a smile with her last comment.
Sighing I leaned against a console and rubbed my head. “I’m sorry. I can see how much your oaths mean to you. It's just it would be all my fault if something happened to you girls.”
“Don’t apologise, your reasoning is a noble one.” Warspite shook her head and pulled my face back to face hers again. “You, my sisters and Her Majesty are my dearest people in my life, and I couldn't live with myself if something was to happen to any of you, I would rather be the one laid low if it would ensure you had each other.”
A confident smile returned to her face. “But you needn't worry. I will always find the strength to get us out of any situation we find ourselves in.”
“I wish I had even an iota of your confidence.” I replied, my spirits lifting once again just by being in her presence.
“Comes with having eight fifteen inch guns to back me up.” The battleship boasted proudly, her smile turning tender afterwards. “But you shouldn't sell yourself short. Despite the outcomes of your actions, it's obvious to anyone your heart is in the right place and that the decisions you make are right and just.”
She gave a long sigh, her eyes flickering to a side, her lips pursing into a thin line. I followed her gaze to a small object on her chair. I could barely make out what it was.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Something I've been meaning to talk to you about, but I was going to give it a little more time before bringing it up.” Warspite replied as she walked over to fetch it. She presented a small notebook to me. “When I was setting the fuse in the depth charge I couldn't help but look over his body, if only to spit at it. However I spotted this jutting out of his pocket.”
I examined the item further. The black leather bindings showed it was rather valuable, but the paper inside looked yellowed and worn with several loose papers clasped inside. And finally there was the slightest hint of blood on the bottom edge, hastily dried to ensure the contents were not damaged.
“What's… What’s written inside?” I asked. A pregnant silence followed. “...Do I even want to know?”
“That's the thing. I haven't looked yet.” She moved the weight of the notebook around in her hands, half treating it with care like it was a priceless artefact and half looking like she wanted to throw it to the ground. “I can hazard a guess as to what it will entail, and that's what got me perplexed.”
I started to put the pieces together. “If it was in his lab coat then…”
“It's probably his notes on the experiments he ran.” The battleship finished. “In conflict, knowledge–both of yourself and your foe, is power. This book may contain valuable information regarding my kind and what we are capable of.” She looked down at the book and rubbed the leather with her thumb. “But.”
“The way that information was obtained was nothing short of a crime against humanity.”
“Rather more against ship kind if we’re being accurate.” She half joked with a tense smile. “I wanted to ask what you think I should do with this. Her Majesty told me to trust my judgement when I asked her, but I also value your opinion on this.”
Scratching my chin, I looked at the book. Within it may be invaluable information that may help us begin to piece together some of the mysteries of this world. But then I thought of Cleveland and what had happened to her sister. “I’m sorry Warspite, but ultimately this is about your kind. I’d rather have it be one of your kind who ultimately makes that decision.”
“I had a feeling you’d say something along those lines.” She said with a sincere smile, putting the notebook to the side. “I’ll give it some thought. Probably for the best as I’m sure the contents will only worsen my already low opinion of humans. That and I want to get Cleveland’s permission as well, but I’ll give her some time to recover first.”
“Cleveland...” I thought out loud. “How’s she been?”
“Reclusive.” Warspite sighed. “Once we were back on the ship we asked if she needed anything. She just shook her head and began aimlessly wandering my ship, from what I can tell she hasn’t eaten much or spoken to anyone since.”
“Where is she now?”
“Out on deck.” Warspite nodded her head towards the window. “Near the railing by the port side of B turret, she’s been out there since the rain started.”
“Oh?” I tried to look out the window to catch a glimpse of the cruiser, but the turret was blocking the view. I kicked myself for being so distracted when we got back to the ship. “I’ll go make sure she’s ok. Keep us out in the open ocean for now, we’ll figure out our next move soon. I’m sure Z23 can give us a good idea of what our supplies are like.”
“Roger, I’ll keep a lookout for anything.”
Just as I turned to leave I felt her hand grab mine. I looked back to see what it was she wanted. After rocking on her feet a few times she finally spoke “Uh… about what happened this morning, if you wish to talk about any of it. I'm always willing to lend an ear.” There was the slightest hint of a blush on her cheeks
“Thanks… it's been a shock to the system, I'll be sure to remember your offer if I need it.” I made way towards the door. I stopped at the frame. “Warspite?”
“Hm?”
“Thank you. I know I say it a lot, but I truly mean it. Thank you for everything.” I said with gratitude. I left the bridge and walked out into the rain with a smile.
(A/N) Part 2 should come out shortly after this one. Or you can find it in its entirety on Fanfiction.
2023.06.06 19:42 _Chibeve_ Would Like Some Feedback on These Magic Items For my Players [VALENWIN MANOR PLAYERS DON’T LOOK]
IF YOU ARE A PART OF VALENWIN MANOR NO LOOKIE!!! YOU’LL GET YOUR PRESENTS SOON DON’T SPOIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!
First time trying to Homebrew magic items and would like some feedback on these.For starters these items are made to reflect their backstory, with their class having little influence on my decisions. I don’t care if they’re OP compared to enemies, but I care if some are OP compared to each other. I want them all to have fun with these.
Bard : One-Man Band
- At the start of the campaign player asked to have a shapeshifting instrument that can change into other instruments. I said I’ll work on it and I wanted to add on to the idea.
- Harmonica that can change into any instrument using a command word, making the user automatically proficient in that weapon.
- Passive : Spellcasting focus, +1 to spell attack and DC
- Active : Effect added to spells cast with this in hand, or effect created on its own. All areas originate from the user :
- Percussion : 15ft cube WIS save or be stunned until end of user’s next turn.
- Wind : 5ft by 30ft line DEX save or be knocked prone.
- String : 60ft radius CHA save or be charmed/frightened (user’s choice) until end of user’s next turn.
- Electronic : 15ft cone CON save or be pushed back 10ft and deafened until end of user’s next turn.
- Hybrid : Roll to determine which effect is used.
- Charges : Equal to proficiency bonus and recharges at dawn.
- Comparisons:
- Item compared to the All-Purpose Tool, changing the “cantrip” part to the various instrument modes.
- Percussion effect not based on any preexisting spells or abilities. I’m concerned it may be too OP to have an area effect stunning, but wasn’t sure.
- Wind effect made using Dragonborn’s Breath Weapon.
- String effect compared to Calm Emotions spell, but increased distance to make up for “weaker” effect.
- Electronic effect made using Thunderwave spell.
- Hybrid is just used to explain any instruments that use multiple types (like electric guitar, lore reasons why that’s even an option).
- Concerns :
- I don’t know the Bard spell list that well, nor how they typically play, so my concerns are that the effects are either already spells a Bard has access to to, they are redundant, or they’re useless. Would love input on that.
- Also wasn’t sure on how balanced each effect was with one another and wanted input in that.
Sorcerer : Alien Companion
- They are an aberrant mind sorcerer and gave me full reign over their backstory on how this came to be. They have no idea why a flumph is following them around all of a sudden. The flumph is resommoned by an “unknown person”.
- A flumph that seems attached to the user, following their instructions loyally. The flumph acts as both a familiar and as an Expert sidekick.
- Has its own initiative, free action to command it, CAN attack, cannot take on new forms, will respawn after one hour if killed.
- Charges : None applicable except constraints set by the sidekick class or the race limits. Considering adding a limit on respawns, maybe only allowing the flumph to reappear at the next dawn.
- Comparisons :
- This flumph has a modified statblock to fit its own past and experience, but is otherwise still a flumph. Removed the prone thing flumph a have cause I didn’t wanna deal with it.
- Concerns :
- I don’t know how powerful a familiar with the changes I made is too or less powerful, both compared to regular familiars and to the other magic items in the list.
- Also not sure if there are any interactions with the sorcerer class I should be aware of.
Barbarian : Organic Threads
- One of the more backstory related items that really doesn’t tie into the class at all, the player wanted more out of combat options, and she’s a granny PC who loves knitting so here we are!
- Box of various rare magical threads that has a variety of uses in and out of combat :
- Unicorn Hair : Rope-like thread that is incredibly sturdy and laced with magic. Popular building and mending material.
- Drider Silk : Sticky silk thread perfect for traps, nets, and powerful restraining; uses are up to user ideas.
- Violet Fungus : While violet is the most common, there are other colors whose fibers invoke different magical effects when used.
- Violet : Slightly poisonous sap leaks from it.
- Blue : Waterbreath, permanent if mask made from the thread is worn over the face, 1 hour of thread is consumed
- Green : Photosynthesizes and becomes capable of healing wounds.
- Yellow : Emits light, I imagine like glow sticks.
- Orange : Emits heat, capable of cooking and warming other stuff, but not enough to do serious damage.
- Red : Able to move on its own and perform basic tasks if given proper stimuli.
- Alchemist’s Thread : Tough wirey thread used for making protective gear. Able to provide temporary AC if armor pieces are made from it.
- Dire Sheep Wool : Wool from dire sheep, self explanatory. Provides resistance to the following damage types : mundane (bludgeoning/piercing/slashing/fall/etc), cold, and thunder. Weak to fire damage.
- Charges : Equal to proficiency bonus and recharges at dawn. All threads use the same pool of uses.
- Comparisons :
- Unicorn hair is like a beefed up mending, able to repair anything perfectly as long as most of the original is there and nothing vital is missing. Note that it can’t create something (like turning a pile of logs into a raft) but it could repair a raft that’s missing…. Idk nails? It’s also able to return magic to a repaired item. It also is not able to work as a healing spell, so HP won’t be recovered but it could technically patch up a wound and stabilize them?
- Drider silk is compared to nets and other traps, with these stats DC 15 to escape, AC 15, and HP 20. The silk is strong and sticky enough to restraint creatures tiny to large and can trip prone tiny to gargantuan. Exceptions may vary depending on the monster or the type of trap used, but that’s the general idea.
- The funguses are based on various little effects. Most are clear what their use is. Violet is like a “basic poison”, blue is water breathing, green is like a “potion of healing”, yellow is like a torch/lantern, orange is a natural heater, and red is like the mage hand/unseen servant spells.
- Alchemists thread is given the explicit ability to act like a one use Shield spell. If the user had already used a charge of the box to make an accessory or something out of it, then it can be used to buff the AC. Other uses are available but that’s the explicit use I give.
- Dire sheep wool is one of the few threads that can be used without being woven, but it’s less effective. In its unwoven form it only reduces the damage by half and is rendered useless after one hit, but woven together is more lasting and can completely nullify the damage.
- Concerns :
- The biggest concern is that there are too many options and some are clearly more favorable than others. With the use limit so small, I’m worried about that.
- Barbarian : Crown of the Kind
- This barbarian is a lovable idiot, whose immense strength accidentally hurts people and it makes him sad. A crown that was owned by a pacifist king seems up his alley.
- Crown made of lead and silver, both to protect from incoming magic and also to enhance its own magic.
- Passive : Advantage on charisma skill checks, insight checks, and wisdom skill checks and saving throws.
- Active : The user can charm someone into becoming basically a thrall for them until the next dawn. They gain the person as a loyal servant as long as the target is not forced to do anything that causes them or things they care about harm. Basically if you treat them good the effect lasts. If the charming is broken then the target cannot be affected by charm effects by the user anymore, even using other methods.
- Charges : Equal to proficiency bonus and recharges at dawn. Limit to one thrall at a time.
- Comparisons : The active ability is like an extended Suggestion spell.
- Concerns : Might be too OP…. No real specific problems
Rogue : Mimic Pouch
- Character is a changeling hiding and cursing their existence, and I think mimics are an awesome pairing with them.
- A bag of tiny mimics that look like silver coins until commanded to do something. If given a snack, they’ll be very loyal. The mimics act as both an “animal companion” and as a collective Warrior sidekick.
- Charges : None applicable except constraints set by the sidekick class or the race limits. As long as the entire colony isn’t killed at once, the mimics can reproduce and keep their colony alive if some die.
- Comparisons :
- The mimics have a homebrewed statblock, largely similar to the standard mimic.
- Concerns :
- Still deciding if letting them count as an ally to activate sneak attack. Possibly need to be out of the bag and doing something to count; just keeping them in the bag isn’t helpful.
Druid : Animated Spyglass
- Character is an INT based Druid who studies astronomy.
- A magical spyglass made to assist the scholarly warriors on the field of battle.
- Passive : Spellcasting focus, ignore half cover and double the range of ranged spell attacks, magnifies things to a factor of 10, advantage on ranged attacks, perception checks, and intelligence skill checks.
- Active : Speaking the command word allows the spyglass to float on its own to keep hands free, magical truesight from 120ft and beyond (meaning 0-120ft does not grant truesight), see thru mundane material except lead, scrying (true sight doesn’t function during scrying and scrying can’t get through magical obscuring or lead/other magic blocking methods.
- Charges : Equal to proficiency bonus and recharges at dawn.
- Comparisons :
- Spyglass acts like an animated shield.
- Scrying is like the scrying spell.
- Concerns : A lot of stuff added in, but I feel like it’s all relatively situational? Might need more constraints.
Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated! What matters most is that the items are relatively balanced between one another, are interesting and don’t clash with class stuff. Still working on it, I have about a week until I need these ready so I have time, just wanted other opinions if you wanna give them! My friends and I are lenient with one another, and we're prepared to make changes as necessary during play.
2023.06.06 19:18 devilsravioli A refutation of the First Presidency's 2023 claim that, "The temple covenants and ordinances remain the same.": The evolution of the Law of Chastity as presented in the LDS temple endowment.
Disclaimer: In the following post I outline language from the LDS Temple Endowment, past and present. Nothing disclosed in this post is promised by adherents to remain strictly confidential (names, signs, tokens, and penalties). I can not promise whether the links included disclose what you may deem sacred.
In February of 2023, the LDS Church released a new endowment ceremony that contained a myriad of changes. The changes include adjustments to the visual presentation, upfront disclosures of the covenants, more Jesus, less touching, restructuring of the creation narrative, modifications in character dialogue, omissions, attempts to remove patriarchy, and explicit rewording and explanations of the covenants. Naturally, attendees will notice these differences. The FP added the following quotation to soothe patrons as part of the disclaimer at the introduction of the 2023 endowment (emphasis mine):
strikethrough=redaction):
strikethrough=redaction):
Two significant revisions to the wording of a specific covenant during one administration (Nelson) seems unprecedented, but it happened. The Law of Chastity was affected in 2023 (text=no change, italics=addition,strikethrough=redaction):
The reasoning behind the 2019->2023 change to the Law of Chastity remains a mystery to me. The "legally and lawfully wedded according to His law" remained the same. This is the primary refutation of same-sex marriage. The change in subject and restructuring of the covenant serve what purpose? Is the Law of Chastity only applicable to those in God's Kingdom, meaning members of the Church? Are non members not accountable to the repercussions of breaking the Law of Chasity? Did the FP realize this and change back to the generalized sons and daughters of God to encompass all people? Who knows. I would appreciate feedback and insight here.
I finished this exercise with more questions than I did when I started. One item became abundantly clear though, the explanation of the Law Chastity has changed. One could argue that the meaning behind the explanation has not changed, but they would then need to explain why the explanation has changed. Do the words matter? The words seem to matter in every other ordinance (i.e. baptism). The leaders of the Church are in such a state of suspension, that in the last 5 years, we have had three different explanations for the Law of Chastity presented in the temple. Things are in motion. This will be the topic of the decade. Irrefutable declarations, such as Nelson's, will not be treated well in the annals of history. Absolutes only become regrets as maturity and nuance grow through experience. This is why we are discouraged from discussing what happens in the temple.
For additional study of the Church and LGBTQ rights, refer to Prince's Gay Rights and the Mormon Church, Petrey's Tabernacles of Clay and Toward a Post-Heterosexual Mormon Theology, and Ostler's Queer Mormon Theology.
For additional historical study of the evolution of temple worship, refer to Anderson's The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History and Buerger's The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship.
submitted by devilsravioli to mormon [link] [comments]
In February of 2023, the LDS Church released a new endowment ceremony that contained a myriad of changes. The changes include adjustments to the visual presentation, upfront disclosures of the covenants, more Jesus, less touching, restructuring of the creation narrative, modifications in character dialogue, omissions, attempts to remove patriarchy, and explicit rewording and explanations of the covenants. Naturally, attendees will notice these differences. The FP added the following quotation to soothe patrons as part of the disclaimer at the introduction of the 2023 endowment (emphasis mine):
You will notice that additional adjustments have been made in the presentation of the endowment, all of which are in harmony with the doctrine of the Savior's restored gospel. The temple covenants and ordinances remain the same.According to the FP, despite the apparent "adjustments" to the endowment ceremony (bonus points to anyone who can tell me the difference between "adjustments" and "changes"), "The temple covenants and ordinances remain the same." I do not believe this is an honest statement. We can examine the Law of Chastity as it has been presented over the last 100 years in LDS Temples and make a judgement. Below is a table with five different presentations of the Law of Chastity given in the LDS endowment over time (the three oldest from ldsendowment.org and the two newer from transcripts I possess). Each column represents the ceremony of the title period. Each row represents comparable passages in that period. Forgive me for any errors in formatting this information to fit in the table.
| Pre-1927 | Pre-1990 | Post-1990 | 2019 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A couple will now come to the altar. | A couple will now come to the altar. | A couple will now come to the altar. | Adam and Eve, please come to the altar. | |
| Brothers and sisters, please consider yourselves as if you were respectively Adam and Eve. | ||||
| We are instructed to give unto you the law of chastity. This I will explain. To the sisters, it is that no one of you will have sexual intercourse except with your husband to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded. To the Brethren it is that no one of you will have sexual intercourse except to your wife to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded. | We are instructed to give unto you the law of chastity, which is that each of you shall have no sexual relations except with your husband or wife to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded. | We are instructed to give unto you the law of chastity, which is, that the women of God’s kingdom and the men of God’s kingdom shall have no sexual relations except with those to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded according to His law. | We are instructed to give unto you the law of chastity, which is that God’s sons and God’s daughters shall have sexual relations only with those to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded according to His law. | |
| Sisters, please arise. | All please arise. | |||
| Brothers and sisters, as invited by Peter, please raise your arm to the square as instructed: | ||||
| Each of you bring your right arm to the square. | Each of you bring your right arm to the square. | Each of you bring your right arm to the square. | Each of you bring your right arm to the square. | |
| You and each of you do covenant and promise that you will not have sexual intercourse with any of the opposite sex save your lawful husband, given you by the holy priesthood. | You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the law of chastity, as it has been explained to you. | You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses that you will observe and keep the law of chastity, as it has been explained to you. | You and each of you individually covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to you. | Each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses that you will keep the law of chastity as it has been explained to you. |
| All bow your heads and say yes. | Each of you bow your head and say, "Yes." | Each of you bow your head and say "Yes." | Each of you bow your head and say "Yes." | Each of you bow your head and say “Yes”. |
| That will do. | That will do. | Thank you. | Thank you. | |
| Brethren, please arise. | ||||
| Each of you bring your right arm to the square. | ||||
| You and each of you do covenant and promise that you will not have sexual intercourse with any of the opposite sex except your lawful wife or wives who are given you by the holy priesthood. | You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the law of chastity, as it has been explained to you. | |||
| All bow your heads and say yes. | Each of you bow your head and say, "Yes.” | |||
| That will do. |
1927
As Mormonism transitioned, the endowment changed. This was particularly the case when the Church was forced to abandon polygamy at the turn of the 20th century. As generations of active polygamists died off, the endowment language for the Law of Chastity was revised to reflect the iron fist of Grant (ironically) and Clark. All this to squelch any lingering fundamentalists in the Church. A man no longer covenanted to limit their "sexual intercourse" to their wives, but only promised to remain loyal to their legal and lawful wife (emphasis on the legal).1990
Any changes to the endowment between 1927 and 1990 are insignificant compared to what occurred in 1990. In 1988, the LDS Church issued and distributed a survey to gauge members' attitude toward the temple and other aspects of the church. Some of the instructions/questions included:Q28: Based on your experience In receiving your own endowment, how much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?Evidently, church leadership wanted to know how members felt about the temple. Many believe that a direct result of this feedback was the 1990 adjustments to the temple ceremony. Changes included the removal of the penalties, the removal of the preacher, the removal of explicit phrases in the Adamic language, and removal of the lecture at the veil. These changes reduced the time requirement of the endowment and fortunately blessed us with Michael Ballam as Lucifer. The 1990 version of the endowment is more egalitarian, in that it combines the men's and women's covenant to obey the Law of Chastity (maybe this change was simply for brevity). Also, "intercourse" was replaced with "relations". This ambiguity sure doesn't help when attempting to define what is and isn't restricted in the Law of Chastity. Regardless, the meat of the Law of Chastity did not change in 1990.
a. I felt prepared for my temple endowment.
b. I had people with me who cared about me
c. I was nervous about what would happen
d. The experience was unpleasant.
e. I was confused by what happened
f. I felt spiritually uplifted by the experience
Q29: Briefly describe how you felt after receiving your own endowment.
Q30: What do you wish you had done or known before you went to the temple for your own endowment?
Q35: If you were unable to participate In these temple ordinances as much as you wanted to during 1987, what are some of the things that made It DIFFICULT FOR YOU to go to the temple?
2019
2019 is when the endowment changes got really interesting. Here is a summary put together by Jonathan Streeter of all the significant changes that took place. Faithful feminists saw these changes as a massive leap forward. There were significant changes to the wording of the Law of Chastity. Here they are outlined (text=no change, italics=addition,We are instructed to give unto you the law of Chastity; which is, thatHusbands and wives are no longer the subjects of the covenant. "Men" and "women" of "God's kingdom" are now making the covenant. The Church no longer shares ownership of the titles "husband" or "wife". They were forced to change the Law of Chasity to accommodate this shift in the definitions of these titles and their relationship to one another. After 2015, in the US, legal and lawful husband/husband and wife/wife pairs existed in and out of the Church. It is important to note that, technically, the Law of Chasity, as presented in the temple prior to 2019, accommodated legal and lawful same-sex marriage. Despite this accommodation, the Handbook of Instructions was modified in November 2015 to make entering a legal and lawful same-sex union an excommunicable offense. The temple endowment changes lagged significantly. They did not come until after the Nov 2015 policy was rescinded. The addition of "according to God's law" further galvanized the Church's attempt to fence their heterosexual boundary. These changes have Russell Nelson, Dallin Oaks, and Obergefell v. Hodges written all over them. For example, in 2019 (after the endowment changes), Russell Nelson stated in his infamous "Love and Laws of God" address at BYU (emphasis mine):each of you shall have no sexual relations except with your husband or wife to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded.the women of God’s kingdom and the men of God’s kingdom shall have no sexual relations except with those to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded according to His law.
Thus our commission as apostles is to teach nothing but truth. That commission does not give us the authority to modify divine law.Irony is soaked in his declaration considering he is responsible for changing the meaning of the Law of Chastity as presented in the 2019 endowment. This isn't even considering the changes to the Law of Chastity as a result of Smith's (apparent) denunciation of Celestial Marriage at the turn of the century. Russell Nelson explicitly defines the Law of Chasity being the union between a singular ("a") man and singular ("a") woman. This has not always been so. The Law of Chastity has changed.
For example, let’s consider the definition of marriage. In recent years, many countries, including the United States, have legalized same-sex marriage. As members of the Church, we respect the laws of the land and abide by them, including civil marriage. The truth is, however, that in the beginning—in the beginning—marriage was ordained by God! And to this day it is defined by Him as being between a man and a woman. God has not changed His definition of marriage.
God has also not changed His law of chastity. Requirements to enter the temple have not changed. And our desire for there to be love at home and harmony between parent and child has not changed.
2023
In 2023, there was yet again more changes made to the endowment ceremony. These changes were not minor, they were significant. The tone of the entire ceremony shifted. Part of this shift in tone is an emphasis on covenants (Russell Nelson's finger prints). Wherever covenants could be inserted, they were added. In some places these changes were awkward and alter the meaning of the original endowment. For example (text=no change, italics=addition,Narrator: Brothers and sisters, through the ages Heavenly Father has sent messengers to communicate with His children. In the endowment, Peter, James, and John symbolically represent such messengers.Satan's famous interjection directed at the Apostles makes no sense with the replacement of "covenants". The find and replace function was used a little too liberally when redrafting the script this time around.
Peter: Good morning.
Satan: Good morning, gentlemen.
Peter: What are you doing here?
Satan:Observing the teachings of these people.
Peter:What is being taught?
Satan: I am teaching the philosophies of men mingled with scripture.
Peter: How is this teaching received?
Satan: Many receive it very well, exceptbutthese people do not seem to believe what is being taught.
Peter: Good morning. What do you think of this teaching?
Adam: We are looking for messengers from our Father to teach us.
Peter: That is good.Have you any tokens or signs?Have you been true to the covenants you made in the Garden of Eden?
Satan: Have you any money?
Peter: We have sufficient for our needs.
Satan: You can buy anything in this world with money.
Peter:Do you sell your tokens or signs for money? You have them, I presume.Have you been true to your covenants?
Adam:We have them, but we do not sell them for money. We hold them sacred.We have been true to our covenants and are looking for the further light and knowledge Father promised to send us.
Peter: That is right. We commend you for your integrity. Good day. We shall probably visit you again.
Satan: Now is the great day of my power. I reign from the rivers to the ends of the earth.There is none whoNo one dares tomolest or make afraidoppose me.
Two significant revisions to the wording of a specific covenant during one administration (Nelson) seems unprecedented, but it happened. The Law of Chastity was affected in 2023 (text=no change, italics=addition,
We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Chastity, which is thatThe parts that were added in 2019 were redefined in the 2023 version. This flip-flop is unprecedented (just as unprecedented as the Nov 2015 policy flip flop). The subject of the covenant is no longer the men and women of God's kingdom, but "God's sons and God's daughters". Also, the Law of Chastity is no longer presented as an exception, but an expectation to follow. The requirement of adhering to "His law" remained.the women of God’s kingdom and the men of God’s kingdomGod’s sons and God’s daughters shall havenosexual relationsexceptonly with those to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded according to His law.
The reasoning behind the 2019->2023 change to the Law of Chastity remains a mystery to me. The "legally and lawfully wedded according to His law" remained the same. This is the primary refutation of same-sex marriage. The change in subject and restructuring of the covenant serve what purpose? Is the Law of Chastity only applicable to those in God's Kingdom, meaning members of the Church? Are non members not accountable to the repercussions of breaking the Law of Chasity? Did the FP realize this and change back to the generalized sons and daughters of God to encompass all people? Who knows. I would appreciate feedback and insight here.
Summary
What is the Law of Chastity? Do words define the Law? If so, have the words not changed? More importantly, has the meaning of the law changed? If the meaning of the law did not change, who determined the words that define the law? Prophets? Does man really direct God? Do man's words define God's laws? Do we not have the vocabulary to define God's laws? Did God not have the LGBTQ community in mind when he revealed the Law of Chastity to his prophets in 1990? 2019? 2023? Is the text of the explanation of the Law of Chasity as presented in the endowment the ultimate definition of the Law of Chastity? If not, then what is? If we make a covenant to keep the commandments at baptism, why do we need to make an additional covenant to obey the Law of Chastity in the temple? Why is the explanation of the Law of Chastity so trite in the temple when the explanation for the Law in the Church Handbook is so long? Are we not bound by the specificity in the Handbook?I finished this exercise with more questions than I did when I started. One item became abundantly clear though, the explanation of the Law Chastity has changed. One could argue that the meaning behind the explanation has not changed, but they would then need to explain why the explanation has changed. Do the words matter? The words seem to matter in every other ordinance (i.e. baptism). The leaders of the Church are in such a state of suspension, that in the last 5 years, we have had three different explanations for the Law of Chastity presented in the temple. Things are in motion. This will be the topic of the decade. Irrefutable declarations, such as Nelson's, will not be treated well in the annals of history. Absolutes only become regrets as maturity and nuance grow through experience. This is why we are discouraged from discussing what happens in the temple.
Notes:
For a general summary of the changes made between the 2019 and 2023 endowment ceremonies, refer to this post. For a really enlightening summary of changes made to the Law of Obedience over the decades, check out this post by u/AscendedScoobah.For additional study of the Church and LGBTQ rights, refer to Prince's Gay Rights and the Mormon Church, Petrey's Tabernacles of Clay and Toward a Post-Heterosexual Mormon Theology, and Ostler's Queer Mormon Theology.
For additional historical study of the evolution of temple worship, refer to Anderson's The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History and Buerger's The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship.
2023.06.06 18:40 bikingfencer 1st John, chapter 2 - walk the talk
1st John Chapter Two
and if sins a man, we have to us an advocate [מליץ, MayhLeeYTs] before the father – YayShOo`ah [“Savior”, Jesus] the anointed, the righteous.
rather [אלה, ’ehLah’] also upon sins of all the world.
-4. The sayer, “I recognize him”,
and has not guarded [את, ’ehTh] his commandments,
a worder of falsehood is he,
and the truth has not in him.
-5. But [אך, ’ahKh] the guarder [את, ’ehTh] His word,
in same the man is completed [נשלמה, NeeShLeMaH], in truth, love of Gods;
in this know that in him are we.
-6. The sayer that he stands in YayShOo`ah,
as [the] way that walked YayShOo`ah, yes also is upon him to walk.
rather [כי אם, KeeY ’eeM] a commandment old,
that was to you from [the] first.
The commandment, the old, she is the word that you heard.
-8. And in all that, a commandment new write I to you,
a word that is established [שנכון, ShehNahKhON] also in him and also in you,
that see, the darkness passes and the light the true already shines [זורח, ZORay-ahH].
-9. The sayer that [כי, KeeY] in light he is and with that hates [את, ’ehTh] his brethren,
still is he [עודנו, `ODehNOo] in darkness.
-10. The lover [את, ’ehTh] his brethren stands in light,
and scandal [ומכשול, OoMeeKhShOL] has not in him.
-11. But [אבל, ’ahBahL] the hater [את, ’ehTh] his brethren, in darkness is he;
in darkness he walks [מתהלך, MeeThHahLayKh], and he does not [ואינו, Ve’aYNO] know to where he walks,
for the darkness blinds [עור, `eeVayR] [את, ’ehTh] his eyes.
-12. Write I to you, my children,
So [מפני, MeePNaY] that will be pardoned to you your sins on behalf of his name.
-13. Write I to you, fathers,
so that you recognize him [אותו, ’OThO], that he was from [the] first.
Write I to you, first-born,
so that you conquer [שנצחתם, SheNeeTsahHThehM] [את, ’ehTh] the evil.
-14. I wrote to you, children,
so that you recognize [את, ’ehTh] the Father.
I wrote to you, fathers,
so that you recognize [את, ’ehTh] him, that he [was] from [the] first.
I wrote to you, first-born,
so that you strengthen,
and word [of] Gods is realized in your midst,
and you conquer [את, ’ehTh] the evil.
-15. Do not love [את, ’ehTh] the world, nor [אף, ’ahPh] [את, ’ehTh] what that is in [the] world;
man, if he loves [את, ’ehTh] the world, has not within him love of the father.
-20. And you have to you the anointing [המשיחה, HahMeSheeYHaH] [from [מאת, May’ayTh] the Holy [one], and all of you know.
-22. Who is he, worder false, if not with [בלתי, BeeLTheeY] the denier [הכופר, HahKOPhayR] in thus, that YayShOo`ah, he is the anointed?
This is him, distressor [of] the anointed: the denier in father and in son.
submitted by bikingfencer to BibleExegesis [link] [comments]
-1. My children [ילדי, YeLahDah-eeY], write I to you [את, ’ehTh (indicator of direct object; no English equivalent)] the words the these to sake you not sin,The Anointed learns upon us right [זכות, ZeKhOoTh]
[verses 1-6]
and if sins a man, we have to us an advocate [מליץ, MayhLeeYTs] before the father – YayShOo`ah [“Savior”, Jesus] the anointed, the righteous.
“…ethics in the N.T. [New Testament] is never finally a matter of a ‘works-righteousness’ or code. The Spirit interprets our duty to us in various situations.” (Wilder, 1955, TIB p. XII 227)-2. And he is atonement [כפרה, KahPahRaH] for our sins,
“`Ιλασμος [‘Ilasmos], the atoning sacrifice for our sins… כפור kippur … The word is used only here, and in chap. iv.10.” (Clarke, 1831, p. VI 862)and not upon our sins only,
rather [אלה, ’ehLah’] also upon sins of all the world.
“The apostle does not say that he died for any select part of the inhabitants of the earth, or for some out of every nation, tribe, or kindred, but for ALL MANKIND: and the attempt to limit this is a violent outrage against God and his word.” (Clarke, 1831, p. VI 862)-3. And in this know [נדע, NayDah`] that we recognize [שהכרנו, ShehHeeKahRNOo] him: if we guard his commandments.
-4. The sayer, “I recognize him”,
and has not guarded [את, ’ehTh] his commandments,
a worder of falsehood is he,
and the truth has not in him.
-5. But [אך, ’ahKh] the guarder [את, ’ehTh] His word,
in same the man is completed [נשלמה, NeeShLeMaH], in truth, love of Gods;
in this know that in him are we.
-6. The sayer that he stands in YayShOo`ah,
as [the] way that walked YayShOo`ah, yes also is upon him to walk.
-7. My beloved, not a commandment new write I to you,……………………………………………………….
The new commandment
[verses 7-17]
rather [כי אם, KeeY ’eeM] a commandment old,
that was to you from [the] first.
The commandment, the old, she is the word that you heard.
-8. And in all that, a commandment new write I to you,
a word that is established [שנכון, ShehNahKhON] also in him and also in you,
that see, the darkness passes and the light the true already shines [זורח, ZORay-ahH].
-9. The sayer that [כי, KeeY] in light he is and with that hates [את, ’ehTh] his brethren,
still is he [עודנו, `ODehNOo] in darkness.
-10. The lover [את, ’ehTh] his brethren stands in light,
and scandal [ומכשול, OoMeeKhShOL] has not in him.
-11. But [אבל, ’ahBahL] the hater [את, ’ehTh] his brethren, in darkness is he;
in darkness he walks [מתהלך, MeeThHahLayKh], and he does not [ואינו, Ve’aYNO] know to where he walks,
for the darkness blinds [עור, `eeVayR] [את, ’ehTh] his eyes.
-12. Write I to you, my children,
So [מפני, MeePNaY] that will be pardoned to you your sins on behalf of his name.
-13. Write I to you, fathers,
so that you recognize him [אותו, ’OThO], that he was from [the] first.
Write I to you, first-born,
so that you conquer [שנצחתם, SheNeeTsahHThehM] [את, ’ehTh] the evil.
-14. I wrote to you, children,
so that you recognize [את, ’ehTh] the Father.
I wrote to you, fathers,
so that you recognize [את, ’ehTh] him, that he [was] from [the] first.
I wrote to you, first-born,
so that you strengthen,
and word [of] Gods is realized in your midst,
and you conquer [את, ’ehTh] the evil.
-15. Do not love [את, ’ehTh] the world, nor [אף, ’ahPh] [את, ’ehTh] what that is in [the] world;
man, if he loves [את, ’ehTh] the world, has not within him love of the father.
“… a love of the creature and the creation is disparaged over against the primal and everlasting ground of existence, the Father and his purpose….-16. For all that is in the world - lust of [תאות, Thah’ahVahTh] fleshes, lust of the eyes, and pride of [וגאות, VeGah’ahVahTh] the possessions [הנכסים, HahNeKhahÇeeYM] - not from the father is it, rather from the world.
Such an emphasis is indeed exposed to the modern reproach of a false otherworldliness, and this passage has often been used to fortify such a piety.” (Wilder, 1955, TIB pp. XII 238-239)
“For the lust of the eyes a passage in the Testament of Reuben10 (ch. [chapter] 2) is illuminating. It speaks of the ‘seven spirits of deceit’ which are ‘appointed against man’ of which one is the ‘sense of sight from which ariseth desire’ (cf. [compare with] also Ezek. [Ezekiel] 20:7-8). Jesus strictly warns against the eye as the occasion of temptation in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. [Matthew] 5:27-29)” (Wilder, 1955, TIB p. XII 240)…
10 “The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs is a constituent of the apocryphal scriptures connected with the Torah. It is a pseudepigraphical work comprising the dying commands of the twelve sons of Jacob. It is part of the Oscan Armenian Orthodox Bible of 1666. Fragments of similar writings were found at Qumran, but opinions are divided if these are the same texts. It is considered Apocalyptic literature.
The Testaments were written in Greek, and reached their final form in the second century CE. In the 13th century that they were introduced into the West through the agency of Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, whose Latin translation of the work gained immediately became popular. He believed that it was a genuine work of the twelve sons of Jacob, and that the Christian interpolations were a genuine product of Jewish prophecy; he accused Jews of concealing the Testaments ‘on account of the prophecies of the Saviour contained in them.’
With the critical methods of the 16th century, Grosseteste’s view of the Testaments was rejected and the book was unjustly disparaged as a mere Christian forgery for nearly four centuries. Presently, scholarly opinions are still divided as to whether the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs are an originally Jewish document that has been retouched by Christians or are a Christian document written originally in Greek but based on some earlier Semitic material. The feasibility of the Jewish author hypothesis is increasingly difficult to defend, while the Christian nature of the book is a given. Scholarship, therefore, focuses on this book as a Christian work, whether or not it has Jewish original (Vorlage).
A copy of the testaments is published in The Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden.
The work is divided into twelve books, each purporting to be the last exhortations of one of the twelve titular patriarchs. In each, the patriarch first narrates his own life, focusing on his strengths, virtues, or his sins, using biographical material from both the Hebrew Bible and Jewish tradition. Next he exhorts his listeners to emulate the one and to avoid the other. Most of the books conclude with prophetic visions.
The Testament of Reuben is predominantly concerned with admonishing lust, and the sinfulness of Reuben in his having had sex with Bilhah, a concubine of his father. It is likely that the author wished to cover the topic of fornication anyway, and assigned it for Reuben to discuss due to Reuben's relationship with Bilhah being recounted in the canonical bible. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testaments_of_the_Twelve_Patriarchs
-18. My children, that is the hour, the last, and, like that you heard that [כי, KeeY] would come the distressor [of] the Anointed [αντιχρισος – antichrisos ~ antichrist], also now have risen distressors of Anointed multitudinous. From here know we that that is the hour, the last.……………………………………………………….
Distressor [צורר, TsORehR] [of] the Anointed
[verses 18-28]
“The actual term antichrist appears only in I and II John in the N.T. but the same figure is in view in the ‘man of lawlessness’ of II Thess. [Thessalonians] 2:3-4, in the great agent of sacrilege in Mark 13:14 and its parallels, and elsewhere. In our epistle he is identified with the ‘spirit’ of heresy (4:3) or error (4:6) as already come. He has in mind disturbers of the life of the churches generally and pretenders to messiahship or divinity in various parts of the empire. Words assigned to Jesus in the Gospels bearing on these events were thought of by the evangelists as fulfilled in their day. … The church fathers, rightly or wrongly, supply the names of Dositheus11, Simon Magus12, Judas Gallaeus, and later, Montanus13, as having made messianic claims.” (Wilder, 1955, TIB pp. XII 243-244)
11 “The legendary background of the Pseudo-Clementine polemic informs us that the precursor of ‘Simon Magus’ was a certain Dositheus. He is mentioned in the lists of the earliest hæresiologists, in a Samaritan Chronicle, and in the Chronicle of Aboulfatah (fourteenth century); the notices, however, are all legendary, and nothing of a really reliable character can be asserted of the man. That however he was not an unimportant personage is evidenced by the persistence of the sect of the Dositheans to the sixth century; Aboulfatah says even to the fourteenth. Both Dositheus and ‘Simon Magus’ were, according to tradition, followers of John the Baptist; they were, however, said to be inimical to Jesus. Dositheus is said to have claimed to be the promised prophet, ‘like unto Moses,’ and ‘Simon’ to have made a still higher claim. In fact, like so many others in those days, both were claimants to the Messiaship. The Dositheans followed a mode of life closely resembling that of the Essenes; they had also their own secret volumes, and apparently a not inconsiderable literature.
Dositheus (Dousis, Dusis, or Dosthai) was apparently an Arab, and in Arabia, we have every reason to believe, there were many mystic communities allied to those of the Essenes and Therapeuts.” http://sacred-texts.com/gno/fff/fff20.htm
12 “Simon Magus (Greek Σίμων ὁ μάγος), also known as Simon the Sorcerer and Simon of Gitta, was a Samaritan proto-Gnostic and traditional founder of the Simonians in the first century A.D. He appeared prominently in several apocryphal and heresiological accounts of early Christian writers, who regarded him as the source of all heresies.
Simon Magus has been portrayed as both student and teacher of Dositheus, with followers who revered him as the Great Power of God. There were accusations by Christians that he was a demon in human form, and he was specifically said to possess the ability to levitate and fly at will. The fantastic stories of Simon the Sorcerer persisted into the Middle Ages, becoming a possible inspiration for Goethe's Faust.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Magus
13 “Montanism was an early Christian movement of the early 2nd century A.D., named after its founder Montanus. It originated at Hierapolis where Papias was bishop and flourished throughout the region of Phrygia, leading to the movement being referred to as Cataphrygian (meaning it was ‘from Phrygia’). It spread rapidly to other regions in the Roman Empire at a time before Christianity was generally tolerated or legal. Although orthodox Nicene Christianity prevailed against Montanism within a few generations, labeling it a heresy, the sect persisted in some isolated places into the 8th century. Some people have drawn parallels between Montanism and modern Pentecostalism (which some call Neo-Montanism). The most widely known Montanist was undoubtedly Tertullian, who was the foremost Latin church writer before he converted to Montanism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montanism
-20. And you have to you the anointing [המשיחה, HahMeSheeYHaH] [from [מאת, May’ayTh] the Holy [one], and all of you know.
“The word [anointing] is not used in the N.T. outside the present chapter.” (Wilder, 1955, TIB p. XII 245)…
““The χρισμα, chrism, or ointment, here mentioned, is also an allusion to the holy anointing ointment prescribed by God himself, Exod. [Exodus] xxx. 23-25. which was composed of fine myrrh14, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus15 , cassia lignea16, and olive oil.”
14 “Myrrh is a reddish-brown resinous material, the dried sap of a number of trees, but primarily from Commiphora myrrha, native to Yemen, Somalia, the eastern parts of Ethiopia and Commiphora gileadensis, native to Jordan…. Myrrh was used as an embalming ointment and was used, up until about the 15th century, as a penitential incense in funerals and cremations. The "holy oil" traditionally used by the Eastern Orthodox Church for performing the sacraments of chrismation and unction is traditionally scented with myrrh…” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrrh
15 “Sweet Flag, also known as calamus and various rushes and sedges, (Acorus calamus) is a plant from the Acoraceae family, in the genus Acorus. It is a tall perennial wetland monocot with scented leaves and more strongly scented rhizomes, which have been used medicinally, for its odor, and as a psychotropic drug.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Flag
16 “The spice now known in pharmaceutical literature under the name of Cassia lignea has, from time immemorial, been an article of trade from South China. Flückiger and Hanbury are indeed of opinion that it was the cinnamon of the ancients, what now bears the name being peculiar to Ceylon and unnoticed as a product of the island till the thirteenth century. (‘Pharmacographia,’ pp. 520, 521.) Cinnamon and cassia are, however, enumerated amongst the products of the East from the earliest periods; and the former was known to the Arabians and Persians as Darchini (dar, wood or bark, and chini, Chinese). It seems in ancient times to have been carried by Chinese traders to the Malabar coast, where it passed into the commerce of the Red Sea. In this way the statements of Dioscorides, Ptolemy, and others, are accounted for, who speak of cinnamon as a product of Arabia and Eastern Africa, countries in which there is no reason to suppose it ever grew.” http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/journals/ajp1883/03-cassia-lign.html
-22. Who is he, worder false, if not with [בלתי, BeeLTheeY] the denier [הכופר, HahKOPhayR] in thus, that YayShOo`ah, he is the anointed?
This is him, distressor [of] the anointed: the denier in father and in son.
“… not the Jewish refusal to recognize Jesus as the messiah; this denial would hardly be made by members of the church… it is the denial that ‘Jesus Christ has come in the flesh’. … The Doscetists made a separation between the earthly Jesus and the heavenly Christ. These verses sound very harsh and dogmatic to us (and cf. 5:10, 12). As a matter of fact, the impulse of the writer was not that of an inflexible orthodoxy: it was an appeal to the abiding dynamic witness of the Spirit, which quickens and leads into all truth. This Spirit was indeed related inseparably to the old oral confessions of the church (cf. Acts 8:37, RSV mg [margin]), but these evidently were already taking various forms, and the meaning of the term Christ, for example, had changed markedly.” (Wilder, 1955, TIB pp. XII 246-247)...
“Some have supposed that an Ebionite denial of Jesus’ messiahship is all that is intended here (so Maurice Goguel). But the second part of the verse makes it likely that Docetic-Gnostic issues are involved.” (Wilder, 1955, TIB p. XII 271)
“There were certain persons who, while they acknowledged Jesus to be a Divine Teacher, denied him to be the Christ, i.e. [in other words], the Messiah.
“He is antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son.] He is antichrist who denies the supernatural and miraculous birth of Jesus Christ; who denies Jesus to be the Son of God; and who denies God to be the Father of the Lord Jesus: - thus he denies the Father and the Son. The Jews in general, and the Gnostics in particular, denied the miraculous conception of Jesus: with both he was accounted no more than a common man, the son of Joseph and Mary. But the Gnostics held that a divine person, ᴁon or angelical being, dwelt in him; but all things else relative to his miraculous generation and divinity they rejected. These were antichrist, who denied Jesus to be the Christ.” (Clarke, 1831, p. VI 866)
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Children of Gods
[verses 28 to end of chapter] An Amateur's Journey Through the Bible
2023.06.06 18:25 SuchPig Failing Upwards Chapter 24
Universe by U/BlueFishCake
Previous Chapter
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I don't look like a sad orphan! I think.
Sean was frantically looking through his extremely limited supply of "nice" clothes. Haali had reminded him that while they were proper business attire, they weren't exactly glamorous or flattering. Sean had no use for fancy clothes, so he really didn't have any. Now here he was kicking himself for not having at least one nice shirt.
He leaned over and looked at himself in the mirror and groaned, "Damnit I have no idea what I'm doing. Reflection what do I do?".
He and his reflection both shrugged, "Ugh, some use you are.".
He stuck his head back into his closet, hoping that somehow a perfect article of clothing had somehow appeared there. Coincidentally he remembered an old shirt he had "borrowed" from his dad. He hadn't noticed it before, he kept it tucked away in a box at the top of the closet and he often forgot it existed. Besides, he virtually never looked through his clothes with this level of intensity.
As he reached up to the box, he began to feel increasingly ridiculous. It was one of his dad's old shirts from his partying days back when he was a little younger than Sean. Suffice it to say, the garment could be officially qualified as "old as shit".
Sean initially took it as a joke; something to wear to 80's parties or when he just wanted to look absurd. Fashion was an ever-changing force and so much time had passed since this shirt had been woven. You could turn a lot of heads for all the wrong reasons wearing this thing. But it did have one thing going for it: it strangely reminded him of something Haali would wear.
It didn't look like his fluffy pirate shirt or anything, but it had that same "I'm here to party 'till I die look". Sean fumbled around until his hand met the box, with an odd degree of reverence he slid the box off the shelf and he sat it on his bed. He flipped the lid off with one finger and winced when he saw it again.
I forgot how outrageous this thing is...
The "Turquiose Menace" as he had come to call it, would arise once again. He held it up; he smiled, then cringed, then weakly smiled once more. He held it over himself in the mirror and tilted his head from side to side, trying to make a decision. After a few more seconds of looking, he shrugged, nodded, "It'll have to do...". He gently laid it on his bed and went to take a shower.
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Haruk had been enjoying herself getting ready for tonight. She was smiling and running a brush through her hair as she hummed to herself. She had invested in a full body mirror and was enjoying the sight of herself looking so good. She was ecstatic to have an excuse to get all dressed up and look sexy. While she was quite satisfied with her appearance, she had a growing sense of dread in the back of her mind concerning Sean and Xerya.
Goddess I hope those two show up wearing something half way decent.
She stopped brushing her long hair for a moment to rotate around and check out her back side. She smiled and giggled a bit, she loved getting everything about this. She spun back around and pushed a lock of hair over her ear, she then resumed brushing her hair. As she raised the brush for another stroke, she froze.
I... I better go check on Xerya.
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Xerya wasn't used to this feeling, and she really didn't like it. She was someone who always had her shit together, and now was one of the very few times in her life where she didn't. The sliding door to her closet in her room was wide open. She had her arms outstretched, resting on the opposing sides of the closet. She had a thin sheen of stress sweat coating her face and her eyes were widened by a low grade panic attack.
Nice? What does that even mean? I think a tank top and sweat pants are nice. I know that's not what they mean, but shit, I don't really have anything to work with here!
She frantically shoved her hangers from side to side as she searched for some forgotten article of clothing. The real kick in the tits was Haali's specific ban on wearing uniforms. When she had first gotten word of their dinner date, that's exactly where her mind first went; hell, that’s what she always wore when she had to dress up. They might have been a little stiff and up tight, but it gave her a decent set of clothes that were accepted in most places.
That devious little imp had now starved her of her silver bullet for fashion. So now she was trapped in a clothesless wasteland of her own making, and she was running out of time. She was about to double down on her growing anxiety by panicking about the time but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Several aggressive thuds on the door were followed by Haruk's voice. Her tone was a blend of teasing and legitimate concern, "Hey Xerya you alive in there? You didn't get crushed under your own tits did ya?".
Thank the goddess!
Xerya bounded over to her door, her massive jugs bouncing around with every step. She had been topless while trying to decide what to wear. She flung the door open wearing an uncharacteristically neurotic look of fear. She was greeted by the image of an irritatingly sexy and well-dressed Haruk.
At first, she thought Haruk had magically grown several inches, but then as she looked down she noticed the shoes she was wearing. A pair of high heeled sandals were strapped to her feet. She was adorned by a cobalt blue dress that clung to her hips and ass and flowed freely as it cut off just above her ankles. It accented her flat tummy and the curves of her breasts as two straps tied together behind her neck to hold the whole thing up.
She had shiny earrings on and her hair had been expertly curled and styled. Her long glossy ponytail cascaded over her left shoulder. The blue of her highlights blended with the blue of her dress...and at that point Xerya realized she was staring. At Haruk of all people.
Haruk grinned and gently slid her ponytail over her shoulder in a practiced motion, "Damn I must look good, I'm even making girls stare.".
Xerya's cheeks became tinged with blue, "I-uhh- no I wasn't!".
Haruk rolled her eyes, "Yeah ok whatever.". Her eyes then crept downward to the blue capped mountains hanging off Xerya's chest, "So uhhh", she pointed at Xerya's tits, waving her finger in a little circle, "What's going on here?".
Xerya's blush intensified, she felt vulnerable. Not because of her tits hanging out, but because she didn't have a plan. Not having a plan was not how she lived her life. "Haruk I don't know what to do! You and Sean said no uniforms and I have nothing else but my awesome comfortable clothes.".
Haruk pushed past Xerya and invaded her room while shaking her head, "My goddess...".
For such a clever and punctual person, Xerya really did live like an animal. There was clutter and random bits of clothing all over the place. Haruk spun around in place marveling at the duality of Xerya's existence, "How do you live like this?".
Xerya swung her door shut and stepped to face Haruk. She ran her hands down her cheeks, "It's worse than usual. If you can't tell, I'm sort of freaking out. What the deep do I wear? I don't know how to look good!".
Haruk didn't want to ruin her makeup, but she managed a modest face palm anyways. She chuckled lightly, "You already look good you idiot. You just need to learn how to show it!".
Xerya flailed her arms in frustration, "With what though? Look in that closet? Would you honestly allow me to wear anything in there to dinner? We both know you're going the be the self-proclaimed fashion police here.".
Haruk smiled and pointed right at Xerya's face, "And don't you forget it.".
Haruk quickly spun around and began to pick through Xerya's closet. A mere few seconds later she spun around looking like she just saw a ghost, "You're fucked.".
Xerya mirrored Haruk's terror, "...what... do I do?".
Haruk looked at her omni pad, "Well we could try to run out real fast a-".
"We don't have time!" Xerya shouted.
Haruk stood silently with her chin resting on the thumb and index finger. One of her long legs pumped rhythmically as if generating thoughts. She looked up to Xerya with a somber expression, "There's only one thing we can do then.".
Xerya was desperate, she'd try anything at this point. Sean would be arriving in a few minutes, and she was out of ideas. Her voice was full of desperation, "Whatever it is, I'll do it!".
Haruk nodded, "Come to my room, it’s up to my closet to save you.".
Haruk strode out without another word. Her mind was focused solely on the task at hand; and it was quite a task. Trying to fit Xerya into her clothes sounded impossible, but tonight they needed to accomplish exactly that.
Haruk opened Xerya's door, then her own a few seconds later. Xerya stood there looking across the hall with her hands hanging at her sides. She whispered quietly and fearfully, "But... how will I fit?".
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Sean was powerwalking his way through the corridors of the building. The black eyes of the marines were glued to him even more than usual. His shirt did not button up all the way, so he had been flashing his chest to everyone he crossed paths with. His face was burning red from all the attention.
It had been a constant stream of cat calls the whole way there. Many of the faces he recognized simply from being on the base a lot, and then there were the faces that belonged to his students. It was easy enough to ignore the strangers and run away. It was much harder to ignore Shinal stepping out of her room and staring at his chest while licking her lips.
Sean watched her nipples harden as she cooed, "You're looking... sharp today Mr. Warwick.". Sean felt obligated to say something on account of being her teacher. He smiled weakly and gave a quick, "Hi Shinal, see ya tomorrow.". He didn't even stop moving to say it. He blew past her as she leaned out her door to shamelessly stare at his ass like many others were.
Shinal pivoted back into her doorway and whispered to herself, "See you tomorrow...". She smiled up at the ceiling and disappeared back into her room.
Sean was grateful that he could see Xerya's door coming into view down the hallway. He never thought drowning in pussy could be a bad thing, until now. He laughed internally at the thought of a giant blue vagina popping out of a door somewhere and swallowing him whole like some sort of "Penis Fly-trap". He felt safer already as he gently knocked on Xerya's door.
His budding sense of safety quickly faded away as no one answered the door. That was very unlike Xerya to not stick to the plan.
I hope everything is ok. What if she's sick, or in trouble with work? That would fuck up the whole night. She better not, but she's better than that. What if something happened to her? Oh fuck maybe she's hurt... or worse!?
God damnit why does my brain always go straight to this insane shit!?
Sean looked to his right and saw several marines mingling about farther down the hall and trying very hard not to look like they were staring. Sean wanted nothing more than to disappear into Xerya's room, and now for some unknown reason he couldn't.
Fuck it, plan B.
He turned around and banged on Haruk's door in a decidedly more panicked fashion. A few seconds of insane daydreaming later and the door opened, revealing an exceptional looking Haruk.
Sean looked up extra high to meet her eyes, "Woah...".
Haruk smiled brightly and blushed, "Hi, Sean you look so...".
She bit her lip as her eyes glued themselves to his chest, "...good".
The reality of Sean's situation then dawned on Haruk. She leaned past Sean and looked into the hall; her suspicions were confirmed by the presence of the unwanted competition out there. She wrapped an arm around Sean's waist and quickly pulled him inside, "You beautiful idiot, get in here!".
Sean paced forward a bit and turned to watch Haruk push her door shut. Haruk put her hands on her hips, "You should have called one of us! You went through all that alone?".
Sean looked at the floor, "Ehh yeah, to both of those things, sorry.".
Haruk bent down and hugged Sean, "No I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be mean. I just want you to be safe.".
Sean turned and kissed her cheek as he wrapped his arms around her, "Well here I am in one piece, also, holy shit you look gorgeous!".
He broke out of her hug and stepped back to fit all of Haruk in his vision. He looked at her from head to toe, "You look so good I almost just wanna skip dinner.".
Haruk swooned, "If any of us looks good, its you! I've never seen a shirt like that. It's very se- um it looks so good on you!".
Sean laughed as he remembered how he dressed, "This thing practically came out of a time machine. It used to belong to my dad back when he was my age. I kept it just for fun, oddly enough it kind of reminded me of the shirts Haali wears.".
Haruk winked, "Well, whatever it is, it’s working.".
Sean couldn't help but to run a hand along Haruk's tight thigh, "Yeah, so is this.".
He looked up at Haruk and they swapped not so innocent smiles. Sean then membered why be was here, "So where's Xerya?".
Haruk looked to the corner of her room where her closet resided. Their rooms may not have had bathrooms in them, but they generous closets. She gently and quite reluctantly guided Sean's hand off of her thigh, "Let me go check. We had a bit of a clothing situation.".
Sean shrugged and chuckled, "Umm, ok. I hope she's about ready.".
As Haruk approached the closet Sean heard Xerya's voice, "I almost ready I swearing! And hi Sean!".
Sean smiled and looked toward the closet, "Everything ok in there?".
Haruk looked into her closet, "Oh my goddess!".
As she rounded the corner, she was greeted with the sight of Xerya annihilating her stretchiest dress. It was the only thing she had a hope of fitting into, and fitting was a very relative term in this case. She was spilling out of the top and bottom of Haruk's poor white dress.
She was frantically stuffing her tits back into the extremely low neckline. Doing so caused it to ride up her legs and damn near cause her ass to fall out the bottom. Her tits took up so much room in the dress there really wasn't much room left for the rest of her.
Xerya looked at Haruk with a worried expression, "Hold on I just need another second.". She reached down and pulled the bottom to cover more of her ludicrously thick thighs.
Haruk's looked shocked, "You're exploding out of it! By the Empress! You look like you're going to an erotica convention!".
Xerya turned to her looking terrified, "So, it's not working? We don't have time for anything else! And I feel ridiculous!".
Haruk was exasperated, "I mean, it's working, but not for the right reasons.".
Sean overheard this exchange, and he couldn't help but have a look. He peeked around the corner and his jaw hit the floor. Xerya was rocking a beyond skintight white dress that honestly couldn't contain her assets. He got there just in time to see her adjust her bra straps which made the dress ride back up her thighs again.
Xerya saw Sean emerge and blushed like she did the first time they met. She shyly put her hands behind her back and put on a nervous smile, "Hi".
Sean smiled ear to ear while fucking her with his eyes, "Hello to you.".
Haruk rolled her eyes, "See, he basically wants to fuck you right here. Only problem is, now we gotta go have dinner with our boss's, boss's, boss.".
Both Sean and Xerya wilted a bit, but very quickly their eyes began to slither all over each other again. Xerya huffed, "How do you wear these things Haruk?".
Haruk crossed her arms, "Well not like you, that’s for sure.".
Sean squeezed by Haruk, he was compelled to feel Xerya's touch. He literally couldn't stay away, "Xerya you look incredible.".
She quickly responded to his approach by kneeling down and kissing him. Sean allowed his hands to roam all over her, "Just uhhh, try not to pop out at the dinner table. I feel like that would make things maybe just a bit awkward.".
Xerya looked mortified, then relaxed a little, "Yes, I really do not want sex dinner.".
Xerya stood back up and Sean guided her and Haruk towards the door, "Yeah sex is for dessert, not dinner.".
As he said that he made eye contact with Haruk and licked his lips with a devilish smile. Haruk turned blue and bit her lip in anticipation.
They got to the door and Sean put his hand on the handle, "Ok, are you two as nervous as I am?”.
Haruk enthusiastically said, “Oh yeah.”.
Xerya, looking quite nervous, quietly and rapidly nodded.
Sean turned the handle and swung the door open, “Alright, lets try to survive this thing.”.
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The exo hangar was a loud, well-lit place. Most of the time. Now it was dark except for the lights in bay one. The building was eerily quiet except for the occasional clang or whirring of hand tools. As always, the place stunk of grease, coolant, and sweat.
There was one other sound that broke the pattern of mechanical noises.
"BROTHER FUCKING DAUGHTER OF A CUNT!"
Khe'siri leaned against the wrench and shoved with all her freakish strength. The sweat poured off her brow as she grunted and strained. She adjusted her footing, tightened her grip on the wrench and pushed again. Alas the stubborn bolt refused to turn.
She stepped back and shook the numbness out of her hands, "Goddess damned piece a shit! What crawled up your ass?".
She sat down on a crate and took a long sip off her water bottle. She scowled at the bolt; she hated it. She wanted to defeat it... to destroy it.
I don't care if it takes me all night. That little fucker is coming out of there.
Anyone else who saw her like this would assume she was miserable. That wasn't the case though. It was dark, quiet except for her, and there was no one else around. No people, no bullshit, just her and her work. This was her happy place.
Happy of course was a relative term. Khe'siri didn't have the broadest spectrum of emotions out there. She was angry more often than she wasn't, she was infamous for her fiery temper and foul mouth. A quiet calm was about as close to happy as she could go. Despite her swearing and endless threats to the inanimate objects around her, she was almost enjoying herself.
She stood back up and wiped her hands on her coveralls. As usual the top half was tied around her waist leaving just a tight black tank top covering her chest. Sort of. She once again glared at the bolt on the exo's ankle actuator, "Ok smart ass, you just earned yourself a date with the breaker.".
She reached behind her toolbox and retrieved a five-foot-long purple metal bar. It had a modular slot on the end to fit virtually any kind of nut, bolt, or screw in the Imperium. She had made it herself and was immensely proud of it. She was the only one who ever used it. Not only were many others afraid to interact with her, but they could barely even lift it anyways. It even felt heavy to her, and she loved it dearly.
As she wrapped her meaty hands around it, she looked at it with true affection. Love never brought her anything but trouble in the past. Love with people anyways, but the breaker only ever brought her joy. It was basically her boyfriend.
She had a joyous glint in her eye as she approached the bolt once more, "Alright you little shit, looks like we're doing this the hard way.".
She found herself holding back a smile. Despite the joy she felt wielding the breaker, she really hated that bolt.
Without any preamble she slotted in the proper head and placed it over the bolt. She had the bar angled across her chest so she could channel all her might into it. Between that and the massive mechanical advantage provided by its length, no nut or bolt had ever resisted its power. She was confident this one would be broken like all the others.
"TIME TO GET FUCKED"
Her biceps swelled as she dumped all her power into the breaker. This was the part where the bolt was supposed to turn. Where she got to win. To have at least one little thing in her life turn out her way. But it did not.
She grunted, those grunts turned into growls. Her frustration and rage crescendoed into outright yells, "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!". Almost as if the universe wanted to kick her while she was down, she caught a glimpse of herself reflected on a deactivated data pad as she screamed that question.
She let go of the breaker and thew her arms into the air. She was still looking at her reflection, "What the fuck is wrong with you?".
This was supposed to be the one thing she was good at. Her current failure reminded her of her abysmal scores in that stupid English class she had to take. Not that she really gave a shit about it, but she needed to pass. After a prior incident involving a gratuitous lack of self-control and a dumbass fellow mechanic, Sergeant Revni had creatively punished Khe'siri by enrolling her in English classes on base.
Now she was stuck in that class with a bunch of hopeless cunts who think they'll be able to fuck their teacher. Not only did she not like her classmates, but that human language was stupid. It's hard to learn a language when you hate it and the class.
Then there was that teacher of theirs. He was always parading around the room acting like he was everyone's friend with his tight little pants and fat ass. Guys only ever brought her trouble. Now she had to sit there and listen to a preachy little human male teach her his primitive language.
And now this bolt.
Thinking about the mountain of failures that was her life caused her temper to flare once more. She stormed over to the data pad and threw a punch fueled by her searing anger. The screen instantly cracked into a spiderweb pattern, and the entire back side now domed outwards. Not feeling satisfied, she grabbed the tablet and launched it across the room where it exploded against the opposite wall.
"FUCK!"
She stood there panting and looking at the floor while the hurricane in her mind gradually wound down. She turned to head back to the breaker for one last final try when she noticed something.
Oh my fuck.
The entire casing for that ankle joint was bent. It would be impossible to pull the bolts now. Fixing a broken arm had just turned into brain surgery. Khe'siri gritted her teeth and sneered, "Oh just wait till I find the bitch that drives this thing..."
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Previous Chapter
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I don't look like a sad orphan! I think.
Sean was frantically looking through his extremely limited supply of "nice" clothes. Haali had reminded him that while they were proper business attire, they weren't exactly glamorous or flattering. Sean had no use for fancy clothes, so he really didn't have any. Now here he was kicking himself for not having at least one nice shirt.
He leaned over and looked at himself in the mirror and groaned, "Damnit I have no idea what I'm doing. Reflection what do I do?".
He and his reflection both shrugged, "Ugh, some use you are.".
He stuck his head back into his closet, hoping that somehow a perfect article of clothing had somehow appeared there. Coincidentally he remembered an old shirt he had "borrowed" from his dad. He hadn't noticed it before, he kept it tucked away in a box at the top of the closet and he often forgot it existed. Besides, he virtually never looked through his clothes with this level of intensity.
As he reached up to the box, he began to feel increasingly ridiculous. It was one of his dad's old shirts from his partying days back when he was a little younger than Sean. Suffice it to say, the garment could be officially qualified as "old as shit".
Sean initially took it as a joke; something to wear to 80's parties or when he just wanted to look absurd. Fashion was an ever-changing force and so much time had passed since this shirt had been woven. You could turn a lot of heads for all the wrong reasons wearing this thing. But it did have one thing going for it: it strangely reminded him of something Haali would wear.
It didn't look like his fluffy pirate shirt or anything, but it had that same "I'm here to party 'till I die look". Sean fumbled around until his hand met the box, with an odd degree of reverence he slid the box off the shelf and he sat it on his bed. He flipped the lid off with one finger and winced when he saw it again.
I forgot how outrageous this thing is...
The "Turquiose Menace" as he had come to call it, would arise once again. He held it up; he smiled, then cringed, then weakly smiled once more. He held it over himself in the mirror and tilted his head from side to side, trying to make a decision. After a few more seconds of looking, he shrugged, nodded, "It'll have to do...". He gently laid it on his bed and went to take a shower.
////////////////////////////////////////////
Haruk had been enjoying herself getting ready for tonight. She was smiling and running a brush through her hair as she hummed to herself. She had invested in a full body mirror and was enjoying the sight of herself looking so good. She was ecstatic to have an excuse to get all dressed up and look sexy. While she was quite satisfied with her appearance, she had a growing sense of dread in the back of her mind concerning Sean and Xerya.
Goddess I hope those two show up wearing something half way decent.
She stopped brushing her long hair for a moment to rotate around and check out her back side. She smiled and giggled a bit, she loved getting everything about this. She spun back around and pushed a lock of hair over her ear, she then resumed brushing her hair. As she raised the brush for another stroke, she froze.
I... I better go check on Xerya.
/////////////////////////////////////////////
Xerya wasn't used to this feeling, and she really didn't like it. She was someone who always had her shit together, and now was one of the very few times in her life where she didn't. The sliding door to her closet in her room was wide open. She had her arms outstretched, resting on the opposing sides of the closet. She had a thin sheen of stress sweat coating her face and her eyes were widened by a low grade panic attack.
Nice? What does that even mean? I think a tank top and sweat pants are nice. I know that's not what they mean, but shit, I don't really have anything to work with here!
She frantically shoved her hangers from side to side as she searched for some forgotten article of clothing. The real kick in the tits was Haali's specific ban on wearing uniforms. When she had first gotten word of their dinner date, that's exactly where her mind first went; hell, that’s what she always wore when she had to dress up. They might have been a little stiff and up tight, but it gave her a decent set of clothes that were accepted in most places.
That devious little imp had now starved her of her silver bullet for fashion. So now she was trapped in a clothesless wasteland of her own making, and she was running out of time. She was about to double down on her growing anxiety by panicking about the time but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Several aggressive thuds on the door were followed by Haruk's voice. Her tone was a blend of teasing and legitimate concern, "Hey Xerya you alive in there? You didn't get crushed under your own tits did ya?".
Thank the goddess!
Xerya bounded over to her door, her massive jugs bouncing around with every step. She had been topless while trying to decide what to wear. She flung the door open wearing an uncharacteristically neurotic look of fear. She was greeted by the image of an irritatingly sexy and well-dressed Haruk.
At first, she thought Haruk had magically grown several inches, but then as she looked down she noticed the shoes she was wearing. A pair of high heeled sandals were strapped to her feet. She was adorned by a cobalt blue dress that clung to her hips and ass and flowed freely as it cut off just above her ankles. It accented her flat tummy and the curves of her breasts as two straps tied together behind her neck to hold the whole thing up.
She had shiny earrings on and her hair had been expertly curled and styled. Her long glossy ponytail cascaded over her left shoulder. The blue of her highlights blended with the blue of her dress...and at that point Xerya realized she was staring. At Haruk of all people.
Haruk grinned and gently slid her ponytail over her shoulder in a practiced motion, "Damn I must look good, I'm even making girls stare.".
Xerya's cheeks became tinged with blue, "I-uhh- no I wasn't!".
Haruk rolled her eyes, "Yeah ok whatever.". Her eyes then crept downward to the blue capped mountains hanging off Xerya's chest, "So uhhh", she pointed at Xerya's tits, waving her finger in a little circle, "What's going on here?".
Xerya's blush intensified, she felt vulnerable. Not because of her tits hanging out, but because she didn't have a plan. Not having a plan was not how she lived her life. "Haruk I don't know what to do! You and Sean said no uniforms and I have nothing else but my awesome comfortable clothes.".
Haruk pushed past Xerya and invaded her room while shaking her head, "My goddess...".
For such a clever and punctual person, Xerya really did live like an animal. There was clutter and random bits of clothing all over the place. Haruk spun around in place marveling at the duality of Xerya's existence, "How do you live like this?".
Xerya swung her door shut and stepped to face Haruk. She ran her hands down her cheeks, "It's worse than usual. If you can't tell, I'm sort of freaking out. What the deep do I wear? I don't know how to look good!".
Haruk didn't want to ruin her makeup, but she managed a modest face palm anyways. She chuckled lightly, "You already look good you idiot. You just need to learn how to show it!".
Xerya flailed her arms in frustration, "With what though? Look in that closet? Would you honestly allow me to wear anything in there to dinner? We both know you're going the be the self-proclaimed fashion police here.".
Haruk smiled and pointed right at Xerya's face, "And don't you forget it.".
Haruk quickly spun around and began to pick through Xerya's closet. A mere few seconds later she spun around looking like she just saw a ghost, "You're fucked.".
Xerya mirrored Haruk's terror, "...what... do I do?".
Haruk looked at her omni pad, "Well we could try to run out real fast a-".
"We don't have time!" Xerya shouted.
Haruk stood silently with her chin resting on the thumb and index finger. One of her long legs pumped rhythmically as if generating thoughts. She looked up to Xerya with a somber expression, "There's only one thing we can do then.".
Xerya was desperate, she'd try anything at this point. Sean would be arriving in a few minutes, and she was out of ideas. Her voice was full of desperation, "Whatever it is, I'll do it!".
Haruk nodded, "Come to my room, it’s up to my closet to save you.".
Haruk strode out without another word. Her mind was focused solely on the task at hand; and it was quite a task. Trying to fit Xerya into her clothes sounded impossible, but tonight they needed to accomplish exactly that.
Haruk opened Xerya's door, then her own a few seconds later. Xerya stood there looking across the hall with her hands hanging at her sides. She whispered quietly and fearfully, "But... how will I fit?".
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Sean was powerwalking his way through the corridors of the building. The black eyes of the marines were glued to him even more than usual. His shirt did not button up all the way, so he had been flashing his chest to everyone he crossed paths with. His face was burning red from all the attention.
It had been a constant stream of cat calls the whole way there. Many of the faces he recognized simply from being on the base a lot, and then there were the faces that belonged to his students. It was easy enough to ignore the strangers and run away. It was much harder to ignore Shinal stepping out of her room and staring at his chest while licking her lips.
Sean watched her nipples harden as she cooed, "You're looking... sharp today Mr. Warwick.". Sean felt obligated to say something on account of being her teacher. He smiled weakly and gave a quick, "Hi Shinal, see ya tomorrow.". He didn't even stop moving to say it. He blew past her as she leaned out her door to shamelessly stare at his ass like many others were.
Shinal pivoted back into her doorway and whispered to herself, "See you tomorrow...". She smiled up at the ceiling and disappeared back into her room.
Sean was grateful that he could see Xerya's door coming into view down the hallway. He never thought drowning in pussy could be a bad thing, until now. He laughed internally at the thought of a giant blue vagina popping out of a door somewhere and swallowing him whole like some sort of "Penis Fly-trap". He felt safer already as he gently knocked on Xerya's door.
His budding sense of safety quickly faded away as no one answered the door. That was very unlike Xerya to not stick to the plan.
I hope everything is ok. What if she's sick, or in trouble with work? That would fuck up the whole night. She better not, but she's better than that. What if something happened to her? Oh fuck maybe she's hurt... or worse!?
God damnit why does my brain always go straight to this insane shit!?
Sean looked to his right and saw several marines mingling about farther down the hall and trying very hard not to look like they were staring. Sean wanted nothing more than to disappear into Xerya's room, and now for some unknown reason he couldn't.
Fuck it, plan B.
He turned around and banged on Haruk's door in a decidedly more panicked fashion. A few seconds of insane daydreaming later and the door opened, revealing an exceptional looking Haruk.
Sean looked up extra high to meet her eyes, "Woah...".
Haruk smiled brightly and blushed, "Hi, Sean you look so...".
She bit her lip as her eyes glued themselves to his chest, "...good".
The reality of Sean's situation then dawned on Haruk. She leaned past Sean and looked into the hall; her suspicions were confirmed by the presence of the unwanted competition out there. She wrapped an arm around Sean's waist and quickly pulled him inside, "You beautiful idiot, get in here!".
Sean paced forward a bit and turned to watch Haruk push her door shut. Haruk put her hands on her hips, "You should have called one of us! You went through all that alone?".
Sean looked at the floor, "Ehh yeah, to both of those things, sorry.".
Haruk bent down and hugged Sean, "No I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be mean. I just want you to be safe.".
Sean turned and kissed her cheek as he wrapped his arms around her, "Well here I am in one piece, also, holy shit you look gorgeous!".
He broke out of her hug and stepped back to fit all of Haruk in his vision. He looked at her from head to toe, "You look so good I almost just wanna skip dinner.".
Haruk swooned, "If any of us looks good, its you! I've never seen a shirt like that. It's very se- um it looks so good on you!".
Sean laughed as he remembered how he dressed, "This thing practically came out of a time machine. It used to belong to my dad back when he was my age. I kept it just for fun, oddly enough it kind of reminded me of the shirts Haali wears.".
Haruk winked, "Well, whatever it is, it’s working.".
Sean couldn't help but to run a hand along Haruk's tight thigh, "Yeah, so is this.".
He looked up at Haruk and they swapped not so innocent smiles. Sean then membered why be was here, "So where's Xerya?".
Haruk looked to the corner of her room where her closet resided. Their rooms may not have had bathrooms in them, but they generous closets. She gently and quite reluctantly guided Sean's hand off of her thigh, "Let me go check. We had a bit of a clothing situation.".
Sean shrugged and chuckled, "Umm, ok. I hope she's about ready.".
As Haruk approached the closet Sean heard Xerya's voice, "I almost ready I swearing! And hi Sean!".
Sean smiled and looked toward the closet, "Everything ok in there?".
Haruk looked into her closet, "Oh my goddess!".
As she rounded the corner, she was greeted with the sight of Xerya annihilating her stretchiest dress. It was the only thing she had a hope of fitting into, and fitting was a very relative term in this case. She was spilling out of the top and bottom of Haruk's poor white dress.
She was frantically stuffing her tits back into the extremely low neckline. Doing so caused it to ride up her legs and damn near cause her ass to fall out the bottom. Her tits took up so much room in the dress there really wasn't much room left for the rest of her.
Xerya looked at Haruk with a worried expression, "Hold on I just need another second.". She reached down and pulled the bottom to cover more of her ludicrously thick thighs.
Haruk's looked shocked, "You're exploding out of it! By the Empress! You look like you're going to an erotica convention!".
Xerya turned to her looking terrified, "So, it's not working? We don't have time for anything else! And I feel ridiculous!".
Haruk was exasperated, "I mean, it's working, but not for the right reasons.".
Sean overheard this exchange, and he couldn't help but have a look. He peeked around the corner and his jaw hit the floor. Xerya was rocking a beyond skintight white dress that honestly couldn't contain her assets. He got there just in time to see her adjust her bra straps which made the dress ride back up her thighs again.
Xerya saw Sean emerge and blushed like she did the first time they met. She shyly put her hands behind her back and put on a nervous smile, "Hi".
Sean smiled ear to ear while fucking her with his eyes, "Hello to you.".
Haruk rolled her eyes, "See, he basically wants to fuck you right here. Only problem is, now we gotta go have dinner with our boss's, boss's, boss.".
Both Sean and Xerya wilted a bit, but very quickly their eyes began to slither all over each other again. Xerya huffed, "How do you wear these things Haruk?".
Haruk crossed her arms, "Well not like you, that’s for sure.".
Sean squeezed by Haruk, he was compelled to feel Xerya's touch. He literally couldn't stay away, "Xerya you look incredible.".
She quickly responded to his approach by kneeling down and kissing him. Sean allowed his hands to roam all over her, "Just uhhh, try not to pop out at the dinner table. I feel like that would make things maybe just a bit awkward.".
Xerya looked mortified, then relaxed a little, "Yes, I really do not want sex dinner.".
Xerya stood back up and Sean guided her and Haruk towards the door, "Yeah sex is for dessert, not dinner.".
As he said that he made eye contact with Haruk and licked his lips with a devilish smile. Haruk turned blue and bit her lip in anticipation.
They got to the door and Sean put his hand on the handle, "Ok, are you two as nervous as I am?”.
Haruk enthusiastically said, “Oh yeah.”.
Xerya, looking quite nervous, quietly and rapidly nodded.
Sean turned the handle and swung the door open, “Alright, lets try to survive this thing.”.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The exo hangar was a loud, well-lit place. Most of the time. Now it was dark except for the lights in bay one. The building was eerily quiet except for the occasional clang or whirring of hand tools. As always, the place stunk of grease, coolant, and sweat.
There was one other sound that broke the pattern of mechanical noises.
"BROTHER FUCKING DAUGHTER OF A CUNT!"
Khe'siri leaned against the wrench and shoved with all her freakish strength. The sweat poured off her brow as she grunted and strained. She adjusted her footing, tightened her grip on the wrench and pushed again. Alas the stubborn bolt refused to turn.
She stepped back and shook the numbness out of her hands, "Goddess damned piece a shit! What crawled up your ass?".
She sat down on a crate and took a long sip off her water bottle. She scowled at the bolt; she hated it. She wanted to defeat it... to destroy it.
I don't care if it takes me all night. That little fucker is coming out of there.
Anyone else who saw her like this would assume she was miserable. That wasn't the case though. It was dark, quiet except for her, and there was no one else around. No people, no bullshit, just her and her work. This was her happy place.
Happy of course was a relative term. Khe'siri didn't have the broadest spectrum of emotions out there. She was angry more often than she wasn't, she was infamous for her fiery temper and foul mouth. A quiet calm was about as close to happy as she could go. Despite her swearing and endless threats to the inanimate objects around her, she was almost enjoying herself.
She stood back up and wiped her hands on her coveralls. As usual the top half was tied around her waist leaving just a tight black tank top covering her chest. Sort of. She once again glared at the bolt on the exo's ankle actuator, "Ok smart ass, you just earned yourself a date with the breaker.".
She reached behind her toolbox and retrieved a five-foot-long purple metal bar. It had a modular slot on the end to fit virtually any kind of nut, bolt, or screw in the Imperium. She had made it herself and was immensely proud of it. She was the only one who ever used it. Not only were many others afraid to interact with her, but they could barely even lift it anyways. It even felt heavy to her, and she loved it dearly.
As she wrapped her meaty hands around it, she looked at it with true affection. Love never brought her anything but trouble in the past. Love with people anyways, but the breaker only ever brought her joy. It was basically her boyfriend.
She had a joyous glint in her eye as she approached the bolt once more, "Alright you little shit, looks like we're doing this the hard way.".
She found herself holding back a smile. Despite the joy she felt wielding the breaker, she really hated that bolt.
Without any preamble she slotted in the proper head and placed it over the bolt. She had the bar angled across her chest so she could channel all her might into it. Between that and the massive mechanical advantage provided by its length, no nut or bolt had ever resisted its power. She was confident this one would be broken like all the others.
"TIME TO GET FUCKED"
Her biceps swelled as she dumped all her power into the breaker. This was the part where the bolt was supposed to turn. Where she got to win. To have at least one little thing in her life turn out her way. But it did not.
She grunted, those grunts turned into growls. Her frustration and rage crescendoed into outright yells, "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!". Almost as if the universe wanted to kick her while she was down, she caught a glimpse of herself reflected on a deactivated data pad as she screamed that question.
She let go of the breaker and thew her arms into the air. She was still looking at her reflection, "What the fuck is wrong with you?".
This was supposed to be the one thing she was good at. Her current failure reminded her of her abysmal scores in that stupid English class she had to take. Not that she really gave a shit about it, but she needed to pass. After a prior incident involving a gratuitous lack of self-control and a dumbass fellow mechanic, Sergeant Revni had creatively punished Khe'siri by enrolling her in English classes on base.
Now she was stuck in that class with a bunch of hopeless cunts who think they'll be able to fuck their teacher. Not only did she not like her classmates, but that human language was stupid. It's hard to learn a language when you hate it and the class.
Then there was that teacher of theirs. He was always parading around the room acting like he was everyone's friend with his tight little pants and fat ass. Guys only ever brought her trouble. Now she had to sit there and listen to a preachy little human male teach her his primitive language.
And now this bolt.
Thinking about the mountain of failures that was her life caused her temper to flare once more. She stormed over to the data pad and threw a punch fueled by her searing anger. The screen instantly cracked into a spiderweb pattern, and the entire back side now domed outwards. Not feeling satisfied, she grabbed the tablet and launched it across the room where it exploded against the opposite wall.
"FUCK!"
She stood there panting and looking at the floor while the hurricane in her mind gradually wound down. She turned to head back to the breaker for one last final try when she noticed something.
Oh my fuck.
The entire casing for that ankle joint was bent. It would be impossible to pull the bolts now. Fixing a broken arm had just turned into brain surgery. Khe'siri gritted her teeth and sneered, "Oh just wait till I find the bitch that drives this thing..."
2023.06.06 17:59 TheJadeDynasty New passive idea for Odin
I was playing Odin and today and looked at his passive and didn't realize how bad it was.
Path to Valhalla: Whenever any God dies on the battleground, Odin gains a bonus to movement speed and power. 4% movement speed and 8% power up to 5 stacks.
Now this would be great in Arena but in every other mode it just doesn't seem good to me. Not until late game team fights at least.
I was thinking for a new passive
Raven's Wisdom: When Odin damages any enemy god a raven flies to them and marks them. Odin gains increased movement speed towards them and deals increased damage to them. Up to 2 enemies can be marked at once.
So it follows the same idea but it's easier to apply than waiting on people to die.
submitted by TheJadeDynasty to SMITEGODCONCEPTS [link] [comments]
Path to Valhalla: Whenever any God dies on the battleground, Odin gains a bonus to movement speed and power. 4% movement speed and 8% power up to 5 stacks.
Now this would be great in Arena but in every other mode it just doesn't seem good to me. Not until late game team fights at least.
I was thinking for a new passive
Raven's Wisdom: When Odin damages any enemy god a raven flies to them and marks them. Odin gains increased movement speed towards them and deals increased damage to them. Up to 2 enemies can be marked at once.
So it follows the same idea but it's easier to apply than waiting on people to die.
2023.06.06 17:52 shy_adam Playing Breach
Why are players in breach so brain-dead? why do they not focus on objectives at all, or just go kill hungry without any reason? i dont see too many dumb players in dominion but breach, its like everytime I play breach, there is one monkey who want to focus on the ram as an attacker and leave the ramparts. there is always a monkey who is just killing the minions entire match and dying in every fight they get into. there is always that one guy that tries to solo the guardian and doesn't call their teammates, then dies and serves the guardian to the enemy team.
On defense, there is always guys who just wants to fight. why would you let the enemy take the ramparts, only making their minion safer.
then, why would you just take the banner and run all across the map or try to get into a gank to get that kill? just take the banner where you are supposed to take it. there are players that would kill the captain with a light rather then letting their health starved teammate execute him. Why are you ganking a single guy standing on healing zone?
I know this stupidity can also be seen in other modes, but its far less. Is it because people dont understand breach objectives? it is just because they suck or only focusing on their orders rather then the match itself?
losing is never an issue, as long as its not because of your dumb teammates doing extremely dumb things.
submitted by shy_adam to forhonor [link] [comments]
On defense, there is always guys who just wants to fight. why would you let the enemy take the ramparts, only making their minion safer.
then, why would you just take the banner and run all across the map or try to get into a gank to get that kill? just take the banner where you are supposed to take it. there are players that would kill the captain with a light rather then letting their health starved teammate execute him. Why are you ganking a single guy standing on healing zone?
I know this stupidity can also be seen in other modes, but its far less. Is it because people dont understand breach objectives? it is just because they suck or only focusing on their orders rather then the match itself?
losing is never an issue, as long as its not because of your dumb teammates doing extremely dumb things.
2023.06.06 17:50 ANoobSniper Killing Floor 2 - Deep Blue Z Summer Update is now live
https://forums.tripwireinteractive.com/index.php?threads/deep-blue-z-is-now-live.2339469/
View the update trailer here:
Official Tripwire Interactive Channel Trailer discussion thread
I found a bug! Where do I submit a bug report?
The Tripwire Bug Report subforum is the best way to bring a bug to Tripwire's attention.
Is there a Double XP/Store Sale event ongoing?
TBA
How long will the seasonal objectives/event be running until?
Typically, seasonal events will run for a month.
What's new?
Quality of Life changes:
Balance changes:
Bug fixes:
submitted by ANoobSniper to killingfloor [link] [comments]
View the update trailer here:
Official Tripwire Interactive Channel Trailer discussion thread
I found a bug! Where do I submit a bug report?
The Tripwire Bug Report subforum is the best way to bring a bug to Tripwire's attention.
Is there a Double XP/Store Sale event ongoing?
TBA
How long will the seasonal objectives/event be running until?
Typically, seasonal events will run for a month.
- New Community Map: Subduction by Catdrgn and Josh (according to Workshop)/SpoolsOfWar (according to original announcement)
- Compatible for Survival, Weekly, Endless
- New Weekly: Containment Zone (For every wave, a random Stand Your Ground zone is marked on the map. Standing out of the marked zone causes players to take damage over time. Effect is disabled when less than 5 zeds remain, during trader time, and during a small time window after a wave starts. Suicidal difficulty, 7 waves)
- Complete the Weekly to earn the Contamination Zone weapon skins for the Healer and Welder
- 2 New weapons
- HRG Bombardier (Demolitonist, Tier 2, $500)
- S12 Shockgun (Support, Tier 4, $1500)
- Note: The S12 Shockgun is a DLC weapon. It can be acquired via purchase from the in-game store or from owning the Armory Season Pass II DLC. This weapon can be tried out by Steam/EGS players in private matches by inputting GiveWeapon KFGameContent.KFWeap_Shotgun_S12 into the dev console after enabling cheats.
- Note: The HRG Bombardier is free for all users
- New Objectives, tickets, cosmetics, and store bundles
- Complete all seasonal objectives to earn the Shark Jaw head accessory
- Added keybind to toggle friendly HUD
- Keybind is configurable on PC Keyboard/Mouse in the options menu
- On controller, this is toggled by bringing up the comms dial and pressing RT
- Item Search functionality in Inventory menu
- Minigun
- Magazine size increased from 90 to 120
- Spare ammo increased from 540 to 600
- Damage increased from 35 to 38
- Ammo price per magazine increased from 90 to 120
- Spitfire + Winterbite + Rhino
- Bash animation sped up by 33% (1.5 play rate, around 2s)
- This change puts it in line with other pistols (9mm Pistol, etc)
- HRG Locust
- Recategorised from Tier 3 to Tier 4
- Number of upgrade tiers decreased from 2 to 1 ($1500 upgrade) to match other Tier 4 weapons
- Damage decreased from 60 to 45 (Explosive)
- Bleeding Power decreased from 20 to 15
- Poison Power decreased from 25 to 20
- Trader price from $900 to $1400
- Reducto Ray
- Trader price decreased from $1200 to $900
- HRG Healthrower
- Damage on Spray end decreased from 27 to 12
- Damage on Spray start (muzzle) decreased from 30 to 15
- Damage Interval decreased from 0.07 to 1.2
- Poison Power decreased from 15 to 10
- Mine Reconstructor
- Fire Interval decreased from 0.223 to 0.2
- Road Redeemer
- Fast attack Damage increased from 68 to 75
- Heavy attack Damage increased from 90 to 100
- HRG Crossboom
- Damage Radius increased from 200 to 250
- Seconds Before Arrow Detonation decreased from 0.5 to 0.2
- HRG Head Hunter
- Ammo Cost (alt fire mode) decreased from 100 to 25
- Sentinel + HRG Bombardier
- No longer triggers Zed Time or enrages Zeds with it's bullets or self-destruct explosion; however ballistic damage impact from the Bombardier's projectiles may be unaffected by this change
- Increased Move Speed (Field Medic passive ability)
- Move speed bonus reduced from 0.4% per Level (10% max) to 0.2% per Level (5% max)
- Resilience (Field Medic Level 5)
- Maximum damage resistance reduced from 60% to 30%
- Fixed an issue where the Survivalist's “Faster Weapon Switch” bonus was only applying to survivalist weapons.
- Addressed an issue where downloading or updating existing or new Workshop Maps were not always downloading due to getting into a poor state.
- Fixed an issue with the Demolitionist SKill Destroyer of Worlds that could lead to unintended damage types and visual effects being applied to some weapons.
- Fixed an issue where the Crovel and HE Grenade were used by default when changing perks to Survivalist at the Trader Pod.
- Sentinel-specific weapon fixes:
- Fixed an issue where the animation of pressing the remote control would not play when the al-fire was pressed.
- Fixed an issue where the Drone ammo count would be out of sync when dropping and picking back up the remote control.
- Fixed an issue that prevented the Sentinel from firing through glass.
- Fixed an issue where the Sentinel played no sound during the weapon check animation.
- Fixed an issue where the Sentinel would not fire at Zeds that were meleeing the drone owner when playing offline.
- Adjusted the behavior of the Patriarch’s tentacle to not grab and draw in the Sentinel.
- Fixed an issue where the ammo counter would be reduced when switching weapons during drone deployment.
- HRG Bombardier-specific weapon fixes:
- Fixed an issue where the drop model was not being lit.
- Fixed an issue where the ammo count was different from 1st person to 3rd person.
- Fixed an issue in 3rd person where the Deploy animation would play when the drone was detonated.
- Fixed an issue where the muzzle flash was shifted away from the barrel.
- Fixed an issue where the detonator would disappear when the player is running and throws a grenade.
- Fixed an issue where the drone would fire multiple projectiles when firing at groups of Zeds.
- Fixed an issue where the drone would increase its fire rate when firing at groups of Zeds.
- Fixed an issue where the drone would be frozen at the deployment site during ZED Time.
- Fixed an issue where the drone would fly off away from the player after being deployed in ZED Time and ZED Time then ended.
- Fixed clipping issues with the blade in 3rd person.
- Fixed an issue where the explosion radius grew exponentially with Survivalist and Demolitionist skills.
- S12 Shockgun-specific weapon fixes:
- Fixed an issue where a dropped weapon with an empty magazine was Green.
- Fixed an issue with the magazine being duplicated during the elite reload animation.
- Fixed an issue where the weapon would clip into the camera while strafing right.
- Updated the animations to minimize clipping and clean up all of the reload animations.
- Fixed an issue with the M16 203 Assault Rifle where the Alt-Fire sound would stop playing.
- Corrected the HRG Crossboom Alt-Fire to have the proper detonation time.
- Fixed an issue where the Survivalist Crovel was not cycling through the weapon swap correctly while the primary weapon was empty.
- Fixed an issue for the G36c Assault Rifle reload animation where the magazine would disappear in the third person during both partial and full reloads.
- Fixed an issue for the ZED MKIII reload animation where the magazine would drop to the floor during a partial reload.
- Subduction-specific map fixes:
- Worked to improve performance on the map in areas where the frame rate would dip.
- Updated the blood splatter in all areas of the map to ensure proper coverage is occurring.
- Updated the impact decals in all areas of the map to ensure the proper decal is being applied from bullet impacts.
- Updated the impact sounds in all areas of the map to ensure the proper sound is playing from bullet impacts on the materials.
- Updated the occlusion for water audio so that it can be heard from the appropriate distance and not through areas and objects it should not.
- Added audio for all of the generators
- Updated the spawned weapon spawn points to prevent clipping into the environment.
- Updated the lighting throughout to ensure the light cast matches the light source.
- Updated the Trader Path arrows to clearly designate the path for players.
- Updated the SYG borders to more accurately reflect the defended area.
- Fixed an issue where the waypoint arrow for the Auditorium SYG was not present.
- Fixed multiple invisible collisions near railings throughout the map.
- Fixed multiple pathing issues for large Zeds near the railings.
- Fixed an issue that caused the player’s camera to twitch while in the lobby.
- Fixed multiple instances of z-fighting with the railings and walls throughout the map.
- Fixed multiple instances of walls disappearing and reappearing within the player’s view.
- Fixed multiple instances of lights disappearing and reappearing within the player’s view.
- Fixed multiple instances of texture seams throughout the map.
- Fixed an issue during the Contamination Zone weekly outbreak on Airship where the Safe Area had no SYG lines designating it.
- Addressed the localization for the Plague Doctor Hood where it did not fit within boundaries in multiple languages.
- Fixed issue for the M4 where an extraneous M was present in German in the inventory menu.
- Corrected the Russian text for the Projections from the Deep achievement.
- Updated the description of the Seasonal Objective “Somewhere, beyond the Z” to fit within the designated UI
- Fixed multiple instances of log spam around lighting/PCV warnings as well as StaticLoadObject warnings.
- Continued to address overall console stability issues
2023.06.06 17:48 calvin324hk [H] 800+ games/DLCs/VR Games [W] Games/Paypal/TF2 Offers
https://www.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/pikmri/calvin324hks_igs_rep_page/
https://www.reddit.com/sgsflaicomments/of2wzu/flair_profile_ucalvin324hk/
Region: NA (Canada)
Price are in USD. Fees on buyer.
CTRL + F to find your games in terms of name
Humble Keys <------ Click Here to see a full list of humble keys
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Legendary Hero Edition
Two Point Hospital
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition
Trek to Yomi
Shadow Warrior 3
BATTLETECH MERCENARY COLLECTION
BATTLETECH Shadow Hawk Pack
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition
Knights of Pen and Paper - Haunted Fall
KNIGHTS OF PEN AND PAPER 2 - DELUXIEST EDITION
Knights of Pen and Paper 2 - Here Be Dragons
Deathloop
Hell Let Loose
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
F1 2019 Anniversary Edition
Valkryia Chronicles 4 Complete Edition
Mafia Definitive Edition
Mordhau
Back 4 Blood
Little Hope
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Visage
death stranding
Slay the Spire
Praey for the Gods
Degrees of Separation
Ghostrunner
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Control Ultimate Edition
Encore Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
Hyper Light Drifter
Dirt 5
Ultimate Chicken Horse
Kentucky Route Zero - Season Pass Edition
Dreamfall Chapters
Wuppo
Human: Fall Flat
Northgard
The Witness
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
MO:Astray
Metro Exodus
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition
Super Mag Bot
Blade Assault
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
TOEM
Backbone
GreedFall
Wasteland 3
GAS STATION SIMULATOR
IN SOUND MIND
MIND SCANNERS
EMILY IS AWAY <3
OMNO
ATOM RPG Trudograd
Banners of Ruin
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legend of Keepers
Yes, Your Grace
Endzone - A World Apart
60 Parsecs
XCOM: ULTIMATE COLLECTION
PGA 2K21
Bioshock Collection
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 - Collector's Edition
JUST CAUSE 4: COMPLETE EDITION
Plague tale
Gas station simulator
Mind scanners
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEADLOCK SEASON ONE
Gamedec
Command & Conquer Remastered (Origin)
Surviving The Aftermath
Genesis Noir
Dirt Rally 2.0
Other Games
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition
Chess Ultra
Godstrike
Home Sweet Home
Neighbours back From Hell
Pathologic 2
SAMUDRA
STRANGER
Songbird Symphony
The Invisible Hours
I am Bread
Hotshot Racing
Autonauts
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Iconoclasts
Patch Quest
Tunche
For The King
Abandon Ship
Book of Demons
PC Building Simulator
Pile Up! Box by Box
Snooker 19
Speed Limit
Totally Reliable Delivery Service
Youtubers Life
Dex
WRC 6 FIA World Rally Championship
V-Rally 4
PlateUp!
Turbo Golf Racing
Eternal Threads
The Last Campfire
Kingdom Two Crowns
Indivisible
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
Field of Glory II
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Ice Age Scrat's Nutty Adventure
Soul Axiom Rebooted
A Little Golf Journey
Murder by Numbers
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Songbringer
STONE
Rescue Party: Live!
Rise of the Slime
Steel Rats™
Hue
Teacup
Perfect
Arcade Paradise - Arcade Paradise EP
Strange Brigade
Sifu Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle (EPIC)
AVICII Invector: Encore Edition
10 Second Ninja X
The Indie Mixtape
Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Heroes of Hammerwatch
Monster Slayers - Complete Edition
My Big Sister
Red Ronin
Heal
Cat Lady - The Card Game
Undungeon
Tangledeep
Styx: Shards of Darkness
Styx: Master of Shadows
Squids Odyssey
Pendula Swing - The Complete Journey
Mists of Noyah
King's Bounty: Crossworlds
Jotun: Valhalla Edition
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 2
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf Special Edition
Undead Horde
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
Stirring Abyss
Scarlet Tower
Blood And Zombies
One More Island
Doorways: Prelude / Doorways: Holy Mountains of Flesh
Slain: Back from Hell
Lucius/Lucius 2/Lucius 3/Lucius Demake
Aragami
Deliver Us The Moon
Anuchard
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Darkwood
Intravenous
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Survive the Nights
Blasphemous
Unto The End
NUTS
Cat Quest
Cosmic Star Heroine
Degrees of Separation
Pure Farming 2018
SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell
SUPER CHICKEN JUMPER
Syberia/Syberia II/Syberia 3
The Innsmouth Case
Tinytopia
Sniper ghost warrior contracts
Trine 4
Risen 3
Shadowgate
How to Survive
FORCED
Psychonauts
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf Special Edition
Sniper Elite 3 + Season Pass DLC
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 - Season Pass Edition
METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
Strange Brigade Deluxe Edition
Call of Duty® Modern Warfare 3™
Sniper Elite 3
Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition
Amnesia: Rebirth
PGA 2k21
Jurassic World Evolution
Darksiders Genesis
Endless Space® 2 - Digital Deluxe Edition
SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION VI : PLATINUM EDITION
F1 2020
Titan Quest
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Witch It
BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION
CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience
Mighty Switch Force! Collection
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
The WB Batman Collection
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
Beholder
Beholder 2
We Were Here Together
Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
GRIP: Combat Racing *-GRIP: Combat Racing - Cygon Garage Kit *-GRIP: Combat Racing - Nyvoss Garage Kit *GRIP: Combat Racing - Terra Garage Kit *GRIP: Combat Racing - Vintek Garage Kit
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West
Miscreated
Second Extinction
Survive or Die
Breathedge
Dead in Vinland
Die Young
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
How to Survive 2
The Wild Eight
One Finger Death Punch 2
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Slap City
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Layers of Fear: Masterpiece Edition
Civilization: Beyond Earth – The Collection
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Primal Carnage: Extinction
Due Process
SimpleRockets 2
Killing Floor 2
For the King
For The King: Lost Civilization Adventure Pack
Pro Cycling Manager 2020
Tour de France 2020
Infectonator 3: Apocalypse
Warhammer: Chaosbane
Project Highrise
LAST OASIS
The Beast Inside
Terminus: Zombie Survivors
Crown Trick
Discolored
Everhood
Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands
Nomad Survival
Sparklite
The Ramp
Valfaris
Dusk Diver
Neverinth
Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Zengeon
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Unmemory
Nigate Tale
Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
Liberated
Neversong
Nine Parchments
The Walking Dead
Secret Government
Monsters' Den: Godfall
Interplanetary: Enhanced Edition
Learn Japanese To Survive! Hiragana Battle
Learn Japanese To Survive! Kanji Combat
Learn Japanese To Survive! Katakana War
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED]
THIS WAR OF MINE: COMPLETE EDITION
Cats in Time
Afterparty
Battlecruisers
Astronarch
Save Room - Organization Puzzle
PlataGO! Super Platform Game Maker
Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition
Warhammer vermintide collector's edition
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Tank Mechanic Simulator
The Uncertain: Light At The End
INSOMNIA: The Ark
Darkside Detective
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
GIGA WRECKER
Panty Party
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark
Tannenberg
Golf It!
Heroes of Hammerwatch
The Battle of Polytopia *DLC1. Cymanti Tribe *DLC2. ∑∫ỹriȱŋ Tribe *DLC3. Aquarion Tribe *DLC4. Polaris Tribe
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
N++ (NPLUSPLUS)
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
Virgo Versus The Zodiac
They Bleed Pixels
Maize
Smile For Me
The Haunted Island, a Frog Detective Game
Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard
A Hole New World
Sumoman
Shape of the World
Evan's Remains
Ministry of Broadcast
She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
A Long Way Down
Depraved
Helheim Hassle
Neurodeck : Psychological Deckbuilder
Tropico 5 - Complete Collection
Escapists 2
Worms Rumble *Worms Rumble - New Challengers Pack *Worms Rumble - Legends Pack *Worms Rumble - Armageddon Weapon Skin Pack *Worms Rumble - Captain & Shark Double Pack
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics
Turmoil
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels
Rogue Stormers
Torchlight
Fictorum
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
Moon Hunters
No Time to Relax
Overpass
Blood Bowl 2
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition
Conarium
Brawlout
F1 RACE STARS Complete Edition Include DLC
Killing Room
Tenta Shooter / The 触シュー
Everreach: Project Eden
Railway Empire
Looterkings
Headsnatchers
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
AIdol
Livelock
The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
F1 2018
Tacoma
Hard West - Collector's Edition
Hard West: Scars of Freedom DLC
Masquerada: Songs and Shadows
The Shrouded Isle
Joint Task Force
The World Next Door
Verdant Skies
DISTRAINT 2
Ittle Dew
Ittle Dew 2+
Oxenfree
Monstrum
Strikey Sisters
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Cyber Ops
European Ship Simulator
Fishing Adventure
Internet Cafe Simulator
Zen Chess: Mate in One, Mate in 2 , Mate in 3 , Mate in 4 , Champion's Moves (5 games)
Transport INC
Shoppe Keep 2 - Business and Agriculture RPG Simulation
Desolate
GRIP: Combat Racing + DLC
OUTBUDDIES DX
Eidolon
Pizza Connection 3
Spartan Fist
River City Ransom: Underground
Saints Row: The Third
Koi-Koi Japan [Hanafuda playing cards] *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.1 DLC *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.2 DLC *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.3 DLC
Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle
Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle : School Girls Edition
Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
Princess Kaguya: Legend of the Moon Warrior
Delicious! Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
Chaos Reborn
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Shadows: Awakening
Caveblazers
Fallback: Uprising
Mordheim: City of the Damned
WRC 7 FIA World Rally Championship
Mana Spark
Autonauts
Nusakana
Shift Happens
Crash Drive 3
Hot Tin Roof: The Cat That Wore A Fedora
Automachef
Demolish & Build 2017
Resort Boss: Golf
Out of Space
Narita Boy
Aven Colony
Alien Breed Trilogy
Tools up
Mount & Blade
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword
BLACKHOLE: Complete Edition
Detention
Downfall
Miasmata
Overclocked: A History of Violence
Silver Chains
White Night
The Cat Lady
Syberia 3
Textorcist
GARAGE bad trip
Guts and glory
Swag and Sorcery
Fort Triumph
Orwell: Ignorance is Strength
FRAMED Collection
ROTASTIC
As Far as the Eye
Cepheus Protocol
Overruled
Ageless
Giana Sisters 2D
Prank Call
Hotshot Racing
Undead Horde
Streets of Fury EX
Rec Center Tycoon
JumpJet Rex
Hyper Knights
Vectronom
Levelhead
I am not a Monster: First Contact
Papo & Yo
Crookz the big heist
Iron Fisticle
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2
Fun with Ragdolls: The Game
Reventure
Smoke and Sacrifice
American Fugitive
The Signal From Tölva
Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rebel Galaxy
XIII - Classic
Comedy Night
Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage
FLATLAND Vol.2
The Chess Variants Club
Armada 2526 Gold Edition
Toybox Turbos
Sudden Strike Gold
Airport Madness: World Edition
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Planet Alcatraz
NecroVisioN: Lost Company
Star Wolves
Konung 2
Men of War
A.I.M.2 Clan Wars
Parkan 2
El Matador
Ascension to the Throne
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
The Flame in the Flood
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Bomber Crew
10 Second Ninja X
The Sacred Tears TRUE
Fred3ric
Lovecraft's Untold Stories
Path to Mnemosyne
CastleStorm
Crush Your Enemies
Semblance
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
Radio Commander
Boneless Zombie
Robot Squad Simulator 2017
Pretty Girls Panic!
Poker Pretty Girls Battle: Texas Hold'em
VVVVVV
Warhammer Space wolf
Blazing Chrome
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
Pang Adventures
Party Hard 2
REKT! High Octane Stunts
Thief of Thieves: Season One
Trailblazers
Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
Demetrios - Deluxe Edition
Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
GemCraft - Frostborn Wrath
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Shadowhand: RPG Card Game
Survivalist: Invisible Strain
We Were Here Too
Blacksad: Under the Skin
Heroes of Hammerwatch
Leisure Suit Larry 1-7
Murder by Numbers
Redout: Enhanced Edition
Rise of Industry + 2130 DLC
Ziggurat
They Bleed Pixels
Sunblaze
Noosphere
Train Valley 1+2
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Vikings - Wolves of Midgard
Vambrace: Cold Soul
The Void
The Vagrant
Republique
Nephise: Ascension
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Knock-knock
Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire - Collector's Edition
Healer's Quest
Fictorum
A Robot Named Fight!
Skautfold Chapters 1-4
Hero of the Kingdom: Trilogy
198X
Danger Scavenger
Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins
Dread X Collection
Going Under
My Lovely Daughter
Rage in Peace
Flashback
Garfield Kart
Curse: The Eye of Isis
Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy
Black Moon Chronicles
Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy
Red Riding Hood - Star Crossed Lovers
Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
Sinking Island
Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
Occultus - Mediterranean Cabal
Gevaudan
Windscape
Ultra Space Battle Brawl
Through the Woods
This is the Zodiac Speaking
The Uncertain: Light At The End
The Uncertain - The Last Quiet Day
Tales
Tales of the Neon Sea
Styx: Master of Shadows
She and the Light Bearer
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
A Wolf in Autumn
The Music Machine
Jalopy
Insane 2
Antigraviator
All-Star Fruit Racing
Constructor Plus
Ice Lakes
Knights of Pen & Paper 2
Victoria II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Band of Bastards
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – From the Ashes
Mindustry
Wishlist
submitted by calvin324hk to SteamGameSwap [link] [comments]
https://www.reddit.com/sgsflaicomments/of2wzu/flair_profile_ucalvin324hk/
Region: NA (Canada)
Price are in USD. Fees on buyer.
CTRL + F to find your games in terms of name
Humble Keys <------ Click Here to see a full list of humble keys
Two Point Hospital
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition
Trek to Yomi
Shadow Warrior 3
BATTLETECH MERCENARY COLLECTION
BATTLETECH Shadow Hawk Pack
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition
Knights of Pen and Paper - Haunted Fall
KNIGHTS OF PEN AND PAPER 2 - DELUXIEST EDITION
Knights of Pen and Paper 2 - Here Be Dragons
Deathloop
Hell Let Loose
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
F1 2019 Anniversary Edition
Valkryia Chronicles 4 Complete Edition
Mafia Definitive Edition
Mordhau
Back 4 Blood
Little Hope
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Visage
death stranding
Slay the Spire
Praey for the Gods
Degrees of Separation
Ghostrunner
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Control Ultimate Edition
Encore Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
Hyper Light Drifter
Dirt 5
Ultimate Chicken Horse
Kentucky Route Zero - Season Pass Edition
Dreamfall Chapters
Wuppo
Human: Fall Flat
Northgard
The Witness
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
MO:Astray
Metro Exodus
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition
Super Mag Bot
Blade Assault
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
TOEM
Backbone
GreedFall
Wasteland 3
GAS STATION SIMULATOR
IN SOUND MIND
MIND SCANNERS
EMILY IS AWAY <3
OMNO
ATOM RPG Trudograd
Banners of Ruin
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legend of Keepers
Yes, Your Grace
Endzone - A World Apart
60 Parsecs
XCOM: ULTIMATE COLLECTION
PGA 2K21
Bioshock Collection
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 - Collector's Edition
JUST CAUSE 4: COMPLETE EDITION
Plague tale
Gas station simulator
Mind scanners
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEADLOCK SEASON ONE
Gamedec
Command & Conquer Remastered (Origin)
Surviving The Aftermath
Genesis Noir
Dirt Rally 2.0
| Stand With Ukraine Charity Bundle |
|---|
| Gang Beasts |
| Tinkertown |
| Cloud Gardens |
| Blightbound |
| Stick Fight: The Game |
| Railway Empire |
| Mad Experiments: Escape Room |
| ibb & obb Double Pack |
| The Falconeer |
| Truberbrook |
| At Eve's Wake |
| Interrogation: You will be deceived |
| Hoplegs |
| Cannibal Cuisine |
| Necronator: Dead Wrong |
| Awesomenauts All Nauts pack |
| 1993 Space Machine |
| 8-bit Adventure Anthology: Volume I |
| ChromaGun |
| Baby Dino Adventures |
| Click and Slay |
| Swords and Soldiers 2 Shawarmageddon |
| Cosmonautica |
| Crash Drive 2 |
| Dimension Drive |
| The Way |
| Explosionade |
| Gelly Break Deluxe |
| Guppy |
| Journey For Elysium |
| Last Resort Island |
| Lumini |
| Marooners |
| Nelly Cootalot: Spoonbeaks Ahoy! HD |
| Pizza Connection 3 |
| Pressure Overdrive |
| Renowned Explorers: International Society |
| Tales of the Tiny Planet |
| TaniNani |
| THE CORRIDOR |
| AWAKE - Definitive Edition |
| Treasure Temples |
| Shu |
| Combat Tested |
| Unexplored |
| Rayon Riddles - Rise of the Goblin King |
| Circles |
| Killer Bundle 25 |
|---|
| From Space |
| Breathedge |
| Police Stories |
| DOOM 64 |
| Arise: A Simple Story |
| Patron |
| Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition |
| Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition |
| Turok |
| Turok 2: Seeds of Evil |
| THE GAME OF LIFE 2 |
| CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience |
| DESOLATE |
| The Hong Kong Massacre |
| Death and Taxes |
| Lair of the Clockwork God |
| AMID EVIL |
| Just Die Already |
| I Am Fish |
| Golf Gang |
| Hypnospace Outlaw |
| Dark Deity |
| Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus |
| DUSK |
| River City Girls |
Chess Ultra
Godstrike
Home Sweet Home
Neighbours back From Hell
Pathologic 2
SAMUDRA
STRANGER
Songbird Symphony
The Invisible Hours
I am Bread
Hotshot Racing
Autonauts
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Iconoclasts
Patch Quest
Tunche
For The King
Abandon Ship
Book of Demons
PC Building Simulator
Pile Up! Box by Box
Snooker 19
Speed Limit
Totally Reliable Delivery Service
Youtubers Life
Dex
WRC 6 FIA World Rally Championship
V-Rally 4
PlateUp!
Turbo Golf Racing
Eternal Threads
The Last Campfire
Kingdom Two Crowns
Indivisible
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
Field of Glory II
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Ice Age Scrat's Nutty Adventure
Soul Axiom Rebooted
A Little Golf Journey
Murder by Numbers
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Songbringer
STONE
Rescue Party: Live!
Rise of the Slime
Steel Rats™
Hue
Teacup
Perfect
Arcade Paradise - Arcade Paradise EP
Strange Brigade
Sifu Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle (EPIC)
AVICII Invector: Encore Edition
10 Second Ninja X
The Indie Mixtape
Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Heroes of Hammerwatch
Monster Slayers - Complete Edition
My Big Sister
Red Ronin
Heal
Cat Lady - The Card Game
Undungeon
Tangledeep
Styx: Shards of Darkness
Styx: Master of Shadows
Squids Odyssey
Pendula Swing - The Complete Journey
Mists of Noyah
King's Bounty: Crossworlds
Jotun: Valhalla Edition
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 2
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf Special Edition
Undead Horde
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
Stirring Abyss
Scarlet Tower
Blood And Zombies
One More Island
Doorways: Prelude / Doorways: Holy Mountains of Flesh
Slain: Back from Hell
Lucius/Lucius 2/Lucius 3/Lucius Demake
Aragami
Deliver Us The Moon
Anuchard
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Darkwood
Intravenous
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Survive the Nights
Blasphemous
Unto The End
NUTS
Cat Quest
Cosmic Star Heroine
Degrees of Separation
Pure Farming 2018
SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell
SUPER CHICKEN JUMPER
Syberia/Syberia II/Syberia 3
The Innsmouth Case
Tinytopia
Sniper ghost warrior contracts
Trine 4
Risen 3
Shadowgate
How to Survive
FORCED
Psychonauts
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf Special Edition
Sniper Elite 3 + Season Pass DLC
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 - Season Pass Edition
METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
Strange Brigade Deluxe Edition
Call of Duty® Modern Warfare 3™
Sniper Elite 3
Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition
Amnesia: Rebirth
PGA 2k21
Jurassic World Evolution
Darksiders Genesis
Endless Space® 2 - Digital Deluxe Edition
SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION VI : PLATINUM EDITION
F1 2020
Titan Quest
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Witch It
BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION
CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience
Mighty Switch Force! Collection
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
The WB Batman Collection
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
Beholder
Beholder 2
We Were Here Together
Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
GRIP: Combat Racing *-GRIP: Combat Racing - Cygon Garage Kit *-GRIP: Combat Racing - Nyvoss Garage Kit *GRIP: Combat Racing - Terra Garage Kit *GRIP: Combat Racing - Vintek Garage Kit
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West
Miscreated
Second Extinction
Survive or Die
Breathedge
Dead in Vinland
Die Young
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
How to Survive 2
The Wild Eight
One Finger Death Punch 2
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Slap City
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Layers of Fear: Masterpiece Edition
Civilization: Beyond Earth – The Collection
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Primal Carnage: Extinction
Due Process
SimpleRockets 2
Killing Floor 2
For the King
For The King: Lost Civilization Adventure Pack
Pro Cycling Manager 2020
Tour de France 2020
Infectonator 3: Apocalypse
Warhammer: Chaosbane
Project Highrise
LAST OASIS
The Beast Inside
Terminus: Zombie Survivors
Crown Trick
Discolored
Everhood
Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands
Nomad Survival
Sparklite
The Ramp
Valfaris
Dusk Diver
Neverinth
Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Zengeon
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Unmemory
Nigate Tale
Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
Liberated
Neversong
Nine Parchments
The Walking Dead
Secret Government
Monsters' Den: Godfall
Interplanetary: Enhanced Edition
Learn Japanese To Survive! Hiragana Battle
Learn Japanese To Survive! Kanji Combat
Learn Japanese To Survive! Katakana War
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED]
THIS WAR OF MINE: COMPLETE EDITION
Cats in Time
Afterparty
Battlecruisers
Astronarch
Save Room - Organization Puzzle
PlataGO! Super Platform Game Maker
Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition
Warhammer vermintide collector's edition
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Tank Mechanic Simulator
The Uncertain: Light At The End
INSOMNIA: The Ark
Darkside Detective
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
GIGA WRECKER
Panty Party
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark
Tannenberg
Golf It!
Heroes of Hammerwatch
The Battle of Polytopia *DLC1. Cymanti Tribe *DLC2. ∑∫ỹriȱŋ Tribe *DLC3. Aquarion Tribe *DLC4. Polaris Tribe
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
N++ (NPLUSPLUS)
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
Virgo Versus The Zodiac
They Bleed Pixels
Maize
Smile For Me
The Haunted Island, a Frog Detective Game
Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard
A Hole New World
Sumoman
Shape of the World
Evan's Remains
Ministry of Broadcast
She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
A Long Way Down
Depraved
Helheim Hassle
Neurodeck : Psychological Deckbuilder
Tropico 5 - Complete Collection
Escapists 2
Worms Rumble *Worms Rumble - New Challengers Pack *Worms Rumble - Legends Pack *Worms Rumble - Armageddon Weapon Skin Pack *Worms Rumble - Captain & Shark Double Pack
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics
Turmoil
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels
Rogue Stormers
Torchlight
Fictorum
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
Moon Hunters
No Time to Relax
Overpass
Blood Bowl 2
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition
Conarium
Brawlout
F1 RACE STARS Complete Edition Include DLC
Killing Room
Tenta Shooter / The 触シュー
Everreach: Project Eden
Railway Empire
Looterkings
Headsnatchers
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
AIdol
Livelock
The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
F1 2018
Tacoma
Hard West - Collector's Edition
Hard West: Scars of Freedom DLC
Masquerada: Songs and Shadows
The Shrouded Isle
Joint Task Force
The World Next Door
Verdant Skies
DISTRAINT 2
Ittle Dew
Ittle Dew 2+
Oxenfree
Monstrum
Strikey Sisters
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Cyber Ops
European Ship Simulator
Fishing Adventure
Internet Cafe Simulator
Zen Chess: Mate in One, Mate in 2 , Mate in 3 , Mate in 4 , Champion's Moves (5 games)
Transport INC
Shoppe Keep 2 - Business and Agriculture RPG Simulation
Desolate
GRIP: Combat Racing + DLC
OUTBUDDIES DX
Eidolon
Pizza Connection 3
Spartan Fist
River City Ransom: Underground
Saints Row: The Third
Koi-Koi Japan [Hanafuda playing cards] *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.1 DLC *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.2 DLC *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.3 DLC
Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle
Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle : School Girls Edition
Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
Princess Kaguya: Legend of the Moon Warrior
Delicious! Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
Chaos Reborn
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Shadows: Awakening
Caveblazers
Fallback: Uprising
Mordheim: City of the Damned
WRC 7 FIA World Rally Championship
Mana Spark
Autonauts
Nusakana
Shift Happens
Crash Drive 3
Hot Tin Roof: The Cat That Wore A Fedora
Automachef
Demolish & Build 2017
Resort Boss: Golf
Out of Space
Narita Boy
Aven Colony
Alien Breed Trilogy
Tools up
Mount & Blade
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword
BLACKHOLE: Complete Edition
Detention
Downfall
Miasmata
Overclocked: A History of Violence
Silver Chains
White Night
The Cat Lady
Syberia 3
Textorcist
GARAGE bad trip
Guts and glory
Swag and Sorcery
Fort Triumph
Orwell: Ignorance is Strength
FRAMED Collection
ROTASTIC
As Far as the Eye
Cepheus Protocol
Overruled
Ageless
Giana Sisters 2D
Prank Call
Hotshot Racing
Undead Horde
Streets of Fury EX
Rec Center Tycoon
JumpJet Rex
Hyper Knights
Vectronom
Levelhead
I am not a Monster: First Contact
Papo & Yo
Crookz the big heist
Iron Fisticle
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2
Fun with Ragdolls: The Game
Reventure
Smoke and Sacrifice
American Fugitive
The Signal From Tölva
Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rebel Galaxy
XIII - Classic
Comedy Night
Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage
FLATLAND Vol.2
The Chess Variants Club
Armada 2526 Gold Edition
Toybox Turbos
Sudden Strike Gold
Airport Madness: World Edition
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Planet Alcatraz
NecroVisioN: Lost Company
Star Wolves
Konung 2
Men of War
A.I.M.2 Clan Wars
Parkan 2
El Matador
Ascension to the Throne
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
The Flame in the Flood
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Bomber Crew
10 Second Ninja X
The Sacred Tears TRUE
Fred3ric
Lovecraft's Untold Stories
Path to Mnemosyne
CastleStorm
Crush Your Enemies
Semblance
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
Radio Commander
Boneless Zombie
Robot Squad Simulator 2017
Pretty Girls Panic!
Poker Pretty Girls Battle: Texas Hold'em
VVVVVV
Warhammer Space wolf
Blazing Chrome
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
Pang Adventures
Party Hard 2
REKT! High Octane Stunts
Thief of Thieves: Season One
Trailblazers
Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
Demetrios - Deluxe Edition
Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
GemCraft - Frostborn Wrath
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Shadowhand: RPG Card Game
Survivalist: Invisible Strain
We Were Here Too
Blacksad: Under the Skin
Heroes of Hammerwatch
Leisure Suit Larry 1-7
Murder by Numbers
Redout: Enhanced Edition
Rise of Industry + 2130 DLC
Ziggurat
They Bleed Pixels
Sunblaze
Noosphere
Train Valley 1+2
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Vikings - Wolves of Midgard
Vambrace: Cold Soul
The Void
The Vagrant
Republique
Nephise: Ascension
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Knock-knock
Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire - Collector's Edition
Healer's Quest
Fictorum
A Robot Named Fight!
Skautfold Chapters 1-4
Hero of the Kingdom: Trilogy
198X
Danger Scavenger
Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins
Dread X Collection
Going Under
My Lovely Daughter
Rage in Peace
Flashback
Garfield Kart
Curse: The Eye of Isis
Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy
Black Moon Chronicles
Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy
Red Riding Hood - Star Crossed Lovers
Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
Sinking Island
Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
Occultus - Mediterranean Cabal
Gevaudan
Windscape
Ultra Space Battle Brawl
Through the Woods
This is the Zodiac Speaking
The Uncertain: Light At The End
The Uncertain - The Last Quiet Day
Tales
Tales of the Neon Sea
Styx: Master of Shadows
She and the Light Bearer
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
A Wolf in Autumn
The Music Machine
Jalopy
Insane 2
Antigraviator
All-Star Fruit Racing
Constructor Plus
Ice Lakes
Knights of Pen & Paper 2
Victoria II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Band of Bastards
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – From the Ashes
Mindustry
| Games |
|---|
| Cube Runner |
| Slash It Ultimate |
| Slash It 2 |
| Slash It |
| Cybercube |
| Poly Island |
| Spin Rush |
| Upside Down |
| Neon Space |
| Hungry Flame |
| Charlie's Adventure |
| Neon Space 2 |
| Duke of Alpha Centauri |
| VR Games |
|---|
| House Flipper VR |
| Telefrag VR |
| Slinger VR |
2023.06.06 17:48 calvin324hk [H] 800+ games/DLCs/VR Games [W] Games/Paypal/TF2 Offers
https://www.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/pikmri/calvin324hks_igs_rep_page/
https://www.reddit.com/sgsflaicomments/of2wzu/flair_profile_ucalvin324hk/
Region: NA (Canada)
Price are in USD. Fees on buyer.
CTRL + F to find your games in terms of name
Humble Keys <------ Click Here to see a full list of humble keys
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Legendary Hero Edition
Two Point Hospital
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition
Trek to Yomi
Shadow Warrior 3
BATTLETECH MERCENARY COLLECTION
BATTLETECH Shadow Hawk Pack
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition
Knights of Pen and Paper - Haunted Fall
KNIGHTS OF PEN AND PAPER 2 - DELUXIEST EDITION
Knights of Pen and Paper 2 - Here Be Dragons
Deathloop
Hell Let Loose
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
F1 2019 Anniversary Edition
Valkryia Chronicles 4 Complete Edition
Mafia Definitive Edition
Mordhau
Back 4 Blood
Little Hope
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Visage
death stranding
Slay the Spire
Praey for the Gods
Degrees of Separation
Ghostrunner
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Control Ultimate Edition
Encore Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
Hyper Light Drifter
Dirt 5
Ultimate Chicken Horse
Kentucky Route Zero - Season Pass Edition
Dreamfall Chapters
Wuppo
Human: Fall Flat
Northgard
The Witness
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
MO:Astray
Metro Exodus
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition
Super Mag Bot
Blade Assault
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
TOEM
Backbone
GreedFall
Wasteland 3
GAS STATION SIMULATOR
IN SOUND MIND
MIND SCANNERS
EMILY IS AWAY <3
OMNO
ATOM RPG Trudograd
Banners of Ruin
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legend of Keepers
Yes, Your Grace
Endzone - A World Apart
60 Parsecs
XCOM: ULTIMATE COLLECTION
PGA 2K21
Bioshock Collection
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 - Collector's Edition
JUST CAUSE 4: COMPLETE EDITION
Plague tale
Gas station simulator
Mind scanners
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEADLOCK SEASON ONE
Gamedec
Command & Conquer Remastered (Origin)
Surviving The Aftermath
Genesis Noir
Dirt Rally 2.0
Other Games
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition
Chess Ultra
Godstrike
Home Sweet Home
Neighbours back From Hell
Pathologic 2
SAMUDRA
STRANGER
Songbird Symphony
The Invisible Hours
I am Bread
Hotshot Racing
Autonauts
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Iconoclasts
Patch Quest
Tunche
For The King
Abandon Ship
Book of Demons
PC Building Simulator
Pile Up! Box by Box
Snooker 19
Speed Limit
Totally Reliable Delivery Service
Youtubers Life
Dex
WRC 6 FIA World Rally Championship
V-Rally 4
PlateUp!
Turbo Golf Racing
Eternal Threads
The Last Campfire
Kingdom Two Crowns
Indivisible
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
Field of Glory II
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Ice Age Scrat's Nutty Adventure
Soul Axiom Rebooted
A Little Golf Journey
Murder by Numbers
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Songbringer
STONE
Rescue Party: Live!
Rise of the Slime
Steel Rats™
Hue
Teacup
Perfect
Arcade Paradise - Arcade Paradise EP
Strange Brigade
Sifu Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle (EPIC)
AVICII Invector: Encore Edition
10 Second Ninja X
The Indie Mixtape
Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Heroes of Hammerwatch
Monster Slayers - Complete Edition
My Big Sister
Red Ronin
Heal
Cat Lady - The Card Game
Undungeon
Tangledeep
Styx: Shards of Darkness
Styx: Master of Shadows
Squids Odyssey
Pendula Swing - The Complete Journey
Mists of Noyah
King's Bounty: Crossworlds
Jotun: Valhalla Edition
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 2
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf Special Edition
Undead Horde
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
Stirring Abyss
Scarlet Tower
Blood And Zombies
One More Island
Doorways: Prelude / Doorways: Holy Mountains of Flesh
Slain: Back from Hell
Lucius/Lucius 2/Lucius 3/Lucius Demake
Aragami
Deliver Us The Moon
Anuchard
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Darkwood
Intravenous
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Survive the Nights
Blasphemous
Unto The End
NUTS
Cat Quest
Cosmic Star Heroine
Degrees of Separation
Pure Farming 2018
SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell
SUPER CHICKEN JUMPER
Syberia/Syberia II/Syberia 3
The Innsmouth Case
Tinytopia
Sniper ghost warrior contracts
Trine 4
Risen 3
Shadowgate
How to Survive
FORCED
Psychonauts
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf Special Edition
Sniper Elite 3 + Season Pass DLC
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 - Season Pass Edition
METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
Strange Brigade Deluxe Edition
Call of Duty® Modern Warfare 3™
Sniper Elite 3
Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition
Amnesia: Rebirth
PGA 2k21
Jurassic World Evolution
Darksiders Genesis
Endless Space® 2 - Digital Deluxe Edition
SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION VI : PLATINUM EDITION
F1 2020
Titan Quest
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Witch It
BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION
CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience
Mighty Switch Force! Collection
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
The WB Batman Collection
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
Beholder
Beholder 2
We Were Here Together
Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
GRIP: Combat Racing *-GRIP: Combat Racing - Cygon Garage Kit *-GRIP: Combat Racing - Nyvoss Garage Kit *GRIP: Combat Racing - Terra Garage Kit *GRIP: Combat Racing - Vintek Garage Kit
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West
Miscreated
Second Extinction
Survive or Die
Breathedge
Dead in Vinland
Die Young
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
How to Survive 2
The Wild Eight
One Finger Death Punch 2
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Slap City
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Layers of Fear: Masterpiece Edition
Civilization: Beyond Earth – The Collection
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Primal Carnage: Extinction
Due Process
SimpleRockets 2
Killing Floor 2
For the King
For The King: Lost Civilization Adventure Pack
Pro Cycling Manager 2020
Tour de France 2020
Infectonator 3: Apocalypse
Warhammer: Chaosbane
Project Highrise
LAST OASIS
The Beast Inside
Terminus: Zombie Survivors
Crown Trick
Discolored
Everhood
Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands
Nomad Survival
Sparklite
The Ramp
Valfaris
Dusk Diver
Neverinth
Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Zengeon
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Unmemory
Nigate Tale
Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
Liberated
Neversong
Nine Parchments
The Walking Dead
Secret Government
Monsters' Den: Godfall
Interplanetary: Enhanced Edition
Learn Japanese To Survive! Hiragana Battle
Learn Japanese To Survive! Kanji Combat
Learn Japanese To Survive! Katakana War
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED]
THIS WAR OF MINE: COMPLETE EDITION
Cats in Time
Afterparty
Battlecruisers
Astronarch
Save Room - Organization Puzzle
PlataGO! Super Platform Game Maker
Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition
Warhammer vermintide collector's edition
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Tank Mechanic Simulator
The Uncertain: Light At The End
INSOMNIA: The Ark
Darkside Detective
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
GIGA WRECKER
Panty Party
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark
Tannenberg
Golf It!
Heroes of Hammerwatch
The Battle of Polytopia *DLC1. Cymanti Tribe *DLC2. ∑∫ỹriȱŋ Tribe *DLC3. Aquarion Tribe *DLC4. Polaris Tribe
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
N++ (NPLUSPLUS)
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
Virgo Versus The Zodiac
They Bleed Pixels
Maize
Smile For Me
The Haunted Island, a Frog Detective Game
Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard
A Hole New World
Sumoman
Shape of the World
Evan's Remains
Ministry of Broadcast
She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
A Long Way Down
Depraved
Helheim Hassle
Neurodeck : Psychological Deckbuilder
Tropico 5 - Complete Collection
Escapists 2
Worms Rumble *Worms Rumble - New Challengers Pack *Worms Rumble - Legends Pack *Worms Rumble - Armageddon Weapon Skin Pack *Worms Rumble - Captain & Shark Double Pack
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics
Turmoil
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels
Rogue Stormers
Torchlight
Fictorum
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
Moon Hunters
No Time to Relax
Overpass
Blood Bowl 2
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition
Conarium
Brawlout
F1 RACE STARS Complete Edition Include DLC
Killing Room
Tenta Shooter / The 触シュー
Everreach: Project Eden
Railway Empire
Looterkings
Headsnatchers
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
AIdol
Livelock
The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
F1 2018
Tacoma
Hard West - Collector's Edition
Hard West: Scars of Freedom DLC
Masquerada: Songs and Shadows
The Shrouded Isle
Joint Task Force
The World Next Door
Verdant Skies
DISTRAINT 2
Ittle Dew
Ittle Dew 2+
Oxenfree
Monstrum
Strikey Sisters
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Cyber Ops
European Ship Simulator
Fishing Adventure
Internet Cafe Simulator
Zen Chess: Mate in One, Mate in 2 , Mate in 3 , Mate in 4 , Champion's Moves (5 games)
Transport INC
Shoppe Keep 2 - Business and Agriculture RPG Simulation
Desolate
GRIP: Combat Racing + DLC
OUTBUDDIES DX
Eidolon
Pizza Connection 3
Spartan Fist
River City Ransom: Underground
Saints Row: The Third
Koi-Koi Japan [Hanafuda playing cards] *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.1 DLC *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.2 DLC *Koi-Koi Japan : UKIYOE tours Vol.3 DLC
Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle
Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle : School Girls Edition
Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
Princess Kaguya: Legend of the Moon Warrior
Delicious! Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
Chaos Reborn
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Shadows: Awakening
Caveblazers
Fallback: Uprising
Mordheim: City of the Damned
WRC 7 FIA World Rally Championship
Mana Spark
Autonauts
Nusakana
Shift Happens
Crash Drive 3
Hot Tin Roof: The Cat That Wore A Fedora
Automachef
Demolish & Build 2017
Resort Boss: Golf
Out of Space
Narita Boy
Aven Colony
Alien Breed Trilogy
Tools up
Mount & Blade
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword
BLACKHOLE: Complete Edition
Detention
Downfall
Miasmata
Overclocked: A History of Violence
Silver Chains
White Night
The Cat Lady
Syberia 3
Textorcist
GARAGE bad trip
Guts and glory
Swag and Sorcery
Fort Triumph
Orwell: Ignorance is Strength
FRAMED Collection
ROTASTIC
As Far as the Eye
Cepheus Protocol
Overruled
Ageless
Giana Sisters 2D
Prank Call
Hotshot Racing
Undead Horde
Streets of Fury EX
Rec Center Tycoon
JumpJet Rex
Hyper Knights
Vectronom
Levelhead
I am not a Monster: First Contact
Papo & Yo
Crookz the big heist
Iron Fisticle
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2
Fun with Ragdolls: The Game
Reventure
Smoke and Sacrifice
American Fugitive
The Signal From Tölva
Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rebel Galaxy
XIII - Classic
Comedy Night
Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage
FLATLAND Vol.2
The Chess Variants Club
Armada 2526 Gold Edition
Toybox Turbos
Sudden Strike Gold
Airport Madness: World Edition
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Planet Alcatraz
NecroVisioN: Lost Company
Star Wolves
Konung 2
Men of War
A.I.M.2 Clan Wars
Parkan 2
El Matador
Ascension to the Throne
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
The Flame in the Flood
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Bomber Crew
10 Second Ninja X
The Sacred Tears TRUE
Fred3ric
Lovecraft's Untold Stories
Path to Mnemosyne
CastleStorm
Crush Your Enemies
Semblance
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
Radio Commander
Boneless Zombie
Robot Squad Simulator 2017
Pretty Girls Panic!
Poker Pretty Girls Battle: Texas Hold'em
VVVVVV
Warhammer Space wolf
Blazing Chrome
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
Pang Adventures
Party Hard 2
REKT! High Octane Stunts
Thief of Thieves: Season One
Trailblazers
Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
Demetrios - Deluxe Edition
Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
GemCraft - Frostborn Wrath
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Shadowhand: RPG Card Game
Survivalist: Invisible Strain
We Were Here Too
Blacksad: Under the Skin
Heroes of Hammerwatch
Leisure Suit Larry 1-7
Murder by Numbers
Redout: Enhanced Edition
Rise of Industry + 2130 DLC
Ziggurat
They Bleed Pixels
Sunblaze
Noosphere
Train Valley 1+2
Door Kickers: Action Squad
Vikings - Wolves of Midgard
Vambrace: Cold Soul
The Void
The Vagrant
Republique
Nephise: Ascension
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Don't Dry
Knock-knock
Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire - Collector's Edition
Healer's Quest
Fictorum
A Robot Named Fight!
Skautfold Chapters 1-4
Hero of the Kingdom: Trilogy
198X
Danger Scavenger
Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins
Dread X Collection
Going Under
My Lovely Daughter
Rage in Peace
Flashback
Garfield Kart
Curse: The Eye of Isis
Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy
Black Moon Chronicles
Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy
Red Riding Hood - Star Crossed Lovers
Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
Sinking Island
Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
Occultus - Mediterranean Cabal
Gevaudan
Windscape
Ultra Space Battle Brawl
Through the Woods
This is the Zodiac Speaking
The Uncertain: Light At The End
The Uncertain - The Last Quiet Day
Tales
Tales of the Neon Sea
Styx: Master of Shadows
She and the Light Bearer
Epistory - Typing Chronicles
A Wolf in Autumn
The Music Machine
Jalopy
Insane 2
Antigraviator
All-Star Fruit Racing
Constructor Plus
Ice Lakes
Knights of Pen & Paper 2
Victoria II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Band of Bastards
Kingdom Come: Deliverance – From the Ashes
Mindustry
Wishlist
submitted by calvin324hk to indiegameswap [link] [comments]
https://www.reddit.com/sgsflaicomments/of2wzu/flair_profile_ucalvin324hk/
Region: NA (Canada)
Price are in USD. Fees on buyer.
CTRL + F to find your games in terms of name
Humble Keys <------ Click Here to see a full list of humble keys
Two Point Hospital
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition
Trek to Yomi
Shadow Warrior 3
BATTLETECH MERCENARY COLLECTION
BATTLETECH Shadow Hawk Pack
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition
Knights of Pen and Paper - Haunted Fall
KNIGHTS OF PEN AND PAPER 2 - DELUXIEST EDITION
Knights of Pen and Paper 2 - Here Be Dragons
Deathloop
Hell Let Loose
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
F1 2019 Anniversary Edition
Valkryia Chronicles 4 Complete Edition
Mafia Definitive Edition
Mordhau
Back 4 Blood
Little Hope
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind
Visage
death stranding
Slay the Spire
Praey for the Gods
Degrees of Separation
Ghostrunner
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Control Ultimate Edition
Encore Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
Hyper Light Drifter
Dirt 5
Ultimate Chicken Horse
Kentucky Route Zero - Season Pass Edition
Dreamfall Chapters
Wuppo
Human: Fall Flat
Northgard
The Witness
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
MO:Astray
Metro Exodus
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition
Super Mag Bot
Blade Assault
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
TOEM
Backbone
GreedFall
Wasteland 3
GAS STATION SIMULATOR
IN SOUND MIND
MIND SCANNERS
EMILY IS AWAY <3
OMNO
ATOM RPG Trudograd
Banners of Ruin
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legend of Keepers
Yes, Your Grace
Endzone - A World Apart
60 Parsecs
XCOM: ULTIMATE COLLECTION
PGA 2K21
Bioshock Collection
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 - Collector's Edition
JUST CAUSE 4: COMPLETE EDITION
Plague tale
Gas station simulator
Mind scanners
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEADLOCK SEASON ONE
Gamedec
Command & Conquer Remastered (Origin)
Surviving The Aftermath
Genesis Noir
Dirt Rally 2.0
| Stand With Ukraine Charity Bundle |
|---|
| Gang Beasts |
| Tinkertown |
| Cloud Gardens |
| Blightbound |
| Stick Fight: The Game |
| Railway Empire |
| Mad Experiments: Escape Room |
| ibb & obb Double Pack |
| The Falconeer |
| Truberbrook |
| At Eve's Wake |
| Interrogation: You will be deceived |
| Hoplegs |
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Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle
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2023.06.06 17:40 MilkweedStars {Captured by the Hero}
 | {Unknown place, unknown time and date} submitted by MilkweedStars to GachaClubPOV [link] [comments] You were with your (insert relationship), Spring. The villain to the hero. But, she doesn’t really seem like one when you talk about them. She’s very helpful and respectful to others, not matter what. You enjoyed spending your time with her… And so you took her to a restaurant to show her how much you cared about her as well! You and Spring enjoyed your time together as it turned late. But as you and her walked through the dark alleys she was familiar with…you felt a swing on your head. Knocking you out instantly as you fell down. Spring immediately realized that you two were ambushed by someone. Before you passed out, you could hear her fighting with someone. But you couldn’t make it out who as everything went black…. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once you woke up, you felt a sting on your head. You tried to stand up as you realize that your back was chained to the wall. Sighing, you touched your head… It was dripping with blood. It felt warm and sticky, god damn that bitch hit you hard. You looked around for Spring, but the room was too dark to make out anything. That’s when the sound of keys jingling and a door opening caught your attention. The room lit softly, the source of light was some torches and it showed the one and only hero, Evolution. You gasped, how did he find you?!? You weren’t even in the public for a long time since you broke up with him. You looked at him with hate and anger. Why the hell did he ruin your night?! Oh the hatred you felt for his overconfident, arrogant, ass. He left you in a bar, and now he’s coming back. You questioned him angrily, and once you asked about Spring, he pointed at the darkest side of the jail cell…. And there she was. She looked tired, exhausted for some reason. But once he told you about the angel’s blood in her system….you started to worry for her.. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~{Angel’s blood and what it does to demons}~ Angel’s blood is a type of blood that comes from all angels. It’s gold in color and glows naturally in the dark. And, an overdose of this blood can be lethal to any demons. It gets into their system and slowly kills them. Luckily, there’s a antidote for this and all demons have the antidote on them at all times. [What it does] Angel’s blood is basically a poison to demons as they are resistant to most, if not all, poisons. Angel’s blood is the only poison that they can die from. And it can be accessed by a wound of a pure angel. ℝ𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤: •ℙ𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥'𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕊𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 (𝔽𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕆𝕔'𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪), ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕟𝕖𝕣 𝕚𝕟 𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕖, 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕, ℍ𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕞𝕖𝕟 •𝔻𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕠, 𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕗𝕦𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 ℙ𝕆𝕍'𝕊 •ℕ𝕠 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕩𝕚𝕟𝕘 •𝕆ℙ 𝕆𝕔'𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥. 𝕀'𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥. •ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕙𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕆𝕔'𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕕 •ℕ𝕠 𝕜𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸ℕ𝕐𝕆ℕ𝔼 •ℝ𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕤𝕦𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕕𝕚𝕥 |
2023.06.06 17:21 MjolnirPants Jerry and the Adoring Fans: Part 1
"This was supposed to be our time," I groused as the concierge coordinator left our cabin. Inanna shook her head slowly and patted her lap. I sat on the bed next to her and leaned over, resting my head on her thighs. I always loved this, especially because she would inevitably- Oh god.... Oh yeah, that's it...
The fingers running through my hair, gently rubbing my scalp were hypnotic. The tension immediately drained out of me and my whole body went limp. It sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? I mean, I'm married to the former goddess of sex, a woman whose sexual appetite could not be described without the use of the words 'insatiable' and 'bizarre'. I mean, it would be a struggle to not use the term 'sexual body horror-esque' as well. When I say she's imaginative, I mean imaginative. And yet for all the times she's turned off gravity, induced orgasms in organs that have no business having orgasms (liver orgasms are a trip, but heart orgasms are mind-blowing), growing new organs in random places on her body or doing any or all of those things to me, this was the thing she did that melted me.
Every time. Man, I could fall asleep right now, regardless of the stress the coordinator had re-introduced to my life. I've fallen asleep like this many times before, in fact.
"It's not so bad," she purred. "All you have to do is give a talk. You've done that many times before."
I sighed. I wasn't able to work up any indignation like this, but as long as she kept her fingers from the spots behind my ears, I could still think.
"And sign a bunch of autographs and pose for pictures," I said. "And the talk will be to a bunch of fans, not academics and students. It's a totally different crowd."
"It's really not that different," she said as she found the spots behind my ears and melted my brain.
"The whole thing will take two hours," she said while I was completely helpless. It was totally unfair. I couldn't even protest that it would raise my profile and result in the whole cruise being peppered with people asking for more autographs and wanting to take pictures and buy us drinks.
I sighed again. God, this felt so good...
At some point, one hand wandered off my head and dug into my pants. The hand that continued to rub my head and the sheer familiarity of her fondling me kept me locked in my fugue state as she got me unbuttoned. By the time her scalp-massaging hand slipped away, I was ready to do anything she wanted.
So that's what we did.
----
I'd already agreed to do it, mind. I had just been griping about it when Inanna suckered me with her wily hands, and then her wily hoohah. Yes, I said 'wily hoohah', and if you knew Inanna as well as I did, you'd know that not only does it have a mind of its own, it's a devious and cunning creature that we should all pray remains on the side of good.
I can't really blame the coordinator, either. The cruise Inanna and I had booked just so happened to have a Legend of Jimmy fan convention of sorts happening, which we had somehow overlooked. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if her hoohah was aware, and simply kept quiet about it, knowing that I'd require a lot of 'comforting' after exposing myself to that much attention.
When the coordinator discovered that the couple on whose lives the show was based was on the cruise, we'd had our middle-grade accommodations bumped up to the top tier, and been given the gold-star concierge service, as well as a free pass to eat at any of the restaurants aboard ship and free admission to countless activities taking place. And then, once that was done, the coordinator oh-so-politely asked if I'd be willing to give a little talk, do a little autograph signing and otherwise schmooze the crowd.
Much to my chagrin, I agreed.
So here I was, sweating under a bunch of stage lights, behind a podium, having recited my hastily-prepared speech about the importance of understanding cultural context when dealing with supernatural entities and specific magics, answering questions that mostly pertained to the show, and often got incredibly personal.
"Is anal your wife's favorite?" a young man asked. I rolled my eyes. "Next question."
A respectable looking young lady in a sweater raised her hand and the usher with the mic held it up to her.
"If she's not into anal... I am," she said with a sly smile. I sighed deeply and prayed for the strength to continue.
"I have plenty of anal sex," I said. "Thank you for the offer, but my sex life is really something I'd rather keep a personal matter." I glanced over at Inanna, occupying one of the chairs on the stage. She was whispering to the host and pointing at the young lady. A naive person might assume she was asking to have her expelled after disrupting the Q&A by making what was obviously a joking offer.
But I knew she was making sure she got the young lady's number. Because Inanna.
The usher found a muscular young man with a serious burn scar on his neck. Probably a veteran, I thought, noting the way he moved as he stood.
"Did the CIA teach you how to fight, or are you a vet, or did you learn it elsewhere?"
I pointed at him. This was a much better question.
"Umm, the Agency doesn't really expect its field agents to do a lot of fighting. I did have a week-long training course on pistol shooting and light tactical stuff, but the biggest takeaway from that was that I should save any gun I was carrying for emergencies and always do what my protection agents' tell me to.
"One of my protective agents was, at the time, Inspector Johnson, currently one of our investigators at the DCM Group. That was how we met. He taught me a lot, actually.
"Most of what I know was acquired through magical means. My wife constructed a type of avatar known as a homoculus. It's an avatar that is a sort of messenger being. In this case, the message was all of the magically-collected knowledge in the world about combat. Martial arts, strategy, tactics, etc. Not a whole lot of specific military knowledge, mind, just the direct fighting stuff.
"Now, with all that being said, the single most important thing I know about combat, I learned from Inspector Johnson. And that was two things. The first is specific to combat, and that is that you can't win a fight if you're not an... An asshole."
The crowd laughed. I waited for it to die down.
"That sounds pretty wrong, I know, but it's true. Aggression is the single most important factor in a fight. All things being equal, the more aggressive fighter will always win. And aggression can make up for a lot of other failings, in a pinch. Size, strength, training... Aggression is the real key. And as we all know, the most aggressive people are inevitably assholes. So if you want to be able to defeat a dangerous enemy, you've got to be a bit of an asshole yourself.
"The second thing was probably the single most valuable lesson I ever learned in my entire life. And that is that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of fear. In fact, if you're not afraid, you can't be brave. Every act of bravery, throughout history, was performed by someone who was scared to death.
"I'm not going to lie to you; the first time I found myself in a fight, I peed my pants." The crowd tittered. "No joke, I literally peed my pants. More than once. I cried, too. I panicked. Inspector Johnson was there with me, and I was sooo jealous of how cool he was at the time. It was his actions that got us free of our bonds, and gave us the ability to summon help. After, I remember asking him how he kept from being scared, and I remember his exact words. 'I didn't,' he said.
"He told me that he was scared out of his mind, the same as me. The only difference was that he's been scared like that before. He got used to it. He knew that there were things he could do to mitigate the threat, so he did those things, even though he was still terrified. And as I found myself in more and more dangerous situations, I quickly realized what that meant. It's okay to be afraid. You just gotta be afraid and working."
The crowd erupted into applause as I finished. I blushed, because I hadn't planned on that becoming a rousing anecdote, but I'd take it. The host rose and walked to the podium, waiting for the cheering to stop before speaking.
"That's all the time we have for the Q&A, but Mister and Missus Williams will be available to sign autographs and take photos in the lounge in five minutes. Thank you all for coming out, and let's have a big round of applause for our guests!"
The crowd erupted again, this time even louder. Inanna and I waved to them as we walked off the stage, heading for the crew passageway between the backstage and the lounge. We were about halfway there when the ship lurched suddenly to one side and the sounds of screaming and crashing filled the air.
"What the hell was that?" I gasped as I bounced off the wall -excuse me, bulkhead- and grabbed Inanna's arm to held steady her.
She squeezed her eyes shut. Ever since she'd been murdered literally hundreds of times by Sarisa in order to produce the energies she needed for her plan to save the Sixteenth World, Inanna had been having a lot of difficulty pulling magical energy. She had been steadily training herself ever since, slowly increasing the amount of power she had access to. But the process was a long one.
During that long process, she'd been forced to work with tiny amounts of magic to get stuff done, much like a human wizard would. The end result was that her sensitivity to magic had grown by leaps and bounds. She might not be able to hurl around earth-shattering energies willy nilly any more, but there was nobody I knew, human, god or otherwise, who was as magically perceptive as she was.
"Something big and ancient is here," she said. "A creature."
"Great, another monster crossed over," I grumbled.
"This one didn't cross over, Jerry," she said. "This one is native to this world," she was staring off into space, feeling the creature rather than seeing it.
"It's definitely a fully material being. I feel like it's been to the spirit world, but it's from the material world. I don't think it's from this specific material world, though."
"Crap," I muttered. This was arguably worse than a spirit creature. Those, at least, generally had some kind of weakness. Be it a certain emotion, some variety of magic or some substance or material, spirit creatures almost inevitably had some kind of kryptonite. And I only say 'almost' because I can't be a hundred percent sure. Every single variety that I knew about had such a weakness. But a material being from another of the material worlds would be a flesh and blood creature that had evolved to fill its niche. And evolution is a heartless trainer, accepting no weakness.
The ship jolted again and a fresh round of screaming ensued. There was a definite direction to the screaming, coming from the direction we were heading in, so we began to run.
We came out into the lounge to find people packing themselves in. I grabbed a random person by the shoulder. "What did you see?" I demanded.
"I don't know, man! The ship started jerking, and I saw this shadow and I just grabbed my wife and we ran inside!"
"Stay here," I told him. I moved on, pushing through the crowds to the door. It was hard going, with everyone trying to get inside. Eventually, I got completely stopped by the press of bodies, and I looked up, to see if I could fly above them. The ceiling was too low, of course. If I did that, I'd be flinging people around with the force of my magic, which would get someone hurt. Crap.
"MAKE A FUCKING HOLE!!" Inanna roared.
People jerked in surprise at the volume of the shout, carrying even above the crying and screaming all around us. They quickly moved further into the room, clearing a path for us to the doors.
"Thank you," I said as she took advantage of the extra room to walk beside me instead of behind me. She smiled sweetly and goosed my butt as we moved through the doors, out onto the deck.
Tentacles rose into the air around the ship. People were still about, mostly running for the doors to get inside. I realized, looking at the grandiose size of those tentacles, that it wouldn't do any good. This ship was huge, one of the largest cruise ships on the ocean. It was over a thousand feet long and a quarter of a million tons in volume. There were over four thousand guests on board, and until now, I'd never seen a dense crowd. Wait times for everything were reasonable.
Yet, judging by the size of those tentacles, I worried about the ship sinking.
Inanna pulled up short as she saw it.
"Motherfucker...." she said, then turned to me.
"Jerry, I hope your magical muscles are nice and swole, because we need to start teleporting people to safety right fucking now."
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's a kraken," she said.
"I figured as much, but there's no way we can evacuate this ship in time. I could maybe teleport them a hundred at a time, but even assuming it only takes three minutes to get a hundred people to link hands, that's two hours to get just the passengers. It'll be another forty five minutes for the crew. Whatever this thing is gonna do to the ship, it'll be over by then."
She shook her head. "You don't understand, Jerry. Krakens are mostly legendary in this world. They're not native here, and have only come over through the occasional rift that pops up way down at pressure depth. Most of what you know is complete BS. This is how they hunt. Wales and dolphins are their primary food, but they evolved on a world where humans had large ships full of people sailing the seas twenty thousand years ago, and they've adapted."
The ship jerked again as I watched a massive tentacle wrap completely around it and began to tighten down.
"It's going to break the ship, and then its going to come after the lifeboats. That's its strategy here."
"Crap," I muttered. "You have any ideas?"
"I've never even heard of a ship that survived a kraken attack, Jerry. Ninety percent of the people on board won't, either, and that's the best case. Worst case, everybody dies."
My mind raced. The first thing that occurred to me was the trick I'd used to kill the primordials. But honestly, the primordials were probably smaller than the kraken, and its body was underwater. If I hit the surface of the ocean at those speeds, it would be like a bomb going off. I'd likely just break the ship even quicker.
"I think it's too dangerous for you to do the human bullet thing," she said, her thoughts echoing mine.
"Right," I said. "So, we've got to figure out a way to drive it off. Make it think that it's not worth going after this ship, right?"
"I mean, if you can think of something that might do that, and not destroy the ship, yeah."
I wracked my brain for ideas. Fire was an obvious choice, but the beast's size ruled that out. If I made enough fire to hurt it, I'd damage the ship and probably kill a bunch of people. I watched another tentacle curl around and tighten onto the ship. With the two that had been in place when we got out, that made four. We were running out of time.
"Shit," I swore, using up one of my limited supply for the month. "Baby, I don't know what to do."
"Start teleporting," she said. "We'll save as many as we can."
I winced. Leaving people to die was something I wasn't willing to accept until the last second. Of course, the longer I waited to take that route, the more people I'd have to leave to die. This was the worst sort of calculus I'd ever done, and I always hated math.
I immediately pictured the panic that would happen when I started teleporting people and the rest realized I wouldn't be able to get everyone. It would be chaos.
A younger couple made their way from one of the edges of the ship, heading for the lounge. As they passed us, they stopped.
"You're Jerry and Ishtar Williams, right?" the woman asked.
"Inanna," I said. "Ishtar is the character," I said.
"Right, sorry. Do you know what this thing is?"
Inanna answered for me. "It's a kraken. A real one."
"Why is it attacking the ship?" the man asked.
"It's hunting," I said. Inanna nodded. "It's going to break the ship, then go after the people in the lifeboats," she added.
"Holy shit," the woman gasped. "Can you stop it?"
"Trying to figure out how, right now."
"Can we help?" the man asked. I turned to them. "I don't think so, no."
I kept trying to think as Inanna approached them, realizing I wouldn't get any planning done while answering their questions.
I needed something that would drive the best off, or kill it quickly. Honestly, even if I could blink my eyes and stop its heart, which I didn't think I could, but would try as a backup plan, I think the bulk of the creature might drag the ship under. We needed to get it to let go of the ship. Which went back to what I'd just been thinking, about driving it off.
We needed to hurt it. But I didn't know how to do that without killing people on the ship.
"Shit," I said again. "I don't know how to drive it off without killing people on the ship."
"What do you mean?" the woman asked.
"Everything I can do that would cause it significant enough pain to rethink attacking us would also damage the ship. And I don't dare kill it with its tentacles wrapped around the ship like this, it'll pull us under."
Inanna rounded on me, and I could see she'd had an idea. "What?!" I asked.
"Oh Jerry," she said with a malicious gleam in her eyes. "You're gonna hate this."
submitted by MjolnirPants to JerryandtheGoddesses [link] [comments]
The fingers running through my hair, gently rubbing my scalp were hypnotic. The tension immediately drained out of me and my whole body went limp. It sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? I mean, I'm married to the former goddess of sex, a woman whose sexual appetite could not be described without the use of the words 'insatiable' and 'bizarre'. I mean, it would be a struggle to not use the term 'sexual body horror-esque' as well. When I say she's imaginative, I mean imaginative. And yet for all the times she's turned off gravity, induced orgasms in organs that have no business having orgasms (liver orgasms are a trip, but heart orgasms are mind-blowing), growing new organs in random places on her body or doing any or all of those things to me, this was the thing she did that melted me.
Every time. Man, I could fall asleep right now, regardless of the stress the coordinator had re-introduced to my life. I've fallen asleep like this many times before, in fact.
"It's not so bad," she purred. "All you have to do is give a talk. You've done that many times before."
I sighed. I wasn't able to work up any indignation like this, but as long as she kept her fingers from the spots behind my ears, I could still think.
"And sign a bunch of autographs and pose for pictures," I said. "And the talk will be to a bunch of fans, not academics and students. It's a totally different crowd."
"It's really not that different," she said as she found the spots behind my ears and melted my brain.
"The whole thing will take two hours," she said while I was completely helpless. It was totally unfair. I couldn't even protest that it would raise my profile and result in the whole cruise being peppered with people asking for more autographs and wanting to take pictures and buy us drinks.
I sighed again. God, this felt so good...
At some point, one hand wandered off my head and dug into my pants. The hand that continued to rub my head and the sheer familiarity of her fondling me kept me locked in my fugue state as she got me unbuttoned. By the time her scalp-massaging hand slipped away, I was ready to do anything she wanted.
So that's what we did.
----
I'd already agreed to do it, mind. I had just been griping about it when Inanna suckered me with her wily hands, and then her wily hoohah. Yes, I said 'wily hoohah', and if you knew Inanna as well as I did, you'd know that not only does it have a mind of its own, it's a devious and cunning creature that we should all pray remains on the side of good.
I can't really blame the coordinator, either. The cruise Inanna and I had booked just so happened to have a Legend of Jimmy fan convention of sorts happening, which we had somehow overlooked. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if her hoohah was aware, and simply kept quiet about it, knowing that I'd require a lot of 'comforting' after exposing myself to that much attention.
When the coordinator discovered that the couple on whose lives the show was based was on the cruise, we'd had our middle-grade accommodations bumped up to the top tier, and been given the gold-star concierge service, as well as a free pass to eat at any of the restaurants aboard ship and free admission to countless activities taking place. And then, once that was done, the coordinator oh-so-politely asked if I'd be willing to give a little talk, do a little autograph signing and otherwise schmooze the crowd.
Much to my chagrin, I agreed.
So here I was, sweating under a bunch of stage lights, behind a podium, having recited my hastily-prepared speech about the importance of understanding cultural context when dealing with supernatural entities and specific magics, answering questions that mostly pertained to the show, and often got incredibly personal.
"Is anal your wife's favorite?" a young man asked. I rolled my eyes. "Next question."
A respectable looking young lady in a sweater raised her hand and the usher with the mic held it up to her.
"If she's not into anal... I am," she said with a sly smile. I sighed deeply and prayed for the strength to continue.
"I have plenty of anal sex," I said. "Thank you for the offer, but my sex life is really something I'd rather keep a personal matter." I glanced over at Inanna, occupying one of the chairs on the stage. She was whispering to the host and pointing at the young lady. A naive person might assume she was asking to have her expelled after disrupting the Q&A by making what was obviously a joking offer.
But I knew she was making sure she got the young lady's number. Because Inanna.
The usher found a muscular young man with a serious burn scar on his neck. Probably a veteran, I thought, noting the way he moved as he stood.
"Did the CIA teach you how to fight, or are you a vet, or did you learn it elsewhere?"
I pointed at him. This was a much better question.
"Umm, the Agency doesn't really expect its field agents to do a lot of fighting. I did have a week-long training course on pistol shooting and light tactical stuff, but the biggest takeaway from that was that I should save any gun I was carrying for emergencies and always do what my protection agents' tell me to.
"One of my protective agents was, at the time, Inspector Johnson, currently one of our investigators at the DCM Group. That was how we met. He taught me a lot, actually.
"Most of what I know was acquired through magical means. My wife constructed a type of avatar known as a homoculus. It's an avatar that is a sort of messenger being. In this case, the message was all of the magically-collected knowledge in the world about combat. Martial arts, strategy, tactics, etc. Not a whole lot of specific military knowledge, mind, just the direct fighting stuff.
"Now, with all that being said, the single most important thing I know about combat, I learned from Inspector Johnson. And that was two things. The first is specific to combat, and that is that you can't win a fight if you're not an... An asshole."
The crowd laughed. I waited for it to die down.
"That sounds pretty wrong, I know, but it's true. Aggression is the single most important factor in a fight. All things being equal, the more aggressive fighter will always win. And aggression can make up for a lot of other failings, in a pinch. Size, strength, training... Aggression is the real key. And as we all know, the most aggressive people are inevitably assholes. So if you want to be able to defeat a dangerous enemy, you've got to be a bit of an asshole yourself.
"The second thing was probably the single most valuable lesson I ever learned in my entire life. And that is that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of fear. In fact, if you're not afraid, you can't be brave. Every act of bravery, throughout history, was performed by someone who was scared to death.
"I'm not going to lie to you; the first time I found myself in a fight, I peed my pants." The crowd tittered. "No joke, I literally peed my pants. More than once. I cried, too. I panicked. Inspector Johnson was there with me, and I was sooo jealous of how cool he was at the time. It was his actions that got us free of our bonds, and gave us the ability to summon help. After, I remember asking him how he kept from being scared, and I remember his exact words. 'I didn't,' he said.
"He told me that he was scared out of his mind, the same as me. The only difference was that he's been scared like that before. He got used to it. He knew that there were things he could do to mitigate the threat, so he did those things, even though he was still terrified. And as I found myself in more and more dangerous situations, I quickly realized what that meant. It's okay to be afraid. You just gotta be afraid and working."
The crowd erupted into applause as I finished. I blushed, because I hadn't planned on that becoming a rousing anecdote, but I'd take it. The host rose and walked to the podium, waiting for the cheering to stop before speaking.
"That's all the time we have for the Q&A, but Mister and Missus Williams will be available to sign autographs and take photos in the lounge in five minutes. Thank you all for coming out, and let's have a big round of applause for our guests!"
The crowd erupted again, this time even louder. Inanna and I waved to them as we walked off the stage, heading for the crew passageway between the backstage and the lounge. We were about halfway there when the ship lurched suddenly to one side and the sounds of screaming and crashing filled the air.
"What the hell was that?" I gasped as I bounced off the wall -excuse me, bulkhead- and grabbed Inanna's arm to held steady her.
She squeezed her eyes shut. Ever since she'd been murdered literally hundreds of times by Sarisa in order to produce the energies she needed for her plan to save the Sixteenth World, Inanna had been having a lot of difficulty pulling magical energy. She had been steadily training herself ever since, slowly increasing the amount of power she had access to. But the process was a long one.
During that long process, she'd been forced to work with tiny amounts of magic to get stuff done, much like a human wizard would. The end result was that her sensitivity to magic had grown by leaps and bounds. She might not be able to hurl around earth-shattering energies willy nilly any more, but there was nobody I knew, human, god or otherwise, who was as magically perceptive as she was.
"Something big and ancient is here," she said. "A creature."
"Great, another monster crossed over," I grumbled.
"This one didn't cross over, Jerry," she said. "This one is native to this world," she was staring off into space, feeling the creature rather than seeing it.
"It's definitely a fully material being. I feel like it's been to the spirit world, but it's from the material world. I don't think it's from this specific material world, though."
"Crap," I muttered. This was arguably worse than a spirit creature. Those, at least, generally had some kind of weakness. Be it a certain emotion, some variety of magic or some substance or material, spirit creatures almost inevitably had some kind of kryptonite. And I only say 'almost' because I can't be a hundred percent sure. Every single variety that I knew about had such a weakness. But a material being from another of the material worlds would be a flesh and blood creature that had evolved to fill its niche. And evolution is a heartless trainer, accepting no weakness.
The ship jolted again and a fresh round of screaming ensued. There was a definite direction to the screaming, coming from the direction we were heading in, so we began to run.
We came out into the lounge to find people packing themselves in. I grabbed a random person by the shoulder. "What did you see?" I demanded.
"I don't know, man! The ship started jerking, and I saw this shadow and I just grabbed my wife and we ran inside!"
"Stay here," I told him. I moved on, pushing through the crowds to the door. It was hard going, with everyone trying to get inside. Eventually, I got completely stopped by the press of bodies, and I looked up, to see if I could fly above them. The ceiling was too low, of course. If I did that, I'd be flinging people around with the force of my magic, which would get someone hurt. Crap.
"MAKE A FUCKING HOLE!!" Inanna roared.
People jerked in surprise at the volume of the shout, carrying even above the crying and screaming all around us. They quickly moved further into the room, clearing a path for us to the doors.
"Thank you," I said as she took advantage of the extra room to walk beside me instead of behind me. She smiled sweetly and goosed my butt as we moved through the doors, out onto the deck.
Tentacles rose into the air around the ship. People were still about, mostly running for the doors to get inside. I realized, looking at the grandiose size of those tentacles, that it wouldn't do any good. This ship was huge, one of the largest cruise ships on the ocean. It was over a thousand feet long and a quarter of a million tons in volume. There were over four thousand guests on board, and until now, I'd never seen a dense crowd. Wait times for everything were reasonable.
Yet, judging by the size of those tentacles, I worried about the ship sinking.
Inanna pulled up short as she saw it.
"Motherfucker...." she said, then turned to me.
"Jerry, I hope your magical muscles are nice and swole, because we need to start teleporting people to safety right fucking now."
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's a kraken," she said.
"I figured as much, but there's no way we can evacuate this ship in time. I could maybe teleport them a hundred at a time, but even assuming it only takes three minutes to get a hundred people to link hands, that's two hours to get just the passengers. It'll be another forty five minutes for the crew. Whatever this thing is gonna do to the ship, it'll be over by then."
She shook her head. "You don't understand, Jerry. Krakens are mostly legendary in this world. They're not native here, and have only come over through the occasional rift that pops up way down at pressure depth. Most of what you know is complete BS. This is how they hunt. Wales and dolphins are their primary food, but they evolved on a world where humans had large ships full of people sailing the seas twenty thousand years ago, and they've adapted."
The ship jerked again as I watched a massive tentacle wrap completely around it and began to tighten down.
"It's going to break the ship, and then its going to come after the lifeboats. That's its strategy here."
"Crap," I muttered. "You have any ideas?"
"I've never even heard of a ship that survived a kraken attack, Jerry. Ninety percent of the people on board won't, either, and that's the best case. Worst case, everybody dies."
My mind raced. The first thing that occurred to me was the trick I'd used to kill the primordials. But honestly, the primordials were probably smaller than the kraken, and its body was underwater. If I hit the surface of the ocean at those speeds, it would be like a bomb going off. I'd likely just break the ship even quicker.
"I think it's too dangerous for you to do the human bullet thing," she said, her thoughts echoing mine.
"Right," I said. "So, we've got to figure out a way to drive it off. Make it think that it's not worth going after this ship, right?"
"I mean, if you can think of something that might do that, and not destroy the ship, yeah."
I wracked my brain for ideas. Fire was an obvious choice, but the beast's size ruled that out. If I made enough fire to hurt it, I'd damage the ship and probably kill a bunch of people. I watched another tentacle curl around and tighten onto the ship. With the two that had been in place when we got out, that made four. We were running out of time.
"Shit," I swore, using up one of my limited supply for the month. "Baby, I don't know what to do."
"Start teleporting," she said. "We'll save as many as we can."
I winced. Leaving people to die was something I wasn't willing to accept until the last second. Of course, the longer I waited to take that route, the more people I'd have to leave to die. This was the worst sort of calculus I'd ever done, and I always hated math.
I immediately pictured the panic that would happen when I started teleporting people and the rest realized I wouldn't be able to get everyone. It would be chaos.
A younger couple made their way from one of the edges of the ship, heading for the lounge. As they passed us, they stopped.
"You're Jerry and Ishtar Williams, right?" the woman asked.
"Inanna," I said. "Ishtar is the character," I said.
"Right, sorry. Do you know what this thing is?"
Inanna answered for me. "It's a kraken. A real one."
"Why is it attacking the ship?" the man asked.
"It's hunting," I said. Inanna nodded. "It's going to break the ship, then go after the people in the lifeboats," she added.
"Holy shit," the woman gasped. "Can you stop it?"
"Trying to figure out how, right now."
"Can we help?" the man asked. I turned to them. "I don't think so, no."
I kept trying to think as Inanna approached them, realizing I wouldn't get any planning done while answering their questions.
I needed something that would drive the best off, or kill it quickly. Honestly, even if I could blink my eyes and stop its heart, which I didn't think I could, but would try as a backup plan, I think the bulk of the creature might drag the ship under. We needed to get it to let go of the ship. Which went back to what I'd just been thinking, about driving it off.
We needed to hurt it. But I didn't know how to do that without killing people on the ship.
"Shit," I said again. "I don't know how to drive it off without killing people on the ship."
"What do you mean?" the woman asked.
"Everything I can do that would cause it significant enough pain to rethink attacking us would also damage the ship. And I don't dare kill it with its tentacles wrapped around the ship like this, it'll pull us under."
Inanna rounded on me, and I could see she'd had an idea. "What?!" I asked.
"Oh Jerry," she said with a malicious gleam in her eyes. "You're gonna hate this."
2023.06.06 17:07 RHGOtakuxxx My Family's Sacred Trust: Bella and Barney
TW/Animal Abuse
After seven years, I was still disgusted. I waited for my dad to call me to do the dreaded chore. I sighed, as I lay in bed and halfheartedly played with my phone. He was preparing a concoction that had such vile ingredients it was done in the basement. On the floor of my bedroom, Bella and Barney, our Australian Sheep Dogs stretched out, panting softly.
A text message interrupted my scrolling.
It’s ready, meet me in the kitchen.
I pocketed my phone and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Bella and Barney got up and followed me downstairs. I entered the kitchen where my father waited for me, his mask pulled down below his chin, big orange safety gloves on his hands, holding a large bottle used to feed young livestock. He reached out and handed it to me. I took it, my face closed and resigned. He snorted at my expression.
“It’s almost time,” he said. “Don’t look so glum.”
“Yeah,” I replied. “But only until the next cycle starts.”
I walked to the door, and a sudden thought made me stop. I turned to look at my dad, who was removing his mask and gloves and putting them in the sink.
“Couldn’t we find a way to end it?” I asked.
“Audrey,” he replied. “I think if there was a way to make it stop for good, they would have done it. This is the only way.”
I nodded, the end of my mouth quirking in a half smile. I should have expected that answer, but it was hard to accept it. This will always be my life. Someday it will be my sole responsibility. I walked out into the cool September night, Bella and Barney padding softly behind me. We approached the barn, and I opened the door. There was the sound of a soft and sickly bleat. I stepped inside, but my faithful dogs waited outside. Even they were disturbed.
I flicked on a light and went to the stall where the unnerving sound came from. I opened the door, and approached the animal, my stomach queasy. The lamb looked bloated, its curly coat giving off a greenish sheen. Its eyes were nearly colorless, and it struggled to stay on its feet. I approached the animal, and put one arm around its head, steadying it. Then I took the bottle of formula and shoved it into the animal’s mouth. It was too weak to struggle as I made sure it drank every drop.
When I was finished and closed the door to the barn, the dogs fell into step with me. We were halfway back to the house, when they both stopped, looking past the fields of our farm towards the forest edge. They started growling, a low vibration that made me halt in my tracks. I looked out, towards the forbidding darkness of the forest. I could not see anything in its inky depths. But my stomach was gripped with fear.
“Bella, Barney,” I said. “Let’s go.”
Hackles raised, they started snarling and then barking furiously they ran off towards the forest. I stood there, mouth agape for a few minutes and watched them disappear. I felt a thrill of fear go through me. They had never acted like this before; they were gentle herders of our flock of sheep. I tried in vain to call them back, then gave up and went back to the house, my footsteps an echo of trepidation.
“Dad!” I cried as the door slammed behind me. “Bella and Barney – they ran after something in the forest!”
My father got up from where he sat reading in the living room and came over to me, mouth set in a firm line.
“The forest?” He said, “It’s not time….we are on schedule. Maybe it was a rabbit or something.”
“No, you don’t understand,” I said in exasperation, my hand to my head. “They were growling, it’s like they were afraid of something – but then they just ran off barking. I could not get them to come back!”
My father went outside and scanned the area. He tried calling them, moving further away from the house. I waited and watched, wringing my hands, and biting my lower lip. Our dogs never ventured into the forest; I believe they could feel the malevolence of the place in there that was our family’s responsibility to keep at bay for over a hundred years. What if….my stomach clenched as my mind spun with horrible thoughts. After twenty minutes my father returned.
“What will we do?” I spoke. “What if…the thing got them.”
“Maybe they saw a coyote,” my dad replied. “Don’t worry, they will come back.”
He walked up to me, and gently tilted my face up to look at him. Eyes wide he gave me a smile of encouragement. I am sure I did not look convinced. He took me in a hug, and the side of my face pressed into his shoulder. His flannel shirt smelled faintly of pine and mint, and his body warmth was soothing. Then he let me go.
“Go get some sleep,” he said. “We can go out in the morning and look for them if they don’t come back. I’ll stay up a few more hours.”
I nodded, heading for the stairs, and glanced out the door briefly as I passed it. Bella and Barney always slept on the floor near my bed, for nine years out of my seventeen. I have no siblings, and my mother died when I was eight. I climbed into bed, feeling the emptiness in my room without them with me. I slept fitfully, pulling the blankets tighter around me as fearful dreams of my dogs being torn apart by the malevolence in the forest plagued me.
I woke in the morning with the sheets all twisted around me. I was groggily untangling myself when I heard scratching on the screen door downstairs. I stumbled quickly out of bed and pounded down the stairs. Opening the door, Bella and Barney came in, tails wagging. They licked my hands, as I felt all my muscles release from pent up tension, my insides trembling from relief. They went to the kitchen and drank from their water bowls then padded into the living room and flopped down on the rug in front of the fireplace. They put their heads down, and closed their eyes, breathing big, exhausted sighs.
My father walked into the kitchen and smiled when he saw our dogs snoring softly.
“See?” My father said. “I told you they would be back. The sheep will be fine in the paddock today. You can let them out with Bella and Barney when you get back from school.”
While I was getting ready, my father made breakfast. After we ate, he drove me to the school bus stop, which was five miles away from our remote farm. I waived goodbye to him as he headed to the city for his construction job.
“Hey Audrey,” said a lanky boy, with a mop of curly brown hair as he walked up to wait with me.
“Hey Martin,” I replied.
He looked at me intently for a moment. I felt my face heat up.
“Do I look that awful?”
Martin shrugged. “You look like something the cat dragged in.”
I bopped him on the shoulder. “I had a bad night sleep.”
The bus pulled up with a squeak and a huff, and we got in.
During fourth period English, I was busy writing an essay when the vice principal walked in and whispered to my teacher. I noticed it vaguely, trying to finish my work. Then he was standing at my desk. This felt weird…
“Audrey, can you come with me back to the office?” the vice principal said.
I looked up, glanced over at my teacher whose face looked pale and concerned. She nodded and waived her hand for me to go.
“Sure,” I said.
We walked into his office, and he gestured for me to take a seat in front of his desk.
“Your father’s jobsite called us,” he said gravely. “There’s been an accident…”
A shock went through me, and I grabbed the chair’s armrests as I felt my body tremble and bile rise in my throat.
“Is he okay?” I gasped.
“He’s been transported to the hospital,” the vice principal said, his face grave. “I talked to your teachers. Get your things we called an Uber to take you to him.”
I nodded, my head feeling light, and nausea rising. I tried to stand up, but lost my balance. The vice principal reached across the desk and steadied me. I looked up at him gratefully and left the room to go to my locker. The bell rang, and kids started to nosily fill the hallways. In a daze, I bumped into someone.
“Watch out there, Audrey!” said Martin as my shoulder met his chest.
I stumbled backwards, and he gently grabbed my arms so I would not fall. “Hey, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said. “What’s wrong?”
“M-my father…” I stammered. “He’s been in an accident at work. I have to go to the hospital.”
Martin’s eyes widened, his mouth slightly opening. Then his eyebrows lowered in concern.
“Oh god, I am so sorry,” he said. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Yes,” I said, as I remembered my dogs. “Can you ride your bike over to my house after school? I will give you the house key. Please let Bella and Barney out, they have been in all day.”
He nodded, then followed me to my locker. I got my backpack and fished out the key. He took it from me and gave me a quick hug. I felt the contact settle my fluttering heart a bit. Then I made my way to the front steps of the school. A few minutes later I was in the backseat of an Uber, on my way to the hospital. The ride felt surreal, and the beating of my heart filled my ears. I could not feel the passage of time, it felt interminable as my head filled with fearful thoughts.
Finally, the Uber stopped, in front of the large grey and white, sprawling complex of Memorial Hospital. I got out and went inside to the front desk.
“I’m here to see Leonard Klein,” I told the woman who looked up to me from her computer.
“And you are?” she said.
“Audrey Klein, his daughter.”
She gave me a sign-in sheet and started typing on her computer. “He’s in ICU, 3rd floor.”
I gulped, a tremor going through me. Then I nodded and headed to the elevator.
On the 3rd floor, a nurse brought me over to a curtained off area. “He’s stable for now,” she said. “But he needs to rest.”
The curtain swished open, and I gasped, tears clouding my vision at what I saw. My dad lay in the hospital bed, his right leg and arm in a cast. His head was swaddled in heavy bandages, and his face was puffy and purple.
“Dad, I’m here,” I said, the words coming out with a squeak.
His eyes cracked open and darted over to where I stood. I walked over to him and rested my hand on the arm without the cast.
“Audrey,” he whispered. “I need to tell you something important.”
“Can it wait?” I said. “Maybe you should not be talking, the nurse said you need to rest.”
“No, it can’t,” he said softly. “Get my keys from my jacket pocket, I think they left my clothes here somewhere.”
My eyes darted quickly around the curtained off space, and found his clothes on a chair, his beige jacket folded on top. I grabbed his ring of keys in a side pocket and brought them over to him.
“You see the silver key stamped with an S?” he said.
I fumbled with the keys in my hands, until I found the one matching his description. I showed it to him.
“Yes, that’s the one,” he said. “Take it with you. There is a safe in the back of my bedroom closet, if anything happens to me it is important that you open it. Everything important is in there.”
“Okay,” I replied. “But I won’t have to open it – you will be alright!” I could not in a million years bring myself to accept otherwise. But he did not answer, his eyes closed, and his breathing deepened.
“Dad!” I cried.
The nurse poked her head in. “He’s on a lot of painkillers,” she said. “They knock people out. Time to let him rest.”
I nodded, my lower lip trembling, and wiped the tear that fell from my left eye with the back of my hand. I made my way down to the front desk, where I made sure they had my cell number and they said they would call me with updates on his condition. Then I ordered an Uber to take me home.
On the ride back, I wrapped my arms tightly around my stomach, squeezing hard. An occasional shiver would go through me, as my mind raced on my father’s words. I could not get the memory of him in that hospital bed out of my mind, and I kept fighting off the dread by whispering to myself that he would be okay over and over again.
As we got nearer to my family farm, I called Martin.
“Audrey,” Martin said. “How’s your dad?”
“He’s in ICU, doped up on painkillers,” I replied. “Broken bones, and a head injury.”
“Damn,” Martin said. “You going to be okay alone?”
“Yes,” I said, although my feelings of trepidation did not bely my words. “Were you able to let Bella and Barney out?”
“Yeah,” he replied. “They were okay, but probably needed to piss really bad. You need me to meet you there with the key?”
“I have my dad’s key,” I said. “Thanks.”
“Well, just call me if you need anything.”
As we got off the phone, I could see the farm in the distance, as the setting sun sent its last rays over the tops of the surrounding woods. The car dropped me off and turned around as I made my way down the dirt driveway that leads up to my house.
“Bella, Barney!” I called. “Hey guys, I’m home!”
I kept calling as I got closer and scanned the area. They usually did not stray that far, and if they were shepherding our flock of sheep, they would be bringing them in, and I could see them coming down the gentle slope of the fields. My voice caught in my throat as I remembered their mysterious disappearance the previous night. I broke into a run, my calls turning into shrieks.
I raced around the house then over towards the barn and sheep pen. A foul smell made me almost choke. Rounding the barn, I cried out, my hands shooting up to my mouth. There was no movement in the sheep pen. It was a sea of bloody bodies, they were all on the ground, their throats slit. I fell to my knees and screamed. I felt like my scream filled the world. But not even that sound brought Bella and Barney back. They were gone….
submitted by RHGOtakuxxx to nosleep [link] [comments]
After seven years, I was still disgusted. I waited for my dad to call me to do the dreaded chore. I sighed, as I lay in bed and halfheartedly played with my phone. He was preparing a concoction that had such vile ingredients it was done in the basement. On the floor of my bedroom, Bella and Barney, our Australian Sheep Dogs stretched out, panting softly.
A text message interrupted my scrolling.
It’s ready, meet me in the kitchen.
I pocketed my phone and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Bella and Barney got up and followed me downstairs. I entered the kitchen where my father waited for me, his mask pulled down below his chin, big orange safety gloves on his hands, holding a large bottle used to feed young livestock. He reached out and handed it to me. I took it, my face closed and resigned. He snorted at my expression.
“It’s almost time,” he said. “Don’t look so glum.”
“Yeah,” I replied. “But only until the next cycle starts.”
I walked to the door, and a sudden thought made me stop. I turned to look at my dad, who was removing his mask and gloves and putting them in the sink.
“Couldn’t we find a way to end it?” I asked.
“Audrey,” he replied. “I think if there was a way to make it stop for good, they would have done it. This is the only way.”
I nodded, the end of my mouth quirking in a half smile. I should have expected that answer, but it was hard to accept it. This will always be my life. Someday it will be my sole responsibility. I walked out into the cool September night, Bella and Barney padding softly behind me. We approached the barn, and I opened the door. There was the sound of a soft and sickly bleat. I stepped inside, but my faithful dogs waited outside. Even they were disturbed.
I flicked on a light and went to the stall where the unnerving sound came from. I opened the door, and approached the animal, my stomach queasy. The lamb looked bloated, its curly coat giving off a greenish sheen. Its eyes were nearly colorless, and it struggled to stay on its feet. I approached the animal, and put one arm around its head, steadying it. Then I took the bottle of formula and shoved it into the animal’s mouth. It was too weak to struggle as I made sure it drank every drop.
When I was finished and closed the door to the barn, the dogs fell into step with me. We were halfway back to the house, when they both stopped, looking past the fields of our farm towards the forest edge. They started growling, a low vibration that made me halt in my tracks. I looked out, towards the forbidding darkness of the forest. I could not see anything in its inky depths. But my stomach was gripped with fear.
“Bella, Barney,” I said. “Let’s go.”
Hackles raised, they started snarling and then barking furiously they ran off towards the forest. I stood there, mouth agape for a few minutes and watched them disappear. I felt a thrill of fear go through me. They had never acted like this before; they were gentle herders of our flock of sheep. I tried in vain to call them back, then gave up and went back to the house, my footsteps an echo of trepidation.
“Dad!” I cried as the door slammed behind me. “Bella and Barney – they ran after something in the forest!”
My father got up from where he sat reading in the living room and came over to me, mouth set in a firm line.
“The forest?” He said, “It’s not time….we are on schedule. Maybe it was a rabbit or something.”
“No, you don’t understand,” I said in exasperation, my hand to my head. “They were growling, it’s like they were afraid of something – but then they just ran off barking. I could not get them to come back!”
My father went outside and scanned the area. He tried calling them, moving further away from the house. I waited and watched, wringing my hands, and biting my lower lip. Our dogs never ventured into the forest; I believe they could feel the malevolence of the place in there that was our family’s responsibility to keep at bay for over a hundred years. What if….my stomach clenched as my mind spun with horrible thoughts. After twenty minutes my father returned.
“What will we do?” I spoke. “What if…the thing got them.”
“Maybe they saw a coyote,” my dad replied. “Don’t worry, they will come back.”
He walked up to me, and gently tilted my face up to look at him. Eyes wide he gave me a smile of encouragement. I am sure I did not look convinced. He took me in a hug, and the side of my face pressed into his shoulder. His flannel shirt smelled faintly of pine and mint, and his body warmth was soothing. Then he let me go.
“Go get some sleep,” he said. “We can go out in the morning and look for them if they don’t come back. I’ll stay up a few more hours.”
I nodded, heading for the stairs, and glanced out the door briefly as I passed it. Bella and Barney always slept on the floor near my bed, for nine years out of my seventeen. I have no siblings, and my mother died when I was eight. I climbed into bed, feeling the emptiness in my room without them with me. I slept fitfully, pulling the blankets tighter around me as fearful dreams of my dogs being torn apart by the malevolence in the forest plagued me.
I woke in the morning with the sheets all twisted around me. I was groggily untangling myself when I heard scratching on the screen door downstairs. I stumbled quickly out of bed and pounded down the stairs. Opening the door, Bella and Barney came in, tails wagging. They licked my hands, as I felt all my muscles release from pent up tension, my insides trembling from relief. They went to the kitchen and drank from their water bowls then padded into the living room and flopped down on the rug in front of the fireplace. They put their heads down, and closed their eyes, breathing big, exhausted sighs.
My father walked into the kitchen and smiled when he saw our dogs snoring softly.
“See?” My father said. “I told you they would be back. The sheep will be fine in the paddock today. You can let them out with Bella and Barney when you get back from school.”
While I was getting ready, my father made breakfast. After we ate, he drove me to the school bus stop, which was five miles away from our remote farm. I waived goodbye to him as he headed to the city for his construction job.
“Hey Audrey,” said a lanky boy, with a mop of curly brown hair as he walked up to wait with me.
“Hey Martin,” I replied.
He looked at me intently for a moment. I felt my face heat up.
“Do I look that awful?”
Martin shrugged. “You look like something the cat dragged in.”
I bopped him on the shoulder. “I had a bad night sleep.”
The bus pulled up with a squeak and a huff, and we got in.
During fourth period English, I was busy writing an essay when the vice principal walked in and whispered to my teacher. I noticed it vaguely, trying to finish my work. Then he was standing at my desk. This felt weird…
“Audrey, can you come with me back to the office?” the vice principal said.
I looked up, glanced over at my teacher whose face looked pale and concerned. She nodded and waived her hand for me to go.
“Sure,” I said.
We walked into his office, and he gestured for me to take a seat in front of his desk.
“Your father’s jobsite called us,” he said gravely. “There’s been an accident…”
A shock went through me, and I grabbed the chair’s armrests as I felt my body tremble and bile rise in my throat.
“Is he okay?” I gasped.
“He’s been transported to the hospital,” the vice principal said, his face grave. “I talked to your teachers. Get your things we called an Uber to take you to him.”
I nodded, my head feeling light, and nausea rising. I tried to stand up, but lost my balance. The vice principal reached across the desk and steadied me. I looked up at him gratefully and left the room to go to my locker. The bell rang, and kids started to nosily fill the hallways. In a daze, I bumped into someone.
“Watch out there, Audrey!” said Martin as my shoulder met his chest.
I stumbled backwards, and he gently grabbed my arms so I would not fall. “Hey, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said. “What’s wrong?”
“M-my father…” I stammered. “He’s been in an accident at work. I have to go to the hospital.”
Martin’s eyes widened, his mouth slightly opening. Then his eyebrows lowered in concern.
“Oh god, I am so sorry,” he said. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Yes,” I said, as I remembered my dogs. “Can you ride your bike over to my house after school? I will give you the house key. Please let Bella and Barney out, they have been in all day.”
He nodded, then followed me to my locker. I got my backpack and fished out the key. He took it from me and gave me a quick hug. I felt the contact settle my fluttering heart a bit. Then I made my way to the front steps of the school. A few minutes later I was in the backseat of an Uber, on my way to the hospital. The ride felt surreal, and the beating of my heart filled my ears. I could not feel the passage of time, it felt interminable as my head filled with fearful thoughts.
Finally, the Uber stopped, in front of the large grey and white, sprawling complex of Memorial Hospital. I got out and went inside to the front desk.
“I’m here to see Leonard Klein,” I told the woman who looked up to me from her computer.
“And you are?” she said.
“Audrey Klein, his daughter.”
She gave me a sign-in sheet and started typing on her computer. “He’s in ICU, 3rd floor.”
I gulped, a tremor going through me. Then I nodded and headed to the elevator.
On the 3rd floor, a nurse brought me over to a curtained off area. “He’s stable for now,” she said. “But he needs to rest.”
The curtain swished open, and I gasped, tears clouding my vision at what I saw. My dad lay in the hospital bed, his right leg and arm in a cast. His head was swaddled in heavy bandages, and his face was puffy and purple.
“Dad, I’m here,” I said, the words coming out with a squeak.
His eyes cracked open and darted over to where I stood. I walked over to him and rested my hand on the arm without the cast.
“Audrey,” he whispered. “I need to tell you something important.”
“Can it wait?” I said. “Maybe you should not be talking, the nurse said you need to rest.”
“No, it can’t,” he said softly. “Get my keys from my jacket pocket, I think they left my clothes here somewhere.”
My eyes darted quickly around the curtained off space, and found his clothes on a chair, his beige jacket folded on top. I grabbed his ring of keys in a side pocket and brought them over to him.
“You see the silver key stamped with an S?” he said.
I fumbled with the keys in my hands, until I found the one matching his description. I showed it to him.
“Yes, that’s the one,” he said. “Take it with you. There is a safe in the back of my bedroom closet, if anything happens to me it is important that you open it. Everything important is in there.”
“Okay,” I replied. “But I won’t have to open it – you will be alright!” I could not in a million years bring myself to accept otherwise. But he did not answer, his eyes closed, and his breathing deepened.
“Dad!” I cried.
The nurse poked her head in. “He’s on a lot of painkillers,” she said. “They knock people out. Time to let him rest.”
I nodded, my lower lip trembling, and wiped the tear that fell from my left eye with the back of my hand. I made my way down to the front desk, where I made sure they had my cell number and they said they would call me with updates on his condition. Then I ordered an Uber to take me home.
On the ride back, I wrapped my arms tightly around my stomach, squeezing hard. An occasional shiver would go through me, as my mind raced on my father’s words. I could not get the memory of him in that hospital bed out of my mind, and I kept fighting off the dread by whispering to myself that he would be okay over and over again.
As we got nearer to my family farm, I called Martin.
“Audrey,” Martin said. “How’s your dad?”
“He’s in ICU, doped up on painkillers,” I replied. “Broken bones, and a head injury.”
“Damn,” Martin said. “You going to be okay alone?”
“Yes,” I said, although my feelings of trepidation did not bely my words. “Were you able to let Bella and Barney out?”
“Yeah,” he replied. “They were okay, but probably needed to piss really bad. You need me to meet you there with the key?”
“I have my dad’s key,” I said. “Thanks.”
“Well, just call me if you need anything.”
As we got off the phone, I could see the farm in the distance, as the setting sun sent its last rays over the tops of the surrounding woods. The car dropped me off and turned around as I made my way down the dirt driveway that leads up to my house.
“Bella, Barney!” I called. “Hey guys, I’m home!”
I kept calling as I got closer and scanned the area. They usually did not stray that far, and if they were shepherding our flock of sheep, they would be bringing them in, and I could see them coming down the gentle slope of the fields. My voice caught in my throat as I remembered their mysterious disappearance the previous night. I broke into a run, my calls turning into shrieks.
I raced around the house then over towards the barn and sheep pen. A foul smell made me almost choke. Rounding the barn, I cried out, my hands shooting up to my mouth. There was no movement in the sheep pen. It was a sea of bloody bodies, they were all on the ground, their throats slit. I fell to my knees and screamed. I felt like my scream filled the world. But not even that sound brought Bella and Barney back. They were gone….
2023.06.06 17:03 LordIlthari Monsters Chapter 77: Blood and Booze (Or, two paladins have a fistfight in a gay bar)
I am The Bard, who taught men their first magics, which to this day endure when all others have. It is written into the blood and bones of all you have built, and so I shall never die.
I did not teach you how to dream. I only taught how to tell a dream to another who you would never know.
The phone rang. Karna didn’t bother to pick it up. The message machine clicked for a moment, tape starting to turn backwards as new words were written onto it. It clicked again, stopping dead. Karna didn’t look up from his meal of leftover takeout. He finished his noodles, checked again to see if there was any shrimp left, and sighed as he threw the box at the bin. It bounced off the others already filling it up.
He sighed, rubbing his head and eyes. Healing magic could cure a hangover. It couldn’t do anything about dehydration. He needed to get up and get a drink. He went over to his cabinet and looked around for a glass. When he didn’t find a clean one, he grabbed a coffee mug instead. It was the last one. He was also out of coffee. Irritating. No matter how much of it he drank, he was still tired. It just meant he couldn’t sleep.
Sex helped, a bit, but when it didn’t, things were worse. Lying alone in his own bed, at least he could toss and turn and work his sheets into tangles trying to find some position that would let him finally fall asleep. He could slip out of bed for a nightcap, a strong one, to try and help. With another, there was nothing to do but lie there, still and silent, trying not to wake the man or woman next to him.
Trying not to think.
Impossible to sleep, then suddenly too much sleep. Blink and it was three-thirty in the afternoon. He stood at the sink, filling up the mug and draining it repeatedly. The call was probably from work. Worse, it might be his mother.
”Karna, what the fuck are you doing with your life you useless bastard. You’re not immortal, it’s all slipping away, one day, one minute at a time, and here you are doing nothing with it.” He said to himself. “Because you’re too tired to anything and still can’t sleep.” Of course, he knew why. His mind, treacherous as a serpent, betrayed him then, in the dark, in the solitude. Every wound he had suffered, every scar erased by healing magic, those were nothing. He was a paladin, the training had gotten him used to the sight of his own blood a long time ago.
”Practice for healing magic. Isn’t that what the old sister called it?” He wondered aloud. “Tch. She was kind of a bitch. Still is. I wonder if she’s calling me to yell at me too? Of course, I suppose I deserve it. I-“Then he stopped himself, and slammed the mug down, forcefully. It hit one of the plates in the sink, and it cracked. Karna swore and picked up the mess, picking the shards of metal out of his sink and throwing them in the boxes in the bin.
He sat back down in the one seat he used at his four-person table. It was covered in books, loose change, an unopened letter from some survey, a candle, a mug, miscellaneous bits of stationary, a comically large six sided die with red and black patterns, and off directly to his left a stick of deodorant and bottle of cologne. Those last two were the only things he’d used on this table in a while.
He sat back in his chair and sighed. “Yeah, you know exactly what you’re doing with your life. Nothing of any use to anyone. Well. Useless is better than detrimental, so hey, at least there’s that improvement.”
He hit the button to play back the latest message from his telephone, and picked it up, placing the receiver to his ear. At least he could listen to his messages. That would be something for the day.
”Hey, Karna. It’s Bas.” Karna’s head slumped forwards. He hadn’t expected him to be calling to call him an idiot. “I’ve tried coming by your place a couple of times to visit, seem to have missed you both times.” Or he was asleep, or drunk, or otherwise being a bad cousin. “So, I figured I’d give you a call and leave you a message. Just checking in to see how you’re doing. I know… things have been rough, for all of us, and I know you were taking things hard.” I know you’re weak. “I hope you’re doing well, and hope you understand, if you’re not, then, well, you’ve got my number, and you know where I live. Even though my apartment’s not exactly stellar.” I know you could reach out. But you won’t. You’ve been given everything, inherited power, your house, your money, and you still do nothing with it. I have nothing our society considers important, but I am still a better man than you. “Hope to talk to you soon. Adonai watch over you.”
That last bit was a bit odd. Adonai. The old invisible god, or God, as those that believed in such a thing insisted. Karna wasn’t entirely certain that this wasn’t just a clever way of disguising atheism, given that philosophy’s associations. Why in the world would Basil mention it now? As far as he knew… well he really actually didn’t know anything about Basil’s beliefs. He presumed, given his training, he was a follower of the western philosophies, which were philosophies more so than religions. They were fairly popular these days, a sort of secular spirituality, a substitute for the holes growing in Ordani religious life.
When you’ve fought and killed a god in living memory, it becomes harder to worship them. Beyond that, the old rites simply that, old rites. A series of rituals nobody really believed in anymore. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a cleric. He paused. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a cleric he hadn’t been fighting to the death with. The gods really didn’t seem to have much of a place in a modern society. It was probably arrogant, but part of the point of the gods was meant to be that they were something so much bigger than oneself, that there was nothing that could compare. They were monumental figures, but when the monuments can be torn down by mere men, was it a monument worth believing in?
It was that way then. Some people turned to the western philosophies, realizing that their religious needs, the desire for mystery, for reverence, for prayer, meditation, moral laws and sacred communities were met there, without gods. Some, Basil included, turned their gaze towards an invisible, supposedly omnipotent, God. Well, the gods were supposed to be omnipotent, but if nobody could even prove your God existed, well, then there wasn’t any fear that anyone could kill Him. And then, there was the other kind. The kind which were kind of a bad joke.
He remembered his days in the warm sun, under the abbot’s orchard in Hearthfire Abbey, amid the warm red walls, the golden light of the day filtering through the green leaves, the bright red apples highlighted against a blue sky. Quite literally simpler times. He remembered the grave beneath the tree. Senket Zarathustra. Of course, that wasn’t really where she was. She was a few miles up the road, in a chapel nobody paid any mind to, next to six other graves, two empty. How much a contrast that was, compared with what was in the abbey. Her image, glaring down from tapestry, immortalized in statuary, and everywhere revered. Saint, they called her, but what was the difference between a saint and a god, when you treated one like the other.
They had made gods for themselves, gods born of and midwives to, their own people. A god that was distant enough to be worshipped, but near enough to be known. Something understood, something relatable, and something that had bested other gods before. Gods borne of the people of godslayers, for what else could they be? Of course, every pantheon needed its devil, its fallen angel. And now here he stood, a useless bastard, but also the same kind of thing as their gods and their devil. What a bad joke.
But at the same time, a joke they had believed in. A joke he felt the obligation to make a truth. A joke he had failed to make true. Up on a pedestal, and down in the dirt. That was what paladin of Order Undivided meant now. A hero, until people had no more need of them. Good, he wasn’t even a hero in the first place.
He shook his head. It was going to be a few hours before any clubs opened. He was going back to bed until then. It didn’t do him any good to sit awake stewing.
Basil was getting worried. He’d tried paying visits and making calls, but there was no contact. He quietly sat through office hours, grading the first assignments of the year. He was starting to regret assigning an essay, particularly to his 101 class. Fortunately, it was early in the year, so he was able to work through his office hours without being further disturbed. He finished his last paper, capped the red pen, and stood up. It wasn’t that far out of his way to visit Karna again, and this time he wouldn’t be ignored.
He made his way through the city, until he came to the Red Street. It had another name, but people remembered not what was given, but what was done. Fifty years ago, the blood of black and red lions flowed, as Elsior faced down her old mentor during the height of the black rebellion. The street’s architecture was eclectic, a mix of the old buildings which had survived the battle, and newer designs built up out of the ruins left from a clash of titans.
There were alleys off the street where you could still see the gashes left in the ground by arcane blades. It was a street where history lay heavy in the mortar and the air. It was also a decently affordable neighborhood, as the old houses, while historical, were also old, small, and lacked modern amenities. He was still never going to afford any of them on a teacher’s salary, even with his stipend as a paladin. Of course, Karna would have had a bitch of a time paying for his house as well, but he had simply inherited it.
Basil shook his head, as if to throw the jealous thought out of his mind. “You’re a grey-eyed monster already. Let’s not add green to the mix.” He growled at himself, as he kept walking up to Karna’s door and knocked. No response. He sighed, looking through the door. Only two of his eyes saw the normal spectrum of light. The others varied from arcane, ultraviolet, infrared, and a curious ability to see electrical signals. The end result was an overlapping view of information, an in-depth view of the world that saw the surface and the depths of everything. It had been a bit of a rude surprise for his parents to find out their son saw their brains at the same time he saw their faces. The practical upshot of this at the moment was that he saw Karna was clearly not at home, and had left a trail of lingering celestial energy behind him.
Well, Karna or another aasimar, but they were fairly rare. Even with the increasing numbers of extraplanar citizens in the union, there weren’t many descended from angels. Basil wryly considered that it might be the former keeping out the later. Baatorites weren’t strictly speaking enemies with most angels, but the distaste between the two species was deep, ancient, and mutual. As such, there was only one trail to follow.
Basil sighed when he found the end of the trail. It was a club, and of a particular sort. He didn’t need his enhanced vision to tell that. Technically speaking, strip clubs and even prostitution were legal. Practically speaking, everyone in any of them used pseudonyms. He sighed and headed for the entrance. The bouncer at the door, a towering ogre, raised a hand. “If you’re carrying, head around to the side entrance. They’ll check your swords there. No weapons in the club.”
”Not planning on starting a fight. Just looking to meet someone.”
”Yeah, well check em anyway. We’ve had boyfriends throwing hands with one another because they were looking at the guy on stage a little too hard, we don’t want em doing it with swords. That’s the kind of domestic dispute that doesn’t just get the cops involved, it’s also a bitch to get out of the floors.”
”Well, I’ll keep that in mind.” Basil replied, and headed around the side. He stepped in, greeted by another bouncer, a dragonborn. He always found it amusing how it was always one of the larger races as a bouncer. Given their job, it made a certain degree of sense, but it occurred to him he’d never seen a gnome as a bouncer. Then again, he didn’t go to many clubs. He checked his sword in, and left a pseudonym.
The dragonborn looked down at the paper, and narrowed his eyes slightly. “What’s the T.D. stand for, Mr. Law?” He asked curiously.
Basil shrugged. “Hells if I know, it’s an alias, same as everyone else is using here. I mean, look at the guy above me on that list, when was the last time you ever met somebody actually named Flamingo?”
”The guy kinda looked like a flamingo. Aasimar type, maybe his wings are pink.” The bouncer replied.
”If he’s the person I’m thinking of, no. Let’s hope they don’t start changing.” Basil replied.
”Ah, ex-boyfriend?”
”Cousin, and why’d you assume ex?”
”The only people I’ve seen who’ve been drinking that much and going home with that many different blokes are the ones going through breakups, and you’re the only person I’ve seen go looking for him, so I know he’s not a whore.”
”Nah, just a dumbass. Thanks for the info. Here’s hoping you have a quiet night.”
”Yeah, try to keep it that way for me.”
”I’ll do my best. Believe it or not, I hate fighting.” Basil replied, and headed past the dragonborn into the club proper.
To give the club some credit, they had a pretty decent band going. A small number, playing as much with style as they did skill. That was to say, a decent if unspectacular amount. The rolling tones of the lead singer washed over an atmosphere of casual conversation and lewd humor. Basil cocked an ear at the sound. He would have sworn he’d heard the woman on the radio at least once. He watched her closely for a moment, along with the rest of the band, but didn’t recognize them. Then again, he didn’t go to many concerts.
As the double bass thrummed, the piano crooned, and the saxophone danced center stage, he made his way through smoke and other scents towards the bar. A teifling danced a lurid show in the center of the building, sweat glistening on blue skin from the lights. One of Basil’s eyes kept a lock on the man, tracing the electrical signals running under his skin to enact their sensual motions. It wasn’t exactly something he was looking to copy, but it was an interesting interplay to watch. Dancing wasn’t something often done alone, done for the show. It was interesting to compare the flow of signals of this to more traditional forms.
He kept most of his eyes forwards through. He had a job to do, and he preferred white to blue anyways. A brief thought entertained his mind of what Zeal might look like in such an outfit. He snapped it off immediately, jaw snapping shut in anger at himself. That was wrong, and a bad place to go. He couldn’t allow himself to think of her, think of anyone, that way, but especially her.
He focused himself. He had a job to do, and he was going to die alone. The only thing anyone would ever love of him would be an illusion. Any intimacy would have to be built on lies. Throw those thoughts out of his mind. They would only bring distraction, and disappointment.
He centered himself, and took a seat next to Karna, as the aasimar knocked back what was looking like probably the sixth shot tonight. How the hell was he even paying for all this? He rapped the bar twice with his knuckles. “First time here, got mezcal?” He asked.
”Mezcal coming up, though I can’t say it’s gonna be quite as good as home’s.” The barkeep replied.
”I am home, just grew up away from it.” Basil replied. For all his illusions, he always forgot to cover his chultan accent. Then again, recognizing his voice was part of the point for the man next to him.
”Basil?” Karna asked, turning slightly. “You’re straight, well, nearest to it, the fuck are you doing here?”
”Checking on you, and about to drink a theoretically decent mezcal.” Basil replied. “I’m worried about you.”
”Well fuck off, you don’t need to be.” Karna replied. “Another.” He requested. Another shot of strong absinthe filled his cup.
”Might want to slow down there hoss.” The barkeep warned. “The kind you’ve been having is a hundred thirty proof.”
”That so? Huh. Would have thought it was about a hundred twenty. Guess I’m getting better at drinking. Stands to reason, it’s all I’m good at or good for.” Karna replied, clearly about as drunk as someone on their seventh shot of one hundred thirty proof absinthe should be.
”Politely, bullshit.” Basil replied. “Though you are going to manage to be the first paladin to ever give yourself liver cirrhosis at the rate you’re going.”
”Paladin. What a bad joke.” Karna spat. “Paladins are heroes, we, we’re not fucking heroes. You got closer, and you’re, well, you. Me. I’m just a fool. So what if I ruin my liver. I’ve ruined everything else.”
Karna went for his glass, but Basil put his hand over it, stopping him. He looked his cousin in the eye, gentle, pitying, but firm. “Karna, we should go. Let’s find somewhere, a park or something, and talk.”
”We should, as in you should get your hand off my drink, and then pull that pole out of your ass. Dancer might need a spare.” Karna spat back. “I don’t need to talk, I need a damn drink.”
Basil didn’t move. “Cut the crap and calm down. You’re drunk already, and clearly not in a good place. If you’re going to be this way, at least we can do it at a safe distance from anyone else.”
”Oh fuck right off.” Karna replied. “What, am I embarrassing you? More so that I already have? I know I’m a fucking disgrace okay. I saw it with my own two eyes and can’t stop seeing it. The least you could let me do is drink myself to death in peace so I stop being a bother for all of you.”
The bartender was steadily shifting away, looking towards the bouncer who sighed and began to approach. He briefly made eye contact with Basil, who tried to give him an apologetic smile and flicked his eyes back towards Karna. The bouncer nodded. This wasn’t the first time he’d seen this.
Karna continued. “But no, you can’t do that. Can’t just let me be a failure in peace. You’re not content just being the better man than me, being better in every way but looks than me. You have to prove it, have to rub it in. I already you’re better, okay, don’t need to slam my nose in it with this stupid pity schtick.”
”When did I say anything about that? I’m the weakest member of our party!” Basil protested. “And what the hells does that have to do with any of that. You’re my cousin, my family, and beyond that my friend. You clearly need help, so of course I’m going to try and help you.”
”I don’t need help.” Karna snarled back, green eyes glinting red with a dangerous, gleaming light. “LEAST OF ALL FROM YOU!” He roared. The red light flared. Basil flinched, covering his eyes as the roar slammed into his mind and ears at the same time. He focused, piercing through the growing crimson fog.
The music kept playing, a hidden tape rolling, but the band pretending to sing had stopped. The club had gone silent, save for that. The patron’s idle gossip and chatter was muted. The bar was silent, patrons slumped over on their chairs, the bartender and bouncer were on the ground, foaming at the mouth. Karna and Basil were the only two people conscious in that building.
Karna stared in stunned silence, quiet horror at the scene. Some part of him processed exactly what he had just done, rationality quietly ticking away behind a fog of alcohol and badly managed emotional issues. It only intensified the later, a combination of terror and guilt forming into a blossoming rage. Then he saw Basil’s face, saw realization peeling back and something shifting in how he looked at him, saw a cold fury, a hatred, spreading across his face.
Basil looked himself, horrified at what had just occurred, and mind flashing to the street in front of Zeal’s home. This was the exact same scene. The same power as Alexander, but now being used instinctually. He had no idea what had actually happened to these people, if Karna had meant it or not. One thing he did know for certain. He had to stop this. If Karna was out of control there was no telling how many people could be hurt so he had to end this now.
Karna opened his mouth, but it was too late. Basil whirled, placing a palm on the bar to leverage himself from a sitting position into a whirling kick. His heel hit Karna squarely in the face, with every ounce of strength he could muster. A sucker punch, meant to be a knockout blow so he could take the aasimar down, end this spell, and get him out of here before anything else went wrong.
Karna snapped back out of his chair, it tumbled to the ground, and the back of his head hit the floor hard. His headache roared, but he rolled over coming back up to his feet, coming to a ready stance. He might have been depressed and drunk, but he was still a paladin, better trained than most and tougher than pretty much everybody. It was going to take more than that to knock him out.
Basil kicked him squarely in the nuts.
Karna doubled over in pain, and Basil kicked him in the face again. Basil had trained under paladins and monks alike. His skill with his own limbs was on par with his swordsmanship. His training under the paladins in the tradition of Jort made him an expert at sneak attacks, sucker punches, and practical, dirty fighting. In other words, he was effectively an expert at kicking people in the nuts. He went for a chop to the throat, trying to finish the fight right then and there.
Karna caught his hand, and broke it by squeezing his fingers. He looked up, bloody eyed and berserk. “Ah. Fuck.” Basil swore. Then Karna threw him. Basil went flying, arm broken, and hit the wall shelves, covered in a hundred forms of expensive booze. The impact shattered his collar bone, and he kept going until he hit the solid wall on the other side of the bar. He landed hard on his face, shirt torn to ribbons and bleeding freely.
His hand and shoulder reset themselves, and shirt tore entirely as he burst his extra limbs out of it, and slammed them down to pick himself up. He drew in a breath, and Karna threw a chair at him. Basil dodged upwards, onto the ceiling as the chair smashed a hole in the wall behind him. He rushed his cousin, gathering shards of broken glass with his spare limbs and a bottle into either hand. He flung the glass before him, forcing Karna to cover his face. Then he hit him on top of the head with both bottles, dropped them, and hit him on both sides of the throat with a chop.
Karna struggled to breathe, nearly blacking out from the impact, and but threw a wild, blind punch. Basil evaded most of hit, but even a glancing hit was enough to send him flying. He caught his momentum on a support pillar, swinging around it with his tendrils. His ankle hit the side of a table and shattered. He wheezed in pain, falling to a knee on top of the table to mend it.
Karna roared and charged like a bull, giving Basil scant time. He palmed a lighter from one of the unconscious men lying next to him, and jumped clear. Karna smashed the table into splinters beneath his fists, tearing skin and breaking bone, but healing them just as quickly as he damaged them. Basil flicked the lighter open, and threw it. The expensive alcohol covering Karna caught light, stunning and blinding him as Basil set him ablaze!
He hit the flaming angel with everything he had before the fire burned away. Fists, feet, elbows, knees, tendrils. A devastating combination of every move he knew to put a man on the ground flew out of him. He hadn’t really trained to get into a bar fight, but damn if it wasn’t coming in handy. He finished with a powerful drop kick in the aasimar’s solar plexus, sending him staggering back against the bar, breath torn from his lungs.
Basil breathed heavily, as his cousin slumped, then swore as Karna got his feet under him, and pulled his head up still more than ready to go. He swore louder as Karna gripped the sides of the bar, and tore the granite countertop off of it, swinging it at Basil like an improvised weapon.
Basil leapt, running along the side of the countertop as it smashed through everything it came across. Fortunately, it was swung high, missing the unconscious clubgoers, and shattered when it hit a load bearing column, though that cracked ominously. Basil landed on his cousin, spines biting into him and wrapping around bones to anchor the assassin. He’d seen a similar technique used by velociraptors when they hunted, using their massive claws to hook onto larger dinosaurs. Once attached, the smaller reptiles would begin to eat their prey alive. He wasn’t planning on biting Karna though, instead he raised up his boot and began to stomp his cousin’s face, over and over and over again, desperately trying to bring the berserk paladin down before he brought down the building!
Karna flared his wings and soared upwards, slamming both himself and Basil into the ceiling. Basil fell off, and Karna grabbed him by the face. He slammed them both down into the floor, smashing Basil’s head into the ground once, twice, three times, then threw him with enough force to scatter blood across the entire club and snap the assassin’s neck. He watched as Basil hit the pole the dancer had been, ahem, performing with, and his illusion vanished.
Horror overtook him as he saw Basil’s true form break in two, snaped apart by the force of the impact, and fall like so much meat onto the stage. He rushed forwards, hands shaking as he realized what he’d just done. He reached for Basil’s head, bloodied and broken. But his hands went through him. His emotional pain was then matched by physical pain, as he felt a steel stripper pole strike him directly between the legs.
Basil didn’t let up, as he dropped the illusion and his invisibility, and beat his cousin into the ground with the broken pole. He went for joints, broke ribs, hit below the belt with every opportunity and he did not stop. He didn’t know what it was going to take to put Karna down but he did know that if Karna got back up, he was actually going to die. It was nothing but the good fortune of his unusual anatomy that had kept him breathing with a broken neck, and his healing magic to allow him to ever get up again. He wasn’t going to get another chance, and so he beat down his cousin until the pole was bent beyond all recognition and the stage was slick with golden blood.
When he finally stopped, Karna was finally, mercifully, down. Basil knelt by his side, mending him enough to make sure he could be moved safely, though not enough to bring him back into consciousness. The patrons were beginning to stir to consciousness. With a grunt, he picked up his friend, hoisting him over his shoulder, and covered both of them with a spell of invisibility.
Slowly, shakily, he retrieved his and Karna’s weapons, erased both their names from the registry, and slipped away as people began to regain consciousness and the police arrived. Then, he began the slow, tired business of carrying Karna back to his house. He grumbled as he went. “You are far too skinny to be this heavy, and put up way too much of a fight for me to need the extra weight of lugging your ass out of here. You stupid overpowered twink.”
Karna woke up with a splitting headache, and a slightly less splitting everything-else-ache. Paladin healing factors worked wonders, but if you took a beating that was going to make you ache for a week, you were going to ache for a week. He remembered what happened, and started to wish he didn’t. “Oh fuck. I nearly killed Bas. And… yeah, the rest of the club. I’m not going to be allowed back there.”
He rolled off his couch and got a drink, of water this time. He looked at his liquor cabinet, walked over, opened it, and grabbed a bottle. He emptied it into the sink. Then he emptied the rest. He looked down at the drain, drew in a deep breath, and focused himself. “I need to apologize. I need to talk. I need help. And I need to get my life back on track.” He resolved. “I can’t let that happen again.”
He clenched his fists, and opened them again, hands still shaking. There was a knock at the door. His first thought was that it might be Basil checking on him. The next though was that it was the police. His third thought was that it was Basil, and the police. Well, either way. Apologies would be made, he might just also need to call a really, really good lawyer, and probably a bank to take out a loan to pay all that property damage.
He opened it, and saw another aasimar looking back at him.
”Hello Karna.” Alexander replied. “I heard you had something of a rough night, powers going out of control, a rather ugly bar fight, that sort of thing?”
”Yes. How long am I going to be in jail for?” Karna asked.
”Not at all, I’ve covered the damages and fortunately, nobody has any memory of last evening. Dominion Flare has that useful side effect.”
”Dominion Flare? What I did has a name?”
”Of course. It is your inheritance after all.” Alexander mused. “Though, you might be the first one to awaken it while drunk, though you’re not the first to cause some degree of damage with it. These things happen, it simply requires training.” He looked Karna squarely in the eye. “And beyond that, I strongly suspect you may be looking for some help getting yourself back on track.”
2023.06.06 16:46 throwthegodaway Had a nightmare about being harassed on the street
I can't talk about this to really anyone else because most of my friends have some kind of Harassment/SA trauma but it was really. Really unnerving and I need to get this out of my head.
So in this dream I was walking home late at night, maybe 2-3am, I don't even remember why? But I had my backpack on, my usual outfit of cargo pants/tank top, and my switchblade hooked on my pocket. I didn't have my phone, dunno why. I was in a strange city, somewhere downtown where it was dark, not many lights, not many apartment buildings either, mostly businesses. I remmeber this part because I knew screaming for help would have been useless.
There were two garbage collector men, and one of them was an older guy with long gray hair a beard, deep voice, wearing a camo ball cap. The other guy looked to be younger, like mid 20s even, had short black hair and generally looked nicer? I don't know how to put it.
But I walked past them, then they both started following me. The older man started talking to me, and I refused to talk back to him. He said things along the lines of "You're out late at night, where you going?" Then "You look nice. It's a nice night." Then finally "You're alone, yeah? We were going to head to home depot, you should come along with us." And I started walking faster. I picked up the pace, stood taller, put my hands by my sides.
He grabbed my hair, which was longer in this dream for some reason, because I always keep it short? I quickly said "Don't touch me." And he grabbed my shoulder and said "It's not nice to ignore someone. You shouldn't have done that to me."
I could feel my heart beat in my throat, the rough pull on my hair, the footsteps of the other guy walking up beside me. I reached for my switchblade, but all my mind could scream was 'He's going to rip it out of your hands. You're going to die.' And 'Can you even stab him in the right place? Will he back off?' And I just.. hesitated as he grabbed me again,
Then I woke up.
I'm so severely mad at myself for hesitating, that was a dream, what would I have done if that was real life? I took self defense classes, I was taught how to use knives, and yet I still couldn't do it! And the other guy, who I thought would help me, also was just.. going to further it along, it felt sickening. I don't know why I would have a nightmare like this, if it was some kind of wake up call, or some sick joke my brain wanted to do to remind me of past trauma. And that stuff of "your dreams predict your future" stuff is terrifying to hear right now :,,)
Just good god. Screw that. Felt like my heart beat was going to burst out of my throat, and left me feeling gross and anxious when I woke up. I'm going to see about self defense classes again.
submitted by throwthegodaway to offmychest [link] [comments]
So in this dream I was walking home late at night, maybe 2-3am, I don't even remember why? But I had my backpack on, my usual outfit of cargo pants/tank top, and my switchblade hooked on my pocket. I didn't have my phone, dunno why. I was in a strange city, somewhere downtown where it was dark, not many lights, not many apartment buildings either, mostly businesses. I remmeber this part because I knew screaming for help would have been useless.
There were two garbage collector men, and one of them was an older guy with long gray hair a beard, deep voice, wearing a camo ball cap. The other guy looked to be younger, like mid 20s even, had short black hair and generally looked nicer? I don't know how to put it.
But I walked past them, then they both started following me. The older man started talking to me, and I refused to talk back to him. He said things along the lines of "You're out late at night, where you going?" Then "You look nice. It's a nice night." Then finally "You're alone, yeah? We were going to head to home depot, you should come along with us." And I started walking faster. I picked up the pace, stood taller, put my hands by my sides.
He grabbed my hair, which was longer in this dream for some reason, because I always keep it short? I quickly said "Don't touch me." And he grabbed my shoulder and said "It's not nice to ignore someone. You shouldn't have done that to me."
I could feel my heart beat in my throat, the rough pull on my hair, the footsteps of the other guy walking up beside me. I reached for my switchblade, but all my mind could scream was 'He's going to rip it out of your hands. You're going to die.' And 'Can you even stab him in the right place? Will he back off?' And I just.. hesitated as he grabbed me again,
Then I woke up.
I'm so severely mad at myself for hesitating, that was a dream, what would I have done if that was real life? I took self defense classes, I was taught how to use knives, and yet I still couldn't do it! And the other guy, who I thought would help me, also was just.. going to further it along, it felt sickening. I don't know why I would have a nightmare like this, if it was some kind of wake up call, or some sick joke my brain wanted to do to remind me of past trauma. And that stuff of "your dreams predict your future" stuff is terrifying to hear right now :,,)
Just good god. Screw that. Felt like my heart beat was going to burst out of my throat, and left me feeling gross and anxious when I woke up. I'm going to see about self defense classes again.