Kiara sky gel polish
The C was sold to pay for polish đ
2011.03.25 14:31 Teatoly The C was sold to pay for polish đ
The C was sold to pay for polish đ
2008.05.03 12:22 Nails
Nails: A place to show off your beautiful nails!
2023.05.28 17:44 fullnihilism Advice for someone hard on their nails
I've been wanting to ask this for a while but wasn't sure if it was allowed, if it isn't obvs please let me know.
TL;DR I'm very hard on my nails and am hoping for tips to have longer lasting nails that won't tear up my nail beds, ensuring I can get them year round?
I'm am owner operator of a small dog grooming salon so my hands are in water and soap all day and I am always bumping them on stuff etc. Also my natural nails are not naturally very thick. I've really only gotten gel (before i did this work) or acrylic nails with gel polish over the years and I find the latter is the only thing that truly lasts more than a couple weeks. I get a fill every 3 weeks when I'm getting them done. I've noticed many add on like getting chrome powder or designs make them chip sooner so I don't get them. I generally get oval or ballerina shape. Still, I'll have 1-2 fall off between fills.
I often have to stop getting them at some point and let my nails heal because with the nails that fall off they just start to get too thin. I haven't had them in 4 months now and I MISS MY NAILS SO MUCH.
My question is, is there anything I can do in the type of nails I'm getting, the place I'm going, the amount I'm going, in between care etc that will enable me to keep getting them year round? I've only tried polygel and dips at home and they literally just peel off or start to crack after one day of work. Help!
submitted by fullnihilism to Nails [link] [comments]
TL;DR I'm very hard on my nails and am hoping for tips to have longer lasting nails that won't tear up my nail beds, ensuring I can get them year round?
I'm am owner operator of a small dog grooming salon so my hands are in water and soap all day and I am always bumping them on stuff etc. Also my natural nails are not naturally very thick. I've really only gotten gel (before i did this work) or acrylic nails with gel polish over the years and I find the latter is the only thing that truly lasts more than a couple weeks. I get a fill every 3 weeks when I'm getting them done. I've noticed many add on like getting chrome powder or designs make them chip sooner so I don't get them. I generally get oval or ballerina shape. Still, I'll have 1-2 fall off between fills.
I often have to stop getting them at some point and let my nails heal because with the nails that fall off they just start to get too thin. I haven't had them in 4 months now and I MISS MY NAILS SO MUCH.
My question is, is there anything I can do in the type of nails I'm getting, the place I'm going, the amount I'm going, in between care etc that will enable me to keep getting them year round? I've only tried polygel and dips at home and they literally just peel off or start to crack after one day of work. Help!
2023.05.28 17:33 clownfkr 3d effect with no gel?
 | iâm too scared to use gel because iâve been seeing so much about gel allergies and itâs something i donât want to risk, but i love the artwork that comes with it and i want to try to emulate certain aspects with regular polish. however i donât know if there is a way to get this 3d effect without gel? and if i were to use gel in collaboration with regular polish, i donât know what to use or if it would be worth the risk or even work. so if anyone has any ideas on how to get 3d squiggles and blobs without gel let me know! submitted by clownfkr to RedditLaqueristas [link] [comments] |
2023.05.28 17:17 justabirdmindy Any suggestions for Shellac/gel âlipgloss nailsâ colours?
Iâm obsessed with this new trend but I like to wear gel or shellac colours only because I use my hands a lot at work. Iâd love to buy a colour that I can bring to the salon for a shellac manicure. But when I try to Google for lipgloss nail colours, itâs all normal nail polish.
Some examples of what Iâm looking for:
https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/lipgloss-nails/762777
submitted by justabirdmindy to RedditLaqueristas [link] [comments]
Some examples of what Iâm looking for:
https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/lipgloss-nails/762777
2023.05.28 17:13 try_a_place â¤ď¸ Organic Nail Spa in Cordova, TN 38018 Try best nail salons in Tennessee
 | submitted by try_a_place to u/try_a_place [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/773mz8tpqm2b1.png?width=900&format=png&auto=webp&s=3e7d4ae07df439001540531b08b5bb1401c986de â¤ď¸ Organic Nail Spa in Cordova, Tennessee 38018, United States with â° hours, address, map, directions, prices, photos, âď¸ phone, reviewsâŚOne of the best nail salons in Tennessee. Have you ever been to this beauty salon? If you havenât gone yet, you should check it out! About Organic Nail Spa in Cordova, TN 38018Located in: The Pointe at CordovaIf you live in Cordova, Tennessee, and are looking for a nail salon, you might want to check out Organic Nail Spa. This salon has been around for years and is known for its good service and friendly staff. Organic Nail Spa can give you a manicure, a pedicure, gel polish, or nail art, and more⌠â¤ď¸You can experience happiness by going to Organic Nail Spa 38018, which is located âat 465 N Germantown Pkwy STE 107, Cordova, TN 38018.â There is the address of the business. If anything about the address, phone number, website, or fan page is wrong or has changed, please let us know⌠Tell us to make sure everyone knows about this favorite place. Have a good time! https://preview.redd.it/jz2ittrwqm2b1.png?width=717&format=png&auto=webp&s=8b4e9ac7cc479719d921eeeffae0425b2b9c95a3 Beauty lovers also search: nail salons 38018, nail salons in Cordova, nail salons in Tennessee, best nail salons in Cordova, best nail salons in Tennessee, best nail salon marketing services in Cordova, best nail salon marketing services in Tennessee â If you donât try, youâll never know where the best places near you are! Please like our posts, comment on them and share them. Keep in touch with us through our Facebook Fanpage, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, and LinkedInâŚto get the latest news, especially about discounts and coupons for services near you. Source: Google Business Profile Facebook Instagram Yelp. |
2023.05.28 17:01 Lamarian67 WICCA - Chapter 25 - Those in Low Places (Part 1)
Thereâd been another shooting today, in some dainty little cafe downtown, in the places tucked so neatly away only people who had visited there their whole lives went. Pete Cordell sighed to himself as he stepped past the shattered glass. Once, the scene inside the cafe would have made his stomach turn. These days, the sight of eviscerated bodies and rooms painted with blood barely fazed him. The entire cafe was ruined, bullet holes riddling every surface imaginable. He whistled, low.
âThey must have used up ten mags to do this much damage,â he observed out loud.
âHey, youâre finally here!â
Pete looked up at the new voice - a man heâd worked with for a bit under four years now but still barely knew anything about - Wesley Smith. âCrazy shit, isnât it? Youâd think it was an action movie in here with the amount of bullets they dumped.â
âIâll say,â Pete grumbled.
âThat ainât the weirdest shit though. Come over here.â Dividing the cafe in half was a massive sheet, and Wesley brushed past it as Pete followed. He stared.
On the ground was a gun - which wasnât the first thing to draw his attention. What did draw his attention was the pool of blood on the ground, way too large for any normal injury to have caused. He moved his gaze around and his jaw slackened. Slumped against the wall were the remains of a black-robed man - although remains were generous, considering all that remained was a single arm, a head, and blood-soaked garments. The wall behind the remains was cracked and severely dented, as if something great and powerful had rammed into it. A few feet away, a body had its head entirely gone, nowhere to be seen, with only a spray of blood, a stain of flesh and the same deep impact on the wall where the head should have been.
âPretty freaky, right?â Wesleyâs facade of bravado wouldnât have fooled even a child. âMakes you feel like youâre in one of them horror stories, you know?â
âIâll say,â Pete repeated, coughing to get rid of his shaky voice. A buzz from his radio drew his attention, and he held it up to his ear.
âAll officers to the station now. I repeat, all officers to the station now.â The voice on the other end was⌠strange, but Pete chalked that up to his wracked nerves.
He nodded to Wesley and ignored the strange feeling in his stomach. âAlright. Letâs go.â
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A few days later, Pete was flipping pancakes in the kitchen. His wife came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist as the kids squabbled around the table.
âHad a good sleep?â He asked as she rested her chin on his shoulder.
She hummed in affirmation. âHow was the latest case?â she asked.
He frowned. Itâd been another shooting, in some dainty cafe downtown, and heâd⌠hang on, what had he done? Before he could strain himself too much, a memory slotted into place and he relaxed.
âOh, nothing special. Nothing special at all.â
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It was just a few minutes into the breaking of dawn that a massive clanging woke Devona up. He shot out of the bed, not falling out of the bed but instead scrambling for the lightswitch as he got to his feet. His brain pushed past the fight or flight instinct that had shattered his sleep and he relaxed again as his memories came back. A few months into WICCAâs formation, during the time that they had been starting to talk to each other for purposes other than business, theyâd headed over to Ciriusâs abode.
âAnd here is my bed!â
They all stared at the bare mattress lying upon a metal frame, only a thin scrap of fabric and something that was barely a pillow upon it. The rest of the apartment wasnât faring much better, with only a mini-fridge in the kitchen and one of each bathroom item. The walls were a murky grey with the wallpaper peeling, and there was a stench of alcohol in the air.
Axon let out a whistle. âDamn, you live like this?â Her expression turned solemn. âSeriously, though, these conditions are pretty rough.â
Cirius shrugged. âEh. Could be worse. I used to just find a dumpster that wasnât full and sleep in there.â
Devona sucked in a breath. âThatâs⌠really bad.â
Cirius gave another shrug. âSome dumpsters arenât that bad actually. Getting chased away with a broom for being an intruder or like, getting shot, is worse.â
âWell, moving on from that depressing bit of background, you could for sure get a better apartment with how much youâre being paid,â Axon interjected.
Ciriusâs eyes widened. âI could?â
âYeah, man. You know how much money you have. Itâs all in your bank account.â
His eyes widened further. I have a bank account?â
âWhat do you mean? I sent the details to you through your emailâŚâ Understanding dawned across her face. âGoddamn it.â
There was a crash outside of the apartment, drawing their attention towards it. Devona walked open to the door and gingerly opened it to reveal two men tussling upon the ground, swearing angrily at each other.
âHey John!â exclaimed Cirius cheerfully as the man on top lifted his fist and slammed it on the otherâs face.
Devona stepped forward with his hands held out placatingly in front of himself.
âAlright, now, letâs calm-â
Devona was interrupted as he was talking by a fist swinging straight towards his face. As he reeled back, another hand was already closing over it and forcing the assailant down. Harlow stared down at the man they were forcing down with a singular hand, watching as his expression strained to continue to look defiant through the pain.
They pressed down further, causing the manâs expression to shift into pain as he hammered onto the floor with his free hand, hollering to let him go.
Devona gingerly placed his hand on their shoulder. âHey, I think thatâs enough now.â
Harlow raised an eyebrow at them. He tried to punch you.
âWell, he didnât punch me.â
Harlow tilted their head but let go of the person, allowing him to run off with a bruised ego and most likely a bruised wrist. The other man got up and staggered away, the smell of alcohol fresh in the air. Devona let his hand drop as Harlow watched them go, wiping their hand upon their cloak.
After that, Cirius had thankfully used the money to get a proper apartment. Or rather, several proper apartments since he kept getting kicked out. And now he had found himself inside Devonaâs new house. Devona sighed and rubbed his eyes to get rid of the tiredness, heading down the stairs to see what the commotion was all about. Cirius was sprawled upon the floor, his pillow several feet away, the couch he was staying on half tipped over and his blanket looking like it had been attacked by a savage animal.
He waved. âHey bossman.â
Devona stared. âHow.â
âWell, you see, I kinda woke up. And stuff was like this.â
Devona sighed and picked Cirius up. He held him like a cat, with his hands underneath the arms as Ciriusâs legs dangled, and plopped him down onto the couch after pushing it down with his feet. He began to clean up the rest of the mess. Cirius shot to his feet instantly.
âI could-â
Devona waved him off. âItâs fine. Itâs early, just try to get some more rest in. Iâll get another blanket.â He continued to clean up in silence, blinking the sleep from his eyes. He turned and Cirius was still sitting up, shuffling his feet awkwardly.
âWell, if weâre not going to sleep again, why donât we eat breakfast? Iâll get the cereal.â
They ate together in silence, letting the sound of chewing fill the air. As Devona was thinking about setting up a garden outside, Cirius spoke up.
âSorry for the blanket. And for waking you up. And-â
Devona raised a hand. âI told you, itâs fine.â Internally, he frowned.
âWas Cirius still hung up about that?â He had noticed an uncanny silence, but he had drawn that up to tiredness. Speaking of, was Cirius even tired? Cirius had been wide awake every time Devona had gone to bed, and wide awake when Devona awoke. One time, Devona had walked blearily down the stairs to get a glass of water in the dead of night, and almost got a heart attack from Cirius suddenly talking.
âSo, whatâs the mission for today, bossman?â Cirius interrupted his train of thought, rocking on his chair and back to his usual bounciness.
âWell, if you read your email, youâd know,â Devona deadpanned before relenting. âItâs just an attendance to some event that acts as a cover for underground dealings. While Claren deals with negotiations, we mingle with the crowd unless Harlow needs some backup. Theyâll be off stealing some documents.â He polished off the last of the cereal. âWe should get some more rest before the mission. Donât want to be too tired.â
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Claren and Harlow were already there when Cirius and Devona arrived. They were all dressed in suits again, like they had been at that party months back. Claren took a few seconds to assess their outfits. Before the mission, Claren had talked with Devona, telling him that he would stand out too much. His height was the most obvious, but according to Claren his posture was âtoo subdued and open to pass as a crime lordâ. Instead, Devona would be with Harlow, finding the documents, while Cirius would be a possible back-up to Claren. Really, it was because it was doubtful that he would be able to carry out a stealth mission.
Devona went over to greet Harlow. After exchanging conversation, he grabbed Harlow by the shoulder and the two of them vanished. Claren adjusted his suit, the light glinting off of the two rings on his fingers. âWell, you can go and mingle with the party. If Iâm in trouble, try to cause a distraction.â
Cirius nodded thoughtfully. âExplosions?â
âTry to keep those to a minimum.â
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Cirius was mingling, but he was not mingling happily. The people really did hold themselves in a different way than Devona did, with pushed up chests and little hand waves. Everyone who talked to him seemed to need to suddenly leave, so Cirius was currently standing by the food table chomping on dishes.
âReal boring party,â a voice drawled.
Cirius turned. He tilted his head and stopped biting down on the plate. Leaning up against the table with an easy casualness, dressed in a full tuxedo with bowtie and tailed coat, the speaker plucked a grape from the stem and popped it into her mouth. Her rainbow scarf swished as she swivelled her head to look down at him, and her mismatched eyes were lit with amusement. She seemed familiar, but Cirius couldnât put his finger on why. âWouldnât you say so?â
Cirius thought about this. âEh, itâs alright. I remember one time I blacked out at a party like this and woke up in a bathtub filled with ice.â
She threw her head back and laughed. âYouâre a pretty funny guy,â she snickered, waving a fork at him.
Her smile tapered into a grin, and her eyes narrowed. âBut in my opinion, this party could really use some better entertainment.â She pulled a mask over her face - one of a white demon with small, pointed horns, and drew a glaive from her back. She threw it. The glaive soared through the air, and Cirius watched as it trailed dried intestines through the air before embedding itself deep inside the chest of one of the guests. Screams tore through the air and Cirius remembered that murder was not good.
âClaren, thereâs been a murder! Thatâs not good!â he yelled, his voice drowned out by the din of panic and magic. The woman dodged past beams of energy and fire, grabbing onto the handle of the glaive and swinging it in a wide arc around her, carving into anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby. Claren burst out from the room, his eyes narrowing and shield wrapping around him as soon as he realised the situation. He pressed up against the wall and then shot forward, like a rubber ball that had suddenly been decompressed. The womanâs cackling was interrupted as he slammed into her full force, sending the both of them crashing across the floor.
âLaurel Pariah. I didnât expect you to show your face again so soon.â Cirius was close enough to hear them, and it helped that everybody had either ran away or died.
âSo, my reputation precedes me,â Laurel responded brightly, kicking Claren off and swinging her glaive right at him. He raised his arm and it glanced off the glimmering shield, giving him an opportunity to land a blow at her gut. She stumbled back and he struck her across the head as she was darting backwards. Her glaive sliced through the air but ricocheted off of Clarenâs shield, and he grabbed the bladed end to bring Laurel in closer. She kicked at him, causing her leg to bounce back and almost knock her over, only being held above ground by an uppercut directly into her stomach. She managed to stagger backwards, coughing.
âWow, you really donât play around do you?â she wheezed. âI didnât expect to use my magic so soon, but I guess it canât be helped.â
Claren moved back, tilting his head towards Cirius. âGo herd the people outside to safety. Iâll deal with her.â Cirius flashed him a thumbs up and headed in the direction of panicked shouts. Clarenâs eyes scoured the room, as if looking for whatever Laurel may use against him. Speaking of Laurel, something strange appeared to be happening to her. Her skin seemed pale, almost bright. No, definitely bright - glowing, in fact. Before Claren could register it fully however, Laurel pivoted with a kick and sent a bolt of lightning slamming into him.
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The two of them had gotten past security with ease, Devona stealing documents from right under noses and Harlow repeating the pattern of fingerprints upon keyboards. The two of them were currently sitting upon beams, dangling their legs high above the ground.
Just a few more, and weâll be out of here soon.
Devona tilted his head to the side. âThese people really love to party, huh.â
Harlow chewed their cheek. Well, itâs sort of a coping mechanism. Unlike the more recent sorcerers like you and I, these people grew up in a society wholly made from those who possess magic. Thereâs a certain sense of⌠superiority within those places. To them, death was less of a constant presence. That was until the Scourges came. Suddenly humans, magic or not, were all pushed down a level on the food chain. That sudden shock of mortality, paired with the changing landscape of the world, is certain to cause some stress. They leaned backwards on their hands. Not to mention, itâs a pretty good cover for criminal activity.
Devona hummed. âYeah, the world's a chaotic place.â He bowed his head slightly. âDo you think we can win? Against the Scourges, that is.â
Their tongue traced the inside of their mouth as they mulled, an action mirrored from others despite their mouth never being used to talk. Itâs unclear. We donât even know where the Scourges are coming from or what they are. There could be only a small handful left in the world, or there could be legions waiting to invade. We manage to push them back, but not without loss. The Scourge at Scotland was one of the weaker ones. The teleporting Scourge was one of the less destructive ones. And yet they managed to cause so much devastation. They tilted their head to meet his gaze. But I think weâll win.
Devona smiled. âI hope so.â
Howâs it going with Cirius at your place, by the way?
Devona scrunched up his forehead as memories came flooding in. âWell, he doesnât eat unless I make him. Or really visit the bathroom since he doesnât eat. I donât even think he sleeps, at least not most of the time. Iâve also never seen him change his clothes. He seems weirdly nervous at times though. Heâs probably destroyed like five of my blankets by now. He keeps giving me heart attacks at night by scurrying around the house. He tried to cook once and blew up the entire kitchen. Iâm not even exaggerating, he had third degree burns all over his skin. Took me ages to patch him up, especially with him refusing to remove his clothing.â Devona sighed and noticed Harlowâs expression. They had a bemused expression on their face. âWhat is it?â Youâre quite an attentive person, thatâs all. They turned their gaze elsewhere. The last of the physical documents should be three doors down on the rightmost corridor.
âWhat will you be doing?â
Attending to my own business. Iâll meet you afterwards.
Devona nodded and vanished, leaving Harlow alone underneath the clouded sky.
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The hierarchy of the world was simple. At the bottom were the plants, the insects, the ones who barely fed themselves and were gorged upon or crushed by a wayward hand. On top, edging them out were the small predators, the mice and shrews of the world. And above them this and this and that until up on top the world, the pinnacle of power, was humanity. Of course, there was division within humanity. Some believed it to be race, or gender, or sexuality, or any other sort of arbitrary difference theyâd use to hold a sense of superiority over others. But the true division, the fissure that stretched across like the mouth of a god, was magic.
Opal Pact was currently walking upon the tightrope across that fissure. To live in a world of magic without any of your own was common, given how billions of people did it, but to know about magic and to live in its world was less so. Of course, it was a lot less dramatic than her mini-monologues in her head, like the one about hierarchies, had made it seem. Most would expect fabulous displays of power, magic that could bend and buckle nations. Instead, they got people who could throw fancy balls that were basically slower, less effective bullets, or throw fireballs which were once again slower, less effective bullets, or become pinnacles of physical brawn who were immune to bullets and who were as susceptible to chemical warfare as anybody else. Even the ones who held incredible power werenât immune to a knife in their neck in the dead of night. The point was, Opal was less of walking upon a tightrope and more of peering into a secret party and inviting herself in. Besides, if those unedited videos of citiesâ destruction were anything to go buy, humans werenât the top of the food-chain anymore, magic or not.
She whistled to herself, the tune of some forgotten song as she twirled a crowbar between her fingers. She knocked on the door to the security room and then smashed it open, interrupting the guard who was in the middle of trying to figure out why several of the cameras had stopped working. The smashing of the crowbar into his face sent several of his teeth scattering, and he collapsed onto his desk. Heâd be fine, probably. Opal mentally shrugged with that thought and pushed him off the wheely chair, letting him flop onto the floor as she took a seat. She grabbed a can of oil from her bag and poured it out the door, letting it run down across the hallway. The tinted plastic sheâd stuck to the lights before sheâd made her entrance were just yellow enough that anyone who came rushing in wouldnât have time to notice the oil until it was too late.
Opal slammed the door as shut as she could, kicking her feet onto the table and popping a piece of gum into her mouth. She chewed, letting the sugar flare upon her tongue as her fingers ran across the keyboard. There was a sound of people yelling, then the sound of bodies slamming against the wall and floor. She stretched her arms behind her head, kicking off of the desk to avoid the blast of energy that ripped right through the door. It was shoved open and Opal pushed off the wall towards the attacker, pulling out her taser and jabbing it into his stomach. He staggered and then slipped, falling chin-first onto the floor. She stepped off of the chair and kicked it, sending it bouncing around and knocking down the few guards who managed to remain standing. She slid across the floor, using the slickness to her advantage to weave past grasping hands and past the oil. Grabbing a matchbox from her hand, she struck a match and held it loftily between the fingers. The effect was immediate, with all the guards scrambling across the floors on either all fours or trying their best to stand up. She tossed the match to the oil-slicken ground and slid into the next room. The oil wasnât flammable.
The oil eventually rubbed off from the friction, leaving Opal to walk along the floor. She eventually found what she came for. She smashed the lock off of the door, the alarm already having been disabled by her in the security room. She popped her bubble of gum and pushed the door open. Standing in the room, looking incredibly confused, was an incredibly tall man. He stared at her, the documents on the desk in front of him. She stared at him. He stared at her. She grabbed the tablecloth and threw it over his head, snatching up the documents as he stumbled back.
Opal dove out the door before the man could get his bearings, skidding across the floor and breaking into a sprint. She pulled out a bag of marbles and tossed it behind her, spilling the contents all across the floor. She used the crowbar to jam the door behind her shut, running past the winding hallways. The exit wasnât far, and soon sheâd be able to hop on her motorcycle and be scot free.
She wheeled around the corner and almost collided into a group of sorcerers. She could tell they were sorcerers since they immediately threw blasts of energy her way as she ducked behind the wall. One of them charged forward and punched the wall where her head had been. He lifted his arm to strike again and then vanished.
âHuh?â The other sorcerers seemed equally confused. Something appeared from nowhere and smacked into the face of one, leaving the last to look around panickedly before the frying pan knocked him out. The man from before appeared out of thin air, looking much more annoyed than he had before. He waved his pan at her face.
âAlright, who the hell are you?â
âInvisibility, probably. Strong as well if he managed to bypass the crowbar so easily, or crafty if he found another way to track me,â her mind supplied.
Opal rooted around for her spray-can. âWho am I? Oh, no-one really. Just a gal trying to make her way in the world.â
The man narrowed his eyes. âWould you be willing to hand over the documents?â
Opal pressed her thumb and index to her chin. âEh, probably not.â
He sighed. He vanished right as Opal lifted her spray can and sent a blast of black into his face. She broke into a sprint, shoving the documents into her pocket as she continued to dash.
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Being short certainly had its shortcomings. Cirius couldnât shout louder than the clamour, so he climbed onto whatever surface he could find and grabbed onto a plate and a fork. He scraped the prongs along the ceramic and the screech was loud enough to catch everyoneâs attention.
âAlright, alright, listen up! Iâve been told to get you guys out of here, so thatâs what Iâm going to do.â
The people still seemed panicked and extremely suspicious. One of them aimed a hand full of fire at him. âWho the hell are you? And why should we listen to you?â
âYou guys are running around too much! Look, that guy has other people standing on top of him!â
âHelp.â
âIn an emergency situation, itâs always good to have someone to direct everyone else. People tend to panic and move erratically, so having a leader allows the people to calm themselves down and move in a controlled manner, minimising the risk to themselves and each other,â Cirius recited. He felt a dash of smugness for remembering the entire thing.
The people did not seem very impressed. They stared up at him with confused and vaguely disgusted expressions.
âAnyways, the point is, weâre going to leave now.â
âWhat about the people back there!â one person exclaimed. âI have a husband whoâs possibly dying right now!â
Cirius frowned. âWhat did he look like?â âHe had- he has blonde hair, is wearing a suit with a blue tie-â
âOh, I think I saw who youâre talking about!â
âReally? Was he alright?â
Cirius scratched his head. âUh, well, if he can survive without his head on then he should be good.â
âWhat the hell is wrong with you!â
âCome on, man!â âWhy would you say that?â
Exclamations and cries of dismay rose up from the crowd and suddenly everyone was yelling at him.They started to throw plates and utensils at him, throwing insults along with them.
âAlright, alright, letâs just calm down,â he tried to say over the clamour. A plate smacked onto his head and dazed him for a second. Frustration bubbled in his chest as the people kept on yelling and yelling and the noise built up and up until the frustration melded into anger and burst from him.
âShut up! Shut up, all of you!â he yelled, his own voice barely rising above the chaos. He grabbed a plate of his own and threw it into the crowd. âIâm trying to save your goddamn lives you idiots!â
Something bright came flying at him and he felt his body light ablaze, the fire rapidly spreading over his clothes and flesh. A silence fell over the crowd, their expressions now of shock and bewilderment rather than outrage. He moved his head towards the one who threw the fireball, the slight movement drawing gasps from the people around him. He jumped down from the table and walked towards the attacker, everyone else clearing a wide berth around him. He dug his fingernails into his bubbling flesh, tearing deep and causing blood to spill out, dampening the flames with a hiss. Blood dripped onto the floor as he flexed his hand before pulling his arm back and punching the elemental in the face. His hand practically exploded, spraying gore and viscera all over the manâs features. He fell to the floor with a horrified scream, too distracted to notice Cirius lifting a chair until it was already coming down on his head. Cirius patted down his body, ripping away at skin where the fire refused to die out. He turned to the crowd - or at least, the blurry outline of the crowd.
âSo, are we ready to go now?â he asked brightly. He lifted his hand to scratch at his face and felt bone. The crowd nodded, subdued. âPick that guy up, by the way.â He turned to the exit and they all followed suit.
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Devona was not having a good time. Heâd managed to avoid most of the spray, but heâd needed to wipe away at his eyes before they stung too much. He floated past the groaning guards on the oil-slick floor, up the stairs to the upper floors. Marbles were strewn across the ground, and one man was rolling around while clutching his spray-painted eyes. The window on the far end was smashed open despite the latch being unlocked. Peeking his head around, he could see the perpetrator running along the rooftop, sticking her tongue out at the people on the ground. She grabbed an egg from her pocket and slung it at the head of one, exploding it all over his face as he tried to grab his gun.
She ducked down and slid along the tiles as bullets fired above her head, grabbing the side and swinging down into the window. A few seconds later, a chair was flung out and slammed into the remaining guards. A guard rushed up to the window next to Devona, pulling out a machine gun. Devona wasnât a fan of excessive violence against his enemies, so he introduced his face to a frying pan. At the same time, the thief, as Devona had dubbed her, was thrown from the window. She managed to grab onto the curtain and ripped it as she slid down the wall, landing with a thud onto the ground. Standing there in the doorframe, holding onto ruffled documents as air swirled was a guard, more filing around her with magic swirling in the air.
Devona felt movement behind him and phased out, dodging the blast of energy that would have taken off his head. He grabbed the guard and phased them out with him, using their newfound weightlessness to throw them as hard. All eyes snapped to the man as he flew through the air, giving Devona enough time to swoop down and phase out the thief.
He dropped the two of them on the roof of the building overlooking the guards as they looked around in surprise. The thief immediately got to talking.
âSo, you can phase out, huh? I thought you might have been a Neoteric, seeing as you look less out-of-touch than a lot of other sorcerers. Do you have a cool name for your discipline?â
Devona glanced at her. âItâs incorporealism.â
She rolled her eyes. âBo-ring. You develop a whole branch of magic and you give it some lame name like that?â
âItâs not- whatever.â
She sighed and rolled her shoulders. âWhy donât we make a truce?â she said suddenly. âJust until we get the documents. Especially since they see us now.â
Devona looked down just in time to weave to the side and let the lightning pass by him. There was a woosh of air and all the guards were upon the roof, one of them still holding the documents in her hand.
A gust of air, a blast, and several bullets connected with nothing as Devona vanished. He grabbed one guard and threw them off, lashing out with only his foot physical and kicked another guard right in the stomach. Weave, dodge, strike, move back, more forward. The movements werenât as fluid as they could have been, and he winced from a graze across his arm, but it wasnât long before he and the thief were the only people still standing upon the roof.
She raised an eyebrow at him. âWow. Not bad. Youâre quite the combatant.â
Devona started looking around for where the documents had fallen, turning his back to her. âThanks.â
âWhatâs your name by the way?â
He lifted up one of the unconscious bodies. âItâs Devona. Yours?â
âBergeron.â A strange name, but Devona wasnât one to judge. âSay, Iâve just to ask, why did you save me back there?â
Devona frowned. âIs it not enough to not want to see another person die?â
She hummed. There was a bit of movement from behind him, and Devona phased out as a taser struck where he had just been. He phased back in, lashing out with a pivot and kick that slammed into her gut. He grabbed his pan and swung it at her head, clipping only her hair as she ducked down and he withdrew his body as she jabbed with her taser again. He slammed his pan onto her arm before she could reel it back in. Her taser dropped and Devona managed to strike her across the head, sending her stumbling back. She clutched his arm as if it was broken and Devona faltered slightly, just long enough for her to lash out with another hidden taser and hit him right in the gut. She grabbed onto her crowbar and smashed it against his head, with him managing to only slightly dodge the impact. He phased out again and grabbed her by the arm, throwing her against the wall. He stumbled, his vision turning white as rivulets of blood ran down his nose. Before he could recover he felt the crowbar slam into his hip and his legs buckled. The cool metal of the taser pressed into his back and jolts ran through his body.
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âThey must have used up ten mags to do this much damage,â he observed out loud.
âHey, youâre finally here!â
Pete looked up at the new voice - a man heâd worked with for a bit under four years now but still barely knew anything about - Wesley Smith. âCrazy shit, isnât it? Youâd think it was an action movie in here with the amount of bullets they dumped.â
âIâll say,â Pete grumbled.
âThat ainât the weirdest shit though. Come over here.â Dividing the cafe in half was a massive sheet, and Wesley brushed past it as Pete followed. He stared.
On the ground was a gun - which wasnât the first thing to draw his attention. What did draw his attention was the pool of blood on the ground, way too large for any normal injury to have caused. He moved his gaze around and his jaw slackened. Slumped against the wall were the remains of a black-robed man - although remains were generous, considering all that remained was a single arm, a head, and blood-soaked garments. The wall behind the remains was cracked and severely dented, as if something great and powerful had rammed into it. A few feet away, a body had its head entirely gone, nowhere to be seen, with only a spray of blood, a stain of flesh and the same deep impact on the wall where the head should have been.
âPretty freaky, right?â Wesleyâs facade of bravado wouldnât have fooled even a child. âMakes you feel like youâre in one of them horror stories, you know?â
âIâll say,â Pete repeated, coughing to get rid of his shaky voice. A buzz from his radio drew his attention, and he held it up to his ear.
âAll officers to the station now. I repeat, all officers to the station now.â The voice on the other end was⌠strange, but Pete chalked that up to his wracked nerves.
He nodded to Wesley and ignored the strange feeling in his stomach. âAlright. Letâs go.â
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A few days later, Pete was flipping pancakes in the kitchen. His wife came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist as the kids squabbled around the table.
âHad a good sleep?â He asked as she rested her chin on his shoulder.
She hummed in affirmation. âHow was the latest case?â she asked.
He frowned. Itâd been another shooting, in some dainty cafe downtown, and heâd⌠hang on, what had he done? Before he could strain himself too much, a memory slotted into place and he relaxed.
âOh, nothing special. Nothing special at all.â
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It was just a few minutes into the breaking of dawn that a massive clanging woke Devona up. He shot out of the bed, not falling out of the bed but instead scrambling for the lightswitch as he got to his feet. His brain pushed past the fight or flight instinct that had shattered his sleep and he relaxed again as his memories came back. A few months into WICCAâs formation, during the time that they had been starting to talk to each other for purposes other than business, theyâd headed over to Ciriusâs abode.
âAnd here is my bed!â
They all stared at the bare mattress lying upon a metal frame, only a thin scrap of fabric and something that was barely a pillow upon it. The rest of the apartment wasnât faring much better, with only a mini-fridge in the kitchen and one of each bathroom item. The walls were a murky grey with the wallpaper peeling, and there was a stench of alcohol in the air.
Axon let out a whistle. âDamn, you live like this?â Her expression turned solemn. âSeriously, though, these conditions are pretty rough.â
Cirius shrugged. âEh. Could be worse. I used to just find a dumpster that wasnât full and sleep in there.â
Devona sucked in a breath. âThatâs⌠really bad.â
Cirius gave another shrug. âSome dumpsters arenât that bad actually. Getting chased away with a broom for being an intruder or like, getting shot, is worse.â
âWell, moving on from that depressing bit of background, you could for sure get a better apartment with how much youâre being paid,â Axon interjected.
Ciriusâs eyes widened. âI could?â
âYeah, man. You know how much money you have. Itâs all in your bank account.â
His eyes widened further. I have a bank account?â
âWhat do you mean? I sent the details to you through your emailâŚâ Understanding dawned across her face. âGoddamn it.â
There was a crash outside of the apartment, drawing their attention towards it. Devona walked open to the door and gingerly opened it to reveal two men tussling upon the ground, swearing angrily at each other.
âHey John!â exclaimed Cirius cheerfully as the man on top lifted his fist and slammed it on the otherâs face.
Devona stepped forward with his hands held out placatingly in front of himself.
âAlright, now, letâs calm-â
Devona was interrupted as he was talking by a fist swinging straight towards his face. As he reeled back, another hand was already closing over it and forcing the assailant down. Harlow stared down at the man they were forcing down with a singular hand, watching as his expression strained to continue to look defiant through the pain.
They pressed down further, causing the manâs expression to shift into pain as he hammered onto the floor with his free hand, hollering to let him go.
Devona gingerly placed his hand on their shoulder. âHey, I think thatâs enough now.â
Harlow raised an eyebrow at them. He tried to punch you.
âWell, he didnât punch me.â
Harlow tilted their head but let go of the person, allowing him to run off with a bruised ego and most likely a bruised wrist. The other man got up and staggered away, the smell of alcohol fresh in the air. Devona let his hand drop as Harlow watched them go, wiping their hand upon their cloak.
After that, Cirius had thankfully used the money to get a proper apartment. Or rather, several proper apartments since he kept getting kicked out. And now he had found himself inside Devonaâs new house. Devona sighed and rubbed his eyes to get rid of the tiredness, heading down the stairs to see what the commotion was all about. Cirius was sprawled upon the floor, his pillow several feet away, the couch he was staying on half tipped over and his blanket looking like it had been attacked by a savage animal.
He waved. âHey bossman.â
Devona stared. âHow.â
âWell, you see, I kinda woke up. And stuff was like this.â
Devona sighed and picked Cirius up. He held him like a cat, with his hands underneath the arms as Ciriusâs legs dangled, and plopped him down onto the couch after pushing it down with his feet. He began to clean up the rest of the mess. Cirius shot to his feet instantly.
âI could-â
Devona waved him off. âItâs fine. Itâs early, just try to get some more rest in. Iâll get another blanket.â He continued to clean up in silence, blinking the sleep from his eyes. He turned and Cirius was still sitting up, shuffling his feet awkwardly.
âWell, if weâre not going to sleep again, why donât we eat breakfast? Iâll get the cereal.â
They ate together in silence, letting the sound of chewing fill the air. As Devona was thinking about setting up a garden outside, Cirius spoke up.
âSorry for the blanket. And for waking you up. And-â
Devona raised a hand. âI told you, itâs fine.â Internally, he frowned.
âWas Cirius still hung up about that?â He had noticed an uncanny silence, but he had drawn that up to tiredness. Speaking of, was Cirius even tired? Cirius had been wide awake every time Devona had gone to bed, and wide awake when Devona awoke. One time, Devona had walked blearily down the stairs to get a glass of water in the dead of night, and almost got a heart attack from Cirius suddenly talking.
âSo, whatâs the mission for today, bossman?â Cirius interrupted his train of thought, rocking on his chair and back to his usual bounciness.
âWell, if you read your email, youâd know,â Devona deadpanned before relenting. âItâs just an attendance to some event that acts as a cover for underground dealings. While Claren deals with negotiations, we mingle with the crowd unless Harlow needs some backup. Theyâll be off stealing some documents.â He polished off the last of the cereal. âWe should get some more rest before the mission. Donât want to be too tired.â
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Claren and Harlow were already there when Cirius and Devona arrived. They were all dressed in suits again, like they had been at that party months back. Claren took a few seconds to assess their outfits. Before the mission, Claren had talked with Devona, telling him that he would stand out too much. His height was the most obvious, but according to Claren his posture was âtoo subdued and open to pass as a crime lordâ. Instead, Devona would be with Harlow, finding the documents, while Cirius would be a possible back-up to Claren. Really, it was because it was doubtful that he would be able to carry out a stealth mission.
Devona went over to greet Harlow. After exchanging conversation, he grabbed Harlow by the shoulder and the two of them vanished. Claren adjusted his suit, the light glinting off of the two rings on his fingers. âWell, you can go and mingle with the party. If Iâm in trouble, try to cause a distraction.â
Cirius nodded thoughtfully. âExplosions?â
âTry to keep those to a minimum.â
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Cirius was mingling, but he was not mingling happily. The people really did hold themselves in a different way than Devona did, with pushed up chests and little hand waves. Everyone who talked to him seemed to need to suddenly leave, so Cirius was currently standing by the food table chomping on dishes.
âReal boring party,â a voice drawled.
Cirius turned. He tilted his head and stopped biting down on the plate. Leaning up against the table with an easy casualness, dressed in a full tuxedo with bowtie and tailed coat, the speaker plucked a grape from the stem and popped it into her mouth. Her rainbow scarf swished as she swivelled her head to look down at him, and her mismatched eyes were lit with amusement. She seemed familiar, but Cirius couldnât put his finger on why. âWouldnât you say so?â
Cirius thought about this. âEh, itâs alright. I remember one time I blacked out at a party like this and woke up in a bathtub filled with ice.â
She threw her head back and laughed. âYouâre a pretty funny guy,â she snickered, waving a fork at him.
Her smile tapered into a grin, and her eyes narrowed. âBut in my opinion, this party could really use some better entertainment.â She pulled a mask over her face - one of a white demon with small, pointed horns, and drew a glaive from her back. She threw it. The glaive soared through the air, and Cirius watched as it trailed dried intestines through the air before embedding itself deep inside the chest of one of the guests. Screams tore through the air and Cirius remembered that murder was not good.
âClaren, thereâs been a murder! Thatâs not good!â he yelled, his voice drowned out by the din of panic and magic. The woman dodged past beams of energy and fire, grabbing onto the handle of the glaive and swinging it in a wide arc around her, carving into anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby. Claren burst out from the room, his eyes narrowing and shield wrapping around him as soon as he realised the situation. He pressed up against the wall and then shot forward, like a rubber ball that had suddenly been decompressed. The womanâs cackling was interrupted as he slammed into her full force, sending the both of them crashing across the floor.
âLaurel Pariah. I didnât expect you to show your face again so soon.â Cirius was close enough to hear them, and it helped that everybody had either ran away or died.
âSo, my reputation precedes me,â Laurel responded brightly, kicking Claren off and swinging her glaive right at him. He raised his arm and it glanced off the glimmering shield, giving him an opportunity to land a blow at her gut. She stumbled back and he struck her across the head as she was darting backwards. Her glaive sliced through the air but ricocheted off of Clarenâs shield, and he grabbed the bladed end to bring Laurel in closer. She kicked at him, causing her leg to bounce back and almost knock her over, only being held above ground by an uppercut directly into her stomach. She managed to stagger backwards, coughing.
âWow, you really donât play around do you?â she wheezed. âI didnât expect to use my magic so soon, but I guess it canât be helped.â
Claren moved back, tilting his head towards Cirius. âGo herd the people outside to safety. Iâll deal with her.â Cirius flashed him a thumbs up and headed in the direction of panicked shouts. Clarenâs eyes scoured the room, as if looking for whatever Laurel may use against him. Speaking of Laurel, something strange appeared to be happening to her. Her skin seemed pale, almost bright. No, definitely bright - glowing, in fact. Before Claren could register it fully however, Laurel pivoted with a kick and sent a bolt of lightning slamming into him.
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The two of them had gotten past security with ease, Devona stealing documents from right under noses and Harlow repeating the pattern of fingerprints upon keyboards. The two of them were currently sitting upon beams, dangling their legs high above the ground.
Just a few more, and weâll be out of here soon.
Devona tilted his head to the side. âThese people really love to party, huh.â
Harlow chewed their cheek. Well, itâs sort of a coping mechanism. Unlike the more recent sorcerers like you and I, these people grew up in a society wholly made from those who possess magic. Thereâs a certain sense of⌠superiority within those places. To them, death was less of a constant presence. That was until the Scourges came. Suddenly humans, magic or not, were all pushed down a level on the food chain. That sudden shock of mortality, paired with the changing landscape of the world, is certain to cause some stress. They leaned backwards on their hands. Not to mention, itâs a pretty good cover for criminal activity.
Devona hummed. âYeah, the world's a chaotic place.â He bowed his head slightly. âDo you think we can win? Against the Scourges, that is.â
Their tongue traced the inside of their mouth as they mulled, an action mirrored from others despite their mouth never being used to talk. Itâs unclear. We donât even know where the Scourges are coming from or what they are. There could be only a small handful left in the world, or there could be legions waiting to invade. We manage to push them back, but not without loss. The Scourge at Scotland was one of the weaker ones. The teleporting Scourge was one of the less destructive ones. And yet they managed to cause so much devastation. They tilted their head to meet his gaze. But I think weâll win.
Devona smiled. âI hope so.â
Howâs it going with Cirius at your place, by the way?
Devona scrunched up his forehead as memories came flooding in. âWell, he doesnât eat unless I make him. Or really visit the bathroom since he doesnât eat. I donât even think he sleeps, at least not most of the time. Iâve also never seen him change his clothes. He seems weirdly nervous at times though. Heâs probably destroyed like five of my blankets by now. He keeps giving me heart attacks at night by scurrying around the house. He tried to cook once and blew up the entire kitchen. Iâm not even exaggerating, he had third degree burns all over his skin. Took me ages to patch him up, especially with him refusing to remove his clothing.â Devona sighed and noticed Harlowâs expression. They had a bemused expression on their face. âWhat is it?â Youâre quite an attentive person, thatâs all. They turned their gaze elsewhere. The last of the physical documents should be three doors down on the rightmost corridor.
âWhat will you be doing?â
Attending to my own business. Iâll meet you afterwards.
Devona nodded and vanished, leaving Harlow alone underneath the clouded sky.
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The hierarchy of the world was simple. At the bottom were the plants, the insects, the ones who barely fed themselves and were gorged upon or crushed by a wayward hand. On top, edging them out were the small predators, the mice and shrews of the world. And above them this and this and that until up on top the world, the pinnacle of power, was humanity. Of course, there was division within humanity. Some believed it to be race, or gender, or sexuality, or any other sort of arbitrary difference theyâd use to hold a sense of superiority over others. But the true division, the fissure that stretched across like the mouth of a god, was magic.
Opal Pact was currently walking upon the tightrope across that fissure. To live in a world of magic without any of your own was common, given how billions of people did it, but to know about magic and to live in its world was less so. Of course, it was a lot less dramatic than her mini-monologues in her head, like the one about hierarchies, had made it seem. Most would expect fabulous displays of power, magic that could bend and buckle nations. Instead, they got people who could throw fancy balls that were basically slower, less effective bullets, or throw fireballs which were once again slower, less effective bullets, or become pinnacles of physical brawn who were immune to bullets and who were as susceptible to chemical warfare as anybody else. Even the ones who held incredible power werenât immune to a knife in their neck in the dead of night. The point was, Opal was less of walking upon a tightrope and more of peering into a secret party and inviting herself in. Besides, if those unedited videos of citiesâ destruction were anything to go buy, humans werenât the top of the food-chain anymore, magic or not.
She whistled to herself, the tune of some forgotten song as she twirled a crowbar between her fingers. She knocked on the door to the security room and then smashed it open, interrupting the guard who was in the middle of trying to figure out why several of the cameras had stopped working. The smashing of the crowbar into his face sent several of his teeth scattering, and he collapsed onto his desk. Heâd be fine, probably. Opal mentally shrugged with that thought and pushed him off the wheely chair, letting him flop onto the floor as she took a seat. She grabbed a can of oil from her bag and poured it out the door, letting it run down across the hallway. The tinted plastic sheâd stuck to the lights before sheâd made her entrance were just yellow enough that anyone who came rushing in wouldnât have time to notice the oil until it was too late.
Opal slammed the door as shut as she could, kicking her feet onto the table and popping a piece of gum into her mouth. She chewed, letting the sugar flare upon her tongue as her fingers ran across the keyboard. There was a sound of people yelling, then the sound of bodies slamming against the wall and floor. She stretched her arms behind her head, kicking off of the desk to avoid the blast of energy that ripped right through the door. It was shoved open and Opal pushed off the wall towards the attacker, pulling out her taser and jabbing it into his stomach. He staggered and then slipped, falling chin-first onto the floor. She stepped off of the chair and kicked it, sending it bouncing around and knocking down the few guards who managed to remain standing. She slid across the floor, using the slickness to her advantage to weave past grasping hands and past the oil. Grabbing a matchbox from her hand, she struck a match and held it loftily between the fingers. The effect was immediate, with all the guards scrambling across the floors on either all fours or trying their best to stand up. She tossed the match to the oil-slicken ground and slid into the next room. The oil wasnât flammable.
The oil eventually rubbed off from the friction, leaving Opal to walk along the floor. She eventually found what she came for. She smashed the lock off of the door, the alarm already having been disabled by her in the security room. She popped her bubble of gum and pushed the door open. Standing in the room, looking incredibly confused, was an incredibly tall man. He stared at her, the documents on the desk in front of him. She stared at him. He stared at her. She grabbed the tablecloth and threw it over his head, snatching up the documents as he stumbled back.
Opal dove out the door before the man could get his bearings, skidding across the floor and breaking into a sprint. She pulled out a bag of marbles and tossed it behind her, spilling the contents all across the floor. She used the crowbar to jam the door behind her shut, running past the winding hallways. The exit wasnât far, and soon sheâd be able to hop on her motorcycle and be scot free.
She wheeled around the corner and almost collided into a group of sorcerers. She could tell they were sorcerers since they immediately threw blasts of energy her way as she ducked behind the wall. One of them charged forward and punched the wall where her head had been. He lifted his arm to strike again and then vanished.
âHuh?â The other sorcerers seemed equally confused. Something appeared from nowhere and smacked into the face of one, leaving the last to look around panickedly before the frying pan knocked him out. The man from before appeared out of thin air, looking much more annoyed than he had before. He waved his pan at her face.
âAlright, who the hell are you?â
âInvisibility, probably. Strong as well if he managed to bypass the crowbar so easily, or crafty if he found another way to track me,â her mind supplied.
Opal rooted around for her spray-can. âWho am I? Oh, no-one really. Just a gal trying to make her way in the world.â
The man narrowed his eyes. âWould you be willing to hand over the documents?â
Opal pressed her thumb and index to her chin. âEh, probably not.â
He sighed. He vanished right as Opal lifted her spray can and sent a blast of black into his face. She broke into a sprint, shoving the documents into her pocket as she continued to dash.
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Being short certainly had its shortcomings. Cirius couldnât shout louder than the clamour, so he climbed onto whatever surface he could find and grabbed onto a plate and a fork. He scraped the prongs along the ceramic and the screech was loud enough to catch everyoneâs attention.
âAlright, alright, listen up! Iâve been told to get you guys out of here, so thatâs what Iâm going to do.â
The people still seemed panicked and extremely suspicious. One of them aimed a hand full of fire at him. âWho the hell are you? And why should we listen to you?â
âYou guys are running around too much! Look, that guy has other people standing on top of him!â
âHelp.â
âIn an emergency situation, itâs always good to have someone to direct everyone else. People tend to panic and move erratically, so having a leader allows the people to calm themselves down and move in a controlled manner, minimising the risk to themselves and each other,â Cirius recited. He felt a dash of smugness for remembering the entire thing.
The people did not seem very impressed. They stared up at him with confused and vaguely disgusted expressions.
âAnyways, the point is, weâre going to leave now.â
âWhat about the people back there!â one person exclaimed. âI have a husband whoâs possibly dying right now!â
Cirius frowned. âWhat did he look like?â âHe had- he has blonde hair, is wearing a suit with a blue tie-â
âOh, I think I saw who youâre talking about!â
âReally? Was he alright?â
Cirius scratched his head. âUh, well, if he can survive without his head on then he should be good.â
âWhat the hell is wrong with you!â
âCome on, man!â âWhy would you say that?â
Exclamations and cries of dismay rose up from the crowd and suddenly everyone was yelling at him.They started to throw plates and utensils at him, throwing insults along with them.
âAlright, alright, letâs just calm down,â he tried to say over the clamour. A plate smacked onto his head and dazed him for a second. Frustration bubbled in his chest as the people kept on yelling and yelling and the noise built up and up until the frustration melded into anger and burst from him.
âShut up! Shut up, all of you!â he yelled, his own voice barely rising above the chaos. He grabbed a plate of his own and threw it into the crowd. âIâm trying to save your goddamn lives you idiots!â
Something bright came flying at him and he felt his body light ablaze, the fire rapidly spreading over his clothes and flesh. A silence fell over the crowd, their expressions now of shock and bewilderment rather than outrage. He moved his head towards the one who threw the fireball, the slight movement drawing gasps from the people around him. He jumped down from the table and walked towards the attacker, everyone else clearing a wide berth around him. He dug his fingernails into his bubbling flesh, tearing deep and causing blood to spill out, dampening the flames with a hiss. Blood dripped onto the floor as he flexed his hand before pulling his arm back and punching the elemental in the face. His hand practically exploded, spraying gore and viscera all over the manâs features. He fell to the floor with a horrified scream, too distracted to notice Cirius lifting a chair until it was already coming down on his head. Cirius patted down his body, ripping away at skin where the fire refused to die out. He turned to the crowd - or at least, the blurry outline of the crowd.
âSo, are we ready to go now?â he asked brightly. He lifted his hand to scratch at his face and felt bone. The crowd nodded, subdued. âPick that guy up, by the way.â He turned to the exit and they all followed suit.
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Devona was not having a good time. Heâd managed to avoid most of the spray, but heâd needed to wipe away at his eyes before they stung too much. He floated past the groaning guards on the oil-slick floor, up the stairs to the upper floors. Marbles were strewn across the ground, and one man was rolling around while clutching his spray-painted eyes. The window on the far end was smashed open despite the latch being unlocked. Peeking his head around, he could see the perpetrator running along the rooftop, sticking her tongue out at the people on the ground. She grabbed an egg from her pocket and slung it at the head of one, exploding it all over his face as he tried to grab his gun.
She ducked down and slid along the tiles as bullets fired above her head, grabbing the side and swinging down into the window. A few seconds later, a chair was flung out and slammed into the remaining guards. A guard rushed up to the window next to Devona, pulling out a machine gun. Devona wasnât a fan of excessive violence against his enemies, so he introduced his face to a frying pan. At the same time, the thief, as Devona had dubbed her, was thrown from the window. She managed to grab onto the curtain and ripped it as she slid down the wall, landing with a thud onto the ground. Standing there in the doorframe, holding onto ruffled documents as air swirled was a guard, more filing around her with magic swirling in the air.
Devona felt movement behind him and phased out, dodging the blast of energy that would have taken off his head. He grabbed the guard and phased them out with him, using their newfound weightlessness to throw them as hard. All eyes snapped to the man as he flew through the air, giving Devona enough time to swoop down and phase out the thief.
He dropped the two of them on the roof of the building overlooking the guards as they looked around in surprise. The thief immediately got to talking.
âSo, you can phase out, huh? I thought you might have been a Neoteric, seeing as you look less out-of-touch than a lot of other sorcerers. Do you have a cool name for your discipline?â
Devona glanced at her. âItâs incorporealism.â
She rolled her eyes. âBo-ring. You develop a whole branch of magic and you give it some lame name like that?â
âItâs not- whatever.â
She sighed and rolled her shoulders. âWhy donât we make a truce?â she said suddenly. âJust until we get the documents. Especially since they see us now.â
Devona looked down just in time to weave to the side and let the lightning pass by him. There was a woosh of air and all the guards were upon the roof, one of them still holding the documents in her hand.
A gust of air, a blast, and several bullets connected with nothing as Devona vanished. He grabbed one guard and threw them off, lashing out with only his foot physical and kicked another guard right in the stomach. Weave, dodge, strike, move back, more forward. The movements werenât as fluid as they could have been, and he winced from a graze across his arm, but it wasnât long before he and the thief were the only people still standing upon the roof.
She raised an eyebrow at him. âWow. Not bad. Youâre quite the combatant.â
Devona started looking around for where the documents had fallen, turning his back to her. âThanks.â
âWhatâs your name by the way?â
He lifted up one of the unconscious bodies. âItâs Devona. Yours?â
âBergeron.â A strange name, but Devona wasnât one to judge. âSay, Iâve just to ask, why did you save me back there?â
Devona frowned. âIs it not enough to not want to see another person die?â
She hummed. There was a bit of movement from behind him, and Devona phased out as a taser struck where he had just been. He phased back in, lashing out with a pivot and kick that slammed into her gut. He grabbed his pan and swung it at her head, clipping only her hair as she ducked down and he withdrew his body as she jabbed with her taser again. He slammed his pan onto her arm before she could reel it back in. Her taser dropped and Devona managed to strike her across the head, sending her stumbling back. She clutched his arm as if it was broken and Devona faltered slightly, just long enough for her to lash out with another hidden taser and hit him right in the gut. She grabbed onto her crowbar and smashed it against his head, with him managing to only slightly dodge the impact. He phased out again and grabbed her by the arm, throwing her against the wall. He stumbled, his vision turning white as rivulets of blood ran down his nose. Before he could recover he felt the crowbar slam into his hip and his legs buckled. The cool metal of the taser pressed into his back and jolts ran through his body.
2023.05.28 16:52 kaiagreen Found this Ulta gel polish for $2.75.. Not normally a color I would go for but Iâm in love
 | submitted by kaiagreen to Nails [link] [comments] |
2023.05.28 15:28 CabbagePreacher Chapter XV â Ye who art armed.
Link to chapter on RoyalRoad
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đˇ
Brown, Ayomide and Hakim were currently busy in the forest outside of Azdavay, looking for wood that could be converted into weaponry.
âCaptain! I have great news!â The one shouting with great excitement was Hakim, who was holding a bundle of plants which looked very similar to the cattails that Brown had seen back in the wetlands of America. He also carried a couple of chestnuts in his pockets.
đˇ
A chef like Hakim could separate the rest of the forest from the trees. He had just stumbled upon a small lake formed from the constant rain, where these cattail-like plants had grown.
âIs that food thatâs not slime?â Ayomide was the one who was intrigued the greatest by the introduction of these new plants.
âYes, it is. These are âshepherd reedsâ, thatâs what they were called in my hometown.â Hakim peeled the rind off of two of the plants and handed them over to Brown and Ayomide. âTry them out, you can eat them raw.â He then peeled himself a shepherd reed to eat with the others. The white core of the plant tasted similar to asparagus. Eating it raw definitely wasnât the tastiest thing, but it tasted like the clouds of Heaven to Ayomide who had only consumed slime for almost an entire season.
âAnd we can⌠Actually, Iâll leave what I can do with the rest as a surprise for later.â Hakim looked full of excitement as he examined the reeds he had harvested. âThese are the best during late spring, we arrived at the perfect time.â Heâd definitely be back in the forest for another harvest.
âActually, couldnât we just use these plants as straw?â said Ayomide upon examining the reeds. "Get rid of the heads, and we can easily lie on them Iâd think."
âI reckon. The straw from these plants were also made into hats and other stuff back in my hometown. I donât know how they did it, I was young when I got separated.â Hakim secured his bundle of shepherd reeds with his hands, and looked at Brown and Ayomide. âSo, you found good sticks?â
Brown nodded. âI think these should be enough. Letâs go back then.â He and Ayomide were carrying a bundle of wood in their hands. Brown was also carrying, in his pockets and a knapsack that had been taken from Jacob, small stones he had found along the road. âAyomide?â
âR-Right. Letâs go.â Ayomide turned back to face the path to the cave, and the others followed.
đˇ
đˇ
While Brown and co were busy with reeds and wood, Shinasi and Tater were exploring the mountain path.
Captain Brown and Shinasi had only headed the path between Curry toward Azdavay, he hadnât had the chance to go up the Curry path it to see what lay there. So, they had decided that theyâd first survey their immediate area first, before beginning their journey to survey the faraway plantations.
The mountains were largely peaceful, like any area near human habitation. The residents of Azdavay had long cleared anything scary like dragons or wyverns. All that was left were man-bears, man-wolves (not to be confused with werewolves) and generic slimes, who Shinasi could take on his own with his spear and pavise. Young Tater only had a combat knife to his name, he hoped that he would soon get a new weapon for himself when the team back at the cave got to crafting them.
ââTis cold, isnât it, mister?â Tater, and the rest of the former slaves, only had rags to their name. Thankfully, Brown had let Tater borrow his coat for this expedition.
âMm. Totally⌠Yeah.â Shinasi seemed to be more focused on staring at the sky and contemplating idly, which was unusual for a former adventurer like him.
Thinking was not for adventurers, or so thought Tater who had only heard of adventurers through random tidbits. âWhat got you think so hard?â
âItâs adult business, my boy.â
âAdult business?â Tater quickly went through his mental list of what constituted as âadult businessâ. âBooze?â
âNo- I mean, yeah⌠lack of drink is a problem. Right now, itâs not that.â Shinasi hadnât had anything to drink since he had escaped Azdavay.
âUhm⌠crippling debt?â
âThat was a problem. However, I have the slightest hunch that the debt collectors might not want to visit a cave full of fugitive slaves.â
âThen⌠love?â This was his last. Tater had exhausted his list of âadult businessâ that didnât involve his juvenile ideas about acts of interhuman copulation.
Shinasi instinctively turned his head away from Tater to avoid his gaze. âY-yeah, itâs totally not that either. Nuh-uh.â
Shinasiâs love life had caught the interest of Tater. Such topics seemed like they were of utmost importance for a young boy like him. âMister, whoâs the special one?â He poked Shinasi mischievously, hoping to drag out an answer.
âOh, shut up.â Shinasi continued avoiding the relentless psychological attacks from Tater as the duo marched on the road. They hadnât seen anything interesting, until they came upon a small village, actually a large estate housing an open mining field, in the mountains.
âI think this is one of the copper mining villages.â commented Shinasi. âPlenty of copper up in these mountains.â The Curry Mountain was famous in Gemeinplatz for its bountiful veins of copper, and the towns in Casamonu were famous for manufacturing goods from this copper.
âSo, this where they got the stuff they make our pots out of.â Taterâs eyes were fixed on a line of slaves carrying pickaxes who were coming out of a wooden shack next to the mine. They were flanked by two overseers holding whips and carrying swords.
It wasnât a plantation, but these mines did fill the critical criteria of âhaving lots of slavesâ âWe found the kind of thing the old manâs looking for.â
âThink we did. Letâs give them a greeting, shall we?â
âRight.â Shinasi and Tater kept marching on, until they were in range to speak with the overseers. âTop of the morning to you, gentlemen.â
đˇ
The trio of Brown, Ayomide and Hakim had returned back to the cave. They quickly got to work, each of them holding a kitchen knife (courtesy of the late Jacob) and the items that they had foraged.
Brown and Ayomide were doing their best to carve shafts out of the sticks, which was a painful process as they both werenât experienced with carving of any kind. Meanwhile, Hakim was preparing the shepherd reeds for culinary use by peeling the rinds and cutting them off from the strawy bits. He wasnât doing this just to make food; the straw would be useful as rope for the makeshift weaponry.
After an hour or two, Brown and Ayomide had constructed shafts of acceptable quality. Now came the experimental part. Brown had been carrying large stones he had foraged during their travels. Both of them also had cut small pieces of wood, around ten inches (30 cm) long, to use as a hammer for shaping the stones.
This wasnât an exact science; this was just what the people in the cave had come up with after a long brainstorming session.
They spent some time, knapping the stones, trying to find out which were hard and which were soft. Eventually, after another ten minutes of experimentation, Brown and Ayomide had a good idea as to the characteristics of the stones they had. Then they began knapping the stones, slowly carving a vaguely spear-like shape. After enough knapping, they used the small wood hammers to carve smaller, more intricate chips off the stone. To finish it all off, they scraped these spearheads to the floors of the cave to polish them the best as they could.
Now the only thing left was to put up the finishing touches. They took the straw that Hakim had prepared in the meanwhile, and they attempted to use the straw to bind the spearheads with the wooden shaft. The first one to do this successfully was Ayomide, who now had a complete spear. Then followed Brown in success, who happily looked upon the fruits of their labor.
Today, on the 74th of Spring 5859, John Brown and Ayomide entered the Stone Age.
âYou know, I bet I can make an axe or something with this.â Ayomide seemed to be enjoying knapping. She put her newly spear aside to tinker with stone.
Brown, who was now a couple days off of being exactly sixty years old at this point, couldnât stand long sessions of sitting down and working. He stood up, to take a break, and to observe what Hakim was up to.
Hakim had been occupied with further processing the shepherd reeds. His job hadnât been done when he had peeled the rinds off the cores, he intended to use every part of the plant. He was grinding the starchy roots of the plant with a large rock, which produced flour. This grinding process was largely done by the time Brown had come to the scene.
âAh, captain. Could you hand me one of your spears?â
Brown didnât know why Hakim needed a spear for cooking, but he obliged and handed the man one of the newly crafted spears. Hakim proceeded to dump the flour he had made into a pot filled with a thin layer of slime and plants unknown to Brown. To Brownâs surprise, Hakim began violently beating the mixture in the pot with the shaft of the spear. The mixture eventually coalesced into a solid lump with a consistency similar to soft rice cake.
âSorry for dirtying your shaft, captain.â Hakim gave back the slime-stained shaft to Brown. âThese âspear cakesâ could be useful as provisions. They wonât rot easily, and their taste is better than pure slime slop.â He picked a lump for himself, and handed Brown another.
âThank our Heavenly Father for providing us with this meal.â Brown obliged by biting a lump out of this strange spear cake. âMmm⌠They have quite the minty taste.â
âItâs just a bit of this-and-that from the forest to get that mint taste. Even troops on the march could cook this without extra effort, I reckon. Living off the land, and all that.â
Ayomide was about to request some of the spear cake, before she was rudely interrupted by Shinasi and Tater entering the cave. âCaptain, we have some good news.â
âWelcome back, young men. Whatâd your good news be?â Brown was ready for some good news, being stuck on a mountain did that to a man.
âYou see, Tater and I found a copper mining village up on the road. Itâs pretty close to where we are.â He pointed to the vague direction of the village. âJust up there. Itâs lightly guarded, just some overseers for the slaves and nothing much more.â
Ayomide raised her brow. âWait, werenât we going for plantations?â
âIt donât matter, do it?â The one to reply was Tater. âThereâre plenty of slaves, and plenty of loot up in copper land.â
âAs the boy says. I of course donât have a full account of what they have, but oneâs gotta assume that theyâd not have nothing. Not to mention, they hired me as a temporary guard after I told them that I was an adventurer. Apparently, theyâre scared by the uprising in Azdavay.â
âGood thing we started on the spears then.â Brown looked at Ayomide. âWeâll have to work extra, young lady, to get arms for us and the slaves as soon as possible.â
Hakim interjected âAnd food as well, we need to have food for when theyâre at our cave.â
âThen it seems weâre at a consensus.â Brown was excited to get back to doing what he did best. âOur first target for liberation shall be the copper mine!â
submitted by CabbagePreacher to JohnBrownIsekai [link] [comments]
<< Previous Next >>
đˇ
Brown, Ayomide and Hakim were currently busy in the forest outside of Azdavay, looking for wood that could be converted into weaponry.
âCaptain! I have great news!â The one shouting with great excitement was Hakim, who was holding a bundle of plants which looked very similar to the cattails that Brown had seen back in the wetlands of America. He also carried a couple of chestnuts in his pockets.
đˇ
A chef like Hakim could separate the rest of the forest from the trees. He had just stumbled upon a small lake formed from the constant rain, where these cattail-like plants had grown.
âIs that food thatâs not slime?â Ayomide was the one who was intrigued the greatest by the introduction of these new plants.
âYes, it is. These are âshepherd reedsâ, thatâs what they were called in my hometown.â Hakim peeled the rind off of two of the plants and handed them over to Brown and Ayomide. âTry them out, you can eat them raw.â He then peeled himself a shepherd reed to eat with the others. The white core of the plant tasted similar to asparagus. Eating it raw definitely wasnât the tastiest thing, but it tasted like the clouds of Heaven to Ayomide who had only consumed slime for almost an entire season.
âAnd we can⌠Actually, Iâll leave what I can do with the rest as a surprise for later.â Hakim looked full of excitement as he examined the reeds he had harvested. âThese are the best during late spring, we arrived at the perfect time.â Heâd definitely be back in the forest for another harvest.
âActually, couldnât we just use these plants as straw?â said Ayomide upon examining the reeds. "Get rid of the heads, and we can easily lie on them Iâd think."
âI reckon. The straw from these plants were also made into hats and other stuff back in my hometown. I donât know how they did it, I was young when I got separated.â Hakim secured his bundle of shepherd reeds with his hands, and looked at Brown and Ayomide. âSo, you found good sticks?â
Brown nodded. âI think these should be enough. Letâs go back then.â He and Ayomide were carrying a bundle of wood in their hands. Brown was also carrying, in his pockets and a knapsack that had been taken from Jacob, small stones he had found along the road. âAyomide?â
âR-Right. Letâs go.â Ayomide turned back to face the path to the cave, and the others followed.
đˇ
đˇ
While Brown and co were busy with reeds and wood, Shinasi and Tater were exploring the mountain path.
Captain Brown and Shinasi had only headed the path between Curry toward Azdavay, he hadnât had the chance to go up the Curry path it to see what lay there. So, they had decided that theyâd first survey their immediate area first, before beginning their journey to survey the faraway plantations.
The mountains were largely peaceful, like any area near human habitation. The residents of Azdavay had long cleared anything scary like dragons or wyverns. All that was left were man-bears, man-wolves (not to be confused with werewolves) and generic slimes, who Shinasi could take on his own with his spear and pavise. Young Tater only had a combat knife to his name, he hoped that he would soon get a new weapon for himself when the team back at the cave got to crafting them.
ââTis cold, isnât it, mister?â Tater, and the rest of the former slaves, only had rags to their name. Thankfully, Brown had let Tater borrow his coat for this expedition.
âMm. Totally⌠Yeah.â Shinasi seemed to be more focused on staring at the sky and contemplating idly, which was unusual for a former adventurer like him.
Thinking was not for adventurers, or so thought Tater who had only heard of adventurers through random tidbits. âWhat got you think so hard?â
âItâs adult business, my boy.â
âAdult business?â Tater quickly went through his mental list of what constituted as âadult businessâ. âBooze?â
âNo- I mean, yeah⌠lack of drink is a problem. Right now, itâs not that.â Shinasi hadnât had anything to drink since he had escaped Azdavay.
âUhm⌠crippling debt?â
âThat was a problem. However, I have the slightest hunch that the debt collectors might not want to visit a cave full of fugitive slaves.â
âThen⌠love?â This was his last. Tater had exhausted his list of âadult businessâ that didnât involve his juvenile ideas about acts of interhuman copulation.
Shinasi instinctively turned his head away from Tater to avoid his gaze. âY-yeah, itâs totally not that either. Nuh-uh.â
Shinasiâs love life had caught the interest of Tater. Such topics seemed like they were of utmost importance for a young boy like him. âMister, whoâs the special one?â He poked Shinasi mischievously, hoping to drag out an answer.
âOh, shut up.â Shinasi continued avoiding the relentless psychological attacks from Tater as the duo marched on the road. They hadnât seen anything interesting, until they came upon a small village, actually a large estate housing an open mining field, in the mountains.
âI think this is one of the copper mining villages.â commented Shinasi. âPlenty of copper up in these mountains.â The Curry Mountain was famous in Gemeinplatz for its bountiful veins of copper, and the towns in Casamonu were famous for manufacturing goods from this copper.
âSo, this where they got the stuff they make our pots out of.â Taterâs eyes were fixed on a line of slaves carrying pickaxes who were coming out of a wooden shack next to the mine. They were flanked by two overseers holding whips and carrying swords.
It wasnât a plantation, but these mines did fill the critical criteria of âhaving lots of slavesâ âWe found the kind of thing the old manâs looking for.â
âThink we did. Letâs give them a greeting, shall we?â
âRight.â Shinasi and Tater kept marching on, until they were in range to speak with the overseers. âTop of the morning to you, gentlemen.â
đˇ
The trio of Brown, Ayomide and Hakim had returned back to the cave. They quickly got to work, each of them holding a kitchen knife (courtesy of the late Jacob) and the items that they had foraged.
Brown and Ayomide were doing their best to carve shafts out of the sticks, which was a painful process as they both werenât experienced with carving of any kind. Meanwhile, Hakim was preparing the shepherd reeds for culinary use by peeling the rinds and cutting them off from the strawy bits. He wasnât doing this just to make food; the straw would be useful as rope for the makeshift weaponry.
After an hour or two, Brown and Ayomide had constructed shafts of acceptable quality. Now came the experimental part. Brown had been carrying large stones he had foraged during their travels. Both of them also had cut small pieces of wood, around ten inches (30 cm) long, to use as a hammer for shaping the stones.
This wasnât an exact science; this was just what the people in the cave had come up with after a long brainstorming session.
They spent some time, knapping the stones, trying to find out which were hard and which were soft. Eventually, after another ten minutes of experimentation, Brown and Ayomide had a good idea as to the characteristics of the stones they had. Then they began knapping the stones, slowly carving a vaguely spear-like shape. After enough knapping, they used the small wood hammers to carve smaller, more intricate chips off the stone. To finish it all off, they scraped these spearheads to the floors of the cave to polish them the best as they could.
Now the only thing left was to put up the finishing touches. They took the straw that Hakim had prepared in the meanwhile, and they attempted to use the straw to bind the spearheads with the wooden shaft. The first one to do this successfully was Ayomide, who now had a complete spear. Then followed Brown in success, who happily looked upon the fruits of their labor.
Today, on the 74th of Spring 5859, John Brown and Ayomide entered the Stone Age.
âYou know, I bet I can make an axe or something with this.â Ayomide seemed to be enjoying knapping. She put her newly spear aside to tinker with stone.
Brown, who was now a couple days off of being exactly sixty years old at this point, couldnât stand long sessions of sitting down and working. He stood up, to take a break, and to observe what Hakim was up to.
Hakim had been occupied with further processing the shepherd reeds. His job hadnât been done when he had peeled the rinds off the cores, he intended to use every part of the plant. He was grinding the starchy roots of the plant with a large rock, which produced flour. This grinding process was largely done by the time Brown had come to the scene.
âAh, captain. Could you hand me one of your spears?â
Brown didnât know why Hakim needed a spear for cooking, but he obliged and handed the man one of the newly crafted spears. Hakim proceeded to dump the flour he had made into a pot filled with a thin layer of slime and plants unknown to Brown. To Brownâs surprise, Hakim began violently beating the mixture in the pot with the shaft of the spear. The mixture eventually coalesced into a solid lump with a consistency similar to soft rice cake.
âSorry for dirtying your shaft, captain.â Hakim gave back the slime-stained shaft to Brown. âThese âspear cakesâ could be useful as provisions. They wonât rot easily, and their taste is better than pure slime slop.â He picked a lump for himself, and handed Brown another.
âThank our Heavenly Father for providing us with this meal.â Brown obliged by biting a lump out of this strange spear cake. âMmm⌠They have quite the minty taste.â
âItâs just a bit of this-and-that from the forest to get that mint taste. Even troops on the march could cook this without extra effort, I reckon. Living off the land, and all that.â
Ayomide was about to request some of the spear cake, before she was rudely interrupted by Shinasi and Tater entering the cave. âCaptain, we have some good news.â
âWelcome back, young men. Whatâd your good news be?â Brown was ready for some good news, being stuck on a mountain did that to a man.
âYou see, Tater and I found a copper mining village up on the road. Itâs pretty close to where we are.â He pointed to the vague direction of the village. âJust up there. Itâs lightly guarded, just some overseers for the slaves and nothing much more.â
Ayomide raised her brow. âWait, werenât we going for plantations?â
âIt donât matter, do it?â The one to reply was Tater. âThereâre plenty of slaves, and plenty of loot up in copper land.â
âAs the boy says. I of course donât have a full account of what they have, but oneâs gotta assume that theyâd not have nothing. Not to mention, they hired me as a temporary guard after I told them that I was an adventurer. Apparently, theyâre scared by the uprising in Azdavay.â
âGood thing we started on the spears then.â Brown looked at Ayomide. âWeâll have to work extra, young lady, to get arms for us and the slaves as soon as possible.â
Hakim interjected âAnd food as well, we need to have food for when theyâre at our cave.â
âThen it seems weâre at a consensus.â Brown was excited to get back to doing what he did best. âOur first target for liberation shall be the copper mine!â
2023.05.28 15:21 endersgame69 Adopted By Humans VII C8
Even with modern propulsion technology, the galaxy remains a very big place, with vast territories being still totally unexplored. It may seem strange to those living in the future, far removed from the time in which I write this. But in my time, the galaxy was a mix of well trodden paths and untamed wilderness filled with mystery. Permastorms here and there were too strong for any ship to pierceâŚany known ship to pierce, I should say, and even where such raging storms didnât keep us at bay, the Universe seemed endless in all directions.
It reminds me of the traditional Earth compass, the one that served as the base model for the stellar version. Theirs contained three hundred and sixty degrees as a matter of course, humans were land mammals, the flat ground was all they could really explore. They couldnât fly high or swim deep.
Even when they invented machines that took them to the sky or to the depths of the sea, well there was just nothing in between to remark on. Once under water, you just keep going until eventuallyâŚ
You hit bottom and that three hundred and sixty degree circle compass is good enough.
But in space? You can go âupâ or âdownâ in a vertical three hundred and sixty degrees, youâre not on a flat plane, and so the stellar compass includes a vertical and horizontal version of itself that breaks the whole galaxy, known and unknown, into measured quadrants and degrees, vertical and horizontal with distance measured in light years toward galactic center. So a hundred thousand light years with a horizontal degree of thirty and a vertical azimuth of sixty would give you a precise, three dimensional map of whatever system you wanted to reach.
Why the black hole in the center of the galaxy, even though nobody has ever reached it? Because we all know where it is. In theory, any one planet or star could serve as the point of origin, but nobody will use anybody elseâs mapping system like that⌠so the black hole we all orbit serves that purpose instead.
Why am I telling you all this? Because you have to understand just how ponderous travel still is in this era to properly understand just why reactions are slow. Thanks to electron spin resonance technology that allows instantaneous transmission of information and communication, we can know quickly what is happening.
But establishing those links takes years of transporting material links from system to system in endless combinations, and every new colony needs to have their own, connected to every other point. For some species, this is as simple as a one room building, for example if communication exists only between the colony and their home world, with no other ties to any other peoples or space stations.
For others, this is a complex the size of a city block, and because of their military significance, whether it is the size of a small room or a great expanse, everybody buries these deep within their worlds to protect them.
Instant communication however, is not the same as instant transportation, it takes months for the fastest ship of Dlamias to reach Earth, and ours are some of the fastest there are. Jump technology can be faster, but it is dangerous, damaging, and it only works in specific way points for reasons I do not understand. Ask a physicist.
But this slow transport of ships and people and goods, and easy expansion in all directions, both minimizes and exacerbates tensions as borders become more commonâŚeverybody is, in a sense⌠surrounded. Except for the zenti, at least not as far as we know. If thereâs anything or anyone on the far side of their border? As of this first writing, nobody knows. And if we figure it out later⌠you wonât need me to tell you.
The human communication network is one of the most extensive in the galaxy, with two way links to all their colonies and themselves, as well as a two way link between all colonies. Colonies are also allowed to establish their own independent links to neighboring populations of alien species for purposes of facilitating travel and trade, rather than going through Earth, as long as they adhere to the central governmentâs policies.
Itâs shockingly efficient, and the nearer âRapaxâ category species were now taking advantage of this efficiency in terms of trade opportunities with outlying Earth colonies, which were in turn trading with each other which were in turn trading with Earth which was in turn trading with other species which was in turn making travel to and from their systems more and more common.
But all theâŚPraeda, could see was this instant communication. They were less common travelers, and usually facilitated trade via outlying starbases that kept others at a distance.
From their perspective?
It must have appeared as if Earth and to a lesser extent, Dlamias, were facilitating the creation of a grand alliance of predators. From their perspective, perhaps even the human propensity to create categories⌠such as the recent biological designations of âPraedaâ and âRapaxâ appeared to be a kind of âthemâ and âusâ. When it was really just a very recently innovated xenobiology convention of describing the base ancestor species of the modern dominant intelligent life.
Thus the benign, by distance, fear, and ignorance, is made to appear threatening.
And for the millionth time⌠yes⌠yes⌠I know⌠my âleaguesâ were not helping matters.
But whatâs done is done, whatever I did, I would make somebody unhappy. And⌠itâs true, I wonât deny that I inherited some biases against the âPraedaâ category, though I did my best to remain neutral, it was hard not to be annoyed with their general attitudes, persistent reclusiveness, reactionary paranoia, assumptions about the worst of us when theyâre just as bad when it comes to past conflictsâŚI could go on.
Addendum: As of the sixth edition of this book, I must include âthisâ caveat. When I wrote the aforementioned passage regarding praeda, which I leave in for posterity as one of my great failures, I meant it. In later years, Iâve come to realize that I failed to properly consider my own biases, and was not as neutral as I wished to be. I reasoned from a place of ignorance, and that was the result. What follows this insert, is the resumption of my thoughts at the time.
The fact was though, for now, there was nothing that I could do. News of the rogue planet coming through Zenti space meant that it would reach the Sindari Road within a year, perhaps a few months? I wasnât clear on that at the time, but from what I knew of history, the fight over getting to land on that world was a free for all of ship to ship slaughter and blasted landing parties that died from ships above or other landing parties below and⌠it did not end well for any of us when the situation spiraled out of control.
âHow can you be so foolish, Bailey?â I asked myself that question, and why it never occurred to me that any of this might happen, everybody knew that the rogue world would make its way back eventually.
âOKâŚOK⌠Iâll give myself a pass on that one, itâs been close to three thousand years⌠how was I to know.â I huffed and reached into my gel fridge to pull out a beer. The nice thing about this little model was⌠no door. You reach in through the cooling gel, grab what you want, and take it out, and the gel closes up again. No need for shelves like the old models and you can come at it from any angle.
I opened the bottle of ale and began to drink the rich, earthy flavored fluid. I wasnât going to get heavily intoxicated of course, I had thinking to do, I just liked the relaxed feeling and there wasnât anything else to do for right now.
William was handling the station.
Rebecca was working with genetic samples.
Michael wouldnât be back for at least another day and he was out with Genghis, Byron, Boatswain, and Iskandar.
Fauve was still in Japan.
The ambassadors already had jobs that they were doing.
Iâd never felt so useless in my entire life.
There justâŚwasnât anything for me to do to help, and because at least some of this situation was traceable to my own actions, I thought, âAnything I might do, has a good chance of just making things worse.â
That is not a good feeling to have.
And I didnât know who to talk to about it.
Remember what I said before, or rather, what my Professor said? âEverything is an experimentâ?
My time on Earth had changed me in ways I didnât recognize were even possible until humans gave me words to express them.
And once all those things grew, and those connections were forged and I finally was really, truly happy⌠and secure in the notion that my life was good and going well and nothing would change that, I started to forget how things used to be.
Now, sitting alone in my room with nobody in the house and everybody doing other things, and all of them in a position to where I really couldnât think of anything to do and felt really insecure again for the first time in a whileâŚ
I remembered, or âre-experiencedâ what my entire life felt like before coming to Earth.
For that moment, I had a firsthand comparison between the old way, and the new way.
It was enough to make me wonder how I, or anybody in my species, lasted as long as we did.
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It reminds me of the traditional Earth compass, the one that served as the base model for the stellar version. Theirs contained three hundred and sixty degrees as a matter of course, humans were land mammals, the flat ground was all they could really explore. They couldnât fly high or swim deep.
Even when they invented machines that took them to the sky or to the depths of the sea, well there was just nothing in between to remark on. Once under water, you just keep going until eventuallyâŚ
You hit bottom and that three hundred and sixty degree circle compass is good enough.
But in space? You can go âupâ or âdownâ in a vertical three hundred and sixty degrees, youâre not on a flat plane, and so the stellar compass includes a vertical and horizontal version of itself that breaks the whole galaxy, known and unknown, into measured quadrants and degrees, vertical and horizontal with distance measured in light years toward galactic center. So a hundred thousand light years with a horizontal degree of thirty and a vertical azimuth of sixty would give you a precise, three dimensional map of whatever system you wanted to reach.
Why the black hole in the center of the galaxy, even though nobody has ever reached it? Because we all know where it is. In theory, any one planet or star could serve as the point of origin, but nobody will use anybody elseâs mapping system like that⌠so the black hole we all orbit serves that purpose instead.
Why am I telling you all this? Because you have to understand just how ponderous travel still is in this era to properly understand just why reactions are slow. Thanks to electron spin resonance technology that allows instantaneous transmission of information and communication, we can know quickly what is happening.
But establishing those links takes years of transporting material links from system to system in endless combinations, and every new colony needs to have their own, connected to every other point. For some species, this is as simple as a one room building, for example if communication exists only between the colony and their home world, with no other ties to any other peoples or space stations.
For others, this is a complex the size of a city block, and because of their military significance, whether it is the size of a small room or a great expanse, everybody buries these deep within their worlds to protect them.
Instant communication however, is not the same as instant transportation, it takes months for the fastest ship of Dlamias to reach Earth, and ours are some of the fastest there are. Jump technology can be faster, but it is dangerous, damaging, and it only works in specific way points for reasons I do not understand. Ask a physicist.
But this slow transport of ships and people and goods, and easy expansion in all directions, both minimizes and exacerbates tensions as borders become more commonâŚeverybody is, in a sense⌠surrounded. Except for the zenti, at least not as far as we know. If thereâs anything or anyone on the far side of their border? As of this first writing, nobody knows. And if we figure it out later⌠you wonât need me to tell you.
The human communication network is one of the most extensive in the galaxy, with two way links to all their colonies and themselves, as well as a two way link between all colonies. Colonies are also allowed to establish their own independent links to neighboring populations of alien species for purposes of facilitating travel and trade, rather than going through Earth, as long as they adhere to the central governmentâs policies.
Itâs shockingly efficient, and the nearer âRapaxâ category species were now taking advantage of this efficiency in terms of trade opportunities with outlying Earth colonies, which were in turn trading with each other which were in turn trading with Earth which was in turn trading with other species which was in turn making travel to and from their systems more and more common.
But all theâŚPraeda, could see was this instant communication. They were less common travelers, and usually facilitated trade via outlying starbases that kept others at a distance.
From their perspective?
It must have appeared as if Earth and to a lesser extent, Dlamias, were facilitating the creation of a grand alliance of predators. From their perspective, perhaps even the human propensity to create categories⌠such as the recent biological designations of âPraedaâ and âRapaxâ appeared to be a kind of âthemâ and âusâ. When it was really just a very recently innovated xenobiology convention of describing the base ancestor species of the modern dominant intelligent life.
Thus the benign, by distance, fear, and ignorance, is made to appear threatening.
And for the millionth time⌠yes⌠yes⌠I know⌠my âleaguesâ were not helping matters.
But whatâs done is done, whatever I did, I would make somebody unhappy. And⌠itâs true, I wonât deny that I inherited some biases against the âPraedaâ category, though I did my best to remain neutral, it was hard not to be annoyed with their general attitudes, persistent reclusiveness, reactionary paranoia, assumptions about the worst of us when theyâre just as bad when it comes to past conflictsâŚI could go on.
Addendum: As of the sixth edition of this book, I must include âthisâ caveat. When I wrote the aforementioned passage regarding praeda, which I leave in for posterity as one of my great failures, I meant it. In later years, Iâve come to realize that I failed to properly consider my own biases, and was not as neutral as I wished to be. I reasoned from a place of ignorance, and that was the result. What follows this insert, is the resumption of my thoughts at the time.
The fact was though, for now, there was nothing that I could do. News of the rogue planet coming through Zenti space meant that it would reach the Sindari Road within a year, perhaps a few months? I wasnât clear on that at the time, but from what I knew of history, the fight over getting to land on that world was a free for all of ship to ship slaughter and blasted landing parties that died from ships above or other landing parties below and⌠it did not end well for any of us when the situation spiraled out of control.
âHow can you be so foolish, Bailey?â I asked myself that question, and why it never occurred to me that any of this might happen, everybody knew that the rogue world would make its way back eventually.
âOKâŚOK⌠Iâll give myself a pass on that one, itâs been close to three thousand years⌠how was I to know.â I huffed and reached into my gel fridge to pull out a beer. The nice thing about this little model was⌠no door. You reach in through the cooling gel, grab what you want, and take it out, and the gel closes up again. No need for shelves like the old models and you can come at it from any angle.
I opened the bottle of ale and began to drink the rich, earthy flavored fluid. I wasnât going to get heavily intoxicated of course, I had thinking to do, I just liked the relaxed feeling and there wasnât anything else to do for right now.
William was handling the station.
Rebecca was working with genetic samples.
Michael wouldnât be back for at least another day and he was out with Genghis, Byron, Boatswain, and Iskandar.
Fauve was still in Japan.
The ambassadors already had jobs that they were doing.
Iâd never felt so useless in my entire life.
There justâŚwasnât anything for me to do to help, and because at least some of this situation was traceable to my own actions, I thought, âAnything I might do, has a good chance of just making things worse.â
That is not a good feeling to have.
And I didnât know who to talk to about it.
Remember what I said before, or rather, what my Professor said? âEverything is an experimentâ?
My time on Earth had changed me in ways I didnât recognize were even possible until humans gave me words to express them.
And once all those things grew, and those connections were forged and I finally was really, truly happy⌠and secure in the notion that my life was good and going well and nothing would change that, I started to forget how things used to be.
Now, sitting alone in my room with nobody in the house and everybody doing other things, and all of them in a position to where I really couldnât think of anything to do and felt really insecure again for the first time in a whileâŚ
I remembered, or âre-experiencedâ what my entire life felt like before coming to Earth.
For that moment, I had a firsthand comparison between the old way, and the new way.
It was enough to make me wonder how I, or anybody in my species, lasted as long as we did.
2023.05.28 13:09 EmotionalBeginning46 Hypothetical Dibz
Dibz wanting his clients to have the best Gel polishes that contain Calcium but then is using gel Polish from Cut the crap nail supplies that contains Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate which causes allergies and skin irritations đ¤
submitted by EmotionalBeginning46 to dibzbabysnark [link] [comments]
2023.05.28 13:03 FelicitySmoak_ On This Day In Michael Jackson HIStory - May 28th
 | 1971 - The Jackson 5 play at the Spectrum (now closed - 2009) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. submitted by FelicitySmoak_ to MichaelJackson [link] [comments] 1988 - Michael's duet with Stevie Wonder , "Get It", from Stevie's album Characters peaks at #80 on the Hot 100 Chart while it was at #6 on the R&B chart 1989 - Michael was one of the few winners present at the Black Radio Exclusive awards show at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. He was honored as the "Triple Crown Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Pop, Rock and Soul." The elegantly laminated plaque has a black and gold edging, with purple printing on a faux-marble background, with a stylized photo image of Michael in his trademark black fedora. 1997 - His 2nd day in Poland starts with a stop at the presidential palace where Michael is received by the first lady. In his quest for a residence in Poland, he then visits the luxury Hotel Bristol. Price for the hotel ended up being too high. He then went to the Warsaw City Hall where he signed a âpreliminary letter of intentâ to develop a 'Michael Jacksonâs Family Entertainment Park', in the Polish capital. https://preview.redd.it/l8aax0vbmf2b1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2058be4c166fe6a5d16dc17142e7910fac7aad1f âMy dream is to appeal to the child that lives in the heart of every man and woman on this planet and to create something in Poland that is so unique and so unusual that it cannot be experienced in any other place", he saidThe letter mentioned no price, but Jacksonâs business manager, Tarak Ben Ammar, said in an interview that estimates of Jacksonâs contribution range between $100 million and $300 million--modest sums by Western theme park standards. Poland would add an unknown amount. https://preview.redd.it/v3vax6femf2b1.jpg?width=636&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe01e404092b93a587184acbb64809e82e8675fe https://preview.redd.it/svjneycfmf2b1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9994183672ab7fe0eb2496407b91cafc3196922 " I would also like to tell a great truth, I have traveled all over the world six times and have been everywhere, but nowhere I liked it more than in Poland. A visit to Poland is the fulfillment of my childhood dreams...." He shops at the Kidiland toy store, reportedly in the amount of $670,000. He then goes to the children's hospital, with his arms loaded with gifts. https://preview.redd.it/kok5pazgmf2b1.jpg?width=639&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ebb70051f68409f937c0775426c55ff67f9009c https://preview.redd.it/ncl93ephmf2b1.jpg?width=594&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31621e03ff28ea84d04b050dcb0d9e0a1a403c49 Next he takes a helicopter to Lubiaz, in order to see Cistercian Abbey of Lubiaz, wich he also planned to purchase. Accompanied by Professor Marek Kwiatkowski, who guided him during his visit, Michael spends 45 minutes marveling at the Baroque architecture and the relics. He'll even try a little "heehee" in the middle of the Hall des Princes to test the acoustics! Michael, who wanted to settle in Poland, already saw himself owning this old building, despite the millions of dollars in restoration to be expected. https://preview.redd.it/ih1lgr0jmf2b1.jpg?width=389&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d38bf32bbf497853881a2ee5ee22587d7672d2b In the evening, he flies to Bremen, Germany where in three days he will begin the 2nd leg of his HIStory Tour. https://preview.redd.it/2ea4068kmf2b1.jpg?width=547&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3cb5c1e7f75c3f9226c6c3fa9752b601cec7b5ca https://preview.redd.it/di920gqnmf2b1.jpg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72307480617262d831871b2f5b9e0d55a927a11a The plans to build the amusement park at a nearby military airport won approval from state officials in February 1998. Michael asks for sketches to be drawn up for the proposed theme parks, however, following the projectâs approval and a huge hiatus, the army owning the airport does not agree to make it available for the park. Two grounds pointed out by the government will also be denied due to local protests. The Polish government abandons this project altogether and nothing will come out of it 2004 - Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville has ordered a trial-setting conference hearing today. Thomas Mesereau, Brian Oxman & Joe Jackson go to the courthouse; Michael's appearance isn't required. They argue for a reduction in his $3-million bail and seek an order to force prosecutors to move faster in sharing evidence. In accusing the prosecution of moving too slowly in giving the defense access to the evidence, as required by law, Mesereau said Michael's right to a fair trial was âjeopardized by the undue delay of discovery.â âThe investigation of this case involves dozens of, if not over 100 witnesses, voluminous documents and expert examination on a variety of topics,â Jacksonâs lawyers wrote. âThe defense needs ample time to conduct follow-up witness interviews, locate and interview rebuttal witnesses and conduct its own forensic examinations, among other things.â Prosecutors have responded that they have turned over vast amounts of evidence already and are processing the information they have as quickly as possible. They also are strongly resisting an attempt by Mesereau to substantially reduce Jacksonâs bail on grounds that it is much higher than the bail for other defendants facing similar charges. The bail-reduction request notes that Jackson has no prior record, arrests or convictions & that he has fully complied with all conditions of his release on bail, including attending court when ordered. âMr. Jacksonâs ties to this community are substantial,â the defense motion states. âThe record reveals that Mr. Jackson is not a flight risk or a danger to the community. It is also apparent that Mr. Jackson intends to confront and vigorously defend rather than evade the allegations in this case.â Though Mesereau noted that Santa Barbara Countyâs bail schedule calls for bail of about $135,000 for the conspiracy and molestation charges in the grand jury complaint, prosecutors oppose the request on grounds that Jackson is a flight risk and that his wealth should be a factor in retaining high bail. Melville said early in the proceedings that he hoped a trial could begin before the end of this year, but legal experts and many criminal lawyers predicted that would be impossible. September 13 is set as the date for the trial to begin On another legal front, Janet Arvizo filed a claim against county child protection officials accusing them of moving too slowly in investigating leaks to the media that were helpful to Jacksonâs defense. Before a psychiatrist who had examined Gavin told Santa Barbara County officials that the child had been molested, Welfare officials had interviewed the family after Living With Michael Jackson aired in early 2003 A memo written by authorities after Jacksonâs arrest said the family had denied any sexual abuse. The memo was subsequently released on a website. Attorney Larry R. Feldman, representing the Arvizos, said he filed the claim, a necessary step before a lawsuit, to force county officials to speedily conclude their investigation to ensure that such a breach of confidentiality âwill never occur again to another innocent child.â 2006 - Michael visited a Tokyo orphanage and told a group of 140 excited children "I love you" in Japanese. Michael's van was swarmed by 100+ fans as he arrived. Inside the Seibi Gakuen children's home, he watched a performance of traditional music and dance by the children before speaking briefly on stage. He later shook hands and signed autographs for the children. https://preview.redd.it/5lt7jdhqmf2b1.jpg?width=767&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d3a34ad3850b3460555a46dee82abca40bdbb9a Michael's children and Grace visited with the children on this tour of the Japanese orphanage. https://preview.redd.it/f9q2mu3tmf2b1.jpg?width=218&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a3110b0dca7829696b7bbdb23ff3a6afc2557bbf "I look forward to seeing old friends and saying hello to my huge fan base in Japan who, like my other fans around the world, have for so many years consistently shown their love and support to me and my family."- MJ"Everyone couldn't believe such a big international star was visiting us," said Kiyoko Mito, headmistress of the Christian-run school. "The children only believed me after seeing the news yesterday that Michael Jackson was actually in Japan," she said 2009 - Having not heard from AEG regarding his salary, Conrad Murray sent another email to AEG & receives a response from Tim Wooley https://preview.redd.it/53qvtjwumf2b1.png?width=513&format=png&auto=webp&s=c048d2d7ca288f12a6a423237ced8234dba40b05 https://preview.redd.it/tsc7mzuvmf2b1.png?width=513&format=png&auto=webp&s=521de2b6de9a122d1ae45ba25caf39a5b7fb76a2 2013 - Jackson v AEG Trial Day 18 Katherine, Janet, Rebbie and Randy Jackson are in court. Only one of the siblings was allowed in the courtroom as they are potential witnesses. Janet accompanied Katherine during morning session while Rebbie was with her during the afternoon session. Paul Gongaware Testimony Jackson direct Paul Gongaware is one of the defendants in the case. He's an adverse witness called by the plaintiffs. Gongaware is Co-CEO of Concerts West, part of AEG Live. Gongaware has toured with Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin and is currently on tour with The Rolling Stones. He worked for Jerry Weintraub in the 80s He produced Prince's tour in 2004. He has not promoted/produced tours since. Gongaware has not talked to Prince after the tour Gongaware was a CPA licensed in NY and Washington. He said he believes he's still licensed but hasn't checked status since there's no need Gongaware testified that landing Jackson, whom he felt was the biggest artist of his era, was huge for AEG. In a 2008 email to AEG Live President and Chief Executive Randy Phillips, Gongaware described how the company should approach Jackson and his manager about a possible comeback tour: We need to start at the fundamentals. How we do it. The difference between [Live Nation] and us is huge. We are artist-based, they are Wall Street-driven. We are smart people. We are completely honest and transparent with everything we do. That's how [founder] Phil [Anschutz] wants itGongaware said he worked on an Elvis Presley tour. Panish asked if Elvis died of drug overdose, and Gongaware said "Yes". Gongaware replied to a condolences' email on July 5, 2009: I was working on the Elvis tour when he died, so I kind of knew what to expect. Still quite a shock "So you knew what to expect when Michael Jackson passed away, is that right, sir?", Brian Panish asked.Despite working as a tour promoter for 37 years -- including for Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead and many others -- Gongaware testified that the only artist he ever knew that was using drugs on tour was Rick James Panish asked about working for Jackson 5, Gongaware said had no interaction with Michael. Gongaware was a logistics manager on the Dangerous tour in 92-93. Panish said Michael made $100 million and donated it to charity. Gongaware said he didn't know When Gongaware met Jackson was with Colonel Parker (Elvis' manager) in Las Vegas. Michael had wanted to meet the Colonel Gongaware explained the difference between being tour manager and managing the tour. He talked about Michael's History tour Panish: "You knew that Michael had been to rehab during the dangerous tour?"Gongaware said he never knew MJ was involved with drugs until after the end of the Dangerous tour. Gongaware told LAPD he was aware of Jackson's previous use of pills/painkillers but did not want to get involved. Gongaware had known for years that Michael Jackson was taking painkillers but wasn't aware he was abusing them until MJ abruptly canceled his Dangerous world tour in the early 1990s to enter rehab. Gongaware said he knew of "two occasions" when Michael used painkillers between shows, but he claimed he didn't grasp the scope of the Michael's sickness until the taped 1993 announcement. "I would dispute knowing that he had a problem. I wasn't aware that there were problems", Gongaware said Gongaware said he knew a doctor was medicating Jackson during the Dangerous tour but did not find out why the tour was eventually cut short. "Didn't have time,I was just dealing with what was in front of me", he said Panish said Dr. Finkelstein testified under oath that Gongaware knew Michael had problems with painkillers before the Dangerous tour ended. Panish: "Do you dispute that?" (Finkelstein testimony)Gongaware said Dr. Finkelstein is his doctor and friend and that they talk off and on, but he doesn't know specifics of the doctor's deposition. Dr. Finkelstein said he gave MJ painkillers after the concert in Bangkok following Michael's scalp surgery. In Gongaware's video deposition: "Did you ever ask Dr. Finkelstein if he treated Michael during the Dangerous tour?"Another part of Gongaware's video depo: He said yes, he "occasionally treated Michael Jackson on the Dangerous tour" Panish: "Were you always honest with Michael?"Panish elicited contradictory testimony asking over and over about Gongaware's memory, how long he spent with lawyers to discuss testimony. On the Bad Tour MJ sold out 10 stadiums at 75,000 tickets per night. Panish: "That's a pretty big number?""No one knows how many shows we can get with Mikey," said Gongaware. Panish asked about name "Mikey" - he said he used it occasionally Email on 2/27/09 from Gongaware to Phillips: We are holding all of the risk, if Michael won't approve it we go without his approval.We let Mikey know just what it will cost him in terms of him making money, and then we go with or without him in London. We cannot be forced into stopping this, which Michael will try to do because he is lazy and constantly changes his mind to fit his immediate wants.Gongaware said his use "Mikey" was affectionate, not disparaging, and that the 'lazy' crack amounted to "poor choice of words" but one that accurately reflected how Michael "really didn't like to rehearse. He didn't like to do these kinds of things." "People were aware at this point there would be a press conference. Michael wouldn't show up at the conference, it'd cost money," Gongaware said. "It wasn't much risk at all, we hadn't spent money," Gongaware said about that point of the tour. This was prior to news conference. Gongaware said the situation in London, where they constantly referred to Michael as "Wacko Jacko" would impact marketability to sell tickets "He doesn't want to do this kind of things, but it was important to show Michael to the world if he wanted to do a show," Gongaware explained Jurors were shown several e-mails from Gongaware that Jackson lawyers suggested were evidence that AEG Live deliberately misled Jackson about how much money he would make from his comeback concerts and how many days he would have to rest between shows. Gongaware wrote to his boss, AEG Live President Randy Phillips, that they should present gross ticket sales numbers to Jackson, not the percentage of the net profits, during contract talks. "Maybe gross is a better number to throw around if we use numbers with Mikey listening"Panish talked about an email Gongaware sent to his secretary suggesting that she design a concert calendar for Jackson using light tan colors for show dates, while drawing attention to his rest days Don't want the shows to stand out too much when Michael looks at it.Less contrast between work and off. Maybe off days in a contrasting soft color. Put 'OFF' in each off day after July 8, as well. Figure it out so it looks like he's not working so much. Panish: "Did you want to change the color of the schedule to show Michael would not be working so hard?"Gongaware said it would be obvious when Michael would be working and not and he wasn't trying to trick him. Email on 3/25/09 from Phillips to Gongaware: "We need to pull the plug now. I will explain" Panish: "Mr. Phillips wanted to pull the plug on the show, right sir?""Kenny wanted the pull because the way she (Faye) handled situations," Gongaware explained. "She tried to control access to Michael and Kenny didn't like that" Karen Faye expressed strong opinion that the tour as dangerous and impractical for MJ. Panish asked about a chain of emails where Gongaware said the pulling the plug refers to Ms. Faye. "I believe he was," Gongaware repeated. In another March 25, 2009, email, Ortega wrote Gongaware that it was Faye's "strong opinion that this is dangerous and impractical with consideration to Michael's health and ability to perform.". "I thought he was in good shape at the press conference, I was there," Gongaware said at the deposition. Gongaware was at O2 arena and Phillips was with Michael. "Michael was late, Randy [Phillips] was saying I'm trying to get him going, I'm trying to get him going".As to Dr. Conrad Murray, Gongaware said there was 1 rehearsal he said hello to him. "It was basically a hello, on the floor at the Forum. Mikey asked me to retain him. I never hired him"Panish played an interview of Phillips to SkyTV after Michael died: "The guy is willing 2 leave his practice for large sum of money, so we hired him""I was told Michael wanted him as his doctor for the show," Gongaware said. Gongaware said Michael did not have any illness that he knew of. Gongaware: "He had taken a physical, he passed the physical and from what I understand there was nothing wrong with him. Maybe some hay fever"Gongaware said he received an email from Bob Taylor that everything was fine and that Michael had passed the physical. Gongaware said he never saw the results of the tests and doesn't know who saw them. Panish showed video deposition of Gongaware and a declaration he signed about a month before giving the deposition. They contradict themselves.At first, Gongaware insisted he did no negotiating with Murray, but, confronted with emails and his previous testimony, he changed his position and said, "The only thing I did with Dr. Murray was negotiate a price." Gongaware said that neither he nor anyone at the AEG investigated Murray's background or credentials Panish: "First you said how much did you want?"(to Dr. Murray)Gongaware said Dr. Murray had been Michael's personal doctor for the past 3 years. He said he did not know how many times MJ had seen the doctor. "Michael insisted on him, recommended him, and that was good enough for me, it was not for me to tell him who his doctor should be" Gongaware said "The fact that he had been Michael Jackson's personal physician for three years was good enough for me," Gongaware said. He said that Murray initially asked for $5 million to travel to London with Jackson and tend to him during the tour. "I just told him it wasn't going to happen," he said, recalling that Jackson then suggested offering him $150,000 a month. "Michael Jackson insisted on it and recommended him and it was not for me to tell him no," said Gongaware. "I wanted to provide what was necessary for him to do his job...He wanted a doctor and I wanted him to be healthy." Even after the offer of $150,000, Murray wasn't satisfied. "He started saying he wanted more and I said, 'The offer is coming directly from the artist," Gongaware said. Minutes later, he said Murray accepted. "Did that seem desperate to you?" asked Panish."We agreed on what the compensation was going to be, but there were a lot of issues to be resolved," Gongaware said. Gongaware said he recalled meeting with Dr. Murray where he was told the doctor was going to take care of the medical licensing in London. Gongaware and Timm Wooley are longtime friends. They are currently working on The Rolling Stones tour. Gongaware said he negotiated the price for Dr. Murray, but didn't negotiate the contract. Gongaware explained that he didn't do the negotiation, he would normally refer that to Wooley. Dr. Finkelstein and Gongaware have been friends for 35-plus years. Gongaware said he never offered Dr. Finkelstein the job of being MJ's doctor and said the doctor would be mistaken if he testified otherwise. Gongaware told the jury he called Dr. Finkelstein to ask what a fair price for a tour doctor would be. Doctor told him it was $10,000/week. As to Dr. Finkelstein wanting to be the tour doctor, Gongaware said he didn't recall specifically, but knew he wanted it."After his death we may have talked, but I don't recall specifics," Gongaware said. Gongaware said he sees Dr. Finkelstein a few times a year, but the subject of Michael never came up. Panish asked Gongaware if Dr. Finkelstein wanted to know if Michael was clean or using drugs. Gongaware said he didn't recall the conversation Panish asked: "You could have told Dr. Murray at any time that his services were no longer needed, couldn't you?"Gongaware told nanny, Grace Rwamba, that her services would not be needed anymore because AEG was cutting down on Michael's expenses "I never read the contract, I was there when Michael signed it, but didn't see what was in it," Gongaware said, "Doctor Murray was 100% Michael's cost" Based on the contract, Gongaware said 95% of the production expenses were Michael's responsibility, 5% AEG. Panish: "Who decided there was a need for a written contract with Dr. Murray?"Gongaware said that if the tour went forward, Dr. Murray would've made $1.5 million for 10 months. Ortega would've made almost that. Gongaware said although AEG never did a background check on Murray, in his view they had "checked out" the doctor according to their standard practices. "When we check out someone, we either rely on if we know the person or if they're known in the industry or if they're recommended by the artist & in this case, Dr. Murray was recommended by the artist, in fact, the artist insisted" Panish pressed Gongaware: "You did nothing to verify anything about Dr. Murray, isn't that true, sir?"Panish asked Gongaware if he approved budgets for April-July including Dr. Murray as production expense. He said he didn't know which budgets he approved. "It's my job to get that show on the road," Gongaware said. Gongaware said he had to know how much the production had spent at any given time, but didn't have time to read the budget. Panish: "Do you think you're good at your job, sir?"Gongaware testified that he didn't pay attention to the tour budgets that he approved, even though he was the tour manager.Paul Gongaware said he didn't read through the budgets, instead trusting that the tour accountant knew what he was talking about. Gongaware testified that Dr. Murray's salary, although included in the company's budget for several months, wasn't something he saw as an actual payment that would be made. "If there's a potential for cost we put it in our budget so there are no surprises later", he said. Gongaware often pleaded poor memory of events. He said he may have met with Jackson as many as 10 times, but could remember only two of the meetings and only one when Murray was present Gongaware said he doesn't remember how many meetings he attended at Carolwood house. He didn't recall a meeting where a vase was broken. "There was a meeting where he signed the contract," Gongaware recalled, saying there were more but he doesn't remember specifics. At the meeting in early June, Gongaware said he was present along with Kenny, Randy, Frank DiLeo, Dr. Murray and Michael. "The meeting was about making sure Michael and Dr. Murray had everything they needed to care for Michael," Gongaware explained. "Yes, we did talk about health-related issues. It was more a general meeting about what Dr. Murray would need", Gongaware said. He had told the police the topic of the meeting was Jackson's overall health ( i.e., diet, stamina and his weight) He remembered that Jackson arrived late from a doctor's appointment and had slurred speech. Gongaware said Michael Jackson "was a bit off". "He was just coming back from visiting Dr. Klein. I believe he was under the influence of something. That was the only time I saw him like that", Gongaware said. Jackson had missed a rehearsal and was thought to be dancing at home. However they discovered he was only watching video. Doctor Murray was receptive to their concerns and indicated he would take care of the situation Court Transcript |
2023.05.28 12:58 try_a_place â¤ď¸ Sexy Nails Spa in Cordova, TN 38018 Try best nail salons in Tennessee
 | submitted by try_a_place to u/try_a_place [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/rkljnxq5hl2b1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=846895265e8cafcf08126b1064c92f05f18b3d41 â¤ď¸ Sexy Nails Spa in Cordova, Tennessee 38018, United States with â° hours, address, map, directions, prices, photos, âď¸ phone, reviewsâŚOne of the best nail salons in Tennessee. Have you ever been to this beauty salon? If you havenât gone yet, you should check it out! About Sexy Nails Spa in Cordova, TN 38018If you live in Cordova, Tennessee, and are looking for a nail salon, you might want to check out Sexy Nails Spa. This salon has been around for years and is known for its good service and friendly staff. Sexy Nails Spa can give you a manicure, a pedicure, gel polish, or nail art, and moreâŚâ¤ď¸You can experience happiness by going to Sexy Nails Spa 38018, which is located âat 1016 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018.â There is the address of the business. If anything about the address, phone number, website, or fan page is wrong or has changed, please let us know⌠Tell us to make sure everyone knows about this favorite place. Have a good time! https://preview.redd.it/qnxxdzr6hl2b1.png?width=675&format=png&auto=webp&s=511c9ad6f3764e2480d7a5d7c6ac297c094df0ec Beauty lovers also search: nail salons 38018, nail salons in Cordova, nail salons in Tennessee, best nail salons in Cordova, best nail salons in Tennessee, best nail salon marketing services in Cordova, best nail salon marketing services in Tennessee â If you donât try, youâll never know where the best places near you are! Please like our posts, comment on them and share them. Keep in touch with us through our Facebook Fanpage, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, and LinkedInâŚto get the latest news, especially about discounts and coupons for services near you. Source: Google Business Profile Facebook Instagram Yelp. |
2023.05.28 11:12 EquivalentResult222 Ako lang ba yung di nagpapahaba ng kuko kasi iniisip ko na pag naghugas ako pwet baka may kumapit?
Ako lang ba yung di nagpapahaba ng kuko kasi iniisip ko na pag naghugas ako pwet baka may kumapit?
Although may bidet naman di talaga ako nagpapahaba ng kuko dahil dun sa fear na yun. I know napakaewan. Pero ewan ko ba, iniisip ko minsan pano pag naCR ako sa labas tapos ganon.
Naopen lang itong topic na ito kanina when me and my pamangkins ay nasa salon para magpalinis ng kuko. Kasi napansin nila na never ako nagpahaba ng kuko or try yung mga artificial nails with gel polish and art. Linis lang talaga pinagagawa ko. Aside sinabi ko na convenient for me I shared sa kanila yang primary reason ko. Hahaha. They're laughing sabi praning daw ako. Wala lang. Please tell me na di lang ako please. Hahaha. Need to validate my kapraningan. Hahahaha.
submitted by EquivalentResult222 to CasualPH [link] [comments]
Although may bidet naman di talaga ako nagpapahaba ng kuko dahil dun sa fear na yun. I know napakaewan. Pero ewan ko ba, iniisip ko minsan pano pag naCR ako sa labas tapos ganon.
Naopen lang itong topic na ito kanina when me and my pamangkins ay nasa salon para magpalinis ng kuko. Kasi napansin nila na never ako nagpahaba ng kuko or try yung mga artificial nails with gel polish and art. Linis lang talaga pinagagawa ko. Aside sinabi ko na convenient for me I shared sa kanila yang primary reason ko. Hahaha. They're laughing sabi praning daw ako. Wala lang. Please tell me na di lang ako please. Hahaha. Need to validate my kapraningan. Hahahaha.
2023.05.28 09:17 try_a_place â¤ď¸ Honey Spa Nails in Cordova, TN 38018 Try best nail salons in Tennessee
 | submitted by try_a_place to u/try_a_place [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/kgy8x26vdk2b1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=a184a6e480c83f0c0e3feb3e7768cc362d6cae48 â¤ď¸ Honey Spa Nails in Cordova, Tennessee 38018, United States with â° hours, address, map, directions, prices, photos, âď¸ phone, reviewsâŚOne of the best nail salons in Tennessee. Have you ever been to this beauty salon? If you havenât gone yet, you should check it out! About Honey Spa Nails in Cordova, TN 38018Floor 1 ¡ Houston Levee Shopping Center FarhadIf you live in Cordova, Tennessee, and are looking for a nail salon, you might want to check out Honey Spa Nails. This salon has been around for years and is known for its good service and friendly staff. Honey Spa Nails can give you a manicure, a pedicure, gel polish, or nail art, and more⌠â¤ď¸You can experience happiness by going to Honey Spa Nails 38018, which is located âat 1166 N Houston Levee Rd #103, Cordova, TN 38018.â There is the address of the business. If anything about the address, phone number, website, or fan page is wrong or has changed, please let us know⌠Tell us to make sure everyone knows about this favorite place. Have a good time! https://preview.redd.it/rs8fgg6wdk2b1.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=749190d9d055e98afa472d34380a4a394cdd3c35 Beauty lovers also search: nail salons 38018, nail salons in Cordova, nail salons in Tennessee, best nail salons in Cordova, best nail salons in Tennessee, best nail salon marketing services in Cordova, best nail salon marketing services in Tennessee â If you donât try, youâll never know where the best places near you are! Please like our posts, comment on them and share them. Keep in touch with us through our Facebook Fanpage, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, and LinkedInâŚto get the latest news, especially about discounts and coupons for services near you. Source: Google Business Profile Facebook Instagram Yelp. |
2023.05.28 08:54 TheOutcast06 Which one spams calcs in the comments and which one gets a Live Reaction
Cryonthera, Aeroave, Geogator and Pyropent, the Weather Warning Pokemon
Type: All have Psychic typing, they have Ice, Flying, Ground and Fire as their secondary types respectively.
Ability: Frost Warning/Hurricane Signal/Landslip Warning/Very Hot Warning (Sets up Hail-Snow/Rain/Sandstorm/Sun respectively, also sharply raises userâs Def/SpDef/Atk/SpAtk in their respective weathers)
Neither evolves. Cryonthera is a white tiger made of ice, Aeroave is an eagle with typhoon signals on its wings, Geogator is an alligator made of rock and soil, and Pyropent is a snake made of flames.
Moves: Weather Ball, Hail or Snowscape/Rain Dance/Sandstorm/Sunny Day, Grassy/Psychic/Misty/Electric Terrain, Iron Defence/Amnesia/Swords Dance/Nasty Plot, Bulk Up (C, G)/Calm Mind (A, P), Leech Seed/Thunder Wave/Toxic/Will O Wisp, Powder Snow/Thunder Shock/EmbeAcid, Ice Beam/Thunderbolt/Earthquake/Flamethrower, Blizzard/Hurricane/Drill Run/Solar Beam, Protect, Psychic, Psyshock, Extrasensory, Eerie Spell, Future Sight, Guard Split (C, A)/Power Split (G, P), Imprison, Instruct, Magic Room, Trick Room, Leech Seed/Stealth Rocks/Spikes/Toxic Spikes, Psybeam, Psychic Fangs, Stored Power, Teleport, Ice Punch/Sky Uppercut/Meteor Mash/Fire Punch, Wave Crash/Brave Bird/Wood HammeFlare Blitz, Icy Wind/Snarl/Mud Shot/Electroweb, Avalanche/Aerial Ace/Bulldoze/Flame Wheel, Protect, Substitute, Freeze Dry/Air Slash/Stomping Tantrum/Flame Burst, Hone Claws/Defog/Rock Polish/Coil, RecoveRoost/Soft Boiled/Slack Off, Dazzling Gleam/Body Slam/Power Gem/Discharge, Moonblast/Hyper Voice/Stone Edge/Spark, Knock Off, Giga Drain/Lumina Crash/Iron Head/Shadow Ball, Grassy Glide/Heart Stamp/Metal Claw/Ominous Wind, Counter (C, G)/Mirror Coat (A, P), Dynamic Punch (C, G)/Inferno (A, P), Icicle SpeaComet Punch/Rock Blast/Bullet Seed, Sheer Cold/Horn Drill (with the beak)/Fissure/Guillotine, U Turn
Group-Exclusive move: Warning Signal, Psychic Special move, 10 PP, 90% Accuracy, basically Ruination/Natureâs Madness but deals 3/4 of opponentâs current health and is always accurate in respective weathers
Stats: (C/A/G/P)
Egg Group: Undiscovered
I decided to make my own non-box legendary quartet like the Tapus and the Treasures. Theyâre based on common weather warnings and the Elite 4âs type specialties. Some of the more wack moves are based on other aspects of the Elite 4, like secondary specialties, move variations or theming. (The Treasures are also very East meets West!)
ĺŻĺ¤Ščďšé˘ąé˘¨éˇšďšĺąąĺžéąˇďšç夊č
submitted by TheOutcast06 to stunfisk [link] [comments]
Type: All have Psychic typing, they have Ice, Flying, Ground and Fire as their secondary types respectively.
Ability: Frost Warning/Hurricane Signal/Landslip Warning/Very Hot Warning (Sets up Hail-Snow/Rain/Sandstorm/Sun respectively, also sharply raises userâs Def/SpDef/Atk/SpAtk in their respective weathers)
Neither evolves. Cryonthera is a white tiger made of ice, Aeroave is an eagle with typhoon signals on its wings, Geogator is an alligator made of rock and soil, and Pyropent is a snake made of flames.
Moves: Weather Ball, Hail or Snowscape/Rain Dance/Sandstorm/Sunny Day, Grassy/Psychic/Misty/Electric Terrain, Iron Defence/Amnesia/Swords Dance/Nasty Plot, Bulk Up (C, G)/Calm Mind (A, P), Leech Seed/Thunder Wave/Toxic/Will O Wisp, Powder Snow/Thunder Shock/EmbeAcid, Ice Beam/Thunderbolt/Earthquake/Flamethrower, Blizzard/Hurricane/Drill Run/Solar Beam, Protect, Psychic, Psyshock, Extrasensory, Eerie Spell, Future Sight, Guard Split (C, A)/Power Split (G, P), Imprison, Instruct, Magic Room, Trick Room, Leech Seed/Stealth Rocks/Spikes/Toxic Spikes, Psybeam, Psychic Fangs, Stored Power, Teleport, Ice Punch/Sky Uppercut/Meteor Mash/Fire Punch, Wave Crash/Brave Bird/Wood HammeFlare Blitz, Icy Wind/Snarl/Mud Shot/Electroweb, Avalanche/Aerial Ace/Bulldoze/Flame Wheel, Protect, Substitute, Freeze Dry/Air Slash/Stomping Tantrum/Flame Burst, Hone Claws/Defog/Rock Polish/Coil, RecoveRoost/Soft Boiled/Slack Off, Dazzling Gleam/Body Slam/Power Gem/Discharge, Moonblast/Hyper Voice/Stone Edge/Spark, Knock Off, Giga Drain/Lumina Crash/Iron Head/Shadow Ball, Grassy Glide/Heart Stamp/Metal Claw/Ominous Wind, Counter (C, G)/Mirror Coat (A, P), Dynamic Punch (C, G)/Inferno (A, P), Icicle SpeaComet Punch/Rock Blast/Bullet Seed, Sheer Cold/Horn Drill (with the beak)/Fissure/Guillotine, U Turn
Group-Exclusive move: Warning Signal, Psychic Special move, 10 PP, 90% Accuracy, basically Ruination/Natureâs Madness but deals 3/4 of opponentâs current health and is always accurate in respective weathers
Stats: (C/A/G/P)
- HP: 90/100/100/80
- Atk: 80/100/110/100
- Def: 110/80/100/90
- SpAtk: 100/90/80/110
- SpDef: 90/110/90/90
- Speed: 100/90/90/100
- East: âA Pokemon that forewarns snow, using it as a cloak to protect itself from harm.â, âA Pokemon that forewarns landslides, coating its claws in sediment to clear it away and increase the power of its attacks.â
- West: âA Pokemon that forewarns strong winds and rainstorms, protecting itself using the precipitation to hide itself from attacks.â, âA Pokemon that forewarns great heat, absorbing the heat to increase the intensity of its flames.â
Egg Group: Undiscovered
I decided to make my own non-box legendary quartet like the Tapus and the Treasures. Theyâre based on common weather warnings and the Elite 4âs type specialties. Some of the more wack moves are based on other aspects of the Elite 4, like secondary specialties, move variations or theming. (The Treasures are also very East meets West!)
ĺŻĺ¤Ščďšé˘ąé˘¨éˇšďšĺąąĺžéąˇďšç夊č
2023.05.28 06:16 Icy_Sink_6652 Express Beauty Trends: Stay on Top of the Latest Quick Beauty Fixes
In the fast-paced world of beauty, trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: the desire for quick and effective beauty fixes. ExpressBeautyOnline is your ultimate resource for staying on top of the latest trends in express beauty. With their finger on the pulse of the industry, ExpressBeautyOnline brings you the hottest techniques and products to help you achieve stunning results in no time.
submitted by Icy_Sink_6652 to u/Icy_Sink_6652 [link] [comments]
In this article, we will explore some of the current express beauty trends that will keep you looking fabulous with minimal effort.
- Multi-Purpose Beauty Products: In the quest for efficiency, multi-purpose beauty products have become increasingly popular. These products serve multiple functions, allowing you to streamline your routine and save precious time. ExpressBeautyOnline offers a range of versatile products, such as BB creams that combine moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation, or lip and cheek stains that add color to both your lips and cheeks. By incorporating these multi-purpose products into your beauty arsenal, you can achieve a polished look with minimal effort.
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- Quick Skincare Solutions: Skincare is an essential part of any beauty routine, and ExpressBeautyOnline recognizes the need for quick and effective solutions. Time-saving skincare products have become a trend in their own right, catering to those who want efficient yet effective results. ExpressBeautyOnline offers a range of products like sheet masks, overnight masks, and targeted serums that provide nourishment and hydration in a matter of minutes. These quick skincare fixes allow you to maintain a healthy complexion without compromising on time.
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- On-the-Go Beauty Tools: Busy lifestyles call for beauty tools that can keep up with you. ExpressBeautyOnline offers a selection of on-the-go beauty tools designed to make your beauty routine more efficient. Portable makeup brushes, compact mirrors, and mini hair straighteners or curlers are just a few examples of the tools available. These travel-friendly options allow you to touch up your makeup or fix your hair anytime, anywhere.
2023.05.28 05:02 Carterjune4x First post here đ I have just a basic classic black on rn. I love đ¤ or đ¤ in between fun colors and thing's. It's a gel polish đ
 | submitted by Carterjune4x to shortynails [link] [comments] |
2023.05.28 04:03 micronesiarain Episode 4- "Design Gone Galactic" âď¸đŞ
 | the queens return to the workroom after Yuka's elimination submitted by micronesiarain to XtinasDragRace [link] [comments] Wren: Awww, Yuka! đWren CF: Seeing Yuka leave is bittersweet. I had gotten really close with her. But when you're in the bottom two, you can only focus on it not being your name on that lipstick. One of us had to go, better her than me! Fleur: I'd say I can't believe she's gone this early, but I'm afraid I saw it coming. Sue: Really? Fleur: If there's one thing about me and Yuka being in a competition together, it's that I'll make it farther. Bring out the tiny violins, bye bitch! đFleur CF: Did Yuka do anything to me? Hmm, that's a dumb question. But I do know that she was in the competition, and now she's not! Morgs: Blondie and Zodya, congratulations. I'll admit, I was hoping this would be our week. But you did a nice job. Blondie: Thank you. Sharris: Let's hope that there aren't any more pity wins this season. That would be great. Zodya: There's a difference between a pity win and being the best team to follow the rules. Sharris: And I don't think you were either! Zodya: Sharris, I don't need you making this a miserable experience. đZodya CF: I feel like Sharris brings a dark cloud over the competition. I trust Morgs and Steph, and I know that they trust Sharris. For now, I can play nice. But when it comes down to the inner group of the alliance, she'll have to go. Kami: Blondie, how are you feeling after being in the top? Blondie: It felt right, it felt correct! Fleur: Oh shut up. Blondie: Alright, that came out of nowhere, but work. Wren: I'm sure my lipstick is in your bra right now, but it really was nice to see you get celebrated like that. Blondie: I actually chose Yuka. Wren: Girl, you don't need to lie. It's fine, really. Blondie pulls her lipstick out to reveal she truly did choose Yuka Blondie: Not lying. Wren: What the hell, I'm at a loss right now. đBlondie CF: Saving Wren was not an easy decision. I know people want her gone. And after what went down between the two of us, I had a million reasons to get her out of here. But this is the new version of Blondie, and I've made the decision to fight for this friendship. And that can only happen once one of us decides to be the bigger person. And that's usually not me, but there's a first for everything! Blondie: What you did, it hurt me. But things I did on Season Six, that hurt you. If we keep going after each other, we can't move forward. the camera slowly pans over to Sue who is hysterically crying Steph: Sue? Sue: I just...I just love seeing the birth of a friendship! đSteph CF: If any of you question why I love this bitch, now you know. The sweetest soul I know. Wren: Blondie, that means a lot to me. Thank you. Now, I still don't know if it should've been me in the bottom, but thank you. Fleur: Here we go again. Anthyy: Who do you think should've been in the bottom? Wren: Our challenge was to show up at a certain time and perform. Most of us did that. But two of us didn't. Sharris squints her eyes and takes off her earrings, handing them over to Morgs Sharris: Wren, you're a joke. Not just a joke, an embarrassment. Why the fuck are you even here? Wren: Excuse me? Sharris: You take this so seriously, and it makes me physically uncomfortable. It's a game, calm down. Wren: I'm not apologizing for showing up to a competition and wanting to compete. Sharris: You need to apologize for a lot more than that. Starting with that face. Fleur: And then work your way down. Zodya: Are we really doing this right now? You're all taking this too far, and it needs to stop. I'm serious. Sharris: Oh bug off, you don't need to play mediator. Zodya: Sharris, stop. I'm not letting you attack my friend. Sharris: If that's the kind of freak you're friends with, that says everything about you. đSharris CF: I won't rest until Wren is out of the competition. I don't like her, I haven't liked her, and I will never like her. It's not even about winning anymore. It's about breaking this bitch from the inside. The Next Day the queens enter the workroom, laughing and ignoring the drama from the previous night đAnthyy CF: It's a new day in the workroom, and the stress of the competition is clearly getting to these girls! I feel good, staying out of the drama, and ready to slay. You won't see me safe again, that's not a cute look! Sue: Seeing how many people are still here just shows how big this season is going to be. Three girls down, and we can still barely fit around the table. Sharris: Some of you can skip some meals, and that'll change! đSue CF: I'm afraid that I'm fading into the background, and it's about time that I step forward. On Season Four, I never got to a win, even though I was close. I know that these girls think my attitude is more fun and relaxed, but I won't let them underestimate me. the workroom door swings open as Micro steps in, wearing a sliver puffer track suit with futuristic silver sunglasses Micro: Greetings Earth queens! When I invited each of you back, I did so because you are the best and brightest in the galaxy. And to prove that, it's time to take things out of this world. Behind me, there's a table full of celestial inspired materials. Each of you will design a high fashion look that takes us to infinity and beyond. Now, some of you may not love the idea of producing your own look. Which is why you have options! If you'd like, you are able to use a pre-existing look. The only catch is that you need to modify it enough so that it reads as your own unique creation. Good luck, and I can't wait to see what you come up with! Micro leaves the workroom, and the queens rush over to the table of materials, grabbing everything they can find đWhorechata CF: This is what I've been waiting for! From the start of this competition, these queens have questioned whether or not I belong here. And I knew they were wrong. Because...duh, look at the material. But this is the challenge where I know I can outdo everyone else. Yeah, I feel pretty good about my chances. the queens spread throughout the workroom in different groupings Fleur, Morgs, and Sharris discuss the challenge and what their ideas are Sharris: I've decided to not make my own look. I know my limits, and there's more I can do with little embellishments than with a sewing machine. đMorgs CF: Sharris is the person I'm the closest to here. I do trust that she can make this challenge work. But when she says she's not even taking out a sewing machine, I'm starting to worry. Fleur: I've taken my sewing classes after Season Four, and I didn't really have that much to improve on. Morgs: You had a design challenge on your season, right? Fleur: We did. We got these horrible boxes of trash and had to make it into something. đFleur CF: I felt great about my look on Season Four. Truly, how can you describe it without using the word beautiful? Some people said I should've been in the bottom, but "some people" got sent home two episodes ago. Hi Lectro, thanks for watching! Morgs: From what I can see of other people, I don't think we have anything to worry about this week. Sharris: Just say Wren... the camera cuts over to Wren on the floor, sculpting multiple arms and cutting out fabric đWren CF: I've always had a strong sense of what I want when it comes to the designs I wear. But it's taken some time to polish up the level of execution. This is my chance to show how much I've grown, even in the short time since Season Six. Zodya: Wren, you doing good? Wren: Can't talk, too busy serving cunt. đZodya CF: If you can't love yourself, then you must not be Wren! But hey, I can't knock the confidence. Zodya: Chata, what are you bringing with your look? Whorechata: I'm trying to embrace the materials as much as possible. I don't want to use any patterns I brought, any base garments, nothing. If it's not from that table, I'm not using it. Zodya: It's definitely a bold color choice. Whorechata: I need to stand out. Whatever it takes. đWhorechata CF: Being able to create looks like this, that's why I applied for Season Five. And finally, I got a challenge where I can shine. Anthyy, Steph, and Sue chat by the mirrors as they sketch out look ideas đAnthyy CF: I've come back to judge fashion challenges on MDR a million times. If I don't slay this, I need to apologize to everyone I ever critiqued! I need to bring a new silhouette, new materials, everything. You won't be able to clock a single detail. Steph: Last time I had a challenge like this, it caused me to spiral. Sue: You know you've gotten better since then. Steph: I think I have. Being back in these four walls, and feeling like I'm just starting to get the momentum going, it's hauntingly familiar to how I felt on Season Three. Anthyy: You have to believe in yourself! Let the infection take over. Well, not like that. But the fashion infection. Steph: Please, I need to catch the fashion infection first! đSteph CF: Ever since my elimination on Season Three, I've felt like had I just made it through the design challenge, I could've won the whole thing. This is my chance to show that I can not just make it through this challenge, but I can come out unharmed, and ready to give this competition what I have. Call me dramatic, but you all saw the look, it was traumatizing! Sue plugs in her headphones and turns on Kylie Minogue, unlocking her full powers. She turns on the sewing machine and gets to work đSue CF: When it comes to sewing, I may not be Sue Essence Hall. But I have the drive and heart to win this thing. Nobody wants this more than me, and that's gotta count for something. Runway the lights flicker and an electric magenta light floods the runway as Micro struts down the center Micro Episode 4 Look Micro: Welcome back to the runway of Micro's Drag Race: All Stars! This week, the queens were asked to design a high fashion look utilizing or inspired by celestial materials. And joining me on the judging panel is a very special guest. Usually, we keep it in the family and have past queens return to judge. But this season, I've invited some legendary queens that I admire to help me out. And tonight, we have the amazing Hex! Hex Guest Judging Look Micro: Hex, thank you for being here! Hex: Honored to be here. Micro: You've been a legendary designer in the drag world for years. What do you think makes a good design? Hex: Finding a concept, and immersing yourself in that world. If you want to be an alien, become that alien and think about how they'd wear the look. You have to commit! Micro: That is fabulous advice. You ready to get started? Hex: I'm ready to feel inspired! Micro: Without further ado, let's see if these looks are truly out of this world! "Bad Juju" by Jujubee plays Anthyy: Coming down this runway I feel amazing! Itâs a design challenge and you just know that miss Anthyy will deliver in those! Tonight the category was space at first I got a bit scared cause the home eis super broad if you look at it but then my. Mind went straight to my sister she is OBSSESED with space, so I called her and asked her what is her favorite planet! She said Uranus⌠and the rest is history! So tonight for my look I am channeling you the Uranus fantasy, my dress is a net made out of 27 of the Uranusâs moons and being me you can see a stunning set of itâs rings, not many people know that Uranus is one of the 3 planets with rings! Yup not only Saturn so tonight I wanted to make sure we donât forget about those rings! Uranus is also one of the coldest planets that exsist so i made sure my alien puss is frozen the haus down boots! The parts holding together the moons on her dress are all coveed in galaxy dust and you can see my stunning 3 pairs of hands all going in diffrent directions! As for the look itself, it is a pretty gown (which you know i only do for special occasions!) with an amazing backpiece and stunning hair artistry! I would say this is soemthing that isnt often seen and its one of it's kind so im suoer happy to bring it to you on the design challenge! Lets hope this alien lands me my 3rd win! Finding out that this week's guest judge is my amazing friend Hex, she also is included in this look honey did you notice how my alien has 3 nostrills??? YUPPPPP thats what i call referencing Anthyy Look Blondie: You better beware, you're in for a scare! Run in fear when Captain Blondatrix arrives on your planet and goes for a pure femme pink fem-pire! For this look, I did use a pre-existing outfit but dyed the colours to a nice ballet slipper pink & a rose gold pink to add to colour theory. I did paint the mask and got a dazzling matching wig... I mean, styled my hair into a gorgeous blonde to meet my branding. Next, I got rid of some pesky details that weren't needed and created more of a space priestess vibe, and kept the alien incubator, as I'm here to spread my seed any way I can. Finally, I created a new banner and an amazing bi-sexual planet to create awareness. So beam me up, cuz I'm here to take y'all down~ Blondie Look Fleur: I love the Earth. The Earth just gives cunt 24/7 for the past billion years. She always finds some way to absolute slayyyyyy. For example when she decided that she wanted a desert, we were all like "yas girl sand is so sexy". Her brain is just so innovative and she is truly a lovely person. I love the Earth. It is just so calm, and peaceful and sweet. Everyday is amazing on Earth because the Earth is just amazing. It has not one bad quality. That is why I love it. This look resemblances the cuntiness Mother Earth is but also how serene it can be. She's so quirky. But sometimes... just sometimes... the Galaxy is jealous of Earth's cuntiness. Like for example, when the Galaxy decided to shoot a meteor onto it and kill all those leather wearing, katy perry roaring carnivores. Like that was bullying! But sometimes... just sometimes... the Galaxy is in a bad mood and it wants to recreate the devastation of the first meteor. Fuck the galaxy honestly. FUCK YOU. And when the Earth goes BOOM, so does the runway Fleur is modelling and strutting on. This gives her enough times to take of her jumpsuit and reveal her bare naked skin which is just coincidentally painted in a molten galaxy pattern. Science lesson: This is because the Earth has plates. The crust, the mantle and the core. The core is filled with molten lava and I think lava is so that bitch. Like it can burn a hoe like that! So obviously when the earth explodes, lava will ooze into the milkyway making the milkyway turn orange. Kind of like food colouring. And obviously, when the world does explode into the galaxy, you would probably be blinded by the light so you will always need some funky Lady Gaga looking sun glasses. And that's on period. Fleur Look Fleur Reveal Fleur Reveal Kami: Kami steps out onto the stage, and she is ready for space! She is serving you astronaut realness with her helmet in hand, and her bedazzled star space bodysuit when suddenly she trips - her belt unravels and suddenly you can see a fake face laying on the ground Oh my god! She's really an alien?? She's kind of serving though... Her alien wings held back by the belt that was previously cinching her waist (?) in, has revealed who she truly is. The wig seems to have melted down, and a bunch of the accessories are now falling off as well. The stars on the alien skin slowly falling off as the bodysuit from before is now revealed to have been her skin all along. how is she hiding humongous wings underneath a tiny belt ? these are questions that are unnecessary! Kami Look Kami Reveal Morgs: BLAM! for my intergalactic runway itâs getting hot in here, why? because iâm a star, litterally. i wanted to be the sun, the most important thing for life. i've got a warm dress on, glasses to protect me from the UV rays, and a backpiece that are supposed to be sunbeams. iâm slaying this runway and even though i hate designing my own stuff, i managed to make myself a whole outfit and sunbeams that shoot out! Morgs Look Sharris: For my Space Age Couture runway, my inspiration comes directly from the galaxy and the beautiful sky we see at nighttime. I didnât want to go with an astronaut, or an alien, I wanted to go with the sheer beauty that the natural world holds. Itâs couture, and just so so extravagant. This runway represents an entire celestial body. If a lady from the Capitol moved to space- this is what sheâd be wearing. Upon walking onto the runway, the lights dim, and iâm SHINING. Practically radiating with beauty. I have never been in more awe than I have with what Iâve produced tonight Sharris Look Steph: for my runway look tonight i wanted to be a FIERCE celestial goddess. my entire body is painted in that same sparkling purple color as the mug which reminds me of Nebula one of my fav guardians of the galaxy. and honestly my look tonight IS THE SPACE AGE AND THE UNIVERSE MAMA. she is a space goddess and she has kidnapped the stars and the color purple to make this look. thx a bunch:) My vision is filled with this collage and i hope u enjoy her:) Steph Look Sue: So for my look tonight I am serving you intergalactic space pop star. She has her Ariana ponytail on and her microphone that she totally didnât get inspired by from Fever by Kylie Minogue. Sue Look Whorechata: Tonight is my day to shine. Chata is living in the year 3000 and failed her astronaut astronomy space class exam thing and canât use her spacesuit to go to the plant Whore anymore. So what does she do⌠she takes it apart MAWMA. This outfit is using a deconstructed padded astronaut suit. Some green tubing and inflatable thingys to create this futuristic Lewk. Tonight I hope to show these girls why micro let me in the doors. Whorechata Look Wren: Kneel. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3UhSk0Tk48k Zodya: Tonight on the runway, I am giving you space duchess to the extreme! I am the most fabulous diva at the annual Galatica Ball, and honey, you canât outshine me! Get out of my way, girls, because none of yâall can be as glamorous as me! Zodya Look Critiques Micro: Thank you ladies! Based on your performances tonight, I've made some decisions. When I call your name, please step forward. Micro: Kami, Steph, Whorechata. The three of you...are safe. Steph: Oh thank lord. Whew! Kami and Steph thank the judges as Whorechata's face is drained of all life. Her legs begin to quiver, and her eyes lose emotion as they twitch đWhorechata CF: Safe. Safe. Oh wow. Whorechata steps forward and walks towards the judging panel. She hunches over and grabs the base of the panel, as Micro and Hex look at her in confusion. Whorechata lifts with all of her might, and flips the panel. Her eyes turn bright red and she storms around the studio, throwing punches and kicks at everyone in sight đWhorechata CF: Well, that's what I wanted to do at least... the scene snaps back into reality where Whorechata is standing on stage and faking a smile Micro: The three of you may leave the stage. Whorechata: Safe girls, woohoo! Micro: The rest of you represent the tops and bottoms of the week. It's time for your critiques. Micro: First up, Anthyy! Hex: Hello Anthyy! This look is fun, i know that this isn't really your style but i think that you did the theme's justice tonight. You decided to be inspired by one of the planets which is a really safe choice to do on a theme like that, but you went with one of the most interesting ones so its ok, We can see that the inspo was there from the color palette and the rings. The look is just a basic gown let's be real but you still make it interesting with the transparent parts and overall its giving me very Brooke Candy/slutish vibe which i am personally a fan of. What i am not a fan of is the makeup here, i like that you decided to pay homage to your drag sister - me, but idk i am not really feeling the eyes, they kinda look weird but i guess it fits the whole alien aesthetic so maybe i'm just quirky and nitpicking. The headpiece is really fun and playful. Overall it's a really strong look from you tonight, good job! Micro: Anthyy! I think this week was a great chance for you to show off a new style with your looks. Getting more into the alienesque and untraditional glamour. And you really nailed that in my opinion! I love when a look is simple, but has dynamic silhouettes and added bits. This strappy dress on its own would maybe be too simple, but the back piece and extra arms, it elevates it to an incredible level. I think the color palette of blue and gray was unexpected but worked well. And usually Iâm begging for rhinestones, but I wouldnât add any rhinestones to this look, I donât know how you managed that! Great work. Micro: Next, Blondie! Hex: Blondie! Hi, i love how both you and Anthyy decided to go with 3 eyed aliens! I see what you tried to do with the theme, but i lowkey don't see space in it, your color palette is giving me just a normal person, maybe if you changed the hair and face to be pinkish too maybe it would help to sell the theme more? I also don't think that you edited your look enough to be that different from the original one which is a shame because i see some potential. Overall you were in the middle tonight, not the worst but not the best one either. Micro: Hi Blondie!! I think this base look was a great choice for this challenge, since it does lend itself to that outer space vibe. And you definitely put the work in to make this your own. I do think though that the new color palette makes the level of detail come down a bit. Thereâs a lot about this that I like, but I have to nitpick! Micro: Next up, Fleur Tation! Hex: Fleur! Hello girl, let me start with the positives first, well, so i liked that you decided to be inspired by earth which is an original choice for a theme like that not gonna lie, everyone would do something quirky but you decided to not look too far for your inspiration. You have a + for that from me. Now for your look, hmm i think that you could do way more with it, its just a simple bodysuit with a print on it, the reveal version is better, but still could've been more elevated. I just wish that you did something more with the hair and makeup in both of these, because even though your inspiration was really good for me, it just looks like you did not know what to do with it. Overall its not a good look from you tonight, I appreciate that you drew it and your description was fun to read. Micro: Let me start off by saying your runway commentary and how you sold this look was my absolute favorite. I love the effort you put into that. Now onto the looks. I think they told a great story. But the actual design elements, Iâm not getting much from it if Iâm being totally honest. If there was some sleeve action, some interesting cut to the pants, something to bring more to it. Micro: The always fabulous, Morgs! Hex: Hello Morgs! This is very safe for me, i like the inspiration because without the sun there wouldn't be us so good for you to appreciate that. There's nothing much to say here really, maybe other than i don't really see cosmos here but it's just not the worst look tonight so, at least you tried and drew it. Micro: Hi Morgs! I love the energy and vibe that this look conveys. Itâs modern and has a cool look to it. I will say, I think the back piece really saves you here. It adds a unique element, and I think the look needed it. The rest of the look is a bit too simple to me. Maybe some stoning, a different neckline on the dress, some little adjustments couldâve amped this up. But as is, this doesnât totally work for me, Iâm sorry! Micro: Next, Sharris! Hex: Hello Sharris! Your look is good but i don't think you did enough for me to call it as 'your' look. Micro gave you all an option to edit one of many existing looks and while you picked a really good one, you barely did anything to edit it as yours, it just looks like you put a filter over it and called it a day, not even bothering to change the colors really. While Blondie did the same thing, she at least i don't know tried to make things a bit interesting by changing the whole color palette. That's all. Micro: Hi Sharris! With the option to take a pre-existing look and edit it, I think the potential to make something your own and really special was there. And while I think you look amazing right now, it is so similar to the original look. Small things like changing the hair, adding new jewelry, maybe a metal corset piece, those couldâve really worked to make this more of an original piece. Not a bad look by any means, but I have to look at how different it is from the original, and Iâm not seeing much. Micro: Shining bright, it's Sue Pernova! Hex: Sue! This look is very adorable, i really like the color palette, it looks like some video game character thats a singer and has some cosmic related superpowers. Your inspiration here clearly shows because i can see each thing you mentioned in your description. I love how we can't really see her face because it also adds to the mystic element that the cosmos has because we still don't really know much stuff about it. Overall a really good job tonight, congrats! Micro: Sue, this look is adorable!! I love the outer space popstar vibe you went for, and the vibrancy of these colors work really well with that. The different textures and materials as well add some visual interest and keep it from being too simple. I maybe wouldâve liked to see some lengthening to the legs and a tighter cinch on the corset, but this is a stand out look for me, you really impressed me here! Micro: Next up, Wren Wyvern! Hex: Wren, uhh hello? This was a letdown for me, you kinda did a similar look to Steph but i guess her's more elevated and just more interesting to look at. I don't think your look really sells the theme since it's barely cosmos related other than the cosmic print. I like what you tried to do with the arms but it reads more as angelic to me rather than some alien creature. I'm sorry but i don't like this. Micro: Hi Wren! Iâm gonna have to disagree with Hex on this one. I really enjoyed this look. Itâs very cosmic deity, and you stand out from the group tonight. I think a really big collar piece that had some height and sharp edges to it wouldâve taken this look to an even stronger level, but I see where you were going with it! Some minor little edits Iâd make, but solid look from you! Micro: Last but not least, Zodya Killer. Hex: Hello Zodya! This is one of my favorite looks tonight, you had a clear vision and presented it really well. I really like the color palette and how vibrant it is, i love the accessories and the overall shape of it. The backpiece with your blonde hair in front of it kinda reminds me of the sun which is also a really fun detail. The way that you drew this also is a big plus for me + the props? I am a prop queen so i like the use of them in this look. Overall a really good moment for you tonight. Micro: Zodya, you look like a goddess tonight. You found a way to take this sort of galaxy pattern and print and make it look regal and expensive. I love the way this look sparkles, and the golden accents against that deep blue and purple, it adds to that royalty look. If I had to nitpick, I wish there was a big necklace or set of earrings, but I can appreciate the simplicity in not going heavy with accessories. Great work! Micro: Thank you ladies. I've made some decisions. Micro: Blondie, Morgs, and Wren. The three of you are safe. You may step to the back of the stage. đWren CF: At this point, I'm not sure what else I could do. I gave you a full goddess, and then Micro has the nerve to put me in the same group as Blondie and Morgs? It's stupid, it really is. Micro: Anthyy. Tonight, your E.T. was a T-O-P. Micro: Sue Pernova. You took us all on a trip to Chromatica, and we didn't want to leave. Micro: Zodya Killer. Category is...MET Gala on Mars. Micro: Anthyy, Zodya. Congratulations, you are the top two queens of the week! đAnthyy CF: Ah, screaming!! I put so much of my heart and soul into my designs, and the hard work paid off. đZodya CF: I didn't think I'd be the type of queen who looks forward to a design challenge. But I really believe in my skills, and having that validated by the judges, that means the world. Micro: Sue, you are safe. Great work this week. Sue: Thank you Miss Micro. đSue CF: This week was all about wanting to prove myself as a real competitor here. I have what it takes to win the crown, and this moved things in the right direction. I feel amazing! Micro: Fleur, Sharris. I'm sorry my dears, but that means you are the bottom queens of the week. đFleur CF: I don't have words. To be in a room full of people who look...like that, and be told I'm in the bottom? When I'm wearing custom couture? They're out to get me. đSharris CF: I'm fine being in the bottom. It doesn't bother me. I'd never throw a tantrum over a placement, unlike some people in this competition who shall not be named...but it's Wren. Micro: Anthyy, Zodya. In a moment, the two of you will lipsync for your legacy, and the power to chop one of the bottom queens. Head backstage to Untucked, and make your decision. Untucked the safe queens enter Untucked Kami: Redemption! Steph: And it feels oh so good! I'm so proud of us. Whorechata, are you happy to be safe? đWhorechata CF: wHoReChAtA, aRe yOu hApPy tO Be sAfE? No bitch, I'm not! Whorechata: I'm thrilled. Steph: No you're not. Whorechata: Oh really, what gave it away? Kami: Let it out, let it out. Whorechata: The girls up on stage right now, you can see the stringy little bits of hot glue. The seams are jankier than Wren's book in the first episode. Not to sound arrogant, but this belongs in a museum. đWhorechata CF: Whorechata shows off her look and letting the camera zoom in on the hems Kami: If it makes you feel better, I thought you should've been up on stage tonight. Whorechata: If you change your name to Micro and tan a good twelve shades darker, it would mean more. But still, thanks Kami. đKami CF: You can't argue with crazy. You just can't. the top and bottom queens enter Untucked Wren: The attempt to break my spirit continues. đWren CF: Heading back to Untucked, it really does sting that I didn't win. I thought I had the best look, and I love the way I presented it. I wouldn't change a thing, but clearly the judges would. Kami: I've heard the word "safe" enough times in the last hour to last me a lifetime, so can one of you fill us in on what happened on stage? Anthyy: I'm in the top with Zodya! Steph: Whyyyyyyy. Oop, not like that. Just you know, the Sue stan in me. Sue: I'm torn with my emotions right now. Getting praised on this look felt amazing. But then it almost gave me a false sense of hope. I thought maybe I could win. Zodya: And you could've. I'm so proud of your work here. It's amazing. đZodya CF: I know how much Sue wanted to win this challenge, but I'm also freaking out a little inside that I just won my third challenge! I mean really, what could go wrong now? Wren: Regardless of what the judges said, I'm proud of this look. Sharris: So why do you keep bringing it up? Wren: With the runway last week, it was a more masculine approach than what I'm used to. And this week, I wanted to give full cunty goddess. đWren CF: Exploring gender identity and expression through fashion is important to me. Like, really important. I won't apologize for that. Blondie: And just so I know, you use all the pronouns, right? I'm not trying to get cancelled again. Wren: After saving me, you can call me whatever. But yes, anything works. He, she, they, it's all okay to me. But it doesn't take away from my trans-ness. Sharris: Wren, what the fuck does that even mean? Wren: What does what means? Sharris: How are you a he, she, and they. Make up your mind. Wren: I don't think I need to make up my mind. It's my personal journey, and I don't need to conform to what you want. Sharris: You just represent everything that's wrong with the world to me. Blondie: Okay, that's a bit much. Fleur: Blondie, stay out of it. Blondie: No! Why can't I say anything without you all jumping to make me look like the bad person? Fleur: If people always think you're a bad person, maybe you just are. Morgs: Woop, there it is. đFleur CF: Blondie swears she's an angel on Earth. But she's not. She's nasty, she's an input ho, and I don't fuck with her. Screw any alliances, I want her gone. Sharris: The more I learn about you, Blondie, the more I understand why you and Wren are friends. The only upside to that is it means none of us have to be bothered by either of you. You can annoy each other instead. Wren: Talk that talk in your bottom outfit. You could never give what I give! Sharris: And thank god for that. Man, man, man. I see a MAN. Anthyy: Girl... đAnthyy CF: Sharris took a low blow with that one. Wren has been so open about her identity, and really advocated for trans representation! I considered Sharris a friend, but that changes everything. Wren: Are you really going there? For real? Sharris: I am, care to continue? Wren: You know who I am and I've been nothing but transparent with how I feel in my identity. And for someone in this community to be the one coming after me, it's so gross. Sharris: Let's get one thing straight, we're not in the same community. Wren: Right, cause I'm some freak. Sharris: Wren, shut up and go play in traffic. Kami: Stop, don't go there. What's that even supposed to mean. Sharris: As in, go die. Go die, for the sake of humanity, please. the queens all clasp their hands over their mouths as they realize what Sharris said Wren: You want me to go kill myself? Sharris: Yes please, look at how easy that was! Wren: Give me a few years, and I'm sure I'll get there. Blondie: Wren, don't even say that. Don't give that bitch another moment of your time. Sharris: Blondie, you too. Blondie: You are a miserable and hateful little bitch. You're disgusting. You better be so ashamed of yourself. Fleur: You're the moral compass now? Why do you keep putting yourself in things?! Blondie: Sharris brought me into it, and I'm done sitting down and taking it. You both are vile. đFleur CF: Blondie spews the most venomous things out of that over-plumped mouth. Why are people surprised that it caused someone to snap? If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen. Blondie and Wren, there's the door, dumb bitches. the queens return to the runway Micro: Welcome back ladies. It has been brought to my attention that there was an altercation in Untucked. Sharris rolls her eyes, as Blondie comforts Wren at the back of the stage Micro: If this behavior continues, I won't hesitate to start this whole thing over. From the top, new cast and everything. the queens snicker at Micro's comment, causing her to stand up and lean over the judging panel Micro: I am NOT joking! Don't make me name names. But if you think you're one of the girls I'd replace, you're probably right. the scene cuts to Lectro and Yuka standing outside of the studio and forming a prayer circle for the season to restart đKami CF: The behavior during Untucked shifted everything. I mean, it's really not that deep, and to stoop to that level? It's...it's just not acceptable. Micro: Now, as much as I'm sure you'd love to keep attacking each other, we have more important things to get to: a fake lipsync. Will the top two queens please step forward. Anthyy Lipsync Look Zodya Lipsync Look Micro: Anthyy, Zodya. Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare a lipsync performance of "Supernova" by Kylie Minogue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcTHJ05R2bQ Sue: Please say jk. đSue CF: I'm fine! I'm so fine, don't even worry about me. cries in Kylie Minogue Micro: This is your chance to impress me, and secure the right to give one of the bottom queens...the chop. đAnthyy CF: I really felt like I was in a tough spot with these queens in the bottom. But after that moment in Untucked, I know what needs to be done. It was taken way too far! đZodya CF: I don't have a connection to either of the bottom queens this week. But I am ready to channel my inner Sue, and give this song what it deserves. Micro: Good luck, and don't fuck it up! Read lipsync here! Micro: Oh wow! the queens clap for Sue as she shrouds herself in a cloud of glitter before remembering that Anthyy and Zodya are on stage Micro: I think it's safe to say Sue was the real winner of that one. Sue: Kylie, that was for you, baby!! Micro: Ladies, I've made my decision. ... Micro: Zodya Killer, you're a winner baby! Zodya: Ah, thank you! Kylie, I am so sorry. Micro: Anthyy, you are safe to slay another day. Anthyy: I'm sorry mama, my feet were tired after doing three of these! Zodya giggles and raises her eyebrows Micro: Will the bottom two queens please step forward. Fleur and Sharris walk to the front of the stage as the safe queens glare at them đFleur CF: I don't think I should be in the bottom this week, and I shouldn't have been near the bottom last week either! If they send me home, it's just putting me out of my misery. But if I stay, I'll make this hell for each and every one of them. đSharris CF: I don't regret a thing. It went far, but there's only so much I could take from that...person doesn't feel appropriate. I think pathetic troglodyte fits Wren better. Whether they like it or not, I'd say it again! Micro: Zodya. With great power comes great responsibility. Which queen have you chosen...to get the chop? Zodya: I'm going to be honest, I don't have any strong connections to either of you. I think you both deserve to be here and can be able to bring something fun to the rest of the competition, but tonight, I'm going to have to go with the person I felt really took on the challenge to heart. My decision...is... ... ... Zodya: Sharris. Zodya's Lipstick Choice Sharris laughs as Morgs begins to tear up Micro: So it is written, so it shall be done. Sharris, I know that you have everything it takes to thrive in a competition like this. But now is not your time. Sharris: Womp womp. Micro: Now, sashay away. Sharris goes to the back of the stage to hug Morgs before walking off Micro: Moving forward, I hope we can treat each other with some more kindness, and enjoy this for what it is. Now, let the music play! "Banjo" by Bebe Zahara Benet plays Next Time on Micro's Drag Race Blondie: There is a killer on the loose, and nobody is safe. đWhorechata CF: If this means I make a few enemies, oh well! Micro: I'm so sorry, I need to excuse myself. Micro steps away from the judging panel as her eyes fill with tears Track Record Cast Shot w/ Placements |
2023.05.28 03:53 kennynailtech Why Do Nail Salons Scurry Through Clients?
 | You may have experienced being hurried out of a nail shop after getting a manicure or pedicure. Your disappointment and rage at having just spent your money may result from this. So why do so many nail salons rush so much on clients? submitted by kennynailtech to u/kennynailtech [link] [comments] Most nail salons pay their staff on commission nail supply warehouse for each session, which encourages nail technicians to hurry through clients in order to earn more money. They will make more money, regardless of their poor quality, the more clients they have. Rushing through clients is excellent for the nail tech in the short run, but it's awful for establishing a loyal clientele. It's extremely uncommon to come across a manicure shop where staff are just given a set hourly wage. Nail technicians always have an incentive to hurry up and get to the next client when there is a commission involved. 1. What You Can Do To Avoid RushingIt's likely that your treatment will be hurried if you go to a nail salon during peak hours so that the nail technicians can attend to the needs of everyone else in line. If you want the nail technicians to have more time for you, try going to the salon when there are fewer other customers there. You can just ask a nail tech when is the best time to come if you are unsure about when is a good time.Find a nail technician you like who truly takes their time and is patient. Continue scheduling visits with the same nail technician to reduce your chances of encountering one who will rush you out. If you feel that the nail technician is working too rapidly on your service, don't be hesitant to advise them to slow down. Make a reservation in advance so the nail salon will be notified of your arrival. You won't feel rushed because the salon will give the nail technician extra time to take care of you. If there are customers waiting, do not enter a nail salon without making an appointment. nail supply store online 2. The Issues with Being HurriedObviously, feeling hurried is not at all pleasant. To be honest, though, some customers don't have much time and would rather have a quicker service. Some clients will ask to be finished as soon as possible so they can leave the salon and take care of other things.Rushing clients has the main drawback of making it unlikely that they will visit the salon again. Customers must pay actual money for services, thus if they were performed inefficiently or with a sense of urgency, their money was wasted. Another problem is that rushed work is likely to be of worse quality. A standard 60-minute service could be condensed to just 30 minutes. If a service is rushed, the client won't be able to relax and feel satisfied. Nails may not be perfectly formed or may be crooked. Another possibility is that the colors were not completely polished to cover the entire nail. Additionally, dissatisfied customers often share their negative experiences at the nail salon online in the form of online reviews. If they are upset, you can anticipate a negative review and a description of how they disliked being hurried during their entire experience at the salon. 3. ConclusionSimply said, nail salons will rush you out in order to take as many customers as possible and so increase their revenue. Do not assume that all nail technicians rush clients unless they absolutely must! Nail technicians that are serious about perfect match gel polish producing high-quality work typically take their time to ensure everything is flawless. Ask your nail technician to take a little more time if you find yourself in a rush one day so you can still enjoy your treatment. |
2023.05.28 03:52 whoaitsnick915 Cat Eye Gel Polish and Simple Nail Art
 | submitted by whoaitsnick915 to malepolish [link] [comments] |
2023.05.28 03:30 LiseEclaire [Leveling up the World] - Academy Arc - Chapter 753
Out there - Patreon (for all those curious or wanting to support :))
At the Beginning
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Previously on Leveling up the WorldâŚ
Book 3 will be available on Kindle and Amazon in a week :D
âAre you sure this is fine?â the fury asked.
Eating in the open wasnât something vaguely dangerous or controversial, but for someone who had spent the large part of the year in hiding, it felt like pushing her luck. It didnât help that all the passersby were glancing in their direction. The curiosity of most was centered on Dallionâmages remained a rarity in Nerosal, even after all the turbulent events. Also, given his recent display, hiding his identity would have been a greater bother than revealing himself to the public. Archduke Lanitol wasnât going to be particularly pleased, but Dallion didnât give a damn.
âYouâre safe,â Dallion said, finishing his snack. âThe overseerâs keeping an eye on us.â
âYeah, I noticed.â
Half a dozen city guards were scattered about the area, half of them in a not at all subtle fashion. In contrast the Mirror Pool had made a point to steer clear, just as they had promised.
âEverything is fine now, right?â Diroh frowned. âWhen you said that, you didnât add youâd be using my money to get a bite.â
Dallion paused for a while, then tossed her his pouch. âBuy something with that.â
The fury opened it. Her eyes widened for a few seconds, after which she quickly closed it again. The point was well made. Slightly tempted, she moved the pouch about in the air, then placed it back on the table near to him.
âSo, tell me how youâve been.â Dallion made a sign for the food stall owner to bring more food. The man, who was a low-level awakened, quickly obliged. The fact that a mage was eating at his place was certain to boost profits for months to come.
âThat again? There isnât much to tell. While youâve been having fun, I worked my ass off. Hannahâs nice and all, but you canât get customers on looks alone.â
Sure you could, Dallion thought, but didnât say it. Given Diâs standards, having the inn packed was probably regarded as a poor result.
âYouâre learned a few new tricks, I saw. Both you and Skye.â
Weâve been practicing, the cloud fox said flying off Diroh and onto Dallionâs head.
Ruby didnât seem to appreciate the effort, but remained stoically still and silent.
âI had to after the mess you put me in,â the girl replied.
Normally, Dallion would expect a pout or, at the very least, a frown. Instead, he got a smile. Life with Hannah had definitely polished Dirohâs character, even if he could feel the same rebellious streak emanating from her.
âI needed to level up just in case anyone came looking.â There was a slight pause.
âWhat level?â
âYou canât ask that.â
âYouâre right,â Dallion said, taking a piece of fruit from the bowl that was just brought to the table. âI donât have to. I can see your level and all your traits. I just want to know how you level up that much so fast.â He bit into the fruit. It tasted like lemon melon. âDid you use awakening shrines?â
âAt first. Hannah told me to boost up as quickly as possible.â A wave of guilt came from the fury, but she refused to look away. âAfter that, it was easier.â
âEasier?â Dallion tried not to laugh.
Clearly, sheâs a faster learner, the armadil shield said. That and she started with fewer flaws. Going through a lot of the issues early in life tend to make people resistant.
That was true, only up to a point. Diroh had a taste of hunter life well before Dallion. The trauma caused by the magic gem must have made an impact, though. Of course, there was one other possibility.
âWho taught you?â He went directly to the point. The lack of immediate response told him everything he had to know. âAdzorg,â he shook his head. âDid he give you an echo?â
âWhat does it matter?â The furyâs tone changed. Thanks to the sound canceling air currents she was maintaining, though, no one in the street even noticed. âI got help, and it was useful! Or did you expect me to wait till you got back so I could improve?â
âSomething like that.â Dallion didnât blink an eye. âThe Academy will be a better place for you, especially now.â
âSeriously?â Diroh crossed her arms. âI spent weeks convincing Hannah that you werenât some jerk that would appear and whisk me away, and what do you do ten minutes after we meet? Way to prove my point.â
âItâll be safer there. The countess didnât bother with you because she had her sights on other things. Now that the conflict is over, and youâve leveled up so much, people will start noticing.â
âAnd thatâs a bad thing? You didnât seem to care when you worked at the inn.â
âI was an idiot.â Dallion didnât raise his voice one iota, but the phrase had the same effect as if heâd shouted it out to the entire city. You donât have to go through what I did, he wanted to add.
âMarch helped me,â Diroh said.
It was obvious she was lying. There were several ways Dallion could get to the answers. The Academy had provided him with both the tools and the knowledge. If he resorted to that, though, heâd lose one of the things heâd come for. It was a simple choice: Diroh or Adzorg. Neither option was guaranteed, but what was certain was that he couldnât have both.
âIs she in the city?â he asked calmly.
âI donât know. Maybe. Thereâs no reason or herââ
âGo to Hannah,â he didnât let her finish. âI have a few things to finish, then Iâll come join you.â
âYouâre impossible. You think you can just take me out of the city and drop me off somewhere like last time? You care more about your gear than you care about people! Picking them up, then tossing them aside as you go on your way.â
There it wasâpart of the fury he remembered. Unlike her sister, Diroh was really bad at hiding her emotions, even now. The only difference was that she did it in a slightly more polished manner.
âWhen you tried to spy on me, you made yourself known. Hiding at Hannahâs is no longer an option. You can try, but someone else will come to take you. The only choice youâre left with is do you want to go with me or with someoneââ
There was a sudden gust of wind, after which Dirohâs seat was empty.
ââelse.â Dallion finished.
You definitely havenât lost your touch. The armadil shield sighed. Were you planning on being so bad?
âSheâll go back.â Dallion continued eating. âShe knows she has no choice.â In a way, Dallion had made sure of that by returning to Nerosal. Hundreds of eyes were focused on him. One way or another, word of his actions would reach the appropriate ears.
No choice leaving the city, Vihrogon clarified. She doesnât have to join you.
âNo, she doesnât.â Dallion finished the bowl. He was just about to leave when a small procession of clerics approached.
Dallion looked up at them, then shook his head. He didnât expect theyâd be the ones to show up. If anything, he expected the general to send one of his furies and remind Dallion of the debt he still owed. This changed his plans a little.
âThe Seven be with you, Initiate,â one of the clerics greeted him. âThe bishop has requested to see you.â
âThe bishop?â Dallion remained seated. âSounds important.â
On closer look, he saw that it was. Despite wearing the attire of simple temple clerics, everything, from their stance to their weathered skin, made it clear they had seen more than a few fights in the wilderness.
âJust a cordial invitation,â the woman continued. âYou have his assurance that it wouldnât take long.â
It never did.
âAlright.â Dallion stood up. âIâm long overdue on my chat with the Moons, anyway.â
The provocation was noticed, but not reacted on. To some degree, Dallion hoped that it would. That way, the local bishop would be on the defensive.
Iâm being arrogant, Dallion thought.
One of the things his parents used to tell him back on earth was not to ruin everyoneâs day just because he had a bad day of his own. It was easier said than done. When it came to it, Dallion had had a really crappy year. If Nil were around, heâd tell him that he had to stop pissing off people before he ran out of people to piss off. However, one of the advantages of being a mage was the ability to do so, and breaking the habit was getting difficult.
Walking along the familiar streets, the group of clerics escorted Dallion to the cityâs main temple. It was bigger than he remembered, still surrounded by crowds of people. Regardless of what happened in the wide world, there would always be those who wished to obtain an awakened status or increase it.
Crowds meant nothing to Dallion, who was quietly escorted in through a side entrance. Most of the clerics remained outside, blocking the path should someone else try to squeeze in. That left Dallion with only two of the original procession.
âThe Order has done quite well for itself here,â Dallion said, looking at the large statues that decorated the corridor.
âWeâre only assisting with the transition until the new lord mayor takes his place.â
So, you know who it is as well, Dallion thought.
âThe Seven look kindly on all those beneath them. We are only following their will.â
âAnd which of the three sides will you help the most?â Dallion asked. He didnât get an answer.
Soon he arrived in a large antechamber. The rich decors were enough to make a minor noble envious. The amount of raw magic metals alone was enough to equip a squad of awakened in full sky silver armor. IF he had to guess the countess had been quite generous to the Order before her promotion.
âPlease, wait here,â the cleric said. âThe bishop will be with you shortly.â
Dallion nodded. It would have been nice if there was a marble bench or seat he could use. There was always the option to lean against one of the statues of the Moons, but he chose not to.
Sensing Dallionâs annoyance, Ruby flicked his wings.
âEasy, little buddy,â Dallion whispered. âWeâre not here to break anything.â Gem, keep an eye on Di, he added mentally.
Yes, boss, the familiar replied.
With a yawn, Dallion made his way to the statue of Felygn. The sculptor had depicted the Moon in all its gloryâa benevolent dryad surrounded by plants and animals. That tended to be the modern consensus regarding dryads and empaths. Of course, no one bothered to mention how devastating either could be.
Are you being cynical again? the armadil shield asked.
âTrying not to,â Dallion replied.
After a few more seconds, he moved to the statue of Astreza. The blue moon of awakening stood majestically in the center of the antechamber. As the Moon of Awakening, it was considered to be the center of the pantheon and first among the deities. It was also the Moon that had cursed Dallion.
âStill no chance you can tell me what I did wrong?â Dallion asked.
As expected, the statue didnât answer. Dallion was just about to add that any hint would be appreciated when a deep blue glow appeared beneath his shirt. Considering the time and place, it was tempting to take this as a sign. However, Dallionâs experience as a mage told him it was something very different.
Quickly, he took a glowing artifact out from under his shirt. Within the blue glow was a single purple dot with three circles surrounding it. Dallion felt like laughing. Heâd spent a large part of the last six months roaming the world and had barely come across anything magic related. Now, his vortex detector indicated that an active vortex had emerged beneath the very city.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, consider joining my patreon or check out my other stories on redditserials:
The Scuu Paradox (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Cassandrian Theory (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Impeccable Adventure of the Reluctant Dungeon (Dungeon Core Adventure Comedy)
Uncharted Waters (An Urban Fantasy Detective Noir)
submitted by LiseEclaire to redditserials [link] [comments]
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Previously on Leveling up the WorldâŚ
âAre you sure this is fine?â the fury asked.
Eating in the open wasnât something vaguely dangerous or controversial, but for someone who had spent the large part of the year in hiding, it felt like pushing her luck. It didnât help that all the passersby were glancing in their direction. The curiosity of most was centered on Dallionâmages remained a rarity in Nerosal, even after all the turbulent events. Also, given his recent display, hiding his identity would have been a greater bother than revealing himself to the public. Archduke Lanitol wasnât going to be particularly pleased, but Dallion didnât give a damn.
âYouâre safe,â Dallion said, finishing his snack. âThe overseerâs keeping an eye on us.â
âYeah, I noticed.â
Half a dozen city guards were scattered about the area, half of them in a not at all subtle fashion. In contrast the Mirror Pool had made a point to steer clear, just as they had promised.
âEverything is fine now, right?â Diroh frowned. âWhen you said that, you didnât add youâd be using my money to get a bite.â
Dallion paused for a while, then tossed her his pouch. âBuy something with that.â
The fury opened it. Her eyes widened for a few seconds, after which she quickly closed it again. The point was well made. Slightly tempted, she moved the pouch about in the air, then placed it back on the table near to him.
âSo, tell me how youâve been.â Dallion made a sign for the food stall owner to bring more food. The man, who was a low-level awakened, quickly obliged. The fact that a mage was eating at his place was certain to boost profits for months to come.
âThat again? There isnât much to tell. While youâve been having fun, I worked my ass off. Hannahâs nice and all, but you canât get customers on looks alone.â
Sure you could, Dallion thought, but didnât say it. Given Diâs standards, having the inn packed was probably regarded as a poor result.
âYouâre learned a few new tricks, I saw. Both you and Skye.â
Weâve been practicing, the cloud fox said flying off Diroh and onto Dallionâs head.
Ruby didnât seem to appreciate the effort, but remained stoically still and silent.
âI had to after the mess you put me in,â the girl replied.
Normally, Dallion would expect a pout or, at the very least, a frown. Instead, he got a smile. Life with Hannah had definitely polished Dirohâs character, even if he could feel the same rebellious streak emanating from her.
âI needed to level up just in case anyone came looking.â There was a slight pause.
âWhat level?â
âYou canât ask that.â
âYouâre right,â Dallion said, taking a piece of fruit from the bowl that was just brought to the table. âI donât have to. I can see your level and all your traits. I just want to know how you level up that much so fast.â He bit into the fruit. It tasted like lemon melon. âDid you use awakening shrines?â
âAt first. Hannah told me to boost up as quickly as possible.â A wave of guilt came from the fury, but she refused to look away. âAfter that, it was easier.â
âEasier?â Dallion tried not to laugh.
Clearly, sheâs a faster learner, the armadil shield said. That and she started with fewer flaws. Going through a lot of the issues early in life tend to make people resistant.
That was true, only up to a point. Diroh had a taste of hunter life well before Dallion. The trauma caused by the magic gem must have made an impact, though. Of course, there was one other possibility.
âWho taught you?â He went directly to the point. The lack of immediate response told him everything he had to know. âAdzorg,â he shook his head. âDid he give you an echo?â
âWhat does it matter?â The furyâs tone changed. Thanks to the sound canceling air currents she was maintaining, though, no one in the street even noticed. âI got help, and it was useful! Or did you expect me to wait till you got back so I could improve?â
âSomething like that.â Dallion didnât blink an eye. âThe Academy will be a better place for you, especially now.â
âSeriously?â Diroh crossed her arms. âI spent weeks convincing Hannah that you werenât some jerk that would appear and whisk me away, and what do you do ten minutes after we meet? Way to prove my point.â
âItâll be safer there. The countess didnât bother with you because she had her sights on other things. Now that the conflict is over, and youâve leveled up so much, people will start noticing.â
âAnd thatâs a bad thing? You didnât seem to care when you worked at the inn.â
âI was an idiot.â Dallion didnât raise his voice one iota, but the phrase had the same effect as if heâd shouted it out to the entire city. You donât have to go through what I did, he wanted to add.
âMarch helped me,â Diroh said.
It was obvious she was lying. There were several ways Dallion could get to the answers. The Academy had provided him with both the tools and the knowledge. If he resorted to that, though, heâd lose one of the things heâd come for. It was a simple choice: Diroh or Adzorg. Neither option was guaranteed, but what was certain was that he couldnât have both.
âIs she in the city?â he asked calmly.
âI donât know. Maybe. Thereâs no reason or herââ
âGo to Hannah,â he didnât let her finish. âI have a few things to finish, then Iâll come join you.â
âYouâre impossible. You think you can just take me out of the city and drop me off somewhere like last time? You care more about your gear than you care about people! Picking them up, then tossing them aside as you go on your way.â
There it wasâpart of the fury he remembered. Unlike her sister, Diroh was really bad at hiding her emotions, even now. The only difference was that she did it in a slightly more polished manner.
âWhen you tried to spy on me, you made yourself known. Hiding at Hannahâs is no longer an option. You can try, but someone else will come to take you. The only choice youâre left with is do you want to go with me or with someoneââ
There was a sudden gust of wind, after which Dirohâs seat was empty.
ââelse.â Dallion finished.
You definitely havenât lost your touch. The armadil shield sighed. Were you planning on being so bad?
âSheâll go back.â Dallion continued eating. âShe knows she has no choice.â In a way, Dallion had made sure of that by returning to Nerosal. Hundreds of eyes were focused on him. One way or another, word of his actions would reach the appropriate ears.
No choice leaving the city, Vihrogon clarified. She doesnât have to join you.
âNo, she doesnât.â Dallion finished the bowl. He was just about to leave when a small procession of clerics approached.
Dallion looked up at them, then shook his head. He didnât expect theyâd be the ones to show up. If anything, he expected the general to send one of his furies and remind Dallion of the debt he still owed. This changed his plans a little.
âThe Seven be with you, Initiate,â one of the clerics greeted him. âThe bishop has requested to see you.â
âThe bishop?â Dallion remained seated. âSounds important.â
On closer look, he saw that it was. Despite wearing the attire of simple temple clerics, everything, from their stance to their weathered skin, made it clear they had seen more than a few fights in the wilderness.
âJust a cordial invitation,â the woman continued. âYou have his assurance that it wouldnât take long.â
It never did.
âAlright.â Dallion stood up. âIâm long overdue on my chat with the Moons, anyway.â
The provocation was noticed, but not reacted on. To some degree, Dallion hoped that it would. That way, the local bishop would be on the defensive.
Iâm being arrogant, Dallion thought.
One of the things his parents used to tell him back on earth was not to ruin everyoneâs day just because he had a bad day of his own. It was easier said than done. When it came to it, Dallion had had a really crappy year. If Nil were around, heâd tell him that he had to stop pissing off people before he ran out of people to piss off. However, one of the advantages of being a mage was the ability to do so, and breaking the habit was getting difficult.
Walking along the familiar streets, the group of clerics escorted Dallion to the cityâs main temple. It was bigger than he remembered, still surrounded by crowds of people. Regardless of what happened in the wide world, there would always be those who wished to obtain an awakened status or increase it.
Crowds meant nothing to Dallion, who was quietly escorted in through a side entrance. Most of the clerics remained outside, blocking the path should someone else try to squeeze in. That left Dallion with only two of the original procession.
âThe Order has done quite well for itself here,â Dallion said, looking at the large statues that decorated the corridor.
âWeâre only assisting with the transition until the new lord mayor takes his place.â
So, you know who it is as well, Dallion thought.
âThe Seven look kindly on all those beneath them. We are only following their will.â
âAnd which of the three sides will you help the most?â Dallion asked. He didnât get an answer.
Soon he arrived in a large antechamber. The rich decors were enough to make a minor noble envious. The amount of raw magic metals alone was enough to equip a squad of awakened in full sky silver armor. IF he had to guess the countess had been quite generous to the Order before her promotion.
âPlease, wait here,â the cleric said. âThe bishop will be with you shortly.â
Dallion nodded. It would have been nice if there was a marble bench or seat he could use. There was always the option to lean against one of the statues of the Moons, but he chose not to.
Sensing Dallionâs annoyance, Ruby flicked his wings.
âEasy, little buddy,â Dallion whispered. âWeâre not here to break anything.â Gem, keep an eye on Di, he added mentally.
Yes, boss, the familiar replied.
With a yawn, Dallion made his way to the statue of Felygn. The sculptor had depicted the Moon in all its gloryâa benevolent dryad surrounded by plants and animals. That tended to be the modern consensus regarding dryads and empaths. Of course, no one bothered to mention how devastating either could be.
Are you being cynical again? the armadil shield asked.
âTrying not to,â Dallion replied.
After a few more seconds, he moved to the statue of Astreza. The blue moon of awakening stood majestically in the center of the antechamber. As the Moon of Awakening, it was considered to be the center of the pantheon and first among the deities. It was also the Moon that had cursed Dallion.
âStill no chance you can tell me what I did wrong?â Dallion asked.
As expected, the statue didnât answer. Dallion was just about to add that any hint would be appreciated when a deep blue glow appeared beneath his shirt. Considering the time and place, it was tempting to take this as a sign. However, Dallionâs experience as a mage told him it was something very different.
Quickly, he took a glowing artifact out from under his shirt. Within the blue glow was a single purple dot with three circles surrounding it. Dallion felt like laughing. Heâd spent a large part of the last six months roaming the world and had barely come across anything magic related. Now, his vortex detector indicated that an active vortex had emerged beneath the very city.
The Scuu Paradox (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Cassandrian Theory (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Impeccable Adventure of the Reluctant Dungeon (Dungeon Core Adventure Comedy)
Uncharted Waters (An Urban Fantasy Detective Noir)
2023.05.28 02:24 Protowriter469 The Debt
[WP] As Earth faced ruin, humanity was saved by benevolent aliens who helped heal the planet. Generations later those aliens are invaded...a human armada jumps into the system. It's time to repay the debt.
In those days, one could not escape the dust.
It blew in the open doors, collected in the corners. People choked on it, in some cases, died by it. In the brown wind flew microplastics, radiation, and sewage. The world and her resources were used up, and it would be many millennia before the earth could heal herself. Assuming, of course, that humans disappeared long before that.
The Bleakness crumbled governments; overwhelmed hospitals. The sun, which hung in the sky as a dim disk of light, no longer offered life to the plants nor warmth to the animals. It was so, so cold.
Neman Oxenrider watched the crackling flames consume the rocking chair legs in the fireplace. The power was no longer reliable. In a last ditch effort to preserve the planet, the city had switched exclusively to solar power. Now there wasn't enough sun to go around anymore. They had begun burning furniture for warmth, and Neman--not a wealthy young man by any means--was worried they'd run out of wood soon.
Dad paced in the living room. He was always pacing these days, since he was laid off from the distribution center. The longer he stayed unemployed, the more manic he became. He spent hours every day taking his guns apart and putting them back together, counting the few cans of food left in our pantry, and poring over city maps. He never spoke about whatever it was he was planning, but he was planning something.
Mom, on the other hand, had locked herself away upstairs. Neman hadn't seen her in days, but could hear her infrequent footfalls on the floorboards.
The chair smelled bitter as it disintegrated in the fire. It gave off a bitter, acrid scent of furniture polish and particle board. Neman held quiet resentment. He resented the generations of humans who burned through the world's resources haphazardly, dying before they could reap the consequences of their indulgences. He resented his mother and father for being distant and strange. He resented himself for burning this wood and further darkening the sky outside.
With a deep sigh, his breath clouded before him. He would die hungry and cold, and probably alone.
The lights flickered on, bulbs clicking and buzzing in the few un-burnable lamps. The fire no longer offered the halo in a dark room, but seemed dim compared to the electric lights.
"Power's on!" Dad called out, the first un-muttered words in days. When this happened, people were supposed to ration their electricity, but no one ever did. As soon as one crisis ended, the world seemed to forget it ever happened.
Dad turned on the TV--he wanted to get some news before the power went off again.
No one knows where the strange machines have come from, but they appear to be pulling dust into their turbines. The U.S. Military has denied involvement and is cautioning the public to stay far away from these UFOs until they can determine their origin.
UFOs? The acronym piqued Neman's interest and he turned his head toward the TV. Dad was standing with his arms folded, watching intently.
"Aliens too!?" He guffawed, as if it was some sort of cosmic joke, too terrible to truly be upsetting anymore. He turned his head toward Neman with a smile, but not one of gladness. It was one of cynical frustration. What good would his guns be against aliens?
The images on the TV were fuzzy and far away, the dust's sepia tone obscuring the object in the sky, which resembled a large, floating turbine. Eventually, there were more reported, all over the world. Hundreds. Thousands. Tens of thousands.
The dust cleared, and new machines appeared: flat discs, which formed clouds around them, raining green, earthly liquid from the sky. Hours later, ivy and mushrooms sprouted. They grew around garbage--plastic, tired, old abandoned cars--and consumed them.
The sun was out and bright. People emerged from their homes and squinted to one another.
It took a month.
Mom had descended from her grief nest upstairs and had a renewed energy about her. She apologized to Neman over and over, holding him in her arms and making promises to do better.
It wasn't enough, of course. Three years had passed where Neman had only known his mother as a reclusive zombie. But it was something, more than he ever expected to have again. His father took longer to soften, suspicious of what he called "the eye of the storm." He continued to horde guns and food. Then he started growing vegetables and canning them. This hobby turned into a passion strong enough that he forgot about his survivorist plans. This passion became a vocation, and Dad made sure that everyone in the neighborhood had access to fresh food.
We were all afraid to question the origins of this salvation. The Christians, predictably, credited Jesus for their salvation and patted themselves on the back for all their prayers. They immediately went back to lives of indulgence.
But six months later, after more machines had materialized to clean the oceans, cool the ice caps, and scrub the orbit of dead satellites, those responsible for saving the world announced themselves.
First, they communicated via radio waves to the world's leaders, asking for a joint conference. Each country happily obliged, interested to find out who these anonymous benefactors were and what it was they now expected of the world they'd saved. Additionally, presidents and representatives had hoped to make history by asking these aliens some poignant, quotable question to be preserved in the annals of history.
Neman and his family, now with new furniture crafted by a hobbyist-turned-master woodworker down the street, watched the live conference from their living room.
They expected tentacles, huge eyeballs. Neman had watched too many reruns of The Simpsons, he realized, but he couldn't get the violent green monsters out of his head.
When the alien delegation entered the room, surprise swept over the whole world.
"Jesus, they look like us!" Mom announced as she squeezed Neman's hand. And they did, although their skin was bluer and their eyes were yellow. There were very small additional differences: their hair was thicker and silky, perfectly manicured everywhere it appeared. They were shorter, the tallest of the small crowd a good three inches shorter than President Pompey, a short--but fierce--woman at a mere five-foot-two.
We are a galactic convoy of life preservers. We travel space seeking planets which can sustain intelligent life. We nurture planets with potential. Your Earth had entered an extinction phase common to all fledgling higher beings. We believe that with assistance, Earth can do great things.
The aliens spoke with a gentle cadence and an ambiguous accent, almost Norwegian in inflection, but smooth enough that it felt at home in every ear.
The aliens wanted no payment, they expected no trade deals or treaties. They wanted humanity only to "get well."
submitted by Protowriter469 to ProtoWriter469 [link] [comments]
In those days, one could not escape the dust.
It blew in the open doors, collected in the corners. People choked on it, in some cases, died by it. In the brown wind flew microplastics, radiation, and sewage. The world and her resources were used up, and it would be many millennia before the earth could heal herself. Assuming, of course, that humans disappeared long before that.
The Bleakness crumbled governments; overwhelmed hospitals. The sun, which hung in the sky as a dim disk of light, no longer offered life to the plants nor warmth to the animals. It was so, so cold.
Neman Oxenrider watched the crackling flames consume the rocking chair legs in the fireplace. The power was no longer reliable. In a last ditch effort to preserve the planet, the city had switched exclusively to solar power. Now there wasn't enough sun to go around anymore. They had begun burning furniture for warmth, and Neman--not a wealthy young man by any means--was worried they'd run out of wood soon.
Dad paced in the living room. He was always pacing these days, since he was laid off from the distribution center. The longer he stayed unemployed, the more manic he became. He spent hours every day taking his guns apart and putting them back together, counting the few cans of food left in our pantry, and poring over city maps. He never spoke about whatever it was he was planning, but he was planning something.
Mom, on the other hand, had locked herself away upstairs. Neman hadn't seen her in days, but could hear her infrequent footfalls on the floorboards.
The chair smelled bitter as it disintegrated in the fire. It gave off a bitter, acrid scent of furniture polish and particle board. Neman held quiet resentment. He resented the generations of humans who burned through the world's resources haphazardly, dying before they could reap the consequences of their indulgences. He resented his mother and father for being distant and strange. He resented himself for burning this wood and further darkening the sky outside.
With a deep sigh, his breath clouded before him. He would die hungry and cold, and probably alone.
The lights flickered on, bulbs clicking and buzzing in the few un-burnable lamps. The fire no longer offered the halo in a dark room, but seemed dim compared to the electric lights.
"Power's on!" Dad called out, the first un-muttered words in days. When this happened, people were supposed to ration their electricity, but no one ever did. As soon as one crisis ended, the world seemed to forget it ever happened.
Dad turned on the TV--he wanted to get some news before the power went off again.
No one knows where the strange machines have come from, but they appear to be pulling dust into their turbines. The U.S. Military has denied involvement and is cautioning the public to stay far away from these UFOs until they can determine their origin.
UFOs? The acronym piqued Neman's interest and he turned his head toward the TV. Dad was standing with his arms folded, watching intently.
"Aliens too!?" He guffawed, as if it was some sort of cosmic joke, too terrible to truly be upsetting anymore. He turned his head toward Neman with a smile, but not one of gladness. It was one of cynical frustration. What good would his guns be against aliens?
The images on the TV were fuzzy and far away, the dust's sepia tone obscuring the object in the sky, which resembled a large, floating turbine. Eventually, there were more reported, all over the world. Hundreds. Thousands. Tens of thousands.
The dust cleared, and new machines appeared: flat discs, which formed clouds around them, raining green, earthly liquid from the sky. Hours later, ivy and mushrooms sprouted. They grew around garbage--plastic, tired, old abandoned cars--and consumed them.
The sun was out and bright. People emerged from their homes and squinted to one another.
It took a month.
Mom had descended from her grief nest upstairs and had a renewed energy about her. She apologized to Neman over and over, holding him in her arms and making promises to do better.
It wasn't enough, of course. Three years had passed where Neman had only known his mother as a reclusive zombie. But it was something, more than he ever expected to have again. His father took longer to soften, suspicious of what he called "the eye of the storm." He continued to horde guns and food. Then he started growing vegetables and canning them. This hobby turned into a passion strong enough that he forgot about his survivorist plans. This passion became a vocation, and Dad made sure that everyone in the neighborhood had access to fresh food.
We were all afraid to question the origins of this salvation. The Christians, predictably, credited Jesus for their salvation and patted themselves on the back for all their prayers. They immediately went back to lives of indulgence.
But six months later, after more machines had materialized to clean the oceans, cool the ice caps, and scrub the orbit of dead satellites, those responsible for saving the world announced themselves.
First, they communicated via radio waves to the world's leaders, asking for a joint conference. Each country happily obliged, interested to find out who these anonymous benefactors were and what it was they now expected of the world they'd saved. Additionally, presidents and representatives had hoped to make history by asking these aliens some poignant, quotable question to be preserved in the annals of history.
Neman and his family, now with new furniture crafted by a hobbyist-turned-master woodworker down the street, watched the live conference from their living room.
They expected tentacles, huge eyeballs. Neman had watched too many reruns of The Simpsons, he realized, but he couldn't get the violent green monsters out of his head.
When the alien delegation entered the room, surprise swept over the whole world.
"Jesus, they look like us!" Mom announced as she squeezed Neman's hand. And they did, although their skin was bluer and their eyes were yellow. There were very small additional differences: their hair was thicker and silky, perfectly manicured everywhere it appeared. They were shorter, the tallest of the small crowd a good three inches shorter than President Pompey, a short--but fierce--woman at a mere five-foot-two.
We are a galactic convoy of life preservers. We travel space seeking planets which can sustain intelligent life. We nurture planets with potential. Your Earth had entered an extinction phase common to all fledgling higher beings. We believe that with assistance, Earth can do great things.
The aliens spoke with a gentle cadence and an ambiguous accent, almost Norwegian in inflection, but smooth enough that it felt at home in every ear.
The aliens wanted no payment, they expected no trade deals or treaties. They wanted humanity only to "get well."
2023.05.28 01:30 crocodilewitch Glamethyst is That Girl đŽđâ¨
 | My close friend is practicing gel extensions on me, and we always use my Holo Taco polishes! Glamethyst is so much better in person than I could have ever hoped for submitted by crocodilewitch to simplynailogical [link] [comments] |