Things went about as well if not slightly funnier than I expected. Both Destiny and Lud did exactly what I expected them to do, and shit was hilarious. People outraged by Destiny's tweets and people surprised by Lud's actions are two sides of the same stupid coin. Shit was good funny internet drama, and we all had a fun time and now have a sick clipper community to show for it. Really everyone should be happy. I watch Lud for the funny videos and memes not for a beacon of moral virtue and I will continue that way.

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Chapter 15: For What You’ve Tamed
“We’ve come a long way, Vikri. Let’s finish your story,” Rayner said as he sat down in the same chair, crossing his legs in the same way.; small consistencies that made the task of talking about my past seem a little more routine. “I understand you lost someone important to you that day.”
I shifted slightly where I sat. “Yeah,” I answered coarsely. I grabbed at the poncho hanging over my shoulders. I remembered what it felt like in my dreams. Radiant warmth always seemed to emanate from it. Not necessarily the poncho itself, but Tenga’s memory. I realized that as long as I had those, then he was still here in a way. I’d much rather have him here than his memory though.
Rayner nodded. “I know what that’s like,” he said in a near whisper.
I shook my head. “It’s not just that I lost him. I…I failed,” I rasped. “I could’ve saved him. Maybe if I’d gone back I could’ve gotten the equipment before the fire did. I was too afraid.”
Rayner nodded slowly. “And now you feel responsible.”
I remained silent as I clutched my tail on the couch beside me. Rayner already knew the answer. He pursed his lips. “Yeah…I know exactly how that feels.”
I looked up at him. For the first time, his eyes weren’t on me, but on the adjacent wall as he seemed to ponder something. “You think about all the things you could have done differently. Things that are so obvious in hindsight,” he sighed and adjusted his glasses. “If only it were that clear in the moment.” He looked up at me, clasping his hands together. “So walk me through what happened.”
I could still vividly remember the moment Tenga got shot. Everything happened in the blink of an eye. So quickly in fact, that it even took Tenga a moment to realize there was a hole in his torso. Minutes of continuous tension shattered with a hail of gunfire lasting less than a second. The echoes continued to howl through the mountains long after the bodies met the snow. My friend was fatally wounded, the snow around him dyed bright red with his blood. And I had to leave him.
The entire time I was in the belly of the federation destroyer with danger lurking around every corner, all I wanted to do was to get this done as quickly as possible and get back to him. I was enraged that they’d done this to him and to billions just like him.
“Tenga was all I thought about the entire time,” I croaked. “And I…I was willing to kill everyone onboard to get back to him, even if there was no way I ever could. I… did things I could never have imagined myself doing even just days ago. I tore a chunk out of my leg just to be able to get to the Krakotl pinning me down with a crowbar.” I inhaled deeply, staring down at my reflection in the water, recalling my bloodshot eyes in the reflection of the ship's monitor. The grimly colorful bloodstains in my fur from several different species.
Rayner nodded. “It was a desperate situation. Many don’t see themselves doing things like that until they’re put in a situation where it's necessary. A situation where it's do or die. No one can fault you for that, especially not with all that depended on you.”
“I guess I just…It’s just worrying knowing that there’s a part of me capable of that.”
The doctor tapped his pen on his notepad as he seemed to think for a moment. “Do you worry that you may have violent outbursts?”
I scoffed. “Well, the events of a few days ago provided good grounds for worry.”
Rayner nodded. “Aggression is common for PTSD victims. It can be difficult to manage intense emotions when your mind is already dealing with so much.
I shook my head. “That’s not the person I want to be.”
Rayner nodded. “I know Vikri. That’s why it's so crucial for you to talk about this stuff. The less all of this weighs on you, the better you’ll be able to control those emotions when they arise.”
He finished writing on his notepad before taking off his glasses and leaning forward slightly. “So what happened to Tenga?”
The question made my heart sink. My mind went quiet. The second hand of time sounded like the footsteps of a giant marching toward…something. My body seemed to go cold and numb. “He died…” I croaked, staring down at the table. That was the first time I’d admitted that to myself verbally in such a direct way. “And I tried so hard,” I choked, tears now streaming down my face. “I did everything in my power to save him. I even put Querek’s life in danger.”
I felt the heat. I could feel cold water dripping from my paws as the burning ship melted the frost accumulating in my fur. I remembered the terrifying hopelessness that gripped me as I gripped Querek and pushed him into the snow. He tried to sacrifice himself for Tenga. What if I had let him? Would it have even worked? Could Tenga accept that?
I recalled the story to Rayner, battling to keep my composure. “I…I watched him die,” I choked. “And I was furious. Reese had to pull me off of him. I wanted to do…something, anything, but…he told them not to bring him back. I think he…” I winced at the thought of him considering this. “I think he’d rather have died sacrificing himself over…going rabid.”
Silence perforated the room for what felt like several long minutes. Rayner sat with his legs crossed, his hand propped up against his mouth. He seemed to become lost in thought for a moment before speaking. “I know how that guilt feels,” he admitted quietly.
I looked at him, somewhat surprised. “You do?”
Rayner nodded, rubbing his hands together. “My son,” he said plainly, taking a long pause before he continued. “He and Jesse were very close as kids. Practically brothers.” He tapped on his clipboard with his pen. “I was…not so available in those days. I was a very different man than I am now. I was still in school. I was always busy, always stressed. I hadn't even considered becoming a therapist. I was deadset on becoming a neurosurgeon.” He scoffed at himself, his head gently shaking back and forth as his gaze grew distant. His delivery lacked that matter-of-fact candor I was so used to by now. He was much quieter; less animated. His eye contact was sporadic and he never stopped fidgeting with his pen. Everything about him seemed suddenly mired in an emotion that was difficult to read. That was when I saw everything we'd done over the past few days for what it really was. Rayner wasn't invincible. He never claimed to be. He was hurt; I could hear it in his voice. He wasn't a person reaching down into the mud and yanking me out by the nape of the neck. He was man covered in mud himself. He wasn't an untouchable hero. Merely a guide.
He continued as that realization struck me. “I loved him as much as a father could. But I was so busy that…well I wasn't there as much as I'd like to have been. That put a big strain on our relationship.” He removed his glasses and wiped the lenses a few times before he continued. “One night we got into an argument. He’d just gotten his license. He had an old beat-up car I'd bought him for his birthday,” he chuffed. “A teen’s first car is always…eccentric. Thought it was a great deal at the time.” He sighed and nodded slightly before continuing. “He left the house enraged, speeding down the road. After a few miles, he lost control, swerved off the road, and hit a tree head-on. The airbag never deployed. The car crumpled like a soda can.”
I stared at him, speechless as he concluded in a near-whisper. “He was declared dead at the scene.”
The room felt hollow for a few long seconds. I searched for a reply but couldn't fathom the right words to say. Fortunately, Rayner didn't stay silent for long. “Like you, I blamed myself for a long…long time.” He sighed. “And it nearly destroyed me.”
I stared at the floor, fidgeting with my tail. “How did you…overcome that?”
“Well it didn't happen overnight,” he replied, flashing a brief smile. “It takes time but, at some point, you have to carry on living. You have to continue loving.” His eyes creased slightly as he looked down at his own hands. “You have to keep loving,” he repeated in a low whisper.
Loud silence claimed the room again as his words sank in. He was right. It was either accept what happened or live like this forever. Looking at it that pragmatically, the choice seemed easy. Emotions are never so logical though. It wasn’t as if he relieved himself of that burden either, it was obvious he still carried it. It just…didn’t weigh as much now. Not because it got lighter, but because he got stronger. I eased into speaking again. “I…I'm sorry. About your son.”
Rayner nodded. “I'm sorry about your friend.”
We both stewed in silence for a minute before Rayner spoke up. “We’ll send you home today.”
“You…really think I’m ready?”
Rayner nodded slowly. “I think so. The medication seems to be working, you haven’t had any breakdowns since you’ve been here. You’ve gotten much better at discussing these things. I think you’re equipped to face this now.”
“...I’m afraid,” I croaked.
“Of what?” Rayner asked, leaning forward
“Of…seeing Lucky again. I'm doubting whether I even should. I was never prepared to be her master. I’m just a danger to her.”
“Vikri,” Rayner exhaled and leaned forward. “You made a mistake. We all do. But you have a responsibility to her. You should at least see her and face that mistake, or you’ll never have closure. What you decide after that is your choice, but I don’t think it’ll be as bad as you think.”
“I hope so,” I sighed.
Rayner clicked his pen and set his notepad aside. “We’ve made you some medication to take home, same stuff you've been taking. The plan is to keep lowering the dosage until you’re sleeping without it. We’ve made you some sheets with all the daily doses on them and when to take each one. It’s enough to last you two weeks, then once they’re out, you’ll come back here for another session, then if you need it, we’ll get you more and keep weaning you off them.”
He leaned forward, emphasizing his next words. “And I cannot recommend enough that you go to Jesse’s support group in between our meetings. Those will help you tremendously, I’m sure of it.”
I nodded. “I have his number. I’ll…I’ll give it a shot.”
“You won't regret it,” Rayner assured me. “Jesse was in the same chair as you not too long ago for similar reasons. He has knowledge from first-hand experience. I can vouch for him, he’s a great guy.” He inhaled. “Well, is there anything else Vikri? We won’t be seeing each other again for a while, so if there’s anything else, now’s the time to talk about it.”
I thought for a second. We’d covered almost everything. I’d never discussed those days in so much detail. It felt like being submerged in icy water. It was miserable at first, but over time it became easier, even comfortable. I’d relived so much pain over the last three days, but here at the end of the whole story, It felt less like a nightmare, and more like reality. “No, I don’t think so,” I finally replied.
“Then I’ll clear you to go home. Andrea is here, she’ll give you a ride, I’m sure. Here.” He reached over and handed me a small business card. “That has all my contact information on it. I’m usually here in my office until late at night, so feel free to call if you need anything. If the sedative gives you any issues at all, any side effects, make sure to call and let me know. We followed the recipe to a tee, but it’s wise to be cautious.”
A familiar silence flooded the room as Rayner and I seemed to, for the first time, have nothing left to say. Finally, the doctor spoke. “See you in two weeks, Vikri.”
///////////////////////////////
Golden strands of light danced between the digits of my paw as I moved it in front of the brilliant summer sun. An intense beacon of warmth floating in a sky as blue as Earth’s oceans. The rumble of Andy’s car occupied the air as we cruised down the highway. Vivri was sound asleep in the backseat. The gentle white noise and vibration seemed to knock her out cold. I watched the sunrays dance as I waved my paw in front of me, before turning it around. Several spots on my paw still had obvious scars. I even still had burn scars from the electrical systems aboard the crumbling Cardinal.
I curled my paw closed into a fist and rested my head against it, watching the lush, green mountains pass by in the distance. After three days I was set loose into the world once again, hopefully better armed than I was before. Even after all the weight I doffed from my shoulders in Rayner’s office, a crushing mass still rested on my chest. Lucky.
The weight only became heavier as the car slowed, and rounded a corner into the parking lot of a large animal hospital. Andy gently brought the car to a stop in a parking space in front of the entrance. Occasionally people would walk in and out with their pets, many of which were dogs on leashes.
Vivri stirred awake after we stopped. “Oh…We’re here,” she muttered nervously. “There’s…a lot more animals here than I was expecting.”
Andy chuckled. “It’s an animal hospital girl, there’s gonna be all kinds of critters here.”
I turned around to face her. “You don’t have to go in there. You and Andy can wait here.”
Andy scoffed. “You might wanna tell Rayner they screwed up those meds, ‘cause you’re delusional if you think I’m letting you go in there by yourself.”
“Well I don’t want her to be alone out here,” I argued.
“I’ll go in, just…stay close, please?” Vivri interjected.
I looked back at her, ears tilted. She was dead serious. I sighed and shook my head. “This is gonna be a disaster,” I groaned.
Andy opened her door. “I’ll wait with her in the lobby, you go talk to the vets. It’ll be fine.”
I looked back at Vivri one last time as Andy stepped out. “Alright, just stay away from the cats.” I opened my door and began stepping out into the summer air.
“C-cats?”
“Small felines. They're demons with mind control,” I replied just before closing the door.
Vivri scrambled out of the car and followed right on my heels. “Well don’t just leave me!” she squeaked.
I laughed. “I’m kidding. Well, mostly.”
Walking into the building, I realized that Lucky had been in a very similar place as me over the past three days. The lobby felt eerily similar to the one at the medical center. Everything went silent as Vivri and I walked in. Immediately I could feel dozens of eyes on us. Vivri hid close behind me as Andy gestured for me to follow her to the desk.
I doubted any of the humans there meant any harm, but dozens of binocular eyes snapping onto her in an instant had Vivri more unsettled than she already was. It didn’t help that several dogs were either on leashes or in carriers in the lobby, which were no doubt just as curious. I grabbed Viv’s paw. “They don't see many Venlil,” I whispered. “Just ignore them.”
I approached the desk with Vivri still hiding behind me. “E-excuse me?” I stuttered. The woman at the desk looked up, clearly caught off guard by two venlil standing before her. “O-oh! Excuse me, you must be Lucky’s owner, right?”
“Yeah. Vikri.” I could feel Vivri shivering behind me.
“I’ll let Doctor Gavin know you’re here.”
“Thanks,” I muttered before turning to Vivri. “Are you sure about this?” I whispered.
“Of course! It’s just for a few minutes, right?” Her body language gave an entirely different answer. She seemed like she might faint at any moment.
I looked up at Andy. “Keep her close, would you?”
Andy wrapped her arms over Viv’s shoulders. “Of course. I’ll keep little Vivi safe from all the big, bad puppy dogs and mean kitties,” she said in baby speak, twisting her side to side. She giggled. “We’ll be fine.” Her tone suddenly shifted as she locked eyes with me. “Will you?”
I stood there in silence for a moment. This entire time my heart felt unbearably heavy. Standing there, I felt nauseous. So much so that I made it a point to know exactly where the bathroom was when I walked in. The weight on my chest made breathing a laborious task. I heaved in a deep breath. “I don’t know,” I admitted. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in there but…I have to do this. For both of us.”
Andy exhaled and nodded, seemingly just as nervous for me. Right on cue, the door at the back of the room opened with a heavy click. “Vikri?” a male voice called out. An older gentleman in burgundy scrubs surveyed the room. It didn’t take long for him to find me. He nodded toward me as he adjusted his glasses. “Right this way, please.”
“We’ll be right here,” Andy whispered, her hands still resting around Viv’s shoulders, who agreed with a tail flick.
I nodded and walked toward the man, leaving the cozy waiting room behind, and entering a long, sterile hallway. The doctor’s shoes clicked against the tile as he walked just in front of me. The weight bearing down on my chest only got heavier with each step. After a few agonizing seconds, the man finally spoke up as he stopped outside a door. “I’m Doctor Gavin,” he said breathily, extending a hand. “I performed Lucky’s surgery.”
I took his hand with my paw, which he could no doubt tell was trembling by this point. “Vikri,” I choked. “S-so…How is she?”
“She’s good,” Gavin answered in a higher pitch. “She’s recovering remarkably fast. Really lived up to her name.” He opened the door and stepped through into a kennel area as he continued. “The bullet hit one of her ribs and shattered. A couple of fragments pierced her lung, one of them was just inches from her heart. There’re still a few very small ones lodged in her tissue, but we’d be doing more harm than good by trying to remove them. They shouldn’t cause any issues and come out on their own after some time, but we’ll keep track of them with x-rays.”
As he spoke we passed by kennels, some empty, some with dogs that barked or jumped up on the cage as we passed. I scoured each one for Lucky, my dread building with each one we passed. Suddenly, the doctor stopped in front of me. He inhaled deeply. “I should mention…Given the…circumstances of how she got these injuries, me and some staff will stay with you just in case she becomes aggressive. That’s not to say that I think she will,” he added hastily, “she’s been great with everyone here but…you know, just to be safe.”
“I get it,” I breathed. It made sense. If Lucky attacked me, it would be far more deadly than it would be for a human. And I was confident even a human wouldn’t last long against a half-wolf her size. Fittingly, a group of four humans were gathered at the end of the hallway, catchers in hand.
Time seemed to slow as I approached the pen. The staff members all looked over at me with the same anxious expression. I felt like a prisoner walking toward my judgment, and that perhaps it was me that belonged behind these cages. I swallowed and took a long, slow breath as Gavin opened the gate. He walked in ahead of me. “Hey there big girl,” he said in a chipper tone. I heard the familiar thumping of Lucky’s tail against the floor. Gavin chuckled to himself as the remaining four staff calmly and quietly filed into the pen. Once they were all inside, the final human leaned around the corner, looked me in the eyes for a long second, and nodded once.
A new reality awaited around that corner. My sentence was about to be read. It felt so cripplingly helpless; wanting so desperately to finally be reunited with my best friend, yet trembling at the thought of rounding a corner to run face-first into the consequences of my actions. I steeled myself one last time. I nodded back at the catcher and took slow, deliberate steps toward him. I finally rounded the corner, and for the first time since the incident, I saw Lucky.
She lay on a large, fabric bed, with food and water bowls close by. Her right front leg was bound in a cast, tied up close to her body. A large patch of fur had been shaved away around her chest and halfway up her neck. She seemed thinner than I remembered. It reminded me of the scared, hungry pup I’d met so long ago.
Her eyes tracked onto mine instantly, and I felt an ache that defied all imagination. The same gaze that would send almost any other Venlil scrambling down the hallway instead gripped some inner part of me in a cold, numb stasis. I couldn’t move. Part of me wanted to run to her and spill out how sorry I was. Another wanted to curl up on the floor right there and sob, returning to that familiar numbness that seemed akin to the ancient enemy of life itself. The cold. That bitterness that pierced through fur, through flesh, through bones, and any ideal held by the naive child that sat next to Tenga’s corpse that day. It ran through until there was nothing left.
Then, I felt a warmth as if someone had draped a blanket over me. I gripped my poncho around my shoulders, grabbing it tightly. I made a quiet promise to myself there and then. Not a promise to my sister, or my parents, or Andrea. Me. I wouldn’t lie down in the cold. Never again. One more hill.
“Hey Lucky,” I said, my voice coarse and breaking every syllable.
The silence was abruptly broken as Lucky, though seemingly frail, shot to her feet. Everyone in the room shifted, prepared for the worst. I didn’t dare move, but I could feel my heart pounding in my legs, my body preparing to bolt. The staff watched her carefully, their grip slightly tightened around their polls. Lucky made no sounds, only stared at me, her nostrils flaring as she gathered my scent. Her right front leg was useless, immobilized against her body. She shifted her footing to steady herself. Then I saw something that replaced fear with tears. She was shaking like a leaf, never taking her eyes off me. She could care less about the others. She was scared. Of me.
I felt myself fall off a ledge in a sensation I’d become all too familiar with over the last few weeks. Tears streamed down my face, my breath hitching as I brought my paws up to my face. I fell to my knees, the presence of the staff had become irrelevant. “I’m…I’m sorry,” I exhaled between gasps. “I’m so sorry.”
So there it was. My new reality. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but it was what I expected. I didn’t know what I’d do then, and I didn’t know now. Could I go on without Lucky? She was the one fortress in the turbulent seas of my broken mind. She was the one I could always count on. The one that I knew would always be there, no matter what. Now I was convinced she was terrified of me.
I sat there a shattered mess for a long moment, tumbling off that cliff and reaching out for anything to catch myself, but found nothing but jagged stones. I felt a hand on my shoulder, Doctor Gavin attempting to comfort me, I assumed. Until I felt something touch my knee. I looked up, thrown out of the spiral abruptly. Lucky was now just in front of me, licking my leg. I froze, confused. She gently laid down, careful of her bandaged leg as she rested her head on my leg, looking up at me. That was the same leg she’d broken months ago. Finally, I got it. “I hurt you, and you still loved me.”
A wave of relief rushed through me and I looked down at her, eyes glossy with tears. I bent down and rested my head against hers. I laughed, though it sounded more like a sob. For the first time in days, I felt whole again.
Lucky still loved me.
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The Conqueror
He was aboard the Conqueor, training in that majestic vessels Fighting Pits. Akurduana, his sworn shield, was being rough with him today. He had only left Lieutenant-Commander Fabius' Medicae on the Pride of the Emperor the day before and Tessarius' jabs and kicks were opening sutures.
"Throne of Terra Tess," he yelped as the Astartes dealt him a savage punch to the ribs. "Can't you give me a moment to breath!?"
Fulgrim's Muse was answered by a backhanded fist that sent him sprawling onto the sand. The Muse lay there, sucking in sand and air in equal measure. Then he felt Akurduana lift him gently by the neck and stand him up.
"The Primarch wishes you to be combat ready darling. I will mold you into a perfect combatant to fight beside her. I can not fail in this task as you are mine own charge. To do anything less than that would be beneath me."
Tessarius Akurduana smiled at the Muse as the man found his breath and legs once more.
"I'm a Remembrancer Tess. I writre stories of the Primarchs great deeds of heroism and glory so they might live as long as her. I'm not a warrior."
"You are not," Akurduana smiled. "Not yet"
Another hour passed. Akurduana pulled his punches as best he could, but he was still a Trans-Human. A warrior of the Adeptus Astartes. What was the Muse to someone like that besides a bag of meat waiting to be turned into a wet smear on the ground. Lieutenant-Commander Fabius had done surgeries on the Muse at Fulgrims behest. He was akin to some of the Primarch Lorgar or the Lions oldest companions. But he was no warrior. He was a writer. A Rembrancer.
"Come now my friend," Akurduana cooed lifting him up by the nape of his neck. "Still more to learn I think."
No.
"No," the Muse said, battered and bloody.
"I do not relish this task darling," Akurduana frowned. "But Fulgrim has seen me to it...another hour at least."
"NO," the Muse shouted, feeling something well up in his chest and escape through his mouth.
Tessarius Akurduana was sent flying through the air, a billow of sand following him. The World Eaters in the other pits stopped their duels and stared for a moment before the Butchers Nails drove them back into their frays.
The Muse rushed to Akurduana's side.
"Tess! Tess!? I'm sorry...I...I didn't know!"
As the Muse hunched over Akurduana, noting the horrible bruising on his chest the Astartes started to laugh through broken teeth. Lumbering to his feet Akurduana put a hand on the Muses shoulder.
"That," he said spitting a mouthful of blood into the sand at their feet. "That is something we should practice. Another hour darling. Do. That. Again."

I have struggled for a year with CPAP. I have tried every mask suggestion: nasal, nasal pillows, hybrid (all brands), full face (multiple types). I really want the hybrid masks to work, but they all felt like they leaked and that kept me awake. Many of the masks had straps that sat around the base of my skull/neck. And I have a generally stuffy nose (I've had two deviated septum surgeries and I just have a narrow nose) so I want to breathe through my mouth. Enter the chipmunk cheeks. I should also add that I have a muscle condition, so I don't have hope for "strengthening" my cheek muscles. I tried chin straps that were thick and kept my cheeks from puffing out, but that was just another thing putting pressure on my head/neck, causing headaches. Like I said, so much struggle. Anyways, I decided to try again (mainly because the medical supply company called and was going to send new tubing and such, and I felt guilty that I had stopped using the CPAP in the fall). I learned that there was a new hybrid mask, the reamed Airfit P40. It was just released this spring and looked like it had really good reviews. So I figured I'd give it a shot. Ok, definitely the most comfortable and didn't have any leaks around my skinny nose (using the size medium mask). And the standard size headgear has the back strap at the crown of my head (as opposed to the nape). Now I still had the chipmunk cheeks problem. Side note, my husband had a procedure that required him to change a dressing with gauze. I suddenly thought about stuffing gauze between my cheeks and the face straps. It worked. I finally was able to sleep through most of the night. I don't know why I never thought about that. I'm a nurse and I use gauze all the time. Tomorrow at work, I am going to get split gauze because it is softer than regular gauze. But they also sell it at most drug stores! Anyway, for those struggling, I struggled and gave up and struggled some more for a year. But I finally got this thing to work! My sleep doctor will be so happy with me!
Tl;dr I got the Airfit P40 and stuffed gauze between my cheeks and the face straps. No chipmunk cheeks while breaking through my mouth. This would work with any CPAP mask that lets you breathe through your mouth.
Don't give up, you got this!

For my whole life, my hair has been a mixture of straight and wavy, with the majority of the waves being centred around the ears and nape of the neck. I’ve tried a hand full of products but I think my hair is now on the thinner side (I lost a bunch of hair due to hypothyroidism) and a lot of products make my hair look wet/oily. My hair is naturally a bit oily, and I wash every other day. I find when my hair is short, it’s less frizzy, so I’ve kept it that way for a while bc it’s easier.
I’ve tried to include a variety of photos of my hair over the years, as it’s very different from day to day.
I’d love advice on how to make my hair look more consistent (all straight/all wavy). I’m open to trying new products, just looking for some informed suggestions!!
In most of these photos, I used generic/Pantene/etc shampoo and conditioner but recently I’ve been using shea moisturize shampoo and conditioner and a leave in from Marc Anthony (photo 1, 6, and 13).

For the last 2 months I’ve had mysterious dreams about life events( I’m a student and young), Things that are comming up and things that seem feasable to happen. All of them seem random but all have one thing in common, A man that looks like the picture presented with a few key differences: He is short about 5’7, he is stocky and husky, he has a thick and dense upper face, a snapped and sparse beard, Bald headed except for a streak of thick hair running from the centre of his forehead to his nape. He often appears in places I would not be able to foresee him, like walkong with me down a school hall or laying down in a hospital bed on the pther side of a room I am in. He also has a weird body language, his lips barely move and his expressions always display a sense of dissapoontement, even when looking up at me. Yesterday, I fall asleep late into the night as usual, I feel a sense of dread as I start dreaming, I’m at a fair or carnival of some sort in a field close to my town. I see my friend, a skinny 6 foot guy with a slavic look. I walk to talk, it takes a while, once he sees me, he shows no expression at all, “Hi” is all he says with a cold and distant expression. I do my routine, ask how hes been and whatever,”Mhm” “fine” are all that escapes his lips. I walk around with him following close, I stop at a stand which sells something(can’t remember), As I check on him I notice him visibly start to change, hair is longer, beard too, I ask him if he’s okay: “Whu-yes”. Like an algorithm trying to fix a glitch he stops midway realising he is slipping. I go around the fair and try to ignore this. I walk to an area that has only a few people and no sounds st all. It happens again, He is now fully the spitting Image of the lepor, pickled looking skin, nasty blue eyes which are covered by his brow like a primitive baseball cap. He looks at me and grins, I recognize him, I say “What”. His lips contort and his voice box crackles, his throat makes a wheezing inhale before he begins quitly rehearsing with a laboured expression “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Sand in the dessert”. He stops there looks deeply into my eyes, his eyes are not human, like a goat’s, and spotted onto his rhettinas are patterns of yellow colours, excentuated by his blue eyes. I am scared as shit, I accidentally wake myself up before he gets to finish the speech. I just woke up and the same deal happened however now he got to the “wrinkled lip”. Any interpretations or advice, this shit is scaring me, every time he begins soeaking I feel like I am in danger of what follows.

I have been buzz cutting my head for over 5 Years. Always no guard fully closed clippers. I finally bought myself a pair of nice clippers (babyliss lithium fx and babyliss fx trimmers). I figure if they last me another 5 years like my Amazon ones did I’m cool with spending that money.
Anyways , I want to start fading my hair . Likely a 1 on top and skin on the sides.
Any advice on how I can go about doing that?
As in steps ? 1. No guard fully closed , 2.no guard half way on the fade control lever , 3. No guard fully open on the fade control?
Any advice on how I can keep my hair as short as possible on top and then fade the sides?
Thank you

Hi everyone. I just ordered my new clipper, and trimmer and i wanted to know how you guys would go around doing this cut i had. I know the fade is a mid-fade and i can watch a youtube tutorial for that, but its more about when the sides connect to the top. Would you do scissor over comb or just use a guard on all of it? Also do i just use trimming scissors for the top diagonally or is there some other way you guys would do it? I know it wont be as good when i do it but i hope that in a year or 2 i would be able to make something similar.
Thank you!
https://reddit.com/link/1cs18ku/video/fa3c3aae4g0d1/player

Hi,
I have went on a few canoe trips and really enjoy canoeing and I want to get into it more. I am buying a Clipper 16’ Ranger Canoe Thursday night, and will be driving it ~2.5 hrs on the highway to bring it home.
I have a Toyota Corolla with no roof rack. I plan on setting the canoe on the roof of my car with pool noodles on the gunwales where it touches the roof. Then I plan to use two straps and put each strap through my doors on either side to secure it. Obviously I also need to secure the stern and bow, but I am unsure where to tether it too. My car has no hitch receiver.
Can you attach the strap to the inside of the trunk and under the hood? How would you recommend securing the front and back of the canoe to the car?
Any input is appreciated.

1. Start using 3-in-1 shampoo/conditionebodywash. Narrowing the task of a shower to one type of soap helps fight executive dysfunction and you only need to remember to buy one thing at the store.
   
2. Get a potato sack, write "I hate babies" on it, and put it at the bottom of your shirt drawer. When you run out of clean laundry your only remaining shirt will be one so uncomfortable and socially suicidal that you will be forced to do laundry.
   
3. USE GPS TRACKERS. I put one on my keychain and another on my wallet and I have used them sixteen times this week. Also make sure you have "find my phone" set up in addition to taping a tracker to the back of your phone case.
   
4. Learn to hotwire and you will never be two hours late to work due to missing keys.
   
5. Buy a hundred fingernail clippers, pens, rolls of tape, etc. and throw them everywhere. Put 5-10 in every drawer and then toss a few into the cracks between the cushions of your couches, under desk, etc. until it is impossible to never find one when looking for it.
   
6. Put your alarm clock on the other side of the room. Even when half asleep you are smart enough to disarm any alarm, but if you have to get out of bed to turn it off it increases the chances that you will stay awake for good.
   
7. Get a key jar. Spend an hour throwing your keys into the jar, taking them out, and throwing them back in. Eventually the habit will become a habit so strong you will throw your keys onto the floor when you enter other people's homes too.
   

Below is the opening to my solo playthrough of Phandelver and Below. I've never played the module, but I was introduced to D&D through one of it's many actual plays, and I've always wanted to play the story myself. I thought it would be fun to use my semi-familiarity with the story to run a solo game, allowing me to simultaneously practice my writing. The opening is meant to detail how the Wave Echo Cave was found by the Rockseeker brothers, and explain why my characters are willing to help old Gundren. Below you'll find my version of how the cave was rediscovered and get introduced to my first PC, a young gnome with dreams of becoming a wizard, Erkyfrune 'Kyfrune' Filkor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it!
​
The Lost Mine of Phandelver
A Solo-Play RPG
Nundro Finds the Cave
Gundren Rockseeker finalized his order with Umphrey Baggort’s General Goods shortly before the midday bell. He had a few hours before he’d be meeting Sildar at The Widow’s Tankard to go over their planned route one last time. They were to leave for Phandalin in the morning. There he would reunite with his brothers, Nundro and Thardin, and return to Wave Echo Cave.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He still found it hard to believe they had found it. Five-hundred years it remained hidden, and all it had taken to locate it was Nundro’s constant clumsiness. He’d tripped, seemingly over nothing, and rolled down the side of a cliff, crashing to a stop amongst an outcropping of large boulders. Gundrin and Thardin had rushed down to him, only to find Nundro laughing like a madman, the dripping blood from his broken nose smearing across his mouth and beard, making him look like a cannibalistic court jester.
“Listen!” He’d shouted, blood spraying from his lips. “The waves! Do you hear them?!”
Gundren, sure Nundro had finally cracked his head one too many times, was hearing nothing more than the sloshing of his own addled brains, but Thardin lowered himself to the stoney ground and pushed his ears against the boulders.
“He’s right, Gundren,” Thardin said, ear still pressed against the large stone, “It’s as if the very Shining Sea were trapped underfoot.”
Nundro stood there, smiling, dripping blood into the dust and stone. “Wave Echo Cave,” He whispered, “It’s ours!”
They’d camped there amongst the boulders, using their picks and shovels to chip away the ground around one of the boulders enough to get their pry bars wedged solidly underneath. It took all three of them, hanging and hopping from the bar like the rumored monkeys of Chult, but they managed to shift it enough that gravity took hold and yanked the giant stone down the embankment, where it shattered amongst the less regal hills surrounding the eastern edges of Phandalin.
It took all of the next day to clear away enough of the stoney ground to reveal the small tunnel entrance that had been buried beneath rubble, rock, and passing time. The sounds of crashing waves seemed enormous in the silence surrounding them.
“We can’t simply walk into there with lanterns and a few day’s rations,” Thardin had said. “We’ll need to set up an excavation camp, which will require a trip back to Neverwinter.”
None of the brothers wanted to leave, but Gundren and Thardin agreed Nundro deserved to stay, being the true locator of the legendary site. They flipped a coin. Thardin won, and Gundrin left the next morning for Neverwinter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He’d gotten nearly everything prepared for his departure. There was just one final order of business to take care of, adventurers willing to see the wagon safely to Barthen’s Provisions. And, if they proved capable and loyal, perhaps they could be hired on to clear out the cave on the inevitable creatures that had occupied it during its many forgotten years.
He listened as the final ring of the city bells reverberated into silence, then turned north, heading towards Filkor’s Gadgets and Repairs. There he knew he would find at least one willing adventurer, assuming the boy’s father would let him leave the safety of the shop.
Kyfrune
Erkyfrune Filkor sipped his tea while his father adjusted the small spring in his latest iteration of a years-long obsession.
“I’m telling you Erky, I am this close to figuring it out.” His father, Erkaline, said. The it in question being a nail clipper capable of transforming itself to meet the varying needs of any fingernail, claw, or talon. “Once I finally figure it out, we can move out of this dump and into a properly respectable district. It’s not right for the descendants of Elisytris Filkor to be living in squalor. He was quintessential to the Forge of Spells, you know!”
Erkyfrune, Kyfrune to anyone besides his father, knew this very well. He’d heard the story more times than he could count. Who knew if there was any truth in it, but he loved his father, and feigned interest again, if just so he would be able to concentrate on the story and let his fingers work their talented tinker’s magic.
His father was just getting to the part where Great-Grandfather Elisytris single-handedly took on a trio of raiding bandits and their evil wizard overseer when the three bells above the storefront sounded, signaling a customer, one Kyfrune and Erkaline knew well. Gundren and his brothers had been coming to them for years, always in need of some intricate tool or another to assist in a prospecting project. Kyfrune had always felt a spark of envy for their adventurous life, delving into the ruins of the past for lost treasures and tomes. The latter interested him in particular, for even though his father disapproved, Kyfrune wanted nothing more than to learn the mysteries of Mystra and her magical weave that permeated the very fabrics of reality. Already he’d learned a few spells, and had even recently conjured his first familiar, a celestial wolf spider, he lovingly referred to as Walter.
“Couldn’t you have conjured something less…disgusting? A cat would have at least had fur.” His father had grumbled when Kyfrune had shown him his new magical pet.
“Walter has fur,” Kyfrune had argued.
“Nothing with eight legs should have fur,” his father had replied, shaking his head and returning to one of his seemingly infinite projects. “You should focus more on your craft. One day, you’ll be the Filkor that the sign out front is referring to.”
Kyfrune wasn’t a terrible tinker, but he’d never be capable of the wonders his father could produce. Besides, tinkering was Erkaline’s thing. He never said this, of course. Being a good son was just as important to Kyfrune as learning to bend the energies of the multiverse to his whim.
“Gundren! What can I do for you my friend?” Erkaline asked, removing the magnifying glasses he wore when working. “Need some more of those explosive crickets? How’d that first batch work for you?”
“Howdy Mr. Filkor, Kyfrune, everything going well I hope?” Gundren asked, removing the floppy hat he’d always worn since Kyfrune had known him.
“Can’t say I can complain, anything that’s wrong I just haven’t gotten round to fixin’ yet, and what can’t be fixed, can be made anew” His father laughed at this old joke, and Gundren, the kind patron he was, laughed along as well, even though he’d heard this one probably every time he’d come to the shop.
“Too true Mr. Filkor, your capable hands are powered by an even more capable mind. I, ah, am not actually here for any services you’d normally provide. I’m actually wanting to offer Kyfrune a small job,” Gundren turns to the younger gnome, “I’ve heard you’ve a decent grasp of the weave, any truth in those rumors?”
Kyfrune, bringing the cup of tea to his mouth for another sip, was caught off guard by the unexpected question, and spilled most of his remaining tea over his work shirt. Rather than answer Gundren, which his ever-present social awkwardness would have caused him to stammer meekly through, he waved his hands over his sodden shirt and muttered a simple incantation. The tea, lemon ginger with lots of honey, simply faded, leaving his shirt dry and spotless.
“That’s quite the trick, any bandits or goblins with brains in their skulls would run screaming from such deadly powers,” Gundren laughed, not unkindly. “Seriously Kyf, do you think you could provide protection for a wagon of supplies I’ve ordered? It’s not going far, just down the High Road a ways and east along the Triboar Trail, to a small settlement called Phandalin. It’d need to be brought to a gentleman named Barthen. He owns Barthen’s Provisions, and will pay you 10 gold once you’ve delivered the wagon. Normally I’d go with it myself, but I’ve got to meet Nundro and Thardin as soon as possible,” he leans closer and whispers, “We’ve found something. Something pretty big. If you do well with the wagon, maybe I could bring you in on the excavation of a legendary site, thought to be lost to time.”
“You can’t mean-” Erkaline began, but Gundren cut him off with a curt wave.
“Best not to speak of anything now. Ears and eyes are known to be anywhere, and I’m not wanting any competition. What do you say Mr. Filkor, can you spare young Kyfrune for a week or so, two out the most?”
Kyfrune looked to his father, who rubbed his large nose and pulled at his forked beard, largely white now, with only a few streaks of the once inky black that had been its original color. He wasn’t going to beg or plead. He loved his father, and would do as he bid, but oh sweet Mystra, please let him say yes.
“I suppose, if you can promise it’d be no more than a week or so, I could spare my apprentice,” his father began, then turned to Kyfrune, “But Erkyfrune, you listen and listen good. I never liked your messing with this magic nonsense, but I understood your youth. Consider this your pilgrimage into the world of adventure. Upon your return, I expect you to set aside these childish fancies and start putting the work in that is necessary for you to take over the shop. Agreed?”
Kyfrune’s heart somehow managed to soar and plummet at the same time, leaving him with a momentary feeling of unsteadiness. To finally be given approval to venture forth into the world, a world that wanted him to wield his magical abilities, only to have the approval tethered to a promise to walk away from his dream. His father’s serious eyes looked at him expectantly.
“Yes, Father. Your terms are agreeable, and I thank you for allowing me to experience an adventure before settling into my destined path.”
His father’s gaze faltered momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure, turning to Gundren, “Well Gundren, it would seem you have yourself a wizard. You’re not planning on sending my boy out on the road alone are you?”
“Of course not, sir. He’ll be accompanied by at least two more souls, although I’m not sure of who they are as of yet.”
Erkaline smiled, “I’m sure the great city of Neverwinter will provide you with a couple more adventurers for your quest.”
Gundren nodded, then placed his hat upon his head. “I’ll need Kyfrune at The Widow’s Tankard by ninth bell,” he looked to Kyfrune, “ I’ll have the contract ready and’ll buy you dinner. I’ll show you the route you’ll need to take, and, perhaps, I’ll fill you in on more of the details.” His eyes glinted with excitement. “Be well Mr. Finkor,” he said, then walked out the door. The three bells above the door sounded very loud in the quiet shop. Kyfrune turned to his father, who was putting the magnifying glasses back into position and settling himself at his workbench.
“I suppose I should pack my things,” he said.
“I suppose you should son,” Erkaline looked up from the nail clippers that he hoped would change his and his son’s lot in life, “Be careful, okay. Take in the world, experience your adventure, heck, shoot off some of those spells you know, but please, be careful.”
Kyfrune walked around the bench and hugged his father tightly, then walked upstairs to his small room to pack. He’d never felt more excited in his entire life.

In an extreme internet world, where you’re either a socialist or a nazi, Dman’s actual balanced takes of “neither is good”, clearly ticks off both the far left and right, who tend to be more vocal yet reactionary than centrists.
More frustratingly, despite D’s community being 85+ iq, and willing to engage in ideas, we almost NEVER see discourse being around ideas, which we’d excel at, because of ragebait like “TDS”, “n-worder”, “genocider”, “cuck divorcee”.
Recent clips have helped a TON. They go viral, and should keep coming. But, a more permanent defense strategy is needed. We have NO TOOLS to run defense with.
Problems:

1. Actual positions are misunderstood. Ex., stuck arguing facts of I/P, leading to the belief of “Israel’s greatest warrior”, where it’s a both sides criticism.
   
2. Ragebait dominating discourse. Daliban running defense is an auto L without weapons.
   

Solutions:

1. Clippers. “Just Wikipedia?” Did wonders. We need one for each ragebait attack. THEY NEED TO BE STICKIED IN THE SUBREDDIT FOR EASY ACCESS WHEN RUNNING DEFENSE.

*** I’m thinking one stickied “Combat Common Misinformation” Thread. One comment per topic, And the best defense will be comment replies that get upvoted. ***

1. Dman needs to list out his actual positions in text form. Notes don’t work. Nobody is going to read it. It needs to be screenshot-able, in the form of:

TOPIC: FACT, POSITION, STEELMAN.
Ex. “I empathize with the perspective of preventing more war casualties, however, after my research, given X facts from Y sources, leads me to believe that though Israel has committed A in the past, this current situation is B.”
Whenever someone says “Genocide Supporter”, I need to be able to just provide a counter screenshot or link.

1. Dman needs to PROVIDE CONTEXT FIRST, before raging. Even if he was in the right in the end, bringing in QT in that recent Twitter fight was a massive, massive optics L. Not enough people cared about the followup, D was ratio’d hard already. WE NEED AMMO TO BE ABLE TO RUN DEFENSE FIRST BEFORE STARTING A WAR.

FYI, this is a story COLLECTION. Lots of standalones technically. So, you can basically start to read at any chapter, no pre-read of the other chapters needed technically (other than maybe getting better descriptions of characters than: Adam Vir=human, Krill=antlike alien, Sunny=tall alien, Conn=telepathic alien). The numbers are (mostly) only for organization of posts and continuity.
OC Written by Charlie Stastarrfallknightrise,
Typed up and then posted here by me.
Proofreading and language check for some chapters by u/Finbar9800 u/BakeGullible9975 u/Didnotseemecomein and u/medium_jock
Future Lore and fact check done by me.
The plot thickens!
Previous First Next
Want to find a specific one, see the whole list or check fanart?
Here is the link to the master-post.
The Rundi pilot maneuvered his ship around a chunk of space debris, cutting low as he watched the slow and leisurely path of the rocket as it began on its trajectory towards the moon. Radar was almost impossible to use in the deadly debris field these humans called an orbit, so it was up to his eyes to make out any incoming hostiles.
They circled low and then wide around the slow-moving rocket, keeping their distance while also keeping an eye out. It was easy enough, as the drone was covered in cameras and sensors, which allowed them to see from almost every angle. A human might have been better at this, but right now they were the only ones they could trust.
[…]
A green folder rested atop the lectern as the President of the UN gave her halting, and to the chairwoman it seemed, unenthusiastic speech. The humans down below didn't seem to notice, making her wonder if she was simply imagining things, though a part of her said that was not the case.
She had been suspicious of the UN president from the very beginning, the very beginning when she was given power after the first launch of the enterprise, and they had been forced to deal with her during treaty negotiations. At every step there seemed to be some sort of obstacle, something wrong, some reason that the humans could just not accept. It went on behind closed doors and in quiet whispered conversations. But luckily for them, people like Adam Vir and Admiral Kelly had been there to smooth things over between the two factions.
The chairwoman knew better than most, that there were only a few humans in the galaxy holding everything together.
And the last thing she wanted was bad relations, or to go to war with this species. It would be a nightmare.
She shifted in her seat as she listened to the speech. The valley below her still had traces of smoke let off by burning so much fossil fuel at once. She imagined that such a stunt wasn't entirely great for the atmosphere of the planet, though as far as she knew humans tended to run on sustainable clean energy these days.
The Chairwoman stepped down from the little podium and into the back where she could not be seen, leaning in so she could hear the words whispered from her assistant,
"The drones are deployed, and so far we have not met any resistance.”
She nodded slowly,
"Good work, keep an eye out."
[…]
The UN president felt her fingers digging into the soft paper of the green folder. The red one was lying discarded under the lectern, and she was having trouble concentrating, forcing herself to remember that this wasn't over. She glanced into the crowd, expecting to see that strange white face staring up at her from the throng of people, but there was nothing.
Had she seen it as in her imagination, or did she really see an alien face staring back at her?
She glanced upwards, towards where the rocket had vanished, only half paying attention to the practiced words that dribbled from her mouth. She finished her speech and the people below clapped and cheered heartily, though she didn't much feel like clapping with them.
She turned on her heel and walked down to the back of the stage to where her entourage was waiting for her. Admiral Massie was sitting on one end and Admiral Kelly was sitting at the other, the two of them doing their damndest to ignore each other at all costs.
She sat down next to Admiral Massie, arms crossed over her chest as he leaned in to speak with her.
"That didn't exactly go as planned."
He muttered softly.
"It will if your men are ready."
She snapped back, her palms cold and sweaty.
Admiral Massie nodded,
"Of course, they should come out when they reach the densest part of the debris field, that way we can make it look like some unexpected collision."
He glanced towards the lectern,
"So I would keep a hold of that red folder of yours."
On the other set of chairs, Admiral Kelly was giving them a sidelong glance. Everyone knew that she was in Admiral Vir's camp, licking his boots at every opportunity. It would be within their best interest to keep silent when she was around.
The UN president leaned back in her seat,
"You should be on your way, Admiral. We will have time to talk later."
He stood and nodded slowly,
"Of course madame president."
He turned to walk away, catching the eye of Admiral Kelly as he stepped past. The two of them didn't much like each other, though as the head of the OGI (Office of Galactic intelligence) Admiral Massie had enough pull to keep Kelly in her place.
The UN president turned her head away. Not wanting to draw attention to herself.
[…]
Admiral Kelly glanced over at the UN president as Admiral Massie passed by. There was something about those two spending time together that she didn't like. Granted it was more than likely the two of them were having some sweaty, wrinkly liaisons out of hours which she didn't really want to think about, but if that was the case then he could easily be pressing his planetary isolationist views off on her.
Kelly did not think highly of the UN presidency. Right now, it seemed mostly concerned with power and political favors with the people, rather than doing the right thing. Plus, she found the president herself to be superficially charming, but easily manipulated by the wrong people. Fear mongering worked the best on her, which is why she worried about Massie and his effect on her to begin with.
She found herself digging her nails into her palms as she thought about it.
”Please help us.”
Admiral Kelly shot up in her seat looking around as she tried to find the source of the noise, or the voice. She turned in her seat expecting to find someone whispering in her ear, but there was nothing. She pressed at the implant along the side of her neck wondering if someone had called her and she just hadn't noticed?
”Look up.”
Jolted again, lifting her eyes towards the sky and the burning sun. She threw up a hand to block her vision, and as she did, she thought she saw a shape floating there against the backdrop of the sun.
She squinted hard trying to make it out but was having trouble.
”Now look into the crowd.”
She turned her head down, still not sure where the sound could be coming from, but as she looked into the crowd, she saw a strange sight. One of the people was wearing a dark hoodie, and was turned away from the direction which the rest of the crowd was facing. Their hood was pulled low, but ever so subtly, they lifted their head to reveal a porcelain white face, with large dark eyes.
Admiral Kelly went very still as she stared at the starborn.
“Not a starborn, a halfbreed. My name is Eris, I am Admiral Vir's... daughter”
Oh... oh, yes she had heard about the starborn hybrid from one of his reports.
"What do you want."
She mouthed quietly.
“We need your help, the UN president is planning to have Admiral Vir Killed, and Admiral Massie is on his way to make the order, please, you have to do something."
Admiral Kelly jolted to her feet, very quickly glancing at the UN president in shock and horror before she was able to capture her emotions. The UN president looked up to her sudden movement, and Admiral Kelly had to fight to keep her face neutral as the woman looked up at her.
"Are you feeling well Admiral?”
She could feel the sweat dripping down her face and the nape of her neck, but she remained as calm as possible as she took a deep breath,
"I... Am suddenly very dizzy. I think it's the heat."
"You should sit down, have someone bring you some water."
The woman said, her voice calm and clear as if she hadn't just ordered the murder of Adam Vir.
"No I... I think I need to walk for a minute and find some shade. You will excuse me?"
The UN president shrugged and turned back to staring at the sky, giving Admiral Kelly time to step forward and hurry after General Massi's retreating figure.
[…]
General Massie stepped into mission control and walked down the blank empty corridors. No one was here, they were all either in the control room or out celebrating the successful launch. It had been a sight to see, two-thousand-year-old technology working for one more time, but personally General Massie saw it as completely obsolete and a useless waste of government capital.
That was something they could have been using to help fortify earth's defense nexus. Out of all the useless things Admiral Vir had supported, at least he had agreed that they needed SOME form of defense against extraterrestrial attack.
General Massie made a face…
Though he wouldn't doubt Admiral Vir would have been totally fine leaving their planet with its pants down in order to let those Xenos fuck them over.
Everyone and their dog knew that Admiral Vir preferred alien cock over his own kind.
The thought made Admiral Massie cringe.
It was a well-kept secret among the UNSC, but the man wasn't nearly as secretive as he liked to think he was. Rumors of his infatuation with the stupid blue beetle alien had reached command almost as soon as it began. The only reason they didn't allow it to leak was that it would make the UNSC look bad to the rest of earth.
And Jupiter how he hated that man.
Stupid, juvenile egotistical xeno fucker!
Today was the day all of that came to an end!
He cut right, just before the doors to mission control and walked down two more hallways, finally opening a small side door into, what might have looked from the outside, like an equipment closet. He stepped over a mop and bucket and sat down at an old console, which he fired up with the flick of a button.
"Flight 1 this is Earth 1 over."
"Roger earth one this if slight one, in position over."
He turned on the screen, giving himself time to look the radar over, as twenty dots appeared on screen. Those were twenty Thunderhawks they had slowly appropriated over the intervening year.
With a place as big as the universe to cover, it was pretty easy to lose a few jets in the shuffle. He could see them now, illuminated as little green dots on his screen, hiding in the debris.
"Flight one this is Earth one, Operation “After Apollo” is go. Now remember boys and girls, make it look like an accident. Over."
*"Roger that Earth one. Over and out."
[…]
"You TRAITOR!"
Admiral Massie spun in his seat, eyes wide and wild as Admiral Kelly stood in the doorway. She could feel her skin growing hot with absolute rage as she stalked forward over the open floor. In one hand she held up the small recording device Conn had handed to her outside the building, and on it held proof of this man's order. On the screen behind him twenty little dots burst to life.
She was too late.
The man slowly got to his feet as Kelly aimed her handgun at him, her grip steady, her aim true.
"Call off your dogs."
She snarled,
Admiral Massie slowly lifted his hands, before slowly leaning forward in his seat towards the intercom button. She stepped forward, watching him intently as he leaned over the console pressing down on the button.
"Flight one this is earth one..."
Her eyes flickered up to the screen waiting to see them pause.
But before she knew what was happening an elbow came up striking her on the hand and causing the gun to spin out of her grip. Admiral Massie turned and tackled her to the floor, his nearly 300 lb body crushing her to the floor.
The wind was knocked out of her and she gasped as he struggled to pin her to the ground.
Her hat had flown off and her bun became undone as he drew back a fist to punch her. She was able to block it with her forearms as he raged and went for her face. The blows rained down on her from above with an onslaught of power she wasn't expecting but should have.
She took another gasping breath, and then with a surge of adrenaline she bucked, throwing him forward where she grabbed one of his arms and bucked again, forcing him to his side and onto his back. Still gripping his arm, she threw herself sideways, throwing her legs over his chest and struggling with his arm to pull it flat.
He kicked and grabbed at her legs with his other hand painfully gripping her calves as his nails dug into her skin and drew blood. The pain was incredible, but she finally got his arm down tucked tight to her chest, her legs across his chest, and then she jerked her hips sharply upward.
Admiral Massie screamed as his elbow snapped backwards.
She let go of him and scrambled towards the console, but at the last moment he grabbed her by the foot and hauled her back to the ground, one arm hanging limp and useless at his side. He clawed at her with one hand, and she rolled onto her back, kicking up at his face with her boot catching him square in the chin.
He staggered back as she crawled to the console and reached to adjust the frequency, ready to call in lunar support.
There was a sharp click behind her, and she froze, turning in her seat to find Admiral Massie standing behind her gun held in his good hand.
Blood leaked from his nose and down onto the front of his uniform, staining the grey fabric red,
"Nice try, Kelly."
[…]
Donovan Red waited, spinning slowly as he watched the progress of the distant rocket. Inside his helmet his breathing was cold and calm as, ranging all around him, his other men and women waited as well. Their ships had been outfitted with proper weapons as they had ridden here in the cargo hold of the Omen. The group of them weren't soldiers or trained fighter pilots, so he didn't imagine this would be easy, but it was going to have to do.
"Red, this is Apollo 11 do you copy?”
"Yeah Cinderella, I copy."
"See anything?"
"Nope not a..."
He paused,
"Wait..."
There was something, something he thought he saw detach itself from another piece of space junk,
"Hold that thought Apollo."
He detached from his own bit of space junk and inched forward.
A thunderhawk? What would one of those be doing here?
It began to accelerate.
He accelerated after it.
Up ahead the rocket was growing larger and larger in his view.
“Thunderhawk has made lock.”
The cool female voice said from his console.
"Oh shit, Admiral r-“
He didn't have time to finish his sentence as a small ball-like-silver ship came pelting down from nowhere, blasting the Thunderhawk in the wing with a sharp burst of laser fire. It's wing exploded and it went careening in the opposite direction as the silver ball whizzed past.
"What the fuck!?"
He turned to fly after it, but was stopped.
"Red, this is Wendy, stand down that's a Rundi UAV."
"Rundi? I thought it was the Rundi we were worried about!?”
He called in confusion.
"Yeah, but that thunderhawk had locked in on Apollo 11. It looks like the Rundi are helping."
He grunted and cursed under his breath,
"Boys and girls, if you see a silver ball stand down, those are on our side."
Just then another Thunderhawk shot over his head. He cursed again and pulled himself into a sharp upward turn cutting after the Thunderhawk and locking on. His lock cut off their attempts to shoot down the rocket, and they were forced to dive under as he followed after. He followed, spinning right and left around debris as the Thunderhawk attempted to escape.
It cut upward, just in time for a bright pink jet with graffiti words on the side to shoot out of nowhere.
The Thunderhawk exploded in a cloud of debris as Wendy roared by.
"Good shot, girl!”
He said over his radio.
"Thanks boss. Now let’s give them hell!"
[…]
Admiral Vir floated before the console, knuckles white and unable to do anything. A silent explosion flashed in his vision to the right as quickly as it had begun. Richards and Chavez started with wide eyes and dropped mouths.
"Admiral what the hell is going on!?”
Adam took a deep breath,
"It seems as if we are under attack."
The two of them exchanged glances,
"From who? What the fuck!?!"
Adam turned where he stood to look at the two of them,
"I am sorry I got you two into this mess, but the isolationists have been gunning for me for a few months now, and it seems as if now things have come to a head.”
"What are we going to do!"
"Radio Houston."
Chavez hurried to do as ordered, but when she did, they heard only static,
"Shit... Something is jamming our coms."
Adam took a deep breath,
"Well I guess all we have is Donovan to protect us. Lets' hope they do it right."
[…]
Admiral Massie laughed,
"You're as dumb as you look Kelly."
She stood, slowly wiping blood from her cheek as she turned to look down the barrel of the gun. Her own gun.
She didn't generally tend to agree with Massie, but this time he did have a point. Surprisingly though she was very calm,
"You aren't going to get away with this."
She glanced over to where the little silver recording device lay in the shadows under one of the chairs.
Massie was too amped to notice.
"Doesn't matter. I will have done my duty to my planet and my people, saving them from alien lovers like you and that bastard Vir."
"Whose Idea was this, the President or yours?"
She held her hands out to the side.
"Do you think that dipshit was smart enough to come up with a plan like mine?"
Kelly raised an eyebrow,
"Is it wise to incriminate your friends along with you?"
"That bitch? Heh, I could care less. And if I am going down, she is going down with me. The president may think it was all her idea, but it was mine all along, she was following my orders, whether she believes it or not, and once Adam Vir and YOU are dead, then it doesn't matter what we did, because diplomatic relations will dissolve, and it will be all over."
He lifted the gun to her face,
"Goodbye Kelly."
She remained very still as the shadow fell over him from behind,
"May I say one last thing?”
He paused.
"Turn around."
"Very funny!”
He lifted the gun again and pulled the trigger.
There was a sharp crack and thud as metal hit metal. Kelly flinched and held up her hands, but opened her eye after a moment as no pain came.
Admiral Massie lay on the floor face down.
Kelly reached down quickly to grab her gun, looking up to where Sunny was standing in the doorway holding her pearlescent white spear. Behind her floated the starborn Conn and the hybrid.
She took a deep breath,
"Great timing you three.”
Sunny nodded,
"Anytime."
Admiral Kelly turned and lunged for the comms, switching the frequency to the lunar station only to find she couldn't get through,
"Damn it."
She cursed, turning to look at Sunny and the others,
"I was too late, the ships have already been deployed."
She paused and looked down, grabbing the recording device from off the floor tossing it to the hybrid who caught it with some difficulty,
"Run that to one of the media outlets, convince them it is important and leak it as soon as you can. We don't want her to have time to cover her own ass."
Eris nodded and shot off in the other direction.
Sunny knelt down to help her restrain Admiral Massie.
Just then the sound of feet came thundering up the hall and they looked up to see the Chairwoman of the GA and her assistants skid around a corner. Sunny's eyes narrowed as she crouched low leveling her spear.
"Did you catch him?"
The Chairwoman asked,
"No thanks to you."
Sunny snarled, but the chairwoman waved her off,
"I lost contact with my drones, but they should be out helping to protect Admiral Vir. I am sorry I couldn't do more, but it was all I could do not to show my hand too early."
Admiral Kelly stood slowly,
"You knew about this?"
The charwoman shook her head,
"Not this specifically, but I have been trying to find the source of the assassination attempts on Admiral Vir's life. I've had discreet escorts on him for the past few months while I tried getting in contact with my people in the criminal underworld and I called the hit on him with those pirates, knowing who Captain Kell was, hoping that he could get more information out of the pirates that I could."
Sunny stared at her rage flickering across her face,
"You called a hit on him!"
The charwoman did not seem perturbed,
"Those pirates couldn't have... How do the humans say... Hit their way out of a paper bag. I have been attempting to come in contact with the leader of the anti-alliance for the past few months. I have been trying to convince them I am on their side, and that was part of my ruse, as well as knowing Admiral Vir was captain Kell. During my investigation it became clear that someone within the UN was involved though I couldn't have said who."
"And why should we believe you aren't just covering your own ass?”
The chairwoman hissed,
”Do you really think I want to make an enemy out of the strongest species in the galaxy!? Not on your life! I am not stupid. Besides, I owe Admiral Vir my life. I admit I have done some irreparable things in order to keep the alliance going, but those moves were calculated, and Vir was always protected.”
[…]
One of the silver UAV's exploded and Red had to dodge to the side to avoid the flying debris. He cut right and then left keeping as fast as he could possibly go as he cut up through the chunks of metal and locked onto the back of a Thunderhawk. There was a sharp click and then a silent explosion which he rolled out of the way to avoid. He had sent one of his men off to make contact with earths forces for backup.
They were good, but these men and women were made for combat, and despite their best work only four out of twenty of them had been destroyed, and their numbers were dwindling fast. He cut right before one of the Thunderhawk’s, forcing it to turn away from the rocket and cut down in another direction. He could only imagine the fear of those inside the rocket as they watched helplessly at the fight raging on around them.
He spun down and under, cutting off another Thunderhawk coming in the opposite direction.
There was no way they were going to keep up with this for long.
Their only chance was earths forces reacting quickly.
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Want to find a specific one, see the whole list or check fanart?
Here is the link to the master-post.
Intro post by me
OC-whole collection
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Thanks for reading! As you saw in the title, this is a cross posted story written by starrfallknightrise and I'll just upload some of it here for you guys, if you are interested and want to read ahead, the original story-collection can be found on tumblr or wattpad to read for free. (link above this text under "OC:..." ) It is the Empyrean Iris story collection by starfallknightrise. Also, if you want to know more about the story collection i made an intro post about it, so feel free to check that out to see what other great characters to look forward to! (Link also above this text). I have no affiliations to the author; just thought I’d share some of the great stories you might enjoy a lot!
Obviously, I have Charlie’s permission to post this and for the people already knowing the stories, or starting to read them: If you follow the link and check out the story you will see some differences. I made some small (non-artistic) changes, mainly correcting writing mistakes, pronoun correction and some small additional info here and there of things which were not thought of/forgotten or even were added/changed in later stories (like the “USS->UNSC” prefix of Stabby, Chalar=/->Sunny etc). As well as some "biggemajor" changes in descriptions and info’s for the same stringency/continuity reason. That can be explained by the story collection being, well a story collection at the start with many standalone-stories just starring the same people, but later on it gets more to a stringent storyline with backstories and throwbacks. (For example Adam Vir has some HEAVY scars over his body, following his bones, which were not really talked about up till half the collection, where it says it covers his whole body and you find out via backflash that he had them the whole time and how he got them, they just weren't mentioned before. However, I would think a doctor would at least see these scars before that, especially since he gets analyzed, treated and goes shirtless/in T-shirts in some stories). So TLDR: Writing and some descriptions are slightly changed, with full OK from the author, since he himself did not bother to correct these things before.

I'm really struggling with lifting my canoe by myself. It's 67 lbs - a fibreglass Clipper Tripper-S. I bought a hitch rack that allows me to load one end and then swivel the front end around onto my roof racks. It's really easy once the first end is on the rack. But I'm having a hard time lifting the narrow end of my canoe while it's upside down.
I have to balance it on the pointy tip, as I lift the other end, which is heavy and awkward, and it just wants to swivel and flip right side up. I can't seem to keep it upside down and lift it high enough. I've watched so many videos but they make it look easy.
I wonder if I can stabilize the tip that's touching the ground somehow, so it will stay upside down. I tried fastening my little wheelie cart to the gunwales near the end and it helped but it was really hard to attach the cart and not have it slide off as I'm flipping the canoe upside down.
Any suggestions?

First Issue!

• Author's Note: Hello! Yes I am not dead, yet! And so we march on with the series! I still have more college work to do until I'm done, but we're getting near that. Also I'd like to officially say that Issue #61 can be considered as an official end OF a BOOK 1 for Beast World. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!! I SAID end of book 1 NOT the series! We shall continue on, soon enough. So, relax, enjoy the read and if you like what you see, you can support me on my ko-fi page! This is also where I post art drawn by me of various characters from Beast World or other series or one shots I write!

The night before Michael's departure was one of various mixed emotions, that melded into a concoction of both cheer and anxiousness. The human and his tribe of tuskir would share food as they aided their newest member in his preparations.
Woh and Oinna worked carefully together to prepare several vials of poison, diluted with water, as well as a few herbal medicines.
Zurra and Azhul would work the forge, daughter and mother stoking the fires of their smithy's hearth to finish up a steel knuckle duster that the older woman had been preparing to forge from before. After replacing the metal rods on his leather bracers with steel and studding the leather for extra reinforcement, the two put forward their creations for Michael to dawn, to which he was greatful.
Urla and Runhar would share more of what they know about the Rock Backs or what to expect of their leader, but the discussions from before already covered most of that information.
After all that could be done had been finished, a fresh leather backpack of supplies was provided to the human with a few extra tools, besides his own belongings, and then all that remained to do was for them to steel themselves.
Maybe not everyone realized the implications of this separating venture, but one knot that could build in their throats would be at the realization that their newest tribe member was about to leave and depending on how things would fare... he might come back unharmed and with stories plentiful in detail of what happened, he might not return to them at all or, at worst... he'd be befallen by a fate they'd not know of.
A final meal together was being held, most of the people of the tribe awake, decided to remain as such and hold out this white night with Michael, waiting with a discomfort that was palpable in the air. As the time of reckoning was slowly coming upon them, the relaxed attitudes of all involved began to stifle and die down.
Vodra and Nushii were situated closest by him, the latter curled up in a half asleep ball next to Michael, rather than sitting. Runhar, Ghura and Azhul, sat further to his sides, their sitting positions, curving around the fire they all encircled, with Oinna, Zurra and Urla being on the other side of the slowly dying flame. And of course, Woh, unlikely to leave herself out from this gathered vigil, was sat atop Michael's hair, camouflaged partially by his thickened curly locks. Nobody knew what to say, there was nothing easy to bring up, but doubt and uneasiness in one's heart might lead them to speak their mind, out of a compassionate worry.
Zurra was the one bearing a heavy seed of doubt and fear in her breast. As she held tightly onto a metal mug full of steaming broth, she took a brief sip of it as her gaze lifted to look at the grouping around the fire. "We certain this be the correct choice? We coulda 'bandon de Hay-yen group, the whol' allyin' with 'em plan... it is too risky to... well, to do this!" The elderly sow spoke, her voice not showing her usual furious anger derived from passion, but instead upset, born of frustration, fear and uncertainty.
"It might be, but I want to do it. I've been thinking why am I doing this to basically save a group of people with whom we were basically at war a month ago. Their upbringing by their leading shaman and elders is not an excuse for their actions, but wouldn't it be nice to get them a chance? A chance that they are also willing to take, even if they feel skeptical about our intentions and us about their?" Michael looked at Nushii who slept and then exchanged a glance with Vodra who gave a slow nod and blink back.
"Bah! These two's exceptions an' ya kno' that." Zurra said as she then sat her mug down on a crate forcefully, spilling a bit of the contents.
"There ain' no point in arguin'. The deal was struck an' backin' out now will jus' give us headaches with the Rock Backs." Gharna said with a snort which vocalized better than any words that she wasn't thrilled either about this.
"Aye, ma'. Ya kno' already when he makes up 'is mind ta do somethin' he sticks to it worse than blood stains on cloth. Heh... same type-a stubborness that got 'im stuck fer hours keepin' yer forge stoked." Azhul added with a chuckle as she looked at her mother than at Michael, who smiled and laughed with a tired tone.
"Even if we don' like it, we have already all agreed to help make this happen. Otherwise I don' think we'd have put the efforts we did towards preparin' Michael fer da trip." Runhar interjected as well as he sipped his own broth from a bowl.
As the consensus from before had been reaffirmed verbally, the group had fallen quiet once more, in a silence that showed the stewing emotions that bubbled below it. Michael felt it too, he knew what these situations were like from having to deal with them with his own family.
"Well, while I'm gone, hopefully not long, I thought it would be good to get some things done, even if not everything gets finished, I'm thinking that we should keep to a... hm... how to word this? A time line?" The human said uncertain on how to properly put his thoughts in words. Certainly would seem unlike him to struggle with this, but only when his guard was down. In this moment there was no immediate threat, so he was as true to the real him as he could be.
"Oh? Afraid things will stagnate while you are gone due to some of us being uncertain of the situation? Although I certainly appreciate yer concern, none shall remain still while I am here. What have you been thinking of?" Urla asked from her seated position, her inquisitive questioning being as cold as her usual tone.
"Well. I believe there's two things that are need to get done. Integrating the remaining Hay-yen and starting up with trading goods. We still have hos-... injured refugees that are being treated, due to their... shakey condition, right? We need to see that they can adapt to their situation like Nushii and Vodra did. Maintain aid and contact with the Hay-yen settlement, I think this would be best done by working together on things you and they need, maybe repairs and expanding a bit." Michael would say certain of his thoughts on the matter.
"I wasn't going to wait for you to ask, but we'll try to help with that as well. I believe it will be... emboldening to see us work along Tuskir for the others." Vodra said while looking at Nushii. Soon after she'd meet Michael's gaze, with a glint of important purpose in them. "And hence we know not what happened with the old shaman, we could also focus on geting a better grasp on that, as well, since we've been discussing about it."
Michael nodded in agreement, his expression showing that he was pleased with Vodra's additions to his points.
Urla would nod as she listened before clearing her throat. "I see the point. We'll be doing our best here, so make sure you return to us in one piece. That is an order from me to you, as your den mother, Michael." The old sow spoke with utmost seriousness in her tone.
"Understood, Elder Urla." He replied with a cheeky tone, a faint smirk creeping up on his lips.
Soon after the human's reply, the slow steps of Yenna approaching could be herd in the crisp silence of the night. The young Tuskir moved with stuttered and tired steps as he came about closer, holding Michael's phone in one hand and a carving of wood in the other.
"Got your fill of references?" Michael asked with a soft smile as Yenna handed him his phone, tucking it into his leather backpack.
"Aye, but tis ain't based on 'em... keepin' those in me workshop. Drew a few sketches in coal based on 'em, too." The young tuskir said with a tired huff. He then held up the tiny wooden statue that depicted an elderly scars covered tuskir, with a billowing cloak and two handaxes.
Michael looked at it as his heart knotted with a renewed sorrowful melancholy. He held up his hand as his expression asked wordlessly if he could hold it to which Yenna handed it. The human looked at it closely. The carved tuskir struck a pose of on guard and ready to attack, the expression although hard to read for Michael, the eyes were shown with a guardian's battle focus carved into them.
"It looks just like the old man... you have an amazing hand Yenna." Michael said while looking the statue of Spek from all angles possible. Unknown if by accident or if by unconcious choice, Michael ran his digits under the statue's base, feeling it to have been carved up.
Turning it upside down he glanced at carved letters in the Tuskir's written tongue, which to him looked akin to unreadable scratches. Before he could even ask about their meaning Yenna spoke, almost solemnly.
"Tough Hide Spek, The Forever Guardian." The young tuskir said as he sniffled while seating himself near Michael.
"Looks like a good piece, brother." Gharna said from the side with a soft proudness to her voice.
"Indeed. Where are you thinking of putting it?" Michael confirmed his own feelings of admiration towards the small sculpture.
"Thought ya could hold onto it, a reminder o' us fer while yer gone. I was useless in that fight, hidin' with the younger piglets an' guardin' 'em... actin' as if it got to it I could protect them... while you all were layin' yer lives down, fightin'. This is the only thing I'm good at... you were close to 'im so I thought it would be only natural that he look over ya for us." Yenna said with a pain of his own in his words as he verbally flagellated himself over his helplessness.
"Yenna. Don't be harsh on yourself, everyone's got their talents. Yours will be most important." Michael then stood up in a very official manner and he put a hand on the young tuskir's shoulder. "You'll actually make yourself invaluable. You'll be pretty much carving all the handles for the steel peelers we will be selling. And to make the sales go better I recommend making them with engraved designs in the wood or even carving random names into them, since some people love buying stuff like that."
At that point Yenna looked back at Michael, the previous glint of emotionally charged energy dissapearing from his gaze while the unhearable echo of a mute glass crack seemed to make the young tuskir wince. "I'll be what?!"
"Yes." Michael said with a small proud smile as he nodded and patted Yenna on the back.
Gharna couldn't help herself, so she let out snorts, chuckles and short squeals as she giggled. "W-well hah! Ahem... pft... blood brother, you always did say you liked to carve things daintier than plain handaxes..." she added in a teasing tone.
"By the Hunt Father, that sucks for ya Yen-yen." Azhul said trying and succeeding a bit better at masking her chuckles. Still, the large tuskir woman's giggles would be interrupted by a slap on her furred nape from her own mother who seemed to hear her. "AGH! What was that fer?!"
"Who do ya fink is gon' be makin' the blades?" The older buff sow asked while looking at her daughter with mild dissapointment.
Azhul took half a minute longer than she should have to spit out an answer. "Us?" She said while Zurra stared at her with mild dissapointment, giving a single solemn confirming nod. "Oh-... ohhh.... Uughhhhhh... us..." she said with a premptively exhausted tone, as she came to this realization, with a deflating snort and groan while facepalming.
Azhul's reaction managed to rip chuckles and hearty laughs from most of those around, Michael laughing hard enough to nearly keel over from it. As the human took a moment to calm down, the corner of his eye would be greeted by the first wisps of light presenting themselves on the horizon. The moment he saw them, his jovial laugh seemed to drop, his eyes looking at the slowly crawling rays of light as if they were telling him something.
"Well... it seems like my time has expired. I'll... uhm... check my shack once over and make sure I didn't forget anything." The human said as he took a glance into his leathet backpack and then slung it over his shoulders.
"Ah-... alright. We'll start cleaning up here and when we're all done, we'll see you at the gate." Runhar said as he finished his broth, his tone betraying his own insecurities despite supporting this final plan.
Michael nodded back to the captain before taking a few moments to grasp a half asleep Woh and untangle her from the curls at the top of his head. Although he tried not to wake her, the amphoran woke up blinking lazily one eye at a time before her gaze focused on Michael's face.
"Aaagh~... is the borin' talking done, yet?" She asked while stretching relaxed inbetween Michael's digits, then groaning and going limp much like a sibling would when carried by the older one.
"Yeah. And I'm also preparing to leave. Sun's about to come up so I need to get to the Rock Backs." The human replied with a chuckle at the display before leaning down to set Woh on the seat he previously occupied.
The little amphibian humanoid held onto his digits as if to protest the release. "You promise yer comin' back, ye? I've got years o' hugs and cuddle naps I gotta make up for and I'm needin' ya for that." She said while slowly letting go and curling up on the seat, her gullet inflating as she croaked with exhaustion.
"Mhm. Don't worry. I'll come back and that's a promise I intend to keep." Michael said giving Woh a few scritches onto her back, at which the amphoran let a few low and quick croaks akin to a cat's pur.
"Good... an-... don't take too long... otherwise I'm latchin' myself to your face and never letting go, kero..." Woh said while struggling to stay awake, her conciousness fading as she'd doze off.
Michael smile as he laughed silently responding with a nod before making his way to the shack he called a home for the past while. Inside the ex-storage hut, he'd give the place one final cursory glance, making sure to pack a few clothes he nearly forgot thrown about. Once that was done with, as he was about to turn and exit, the door would creak behind him.
Vodra, together with a half awake Nushii, waltzed in slowly. Michael, unsurprised, would turn and smile as he rubbed one of his eyes. "Eh? Going to sleep already? And here I thought you'd see me off at the gate."
"Nushii's about to keel over asleep again, so I thought it'd be good if she was at least in our beds. I for one am not a fan of things such as seeing someone off in a group." Vodra said while leaning against a creaky wooden wall.
Nushii would stumble a bit before flopping herself onto Michael, who, despite being startled, manages to hold himself and the half asleep Hay-yen up. "Why ya need to go? Who are we going to listen to music with as we sleep, eh? Screw the others... my cousin is a doo doo head anyways..." she mumbled and groaned while nuzzling her head into Michael's hair while closing her half open tired eyes.
"Ay... don't say that. Sigh... I know what it is like to have toxic family members... there's no excuse for the things they did, but that doesn't mean some of them can change, ya know? She was really fired up back at camp. She at least seems to want to have you around. Give it a go and see how you feel about it, then decide if YOU want her in your life, ok?" Michael would say while scratching one of Nushii's ears with a hand and petting her shoulder with the other. "Also... please get off... I feel like my bacl or my knees will give out... p-please." He groaned.
Nushii would let out an affirmative yawned yap like noise, although hard to tell what exactly she was agreeing to. She'd push herself off of Michael and then flop onto one of the beds, sniffing about and crawling her way into a curled up position, smack in the middle of Michael's bed.
The human giggled at the sight as he began making his way to the door, where Vodra stood leaned against the wall. "I uhm... wanted to thank you... for everything." He'd say looking at Vodra as he whispered his words.
"Thank me? I should be the one doing that." Vodra replied in the same low tone.
"Well... I wanted to thank you for all the help you've given around, for trusting me, for co-operating in the beginning... for not slitting my throat in my sleep once you two were out of holding, heh." Michael said with a clearly jesting tone towards the end.
Vodra listened silently as her ears would lower, her head turning to look at him. "I see. I feel like I am the one that owes you... thinking about it... it sounds foolish, but getting taken hostage was the best thing that happened to me. Before that I found myself not really caring about much... I just wanted to do what I had to do and sleep... because at least when I was asleep I didn't feel miserable. Now... I'm actually relatively eager to see what I'm doing when I'm awake."
The Hay-yen woman took a moment to glance at Nushii, who had settled in and appeared to be asleep, as she then gazed back at the human and with a rather stiff and awkward motion she's lean forward her massive and hunched frame, pressing her forehead against the side of his face and her snout into his neck. "When we talked about The Devourer... before that... I never even considered if it was not true or fake or at least... not my truth... not what I wanted to believe in. I just accepted it and resigned myself to the fate I was preached to end up with... if not for you... I'd still see each day as a bleak and empty moment of a pointless existence." Vodra said as small whines escaped at times between her words, a wetness taking to her eyes, that Michael felt against the side of his face.
The human would acknowledge Vodra's subtle burst of emotions by wrapping an around her neck, rubbing the top of her head between the ears. "I struggled with something like that to... the feeling of living for no reason only to know you'll die and that the end might be horrible. The faith of my specific tribe of people back home preached of their beliefs in a bleak and depressing manner, too. I hated it and 'cause of it... I still fear death now, but I've been getting better, you will too. No true Gods would want their mortal children to be miserable, instead they'd want them to learn to live satisfied and enlightened lives and... if there's no Gods that await us when it is all done... at least we know we lived in a good honest way, that we deemed fit and that made us happy."
Vodra didn't reply as she shook lightly against Michael, instead listening content. She'd pull her head back to look at the human, half his face covered in a mix of stray fur hairs mixed with a wetness produced by her tears. As if by instinct she'd give his mug a few licks to clean up the mess before pulling back. "Well... y-yeah. That's what I'm thankful for." She'd say as her usual collected self would start showing again. "Now, get going. Don't want those Rock Backs to go back on their deal 'cause you're arriving late. I need to catch a bit of rest anyways..." The Hay-yen would say as she went past Michael and then curled up on her own bed.
"Sleep well." The human replied as one last faint smile rested upon his lips as he exited the hut, the door creaking as he left.
His lonesome steps made the mix of grass and dirt bemeath his boots to crackle and slosh as he walked. Still, Michael didn't hear them as his mind thought of the situation that was awaiting him. Nobody he could trust would be by his side, he'd have to fake his true self for the purpose of apperances and maintaing their ruse.
'Heh... and here I thought I'd never be the type of person to pretend to be someone he isn't, for the sake of gaining something. Sigh... there's a first for everything, I guess. I said the same thing when I was younger about smoking, yet I fell into that myself. Eeeeh... I could go for a smoke... if I had any left.' Michael thought as he then bumped into something akin to a soft pillar.
Taking half a second to recover from his broken focus, Michael looked at the obstacle he bumped, quickly realizing it was actually Azhul. Confused, his mind quickly came to a possible conclusion to her sudden appearance near his old hut. "Oh- Sorry for taking a moment longer to linger! Was saying goodnight to Vodra and Nushii. Took a second longer than I thought."
"Heh. Aye, yer spot on an' no worries. I just wondered if yer reconsidering this whol' thing. Wouldn't blame ya if you just wanted us to fight it out wif the Rock Backs. It'd make things easier honestly." The large young sow said with a clearly jovial tone, albeit with a tinge of exhaustion to it.
"Heh. I couldn't ask that of you all. We barely made it through that ordeal and not without paying hefty prices... all of us." Michael said in a easy tone that tried and failed to hide a bitterness he still held in himself.
"... Michael. Spek wouldn't blame ya fer his death, truly... Ya kno' that, right?" Azhul said in a softened tone as her ears flopped slightly, a small huff leaving her flat snout.
"I know. I discussed this before. I just... it's not wether he blames me or not... it is wether I can stop blaming myself for it." Michael said with a strained face, his expression seeming to tense, his nostrils flared as he pressed his lips together tight, his eyes shining from the moon light with the glaze of tears that coated them, still and unshed. "So, I'll do my best to care for you all... like Spek would have."
Azhul looked Michael in the eye and after he took a moment to release the tension in his body, the large Tuskir woman, went on to wrap her arms around him and embrace him. He'd pull the human's head into her chest as a three fingered hand grasped his back, the other resting onto the crest of his head.
"Eh?! Azhul?! Didn't you say this is somethi-" Michael yelped muffled from the embrance, his previous sombre mood entirely changing, simply from how sudden the hug yhay enveloped him was.
"Aye. Somethin' ya don' just do with anyone, for tuskir that is. Ya hoomans do it for multiple reasons, ain't that about right? Consoling someone, sounds about right as one o' 'em." The built sow said while slightly tensing her arms around him, as if afraid he'll slip from her grasp. She rested her head on top of his, taking a second to sniff his hair lightly.
"Ah-... yeah... that'd be a reason. Heh... thank you... this... does help." Michael said as he wrapped his own arms around the tuskir woman, although unable to fully wrap them around her.
Azhul huffed repeatedly quick and short as her flat nose nuzzled into Michael's curls, before she looked up, staring at the starry sky while still holding him. "Oi. Ya make sure you come back in one piece, ya hear? And don' go dying, getting nabbed, fallin' fer some ditzy nobody's schemes or anythin' that'll keep ya from coming back to... to... to us, ye?"
"Heh. Don't worry. I'll make sure as soon as I'm done there, I'm coming back ASAP... ah... you'd not know what 'ASAP' means..." Michael said from the hug with an awkward laugh.
"Eh. Presume it's some word that's supposed to mean that you'll come quick or as soon as possible. So don' worry. I getcha." Azhul said as she seemed to take a few moments longer before letting go of Michael, the hand that wrapped to the human's back, now lagged behind a moment longer before letting go with a twitch in the tuskir woman's digits.
Michael realizing it wasn't the time to explain acronyms, nodded as she smiled with a relaxed exhale. "Yeah. Just about that. Well. Let's go then. Don' wanna make the others have second thoughts as well." He'd say while starting to walk in the direction of the gate. Still, Michael stopped immediately as he noticed Azhul was still turned back and unmoving. "Ah... you're not coming?"
The large sow seemed frozen for a few moments, her previous hand still semi outstretched forward, as if reaching for something in the air. After her digits twitched once more and a louder sligtly snotty sounding huff escaped her flat nose, Azhul stretched and let out a yawn. "Ah-... w-well... huff ...I already said my piece. Gonna go ahead an' get some sleep." She replied as she then began heading in the opposing direction at a slow pace.
"Oh, right. Rest well and take care! I'll miss ya and your mother! Hope we can forge more stuff together when I'm back!" Michael replied with his spirits properly uplifted.
Azhul staggered her steps at his words, as if from exhaustion. "... C-Can't wait. Come back already." She said as she waved with the back of her hand, still going her way to rest.
Michael nodded despite knowing she couldn't see him as he then headed to the gate. There more words, encouragements and goodbyes were exchanged by all members of the tribe to their departing pink member. After a last awkward moment of half muttered sentences, Runhar had the gates opened, Michael stepping out towards the darkened forest.
Before he got too far and the rest of his tribe closed up their little safe haven, the human turned to them and in the dim light of the few torches around, he said: "I'll miss you all! See you soon!"
From there his departure felt as quick as the wind, as his form faded into the black nothingness of the forest at night. All of a sudden, the time this stranger turned friend spent in this little settlement, in the middle of nowhere, felt a little shorter than before, but not any less important to all involved.
Next Issue!

It’s obvious nobody wants to stay in this middling tank position that we’ve been in the last few years. We have three primary directions to go this offseason:

1. Do the same thing for another season, which will be extremely unpopular. Keep roughly the same team around. Be competitive ish through the all star break and then try to tank for draft position when we realize we are a low end play in team at best.
   
2. We can truly embrace the tank for a full season. This would require us to trade Lauri, because he’s just too good to be a bottom 5 team. He’d also command a really nice return because he would fit wonderfully on any playoff team that wants an efficient 2nd/3rd tier star. If we give our young guys starter minutes the entire season, we’ll likely be one of the worst teams in the league. Try to get a top 3 pick in the 2025 draft with some potential at drafting high end talent like Flagg.
   
3. Take the big game hunting seriously. See if any star level player is available to pair with Lauri. A high end star doesn’t seem super likely, but I think we could realistically get someone like Brandon Ingram, KAT, or Dejounte Murray. On the free agency side, I’m curious what we could get. We’ve heard previous whispers of Miles Bridges which could be unpopular for multiple reasons, but talent wise would be an upgrade. I’m also intrigued at the idea of offering Paul George a larger contract (risky though with his age). Probably unlikely but I’ve always loved his game and it sounds like he’s not on the same page with the Clippers in his contract situation.
   

Curious to hear other thoughts on which of these three options is most likely to happen, or which option you would prefer to happen.
P.S. Fuck the Rockets

The main force of Praetorians steadily tracked down the road from Westbridge Crossing, neat red ranks escorted by armored vehicles and small detachments of scouts from each battalion (a new development directed by the Colonel). Meanwhile, miles away from both them and from the safety of Westbridge’s defensive lines, the five black-uniformed and armored Praetorians of Team ARTEMIS gathered around a tree stump in the slowly melting snow as the sun started to approach the horizon. “Let’s review the plan,” Lieutenant Idena Verona said, unfolding a small map and laying it on the tree stump. “The T’au have a small listening post in the hillside approximately one mile from our current location, here. Colonel Burton’s men identified a likely command center here, and a radio tower here, hidden by the treeline. Our task is to destroy it without the T’au getting off a message that we’re there. We know there’s natural cover all along this side due to that rock face, and they have sentry drones along here. That’s why we’re going to go in from this direction.”
Sergeant Virginia Woolworth nodded. “I’ll take the left with you and Raycraft, ma’am,” she said, pointing to a small hillock overlooking the post. “We can approach from here and have a good firing position.” “And I’ll blow the tower while Violette covers me,” Corporal Rachel Darling said with a nod of her own. “Correct,” Idena said. “But don’t detonate the explosives until we give the signal that the T’au are changing guards. They’re likely to change watches just after sunset, which gives us just enough time to get there. Once the tower’s blown and we’ve picked off the guards, we go in fast and quiet, clear each room, and then collapse the place – bring the hillside down on it.” Darling grinned at the prospect of detonating the entire complex. “Say no more, ma’am.” “Good. Let’s move,” Idena said with a nod.
“Comms check,” Corporal Lucy Raycraft said into her vox-headset. “Loud and clear, how me?” whispered Specialist Violette Wake-Stewart’s voice in her ear. “Have you the same,” she replied, tapping the tiny microphone control. “Ready to crack this tin of corned grox, Sarge?” she asked Woolworth with a smile. “Ready as ever,” Woolworth replied thinly. The team of two and the team of three split ways and proceeded to each side of the small grey concrete building under the eaves of the rocky hillside, and Raycraft took her place beside the LT and the sergeant. Idena had unslung the long sniper rifle on her back and fitted a noise and light suppressor to it, crouching down beside a frostbitten bush for cover as the sun inched below the horizon. She could see the two fire warriors in their winter camouflage standing guard outside the building, shifting slightly in place as they waited. “Relief section’s coming in,” Woolworth said quietly. “I see them,” Idena nodded and shifted to a prone position. “Take positions.” Raycraft and Woolworth took places near her and steadied their lasguns. “Tower team, status?”
Darling slid softly down a snow bank and up to the foundation of the tower, which was surrounded by a thin fence of barbed wire. “Violette, got the clippers?” “Got them,” Wake-Stewart said quietly, sliding beside her and taking out a set of wire cutters. After checking to see if the wires were electrified, she snipped them one by one, allowing Darling safe passage inside. “I’m going to circle around this side, give you better cover,” she said, as Darling shrugged off her pack and began to place three small blocky explosive charges on the tripod legs of the radio tower. “Tower team, status?” crackled the LT’s voice. “Planting charges now,” Wake-Stewart replied. “Going over the ridge line to get a better view for cover.” “Negative, hold position,” Woolworth cut in. “The sentry drones have visibility on the ridge, remember?” “Okay, didn’t know that,” the redhead muttered.
“It was in the intel briefing. You did read the intel briefing, right?” asked the sergeant, not sounding amused. “Of course I did,” Wake-Stewart said, spotting a sentry drone and pressing herself against the hillside. The line was silent for a moment except for a skeptical throat-clearing from the sergeant. “Alright, I didn’t read it, I skimmed it, happy?” she said, rolling her eyes. Idena’s voice broke in. “We can talk about that later. The guard section is about to change now. Stand by for –“ Her transmission was drowned out by a deafening boom as the radio tower’s legs detonated in a ball of flame, bringing the spindly metal structure down in a heap of scrap. “What the – fracking hell, weapons free!” Idena shouted into the comms. “Corporal, what in the hells were you thinking?” “Sentry drone would’ve spotted the explosives,” Darling said with a shrug, visible only to Wake-Stewart as the two of them sprinted down the bank, shooting behind them at the now-agitated sentry drones. “Didn’t really have time to ask for permission.”
Idena clenched her jaw in frustration as she squeezed the trigger a third time, nailing the fire warrior she was aiming at directly through the sternum. Three of the four fire warriors who had been outside during the guard change were now dead, but the fourth had run inside to warn the others – exactly what she hadn’t wanted to happen. “We need to move in now, not wait for more of them to come out,” Raycraft said, and without asking, slung her lasgun and vaulted the hilltop. Woolworth looked like she wanted to punch someone, but she couldn’t argue with the logic, so her and Idena ran after Raycraft, reaching the door and stacking up on both sides. “Breach on three,” Idena ordered, having switched her rifle for a lightweight las-carbine repeater. “One – two – three,” and Raycraft shot the lock off the door. Simultaneously, the other door into the facility blew off its hinges with a bang as Darling detonated another small charge. “Tally-ho and all that,” the corporal said with a smirk as she shot two T’au in the process of rushing toward the door to investigate the noise. “LT, we’re in.”
The remaining T’au inside the facility proved little obstacle, either falling to lasgun shots or Raycraft’s combat knife. As she finished gutting the facility commander with her knife, she turned back to the LT. “Think that’s the last of them, ma’am. The report said there were 11, right?” The bang of lasgun fire came from the other side of the command center. “12,” Wake-Stewart said with satisfaction, kicking the dead T’au she had just shot. “See, I told you I paid attention to the intel briefing. Just the important parts.” Idena rolled her eyes. This would take some work, but at least the five of them could get the job done well enough. “Corporal, let’s blow this place and get out of here.” “We really should use names, not ranks, when you think about it,” Darling suggested helpfully. “There are two corporals, after all.” “Rachel, then,” Idena said with emphasis. “Rig this place to blow and hold the back-talking for later.” Four minutes later, they slid down the snowbank away from the facility and looked back at it, now barely visible in the near-total darkness. “And…now.” The facility exploded, sending chunks of concrete spinning down the hill as the rocky hillside above it slid down to cover it. “Lady Britannica’s favorite team of misfits one, Xenos zero,” quipped Wake-Stewart as she slung her rifle and the team began the trek back to Westbridge.

If i were to beard the mussels how long can they live typically without any form of special treatment? And if i do some special treatment to them,what would it be? (Last time i put it at top of the ice they all died) Lastly are there any other ways i can keep them alive a little longer like 2-3hours after I beard them? Would it be acceptable if I just cut the beard and not affect the inner side of it to live longer? Would i get any issues if I didn’t fully extract the beard? (Since in other’s experience they can’t even tell the difference at all)
Oh yeah,bonus question : so mostly everyone has to be hygeinic in the kitchen so i pull out the beard with a nail clipper(new one), are there any other kitchen equipments i can use to avoid being scolded at? I’m not good with pulling it with the use of my fingers because I always slip

Here's a collection of tips and recommendations based on my travel experiences in Japan. I hope these tips will help! For more context: I was a solo traveler, with a backpack and stayed for about 28 days.
Edit: Just a clarification; it's a list based on my experience, so some of the stuff might not be accurate. But again, it's just here to help!

Preparation:

• Planning: Start planning your travel route at least 3-6 months in advance. It often takes about a month or two to finalize an itinerary, and allows plenty of time for adjustments.
• Accommodation:
  • Booking hotels: You should to book your hotels around 3 months in advance, especially during public holidays to avoid last minute hassles.
  • Choosing accommodations in Tokyo: If you split Tokyo into two, the west side offers a better experience for a longer stay imo. Althought, I found the best gift in asakusa and electric town.
  • Mix of lodgings: I really recommend you to include include a mix of guesthouses and hotels. Guesthouses are great for socializing, while hotels provide that much-needed rest. Pro tip: opt for private rooms in guesthouses when possible.
  • Hotel choices: APA hotels are standard business hotels. they're fine but can be mundane. If possible, find hotels with a public bath. it’s incredibly nice after a day.
  • Accommodation safety: Regularly check Google Maps reviews for mentions of bed bugs within the last two years and avoid those places. Bed bug infestations aren't well handled yet in Japan.
• Transports
  • JR Pass: Buy the Japan Rail Pass (JRP) in advance. Although consider skipping the JR Pass in favor of regional passes like the Hakone Free Pass, which covers not only trains but also buses and local attractions
  • Regional passes: if you plan to get regional passes, it needs some digging, use gpt and google. You might also need to adjust your travel plan depending on what you find
• Technology:
  • Apps: Sync Google Maps and Google Translate (regular AND image translation packs) and before your trip for smoother navigation and communication.
  • Internet access: Instead of renting pocket wifi devices, you should go for a SIM or e-SIM with unlimited data, which you should get before your trip.
• Attractions
  • Booking: Book tickets for TeamLab a month in advance as they sell out quickly. Observation towers (like Tokyo Tower or Skytree for sunset views) 10 days in advance, check the weather for the best sunset view ever!
  • Ghibli museum tickets: Tickets are released on the 10th at 10 AM Japan time, available online and at Konbini stores. It's easier to get them with the help of a local friend. Be online an hour early if you're booking yourself. I was asked who was my the person who booked my ticket when I got there, so don't buy tickets from ebay.
  • Theme park: you should totally see one in japan if you stay longer than 1 week
• Cash: Carrying around $150 in yen per week per person is a good rule of thumb. Always use your card when possible to avoid running out of cash.

Packing:

• Essentials:
  • Pack your toothbrush and toothpaste... some hotels may not provide them (I read the opposite but this wasn't my experience).
  • Skip the towel, most places provide them or offer them at a low very cost
  • Dont bring soap or shampoo as most hotels provide unless you have specific personal preferences for your hairs
  • Deodorant is a must there, make sure you don't run out because it's not easy to get some there. Also avoid deodorant that smells good. Japanese people dislike odors.
  • Sunscreen: it is a good thing to bring even in the spring or autumn
• Clothes:
  • Socks: If you have larger feet, bring enough socks and shoes as finding your size can be difficult in Japan.
  • Shoes: Get the most comfortable and cushioned shoes, you will walk a lot
  • Laundry: Travel light and plan to do laundry. (I brought around 8 days of clothes) If you do laundry, you can send a message to your accomodations to know if they have a laundry machines. In some town, it's not always available.
• Tech:
  • Make sure you have an outlet adapter type A
  • Bring a power bank
  • Always carry a small plastic bag or ziplock bag for your trash.
  • A long USB charging cable is handy as outlets are often inconveniently placed.
  • Bring one pen or fill up the online form for when you get in the country
• Other:
  • Sleeping mask: some rooms don't really block the morning light
  • If you're a backpacker, compression packing cubes can be a game changer.
  • Don't pack a large umbrella. buy a compact one before your trip or simply purchase a cheap one in Japan. Japanese people love umbrellas!
  • Bring a needle for your sim card!

When you fly in

• Transport cards: Purchase an IC card (Pasmo or Suica) at the airport. Do not skip that part. Opt for the welcome version if you’re staying less than 29 days. The differences between cards are minor, so choose based on your arrival airport and convenience:
  • Pasmo welcome at NRT airport.
  • Suica welcome at HND airport
  • You can get both normal version at both airport
• Airport transportation: From Narita Airport, I recommend to choose the cheaper transport option (1,500 yen vs. 2,500 yen). The price difference isn’t worth the slight time save.
• Using your IC card: Start using your IC card right from the airport. Don't buy tickets. If you're confused, ask staff!
• Activating the JR Pass: You can activate your JR Pass at the airport but due to crowds, it might be easier to activate it at a JR office in Tokyo. Always carry your passport for verification. (You can also delay the activation at the office).
• Trains: Try to Buy your ticket train in advance if you can.
• If it's your first time: Don't plan anything the day you arrive. You will be tired. Just walk in the city.

Theme Parks:

Visiting a theme park in Japan is highly recommended as it provides a wonderful break from traditional sightseeing and was a highlight of my trip.

• Tickets: Always buy your tickets from the official website. use Google Chrome’s translate feature to navigate.
• DisneySea:
  • food: Definitely try the food, especially the popcorn. The curry flavor is amazing
  • Managing long queues: If an attraction has a very long queue (50 min+), consider visiting it at the end of the day or opt for a Premier Access pass to skip the line. it's around 1500 yen per attraction.
  • Park hours: Arrive 30 minutes before opening and consider staying until the park closes. it is especially beautiful at night and less crowded. The fireworks are at 8:30 and the park closes at 9. This schedule may change during the summer as the day light time is different.
  • Language tools: Use Google Translate’s conversation feature, as many attractions do not offer English subtitles. Yes, it won't be perfect, but it's the best I got.
  • Travel time: Takes about 1 hour via local bus or train.
  • Accommodation: Staying at the Disney hotel is not necessarily the best value for your money in my opinion as it takes one hour to get there
• Universal Studios:
  • Single riders: Solo visitors can often skip the Express Pass thanks to many attractions offering single rider queues.
  • Group travel: If traveling in a group and looking to avoid long lines, get an Express Pass at least two months in advance. Be aware of prices ($60 vs $300).
  • Park hours: Arrive early as the park often opens an hour before the stated time. For instance, if it says 9 AM on the website, it will open at 8 AM.
  • Nintendo World: Head to Nintendo World first as it gets very crowded. Book your tickets after you enter the park with the app. You can stay once you in as long as you like. (Wifi is available at the entrance)

Onsen

I was totally lost when I entered my first onsen, so I will share a tiny guide

• Local spots: Seek out onsens frequented by locals. You will have a better experience imo. Also search the best ones in town, it can cleary change your experience.
• Locker rooms: Once at your locker, remember that onsens require you to be completely naked. Leave your clothes in the locker. Do not bring bath suit...
• Towel: Bring a small towel from your hotel for use in the onsen, but remember not to immerse it in the bath. Some locals like to put it on their head while submerged.
• Pre-bath: Before entering the bath, wash and rinse yourself at the washing stations. Sit on the provided stool, and please, don't stand while showering,
• Entering the bath: Use the bucket to pour water over yourself before entering the main bath. This helps your body adjust to the temperature.
• Conduct: Try to relax and blend in, appearing shy or self-conscious can draw more attention. Also, avoid staring at others. It'sworth mentioning that some locals staired at me, It's not common for them to see us naked.
• Post-bath: After you’re done, rinse off quickly at the washing area before returning to the locker room.

Food

• Morning:
  • Coffee: Opt for coffee from konbini stores instead of Starbuck coffee. It’s cheaper (about 1/3 of the price) and often just as good.
  • Fast breakfast: if you are in a hurry and you need to grab something, onigiri balls are a great choice in my opinion
  • Traditional breakfast: You should try the traditional breakfast with grilled salmon at least once.
• Adjust meal schedule: Japanese meal times are typically earlier... consider skipping breakfast if you're not an early riser, and aim for lunch around 11:00-11:30 AM, and dinner by 6:00-6:30 PM. Most places close early!
• Choosing Restaurants:
  • Avoid the hype: do not go to restaurants with long queues or those that are heavily featured on Instagram or any social media. A lot of random restaurant with 3-4 stars on gmap are more authentic and delicious.
  • Searching: When you look for a specific type of food, like ramen, use Google Maps’ filter options under ‘restaurants’ for more accurate results, rather than just searching the term directly.
• Other:
  • Recommendations: Utilize GPT to ask about local specialty dishes when you're in a new city.
  • Be adventurous: Try new and different foods whenever possible. it can lead to discovering many amazing dishes.
  • Yakiniku: Book yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants in advance.
  • Local: Restaurants with vending machine ordering systems are popular among locals. You can use google's translate to understand the buttons if it's in japanese
  • Prices: Remember that prices on the menu may not include taxes, which are typically around 10%.
  • Cash: 80% of restaurants are cash only

Shops and souvenirs:

I recommend to buy at the end of your trip, otherwise, you will carry everything. Also it's important that, if you see something that you really like, don't tell yourself that you will find that exact same thing at another place.

• Kappabashi Street: Specializes in Japanese kitchen tools
  • Hashitou: Recommended for chopsticks (¥800 to ¥30k range). https://maps.app.goo.gl/TUeFAgaYfZDYa2qM7 Please, don't buy chopsticks at very touristy places
  • Kamata: Offers knives with tax-free shopping. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JnhLpGRhMUWA12Pp7
  • Tsubaya: Known for high-end, quality knives. (¥10K to ¥150K range) https://maps.app.goo.gl/bNBsaSMD6vACeZLG7
• Don Quijote: A go-to place for random and unique items. Look for the Kai nail clipper (¥1300-¥1800), highly recommended on another thread.
• Super Potato: for retro gaming and a geeky atmosphere: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmHQW1bwgiACY2ZN8
• Nintendo and Pokemon Shops: Located in Osaka and Kyoto.

Random tips

• Handling Trash:
  • Shops: Avoid leaving trash at the store where you did not purchase the items. But for the stuff you bought, merchant will be happy to take it back because you supported their business
  • In the streets: Use trashcans in shopping malls or subway stations.
• Passport: Carry your passport and keep a photocopy in your hotel for backup.
• Baggage services: Utilize Yamato Transport for luggage delivery if you're staying over 72 hours at your next destination. But carry 1 day of clothes with you.
• Footwear in rooms: Remove shoes before entering if your room has tatami mats. Japanese style!
• Transportation:
  • Subway vs. bus: Favor the subway over buses outside of Tokyo. It can be really confusing sometime.
  • Don't walk: Use the subway rather than walking if your destination is more than a 20-minute walk. It's not worth the time and the effort.
  • Navigation: Rely on Google Maps for directions, costs, and subway platforms information. sometimes, you have multiple compagnies in the same station, some multiple platform 1 etc. but once you get in the right company network station, you won't mistaken the platform to go to.
• Interact with others: Talk to foreigners. ask for the best travel tip they have for you as a ice breaker. I had a blast talking to people there
• Kyoto:
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha: Visit popular the shrine after 7-8pm to avoid crowds and see nighttime lights.
  • Otagi Nenbutsuji: I recommend to visit this place: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1jBXSfmLRvRSjnvA7, it's not croweded and the path to get there form the bamboo forest is very cute. I got this tip from an other solo traveler
• Floors: sometime, a shop is at a specific floor, when you check google map, check the address, it will usually say which floor it's located on.
• Learning japanese: Learn basic Japanese with Duolingo can help a lot. (consider skipping the alphabet to focus on sentences.)
• Keep coins: Keep ¥1000 in ¥100 coins handy for laundry and lockers.
• Cash: Withdraw cash at post offices with minimal fees if needed or konbini stores if you're lazy.
• Before check-in/after check-out: Most hotels will store your luggage outside of your stay for a few hours
• Lockers: Store your belongings in public lockers, the ones in gare station might be full
• Name on a paper in you wallet: Label your wallet and important items with your name to aid in recovery if lost. One time, I forgot my wallet in the laundry room in my hotel, but fortunatelly, I had some bills with my name on it, so staff could find me back easily.
• Use GPT:
  • When you have a spare time in a city because you already checked everything on your list, try to ask gpt for advice on what you should do in the current district/city your are in.
  • If you have any questions on something, gpt is a great way to get answers or cultural info.
  • Like I said earlier, It's also a great way to know what dishes the place you are in is known for
  • If you have the JR Pass, it's a great way to know if a subway line is included

Let me know what are your toughts!