3 guys 1 hammer face

So I dated my ex for 10 years, high school, college and after college. We started dating when I was 14, he was my first true love, lost my virginity, did everything with (good and bad). He was my ride or die, until he wasn’t. Long (convoluted)story short, my ex was always a wild child (only child), no fcuks kinda guy, thrill seeking, dare devil, sporty, and pretty rough around the edges. Between home life and life, he had been through a lot, his parents were toxic for one another, eventually they divorced, long after him and I broke up. The father was mainly absent/probably cheating, the mother had a man at work that she was always with, and talking about, and so on, so his childhood was riddled with all sorts of emotions.
There’s so many other nuances that impacted him and I. One being he cheated on me, and me being young, dumb, naive, and such an empath in a what was a narcissistic/abusive relationship, I was sucked in the cycle of his narcissism, I was on a constant high and low cycle that repeated itself in all ways destructive, but also fun, and exciting.
Fast forward the clock towards end of what was a very toxic, abusive, fucked up relationship. My family ended up all hating him with a passion for all the things that went down between us. So many things that range from him and infighting, him then cheating, me then going out and meeting other people, us both getting arrested for a crime he committed and I was brought in on as part of their investigation, spent a day in a state penitentiary for, because the crimes he was committing,was behind my back and I had no idea. I ended up having the whole case expunged- due to the police not having a valid reason to arrest me or convict me of any crime, as the judge found out my innocence in it all, but because of something the cops did illegally to me in that process the judge through out the entire charge that they claimed they brought me to jail for. This is just scratching the surface. In between all of that, there were cycles of happiness together, fun together, adventures of all kinds, and even the part where he told me he wants to be married, to me, soon, and that he wanted to start to have a family of his own, with me. We had been through so much leading up to this point, good and bad, and it had really put me in to a state of panic and shock, because it felt like my best friend, boyfriend, and love of my life all while being a 2 faced, lying, cheating drug and alcohol addicted person was trying to force me in to getting married, and had left me doubting everything.
So to basically conclude, 10 years mostly on, some off in between him cheating, me trying to finish college and get a real job, while my parents also decided to sell our family house and move far away, he decided it was a good time to go and cheat on me with his bosses distress’s and secretary. So many more details that I will leave out for the sake of time. Well I ended at a concert with him, that he begged me to go to with him, the Mistress was “coming, but with her gay friend” according to my bf. It was at this concert that I realized that they were fucking and in fact she had gotten pregnant (but she lied and claimed the baby was the boss’s baby, and it don’t occur to me that the baby was my bfs baby and not actually the boss’s,who was married with 2 kids.
So as the title reads, my ex just died,suddenly and tragically. He leaves behind his wife (the mistress, girl who moved in on my bf of the time), her 2 older children from different fathers, (she was also a stripper for a long time prior to fucking my bf).
They ended up having 3 children of their own. I’m now married and living my life. Have moved on. Long past him, long having past my life with him, the rollercoaster of a relationship, that was full of high highs and low lows.
I cried. I heard the news and despite all the shit he put me through a part of me mourned the loss of him,twice and finally. I feel so emotional over it. There’s more to it, however it’s too much to get into. I can’t stop thinking about it all. We are 16 years out from when we broke up, but his death feels so final and somehow hurts. Looking back I’m so thankful him and I didn’t end up getting married or having kids. I don’t feel bad for his wife, I feel like she got his karma, and he died do something stupid like I had always feared he would, by his fault and actions, and I can’t stop thinking about it all. He died on his mother’s bday the weekend of Mother’s Day.

The thing that boils my blood the most on this platform is when people will respond to one of my posts or comments with a comment of their own that they disagree with what I've said in someway or another. Well, just the disagreement I'm totally cool with, and am always open to criticism. What does make me want to murder someone though is when I comment back to further argue my point respectfully or ask them to elaborate on what they're getting at, and they don't fucking answer back! Not even a like to acknowledge that they've even seen it.
One time I responded to a dude with 524 words (I just checked), and no response. The one that enfuriated me the most is when a guy questioned my understanding of the posts subject matter (which I took personally [I must admit, their comment wasn't even rude]), to then not respond to my asking why they think that.
Now this might not be a big deal everywhere but it is fairly common around the places that I usually post things. I think a reason why I hate people doing this so much is because even when online, I try to imagine I'm talking to the person face to face, and walking away mid-convo would obviously be rude irl. I also don't know if this is upsetting to other people like it is to me, maybe I have anger issues, who knows? What I do know is that I needed to rant about it, so thank you.

I am going to Athens Jun 10 Monday to attend a work conference that ends June 14 Thursday. My return flight is on the following Monday June 17 so I would like to fill my free time to explore Greece.
I can get really good hotel rates through a family member for select hotels so the specific options I am considering are:

1. Stay in Athens for the rest of the trip.
2. Spend 3-4 days in Corfu (Thurs/Fri to Mon)
3. Stay in Athens until Sun. Spend 2 days in Santorini (Sun-Mon)

Would love to get your suggestions! This is my first time going to Greece. I can also get pretty good rates for Rhodes and Patras. On my bucket list is Meteora.
TIA :)

Recently bought a 2000 for quite cheap. It came with the original charger and 2 off-brand batteries. The batteries can only run for 1 hour of gaming, then automatically shut itself down. Two days ago I bought a 3.7V 603450 rechargable battery (with preinstalled circuit) to replace the cell in my battery. After replacing, the device boots up. P-Tester acknowledge the battery, and shows 71% health. I then shut it down and let it charge for a while when suddenly the screen lit up in white color, then shuts down. I tried to turn the PSP on using the switch, but it flashes green for a few sec then shuts down. Any other key combination won't boot up. When charging, the power LED turns red but can't boot up after the red light disappearing. Replacing the unmodified battery makes no change. I'm aware that it is either a blocked battery or bricked device. Below are pictures of my unmodified battery and the circuitry of the modified one.

I'd love to make some platonic male friends! I'm from the pacific northwest in the USA!
I love most sports, music, performing arts, movies, tv, cooking, baking, outdoor stuff, travel, some video games ( I own a Nintendo Wii), Disney & Disneyland Park, reading shopping, etc.
I only ask three things of anyone who is interested in DM'ing me :

1. Anyone interested be no younger than 25 and no older than 35. I have the age range as I feel uncomfortable talking with people younger than that age or older than that age. Please respect my comfort level
2. If your posting/commenting history is all or mostly sexual, please don't DM. I only want platonic friends and nothing sexual please
3. If you're going to ghost me at some point or delete your profile, please don't DM as that's just plain rude and inconsiderate

Looking forward to hearing from people!

My ex and I broke up 3 years ago because he had to move out of the country. He wanted to stay friends and I didn't so we went no contact. Additional note: we were LDR back then too, just different states.
Fast forward a year and a half later, he reached out and we started texting. I allowed him back in my life because I realised I missed him after dating a bunch of guys. We started talking all night and yes it hasn't changed we understand each other's mood swings, highs and lows.
Now, it's been a year since all this he still lives far, but we are a part of each other's routine we've worked our way into something that is not a relationship but way more than a friendship (imo) because the future is highly uncertain and I don't have the guts to have the conversation (we're in our mid 20s and hence our life is very unpredictable for a stable relationship rn)
We talk everyday, at times its just random funny stuff at times its series at times its something about work. But there are always certain boundaries like we avoid flirting or sexual advances, makes me wonder does he only see me as a friend? He can't go a day without talking me but I don't know is it only me that has feelings here... Help me decode I need some hope!

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My son is 7 months old is currently sleeps about 8 1/2 to 9 hours a night. I work day shift and hubby works nights. My husband usually comes home anywhere between 11pm and 2am. Everything was pretty normal once he got home until I turned around to say that I just changed his diaper at 10pm and it’s now midnight. I just gave him a bottle just after 10pm and this point I’m know my child usually pees during a bottle and right after. He does wear overnights but because he sleeps so long I make sure he is in a new diaper before going to bed so it doesn’t get too full overnight.
We all do the smell test which is fine but these diapers really lock in the odor. I told my husband to check him physically numerous times and he kept smelling him. I said just open the sleeper and check because their have been times that he smells says it’s nothing and I feel and look and it’s full so excuse me if I don’t trust you nose. He told me to go away and that it’s fine. I snapped and he asked me well do you want to take over knowing I have to been up in less than 3 hours. Well this turn into argument about not opening up to see and then raising our voices going back and forward cussing at each other. Blatantly ignoring what another parent is asking you to do especially if it’s within reason is insane to me but probably could have done without the cussing and attitude.
What would do on that situation? And Would you change your babies diapers right before bed?

Hi everyone,
I'm fully committing to weight loss and have been reading through the sub. I noticed that some advice calculating calorie intake using TDEE instead of BMR. I checked a few different sites, entered my details (weight, height, age), and got an average TDEE of about 1900-2200.
Instead of using MyFitnessPal, I made an Excel sheet to track my meals since I've ordered meal preps from a small company that isn’t listed in the app.
I'm aiming for a TDEE of 2000 (a rough average from 3-4 different sites) with a 400-calorie deficit, and planned my diet around that. However, even after having five meals (I usually have three), my intake is still below what's needed. It feels weird to add another meal, making it six meals instead of my usual three meals while trying to lose weight. Am I doing something wrong here? P/s: My macro calculation is based on what ChatGPT recommend 😂, I think its 40% protein, 40% carb & 20% fat?
For context:

• Age: 38
• Height: 173cm
• Weight: 78-80kg (it fluctuates a lot, e.g., 78kg today but 80kg tomorrow)
• I am following a workout program that usually takes about 40-50 minutes and I end it with a slow steady state cardio that's usually about 20 mins (I either take a slow jog or if it's legs day, I'll usually take a slow walk instead)

What I am unsure about is:

1. It somewhat feels weird that I will be taking in more calories a day when I am trying to lose weight and I am afraid of having an adverse effect
2. Because I took the average TDEE from a few different sites, I am not entirely sure if I did it the right way. Does 2000 TDEE sound about right for my "stats"?
3. Some have advice me to increase my protein intake, but I don't know what else can I add in to increase my protein intake as this is already more than what I usually eat per day

Many thanks in advance

TLDR my boyfriend got upset about the passing of his grandma, I tried to console him and he took it wrong.
I’m in Tenerife with my boyfriend (m/26). Things have been going well, we had dinner then ended up in a rock bar. We loved it. An Icelandic woman (50s) was alone and approached us so we were friendly and chatting — mostly me because she sat beside me and the bar was loud. She mentioned my bf and I were both beautiful and I thanked her for that. She then said she saw a presumably Icelandic man sat a few seats away and said he was good looking. At this point I notice she started swigging my drink so wanted rid and to spend the rest of the night with my bf. This all happened within about 3-5 mins.
My bf agrees to wingman her to the guys nearby and I sit patiently upon his return, exchanging glances. He comes back. All is fine.
He eventually scoots up beside me — bearing in mind he has drunk a lot more than he usually does — and says that he misses his grandma who passed a year ago. I give him a tight hug and kiss his head and tell him that she is still here with him. He appreciates it. I ask one time if there is anything he liked about her that they did that we could do together, to almost celebrate her in a way, but respectfully. We have visited her grave and hometown before and he loved it, so I felt it wouldn’t hurt. He also doesn’t seem to find any peace in his mum who seemingly keeps to herself.
He basically flipped. “Who are you to ask that”, “You are never going to replace her or bring her back”, and then he basically shut down and started speaking to me like shit. We called a taxi and he told me to sleep outside (of the apartment), despite my clarifications — that I only wanted to honour her memory, but he wasn’t hearing any of it, and insister I only wanted a fight. We got home and he has cancelled our airbnb and has booked a flight home for tomorrow — we’re 2 days in.
He also moaned that because I don’t want to walk 20 miles in the heat in flip flops (I’m unfit as it is and that is clear), that I don’t always walk beside him hip by hip and a few inches behind him bc he knows where we’re going and I don’t, that I don’t care about him. He then said to “set my dad on him” and began stabbing himself with his aftershave bottle that he smashed, telling me to “call the police then”.
I’m lying on the couch and do not know what my next steps are. He is asleep. I have recorded all of what transpired at the apartment — help?

I’m lucky to get placed on a team that wins 1/5 games or even understands the concept of how husky raid work.
I look some of these people up on spartan record and their kdr is either .26 or 3.9 meanwhile I’m sitting at around 1.4
The skill matching in this game sucks and is quickly becoming one of my least favorite game modes

Overview:

Very relaxed, yet established clan that plays by a set of rules that keeps us together and strong. If you are active, then you'll thrive here.

Expectations:

• age 16+
• Th12.5+
• We average TH13.5
• Activity required every 48hrs
• Use all Raid weekend attacks
• if opted in war, must follow war plan
• discord mandatory https://discord.gg/j47rXqS8wN
• if you're over 10% rushed, you'll have to 3 star one of our members same TH level within 3 tries for membership.

If you can meet those expectations, join us! Cookies&Cream https://link.clashofclans.com/en?action=OpenClanProfile&tag=2QG2C08UP

Perks:

• Clan lvl 14- Back to back clan wars with attack assignments that look like https://i.imgur.com/nDSo5oZ.png.
• Detailed war plan + individual 3-star streak tracking
• expert coaching
• heroes down wars (limited 1/4 of war roster count to always keep the win streak alive)
• 1400+ raid medals per week
• Current win streak: 23
• 88% win rate https://www.clashofstats.com/clans/cookies&cream-2QG2C08UP/wars/war-log/statistics
• Capital raids : Titan III : CH9
• CWL : Crystal II : 30v30
• Max clan games
• international - active all around the world
• Clan family - Salted Caramel - Feeder clan - b2b war, max clan games, raid weekend (CH7 ~900 medals) , CWL (gold I) - Blue Tribe - Clan for Simultaneous wars during CWL

Note: if you want to join our family, but do not yet meet the requirements of the main clan, DM me and we may have a place for you!
War Assignments Example: https://i.imgur.com/Nj0NxlC.png
Activity Graph: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1116241780162166835/1240507223785082990/chart.png?ex=6646cfe1&is=66457e61&hm=2ef7233b9cd45e2566f167eb5ac93f6ee34602d505137d3f9f2339ce250964dd&

Say I were to have cast [[Exchange of Words]], having it enter the battlefield and target a token [[Volo’s Journal]] enchanted with [[Ensoul Artifact]] and Lhurgoyf noted as a creature type, and a face down card put onto the battlefield with [[Magar of the Magic Strings]]’s activated ability.
If I were to hit someone with the [[Volo’s Journal]] creature, would I be able to cast a copy of the card [[Lhurgoyf]]?
My understanding leads me to believe that I wouldn’t based on some Linked Abilities garbage that is stinky and no fun, PLEASE prove me wrong.
Here’s what I know. 1. Noted names are not copyable values and are not apart of the rules text of a card, and are only associated with that particular object. 2. The aura, and name of the face down do not matter for rules, they are only there to make the text-box switch possible. 3. The ability of the 3/3s Magar animates is only associated with the noted name, and not at all the name of the face down card.
Are the type Lhurgoyf and the card [[Lhurgoyf]] somehow different from a rules perspective? If an Instant or Sorcery were to have the same name as a creature type, would I be able to activate the ability of the journal to draw after the switch? I WANT TO KNOW IT ALL.

These are my fav characters out of the entire series

1. Orihime's strength of character shines through in her unwavering determination, gentle demeanor, and empathetic nature. She tirelessly strives to belong and shield her friends, showcasing her resilience and selflessness. Her presence acts as a catalyzing profound growth in those around her, such as Ulquiorra, Riruka, and Ichigo, making her an indispensable force in their journeys.
   
2. I like Mayuri for his unparalleled intellect, cunning, and scientific prowess. His unorthodox methods and morally ambiguous actions often grab my attention. Mayuri's genius in the field of science and experimentation, coupled with his strategic mind, make him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Soul Society. Despite his maniacal and questionable ethics, Mayuri's unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge along with his dynamics with nemu and that scientist Arancar makes him a complex and compelling figure in the series.
   
3. I admire renji's resilience, ambition, and growth throughout the series. From his humble beginnings as a rebellious Soul Reaper to his eventual rise as a respected lieutenant, Renji demonstrates remarkable perseverance and dedication. His strong sense of loyalty to his friends, especially Rukia, is truly commendable. Renji's complex personality and dynamic character development make him a fan favorite in the Bleach universe. Despite all of the L's he took throughout the series, he never gave up on suroassing byakuya and stand along rukia
   
4. Daddy shunshui is cool
   
5. I love chad for his loyalty, strength, and integrity. He's a loyal friend who always stands by his companions, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His unwavering determination and protective nature make him a truly admirable figure in the series.
   
6. Ikkaku is a fierce and honorable warrior, renowned for his unwavering loyalty to the Gotei 13 and his unyielding determination in battle. Despite his rough exterior and love for combat, Ikkaku possesses a deep sense of camaraderie and integrity, always placing the needs of his comrades above his own. His unwavering dedication to his captain and his willingness to face any challenge head-on make him a truly admirable and respected member of the Soul Society.
   

It came to me in a flash as I was scrolling a second ago and all the points are making me think it may be true.
1) Whatever it is, it seems really silly.
2) It was a secret left by Joy Boy
3) It is almost certainly related to the rising sea levels
QED
The One Piece is the spigot that Joy Boy left running at the start of the void century and forgot to or couldn't turn off.

Out of nowhere I thought of just random girls and wondered what these 8 girls (because there always has to be 1 replacement):
1) Jaimee Wallace (S15)
https://preview.redd.it/2mdgormqjp0d1.png?width=335&format=png&auto=webp&s=76357a436fce495a7b12bc5d48653175a44206ad
2) Lea Beaulieu (S5)
https://preview.redd.it/jqfxs8j8tp0d1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=132bb1d6f165a4e327fc2ae3d505879d0143f515
3) Amber Thorne (S15)
https://preview.redd.it/yauy7zabtp0d1.png?width=263&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a3b788a7180cb6d83cd38973d3a70522ef5404e
4) Christina Salgado (S9)
https://preview.redd.it/in1zu8udtp0d1.png?width=380&format=png&auto=webp&s=c7060b2c4b6f42623e03126c6c7f07b0e9e2b941
5) Shannon Sarich (S10)
https://preview.redd.it/kpwdp886tp0d1.png?width=160&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c677492546f7711baa0adf9121fd2cc20bf2eb9
6) Kayleigh Severn (S5)
https://preview.redd.it/b8quawritp0d1.png?width=274&format=png&auto=webp&s=f9f2b746c0505c552955362d69dab12a75eb8501
7) Beatrice Miller (S14)
https://preview.redd.it/9tftx1qgtp0d1.png?width=225&format=png&auto=webp&s=01265500ebeb4ca74f82163baf546b551b1b6adb
8) Alex Rice (S12)
The Replacement

Hey all<3
Please let me know if anyone has any knowledge in regards to this situation? I signed a lease for a place in CA yesterday and paid for the deposit and prorated rent from 5/15-6/1. I did get a key and garage door opener. After signing, the landlord didn't do the same and began putting the lease away and I asked him if he could sign it. He said would sign it/scan it to me later so I also did not have a copy. I don't think he noticed I started taking a pic of the front page and grabbed it. I asked if I could see it again to take a pic and he said "ok so I won't send it to you later." I said "well no, I still need one because it's not signed. I just don't want anything to get added." I got really uneasy about it and text him later last night for a copy of it. He called me and told me I didn't sign the addendums correctly, I only initialed instead of fully writing my signature out. In his words he said it is not legally binding yet. We have plans to meet this Friday and I asked him to bring 2 copies. Also, he sent me the lease this morning but it didn't have the addendums attached.
I spoke with the neighbors next door after I signed the lease (the place is a duplex) and asked them how he was as a landlord. They said he is a hands off type, not quick to fix things and has told them he wouldn't bill them for some repair (I can't remember what it was) but then ended up making them pay for it. He had also gotten really defensive over me asking about wanting something more clear in the lease about the landscaping maintenance. I asked him if he could have this overgrown tree trimmed that is grazing power lines and another dead tree removed. The lease says the yard is my responsibility and if so then I just want the yard to be at a condition of being able to do so. He said "how we do it is we don't put it in the lease but take care of it but it's only for mowing and blowing. If there's anything extra like pruning or tree trimming to tell the gardener." I clarified if I was responsible for the additional cost for the extra work but he said no he'd cover it. I just want that in the lease instead of a verbal agreement. He ended up saying "hey, you can go next door and ask them how it works. you don't have to sign it." It was just an odd response but I am in a place of needing housing and was just thinking if I can just move in and not have to deal with him I can make it work.
Later in the evening when he called to tell me about the addendums and needing to meet another time to sign them, he got weird again. Asking me why I was "so concerned" about a light fixture in the bathroom. Which all I had asked about it was if it was new because he had one he was going to install when I had first seen the place but it wasn't up yet. Reasonable question because he ended up saying it did look the same just is a longer fixture. It was bizarre af to say the least because during the call he repeated himself 3x saying "you were soooooooo concerned and if you are that concerned than maybe I'm not your guy." I said the light is fine multiple times and I'd see him Friday. At this point I don't want to deal with the guy anymore and no longer want to rent the spot.
After looking online I found that Both parties, the landlord and tenant who initially signed the lease, must sign the addendum for it to be legally binding. Again, I do not have any of these addendums from him and my landlord is saying my initials are not valid. Am I considered his tenant at all at this point? Do I have grounds to say hey I changed my mind and don't want to rent this place anymore? Am I entitled to get my deposit and prorated rent back from him? I had paid him a $300 holding deposit also which I'm not expecting to get back but I'm more worried about the larger sum. The only leverage I feel I have now in case he pushes back is possessing the keys. I'm hoping for the best and planning for the worst. I don't want to leave Friday without my $. A close friend who is a contractor offered to look at the place to see if anything is fucked up to potentially tell him I can't live there until it's fixed and maybe he'll be more inclined to want to not rent to me either.

Animal‌-Man/Swamp‌ ‌Thing

Issue‌ 32:‌ ‌ The Pale Wanderer
Written‌ ‌by‌ ‌Deadislandman1
Edited‌ ‌by‌ PatrollinTheMojave
 
Next‌ ‌Issue‌ ‌> ‌Coming‌ ‌Soon
 
Arc: Flesh and Bark‌ ‌
 ‌ ‌
‌  ‌ ‌
Then
An arc of purple lightning flashed across the night sky of the Boneyard, splitting the dark sky in twain as Capucine trudged across the ashy wastes of the realm. A cold gale ripped through the land, chilling the warrior to the bone, yet after centuries of time living in the Rot’s home realm, it felt identical to the ocean breeze that graced her every evening of her monastic childhood. Anxious, she fiddled with her leather armor, tightening every strap and support to make sure they were all in the right positions. She double checked that her sheath was properly tied to her belt, and that the steel sword within was sharp and clean.
He would catch up to her sooner or later, almost certainly before she made it to the portal. It wasn’t hard to pick that fact up. The Boneyard always became a little rougher when he wasn’t happy. She’d endeavored to spare him a difficult conversation, but perhaps that was too optimistic a hope. He was smart for someone his age, even if he’d made such a grave mistake.
Perhaps she was trying to spare herself the labor of having a conversation, rather than trying to keep the adolescent Avatar’s emotions in check. Perhaps she was just running from her problems, something she couldn’t remember ever doing before. Perhaps her ambitions to steer the young Avatar towards better decisions was the wrong choice on her part.
…No. Her advice was invaluable, she knew that much, and William Holland took that advice well. She just wasn’t in much of a position to give advice anymore.
Climbing atop an gray, dusty hill, Capucine gazed at the portal back to the physical world, composed of a miasma of swirling bones and inky fluids. To the unadjusted nose, it smelled absolutely foul, but to Capucine it smelled no different than the rest of the Boneyard. This was her ticket back, to somewhere where she’d do… something.
She didn’t know what that something was. In fact, she felt nauseous at the idea of wandering the world for centuries yet again with no real goal or purpose, though when considering the alternative, Capucine was ready to step right through the portal, even if her reason for leaving was so small in the grand scheme of things.
Breathless, Capucine took one step towards the portal, only for a boom of thunder to shake the realm. Capucine stopped dead in her tracks, sighing. William didn’t need to say anything to get her attention, as she turned around, coming face to face with the young Avatar.
He’d grown quite a bit in the three years she’d been advising him. His mane of red hair had regained some of its color, and across his pale face stood the beginnings of a beard, with bits of pronounced stubble around his chin and above his lips. He remained as gaunt as ever, yet he’d also grown much taller since his beginning as the Rot’s leader. He looked Capucine in the eyes, keeping his expression as blank as possible, “I got your note.”
Capucine narrowed her eyes, “So you did.”
William’s bottom lip quivered, “There’s no way I can change your mind…is there?”
“Not that I can see,” Capucine remarked.
William’s head drifted to the side as he attempted to avert his gaze, hiding his eyes from Capucine behind his wild hair. He choked back something, maybe a sob, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I said. It was a mistake.”
Capucine took a step forward, feeling the urge to console the boy, yet as she reached out towards him, she found herself frozen by trepidation. She was not a woman of gentle words, and this was a situation that called for them. Rescinding her hand, she stepped back towards the portal, “What’s done is done. I do not hate you, William Arcane, but I cannot stay here.”
Capucine turned her back on William, readying herself to step through the portal. She took one step, then another before William spoke once more, “Tefé.”
Capucine stopped, electing not to turn back and face the young Avatar. Realizing that she was waiting for him to continue, William spoke again, “My sister. I know her, she’s got a good heart, but she’s not like me. She’s not an Avatar. She could always use someone to watch her back.”
For a moment, Capucine did not answer, and the silence seemed to push William to take a few steps back. Turning, he began to walk away, unable to think of much else to say, when Capucine finally answered back, “If she is the sister of William Arcane…then I know her to be someone of good character. Your advice is invaluable, Avatar. Thank you.”
Without another word, Capucine stepped through the portal, disappearing from the Boneyard. William stared at the portal for what felt like hours before he finally shuddered, his shaky breathing accompanied by a single tear that froze up on its way down his cheek, stopping short as a bead of ice just before it fell off of his jaw.
Now
“So you’re here because my brother suggested it?”
“That’s correct.”
Capucine answered Tefé’s inquiry in a dry manner, keeping most of her focus on cleaning the gasoline off her sword with a rag. She sat upon the corpse of the formerly living infected tree, using it as a comfortable log of sorts while Maxine and Tefé remained in their canoe, having managed to dock it by tying it to a nearby set of protruding roots. It was about noon now, and the Florida heat had become unbearable. Maxine wiped her forehead, expecting that she’d probably be dead without the trees as a shield from the sun.
Tefé rubbed her throat, recovering from the vice grip of the tree, “I…how is he? He’s not in trouble is he?”
“Far from it. Your brother is doing better than most. He’s got a keen mind for leadership, and the Rot endures with him as its head,” Capucine sheathed her sword. “He doesn’t need my advice anymore, and I do the world no favors remaining at his side. If I am to continue the preservation of a better world, then it’s best I accompany you instead.”
Tefé grumbled a little, but also couldn’t help but smile, “So the little rascal thinks I need a hand, huh? Thinks I need advice.”
Tefé smirked, then looked up at Capucine, “Got any words of wisdom for me?”
Capucine looked down at the tree carcass, then back at Tefé, “Don’t get grabbed by monstrous trees.”
Tefé swallowed, “Yeah…sound advice.”
Maxine stared at the water, noting that its viscosity had remained unchanged, “Uh…guys? I think there are more gasoline trees somewhere out there. I feel like it would’ve cleared up at least a little bit.”
Capucine jumped into the canoe, breaking the rope keeping it moored with her bare hands, “Then we find the source of the infestation, and remove it.”
Maxine and Tefé didn’t do anything to impede Capucine’s actions, though they were certainly taken aback by this old English era woman taking charge of their mission. Without a word, Capucine grabbed a paddle and began rowing upstream, her toned build making what was a laborious task for Tefé effortless. The trio moved upstream at a rapid pace, with Capucine barely making a single grunt or noise as she paddled onward. As the hours went by, the water to gasoline ratio of the river continued to tip in the gasoline’s favor, to the point that eventually Capucine looked like she was putting real effort into her paddling.
Tefé stared at the woman, unsure of what to make of her, “So…Capucine?”
“Yes?”
“I know your name, I know you’ve been…advising my brother. What else do you do? What’s your story?”
Capucine frowned, “To be brief…I was born over a thousand years ago in Lindisfarne Abbey. What happened after is a personal matter, and one I’d rather not discuss. Similarly, discussing how I came to be immortal, and what I’ve done in the many centuries afterwards would doubtlessly be a fruitless and boring exercise. That energy is better spent rowing.”
Tefé raised an eyebrow, “Okay….then, why are you doing any of this? What drives you to help us?”
Capucine paused for a moment, allowing the canoe to slow in its approach upriver. Then, she snorted, a small smile forming as she began to paddle once more, “I’ve lived long enough to know this is a good place, a good world. I like it intact and alive, and I’d do whatever it takes to keep it that way.”
“Uh…good answer,” Tefé turned her attention to the rest of the forest, watching carefully for threats. Capucine was certainly blunt, and maybe a little scary looking, but from what she could tell the woman wasn’t much of a danger. If she wanted to learn more, she could do that after the case of Silver Springs was solved.
Maxine grimaced, staring at the thick gasoline they were rowing through, “What do you think is causing this stuff? The closest thing I can think of is the Rot but…part of me can’t put that picture together.”
“Because this is not the Rot’s doing. William is well aware of these kinds of problems, and manages them well. He would never allow something like this to escalate as far as it has,” Capucine grunted, her sheath rattling against the interior of the canoe. “This is something different.”
“Oil’s a fossil fuel, right?” Maxine asked, “Could there be any connection?”
“Perhaps, but this isn’t just oil, it’s gasoline. It’s processed,” Capucine grunted, the act of rowing becoming tougher. “Something is turning the oil into Gasoline. Maybe it’s the trees, maybe it’s something else.”
“But what force would do that? There’s definitely something magical going on about these things,” Maxine asked.
Capucine frowned, “I am…unsure. I’ve not heard of any force that pertains to these properties. Perhaps one of them has evolved. Such an occurrence is not unheard of; the Red does it all the time.”
“Or maybe…someone’s twisting a force into something it isn’t,” said Tefé. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out soon enough.”
Eventually, the boat rounded a corner, passing another infected tree. Maxine and Tefé readied themselves, only for Capucine to keep paddling, “Do not bother with them. They’re symptoms, not the cause.”
Maxine raised an eyebrow, “And the cause is….where?”
Capucine pointed down the river, and past a muddy, poisoned shore sat an entire row of the ailing cypresses, encircling a clearing of some kind. As the canoe pushed up against the mid, Capucine trudged out, making her way towards the clearing with her hand on her longsword’s hilt. The trees seemed to regard her, blatantly still conscious, yet they did not attack. Maxine and Tefé followed in trepidation, eyeing the trees in suspicion.
“Why aren’t they attacking?” Maxine asked.
“I don’t know,” Capucine remarked. “Perhaps they’re afraid.”
“Of you…or of something else?” Tefé wondered aloud.
As the three entered the clearing, they came across a sight none of them would have expected…a human heart.
It laid in the mud, rooted by cartilage that snaked its way beneath the earth. It beat with a satisfying rhythm, pulsating as if it still rested inside the body of a living man. A thick liquid permeated the mud, shifting outward from the heart.
Gasoline.
Capucine drew her sword, preparing to stab the heart with it. Eyes wide, Maxine jumped in front of her, “Woah woah woah, what are you doing?!”
“I’m removing the problem,” Capucine remarked.
“But…but…we don’t know what this thing even is?”
Capucine sneered at Maxine, “Is it not obvious? Someone or something has perverted an object of the Red, and that infection is spreading to the Green. With its removal, this area can begin healing.”
“How can you know that for sure? I’m the Avatar of the Red, and I can’t feel any trace of the Red in there,” Maxine exclaimed.
“Then the corruption of the object has completely overridden its connection to the Red. All the more reason to destroy it.”
Maxine whirled around, staring at Tefé for help. Tefé opened her mouth to protest, yet she was unsure of how to proceed. On the one hand, the Green was suffering, this place was suffering. Getting rid of the heart seemed like the right answer, yet Maxine was right as well. They knew practically nothing about this heart, and if the trees weren’t attacking them, maybe it was an invitation to learn more.
Before she could voice her opinion on one approach or the other though, a new voice made itself known, a raspy, texan accent that came from vocal chords that didn’t realize they were long past their expiration date.
“Well, if you’d let me speak…I’d love to tell you why I deserve to live!”
The trio assumed defensive stances as the ground rumbled around the heart, at which point a dozen or so ribs began to poke out of the mud around the heart, followed by rotten yet well preserved flesh. The heart and ribs rose with the flesh, revealing a man with an open chest as he picked himself up from out of the mud. He was wearing an old coat and pants, and wore only one sock on his feet. Inconsistent, matted hair hung from his head, covered up slightly by a ruined cowboy hat. An ugly stubble dotted his cheeks, paired with yellow teeth and milky white eyes. He smiled, raising what looked to be an old revolver to his chin to scratch it with the barrel. With the other hand, he reached out to shake any of the trio’s hands, “Howdy folks. Pale Wanderer, representing the Parliament of Gears…how are you doing this fine day?”
The trio looked at each other in confusion, then Capucine spoke, “What are you? Are you the cause of the Malady plaguing this land.”
“Well…I wouldn’t call it a malady per-se! More of a necessary sacrifice.” The Pale Wanderer tipped his hat up. “As for what I am? Well honey…I’m a crusader. A force meant to alleviate suffering, and right now? That suffering is…well, it’s not exactly something any of the flora or fauna here really give a shit about.”
“And what’s that?” Tefé asked.
“Well…it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare to explain, but it starts with oil!” The Pale Wanderer gestured towards the ground. “We’re a car based society, here in the United States I mean! Trouble is, gas prices are fuckin’ outrageous these days, right?”
Capucine narrowed her eyes, “I do not see how that should concern us.”
“I’m not finished!” The Pale Wanderer remarked. “The average American has to pay an arm and a leg for gas nowadays, and they need gas if they want to get anywhere. Have a job, wanna see family, need to make a trip to the grocery store? Need to pay for gas if you wanna to any of that! Trouble is, gas comes from oil, and oil? It’s getting rarer by the minute…that’s why I made this place!”
The Pale Wanderer raised his arms, gesturing to the gasoline laced mud and the producing trees, “Think about it! More Gasoline means the market price of Gasoline’s gonna go down, which means gas is cheaper for everyone! At least, I think that’s how it works! Plus, my Gas is A+ quality, even comes in Diesel!”
As The Pale Wanderer continued on about his tirade on Gas prices, Maxine and Tefé shared a confused glance at each other. They’d never encountered something like this before, something this unusual, this keyed in and calculated in purpose yet scattershot in reasoning. The only thing two of them seemed to fixate on though was something the Pale Wanderer said when he introduced himself.
The Parliament of Gears.
Tefé stepped forward, “You said you were part of the Parliament of Gears? What is that? I’ve never heard of them.”
“Oh, That’s cause we’re new on the block, sweetie, but glad to be here,” The Pale Wanderer remarked. “Not qualified to sell them overall though, you’ll have to talk to marketing for that.”
“Enough!” Capucine declared, holding the point of the sword at the Pale Wanderer. “Your reasons for poisoning this place are simplistic and needless. Leave, or I will make you leave!”
The Pale Wanderer raised an eyebrow, “See, now I don’t like comments like that! We’re all just having a lovely discussion and now all you wanna do is escalate! Things don’t have to be this way! Maybe we can work something out?”
Tefé glanced between Capucine and the Pale Wanderer, making an educated guess that Capucine wasn’t the type to back down in these sorts of situations. Furthermore, she had a point. This place was suffering, and no matter the Pale Wanderer’s intentions, that was something that wouldn’t stand, “We don’t want to fight you, but what you’re doing is…horrifying. You’re killing everything around here for…Gasoline! We can’t stand by and let that happen.”
The Pale Wanderer glanced at Tefé, a glum look on his face. Maxine seemed to be holder her breath somewhat, but there was no question that she was on Tefé and Capucine’s side. Sighing, The Pale Wanderer scratched his thigh with his gun, “So that’s how it is?”
Capucine’s grip on her sword tightened, “That’s how it is.”
The Pale Wanderer pursed his lips, “...Well, if we’ve got no more words to share…I guess we better hop to it.”
The wanderer raised his revolver, only for Capucine to surge forward at lightning speed, piercing him in the heart with her sword. For a moment, he was still, motionless, and Capucine stared him dead in the eyes. Then, he shifted, and after meeting her gaze, he began to laugh, his guffawing causing gasoline to spurt from his heart and onto Capucine’s sword and armor, “Hah! Good try!”
Capucine attempted to back away from the Wanderer, only for him to grab her wrist, keeping her and the sword wedged firmly in his body. Raising his weapon, he prepared to put a bullet in Capucine’s eyes, only for her to deliver a swift fist to his arm, knocking the gun out of his hands. Smiling, he took advantage of his newly freed hand, grabbing her by the throat and squeezing tight. As Capucine struggled for air, the Wanderer could only hoot and holler, “Whooo-weeee! We’re getting down to it now!”
Maxine and Tefé rushed to help the ancient warrior, only for a mob of living trees to encroach upon them, blocking their way while attempting to grab or smash them with their heavy branched arms. Maxine dove to the left, dodging the crushing slam of one tree, while Tefé slipped through the roots of another, narrowly avoiding being picked up again. Separated, the two tried to get a read on each other while avoiding harm, yet it was difficult for either of them to really do anything to help Capucine.
They were both far from the Red and the Green’s safety. No animal would go anywhere near the Pale Wanderer, meaning Maxine’s powers were utterly neutered. Similarly, there was no living plant life near the battlefield, meaning Tefé couldn’t use her powers either. If they wanted to get out of this, they would need to think outside the box.
And that’s when Tefé spotted the Wanderer’s revolver sitting in the mud, and a wild idea crossed her mind as she scanned it and the gasoline laden ground around it. She glanced at Maxine, then to the gun, and Maxine seemed to pick up on what she was thinking. It was a gambit, an insane gambit, but without much power to draw on, it might be their only shot.
Together, the two began to race for the gun, trying desperately to keep out of the reach of the trees. Tefé tried to get there quickly, yet she found herself pursued by a half dozen trees, pressured by their presence. Maxine was closer, and managed to pick up the gun as Tefé was halfway over, only for a tree to come barreling towards her. She whirled around to run, only to snag her foot on a dead root, causing her to trip and fall. Afraid of losing their one chance at Victory, Maxine shared a split second look with Tefé before throwing the gun towards the Pale Wanderer, just as the tree came down on her. It stretched out its arms, its branches ensnaring her and trapping her in place.
Her mind in overdrive, Tefé pivoted and raced for the Pale Wanderer, leaping over the swinging branches of another tree in order to catch the gun. Capucine gasped for air, her eyes glazing over as the Wanderer choked the life out of her, laughing like a madman. With the trees about to grab her, Tefé leapt for the Wanderer’s back, looping one arm around his neck to hold on while planting the gun’s barrel against the gasoline soaked sword, “Stop!”
The trees froze in place, including the one holding Maxine captive. The Pale Wanderer raised his eyebrow, loosening his grip on Capucine and allowing her to breath, “What’s this now? Ready to call it quits?”
Tefé gritted her teeth, “I’m ready to make a deal, and if you refuse, I’ll blow us all sky high! Even you won’t survive that, will you?”
“The hell’re you…” The Pale Wanderer looked down at the gun planted against the sword, and finally realized what was at stake. There was a reason smoking a cigarette at a gas station was a stupid idea, and Tefé was willing to demonstrate. A bullet crashing against steel would cause sparks, and sparks can light many fires, especially ones where the ground was soaked in gasoline. She’s set miles of forest on fire, to nuke the entire place from the ground up….and from the tone of her words, the Wanderer knew Tefé meant it, “Ohhhhh…Clever girl….Ha! So, you’ve got me. What do you want from me?”
Tefé let out a grunt of exhaustion, “I want you…to fuck off and never come back here. Got it?”
The Wanderer chuckled, then winked at Capucine, letting go of her and allowing her to pull out the sword, “Well then, a deal’s a deal.”
Snapping his fingers, The Wanderer watched as every tree around him began to dissolve into an inky ooze, including the one holding onto Maxine, who became drencheds in the stuff. Similarly, the Wanderer himself began to dissolve, though much more slowly. As he sank into the earth, he looked up at Tefé and Capucine, “This place’ll return to what it once was, but don’t count me out just yet. We’ll be seeing each other…oh, and keep the gun. Think of it as a gift from little ol’ me.”
Eventually, the Pale Wanderer was gone, not even his hat remaining, leaving Maxine, Tefé, and Capucine to stare at the spot he once occupied. The crisis at hand was solved, at least as far as they knew, but the problems were only just beginning.
A new force of nature was here, and it did not seem to be a peaceful one.
 
Next Issue: A Trip to somewhere new!
 

I used to like Alex and actually agreed with her views until now.
She completely fails to realize that pregnancy/birth/postpartum is different for everyone. For example, my pregnancy was super easy and hers seemed a lot worse (she was complaining every day) she was giving “typical woman/jungle mom” but she simply had a different experience than me and that doesn’t make me better than her. Similarly, her birth and postpartum have been super easy (as she claims and happy for her if that’s true) but that doesn’t make her better than anyone who had a traumatic birth or is struggling postpartum. SHE JUST HAD A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE! Just like her pregnancy/ post partum weight - I was 2 weeks late which meant I was pregnant for a whole month more than her and had a c-section which meant I couldn’t fucking move and more swelling. She admitted she couldn’t eat and couldn’t even hold down water for 6 months. A lot of women get post partum depression that is completely out of their control. Like Alex you are not better than any one just bc ur experience was different than someone else’s.
Her mom shaming all the moms that struggled is really not the vibe. Alex, having a baby is hard (she will hate me for saying this but THATS OK haha) just be happy & grateful instead of trying so hard to put other moms down and make it seem like this is sooooooooo easy. She is so out of touch saying she doesn't get how moms loose their identity ??? Luckily for myself and her we have our own businesses where we can still work whenever we want after birth. Most moms have to go from working full time to sahm overnight - huge identity change.
The same way you are struggling to breast feed and can’t admit it. Guess what that’s ok and normal idk why it’s impossible for you to give yourself and any new moms any grace
Everyone on this thread is saying this bizarre behaviour is towards her SIL and MIL??? Is this true? There’s not really much info on what happened?
Anyways, now let me go on a rant about the baby’s name. I actually think Alex has pretty good taste and was excited to see what the name would be but I hate it sm. Guys it’s so bad lmao and I want to be clear that this is not hate towards the innocent baby I just hate the name she chose. Let me break it down: 1. Not a classic name It sounds like a made up name bc it is. Had no idea how it was even pronounced until her video. Reading it I was like is it lily - ette, lee lee - ette, lil eye - ette ??? I was so confused. 2. You’re not French. It’s giving you went to Paris once lmaooo very white trash / white girl that gets a tattoo in Arabic writing / mom that uses giant bows and tutus 3. Once I found out how it’s pronounced it instantly reminded me of an African French girl name iykyk 4. She had the nerve to say in her video the name was dark and edgey…. Where??? Her vibes are so off maybe it’s the post partum hormones she claims are non existent lol the name is not edgey/dark whatsoever you get the same reaction when you smell a fragrance that’s way too sweet. 5. Bijou. Although I like the meaning of the word it sounds like be Jew and she’s a hardcore Christian …….. Everyone on the thread with the nicknames Gillette, toilette etc are killingggg me.
Alex, motherhood and having a baby is so special. Stop just stop and enjoy it for 5 seconds. The new born phase especially goes by sooooo fast. You are robbing yourself of the joy by being so focused on your weight and this imaginary competition you have with all other moms. It’s honestly very sad.
Let me know if you guys also want my take on the nick & jayshun situations sips tea

Here hoping for a spiritual successor. Favorite fromsoft title yet.
Hardest bosses: 1- SSI 2- DOH 3- OF
With all of darksouls done, next on the list is elden ring and a bunch of souls like i bought lately, but keeping them all for next winter. Sekiro will be hard to beat in terms of gameplay and setting. I really hope they pick back that formula for a new game down the line.
Cheers!