I don't really know why I'm writing this ... I think it's because I've tried to explain it to my uncle but all he said is that I should get my addiction under control and stop forgetting to take my meds.
I can't blame him. You see... I have a history. I've lost it in the past , twice actually. I'm not here to talk about it , but I think it's important to lay this down first. So you can understand.

I've been told something's wrong with my brain, maybe I was born this way, maybe I've been through too much. That my mother was an addict, she'd cut ties with her family for 10 years when she had me. That where she had been and who my father was, is was very unclear. She was part of a community in the forgotten part of the nearest big city when she died. I was there when it happened.
My uncle Sean and Aunt Maggie became my guardians just before my 5th birthday and I'm still with him 20 years later. Maggie left the ranch a few weeks ago after an amicable divorce, I never understood why they were together anyway she was always working somewhere, traveling a lot. I was closer to him and his sturdy way of life.

When I first arrived at the ranch, I was in a bad shape. I got better thanks to him but when I reached thirteen, all the memories from my early childhood suddenly came back. I started having flashbacks. My memories came back, but they came back wrong.

I had been told that my mother had died of an untreated infection. Yet in my dreams, I saw her , again and again , in a pool of blood. An then... Then it came. The... Thing. I won't describe it. It kind of triggers something in me that I really don't need right now.

I've been told that what happened next was so traumatic that my brain made up a monster, a fiction , to make sense of what I was seeing and not processing.
This ... Thing started obsessing me and during my early teenage years I focused all my energy on finding what it was and proving it happened. That a monster did kill and mutilated my mother. My nightmares were so bad that I stopped sleeping. I drank so much energy drinks that I ended up in the hospital twice with severe dehydration.

Thankfully, I got better. I started working more and more with my uncle's horses. I think it's why he employed me, he saw how manual work and caring for the animals helped. I even got my first girlfriend around my 17th year. I was prom king. Who would have thought?
But then... She had a cheerleading accident. In front of me. And I lost it again. I won't go into details but she broke her neck during half-time and once again... The way she fell, folded and screamed. I couldn't process. It was IT. It'd shapeshifted to get to her. I'm ashamed of it but I became violent. Looking for it franticly. Screaming non sense and talking made up words. I had to be sedated. She made it alive, but she never wanted to see me again. I was accused by pretty much everyone to make the accident all about myself. And they were kind of right....

Now you know how I came to be the " crazy" guy. I have a bit of a drinking problem too to be honest... You see I never went back to high school. I started working full time at the ranch when I came by, and sometimes, it gets lonely. It's not rare to find me passed out in the hay in the early morning in the summer. And what can I tell you... I know I shouldn't. I know it's "bad" . But I love those nights. I put music , cuddle with my dog and just look at the cold bright stars, drinking beer until they start spinning.

It's because of this bad habit that I realized something was wrong with the horses. You see, contrary to the movies, horses are pretty silent. They don't neigh unless you separate them from their best mate or bring food. And that night... The night it all started. They wouldn't stop. I could hear them galloping and snorting. I wondered if there was a stray dog but they were used to dogs. I was a bit worried. Horses get stupid when they are afraid and we had a big show coming, it wasn't the time so sprain a leg. What really troubled me was my dog. He seemed ... Weird.
Max was a pit mix my uncle had rescued when I was 15. He only woke when I got up and walked a bit to look at the paddocks. That's when I realised the moon behind me. It was huge, and red. I wondered if I had ever seen it so close and so red before. I looked at Max The white of his eyes showed and he started whining. I had never heard him make this noise. Ever.

I looked at my phone. It was quarter to three. I took a pitchfork to be safe and walked toward the clubhouse. We kept a shotgun there in a locker. The horses kept going crazy and max's tail was stiff. I was walking fast but carefully in the darkness when the music reached me. A chant. A low chant. I kind of felt it too... Like a ... vibration.
It was coming from the yearlings field near the forest patch, on the opposite direction of the clubhouse. My horse was in this field. I backtracked immediately and rushed toward the sound as I dialled my uncle. Off course he didn't answer. He didn't live on the property anymore but a few miles away. I left a message, whispering. " I'm at the stable, something weird ‘s happening. I think they're people messing with horses I'm going to see. I think you should come , I don't know...Call me back.". The weird chant buzzed in the background, louder, as if more people had joined. I saw the glow of the fire before I passed the last building. It rose , under the bloody moonlight. Dark figures circled around it. Slowly. The horses seemed to have retreated at the other end of the pasture and I was relieved. Until I saw it. The figure at the centre of this dark carousel. " What the f are those creeps doing" escaped my lips.
blazing fury filled me , like a white iron like a white hot blade blinding me . "HEYYYY" I screamed at the top of lungs. " WHAT ARE YOU DOING !? ". The figures stopped and turn toward me. I was running now , my knuckles going white around the pitchfork's stick. Max was growling. A deep growl. His hair high upon his backbone. The figure, still pretty far did not move. I could see their heavy hooded cloaks. " what kind of sick pricks are those " I muttered. " HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY" I screamed again, louder than I ever thought I could scream. And then I saw him. Gun.
Gun was my uncle's favourite horse. His old stallion's spitting image. The young horse was lying in front of the fire behind the intruders.
"WHAT DID YOU DO! I'M CALLING THE COPS!!!!". I stopped and was dialling when a figure detached itself from the group and advanced. It seemed to ... float? It moved toward Max and I... so silently.
The burning rage in veins turned cold , and heavy. I opened my mouth but nothing crossed my lips. Suddenly, Max jumped. He growled in a way I hope to never hear any dog do again. A desperate, furious growl. A life or death sound. A war cry... His warm blood spattered on my face. He... Honestly I don't know what happened at that moment. Something lied bloody on the ground but I couldn't even have told that it used to be a dog, even less Max. Acid tears filled my eyes as I realized my mouth was still open. I was tasting him.
I wanted to scream, to run, to just get swallowed by the earth and yet I did nothing at all but stare at the floating silhouette. It was so tall. " Come, my child". " We were waiting for you, we knew you'd come, Your father told us you'd be here when we'd call".
I heard those words, but I wouldn't be able to tell you anything about the thing who spoke them. I say thing because it didn't have a voice. It... Buzzed. Like... a cello.
Suddenly... I floated too. Panick seized me. Like a trapped raccoon in my
chest it dug its claws, scratching furiously my closed throat.
" Your father said you were ready. We will prepare you." I was now in front of the crackling blaze. the other figures circling me. Smiling Men and woman welcomed me. On their faces they all wore a similar mark. a cross covering their eyes horizontally, and their nose and mouth vertically. Their hands... Their hands were still dripping with gun's inside. Gun... Was ... opened.
" A necessary sacrificed" whispered a woman, still smiling. " I know you liked him very much... I'm sorry..." " I could have taken yours, but I knew you wouldn't have forgiven me'. Her voice. .." Aunt Maggie?' I croaked. Her eyes shone with a mad light. " Gosh do you look like your mother tonight... She'd be so proud. Her baby boy..." .
The tall figure made a gesture and I spined and found myself looking at the sky. I thought I'd fallen but... I wasn't touching the ground...
My aunt continued speaking." She was just like you the first time ... So... naive, so afraid.. She was only 16! That was our mistake you see, she wasn't ready for her destiny yet when she joined us... That's why we waited for you."
The chant , the low buzzing chant rose once again. The people around me started walking in a circle around me. I was just above Gun's body.
One, by one, they buried they hands in the belly of the horse and traced the cross on my face. I sealed my lips as tight as I could as the warm blood covered my face. Through the blood and tears I recognize faces. A nurse from the hospital. A teacher. The coffeeshop barista. My psychiatrist... I closed my eyes.
It was a nightmare. It couldn't be anything but a nightmare.
Yet the smell of the horse's inside and the crackling fire still reached me as they started ripping my clothes off.
" This is not real" I whispered. " This is not real, this is not real THIS IS NOT real" I screamed weakly.
'Oh , My dear I'm so sorry ' whispered my aunt. I should have told you earlier... But Dr Carter said it was better to let you grow up a bit first. He said it help you keep the secrets if you were afraid of them. I'm sure you don't feel this way, but it was an honour to watch your mother ascend the way she did. Her agony was the most beautiful thing she could have hoped for. You were supposed to ascend with her but she ruined it". " Slut" groaned a middle aged woman before spitting on the floor.
" She was my best friend you know... I thought I knew her. I thought I could trust her. But she lied to me."
"You see, we know you are his son. But... She wasn't a virgin when she was honoured."
She smiled. " It doesn't matter how cruelly she tricked us. You can help us find the perfect girl."
One by one, each member traced a symbol on my skin.
" You're so handsome... He'll be so glad. The perfect boy. The perfect vessel."
"It's almost time, Prepare" hissed the tall figure.
" You're going to give him his heir, the one ruler among the realms. You see he can't travel here whenever but you're an anchor my love. Each generation he choses an anchor until he finds one who'll give him THE son, the one who'll die for his freedom. Our freedom."
"QUIET SLAVE AND KNEEL" shrieked the tall figure.
She kneeled right near me, and whispered " You're...". I heard a slash. Aunt Maggie’s face slid horizontally. Her eyes followed me as the upper part of the face slid slowly toward the ground.
" HAIL THE PRINCE".
A chant, colder and louder than never before rose with the crackling flames toward the moon.
" Iä! Shub-Niggurath! The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young! » chanted the disciples."
Frozen, I watched the blazing sky above and saw a door. A perfect wooden door , in the sky. It slowly cracked open as the crowd turn to hysterics and the chant turned to mad screams.
"MY SOOOOOOOON" The whole earth seemed to split open under the weight of the sound coming from the perfect rectangle of empty darkness in the sky.
And then... I saw... I saw what I had tried to forget for twenty-years. I saw those split red eyes and their evil glare. I saw the iron hooves at the end of too many legs. I saw the tentacles who fled my mother with their thousand beaks. Everything all at once, I saw it shift, from an odious form to a more loathsome one. I burned in a way I'll never be able to describe.
I woke up two weeks ago in the nearest hospital. I was found on the ground, surrounded by the yearlings, the corpse of gun and some remains of Max. My uncle explained to me that I had found a bear feasting on Gun, that Max must have attacked it and I'd fainted or been knocked out trying to scare it away. Laying lifeless had saved me. I didn't speak of what I saw at the hospital. I knew better now. I've tried to explain to my uncle why I had to move out to the big city. That I had a mission now. That I had never been crazy and that I shouldn't have been afraid.
I know now that I'm blessed. You see he thinks I'm just having another episode, that it’s a "manic" episode and I should go back to the clinic, but I know better now. I am special. I am. And he can be too. Anyway... He'll be whether he joins or not. You'll all be. Because he is coming. He 'll bless us all. Because you see, I know I can find her and I'll give him the perfect door. A door to let him in. A door to let all of him in. He'll honour us all, all at once.
" Iä! Shub-Niggurath! The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young! »

Me and the boys have just put our first 20 hrs in on ps5 and I felt like this would be a good stage to give some feedback on Sker Ritual.
WHAT A FUCKING GAME 🤯 So refreshing to have a round based survival game with a helpful, non toxic community and devs that listen & actually care about making the game better for everyone!
Things we love about the game:

1. The variety of content like the maps and the bosses on launch is crazy!
   
2. The miracle system is sick, something new that fans of the genre haven’t seen before. Can only go up from here!
   
3. Being able to upgrade your gun 5 times to cater for later rds / high rds is sooooo good!
   
4. Having 5 different difficulties that actually vary quite a bit is great. Giving opportunities to all levels of players. As well as nightmare being quite a challenge for competitive players!
   
5. Me and my mates have loved doing the easter eggs and especially the hidden easter eggs (apart from when you defeat the boss on sewers and die trying to leave 😭😂)
   
6. The howler
   
7. The revive token system is hectic, love how you can use your token to revive teammates. As well as only getting 1 on nightmare (proper redhot)
   
8. Variety of enemies and how each enemy has its own attacks and abilities! 👍
   

Improvements that could be made:

1. Reviving teammates. Its annoying when you are trying to clutch up and res the boys but you get hit and the reviving process restarts. This only happens sometimes, id say 50/50 but is especially hard on 2 player co op as all the quiet ones are after only you and reviving takes sooo long
   
2. Getting stuck on the map has been a bit of problem for us (especially on the stairs that go up to the train on sewers). I understand that this game is a working progress just thought its not gunna be fixed unless its voiced 🤷
   
3. Lucky… or should I say Unlucky needs some buffing or something. Sick of spending 100k on lucky to get a tier -1 butter knife 😅
   
4. Getting 1 hit by the balors and downing instantly is frustrating, damage received could be nerfed a bit. From memory is 1 attack in particular that does this (not sure which off the top of my head).
   
5. The speed of the abominations is insane to the point where they are faster than me with level 5 stallion juice. Think this could be turned down a bit.
   
6. Leaving the level faster after you finish an easter egg. I understand it might be a challenge for a reason but I feel like after you kill the boss you’ve done the hardest part and shouldnt have to loose all that time due to not getting enough space between you & enemies so you can hold square for 7 seconds.
   
7. We copped a bug a few times where you input too many commands into the game (e.g. reload & heal ) at once and you can no longer interact with anything and walk around heaps stiff like a gentleman having a beverage 😂 IYKYK We did find a way around this but had to down to fix it.
   

All in all we absolutely love this game, cant get enough of it and cant wait to see whats to come!
I also have welsh heritage and love the fact this game has come out of wales!
THANK YOU WALES INTERACTIVE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🐐

The rich girl’s parents wouldn’t buy her a car because they were assholes. The girl knew most all rich people were assholes but still expected a car because the town was rich and all the other girls had one. And the other girls didn’t even work. She worked. But still she couldn’t afford a car. The dad wouldn’t let her buy a cheap one. I don’t want some shit in my garage, he’d say. The garage was for five and the dad had three all for himself and never let Alice drive them. The mom had left years ago. There were not any siblings.
The girl was a babysitter. In the rich town the parents went out a lot so she’d make up to one fifty a night three or four nights a week. She could not afford any cars that were new and her father refused to have a used car in his garage even if it was practically new. But the girl was at the age she wanted to do things with people and go places and be young and a girl and not care and so she bought a horse instead. It was after one of her arguments with her dad. She needed to get out because she was very lonely right at that age.
She went into her room and started reading. The rule was you needed an acre of land per horse. That she had. There was a large field behind her house and in front a very long driveway lined with trimmed hedges and in the back a fountain also. Every house on the block was like this. And in the town.
She kept reading. A horse needed shade in the summer and a fence to keep it from getting out. Well a fence went along the house between the front and back and there was a large tree way in the back behind the fountain for shade. It was a willow tree.
There was a breeder not too far. Then something else occurred to the girl. What would her dad say? She supposed it was better not to ask and if she bought it there would not be anything he could do. Besides he just worked all the time and came home and watched tv and went right to bed. It was possible he wouldn’t even notice.
The next morning instead of school the girl walked to the breeder. Most everyone in the town walked to the school because it wasn’t too big a town. The girl did not have any friends in school and was lonely. The girls were not confident enough to talk to her and neither were the boys. They all thought she was awkward but really it was awkward because of them. She was not self conscious. She had long black hair and fair skin. The skin was not pale as one’s who never saw the sun. She was a well natured girl whose skin was white and rang with life. She was regular height with dark eyes and eyelashes, skinny in places and curvy in others and always with a look of tiredness as though whatever she saw bored her and was below her which more often than not it was. She did not care much for jewelry. She was seventeen years old.
There was a large open property with a barn in the middle and the girl walked up. She had called him the day before. The man was about her height stocky with a beard and wore farm clothes. He shook hands with the girl.
They walked over to the barn. Then in the back the girl could see the horses. There were three of them as the man had told her. He had one of each in stock and she had come at a good time. “That one over there is a mare,” he explained. “A mare is a female.” The horse was brown and bent over eating some hay. It was a pretty horse but Alice knew she didn’t want a woman. She’d known that from the start. “Then there’s a gelding. That’s a gelding over there.” The horse was black and tall, shining. The girl watched it intently. It was a man, the breeder told her. “Finally there’s a stallion. A stallion is a man, also.” The stallion was the furthest from them and laid down on the grass half under a tree. It was hard to tell because of it’s position but the girl was almost sure it was the biggest of them all and the most beautiful. It was white and shining like the black one only it was white and absorbed the sun. It stared at them intently from across the field.
“What’s the difference between the gelding and stallion?”
“The gelding was gelded. Its balls were cut off. ”
“Why on earth would anyone want that?”
“Less aggressive. Less sexual.”
“I’ll take the stallion, thank you very much.”
They walked over to the horse who laid half in the sun. The horse used to be a great racer. He used to be a jumper too. He’d done it all but then got old and ended up with the last owner and then the breeder. The last owner was abusive but the horse was well pained and strong and happy to have the breeder and a safe place to be now. He was fifteen thousand $ but Alice wouldn’t get him right away the breeder said. She had a lot to learn first.
They walked out into the middle and Alice walked next to the horse. She could see its muscles and enjoyed his slow calm gait. He really shone in the sun. To hell with a car! She thought.
The man connected a line to the horse and stood next to it. He said walk and the horse walked in a circle around them. He said another thing and the horse sped up. When it sped up the man let out a little more line and Alice sat on the grass to not be hit by it. The horse went around and around. Finally he said another thing and the horse sped up even more. He made big circles now and Alice watched as he ran. She could see he was holding back and that he had run a lot before.
The man said walk and handed the line to Alice. Alice did everything the man had done and really it was a joy. She loved to see it going around and around and its muscles in the sun and soon it would be hers. To think she could have been in school! She had it slow and took in more of the line and it made smaller circles. She could swear she saw it looking at her with its big pained eyes as it got closer and the man said good and took the rope. He put a saddle on the horse and taught Alice how to ride. She did it when she was little and quickly it came back to her. The man was confident she could do it alone by the end of the day. He told her to come back tomorrow.
Alice called in sick to school and walked to the breeder. Everything was the same and the stallion laid waiting for her. She had her old clothes from when she used to ride as a girl. They fit tightly now. Once she had the horse she would wear whatever she wanted.
The stallion was dressed in reigns and a saddle and everything was ready. The breeder insisted going on with Alice but it wouldn’t be necessary she said. He just explained a couple things like how to sit and how to put her legs to communicate with the stallion what to do. She mounted confidently and the breeder watched and was impressed. She handled herself like a woman and like she had done it a while. She was quick in the head. She wanted to be a heart surgeon one day.
Alice rode around on the stallion and came back. The breeder told her he was impressed and probably could take it home much sooner than he’d thought. He asked if she was in school. She explained what was happening and about wanting a horse and the breeder didn’t worry.
The stallion sat back in the shade and the breeder explained some things. It would need a place to stay like a shed. Only for shade the breeder said. “I have a tree. A willow tree.” He told her that would work. Besides the horse could handle almost anything. Alice didn’t know what exactly but she could tell from looking at the horse and his eyes and the way he carried himself. The breeder explained how to wash the horse. He had to be washed once a week and he gave her what she needed like a sponge and a comb and some soap. He’d bring the horse tomorrow, he said.
“What’ll you name him?”
“Doesn’t he have one already?”
“The last owner didn’t say.”
She stared at the horse again and it’s big tired eyes. Alice had the same pained look in her eyes as the horse did and she looked at him with them while thinking what to name him. “Stallion,” she said. She petted him. “Hey there, Stallion.” The sun was going down. The man would be over the next morning and before Alice left he gave her one more thing which was a whip.
“He was going just fine without it. Didn’t you see?”
“As you get better which I’m sure you will you’ll want to go faster.”
“I don’t need to whip him to do it. He wouldn’t like that. Would you, Stallion?”
“This horse has done it all and he can handle it. You’ll want this. Take it just in case.”
Alice walked home with the whip and things and went right back past the fountain to the willow. She set the things down in a bucket by the tree and walked back inside and into bed. She could see the field from her room and she looked at the tree and had a thought. She went up to her dad’s room.
“I’m awfully sick. I stayed home today. I may need one more day.”
“You can stay home tomorrow. You’ll just have to make up the school work.”
“I can do it. Goodnight.” The dad did not say goodnight and she closed the door and went and laid down. It was hard to sleep thinking about tomorrow and she was up most of the night. To think she once wanted a car! It was truly ridiculous. Every girl in town ought to have a horse, she thought to herself. I don’t know how nobody else thought of it. It’s much more interesting and fun and exciting and oh I really can’t wait.
In the morning she slept in and woke up from the doorbell. It was the breeder. Alice ran down the stairs in her sleep clothes and opened the door. The breeder stood with a long line with the Stallion at the end looking all around at the house. At this point she trusted the man and ran around the house in her sleep clothes to open the back gate. She ran up into the bathroom and started brushing her teeth watching out the window all the while. The man led the Stallion into the lawn and closed the gate. Alice rinsed her mouth put on some real clothes and took the money in an envelope.
She met the man over by the fountain. This here water should be good, the breeder told her. The fountain was a circle and ten feet across in the middle of the grass, two feet deep. The way the fountain worked was it had a top that cried into the lower levels which cried into the lower lower levels and at the bottom was a pool. In the middle of the pool was a pump that led to the top and the water went around and around.
The man explained it would take time for him to get comfortable with her. She would know the horse was comfortable when she could approach it as it laid down and it didn’t flinch. It would flinch at first when she touched it and was especially sensitive in the neck area. When it was comfortable it would breathe slower sometimes on her even and when she got really good she could control it more with her legs and hands instead of the things that caused it pain. Even though the horse was used to pain and wouldn’t mind, the breeder told her.
They shook hands again and the breeder was off. Well he was the nicest man she ever knew maybe even the only one she ever knew especially in that town and now she would never see him again.
But she had the horse.
Yes!
She walked around the lawn with it. They did some jogging and some running and she rode around a little. She loved watching its big shoulders rolling under the white hairs as it ran and how it absorbed the sun. Trot she said and the horse sped up. Canter she said and it sped up a little more. She was never uncomfortable up there even when it was fast because she knew what to do and it was easy anyway.
Soon her dad would be home. She took the horse and led it to the willow.
She stood along the long driveway by the hedges and waited. She had to speak with him before he went inside because she knew he’d flip out if he saw it, she was sure of that. The car stopped and she told him she wanted to talk. The dad drove on into the garage and Alice followed the car. When they got into the garage she kept asking if now was a good time and he kept blowing her off. The only things he made eye contact with at this time of day were the things he owned like his watch and suit and car keys as he put it all away and took everything off. She followed him up into his room.
“Dad. I have to tell you something.”
“What.”
“I bought a horse. Listen. Don’t flip out. I wanted a car for a long time but I think a horse is better and besides it’s cheaper. I’ll keep it clean and the lawn too and if it messes up the lawn I’ll fix it. I’ll plant new seeds and mow the lawn if you want. I’ll clean up the poop too and if it eats at the hedges… Well it won’t eat at the edges because it’s a good horse and old and smart. It isn’t just any horse. He was a good racer and a jumper and was abused but perfectly healthy now. I paid for everything already and I’ll pay for whatever there is. I hope you’re alright with it.”
“Whatever happens it’s your fault.”
She thought to herself I don’t think anything will happen but okay.
“Okay.”
“And you’re going to school tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
She went in her bathroom and took two towels and brought them outside. The stallion laid under the willow. She laid the two towels next to him and walked the bucket over to the fountain. It was a long walk from the fountain to the willow and the bucket was heavy and she dropped it towards herself. Christ, she thought. I’m all wet. How ridiculous. She went back and filled it halfway and made it over. Then she made it stand up like the breeder had taught her and wet the horse. You started at the legs and worked your way up to the body and more sensitive areas. When the whole horse was wet she took the soap and mixed it in the water. She scrubbed it with a sponge. She looked at the house in the distance and saw the light from the tv in her dad’s room. The light shut off.
When the body was clean she went in front and put the second bucket upside down by the face. She had dried the body already and used most of the water but you didn’t need much for the face. The face was very sensitive the man had told her and if you weren’t careful it would whip you right across. But she was careful.
Standing on the bucket she scrubbed the face gently in the areas between the eyes and mouth and those types of things. She could see the stallion’s big eyes in the night and it breathed on her. She spoke to it aloud. “Do you like it here so far? I think it’s alright. Now that you’re here it should be better but usually its awfully lonely. We have all this room and I’m the only kid. It’s almost like my dad did everything perfectly just for me to get a horse. But that’s a stupid thought isn’t it? What do you think?”
Just then the stallion jerked its neck and startled the girl. Alice wrapped her hands around its head and held herself there trying to stand the bucket up with her feet. She couldn’t reach it because the horse was tall and she realized she was surprised how calm it was with her hanging there. Well she was a very light girl. She dropped to the ground and stood up the bucket. When she finished the ground was wet so she led it to the other side of the willow and it lay there.
Now she had to feed the thing. The breeder had told her hay but Alice wanted to be good to it and could do better. You must be awfully bored of hay, she said aloud. I’ll be right back.
The dad went out alone most nights so there was never much in the house. There were some grapes and a cucumber. A steak was in the freezer and a loaf of bread. Alice didn’t know what was safe and looked it up on her phone. They liked watermelon. Well they had a watermelon. She set it on the counter and took the biggest knife they had. She sliced the thing in half and carried it outside across the field turning every so often to make sure the lights were all off in the house.
“This is watermelon. It’s very sweet. You’ll like it.” The stallion took a slow calm bite of the watermelon out of the middle. It’s nose was all wet and Alice laughed but it was very calm. She took a piece of watermelon herself and walked back to the house. On the way her hands were sticky and she dipped them in the fountain. She could see the horse from the window again. Then she was asleep.
In the morning Alice walked to school. It was a stressful day and she did all the work but it wasn’t stressful because of that. There was the dance coming up and everyone was talking. Alice could work while hearing them talk but what she would do about social things like this was what stressed her out. She went to the dance every year because it was weird not to go even though she didn’t really care. She liked hearing the music and seeing what other people wore. But mostly she went because it was a reason to buy a new dress. She liked looking in the closet and seeing them lined up and thinking this year was when this happened and that year was when that happened. Of course nothing big ever really happened because she was always alone but the small things seemed big to her and she remembered them.
Michael was on the rugby team and in Alice’s medical class. She liked that class and liked him but mostly the class. She never talked to anyone but when she wanted to think of someone she thought of Michael. He was freckled and had hair that covered his forehead and was regular sized for a boy who played rugby, but not fat. He never talked to her. Then this day he came up when she was working.
“You were sick?”
“Yes. But I’m alright now. Thanks for asking.” They went on talking pleasantly for some minutes until he talked about the dance and that he wanted to take her. He seems a little bit nervous thought Alice but it’s something and better than no one at all. Michael said he’d pick her up later to buy her a dress (everyone knew where everyone lived) and went off back to his friends. Alice was happy as she did the rest of her work and excited. She could hear Michael’s friends going up to him and being immature. She supposed everyone’s friends would have done that but she was happy it was him and not anyone else. And what kind of dress would she get?
She got home and finished her work and went out to the Stallion. She got on and rode fast. She rode around and around on the lawn thinking of where she would have Michael take her. She was happy she wouldn’t have to pay for it but then realized it surely wasn’t Michael’s money but his parents. She was the only kid who worked in the town and if anyone else did she would know. Besides Michael had rugby every day.
He got home from practice and showered and got in the nice car. He drove to Alice’s house. He rang the doorbell. No answer. He called her on the phone.
She walked to the gate and called him over. She was all sweaty and wearing those boots.
“What were you doing?”
She smiled. “I’ll show you when we get back. Get in the car. I’ll shower and be right down.”
Michael waited in his dad’s car. This girl was something else he thought and he couldn’t figure out what she’d been doing. She never played any sports. The kids all wondered what she did when she got home. She was very set about the heart surgeon thing and was sure everyone would think she was a nerd. Not that she cared about that but it wasn’t worth the trouble hearing their opinion.
The avenue was long with expensive stores and restaurants and they walked down on one side and back on the other. She knew right away when she saw the dress it was the one. It was red and soft like a curtain covering one leg exactly and the opposite shoulder. She loved it. She loved it so much she wore it out of the store and to the restaurant and when they got the check she had a thought of saying tell your dad I said thank you and she laughed to herself. She couldn’t blow it though and she just said thank you.
Michael parked the car and she led him to the gate. She checked to see the lights were off in her dad’s room. The whole field was dark. They walked back and back until the willow and she shined her phone light. Michael jumped. Alice laughed. “What do you think?”
“It’s a horse,” said Michael.
He really is very slow thought Alice but he’s someone. “Yes,” she said.
“What’s his name?”
“Stallion.”
Michael slowly approached the horse which lay under the tree and put out his hand to pet the head. The horse made a grunting sound and Michael flinched away. He told her how he used to ride too but stopped because it was fast and he couldn’t slow it and was scared. Okay, she said. “Can you ride it?” Michael asked. While they talked he could see the horse staring intently upon her and the dress and hoped for a reason he couldn’t put a name to that she wouldn’t be able to do it.
“Of course.”
She made the horse stand and climbed on from the side with the covered leg so Michael couldn’t see. She told the stallion to go and it went. It went like it never went before and fast and the dress blew in the wind. She didn’t need the boots or the special clothes. It was all bullshit. And she looked down and saw the shoulders rolling under the white and felt the hot horse air and blood and heart moving inside between her legs.
When she got back she stepped down. The horse stared at Michael. “Want to try?”
“No thanks. I should be going.”
Michael turned away and made the walk down the field. Alice was surprised how suddenly he left but was happy with the dress and excited to ride the horse who she knew she could ride in anything now and when it was dark. They rode a little longer and laid down under the willow. Alice was tired and it was good to have the stallion to lay on. She began thinking of Michael. He really was not very good. He never held the door and had asked at first if they wanted to split dinner. He drove the car violently and every time there was silence talked of his friends and the things he did in rugby. Hardly did he ask about her and when he did it was nothing of substance but something disconnected like what did she think of this or that which were all things impersonal to her. Well she thought he was someone. But so was everyone. She began to cry. Oh she said aloud I wish a boy would come along. “I wish a boy would come along intelligent and sure of himself and who could listen like you Stallion. It seems as though every boy has only one of the traits if not none at all. Perhaps sometimes he has two but then both are compromised and it’s as if he has none again. It’s as if they take their personality darts and throw them blindly at the target they don’t even know exists. And some of them don’t throw at all. They just hand their darts over to the next guy who throws for them or holds them. Oh Stallion how I wish someone would come along. Do you get it? Do you ever wish a girl horse would come along? Perhaps I should get one. What do you call them? Mares? Would you like a mare? What color?” Oh isn’t it silly, she thought. Talking to a horse! But it didn’t feel silly. Not at all. The horse laid with his head up and the arms folded and out on one side which he was curled towards in the shape of a bean. The girl laid resting her back on his rib cage that went up and down between his back legs and front. The head now pointed the direction of the girl’s body and she could see the intent painful and serious look in his one eye. And now she did a very queer thing. Queer it was, yes. She sat up next to the horse. She got close to the face and opened her mouth and so did the horse and stuck his tongue briefly into hers. She kissed the horse basically. She did it a couple more times with the stallion being very calm and sure of everything having listened to her but not understood but almost understood because he knew pain and well and so did the girl even though she was rich. Being alone she laid down on the grass under the horse’s head which stuck out like that and she laid there. She closed her eyes. The horse licked her leg once and then they were asleep.
The driveway was perpendicular to the road which at the corner of the property made a turn onto a road parallel to the driveway. Michael whose dads car was parked on it stood behind the hedges and gagged. He got in the car and drove home slowly while thinking. Had no one told him she did these things or had no one known? Or both? It didn’t matter. He started calling his friends. He told them everything. And the money he’d spent on the dress! Well, his parents had spent. Hey mom and dad I need the money back because the girl cheated on me with a horse. No! Then they’d go to the house and tell Alice’s dad and the parents would be involved. The parents never get involved with popular kid stuff and Michael knew it. He always agreed with it but wanted to get back at Alice somehow. Well she had the dress. And the horse. He had his friends.
The medical class was early in the am and for the rest of the day the boys looked at her how Michael had. And the boys whispered to the girls which they always did but now they looked at Alice and for once in a social situation she felt unsure of things. She went up to Michael again and thanked him for the dress. She really did love it but did this more to figure things out and get his reaction. Well he just looked at her angry and said nothing and walked away. Alice was confused and kept doing her work. Whatever she thought. No! What would happen tomorrow? Should she ask him? She knew the answer. Fuck it she thought. Actually she never cussed even in her head but that was essentially the idea. Fuck it. I need to do this work and get to bed early. Tomorrow is the dance.
She passed Michael a few more times that day and he gave her those bad looks. She felt all over the place and cried on the way home and at home. She rode right when she got home. She even put on the dress just to make it sweaty and fuck it up. She rode around and around and faster than she ever had before. Whatever Michael was doing she didn’t care. He could have the dress back (if he could get it) and his friends and his rugby and everything so long as she had the horse. She rode until the sun went down and laid there with it like the night before. It seemed to ease her anger and so did sweating all in the dress. She really loved that dress.
She was lying there a while when the lights shone through the hedge. Many heads were in the car she could see and Micahel’s silhouette coming through the hedges and the rustling of them and the leaves. She stood up next to the horse as Michael approached and she was confused.
“Hello?”
“Yes it’s me.” He was all sweaty from his thing. “Listen I’m going to be straight up this is not going to work.”
“That’s okay.”
He stared at her. He looked mad.
“It’s OKAY?!?!”
“Yes.”
“That’s all you have to say is it’s OKAY?”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Well you’re a fucking whore and I saw you last night with that THING!” She looked at him angrily and calmly. “That fucking THING” he walked toward the horse and she got in front of him trying to block him.
“Leave him alone” he shoved her and she fell to the side through the mud on the dress.
“Why don’t YOU leave it alone you know what you did what’re you gonna do next suck it’s DICK?!?! You’re a FREAK and you should kill yourself disgusting. WHORE!!!” He spit on her. A big boyly rugby glob of spit sat there on her and everything built up as the boy turned and walked towards the hedge. Allison grabbed the whip out of the tree and wound it up behind him. He turned just as she was there. She had thin arms but still the whip went fast and hard and came down across his face and chest in a CRACK. He broke down and stood up. She wound it up again but he picked her up and she dropped it. Why don’t you grab it yourself she thought but she didn’t say anything. Alice who was going to be a heart surgeon. She sat in his arms in her dress and he ran with her violently across the field and held her up and splashed her into the fountain marble. She didn’t hit anything and was alright sitting there and turned around and saw him running to the hedges and then he was gone. A pussy! She laughed to herself. Wow she thought you must be really strong to lift a light girl like me. The water was good on her sweaty body and she closed her eyes. The water was clean and the floor was marble. She realized she’d never sat in there. There were no plants or growth and there was nothing unfavorable about it. She kicked off her shoes and took the dress off and swam around once on her back with her eyes closed. Then she got to where she started (it was a big fountain) and the HORSE’s head was there. She laughed and leaned back on the marble and crossed her legs. Next time she said. Next time you can do it to him Stallion.
The next day was the dance. Alice stood on the wall in her dress and heels that matched it. She had washed it the night before and had been up very late. She liked putting things in the drier because it made them tighter on the skin and more beat up looking. Everyone was drinking. Michael hadn’t been in school that day and she could see him now across the gym with his friends. All of them wore the same things and had the same hair and looked the same. Then she looked over at the girls. She looked back at Michael and looked for the scar. The scar was there from one eyebrow to the opposite side of the chin. Beautiful work.
Anyhow she looked at the girls and they were just girls whispering in their little groups. They’re like mice, she thought. Alice didn’t drink. She despised it. Michael was drinking. Well she could see his friends drinking so probably he was. The school was a private school and the older kids put drinks in soda cans and things like that for the younger ones. The parents kind of knew but never got involved because they trusted the kids because they were rich and were never going to do anything or know real work or pain anyhow.
Alice stood there being all quiet thinking it’s just like any other year and when I go home I’ll hang the dress and finally have something to remember but then Michael approached her. She stood there confidently like she always stood on the wall with her hands behind her back at the ends of her skinny arms. Michael was stumbling. She thought of kicking him right in the nuts. She thought of cutting them off. What did they call that again?
Michael said some drunk blabber which she couldn’t understand and made her more sure of herself and the horse. He kept speaking and she understood a few words which were it’s my dress and give it back. He couldn’t stop laughing at first when he said it but as she looked at him with her eyes he became more serious but still she wasn’t affected. “Fi mi bes bimit baq. Fitz mine gimit hea giminow bloody dineress!!!” He dropped the drink and grabbed at her shoulder. He had a hold of the dress. Once again she could not do anything. He tugged the dress with his big rugby forearm and she held it over her head trying to keep it on as everyone watched. It slipped right off and she stood right there in her underclothes white as her skin all curvy and Michael didn’t know what to do so he did what everyone always did which was turn to his friends and laugh even though nothing was funny. Still she was very calm and ran outside and home. She ran through the hedges. It was not very hard fitting through. Michael was slightly embarrassed and his friends said some things and soon they pretended it never happened and the party went on. Michael who she had thought was good enough because he was someone. She thought of him as she stood on the lawn thinking of what to do. The horse stood up erect when he saw her come through the bush. She could not think of what to do and looked towards the house. It was dark. Where ever was her dad? Ridiculous! Funny she thought. Anyhow. Last time I told you next time, Stallion, she said aloud. Give me a minute to think. This is the time.
She had the same hotness of the horse between her legs as on the first night only now especially because of the breeze and being basically naked. They neared the gate and she tightened her legs to make him jump. She had figured that out last night before Michael came. It hurt a little when they landed but it was fun and high and besides she knew pain.
She didn’t want to kill him but just to hurt him very badly. Perhaps not even that but she wanted something and was sure this was the direction that would lead her to it. Whatever it was. She would figure it out. She went to the school. Everyone was there now coming out of the dance and she stood on the stallion down the road in the darkness. Still she shone. Then she saw one of michael’s friends walk out and was sure he’d be coming soon. Maybe that was even him? Impossible to tell! She pressed herself and her curviness against the horse and its neck and said softly “there he is. See him there, Stallion? Not that one,” she laughed to herself, “That one. No! Not that one. That one. That one!” She kicked her heels back and it began to run at the crowd and everyone seemed to step aside except for michael who was drunken slow and held his hands as if to do something as the girl Alice tightened her legs around the horse who jumped and clobbered him down in the face. Without stopping she went around and then was in the other direction heading home.
“Let me get some clothes on,” she told the Stallion all out of breath. The stallion lay under the willow for she could not get it to move closer to the house but it was okay because she would be quick. Upstairs in her room she saw the boys coming through the hedges. Even from far away they were bigger than they’d been at the school and all the times before. It was the older boys for sure. They just kept on coming.
“Are you sure it’s big enough mate?”
“Yes. My dad’s taken elk with it. Moose.”
“Elk or moose?”
“Both. It’s big enough.”
Allison came naked running down the field reaching out for her stallion. Some of the boys ran and caught her at the fountain and held her down. The horse was standing up now and surrounded. There were twenty so of the boys and a handful of them had Allison. Her stomach pressed on the marble and they held her face facing the water so that it couldn’t turn towards the horse and the other boys over there. She jerked around a second and knew it was useless.
“OY!” a boy shouted from the willow.
“Scream,” said the boy holding her head. She tried moving her head to get a view but the bodies were big and close together. She tried lunging forward into the water but they held her shoulders back from behind and were behind her so she couldn’t move that direction either. They might as well have been raping her.
“OY!!!” the boy shouted down there.
“SCREAM!!!!” the boy shouted into her ear “SCREAM OR I’LL DO IT FOR YOU!!!” She gave up and screamed and they put her head down in the water. They let her up and she tried turning her head again but they held it and she heard the reigns rattling and the horse neighing. She hadn’t heard it neigh since she’d gotten it.
“OY!!!” They held her down again. She didn’t scream but two of the boys screamed at her under the water and let her up again. “OY!!!” The same thing happened and they let her up. She caught her breath and was cold.
“Luk at ah maite. Real fit in’t she?”
“Splendid.”
They picked her up from under the armpits and took her so her feet didn’t touch the ground toward the house. All the times she tried turning her head they held it straight or smacked her or played around with her pussy and threatened to do worse and started yelling once they were at the wall that she killed their friend.
“I saw him stand up as I rode off,” she said. They pressed her against the wall with her face smushed against it. A handful of them stood behind her making another wall so she couldn’t see over there and one just had his hand against her cheek pushing the other cheek against the wall so her lips couldn’t close.
“SEND EM OVAH!!!” The boy behind her shouted.
“No, not the balls. Only the dick.”
“They’re calling for Michael.”
“Two of you bring him over.”
Two of the boys carried Michael by the hands and feet over to the wall. They leaned him against the wall and turned the head towards Alice. The mouth was completely crushed and you could not tell where the lips started or ended or where the nose was. The top the skull was crushed flat and she was pretty sure the brains were coming out the eye socket. You could not tell where anything was at all. It was a mush.
“You did that. Whore.”
Beautiful work, thought Alice.
They took Michael’s face and pressed it against Alice’s. They kept her’s tight against the stone so she couldn’t move and really rubbed them together good. She tasted blood and was covered in it and had little pieces of brain and skull and face all in her mouth. “I didn’t know you guys had brains,” she said.
Another boy came up with the dick which had been cut off the horse and held it up to Alice’s mouth. They pulled her lips open and shoved it on down. She closed her eyes and it was painful and they yelled some things in her ear which she forgot.
She lay on the ground naked and it was quiet and empty. Michael’s body was there. She flipped it over to not see the face. The horse dick laid next to her. She stood up and faced the fountain. The head of the horse was stuck on the top like a christmas star and the water cried from it’s eye holes and mouth and nose only the water was purely red and it was blood. The carcass was spread out and gutted held open by the lower levels of the fountain. The guts hung out the bottom and sat there in blood. The heart was there. Alice climbed into the blood closed her eyes took the dick and slid it into her pussy.
With illustrations: https://substack.com/home/post/p-143394109?source=queue

Hi! I'm looking for a book I've read ages ago but I can't remember the title. I deleted my old wattpad account so I can't look for it in my library or archives and every time i try to search the tags it doesn't pop up aaaaaa please help.
It's a Greek Mythology inspired book, Hades used the name Aidoneus(?) in the first few chapters. Main Character was attracted to hades only to end up finding out in her coming of age bday party that she was technically a demigod and she was meant to be betrothed to zeus. Girl impulsively went with hades to the underworld despite everyone's disapproval.
She arrived in the underworld near the time when persephone was about to return. Persephone was pregnant with Apollo's(?) kid.
Persephone and Hades divorced eventually and Persephone married Apollo i think (but they were all cordial, no bad blood)
Girly has a horse that she wanted to bring to the underworld but in order for the horse to survive the underworld it needed to be mated to one of the stallions from the underworld (weirdly enough i remember this part HAHAHA)
​

Because I like useless statistics, here's a list of categories that have been reused as well as what number puzzle it was used in and the words used in that category. Note: I grouped items together if they were close enough even if the categories weren't exactly the same e.g. the Baseball ones.

11 Times

Homophones of Items (#59 "Fruit", #101 "Numbers", #116 "Insects", #194 "Animals", #215 "Colors", #239 "Cities", #254 "Vegetables", #277 "Greek Letters", #321 "Names", #328 "Units of Measure", #337 "Musicals")

LYME, MELLON, PAIR, PLUMB, ATE, FOR, TOO, WON, AUNT, BEATLE, FLEE, NAT, DEAR, HAIR, HOARSE, WAIL, BLEW, CHORAL, READ, ROWS, DELI, NIECE, ROAM, SOUL, BEAT, CHARRED, LEAK, PEE, MOO, NEW, PIE, ROW, CURT, HAIRY, KNEEL, WANE, CARROT, HURTS, JEWEL, OM, GREECE, HARE, KATZ, MAIM

7 Times

TV Shows (#58, #92, #130, #143, #166, #177, #204)

CATFISH, CRIBS, JACKASS, STATE, 24, BONES, FIREFLY, WEEDS, FARGO, FLEABAG, FLIPPER, ER, HOUSE, RATCHED, SCRUBS, ALONE, CHOPPED, SURVIVOR, CHEERS, EUPHORIA, FELICITY, GLEE, FEUD, MILLIONAIRE, PYRAMID, WHEEL

Words Beginning with Items (#228 "Body Parts", #259 "Instruments", #283 "Rock Bands", #292 "Body Parts", #299 "Metals", #308 "Weekday Abbreviations", #326 "Music Genres")

HANDSOME, HIPPO, LEGEND, LIPID, BASSINET, CELLOPHANE, HARPOON, ORGANISM, CREAMSICLE, JOURNEYMAN, KISSCAM, RUSHMORE, ARMY, COLONY, LIVERY, SHINY, GOLDILOCKS, IRONIC, LEADERSHIP, TINDER, FRIAR, MONKEY, SUNDRY, WEDDING, POPCORN, RAPTURE, ROCKETRY, SOULMATE

6 Times

Rapper Names (#6, #21 "Lil", #56 "Minus Numbers", #76 "First Words", #124 "The(e)", #206 "Minus First Letters")

COMMON, FUTURE, ICE CUBE, Q-TIP, BABY, JON, KIM, WAYNE, CENT, CHAINZ, PAC, SAVAGE, FOXY, GUCCI, KILLER, NOTORIOUS, CREATOR, DUDE, RAPPER, STALLION, 40, COLE, PAIN, TIP

Mild Oaths/Exclamations (#25, #130, #136, #185, #222, #239)

DARN, FUDGE, HECK, SHOOT, FIDDLESTICKS, FIE, FRICK, GOODNESS, HEAVENS, LORD, MERCY, ENOUGH, STOP, MERCY, UNCLE, CURSES, RATS, BROTHER, PLEASE, SHEESH

Quantity (#59, #166, #170, #208, #266, #330)

FEW, HANDFUL, SEVERAL, SOME, AMOUNT, NUMBER, QUANTITY, VOLUME, COUNT, GROSS, SUM, TOTAL, DOZEN, PAIR, SCORE, MASS, SEA, SLEW, TON, MANY

5 Times

Homophones of Each Other (#13, #84, #157, #160, #236)

GNU, KNEW, NEW, NU, EWE, U, YOU, YEW, OUI, WE, WEE, WII, PEAK, PEKE, PEEK, PIQUE, HOLEY, HOLI, HOLY, WHOLLY

BotheAnnoy (#49, #186, #208, #255, #336)

NEEDLE, POKE, RIB, TEASE, BADGER, BUG, HOUND, NAG, JOSH, KID, BADGERS, BUGS, HOUNDS, NAGS

Starts of Items (#50 "US Coins", #178 "Zodiac Signs", #284 "Planets", #297 "US States", #329 "Monsters")

DIM, NICK, QUART, PEN, CAN, GEM, LIB, TAU, EAR, MAR, MER, SAT, KENT, MARY, MASS, WASH, FRANK, MUM, VAMP, WERE

Interval of Time/Life (#66, #194, #215, #263, #333)

CENTURY, DECADE, MILLENNIUM, YEAR, PERIOD, STRETCH, SPELL, WHILE, CHAPTER, STAGE, PHASE, AGE, DAY, ERA, TIME

4 Times

Shoes (#2, #69, #250, #262)

BOOT, LOAFER, PUMP, SNEAKER, CLOG, SLIDE, WEDGE, CROC, MOCCASIN, SLIPPER, CUBAN, KITTEN, STILETTO

Magazines (#2, #23, #46, #157)

ESSENCE, PEOPLE, TIME, US, FORTUNE, ROLLING STONE, VOGUE, WIRED, ALLURE, ELLE, GLAMOUR, W, O, OK

Single Letter Homophones (#2, #145, #201, #295)

ARE, QUEUE, SEA, WHY, SEE, YOU, BEE, EX, GEE, JAY, 🐝(BEE), 🐑(EWE), 👁️(EYE), 🫖(TEA)

Countries (#10, #26, #41, #165)

CHAD, GEORGIA, JORDAN, TOGO, DENMARK, GREECE, POLAND, PORTUGAL, CUBA, JAPAN, MALTA, PALAU, TUNISIA, TURKEY

Birds (#10, #28, #43, #200)

CRANE, JAY, SWALLOW, TURKEY, EMU, KIWI, OSTRICH, PENGUIN, BOOBY, GULL, PELICAN, PUFFIN, CARDINAL, LARK, SWIFT

Silent Letters (#13 "G", #90 "L", #165 "T", #230 "W")

GNAT, GNAW, GNOCCHI, GNOME, COLONEL, SALMON, WALK, YOLK, BOUQUET, PARFAIT, RAGOUT, RAPPORT, ANSWER, TWO, WRIST, WRONG

Bands (#23, #71, #249, #325)

BEACH BOY, BEATLE, BYRD, MONKEE, GENESIS, KANSAS, YES, RUSH, BLUR, OASIS, PULP, SUEDE, ANIMAL, DOOR, KINK, SUPREME

Dances (#23, #56, #163, #223)

DOUGIE, MACARENA, MASHED POTATO, TWIST, HUSTLE, SALSA, SWING, TANGO, FLOSS, ROBOT, VOGUE, WORM, MODERN, TAP

Disney Characters (#28, #48, #49, #292)

BASHFUL, DOC, GRUMPY, HAPPY, BEAST, GENIE, SCAR, STITCH, DAISY, DEWEY, DONALD, SCROOGE, GOOFY, LADY

Cuts of Meat (#33, #77, #196, #336)

FLANK, LOIN, ROUND, SHANK, BREAST, DRUMSTICK, TENDER, WING, BELLY, CHOP, HOCK, SHOULDER, CHUCK

Extremely (#68, #220, #292, #306)

AWFUL, QUITE, SUPER, VERY, RATHER, PRETTY, REAL, MIGHTY, REALLY, HYPER, UBER, ULTRA

Pursue (#73, #184, #252, #286)

DOG, FOLLOW, TAIL, TRACK, SHADOW, TRAIL, HUNT, STALK, CHASE

Golf Terms (#77, #111, #185, #211)

DRIVER, EAGLE, HOLE, STROKE, IRON, PUTTER, WEDGE, WOOD, BUNKER, FAIRWAY, GREEN, ROUGH, CART, CLUB, TEE

Information (#93, #144, #219, #311)

DIRT, DISH, SCOOP, SKINNY, DATA, INTEL, INFO, NEWS, DOPE, WORD, INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS

Division (#116, #149, #256, #276)

ARM, BRANCH, CHAPTER, WING, CAMP, DIVISION, FACTION, CLASS, RANK, TIER

Excellent/Cool (#137, #207, #226, #332)

ACES, KEEN, NEATO, NIFTY, FIRE, LIT, SICK, TIGHT, FINE, PRIME, QUALITY, STERLING, BEST, CREAM, PICK, TOP

What Letters Might Mean (#193 "I", #208 "X", #240 "O", #265 "K")

IODINE, IOTA, MYSELF, ONE, ADULT, KISS, TEN, TIMES, HUG, OF, OXYGEN, ZERO, KELVIN, OKAY, POTASSIUM, THOUSAND

3 Times

NBA Teams (#1, #45, #288)

BUCKS, HEAT, JAZZ, NETS, KING, MAGIC, SUN, THUNDER, CLIPPER, PACER, ROCKET, SPUR

Palindromes (#1, #118, #284)

KAYAK, LEVEL, MOM, RACECAR, EVE, HANNAH, OTTO, NATAN, BIB, EYE, GAG, POP

Units of Length (#2, #50, #327)

FOOT, LEAGUE, MILE, YARD, INCH, FATHOM

Eat Voraciously (#3, #164, #272)

CHOW, GOBBLE, SCARF, WOLF, GORGE, GULP, DOWN, INHALE

Dog Breeds (#3, #22, #275)

LAB, PEKE, PIT, POM, BOXER, DALMATIAN, HUSKY, POODLE, BOSTON, GOLDEN

Musicals (#4, #91, #255)

CABARET, CAROUSEL, CATS, CHICAGO, COMPANY, GREASE, HAIR, RENT, ANNIE

Condiments/Sauces (#5, #248, #324)

KETCHUP, MAYO, RELISH, TARTAR, OYSTER, PLUM, SOY, XO, AIOLI, BARBECUE, MARINARA, RANCH

Board Games (#8, #32, #76)

BACKGAMMON, CHECKERS, CHESS, GO, CLUE, RISK, SORRY, TROUBLE, TABOO

Shades of Red (#8, #112, #332)

CHERRY, FIRE TRUCK, RUBY, STOP SIGN, BEET, BRICK, CARDINAL, POPPY, BRICK, ROSE

Vegetables/Vegetables that are Actually Fruit (#9, #31, #120)

BEET, CARROT, CORN, ONION, CUCUMBER, EGGPLANT, PEPPER, TOMATO

Fruits (#10, #28, #98)

DATE, KIWI, LEMON, ORANGE, BANANA, COCONUT, MANGO, PINEAPPLE, APRICOT, FIG, GRAPE, LIME

Spices (#11, #152, #276)

CARDAMOM, CLOVE, CORIANDER, CUMIN, ANISE, DILL, NUTMEG, SAGE, FENNEL, LICORICE, TARRAGON

Animal Group Names (#12, #53, #135)

FLOCK, PACK, POD, SCHOOL, COLONY, HERD, PRIDE, SWARM

Airlines (#13, #99, #308)

FRONTIER, SPIRIT, UNITED, VIRGIN, ALASKA, SOUTHWEST, AMERICAN

Colors (#15, #221, #287)

BROWN, PINK, TURQUOISE, VIOLET, BLUE, GREEN, WHITE, YELLOW, BEIGE, CAMEL, KHAKI, TAN

TV Shows' Main Characters (#18, #99, #105)

GREY, HOUSE, HOWSER, QUINN, LASSO, MARS, ROGERS, SMART, CLEAVER, BUNKER, PARTRIDGE, TANNER

Dispute (#19, #290, #302)

ROW, QUARREL, SPAT, TIFF, FIGHT, SCRAP, CLASH, TANGLE

Facial Hair (#25, #73, #316)

HANDLEBAR, HORSESHOE, PENCIL, WALRUS, BEARD, GOATEE, MUSTACHE, STUBBLE, FUZZ, SCRUFF, SHADOW, WHISKERS

Parts of a Book (#27, #192, #198)

COVER, JACKET, PAGE, SPINE, APPENDIX, CHAPTER, INDEX, PREFACE, FOLIO, LEAF, SHEET

Fish (#29, #58, #90)

TANG, TETRA, SKATE, SOLE, CHAR, EEL, PERCH, SHARK, CARP, CATFISH, FLOUNDER, SMELT

Sandwiches (#33, #51, #331)

CLUB, CUBAN, MELT, SUB, HERO, HOAGIE, GRINDER, BUN, ROLL, WRAP

Move Quickly (#42, #200, #223)

BOLT, DASH, RACE, SPRINT, DART, ZIP, BLAZE, FLY, TEAR

States of Matter (#44, #65, #214)

GAS, LIQUID, PLASMA, SOLID

Anagrams (#44, #94, #243 "Numbers")

LEAST, SLATE, STALE, TESLA, NOPE, OPEN, PEON, PONE, EON, ETHER, NET, TOW

Transportation/Vehicles (#45, #102, #195)

BOAT, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, BUS, MOTORCYCLE, TRUCK

Cocktails (#46, #150 "Second Words", #336 "Minus Place Names")

COMSOPOLITAN, HURRICANE, MANHATTAN, SCREWDRIVER, BREEZE, MARY, MULE, RUSSIAN, LIBRE, MAMA, SLING

Repeated Words (#47, #145, #179)

CAN, CHA, GO, NAE, HEAR, KNOCK, THERE, TUT, BOO, POM, TOM, YO

Musical Instruments (#52, #171, #289)

HARP, HORN, ORGAN, TRIANGLE, BASS, BASSOON, RECORDER

Exercises (#63, #159, #323)

CURL, LUNGE, PLANK, PRESS, DIPS, LUNGES, PLANKS, SQUATS, BRIDGE, CRUNCH, DIP, SQUAT

Look (#64, #160, #249)

CATCH, NOTICE, OBSERVE, SEE, GANDER, GLANCE, GLIMPSE, LOOK, MONITOR, SURVEY, TRACK, WATCH

Pastries (#67, #83, #165)

CAKE, COBBLER, PIE, TART, BUN, DANISH, MUFFIN, TURNOVER, PASTY

Companion (#69, #267, #316)

BUD, CHUM, MATE, PAL, ASSOCIATE, FELLOW, PARTNER, PEER

Baseball Terms (#90, #205, #229)

BALL, OUT, SAFE, STRIKE, DOUBLE, HIT, RUN, WALK, BASE, BAT, GLOVE

Connect/Connection (#100, #175, #330)

BOND, LINK, RELATION, TIE, COUPLE, HITCH, COUPLE

Decline (#104, #180, #223)

DIP, DROP, FALL, SINK, EBB, FADE, FLAG, WANE

Singers (#104, #268, #334)

KEYS, NICKS, SUMMER, SWIFT, GRANDE, MARS, STYLES, FERRY, MERCURY, PLANT

Rhymes with Each Other (#118, #234, #295)

DARREN, KAREN, SHARON, AARON, CHOIR, FIRE, LIAR, FRYER, 🧠(BRAIN), ✈️(PLANE), 🌧️(RAIN), 🚂(TRAIN)

Origin (#121, #161, #256)

GENESIS, GERM, SEED, SOURCE, BIRTH, CREATION, DAWN, START, CRADLE, FONT, ROOT

Foremost (#122, #190, #221)

HEAD, LEAD, PRIME, TOP, CHIEF, FIRST, MAIN, PRINCIPAL, PARAMOUNT, SUPREME

Balderdash (#132, #158, #314)

BALONEY, BUNK, CROCK, TRIPE, BULL, HOGWASH, NONSENSE, ROT, HORSEFEATHERS

Boldness (#138, #189, #334)

BRASS, CHEEK, GALL, NERVE, GUTS, STONES

Brief Moment (#141, #190, #302)

FLASH, HEARTBEAT, SECOND, WINK, JIFFY, JIFF

Restrict (#174, #198, #333)

CAP, CHECK, CURB, LIMIT, STEM, CONTAIN

Hit Hard (#229, #233, #242)

BLOW, LICK, SOCK, STRIKE, BANG, HAMMER, POUND, SLAM, BELT, CLOCK, DECK, SLUG

2 Times

Keyboard Keys (#1, #273)

OPTION, SHIFT, RETURN, TAB, COMMAND, CONTROL

Sneaker Brands (#4, #114)

ADIDAS, NIKE, PUMA, REEBOK, CONVERSE, JORDAN, VANS

Shades of Blue (#6, #292)

BABY, MIDNIGHT, POWDER, ROYAL, NAVY, SKY, TIFFANY

Things with Keys (#8, #255)

CRYPTOGRAPHY, FLORIDA, LOCKSMITH, PIANO, COMPUTER, SUPER, TESTS

Shirts (#9, #201)

CAMI, HALTER, TANK, TEE, CROP, POLO

Insects (#9, #29)

ANT, BEETLE, MANTIS, TERMITE, FLY, GNAT, MOTH, WASP

Zodiac Symbols (#10, #178)

FISH, GOAT, SCALES, TWINS, BULL, CRAB

Terms of Endearment (#11, #197)

BOO, HONEY, SUGAR, SWEETIE, BABY, DEAR, LOVE

Greek Letters (#13, #62)

BETA, CHI, DELTA, IOTA, MU, NU, PI, XI

Shades of Green (#16, #257)

EMERALD, FOREST, KELLY, OLIVE, LIME, MINT

NFL Teams (#18, #30)

BEAR, BILL, BROWN, COMMANDER, BRONCO, COWBOY, PACKER, RAVEN

Anti-Vampire (#19, #335)

CRUCIFIX, GARLIC, MIRROR, STAKE, CROSS, SILVER, SUN

Movie Directors (#20, #142)

BONG, FORD, LEE, STONE, ASTER, CARPENTER, CRAVEN, WAN

Music Genres (#21, #34)

JAZZ, POP, PUNK, RAP, BLUES, COUNTRY, FUNK, SOUL

Candy Bars (#24, #36)

BOUNTY, CRUNCH, HEATH, MILKY WAY, CHUNKY, MARS, MOUNDS

Band Names Minus (#24 "Numbers", #45 "Colors")

BLINK, MAROON, SUM, U, DAY, FLOYD, SABBATH, STRIPES

Names Minus Numbers (#24 "Bands", #246 "Movies")

BLINK, MAROON, SUM, U, APOLLO, CANDLES, FANTASTIC, SAMURAI

Imitate (#26, #162)

COPY, ECHO, MIMIC, PARROT, APE, MIME, MIRROR

_____Cat (#29, #42)

ALLEY, COOL, COPY, LAP, DOJA, FAT, HOUSE, JUNGLE

Pasta Shapes (#30, #296)

BOWTIE, ELBOW, SHELL, SPIRAL, TUBE, WHEEL

Heteronyms (#31, #202)

JOB, LIMA, MOBILE, POLISH, BASS, DOVE, DESERT, WIND

Parts of a Shoe (#32, #183)

HEEL, LACE, SOLE, TONGUE, EYELET

Names that are Verbs (#33, #118)

CHUCK, JOSH, ROB, SUE, DREW, MAY, ROSE, WILL

Smell (#34, #209)

AROMA, BOUQUET, FRAGRANCE, SCENT, FUNK, MUSK, ODOR, TANG

Male Animals (#34, #217)

BOAR, BUCK, BULL, JACK, TOM

Metal Elements (#35, #138)

IRON, LEAD, TIN, ZINC, COPPER, GOLD, NICKEL, SILVER

Slang for Money (#36, #295)

CHEDDAR, DOUGH, PAPER, STACKS, 🥓(BACON), 🍞(BREAD), 🧀(CHEDDACHEESE), 🥬(GREEN)

Bike Parts (#37, #73)

BRAKE, CHAIN, SADDLE, SPOKE, GEAR, HANDLEBAR, PEDAL, WHEEL

Bagel Flavors (#38, #329)

EVERYTHING, ONION, PLAIN, POPPY, EGG

Hairstyles (#39, #305)

BOB, CROP, PIXIE, SHAG, BOWL, BUZZ, CREW

Woodwinds (#40, #82)

BASSOON, CLARINET, FLUTE, OBOE, SAXOPHONE

Coverings (#40, #333)

CAP, COVER, LID, TOP, CORK, TAB

Keyboard Shortcuts (#44, #126)

COPY, CUT, PASTE, UNDO, FIND, PRINT, SAVE

Yoga Poses (#47, #244)

COBRA, LOTUS, TREE, WARRIOR, CAT, COW, MOUNTAIN, TRIANGLE

Fabrics (#48, #183)

CORDUROY, DENIM, LINEN, TWEED, CHIFFON, SATIN, SILK, VELVET

Newspapers (#59, #233)

GLOBE, JOURNAL, POST, SUN, CHRONICLE, HERALD, REGISTER

Sports Venues (#60, #186)

COURT, DIAMOND, FIELD, RANK, ARENA, BOWL, DOME

Make Happy (#60, #188)

CHARM, DELIGHT, PLEASE, TICKLE, AMUSE

Horror Movies (#60, #295)

PURGE, RING, SAW, SCREAM, 👽(ALIEN), 🧛(DRACULA), 🪚(SAW), 😱(SCREAM)

State Abbreviations (#62, #179)

CO, MA, ME, PA, HI, LA, OK

Fasteners (#63, #181)

BUCKLE, BUTTON, SNAP, ZIP, BOLT, NAIL, RIVET, SCREW

Slang for Zero (#63, #302)

JACK, NADA, NOTHING, SQUAT, LOVE, ZIP

Captains (#63, #245)

CRUNCH, KANGAROO, OBVIOUS, PLANET, AMERICA, HOOK, MORGAN, NEMO

Dog Names (#64, #237)

FIDO, LUCKY, ROVER, SPOT, FLUFFY, REX

Oomph (#65, #197)

JUICE, SPIRIT, STEAM, VIGOR, ENERGY, FIRE, ZIP

AlteFalsify (#67, #130)

DISTORT, DOCTOR, FUDGE, TWIST, FABRICATE, FAKE, FIX, FORGE

Tiny (#70, #192)

MINUTE, SLIGHT, SMALL, WEE, DINKY, LITTLE

Failures (#74, #128)

BUSTS, FLOPS, MISSES, TURKEYS, BOMB, DUD, FLOP, LEMON

Easter (#75, #267)

BUNNY, EGG, ISLAND, SUNDAY, JELLY BEAN, PEEP

Scheme (#78, #188)

CON, FAST ONE, HUSTLE, RACKET, PLOT, PLOY, RUSE, TRICK

Exit (#79, #291)

BOOK, BOUNCE, RUN, SPLIT, DEPARTED, LEFT, WENT

Imperfection (#81, #176)

CHIP, DING, NICK, SCRATCH, MARK

Football Terms (#83, #216)

FUMBLE, PUNT, SACK, SNAP, CENTER, END, SAFETY, TACKLE

Female Animals (#84, #284)

COW, DOE, HEN, MARE, EWE

Pronouns (#84, #94)

I, IT, THEY, WE, ME, THEM, US, YOU

Intelligence Operative (#87, #265)

AGENT, MOLE, PLANT, SPY, ASSET, SLEEPER

Hot Drinks (#93, #238)

CHAI, COCOA, COFFEE, TEA, MATE

Parts of the Eye (#95, #227)

IRIS, LENS, PUPIL, RETINA, CONE

Majestic (#98, #161)

DELUXE, GRAND, LAVISH, OPULENT, AUGUST, NOBLE, REGAL

What Colors Might Mean (#98 "Green", #257 "Blue")

ENVIOUS, NAIVE, FRESH, UNWELL, DEMOCRATIC, EROTIC, NOBLE, SAD

Intelligent (#99, #152)

BRIGHT, CLEVER, QUICK, SHARP, SMART

Featured in Westerns (#99, #323)

COWBOY, DRIFTER, OUTLAW, SHERIFF, BOUNTY, DUEL, SALOON

Web Browser Features (#100, #325)

BOOKMARK, HISTORY, TAB, WINDOW, FILE, VIEW

Soda Fountain Orders (#103, #181)

FLOAT, MALT, SHAKE, SUNDAE, SPLIT

Strong (#104, #235)

FIT, HEALTHY, SOUND, STRONG, BUILT, JACKED, RIPPED, SWOLE

Snakes (#107, #296)

BOA, MAMBA, PYTHON, VIPER, ADDER, MOCCASIN

Summary (#107, #321)

ABSTRACT, BRIEF, DIGEST, RUNDOWN, OUTLINE

Lacking (#111, #153)

LOW, SHORT, SHY, WANTING, LIGHT, SPARE, THIN

Phone Apps (#113, #227)

CLOCK, MAIL, MAPS, NOTES, CALCULATOR, CALENDAR, CAMERA

Chatter (#114, #284)

BLATHER, CHAT, JABBER, GAB, JAW, YAK, YAP

Things with Stripes (#115, #246)

CANDY CANE, CROSSWALK, REFEREE, TIGER, MIME, PRISONER, SAILOR

MLB Teams (#116, #159)

ANGEL, CUB, MET, RED, CARDS, JAYS, NATS, YANKS

Art Movements (#117, #260)

DADA, DECO, GOTHIC, POP, EXPRESSION, MANNER, ROMANTIC, SURREAL

Slang for Head (#120, #276)

CROWN, DOME, MELON, NOODLE, BEAN, NUT

Conceal (#123, #273)

BLOCK, COVER, HIDE, MASK, OBSCURE

Poetry Units (#124, #265)

LINE, METER, RHYME, VERSE, FOOT

Butt (#125, #274)

BOTTOM, BUNS, SEAT, TAIL, BOOTY, BUM, CAN, REAR

Workshop Tools (#126, #253)

HAMMER, FILE, LEVEL, SAW, DRILL, GRINDER, ROUTER

Pull (#126, #308)

JERK, TUG, WRENCH, YANK, RIP, TEAR

Break Contact (#128, #222)

DESERT, GHOST, IGNORE, JILT, DITCH, MAROON, STRAND

Sharp Quality (#129, #271)

BITE, KICK, TANG, ZIP, EDGE, PUNCH, SPICE

Singular Things of Pairs (#129, #217)

BOXER, GOGGLE, PANT, TONG, JEAN, SHORT, TIGHT

Acronyms/Initialisms (#132, #336)

LASER, RADAR, SCUBA, SPAM, MIA, OMG, PIN, RAM

Predicament (#133, #293)

BIND, PICKLE, SCRAPE, SPOT, BINDS, JAMS, PICKLES, SPOTS

Encourage (#134, #247)

DRIVE, INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, SPUR, EGG, GOAD, URGE

Increase (#137, #306)

BUILD, GROW, SWELL, MOUNT, BALLOON, MUSHROOM, SNOWBALL

Go Up Against (#140, #260)

CHALLENGE, CONFRONT, FACE, OPPOSE, BRAVE, MEET

Filler Words (#143, #328)

ERM, UH, UM, WELL, LIKE, LITERALLY

Training (#146, #308)

DRILL, PRACTICE, STUDY, TRAIN, EXERCISE, ROUTINE

Financial Terms (#147, #168)

BOND, CD, OPTION, STOCK, CAPITAL, EQUITY, INTEREST

Car Companies (#154, #166)

BMW, HONDA, JAGUAR, SUBARU, FIAT, MINI, RAM

Shepherd (#158, #193)

DIRECT, GUIDE, LEAD, STEER

Pretense (#160, #282)

ACT, BLUFF, CHARADE, FRONT, AFFECT, AIRS

Religious Figures (#162, #239)

CARDINAL, LAMA, MONK, PASTOR, BISHOP, PASTOR, PRIOR

Fashionable (#163, #228)

CHIC, HIP, HOT, IN, BIG, POPULAR

Criticize (#166, #278)

KNOCK, PAN, ROAST, SLAM, BLAST, TRASH

Rooms (#170, #267)

BEDROOM, DEN, KITCHEN, STUDY, HALL, LIBRARY, LOUNGE

Fill to Excess (#170, #244)

CRAM, JAM, PACK, STUFF, SQUEEZE

Allotment (#173, #311)

CUT, PIECE, SHARE, TAKE, INTEREST, PERCENTAGE, STAKE

Assure, as a Win (#176, #340)

CLINCH, GUARANTEE, LOCK, SECURE, CINCH, ICE

Jump (#182, #263)

BOUND, LEAP, SPRING, VAULT, HOP, JUMP

Comedic Performance (#191, #238)

BIT, JOKE, ROUTINE, SKETCH, ACT, SET

Words Ending with _______ (#191 "Numbers", #269 "Clothing")

CANINE, FREIGHT, OFTEN, STONE, FOXGLOVE, GUMSHOE, TURNCOAT, WINDSOCK

Little Bit (#195, #332)

DASH, DROP, PINCH, SPLASH, SPOT, SPRINKLE

Geometric Objects (#197, #325)

LINE, POINT, RAY, SEGMENT, PLANE, SOLID

Parts of a Car (#200, #215)

BUMPER, HOOD, TIRE, TRUNK, DASH, SHOCK, TANK WHEEL

Apex (#208, #231)

HEIGHT, MAX, PEAK, TOP, VERTEX, CREST, SUMMIT

Transaction Record (#217, #324)

BILL, CHECK, INVOICE, TAB, RECEIPT, STATEMENT

Deceive/Cheat (#219, #224)

CON, DUPE, FOOL, TRICK, FLEECE, HOSE, ROB, STIFF

Give Attention to (#230, #311)

GUARD, MIND, TEND, WATCH, FOLLOW, OBSERVE, REGARD

Adjusted Colors (#237 "Minus First Letters", #256 "Changed First Letters")

INK, LACK, OLD, RANGE, CLUE, FROWN, MELLOW, PREEN

Track and Field Equipment (#262, #314)

HAMMER, HURDLE, JAVELIN, POLE, BATON

Food Preservation Techniques (#271, #293)

CAN, CURE, DRY, FREEZE, CANS, CURES, SALTS, SMOKES

Five men who had nothing to do with restraint were now rushing recklessly for one delusion with their eyes bloodshot.
The reason why these men with immature mental age moved with their eyes red was only one. It was a woman. Especially, judging from the extreme excitement they showed, it was clear that she was a beauty of the highest grade among the beauties. It was very rare for them to go crazy like this without any reason.
At times like this, a man becomes the most dangerous animal in the world for women. If there are any women who witness such men around them, it would be an excellent choice for their health and peaceful life to immediately avoid them.
Women, beware!
Men are basically a race that belongs to wolves. It does not change even if time passes, so do not trust them rashly. Do not make the foolish mistake of trusting men, especially when you are alone with them.
The excitement of the Five Phantom Swords did not subside like a stallion in mating season.
“If I'm right, she is an unparalleled beauty. I thought my head blood vessels were going to burst! Hehe!”
Sang Jungha, the First phantom Sword, burst into a creepy grin.
“Right! She was so beautiful that my head was spinning. Who would have thought that such a beauty would be in this place!”
Kang Jungyak, the Second Phantom Sword, expressed his full agreement.
“Hahaha! but I didn't expect it to be this extreme! Wow, I’m going crazy!”
sa-geul, said with a crazed look.
“Hey YakYak! Did you know about her?”
Kang YakYak jumped like a horny dog when he was asked. if he knew everything. That's how amazed the second Phantom, Kang Jungyak, was.
“Ah, of course! It's obvious that the elegant Kang YakYak, the connoisseur of such top-tier beauties, wouldn't be unaware of information about her. Haven't you heard the saying that the world's most beautiful woman was decided ten years ago?”
The guy who always caused trouble because of women was showing off, and the others didn’t feel good.
“Se... Seriously?”
They all had heard that story. They had been through countless drinking parties until now, and there was no way that women’s stories and obscene jokes were missing, so they had memories of hearing them somewhere.
“That’s right! Isn’t it amazing? Ah… I never dreamed that this opportunity would appear in front of my eyes.”
Kang YakYak eyes turned ecstatic and hazy. His eyes were traveling to a completely different world at the moment. He was not a guy who couldn't hear other people’s words at times like this. He only had women in his eyes.
“Tsk! We weren't interested in women as much as you, who is obsessed with lust, so we might have been negligent in gathering information about her!”
Kang Jungyak grumbled.
“When she turns twenty, she will undoubtedly be considered the most beautiful woman in the world, leading to intense interest among the young gentlemen of high society. It's none other than Naye Rin, the forbidden fruit of the prestigious Na clan, known for her captivating charm and elegance!”
Kang YakYak boasted arrogantly. As much as he pretended to know more than others, that didn’t mean he looked good.
“I knew you were a rapist or had lascivious tendencies, but I didn't know you were a man elegant till this day ”
Kang Jungyak said sarcastically. If Kang YakYak was a man of elegance,than all the elegant man in the world would be dead. It was a matter of course that a guy who likes to have a relationship with violence without asking the woman’s opinion wasn't elegant. It was a story that a passing dog would laugh at. But he didn’t want to discuss the standards of elegance any longer, so he stopped talking.
Among the five, the one with the least experience was the first brother, Sang Jungha. He claimed that he was not extreme, but in fact, he was fifty times more extreme.
"So... that's what I'm saying... When it comes to my field of expertise..."
Kang YakYak continued to talk excitedly.
As expected, everyone's faces were filled with interest in the top beauty, the celestial flower. After frowning once, Sang Jungha quickly joined their ranks before missing any more information. It was only natural for an enthusiastic guy like him, who was more passionate than a pervert or a playboy, to be a suitable companion for a top beauty. There was no need for further explanation.
“But can we disobey Cheo sal’s order? It was an order to wait and not release Heavenly Net.”
Ha Sang-joong, the youngest, cautiously expressed his opinion. It was clear that moving to take the beauty as it is now was a violation of the order.
“Hmm…”
Everyone’s faces hardened as Cheo sal’s name came up. They had been serving him for over 10 years, but they still felt fear when they stood next to Cheo sal.
They were nothing but tools that could be thrown away at any time for Cheo sal.
“Who would know if we handle it quietly and secretly? Besides, we’re not the only ones aiming for it! You haven’t forgotten that the Five Reaper Blades were there that day, have you?”
Kang YakYak glared at Ha Sang-joong, who poured cold water, and persuaded everyone. At times like this, it was the most effective to drag in the guys who called themselves the Five Reaper Blades.
“Besides, the second reaper of the five reapers is a very bad guy who only lusts for women, even though he is a reaper! He is also a great expert in this field! He wouldn’t have missed her existence!”
It was a matter of course that a dog covered with shit would scold a dog covered with chaff, and Kang YakYak was exactly that. Kang YakYak considered the second reaper as a competitor in the same field. He looked like he was burning with ambition. It was an ambition that didn’t help in his life and only caused trouble.
Everyone’s eyes were focused on the first Sang Jungha. It was a silent pressure to make a decision. He grumbled inwardly that they were bad guys who only looked at the first one at times like this.
“Okay! We can’t lose to those guys!”
Finally, Sang Jungha made a decision. “Let’s go!”
They were quick to act only at times like this.
As Kang YakYak expected, not only the Five Phantom Swords, but also the Five Reaper Blades, their eternal enemy and rival, were secretly moving toward the woman. They were the same kind of people who thought the same thing. The poor woman became the target of many wolves.
‘It’s a bit annoying!’
While it may be hard to call it a matter of the heart, Bi Ryu-yeon had no desire to take the lead in this situation. He didn’t feel the need to volunteer and spend his strength and energy on something that had no income. It would be more accurate to say that he didn’t care at all.
But when he tried to ignore it altogether with the excuse that it was annoying, he was worried about the lives of the children he knew. It could be dismissed as useless compassion or sympathy, but it was never a pleasant thing for the faces he knew to die for nothing.
So Bi Ryu-yeon pondered. Pondering consumed considerable mental strength, so he tried to keep his thoughts brief and reached a conclusion quickly. If he worried about his comrades' lives, he thought it would be enough to improve their skills to the point where he could feel relieved. That was his final conclusion.
It was a difficult task to enhance their skills to the level of Anjeong seon (equilibrium point) in a short time, but this Bi Ryu-yeon was a person who did not act with the impossible in mind.
As always, he made the plan and Yeom do executed it. Yeom do had a surprising talent for this kind of thing, so he believed that he would handle the job without any problems.
Until they had enough skills, he planned to catch the flies around him. It was beneficial for him to have one or two things to do for fun.
He took out the Pung nyeom-gu (Infamy Mask) that he had kept in his chest for a long time. The moment he wears it, he becomes a different person called "Nosa-bu." Thinking about it made Biryu-yeon very happy.
It’s not a sin to enjoy life. Rather, he was just a little smarter than others! From then on, Bi Ryu-yeon’s real play began.
The Reappearance of Nosa-bu
The Five Phantom Swords moved like leopards with lustful eyes.
They were so impatient that they couldn’t see anything.
But what stopped their run was a flash of silver.
Pee!
Pierce!
The flash left a line of blood on the cheek of Kang Yak-yak, who was rushing to the forefront as expected. When the sharp blade passed through his cheek, Kang Yak-yak instinctively leaped back and shouted.
“Who are you?”
In his hand, which landed a yard behind, a sword hilt was already clenched.
“I’m just a passerby!”
The person who appeared in front of The Five Phantom Swords was an old man. They didn’t know that the old man’s face was the same face that had been engraved in the brains of the sixteen members of the Ju-jakdan (Vermilion bird squad) as a nightmare.
It was Bi Ryu-yeon who took out the Pung nyeom-gu (Infamy Mask) that he had kept in his chest for several years.
“Reveal your identity!”
Kang YakYak shouted.
“You have no manners"
“What?”
“Come on! Take my attack!”
“What?”
The five of them still lacked respect for the old man.
"Bi Hwan Nan Young Mu (Dance of Flying Rings and Chaotic Shadows.)!”
“Damn it!”
Ten flying rings flew from Bi Ryu-yeon's hands, drawing unpredictable and mysterious curves in the air. It was a terrifying force that seemed to tear through space.
Bi Hwan Nan Young Mu was a simple pass time skill that Bi Ryu-yeon created by using the martial arts of Biryeo-do. It was not weak in power just because he made it with a to pass time.
“Ugh!”
Shocked by the unexpected powerful attack, The Five Phantom Swords poured all their abilities into avoiding it.
But it was impossible to avoid the rings that circled the air like dancing perfectly. Wherever the ring passed, there was inevitably a blood line and blood flowed.
Bi Ryu-yeon thought that this was enough for them.
“Why are you blocking us, senior?”
The first phantom sword Sang Jungha asked. His tone had changed slightly. They were the ones who were faster than the law.
“Now you’re talking politely! Do you finally have some respect for your elders?”
'Who is he?"
Sang Jungha began to wonder.
He didn’t look like a soldier from the Wudang. He had no signs on his body, so it was hard to identify his affiliation. Of course, if he knew the situation, it would be natural to intervene to help. But what if he didn’t know the situation?
The Five Phantom Swords wanted to save trouble. They didn’t want to waste their strength against a formidable master.
“Excuse me, can I hear your honorable name, senior?”
He said that with the utmost courtesy.
“Rather than that, have you heard this rumor?”
Bi Ryu-yeon, who wore the Pung nyeom-gu (Infamy Mask), asked out of nowhere.
“What rumor are you talking about?"
“There is a very terrible Nokrimyacha here. I met them and got into trouble!"
“Ha ha ha ha ha ha!”
Nokrimyacha means simply mountain bandits. They were nothing but toenails to them. Their laughter grew louder.
Bi Ryu-yeon, who became Nosa-bu, felt a little bad.
“Why are you laughing?”
Bi Ryu-yeon asked without hiding his displeasure.
“How can a bandit dare to block our way."
Sang Jungha, who confidently shouted loudly. He didn’t realize one thing he had overlooked.
“Then who is blocking your way?”
"That… that is…’
Sang Jungha was at a loss for words at the sudden surprise question. Of course, the answer was the old man in front of him, who claimed to be a robber.
“Tsk! Do you have tears?"
“Where does a man have tears? A man doesn’t cry even when his parents die.”
“Ugh! Then you can’t hear my story.”
Bi Ryu-yeon clicked his tongue.
“Why?”
“This old man's fate is a magnificent epic that cannot be heard without tears, as it is intertwined with a tragic story!"
“Ha ha! Let’s hear the story first! Tell me the story that you boast of being tragic.”

Hello, this is my first post ever in any forum. I want to be precise but also complete about my life and this journey to offer details that may help you have a full understanding.
# Mark with bold crucial years/moments.
# Dividing this by 3 topics: 1) About myself 2) My story 3) Streaks/Relapses/Flatlines
1) ABOUT MYSELF
-I am a 27 yo male from South America. Overall healthy (good diet/OK blood and heart tests/no drugs or alcohol or any other addiction/bad habit) -Except pmo-
-Good and humble person with good heart (keep group friend from high school); always want to help others when possible.
-All my life I have been anxious, competitive, no tolerance to defeat, no patience (recognised and solved most of this last 2 years (keep working on my behaviour) - This generated a lot of problems like stress, muscle tension, anxiety disorder, panic attacks). Strong fear of death since I was a kid.
-Lived a lovely chilhood with my both parents (overprotected by mother); minor fights between them.
-Good at school/college/work; good at football (soccer) -my passion- and other sports.
- Used PMO as a way to tolerate frustration and relax myself (relationships - videogames - life in general)
​
2) MY STORY
As I step into teens (2008 - 12 yo) is where everything begins. Discovered fap by school mates. Practised it at least once a month at that age.
2009 - I noticed I had it very easy with girls in school (mini dates with a lot of them). During this year continued fapping, I would say three per month at the very minimum.
2010 - Keep dating girls (it was easy but not as '09). Porn gets into the ecuation, at least fap one per day but mostly without P. Lost virginity (P.E) - Less energy than 2009
2011 - Average fap: 1 per day. Less overall energy than 2010 (girl attraction diminished)
2012 - Average fap: 1 per day - Get into a relationship out of boredom (Less energy than 2011)
2013 - Average fap: 1 per day - This year my overall energy dropped a little bit more - Finish high school
2014 - Average fap: 1 per day with P - This year changed everything. My father died; whole world lost sense to me and I could not get over it and never will.- Just learning how to live without him. Here is with PMO helped me numb that emptiness and sadness.
2015 - 2017 - Avg fap: 1/2 per day with P - Hardly get any dates through this years; all the atention I received from girls as a kid vanished in the air. Did not matter as I stayed happy with PMO. Through this period also graduated from university. I slept A LOT, just wake up to go to university, and that was it. Energy was lower and lower every day. A lot of stress, muscle tension.
2018 - Avg Fap/Orgasm: 1/2 per day. Got in a serious relationship until 2021 and got my first and second job. Same energy/stress/etc from 2017 that got increasingly worse from the second job which was stressful
2019 - Avg Fap/O: 1/2 per day. This year my body reached the lowest energy and the highest unknown (until then) anxiety. Never heard of anxiety/panic attacks at that moment. Thought I was going to die right there. Easily worst year of my life along 2014. After going to urgencies and notice I was perfectly "healthy" went into treatment with psiquiatrist and "understood" my issue. Anxiety pills brought me back to life since my best teens years (lots of energy/no stress/muscle tension/no feeling of being about to die). Quit job (live with mother) - Pandemic hits.
2020 - Avg Fap/O 1/2 per day - Got overly confident, quit treatment before time and didnt continue with therapy. Back to anxiety problems that got increasingly worse. Started to question myself if fapping would be the problem (unbelievable for me how something so pleasurable would be harmful). I relapsed everytime when flatlines hitted (as I did not know what was going on) until I reached my first 30-45 days without fap and was one of the best feelings of my life (total calmness and control over my life with a lot of energy) until I had sex again.
2021 - Avg Fap: 4 per months as I discover nofap - Break up. Anxiety back again, this time worse than ever before. Panic attacks +1 hour each. My mind was totally lost. Got with a new psyquiatrist (thank god I met this man) Nov 1st. Back with pills which around month 2 began to make me feel good (mentally / more energy / encouraged me to start therapy where later on will discover my issues). Got the job of my life at a football team's management.
2022 - Being more conscious I reduced the fapping frequency (maybe 2 per month - sex once or two per week second semester and first 2023)- Pills stabiliced my mind and let me live to the fullest. Started to improve my psicologhical behaviours. Got a good streak and attraction began to surface again. Also began with hookers as I felt like a stallion.
2023 - Half of the year with pills (less quantity) until my Dr. said i do not need no more. I was living the best life like '22, full of energy, without any problems - This time I have completed the treatment and once I quit pills and back to real life, everyday stress began to increase but I could control it. However, as I got over confident with my well being, I got back with porn and M 1 or 2 per month as i thought it was over; it was not. Deep down always knew that semen retention was the key; but anxiety pills let you O without any problems since it regulates and stabilices the brain. As I was pill free, I felt the full effect of PMO again (anxiety-stress-muscle tension-brain fog). Avg: 2 per month - Energy and attraction always came back after 15 days making me relapse at that point (Got a few girls in rotation). After every relapse/sex I felt drained.
2024 - 1 PMO in Jan 27 / 2 O (Sex) Feb 9th - Anxiety got ugly (not as before); brain fog and tension through the roof after both times. This last time I added some stress at work which made things worse (have tough days since day 1).
From now on (20 days streak) I am very conscious that I need my brain to heal without any pills' help. I will prioritice myself and will not O until I feel my brain has been fully rebalanced.
3) STREAKS / RELAPSES / FLATLINES
# 2020: (1 streak - Between 30-45 days) - Best streak with a flatline (brain fog mostly) in between - Felt like I have everything under control/total calmness/full of energy. I can't forget this period!
# 2021 (0 streak - Nothing relevant)
# 2022: (1 streak - Between 25-35 days) - Energy and women attraction was insane; until know I had no answer on how women looked at me (and even talk/flirt/ask for my phone number). Could not notice flatline as I was on pills
# 2023: (0 streak - No more than 15-20 days) - Little to no women attraction / When hit day 15 energy boosts. Flatline until day 15: Low energy / Brain fog
# 2024 (1 streak - Feb 9 up to date- 20 days): Unfortunately, still on flatline from day 1 since I carried a lot of stress as well. I am giving my best to embrace it even though is so hard. Brain fog/Tension is so awful but just today is getting better. Anxiety is on a moderate level.
​
I just want a normal, happy life and I am going for it!
​
Hope this motivate any of you going through flatlines since they SUCK. But take into account is just psicologhical and we are in no danger. Most important; DO NOT RELAPSE AS IT IS NOT WORTH IT IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A SIMILAR SITUATION.

Sup mates. This is very specific. I didn't found anything about make driveable cargo copters (mi26, sea stallion, chinook) in this game. Maybe someone know something about it? It is very rare thing and it's my dream of childhood. Help! posrpostpopposmThis

Okay so people who don't know this but in North Mythology Loki shapeshifted and turned himself into an alluring female horse to draw Svaðilfari, a stallion belonging to the master builder, away from helping with Asgard’s fortifications. During their time together, Loki and Svaðilfari mated, and as a result, Loki became pregnant and gave birth to an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Question that I am asking. Do you think the avengers would have been like if they knew that information about Loki and how do you think Thor would have tried to explain that

Centaur: Half-human-half-horse that live in groups of twenty-five with five stallions paired with up to five mares.
Anatomy: The base of the human spine fused with the sternal notch. The muscular density of the centaur’s human back is the same as a feral horse. Centaur mares have two pairs of breasts, one pair on the human half’s chest and the other between the horse half’s back legs, all roughly the size of their heads and capable of giving plenty of nutrients to their young. Their young are known as centaur foals, which are 60% larger than horse foals and weigh the same. The womb of the centaur mare is pushed 50% closer to their womanhood's during mating season and pregnancy, then after it is pulled back. Centaur stallions are twice as muscular, and their manhood's are half the length of horses. The centaur foals have two stages of growth: callow and mature, callow foals are barely able to keep their heads up, feed off their mother’s upper breasts, and are carried by their mothers almost all of the time. Mature foals can walk for a few hours and get stronger day by day until they reach teenage hood. Once a foal reaches its teenage years they stick to their fathers. Diet: Nut butter, pork, avocado, fruit juice, and beer.
Culture: The eldest stallion is responsible for teaching the younger stallions to learn the herds lineage not to corrupt it by committing incest and pairing up with up to five mares. And to not force themselves upon an unwilling mare. Young mares are taught to be gentle, kind, caring, and to seek out the stallion they desire, once sought out they should groom (take care of the stallion’s hair and rub their backs), hold their hand, and rub against them.

Sunrise in Mesopotamia of unknown date at the dawning of man
a beast released from fertile gardens to the brutal barren sands
the alien plains inhospitable, clean water was rare and required
his resource and skills were but pitiful, his back and his heart broke and tired

Instinct prompted action and his first thought was to kill
and so he set to hunting, his mind inclined that blood be spilled
did he consider the cost of his action, taking a life and consuming the death?
the beast he attacked barely fought back and had soon breathed its last breath

As it were before the advent of the spark
and fire hung beyond his reach in the afternoon sky
he gnawed its fresh flesh and drank of its blood
and once sated he collapsed and then cried

It appears I am the animal, a flawed and flailing fiend
by morning I'll be hungry and this death will seem obscene
he cleaned the skin and dried the bones, carrying remnants of the carcass home
to the shallow cave on the dusty land in a wind whipped world of drifting sand

His mate was amazed at the bounty of the hunt
a fur for a tunic and a little meat for lunch
he hung and dried the entrails and then wove it into twine
a snare to snatch a savage child to domesticate in time

With wooden bits he'd saved soon he built a sturdy cage,
a shiny rock's allure as lure, and caught a boy to keep as slave.
it was different in those days for there were 2 kinds of man
the big brow brutes in birthday suits and some not so simple chimps
who's eyes burned bright with plans

The cave child grew and as he matured he'd learned to use some civil words
yes and no, to stay or go and how to tend the herd
of course they didn't know it but 14 cycles round the sun
brought his nature into focus, he contemplates his caveman son

Thank you for your service you've worked hard and behaved
but the economy is down and we can't afford to keep a slave
tomorrow it's to market and you'll get a brand new home
we'll walk the flock to town and I'll journey back alone

When he didn't understand he was taken by the hand
lead to his straw thatched bed to sleep among the sheep and lambs

Shaken awake to the sound of cocks crowing
the master insistent, it's time we got going
there is danger on the road so we have to make haste
three hours to the village, the auctioneer is never late

Out came the sled to load the spring lambs
it's too far to drive them but you've got those strong hands
so on went the harness even though the youth resisted
under strain he got to moving as his master had insisted

He was sweating profusely while dragging the sled
a hard job compounded, as wheels weren't invented yet
when the way was too narrow leaving no space to pass
if opposed on the road he'd pull off on the grass

On the way there'd be trouble, you knew it was coming
shall we get to the conflict and hit the ground running?
on the path up ahead there milled a group of men
the ridge above their eyes meant you didn't mess with them

As he slowed to a crawl he shared an awkward glance with master
he knew the man was thinking but he wished that he'd think faster
all at once they turned their gaze and let it settled on the boy
some hostile grunts were shared between that he did not enjoy

He took note of the menacing men, a glance confirmed there were three
a father, a son, and an old battered brute less a leg below the knee
as his master stepped forward and offered them his little money
with crinkled up faces they leaned in to look
consulting each other with snorts of displeasure
then the legless neanderthal threw his left hook

Boy didn't know what happened next as master rolled for cover
like a docile spell was lifted his strength doubled and redoubled
he stepped to the man who had assaulted his keeper
stomped squarely on his good leg and the put him in a sleeper

One down, two to go, he released his vice like grip
he reconsidered briefly and re-grabbed him by the wrist
a foot for leverage on his neck and then he wrenched it with a twist
eyes flew open for a moment as the tensioned tendons ripped

He didn't know what had inspired agile anger in his heart
so virtuosic in its violence and now the boy was armed
his master plays dead in long brush beside the road
he holds aloft the severed limb for his comrades to behold

No words need be spoken, as they take the partial man
they would meet the same fate if they came face to face again
boy climbs back in the harness and pulls the skid back on the road
steadily striding due west toward the town where he'll be sold

To keep the tale brief we'll skip past the walking,
the rugged terrain and long heart felt talking
in the distance, puff of dust, a horse and rider coming east
master says put down that arm and let me talk, now hold your peace

The figure on the stallion wore a black cloak and a hood
he spoke softly to the master and by his face it wasn't good
when the whispers found an edge he saw his keeper nod
"Boy, take off the harness and come and meet this man of God"

Beneath the hood he saw a sour dour sullen stinking man
who's eyes belied a tragic end to his childlike esperance
when boy slowly approached he was offered a hand
with a grip strong as steel that implied impure demands

The powerful clamp of the mans insistence
was unneeded as boy heeded and proceeded without resistance
he was gripped by the chin and forced to open his mouth
his teeth were inspected and made to stick his tongue out

A deal was struck between the master and the man
and in a short span they could be on the road again
the stranger led the puzzled boy beneath a tree to shade
rapidly removing robes in earnest as more mortal mistakes were made

The rough rope belt caught a low hanging branch,
his cloak wrapped round his head as he started to dance
his coin purse spilled as he whirled to get free
and its strong leather lanyard twisted tight round his feet

The rope held the weight as his body collapsed
and with a thick pulpy pop boy heard his neck snap
it appears his fears unfounded and he considered, should he flee?
but returned to his protector and left the man beneath the tree

The master waits pacing as the boy brute returns
he apologetically shrugs as accusatory eyes burn
still he gathers the coins and climbs up on the horse
They've got livestock to sell and so they'll go forth

As Boy redons the harness and struggles to get moving
the older mans mood rises it seems his luck's improving
he'll come back with twice the money and impressive mount to boot
yet so far he's been delayed and must get back on the route

He he had half considered tethering the horse
to instead pull the sled and ease the boys strain
but this was too fine an animal to be treated so coarse
besides he was older and his back had a pain

Soon the hamlet destination was visible in the distance
pungent smoke from the pyres where the workers burned the dead
the boy trudged onward blissfully ignorant of conditions
as his patron dismounted, the older man said . . .

"Keep your mouth shut and be silent, behave as you're told
do what they tell you, don't try to be bold
no matter what happens, just keep your head down
don't worry about the others, it's why you've all been brought to town"

A bell rang in the market, the masters moved toward the stage
right now they'll sell the livestock and then move on to slaves
"First up the fowl for food, we've got layers, we've got cookers
free range birds freshly procured from Esmeralda's house of hookers"

A street vendor bought the lot and put the layers in his tent
cleaver in hand he'd prep the cookers there and then
as they were dispatched, boy observed without a word
he was unconcerned (at first) cause he was not a bird

when father brought his lambs up front
and that same vendor started bidding
he'd shared his food with the ewe of the brood
and could not face the chance of him winning

As it turned out another man bought the lambs
and lead them out of town on a rope with gentle hands
next up was swine and in no time they'd sold the last of pigs
seven score of squirming squealers and several sows all round and big

And as they marched up people, chained by ankle, bound by wrist
Boy couldn't help but notice that they all had brows like his
at fathers insistent prodding he'd joined the grand procession
desperately clinging to the arm as it was his sole possession

The master stood close just in case that he ran
when the crowd hushed to silence by the entrance of a man
the jailer judge and jury jingled gently as he walked
with the preachers steed and saddle he approached the auction block

All eyes on him the crowd pushed in, save a few folks running off
eyes went wide, no place to hide, the law cleared his throat with a cough
crouched low, father forced the coin purse into his servants sweaty grasp
"stay mute young brute, less we dance the rope" he exhaled in a gasp

"All hear ye! In this town now there is a killer and a thief
who's slain the passing preacher, left indecent in a tree
this fine saddle as reward for the rider of this beast
only when he swings will our community find peace"

As he spoke the crowd parted, isolating the master
his hubris having hastened this unmitigated disaster
his protests unheard, the crowd wouldn't be tamed
and at the scaffold in the square his end finally came

The boy had obey'd, he sat mute through the proceedings
he gave coin to the vendor and had some chicken he was eating
in the purse there was the money from the sale of the lambs
all those little lives became this weight within his hand

Should he go home alone? It was clear he was unwanted
still he harnessed up the sled and set to walking back undaunted
heading eastbound he left town catching glimpse of a shape
a slender sexy silhouette cloaked in a fur fringed cape

You need a neander-Nancy is what his master used to say
as a joyful jesting jab when normal girls would run away
she beckons him playfully to abandon his burden
to return to her family and it seems so certain

That her father and mother will take him in with open arms
to the cave where she grew up in the mountains near the farms
fate, alas it came to pass with his limited intellect
our newly rich protagonist, our brutish boy could not expect

They approached the cave and she called to her kin
but as mother came out to welcome them in
she wore a face of concern and quickly they learned
that her father's been injured and he's had a bad turn

"Go in and say farewell, he's passing out and fading fast
as these few and fleeting moments will most likely be his last
tell him of this boy you met and try to help him rest"
she reluctantly draws the drape and leans in close with bated breath

If you know my work, you can see where we're going
behind the curtain it's certain crimson blood will be flowing
and beneath the carnage and gratuitous gore
is a one legged man that he's met before

Mother says her brother and his son are gathering men
but they'll be back for their supper and you'll get to meet them then
so he sat upon the couch in the back of the cave
contemplating the silk pouch and the mess that he'd made

Just how many gold coins is a life worth ?
well, less for a chicken and more for a horse

LORD JOHN AND THE SUCCUBUS
-summaries-
Chapter 1: Death Rides a Pale Horse
John is English liaison for the Prussian army stationed in the town of Gundwitz. He breaks up a fight between an English soldier named Bodger and a gypsy. Captain von Namtzen brings in town brügermeister, Herr Blomberg, who requests the use of John’s white stallion Karolus to aid in finding and destroying a Succubus. There have been a series of disturbing events consisting of demonic visitations and a Prussian soldier is dead. Tom Byrd and John meet with Stephan and Herr Blomberg in the cemetery after dark. John rides Karolus into the cemetary, and Stephan comes up beside him, resting his hand on John’s calf. Karolus gets spooked and the body of Private Bodger is found. Karolus has stopped on the grave of Herr Blomberg’s mother.
Chapter 2: But What, Exactly, Does a Succubus Do?
At Schloss Lowenstein, home of princess Louisa, Lord John and Stephan share the evening’s events. Herr Blomberg refuses to believe his mother could be vessel to the Succubus, a she-demon who mates with a man to extract his seed, then passes it to a male demon who then mates with a woman creating demon-spawn. Princess Louisa flirts with John and Stephan. Sir Peter discusses John bringing Private Bodger’s body back to the 52nd Regiment and shares concerns about the bridge at Aschenwald. John finds the princess’s son (Siggy) in the corridor claiming there is a witch in his room. A window is found open and lightning reveals a ladder outside. Siggy’s nurse is missing. Princess Louisa appears and demands the palace be searched, suspecting kidnapping. Louisa kisses John on the mouth and wishes him goodnight. John bumps into Stephan in the corridor and explains all. Stephan asks John to tell his own troops at Aschenwald about the succubus to avoid rumours, then kisses John on the mouth before departing. John asks Tom to talk to the servants.
Chapter 3: A Remedy for Sleeplessness
John finds Colonel Ruysdale disinterested in dealing with the body or sharing information. Captain Benjamin Hiltern informs John of information that should have been shared via official dispatch. Keegan, the surgeon’s assistant, cannot find a visible cause of death and makes commentary of Bodger’s permanent state of arousal. He tells John Succubus rumours had flown around after the dead Hanoverian soldier was found and that John should talk with Bodger’s fellow soldiers, as many of them took to “removing the temptation” for the succubus by pleasuring themselves. John suspects this was Keegan’s idea. John feels a sense of unease about the French.
Chapter 4: The Gun Crew
John reaches the river by midday. The Prussian soldiers guarding the Aschenwald bridge greet him cordially. The lieutenant in charge chooses not to tell his crew about the Succubus. John is told a story about a ghostly child’s cry and inquires if they have heard this story before. The youngest soldier says they heard a ghostly child cry by the river the night before. A soldier makes a crude joke about it being two soldiers buggering each other, and the young soldier lunges for him. John catches the boy and warns him discreetly to joke along or they will know they were right. John overhears a soldier talking about gypsies who go back and forth over the bridge and asks if they might have dealings with the French. John suspects they could be carrying information to the enemy.
Chapter 5: Dark Dreams
John enjoys a late dinner at the palace. Stephan asks John about the gun crew at the bridge and John reassures him they are well. He chooses not to tell Stephan about the boy. The dowager, Louisa’s mother-in-law, says nothing will happen to the bridge because it hasn’t in 500 years and Stephan tells John that there is a story the bridge has a guardian. Stephan explains none of his soldiers are getting any sleep in fear of the Succubus. John explains Keegan’s odd remedy of “boxing the Jesuit”. John contemplates his feelings for Stephan, wondering if he misread Stephan’s feeling towards him after finding out about his children and late wife. He is later approached by princess Louisa who gifts John a reliquary of St. Orgevald to keep him safe and kisses him passionately. Stephan interrupts wishing to speak with John, but decides against. Tom tells John St. Orgevald is famous for having stopped the practice of taking gypsy children to watch over new buildings or bridges, linking him to the stories John was told earlier. Tom tells him the missing nursemaid is the wife of Koenig, the dead Hanovarian soldier, who had bragged that young Siggy looked like him. John contemplates the connection of the Koenigs, fabrication of the succubus, and the potential of princess Louisa’s involvement. He wonders if she conspired to deter people from finding out Siggy’s true parentage. He also wonders what the connection to Bodger is.
Chapter 6: Hocus-Pocus
John investigates Private Koenig’s death. The Hückel’s say Koenig was found by a fellow soldier late after a night of drinking. Herr Hückel’s wife claimed she saw the “night hag” and described her as a limber old woman. She swears it was Frau Blomberg. Herr Hückel says Koenig’s neck had two puncture holes like a snake’s fangs and an incredible amount of blood. John finds no connection between the two deaths. Frau Hückel says Herr Blomberg will call a witch to cast the runes and all will be revealed. Sir Peter finds this suspicious and says Herr Blomberg must hold his witch ceremony at the palace. The dowager demands to know if John intends to marry princess Louisa and is satisfied he does not. John notes that her medal is of St. Orgevald.
Chapter 7: Ambush John searches for the gypsy he met quarrelling with Private Bodger. He reaches the bridge at Aschenwald and asks about the boy (Franz), who has gone missing. Crude jokes are made about Franz and John fears the worst. Across the bridge he hears the wails of a ghostly child and finds Franz down a badger’s sett when he investigates. Franz had found bones in the bridge and then came across English soldiers in combat with Austrians. Franz believes the English soldiers to be dead. John finds Dundas with his troops mostly dead and is told of how the enemy fabricated the Succubus by hiring women agents to dose men with opium to give them horrible dreams. John leaves to warn Sir Peter, leaving Franz with his dagger.
Chapter 8: The Witch
John realizes that Herr Blomberg still doesn’t know that the succubus was a set up and that they have a witch ready. Tom leads John to the witch being held for the ceremony. She is the gypsy woman and Tom points out she looks like Siggy’s nursemaid Hanna) John asks the gypsy about Bodger. The gypsy claims Bodger dropped dead upon capturing her in the cemetery and John concludes he died of natural causes. The gypsy tells John she was recruited by the Austrians to spread the rumour of the Succubus. When Koenig returned to the palace to brag about Siggy, she decided to kill him. She stabbed him through the mouth and used nails to create the neck wounds. The gypsy conspired with the dowager and Hanna to kidnap Siggy because the dowager did not want princess Louisa to marry John and take Siggy to England. She explains she is Rom and serves no one, but she has known the dowager family for generations. The dowager’s great-grandfather bought the child who guards the bridge. John asks her to exonerate Frau Blomberg.
Epilogue
John prepares Karolus in the stables, readying for battle. Stephan approaches him and tells John he will marry Louisa, and that his children will have a mother once again. John tells him he need not explain his reasons and promises to tell Stephan’s son what he has known of him should he not live through battle. They hold hands for a brief intimate moment. John gives Stephan the relic of St. Orgevald.
​QUESTIONS 1. Does it mean anything significant that Stephan gifted John with a white stallion after asking for him to be liaison in Prussia?
2. Why do you think Stephan was disconcerted by John asking to see the miniature of his children?
3. After learning of the English soldiers’ “boxing the Jesuit” method, what do you think Stephan was suggesting when he nudged John and said “Perhaps wise to take some such precaution personally, do you think?”?
4. The relic of St. Orgevald (a phallus) is gifted to John for protection, but specifically in a moment where princess Louisa is trying to seduce John. What might the significance then be when John later gifts it instead to Stephan, who has just decided to marry princess Louisa, while they share an intimate (non-sexual) moment of their own?
5. Is there significance in John leaving his dagger with Franz after we learn it has never left his person since his own rape post Culloden?
6. Was the gypsy’s statement about John never satisfying a woman meant to be a curse?
7. What do you think Stephan means when he says to John, “You have known me, perhaps, better than anyone.”?​
Next Discussion will be on December 10th and it will cover Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade Parts 1 & 2.
Previous discussions and the read-along schedule can be found here.
u/Vast_Razzmatazz_2398 u/2003CDiana

I've been on Wattpad for a while now, mainly to quench my desire for romance, and curated a personal list of favorites in the BL department. Lately I've been having some difficulties finding new stories to immerse myself in them. So I just wanted to share with you my list of favorites and hear any recommendations for any stories I might have missed out on. Preferably in tune with any of the recommendations below, but I will give anything a try :)

Fiction

• Bully & His Crush by NamedL
• Don't Tell My Brother by hyac1nthus (NSFW)
• Homeless by TheoryKierei
• Loving The Boss by Lyfeo_M_Jay
• Lukas & The Lion by EmriWrites (NSFW)
• Puppy Love by Aubrey-Faith
• Relentless by BriBillau
• Retrace by TheoryKierei
• Roomies by sugainmytee (NSFW)
• Sheets by sareyen (NSFW)
• The CEO's Kryptonite by wambuimuiruriii
• Y.O.L.O by letsgohomehidee

Fantasy

• A Lamb Amongst Wolves by pippawrites (omegaverse; NSFW)
• Affliction I by EeveeAndras (NSFW)
• And Then There Were More by DarkSparx (NSFW)
• Bedside Monster by Scarlet_Claws (NSFW)
• Bird Boy by alydae (omegaverse; NSFW)
• Black and White by NinjaSOwlStudios (shifters; NSFW)
• Blind As a Bat I by Azruek (vampires; NSFW)
• Dying Ichor by Ophelia_Rosen12 (isekai; poly; NSFW)
• Frayed Ties I by overlordpotatoe (NSFW)
• Hearts of Deceit by slubikaz (omegaverse; poly)
• Hidden In Plain Sight by DarkSparx (vampires; NSFW)
• I'm NOT a Female! by RockCandies (NSFW)
• Kingston Academy by Ophelia_Rosen12 (poly; NSFW)
• Mark Me Yours by deadpeopleflowers (omegaverse; NSFW)
• Mates of a Human by Ebonsolaris (shifters; NSFW)
• Omega (DNF) by rickles_pickles (omegaverse; NSFW)
• Paired With Fate by Ebonsolaris (omegaverse)
• Prized Gem by spicyasado_ (NSFW)
• Psyche's Wings by OwlieCat (vampires)
• Robin Red by FletchleyRose (omegaverse; NSFW)
• Saved by the Devil by BigNeptune (NSFW)
• Skin and Bones by BigNeptune (NSFW)
• SLEEPSONG by Aaron_Ledgers (vampires; werewolves; NSFW)
• Stallion Mage by aospade (horse?; NSFW)
• Taking the Leap by RegularMisanthrope
• The Consort by HarlemDiggity (vampires; NSFW)
• The Demon and the Elf I by ChocolateAndT
• The Human Experiment by TheoryKierei (vampires; poly; NSFW)
• The Omega is a Novelist by Ebonsolaris (omegaverse)
• The Secrets We Keep I by litttlemochi (shifters; NSFW)
• The Song of the Sea by Jinglebean
• Trusting Tradition by pineappleparidise (shifters; omegaverse; NSFW)
• Under His Control by thatspecialteen (NSFW)
• Vicious Bonds by everestkinn
• Whispers Beneath The Waves by beakyboo
• Working For The Prince by DarkSparx (NSFW)

Werewolf

• Bonding With The Enemy by DarkSparx (NSFW)
• Chains by mxm4evr (NSFW)
• Cinde, The King's Mate by BigNeptune (NSFW)
• Find My Heart by Jinglebean
• Got Your Tail by BigNeptune (NSFW)
• Losing Control by _wxnnabe__ (NSFW)
• Lost Puppy by jaeteal01 (NSFW)
• Luan's Wolf by EdenY_ (NSFW)
• Lure To The Woods by llmusicsmyreligionll
• Mateless and Luna Bound by Saturn_Passion
• My Mate by TrasheGrl
• Of Soot And Cinders by -crucible- (NSFW)
• One Omega by Shifting2wolf
• One Pup by Shifting2wolf (NSFW)
• Part of the Pack I by NadineMcgee
• Red Riding Hood by Shifting2wolf
• Something From Nothing by Appleogies (NSFW)
• Tainted Love by hannaZhrb (NSFW)
• The Alpha And His Possession by nojamsbts (NSFW)
• The Alpha's Mute by nojamsbts (NSFW)
• The Human in the Wolf's Den by oooookaaaay (NSFW)
• The Male Luna by readingbay (NSFW)
• The Omega's Mate? by NeonSkies95 (NSFW)
• The Sensible One by BigNeptune (NSFW)
• The Tiger's Omega by jaeteal01 (shifters; NSFW)
• The Wolf Rejected the Twink by -yxungest
• Touch Me by Jinglebean
• Use Me, Royal Stranger by eternitytotry (NSFW)
• What It Means To Be Me by TheoryKierei

Dark Romance

• Black Heart by TheoryKierei
• Bruised Innocence by ArwinRArfield (NSFW)
• His by DOCFOX (NSFW)
• If I Can't Have You by ChelseaAngel21
• Look away by Disa_Laring (NSFW)
• Loving Abuse by Insomniatic_love
• Obsessed With You by ___Rubyyy___ (NSFW)
• Paralyzed by SiennaSway
• Rumors by nsfwsmut (NSFW)
• The Snowy-Haired Genius by _Lost-in-stars_
• Your Love is Killing Me by DOCFOX (NSFW)

Sorry for the long list, but I truly think that every story mentioned deserves some love and attention. This list is the result of years going through hundreds, if not thousands of various stories on Wattpad. I'd also like to thank all the talented authors who I had the pleasure of reading their works, and especially those authors whose names appeared multiple times in my reading lists.
I made sure to note all mature stories as NSFW and add some additional tags relating to their general theme. Note though, I wouldn't consider all stories mentioned in my list as objectively good literary works (issues with plot, grammar, formatting, etc.) but if they're on the list it means they've piqued my interest enough for me to give them some leeway I'd otherwise wouldn't give.

So what is it that a character with a very high Passive Perception notices which the rest of us don't see/heasmell
1.The secret door in the wall is noticed because the mortar is a slightly different colour.
2.The poison in the food is discoloring one of the ingredients.
3.You can see rain drops bouncing of a invisible person.
4.The polymorphed person just isn't standing properly.
5.The disguised person is using "the wrong words".
6.There is a breeze blowing in the wrong direction in the room.
7.See a reflection in a small mirrored surface.
8.See a persons veins pulsing quickly and know they are lying.
(MaxSizeIs)
9.One of the [floor / wall] [tiles / bricks / blocks / slabs] is slightly [proud of/ depressed compared to / tilted compared to / a different [color / texture] compared to] the others.
10.A crack partially concealing a pulley and some cables.
11.One of the glyphs (symbols, Hieroglyphics, runes, etc) is a different size compared to the others.
12.A draft, indicating an [opening / void / shaft].
13.A misplaced scent.
(Flutterwander)
13.The salt pot on the table has a cracker in it.
14.The windows are streaked by a recent cleaning.
15.The set of mugs hanging on pegs on the wall have one odd mug. One was probably broken and replaced.
16.Frogs are croaking in the distance. Depending on the time of year it might be mating related.
17.You can smell the remnants of burned cooking, but faded. It could be from yesterday.
18.The guard nearby is wearing their uniform incorrectly.
19.The uneven gait of that person likely means they have something stashed in their left boot.
(FortunesFoil)
20.The way the birds are nesting let’s you know where the local alley cat frequents.
21.The statue in the village square blinked.
22.His teeth are a bit too sharp.
23.Her shadow ever so slightly lags behind her movements.
24.The ink stains on the cuff of the nosy young man makes you think he might be a journalist.
25.The man keeps his hair cut in the same requirements of the old city guard.
26.The blacksmith has been hammering at a cold piece of steel on the anvil for quite a while now.
27.The church bells ring about 41 seconds off from mid day.
28.The royal wax seal only has one ring on the border instead of two. It could’ve been short on ink, or it could be falsified.
29.Every once in a while, a wisp of colored smoke or a slightly too bright ember rises out of the chimney.
30.Their tattoo of a pond ripples slightly like actual water when they get agitated.
31.The support beam creaks slightly as a small crack inches up its core whenever someone leans on it.
(ClairLestrange)
32.a highly vandalized wall has scribbles clearly made by little children among all the other vulgar graffiti
33.the statue in the middle of the snowy village looks like he has a hat made of snow
34.a pigeon has made a nest Ina most inconvenient spot, both for the pigeon and the owner of the spot (eg on top of a broom leaning on a wall). Apparently the owner decided to just let it be.
35.there's a cloud that looks like a narwhal
36.a carriage going past transports a couple looking like their heading for their wedding
37.a cat sleeps on one of the chairs in the tavern. You might want to keep an eye on it so no one accidently sits down in that specific chair.
38.the river you're crossing has a ton of small fish in it. Once you are able to make out one beneath the reflection of the water you see a whole shoal.
39.there's a very, very cool stick on the ground
40.one of the playing kids in the town square has a hat on that's knitted to look like a little frog face
41.the apples at the merchant's stall are terribly unorganized. It bothers you to no end.
42.there's a very adorable family of ducks in the Reed.
43.the sun hitting a windows at just the right angle casts a little speck of rainbow on the road
(Reasonable-Lime-615)
44.A bulge in the fingers of the glove reveal a ring.
45.Your accidental glance at a gentleman's codpiece seems to conceal more a dagger.
46.The inn's menu seems oddly priced, a code?
47.A painting of a horse; the ears eemed to twitch toward spoken words.
48.A sprite's ponytail is briefly visible behind an oak leaf.
49.To your knowledge, a potion of healing is normally a slightly different shade of red.
50.The dirt here is slightly wetter than the weather should allow, not muddy, or even damp, just a little moister than it should be.
51.The dragon skeleton on display, it has no wires...
52.The count's eye teeth are slightly longer than normal.
53.The burnt embers of this ruin simply couldn't have been formed without an accelerant!
(Tricky_Hades)
54.The faint smell of gasoline in the air
55.Wait, did that person have two heads?
56.Ancient runes overgrown by vines near the floor
57.The room is getting hotter and hotter, flow of lava is approaching
58.Three and a half human teeth on the floor
59.The NPC in front of you is hiding their amulet showing their true faction
(World_of_Ideas)
60.A (disguised, shapechanged) person's body language is wrong for the person they are imitating.
61.Breeze doesn't seem to be blowing (cloth, flames, leaves, paper) or other loose materials.
62.Furniture or items in the room are slightly out of place.
63.Hear a faint creak.
64.See a shadow that shouldn't be there.
65.See a slight bulge under someone's clothing
66.See through a disguise (disguise, illusion, shapechange) - Accent is off / body language is off / lacking an allergy / make up rubbing off on clothing / missing a recent injury / scar is slightly out of place / speech pattern is off / uniform is worn incorrectly / voice is slightly off / wrong dialect.
67.The (drug, poison) in the (drink, food) subtly changes the (color, smell, taste, texture).
(Sylfaemo)
68.I'd go for beauty in life: -the wind blows calmy and the grass dances in it's gaze -dawn hits the camp and the rays of light paint the equipment in radiant gold -the tavern's musk can't cover the salivating smell of the talented chefs venison stew
(Yinnesha)
69.The campfire burns hotter than the fuel would suggest
70.Someone is a half inch taller than the last time you saw them
71.A hairline crack in the chain shows the chandelier is about to fall
72.A tree has grown two new leaves since you passed it yesterday
73.One nail in the floor boards is newer
74.The complex mosaic has a one tile asymmetry
75.The guard's kilt is made of a non existent tartan
76.Birdsong of a species that doesn't occur here
77.One of the shelved books is not in alphabetical order
78.The echo in the cavern seems to bounce off something unseen
79.A cheap bottle of wine in a rack full of expensive vintages
80.A distant mountain peak has shifted a degree to the east
(whpsh)
81.The same "person" appears several times in generational paintings.
82.A jewel, perhaps one or many in a crown or regal scepter are fake.
83.At the presentation of the prince, it's obvious to you that the child is not the king's.
84.At a social gathering, the subtle touches and looks between two people indicate they have been intimate together, even though both are spoken for to others.
(howlinghenbane)
85.The faint sound of gears turning within the walls gives away a trap or mechanism
86.A small animal's behavior betrays a ghostly presence
87.Smell of iron in the air, someone armed is preparing an ambush
88.The flask you're drinking from tastes like someone's breath you don't recognize...
89.You recognize the person you're touching, but their skin doesn't have the same texture you're used to
90.From the smell alone, there's something missing or that has been added to your food, you can tell by the ingredients
91.Immediately ascertain that the room you've entered is meant to be symmetrical, but isn't
(sonofabutch)
92.The queen is wearing a glittering diamond ring she wasn’t wearing the last time you saw her.
93.All the men are riding stallions save one. His has been gelded.
94.The water has the taste of sulfur.
95.The merchant has the faint accent of one from the Sun Blessed Islands.
96.The door appears quite old, but the lock looks to be somewhat newer.
(Disastrous-Entry-879)
97.You notice 4 to 6 people (or whatever your group size is) staring down at you as if they are gods controlling your every action.
98.The neighbors from 2 doors down have ordered pizza. You realize that you have no idea what pizza even is.
99.You suddenly realize that a girl in high school was trying to hit on you back then. Your perception skill wasn't as high back then. You are sad now.
(MaxSizeIs)
100.Subtle scuff marks, indicating something dragged or wearing against the [floor / wall / ceiling / item ].
(infinitum3d)
101.Nothing at all. You are absolutely certain that nothing is unusual about anything here. Everything is exactly as one would expect.
102.Alternatively, there are so many things wrong here that it’s maddening. The room corners aren’t to square. The third tile from the corner is a slightly different shade of beige. There are only cobwebs in three of the four ceiling corners. The air is ever so slightly cooler near your ears compared to your fingers. And the subtle odor of garlic is on your lips even though you haven’t eaten any in days. Sounds have a slight tinny resonance in your left ear but not the right. There’s an almost imperceptible vibration in the floor but not at any consistently repeatable interval. Etc…