So I moved from a county to another as I changed my job to a much better one March this year.
on my first day the neighbours were harassing me and knocking on my door in unreasonable hours asking me to move my car from my driveway as they have "an agreement" amongst themselves to keep my driveway for the neighbourhood bins!!
I have been shouted at and chased by one of them without considering that if there is any agreement then the landlord haven't mentioned it to me.
fast forward, I called the landlord and as he lives just down the road he showed up at my doorstep in 10 minutes.
the story begins here, he found out I have kittens (on top of the declared cats in the contract) and he went mad and started to be aggressive shouting and going mad and grabbing my 4 weeks old kittens to check if they have fleas! They shouting again then he left slamming the door behind him. Then he walked back and asked me how fast I can find another place? Then left completely.
I have CPTSD and what happened affected me badly so I sent him an email the next day stating that his behaviour made me suffer and I wouldn’t want to stay anyway after what happened and I want him to issue me the leave notice.
He then started throwing everything back on me saying that I am the one who’s requesting to leave and he wants to charge me for reletting costs nearly £500.
I moved out and hired a professional company to clean the property and claimed my full deposit back from the DPS. The landlord went mad and sent me an email requesting the reletting costs of £500 + the disposal of all the carpets of £830 + stains of the stairs of £50 + £75 as he said there’s a strong urine smell comes from behind the washing machine!! And in total he wants my full deposit and he wants me to pay the extras on top, but he’s happy to take only £700 as he thinks it’s “extremely generous of him”. He sent me the email on Friday evening and wants the response by Monday morning otherwise he’s going to take me to court for breaching the contract and threatening me of claiming more if I don’t accept his generous offer!!
What are my rights here? And what can he do?
Knowing that my carpets were on the floor not his, and I still have the receipt of the professional cleaning company and the cats were only allowed in one room not all the house! And there’s no clause for the reletting costs mentioned in the contract.
I don’t feel it’s fair to pay this much for a place I stayed in for only 3 weeks! And I mentioned before to him that I will be happy to contribute towards the reletting costs but won’t pay the whole amount as it wasn’t my decision to vacate.
Please advise me!

Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some realistic advice and insights on my current job search situation in Shanghai. Here’s a bit about my background and what I’m facing:
My Background:

• Nationality: EU citizen
• Education: Studied in the UK for 5 years. I hold a BSc in Computer Science (First-class Honours) and an MSc in Advanced Computer Science (Merit).
• Experience: 3+ years in software development:
  • 2 years at a private company
  • 1 year at a government research agency working on control software for particle accelerators
  • All work experience was before & during my undergrad and postgrad studies (all full-time: office, remote, and placement year).
• Relevant Languages: Fluent in English (though not a native speaker), very limited Mandarin.

Visa Situation:

• Looking to stay in Shanghai for around 2 years.
• My passport doesn't allow long-stay multi-entry L visas. I’ve managed to get a 60-day single-entry L visa before (considered rare for my passport), but I’ve been told by the visa people that I can’t stay longer than 6 months within a 12-month period using short-term L visas.
• Therefore, I need to secure a work (Z) visa or, as a last resort, an X1 student visa (though scholarship applications for this year seem to be closed).

Job Search Efforts:

• Applied to over 200 jobs at 100+ companies (multinationals, domestic companies, schools, etc.) in the past 2 months.
• Used multiple job platforms: LinkedIn, Indeed, GlassDoor, LaowaiCarrer, eChinaCities, HiredChina, SmartShanghai, LiePin (猎聘), and ZhiLianTuiTui (智联推推).
• Applied to a variety of positions: software-related, IT and tech support, CS/Programming & ESL teaching, customer support call centers, SEO optimization, QA/Localisation, marketing, various internships, etc.
• I've been open and flexible in my job search, willing to make sacrifices in career progression for roles I may be overqualified for or not directly related to my background.

Challenges:

• Multinationals seem to only need seniors or team leads with many more years of experience and have, for the most part, ghosted me.
• Expat websites are flooded with listings for teaching jobs that have good benefits and (frustratingly) loose requirements but require native English speakers.
• Many English-related jobs (localization, proofreading, digital content creation, translation QA, user research, etc.) inexplicably require native English speakers. Despite being able to excel in these roles and achieve a high IELTS/TOEFL score if needed, I am deemed unqualified solely due to my passport.
• HR on Chinese job boards have shown a lot of interest in me, but most Chinese companies don’t seem to be currently hiring international talent.

Current Plan:

• Planning to stay in Shanghai later this year for as long as my tourist visa allows, to continue job hunting in person. I am hoping that this will simplify the process and improve my chances. I will have, at most, 3 months on my L visa.
• If during that time I still don't manage to secure work, I really won't know what else to do, as I may not be issued another L visa.

My Question:
I'm currently in a bind. With my background and qualifications, finding a good programming job in Europe wouldn't be too difficult. However, in Shanghai, it's been so challenging to find any job, even those I'm grossly overqualified for, no matter how much I lower my standards regarding career progression and compensation. Although I could find a remote job, that wouldn't solve my visa issue.
Given my qualifications and experience, what are the realistic chances of finding any job in Shanghai that provides a livable wage and normal work hours? Any advice on navigating the job market or improving my odds would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone been in a similar situation or have insights on making this work?
Thank you!

I ordered my refill and then my provider and I decided I should have upped my dose but it was too late to change the next refill. I don’t want to have to wait a whole month because I’m getting overly hungry again so it’s a waste of a month on sema.
Would it be crazy if I up the dose myself by using my 1 mg-50 units dose and just using a second new syringe to take extra to reach the next dose (the syringe maxes out at 50 units) and then ordering my refill early?
Is there anything dangerous about doing this? New clean needle for both pokes and keeps the medication bottle sterile, I can easily measure out the desired additional amount. Only thing different from having a higher dose is the concentration of the medication, right?

Hi, I know this may be against game policy and may bring criticism. But Monster Life is over soon, so I thought those in hurry of making level 40 farm in MSEA and GMS would NEED this. No meso cubes but meso caps, why play nice...
This is a video of what fully scripted auto care & discharge should look like : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZj9XyKVERM&t=1s . However, I'm not a software engineer or any coding related expert; so, my script i'm sharing is only discharge part (you would either have to find a different or make this better if you want it to be fully automatic like the video)
Credits to 경제분석박사 for sharing this script https://www.inven.co.kboard/maple/2302/15022 loooong ago. I edited my scrlpt based on this. Having said this, I don't take any troubleshooting questions; I'm no expert (if I did it, you 200% can fix it)
So before using this, a few requirements and basics:

1. You need logitech mouse to connect to G HUB
2. You need about 12,000,000 Waru in your Monster Life for fully leveling to 40 (More if you don't have Pharaoh Yeti <- btw always lock this to not mistakenly discharge it)

The basics

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyg93s_XPdw . watch this video to set up Lua features. I didn't scan and make new profile for Maplestory because when it runs it turns to desktop profile and glitched. So, I recommend using Desktop profile as it is.
2. The OutCount = n (*at 26 now) is how many you want to discharge in one run. Change "n" as per your monsters out
3. You may notice in the scrlpt , there is CarePet function. I used it to hit additional enter after RemovePet function (the discharge), so manually "Auto Take Care" first before using this (buying C-grade box and opening them is also manual)
4. I put the Monster Life in full screen and adjusted the absolute mouse position to click the check box that appear in the center when discharge was clicked. Monster Life is usually 1024 * 768 but if yours is somehow not, then you may need to either adjust screen size or the scrlpt itself "MoveMouseTo(31065, 36865)" <--- it means (x,y) or (left to right, low to high)
5. Hover your mouse cursor to the first monster to be discharge (one right to Pharaoh Yeti) then press 5 (4:08 of the lua intro video)to run it as shown in the photo below

In the lua script code dialog copy the script below and load it
count = 0 -- 조합카운트
OutCount = 26 --돌보기후 펫방출 반복횟수
function OnEvent(event, arg)
OutputLogMessage("event = %s, count = %d, arg = %dn", event, count,arg)
if (event == "PROFILE_ACTIVATED") then
EnablePrimaryMouseButtonEvents(true)
elseif event == "PROFILE_DEACTIVATED" then
ReleaseMouseButton(2) -- to prevent it from being stuck on
end
if (event == "MOUSE_BUTTON_PRESSED" and arg == 5) then--(휠우측 = 펫3회돌보기 후 방출),전환형태
CareAndOutPet(OutCount)
Sleep(60)
end
end
-- 기능함수 작성 --
--마우스 화면밖으로보내기
function GoOutside()
MoveMouseRelative(-120, 0)
Sleep(1)
MoveMouseRelative(-120, 0)
Sleep(1)
MoveMouseRelative(-120, 0)
Sleep(1)
MoveMouseRelative(-120, 0)
Sleep(1)
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(1)
end
--펫방출
function RemovePet()
local _x, _y = GetMousePosition();
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(3)
Sleep(30)
GoMouse(0,18)
Sleep(30)
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(1)
Sleep(50)
GoOutside()
Sleep(10)
MoveMouseTo(31065, 36865)
Sleep(10)
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(1)
Sleep(100)
PressKey("enter");
Sleep(50)
ReleaseKey("enter");
Sleep(80)
GoOutside()
Sleep(10)
MoveMouseTo(_x, _y)
Sleep(10)
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(1)
Sleep(40)
end
--자동 돌보기(_n회)
function CarePet(_x)
for i = 1,_x do
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(3);
Sleep(10)
GoMouse(0,21)
Sleep(10)
PressAndReleaseMouseButton(1);
Sleep(10)
PressKey("enter");
Sleep(30)
ReleaseKey("enter");
Sleep(30)
PressKey("enter");
Sleep(30)
ReleaseKey("enter");
Sleep(30)
GoMouse(0,-21)
Sleep(30)
end
end
-- 공통함수 작성 --
--마우스 상대좌표 이동(_x : x좌표, _y : y좌표)
--양수일경우 y는 위, x는 우측 이동 음수는 그반대로 이동
function GoMouse(_x, _y)
local cx = 1
local cy = 1
if _x > 0 then cx = -1
elseif _x == 0 then cx = 0
else cx = 1
end
if _y > 0 then cy = -1
elseif _y == 0 then cy = 0
else cy = 1
end
for i = 1, Abs(_x) do
MoveMouseRelative(cx*10, 0)
Sleep(1)
end
Sleep(1)
for i = 1, Abs(_y) do
MoveMouseRelative(0, cy*10)
Sleep(1)
end
end
--현재좌표-> 절대좌표값 이동
function GoAbsMouse(_x, _y)
local now_x, now_y = GetMousePosition();
local gap_x = _x - now_x
local gap_y = _y - now_y
local cx = 1 --x방향
local cy = 1 --y방향
if gap_x > 0 then cx = -1
elseif _x == 0 then cx = 0
else cx = 1
end
if gap_y > 0 then cy = -1
elseif _y == 0 then cy = 0
else cy = 1
end
for i = 1, Abs(_x) do
MoveMouseRelative(cx*1, 0)
Sleep(1)
end
Sleep(1)
for i = 1, Abs(_y) do
MoveMouseRelative(0, cy*1)
Sleep(1)
end
end
--절대값 구하기
function Abs(_x)
if _x > 0 then return _x
else return -_x
end
end
-- 마우스 절대좌표확인
function PrintMousePosition()
local _x, _y = GetMousePosition();
OutputLogMessage("Mouse is at %d, %dn", _x, _y);
end
--반복횟수 지정
function SumCount()
count = count + 1
if count > maxCount then count = maxCount
end
end
-- (돌보기1회 + 펫방출1회) * x회
function CareAndOutPet(_x)
for i = 1, _x do
CarePet(1)
Sleep(70)
RemovePet()
Sleep(70)
end
end

TGIS! After about a month of very very few covers (about 0-15 per service) yesterday we had about 30 reservations for dinner, which turned into a little over 50 by the time service started, with a 50+ catered event going on upstairs simultaneously. Keeping in mind there’s only 3 of us in the kitchen (Chef, garde-manger and myself in pastry). FOH fucked up a few times but we (BOH) ended up putting out everything to a pretty decent pace imo! It definitely was a bit of a challenge as some people on the team lack experience and there were a lot of things all happening at once but we got through it🙌 Got home at 2:45AM after checking inventory etc ; now : time to sleep for 12h straight

I want to start off with saying baby is out of the nicu and has been for months but I think now it’s me struggling.
At 31 weeks I had severe placenta abruption. I will never know why it happened. I woke up at 4am thinking I had peed myself, went and sat on the toilet and felt a huge gush. I stood up and realized it was blood and it was everywhere. I mean everywhere. It was coming fast and I didn’t know what to do. I stood in the bathtub screaming for my husband. He got me a towel and pants and we drove to the delivery hospital which thankfully was only 5 minutes away. I was passing huge clots which I thought were me giving birth. It was horrifying. I started having contracts which made me realize I am now in full blown labor. I got a steroid shot and a few other things to try to stop the bleeding but nothing was working. Babies heart rate started dropping and I was rushed into the OR immediately. This was all in a 1 hour span. I don’t remember I lot past that. I have pictures thankfully, but I was just so blank minded at that moment that it’s been erased from my mind.
My son spent 50 days in the NICU which we all know is draining, tiring, and stressful. But it was also rewarding. Seeing my son get bigger and healthier kept me going.
For a long time I just put it into the back of my mind. I had conversations about placenta abruption and I never had flash backs or anything. I felt I was more raising awareness and felt good doing it because before it happened to me, I had no idea it was even a thing.
I am now almost 7 month pp. my son is doing great, finally getting over his reflux and is turning into a really happy boy, but now it’s me that’s having issues. Recently I have been thinking about what happened more and more. It has me sad, angry, and want to cry immediately. Me and my husband have agreed no more kids (Samwise was our first baby) but it’s making me so freaking sad. We’ve always wanted more than one kid and placenta abruption has ruined that chance for us. I now also almost puke when I start my period. I cannot stand it. It honestly makes me sick and instantly makes me feel like I did that night. It wasn’t always like this. Just recently have I started hating my period and bleeding. I can’t even look at it without gagging or wanting to cry. I’m thinking I need therapy now. I don’t know how to go about it being an expat. (I live in the UK but I’m American so I have no one but my husband here) I’ll start looking to that very soon.
Has this happened to anyone that had placenta abruption or very heavy bleeding? Sorry for the long post I just really needed to get this out. I am worried for my mental health. I need to be fully present for my son.

So as long time fan of Doctor Who I have been excited about the new Disney+ run. They started by bringing back David Tennat aka the 10th Doctor. Which started the weirdness, for those who don’t know when the Doctor “dies” they regenerate into a new body. So a Doctor with the same face is odd it hasn’t happened yet in the series. Then we got the return of Donna Noble who is a companion of the Doctor and last time we saw her she absorbed some of the Doctor’s energy/DNA, which was deadly to a human. The Doctor had to wipe her memory to save her.
In the 1st special Donna got her memory back and in the time since we saw her last she had a child which split the energy that was going to kill her so she regained her memories. Her child’s name is Rose (I will get into that in a bit). We meet an enemy who says when captured mentioned a boss.
The 2nd special isn’t as important but it still leads up to who may or may not be the boss, the Doctor and Donna end up on a ship at the edge of the universe and they run into this entity that tries to copy them, memory and all. The Doctor tries to capture them with the superstition that monsters/ demons can’t pass salt, which reading their memories the creature knows it’s not true, but by doing that it releases the being known as the Toymaker. Who in a Doctor Who episode over 50 years ago was trapped by believing the salt superstition.
The Toymaker is an entity from something called the Pantheon, beings of the Pantheon embody an aspect of life. The Toymaker is charge of games. They are god like beings that can warp reality around them.
In the 3rd special the Toymaker is loose and causing chaos over our world, the Doctor regenerates into 2 beings in this special. One stays as David Tennat Doctor and the new Doctor who we follow in the main series from now on, the Toy maker warns of his legions and The One who waits. We also see a woman’s hand that picks up a golden tooth which may be the character the Master or the Master is inside the tooth.
Now the first episode with the newest doctor introduces to the character Ruby Sunday who is his companion this season, we learn she was abandoned at a church when she was born. We don’t know where she is from or if she is even human (for now). However we do know something is going on with her cause when the Doctor and her try to remember that night it starts snowing. This where I get into the theory stuff. Something about the writing episodes feels off, I know that may sound weird and if it was a new show runner and writer I wouldn’t bat an eye but the person in charge of the show and writing right now is Russel T. Davies who was the one who helped start the 2000s era of Doctor Who.
Something about Ruby Sunday that stands out to me is she seems a lot like Rose Tyler the first companion of the Russel T.Davies run, she has similar fashion and mannerisms but she also reminds me of the Doctor, last time we saw rose was she was left in a another dimension with a human version of the Doctor. I think somehow Ruby is connected to that but there is more to this.
We learned recently that the Doctor isn’t actually from his home planet, we don’t know where he is from but with the mention of the Pantheon and The One who Waits. I believe either he or Ruby is related to the Pantheon, we recently met the child of the Toymaker. They are known as the Maestro who has control over Music.
Back to the weird writing I think one of these Pantheon entities are affecting the story, cause it still feels like Doctor Who but the writing feels slightly different. It could be one we haven’t met yet, The One who Waits, or maybe The Doctor or Ruby Sunday. If Ruby is related to Rose Tyler and Rose had a child with the Doctor’s clone, we know he doesn’t have any Time Lord in him but what if it had some of the Pantheon in him. It could be passed down to a child aka Ruby. Something is warping the reality around the Doctor and we have seen it in multiple instances in this new season. Plus I have seen some people mention seeing a lady show up in every episode I think she picked up the Master tooth and may also be a culprit for the warper.
Russel T. Davies loves a good story arc so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is hiding lore in plain sight, he did that with his first arc the Bad Wolf arc which is another reference to Rose Tyler. She was the main focus of that arc.

Short story long my MIL lost her 3rd job since Covid, her BF that was paying her bills for a combined 18ish months between the last two job losses left her and now she’s about to lose her house. My wife wants to help her out and I get that, problem is we can’t afford her mortgage and our rent. My wife wants to move in with MIL to pay her bills. I’m conflicted here… on one hand I would do the same for my mom and would expect my wife to do it with me, I want that house one day in the future when she passes that’s a cool couple hundred grand in our pockets for retirement or we can eventually just buy it off of her before then. On the other hand she’s over 50 with no higher education and won’t take a job that doesn’t pay less than 60k, so she’s got a limited job pool and she’s already been fired from 3 of those companies. She’s not easy to get along with and that’s why she got fired from the company I work for after I got her a job and also why I leave Christmas dinner as soon as possible.
How do I go about this discussion with her and my wife, how do I get through this without ruining my mental health or even my marriage? I need a plan of attack and maybe even a contract. I want to write up some type of contract that states that every dollar I put into the mortgage is either paid back to me when she sells the house to someone else or gets deducted from the price that she sells the house to us for. Thank you all for reading and I’ll give any more info if y’all need it.
TL:DR mother in law needs help with mortgage so I might have to live with a lady who can’t pay her bills or keep a job

Short story long my MIL lost her 3rd job since Covid, her BF that was paying her bills for a combined 18ish months between the last two job losses left her and now she’s about to lose her house. My wife wants to help her out and I get that, problem is we can’t afford her mortgage and our rent. My wife wants to move in with MIL to pay her bills. I’m conflicted here… on one hand I would do the same for my mom and would expect my wife to do it with me, I want that house one day in the future when she passes that’s a cool couple hundred grand in our pockets for retirement or we can eventually just buy it off of her before then. On the other hand she’s over 50 with no higher education and won’t take a job that doesn’t pay less than 60k, so she’s got a limited job pool and she’s already been fired from 3 of those companies. She’s not easy to get along with and that’s why she got fired from the company I work for after I got her a job and also why I leave Christmas dinner as soon as possible.
How do I go about this discussion with her and my wife, how do I get through this without ruining my mental health or even my marriage? I need a plan of attack and maybe even a contract. I want to write up some type of contract that states that every dollar I put into the mortgage is either paid back to me when she sells the house to someone else or gets deducted from the price that she sells the house to us for. Thank you all for reading and I’ll give any more info if y’all need it.
TL:DR mother in law needs help with mortgage so I might have to live with a lady who can’t pay her bills or keep a job

I Accepted a Job to Film on the Dark Web
Man, I am pumped to tell you chronically online content addicts my story. Wait is that too mean of an intro? Will this get taken down for harassment since I painted too accurate a picture of the people on this site? Sorry, everyone, I’m sure you all smell like an expensive bakery and have touched grass this morning. Anyway, I promise I have something interesting. It even involves the dark web you uncreative writers cream yourselves over! I mean, totally real people speaking about their strangely similar experiences. Okay, fine I’ll stop bullying you through the screen before you click off.
This all started when I was seven years old and my parents were killed in front of me in an anti-indigenous hate crime, but let's be real you don’t care. I’m just some annoying Cherokee kid with dead parents so I’ll skip to the good parts. I spent years in an orphanage, gradually becoming more interested in death and violence. As bad as it is, I went out of my way to expose myself to that content in the hopes of desensitizing myself. Which ended up working too well, since now I’m obsessed with causing and viewing pain, though I don’t find any joy in hurting myself.
I got adopted at twelve and after a few months of staying at my new family’s home on the reservation, I went with them to a state sweatier than the average Reddit user, California. Long story short, both of my caretakers, whom I referred to as Uncle and Auntie because they could never be my parents, died. Leaving me in the care of their older son, who I call cousin. I’m not stupid enough to give up any real names, so I’ll call him Brick, cause he’s as dumb as one. He was in his early 20s when he was tasked with taking care of me and is the world’s worst excuse for a babysitter.
I’m almost always alone at the apartment, with him only coming by to drop off supplies and stay for a few hours so the neighbors don’t get too worried. Unless I get in trouble at school, then he’d suddenly give a shit. It's useful because he doesn't about the gory stuff I look at, but some display of interest would be nice. Oh well, ninety percent of the population sucks so he’s just part of the majority. Now, with that said, you’ll be able to understand the perfect storm that led me here. During my time on the deep web, I found a particular website that caught my eye. They had new footage relatively consistently and they were the easiest for me to access since I didn't go too far into the dark web, especially with all the honey pots lying around.
I even bought a couple of files for myself to study and admire. One thing irritated me though, the cameraman. He was always sobbing, breathing, shaking, or some combination of those. It seriously killed the vibe of the killings. Something I commented on under many videos, often saying I would do a better job filming. A choice that in hindsight was me asking to end up in one of those recordings. I didn't think anything of it at the time. I was mostly the only one who commented but I was sure they wouldn't care. I was embarrassingly wrong.
I was staying up like usual, but it was past one AM on a school night, and back then that was a lot so I tried to sleep. Closing my eyes, tossing and turning, the works. I had just started drifting off when I heard the front door open. I remained calm but immediately found it weird since Brick never showed up this late. The thuds of the individual's feet grew louder as they got closer to my bedroom. I tried to convince myself it wasn't a stranger, especially since they got in with ease, but I knew that was wishful thinking.
They hummed as they opened my door. My dumbass had left it unlocked. I remained on my side, trying to look like I was asleep. They turned on the flashlight of their phone, shining it in my face. It was hard but I stayed still while they traced it over my features. I could tell they were smiling as they clicked their tongue.
“Heh, I knew it was a brat,” they whispered to themselves, pulling tangles out of my hair. Something I struggled not to groan from. They pulled up the hair over my ear and got so close spit got on my ear lobe.
“I know you’re awake kid,” they murmured, putting a blade to my neck. I let them grab my shoulder and move me onto my back, I knew how to fight but I wasn't about to take that big a risk with the position they had me in.
“You think you’re so cool saying you can do better than our guy.” they snickered, kneeling, their flashlight still shining in my face.
“Do you seriously believe that?” they questioned, moving the light away.
“Yeah, I do.” I stood my ground, they might have been intimidating but I wasn't gonna let that stop me from being honest.
“I wouldn't sound like I’m gonna piss myself every time it gets gory. I’m confident I could get better footage too, getting up close is something I’ve fantasized about.”
They clicked their tongue again and ran their finger over the bridge of my nose.
”Well, I know you’re a big fan of what we do, and you’re confidence makes me think you got something to back those claims up, so how’d you like a deal?”
I was surprised by how civil they were being aside from the touching and weapon against my throat.
“What kind of deal?” I asked, for all I knew this guy wanted me to lick their feet or some weird shit like that. They placed a finger underneath my eye, tracing a half moon with their nail.
“You have till this Friday to film a video of you killing an animal and put it on a flash drive that I’ll pick up here. If it impresses me and the crew we’ll hire ya with a handsome salary.” They began, moving their hand down to my cheek.
“But if you don't show, or it doesn't meet our standards, then I’m fucking up one of the parts of your face.” They warned, pinching my skin harshly.
“And if I say no to this deal?”
They put their hand over my mouth, scratching my lips.
“That’s cute, if you say no I’ll just slit your throat.” they grinned.
“Or rip it open with my teeth if you got a preference,” they smirked, before running their tongue across their sharp teeth.
“Okay, since I have no choice I’ll go with it, but I’m telling you now I can give you something way better than what you likely expect of me.” I prefaced, looking into their sunken eyes. They scratched my scalp, including the side of my head that was shaved.
“Good choice, I’ll be back to pick it up and if you're not here I’ll assume you don’t have the video. I genuinely wish you luck, because you’ll need it.” they removed the blade from my neck and walked away. I sat still for a few minutes in the dark, processing what had happened and wondering how they got into my apartment with such ease. I was confident I could blow their sniveling excuse of a cameraman out of the water, but I was worried about the people I was getting caught up with.
Sure, I had been on a lot of gore sites over the years but I was always just watching and occasionally commenting. Compared to most in the scene I wasn't much of a threat. I could defend myself and have contemplated killing for years but I hadn't murdered anyone or worse. Plus, I am part of way too many targeted groups to not be constantly at risk. Teenage, fem-leaning, two-spirit, indigenous kid with trauma? Yeah, I might as well be walking sign screaming “Hate crime me”.
So yeah, there was a lot to worry about. Regardless, I couldn't let that fear hold me back. I had a job to do and a group of sickos to appease. The next morning was rough, I got no sleep cause I’d spent all night brainstorming. I barely mustered the energy to change and drank straight mouthwash instead of brushing my teeth. Slogging onto the bus with drool on my cheek, I went to the back like usual. No one sat there cause, the seats were extra worn down, and I scared off anyone who attempted to with my active, rabies-infected bitch face. That day was different though.
I blanked on his name and where I knew him from, but I recognized his wavy hair and prominent curved nose. He glanced at each seat on the bus, before somehow settling on my area. He tried to give me space but ultimately seated himself beside me after realizing it was the only spot that didn't look like it would give him cancer. I glared at him as I did with everyone, but it didn't phase him.
“You know you could pick anywhere else right?” I murmured. He stared at the floor, then at me.
“I’m aware, but a few months ago I started a mission to sit on every part of this bus, and this is the last place.” he smiled, his lips softly curving at the sides.
“What’s the point of that?”
His mouth moved into a more neutral position, but his eyes kept smiling.
“I just thought it would be neat to see the same place from a bunch of different perspectives.” he took out his phone and snapped a photo from the point of view where he was sitting. Maybe my sleepiness made my bitch face less effective, cause he hadn't shown a hint of fear, which kind of annoyed me.
“That’s cool I guess, but I wouldn't do that if I were you. I’ve done some back here alone that would make your skin crawl.” in hindsight my attempt at unnerving him just made me sound like a pervert, which is probably why he held back laughter. Trying to hide a chuckle by clearing his throat.
“Hey, it's not my business what you do, no matter how Haram it is. It’s your life so that’s between you and whatever you believe in. Just don’t shake hands with me.” he joked, playfully putting his hands up. Strangely, I remembered his name at that moment.
“Oh shit, you’re Abdul! We have art together.” I sat up, haphazardly slamming my hand down on my leg.
“Uh yeah, I’ve seen some of your paintings, they’re pretty cool. I like the way you texture them, I’m trying to work on that.” he complimented, seeming more weirded out by my sudden energy than my accidental insinuation. I felt a little stupid for yelling his name but decided not to dwell on it.
“Thanks, you’re stuff is nice, and you’re good at shading.”
He stretched his arms while thanking me. We talked for a few more minutes, taking jabs at each other throughout. Turns out he was better at being an asshole than his artsy charismatic appearance made me think. The thing setting our insults apart being that you could tell he was a loving person underneath. It was the nicest conversation I had with anyone in a while. Though he could tell I was tired so he quieted down, letting me sleep, waking me when we got to school. We went our separate ways until the last two periods we shared. All that time, I spent my remaining energy plotting how I was going to handle the video. What I’d kill, record with, and how to dispose of the evidence. It was a lot to consider, but through three classes I devised a plan.
I’d find a stray around my apartment complex and take it out in my room. Record it on a portable camera since I broke the ones on my phone, no, I will not be answering how that happened. Then once I had my footage I’d put the body in a trash bag, throw it in the complex’s garbage, and clean the blood off my floor. It didn't seem like Brick would come by so he wasn't a factor I thought I’d have to consider. The plan was almost too easy, but I decided to believe in Occam’s razor. I got so lost in thought that by the time I reached Art, which was my second-to-last period, I didn't process that we were moving seats.
“She called your name,” Abdul reminded me. Our teacher placed us next to each other at our four-person table. The two girls sitting with us were already friends, so I didn't bother to say anything, but I was interested in talking to him more.
“So, what do you think of this assignment?” He shrugged, taking out his sketchbook.
“I’m not that good at drawing people, but the idea of combining two people’s faces into a portrait seems interesting. Any ideas on who you’ll pick?”
“Probably the members of the music duo Brain Tumor, they’re my favorite artists and they both look weird as hell.”
“Wow way to talk about your favorites, if that’s what you say about them I can‘t imagine what you have to say about me.” he joked, pulling up reference pictures.
“First, it’s not an insult, second I don’t have anything to say about you. Brain and Tumor have features and styles that make them stand out. Sure they’re ugly, but it just adds to their visual charm. Hot people are boring, there’s nothing to pick at.” I explained, unzipping my bag.
“Oh, so you’re saying you think I’m hot.”
His comment wasn’t serious but it kind of got to me.
“Shit, that’s not what I meant, I was trying to say you’re boring. All hot people are boring, but not all boring people are hot, okay?” I explained, flipping to a clean page.
“Alright, but if I’m so bland then why talk to me?”
I hesitated, contemplating how much of a dick I was gonna be.
“Because it means you probably need some spice in your life, which I can provide.”
He began sketching a head on his paper.
“I like spices, but I feel like you’re the kind of person to dump a cabinet’s worth onto me.”
I flicked my pencil over to his side of the desk, putting on a mocking grin.
“Aww, you scared I’m gonna get you into trouble?”
He picked up the pencil and started using it, putting his on my side.
“No, ‘cause I’m good at setting boundaries. I’m more concerned that you’ll get annoyed with how unafraid of you I am.”
I stared at him for a moment, I hadn't expected to hear that.
“Jeez, man you didn't have to read me like that.”
He shrugged, observing the red paint from past projects that lay on my pencil.
“It's not hard to figure out, just this morning you were trying to push me away on the bus. Lucky, or unlucky, for you I want you to have a friend and you seem like a fun person.”
“Wait are you saying I have no friends?” I squinted at him.
“Well, do you?”
I didn't answer.
“If your response is silence I suggest you take up my offer.”
I was stunned, to be honest. No one had offered to be my friend since 6th grade, and that didn't last long. Of course, I accepted it, but for the rest of the period, there was an awkwardness in my mind. As pathetic as it sounds I wasn't used to others genuinely enjoying my company like he did. Which was partly by design cause I get joy out of scaring people away, but still. I forgot how it felt to have conversations about normal things like art. He had such a nice smile too, usually when I see a grin I want to slap it off, but I liked his. His voice was also nice, it’s hard to describe what in particular but it was easy on the ears.
Okay, I’m starting to get off-topic. I’ll skip to the important part. Toward the end of class, he started talking about how he was interested in filmmaking and got a portable video camera as a gift at last year’s Eid. He didn't have it on him, but he showed me a picture.
“Heh, that’s funny, I bought the same one a month ago.” I pointed out.
“Yeah, it's a popular model, I’m still getting the hang of it though cause I’m so used to using my phone.”
“Well, maybe I could bring you over to my place or vice versa after school and I can help you out.” I suggested.
He smiled, putting his phone back in his pocket.
“I thought you said you’ve only had it for a month? You know I can always look up tutorials from trained professionals.” he reminded me with a notable smugness that I'd used with him before.
“Well those guys are stuffy and I’m a fast learner.”
He redirected his attention back to his page, picking his pencil up.
“Alright, I suggest we go somewhere public instead. You’re not exactly the kind of person I want to bring home to my parents right away. Plus they always need to meet my friends and their guardians before I hang out at their home.”
I gave an exaggerated sigh, stretching my back.
“Aw man, looks like we can’t get high in my murder pit during our first hangout.”
He didn't respond for a solid few seconds.
“Wait, you do know I'm joking right?”
He shrugged, the smile in his eyes appearing again.
“I mean, one of those things is a little less believable than the other.” he snickered, and I laughed with him.
We set up a time and a date, which is where I screwed myself. He ended up being busy with projects from his other classes and family which just left us with Friday, the same day I had to submit the video. Now, did I tell him I wouldn't be able to make it? No, of course not, because I decided to be stupid and even more overconfident. I said that I’d one hundred percent be able to hang out with him after school like I didn't have a mutilator who was going to drop by my place at an unknown time.
The rest of the day went over fine but that bad timing led me to feel like a dick later. When I got home I was able to write out my plan, even sketching a few specifics of what I’d do. It was more exciting than when I’d been brainstorming, but this is when the gravity of the situation began to set in. When I said I’d fantasized about killings I meant it. I mean my teddy with twenty-five stab wounds should say enough. Regardless this would be the first time real blood was on my hands.
It made me feel powerful, but a little afraid. I’ve heard stories of people thinking that it would be an awesome experience and then feeling like shit. I doubted I’d be one of those people but still. Plus, I didn't exactly trust the guy who gave me this job. There was a good chance that this whole situation was rigged and they’d kill me no matter how good the video was. Or worse turn me into the feds and expose my collection. Honestly, if that happened I’d probably eat a shot to avoid going to jail. Wait, can I say that on this platform? Okay to the mods, that was a joke, I want to live a long life. Ugh, I’m doing a terrible job of staying on track. The point is there was a lot up in the air despite it being a matter of life or death.
I knew I’d go through with it but it was still a lot less straightforward than it initially seemed. I wracked my brain to remember where most of the cats stayed and tried to come up with a good way to lure one without raising suspicion. This also proved harder than first thought because I didn't think to account for the cat man, an old guy who lived alone and fed all the cats in our dingy complex while also housing a few. Knowing how obsessive he was he’d probably notice if one of them disappeared. Then again not all the cats return consistently or at all. It makes more sense that he’d think one of them was run over rather than slaughtered. It was getting late again so I rested my head for a moment, a bad move cause I ended up falling asleep at my desk. Not even changing out of the clothes I’d worn before, I woke up late and barely caught the bus the next morning.
I went to my usual spot but Abdul had already taken it. He patted the area next to it, which he’d covered in a towel, a smart move knowing how nasty it was. People gave me a few dirty looks as normal, which I smiled at. I stretched, my mind slightly less out of it than the previous morning.
“Uh, you do realize that-”
“Yeah, I know I’m wearing the same clothes.”
Abdul looked me up and down, his eyes remaining soft, but with a mix of concern and judgment. He set his backpack down and took off his sweater handing it to me.
“Dude what are you-”
“Look I don't know what led to you not being able to change but I think you should at least have a fresh top.”
I was surprised he was offering me something to wear but I took it.
“Uh, thanks, I’ll change into it later.”
He nodded as I put it in my backpack.
“You know you didn't have to do that.” I reminded him.
“Well there’s a lot of stuff I don’t have to do, but I do it because I want to, and I wanted to help you out.”
He smiled, his face still warmer than an Arizona summer. I got a strange feeling in my chest at that moment, I still can’t tell if it was good or bad.
“Well, thanks, I'll give it back to you tomorrow.”
We talked a little more and he mentioned something that caught my attention.
“Have you heard about all the animals that have been turning up dead?”
My eyes widened with surprise.
“No, I haven't, when did you hear about that?”
He pulled on his long-sleeve shirt.
“My sister said her friend who works at a shelter noticed a bunch of animals were getting adopted by people around the same time, and since then gore videos with them have been showing up. She found out through her co-worker who was emailed it by some random creep.”
I covered my mouth and looked away to hide the smile growing on my face. He had just given me the perfect cover-up without knowing. Now if I killed an animal people had an entire violent ring to connect it to instead of me! I stayed quiet for a minute because I could tell he’d likely see through any phony sad sounds I made.
“Oh wow, that’s awful, do you think they’ll ever find out the people behind it?”
He sighed, running his hand through his wavy hair.
“I hope so, for now, all we can do is pray that no more animals get hurt.”
I couldn't contain my grin as he said that so sincerely like animals and people didn't die constantly and that taking down one group would somehow stop the issue.
“Is there some joke I don’t get?” he furrowed his brow.
“Uh, no, sorry I smile when nervous.”
His gaze softened again, and he didn't press further.
His bringing up the animal killings ended up being the exact push I needed to get my hands dirty. I’d spent the entire day before planning so it was time to put that plan into action. I stole some cat treats that the cat man had laid out and spread them around my apartment which was on the bottom floor. Waiting for one of them to take the bate outside my window was pretty boring but one of them came after a few minutes. A scraggly brown and black cat with a tuft of fur missing on one side of his head. It's messed up but I felt like a little less of an asshole for taking him in since he looked like he was already struggling. I scooped him up and he didn't attempt to fight back.
“Hey there buddy” I waved, feeding him some more food. His eyes had a lot of crust on them, it was kinda gross but I don’t have the right to say with how often I wash my jeans. After a minute or two he let me pet him. I knew making any kind of attachment was bad but I thought it was the right thing to do so he’d fall into a sense of security. I was just about to take him into my room when the door opened.
“Hey, I’m back with groceries!” my shithead cousin announced with two plastic bags in his hands. He looked down to see me with the cat, his eyebrows raising.
“Aw come on, you know we can’t afford a pet.”
He groaned placing the bags on a table and unloading them.
“I know, but he doesn't look like he’s got a lot of life in him I at least want to help him feel better before he kicks the bucket!”
Brick rolled his eyes, putting the cereal box on top of the fridge
“Jeez, did you even think about what diseases he might have? His eyes look puffy what if he has something that can get you sick?”
He had valid concerns which was surprising since he’s usually stupid, but I was still annoyed with him.
“I’m sure he’s fine, I’ll even try to wash him, just please let me hold onto him for a little.”
He folded his arms looking down at us.
“Have you even named him?”
I froze for a second, before using the first thing that came to mind, which ended up being pretty awful knowing my plans.
“Cash cow.” I blurted, awkwardly patting his head.
“Honestly that’s better than what I was expecting. I was sure you’d pick ‘Hellspawn Mcgee’ or something else corny.”
He meant to make fun of me but honestly, I would have named him that if I had more time.
“Ugh, anyway I got those dumb chips you like.”
He then pulled out a bag of the wrong chips.
“Dude those are the wrong ones, this is the third time you’ve mixed up the flavors.”
He threw them at me, scaring the cat slightly.
“Well, I pay for it so you shouldn't be so picky. Anyway, while I was in line I picked up something you might be into.”
He then tossed me a trashy teen magazine. One of my least favorite sorry excuses for an influencer on the cover.
“This is a joke, right?”
I couldn't believe my own adopted brother gave such little shit in my interests.
“I don't know, you decided to start being a girl for real this time so I thought the makeup tips on page ten would help you out.”
I scrunched my face at his comment.
“Dude I’ve been this way for years, just because I started wearing more makeup and dresses doesn't mean I’m more of a girl than when I didn't. I know you won’t get the two-spirit thing but come on.”
He shrugged, seeing me done with me even though he’d just shown up.
“Yeah well hey I’m trying. Anyway, just so you know a friend of mine is coming here Friday.”
My heart stopped.
“Wait why here? You live elsewhere why can’t you assholes go there or their place!”
He slammed his fist on the table.
“Will you shut the fuck up!”
He screamed with a phrase I’d grown numb to.
“I don't know, to be honest, something about wanting to move into this complex and this being a way to scout it out. I’m just letting you know now so you don’t act like a complete freak.”
“Jokes on you I’ll piss in whatever shitty beer you bring just cause you said that!”
I yelled back raising my voice higher than his. He face-palmed before putting the plastic bags in the drawer under the sink.
“Whatever, you and your ketamine-addict-looking cat have fun,” he told me while seating himself on the couch. I picked up the cat and walked into the bathroom to clean it. I closed the door and placed him in the dry tub. Using a small disposable mouthwash cup I got a little bit of water. I hadn't had a pet before so I wasn't sure how to approach the task. I dipped my fingers in the water and carefully pet it while pouring s small bit down his back. Any other cat would fight back but he just made pissed-off noises without doing anything.
I scrapped my old shampoo bottle and kneaded it into his thin fur. His skin was bumpy and dry beneath the hair so scrubbing it was uncomfortable. I made sure to avoid getting soap in its eyes but I did pull away some of the crust on its lids. His pupils were so clouded I was surprised that he could see at all, making me feel even more sure that he would be on its way out with or without me.
After drying him I set him on a beat-up shirt I wore when modifying clothes. He sunk his claws into it a few times, playing with a loose string. I ignored him for the rest of the night, hopping into the shower and changing for bed. His meows woke me up a few times but I tuned it out after a while, reminding myself that he wouldn’t be my cat for long.
The next day was Thursday and there wasn't a second that passed by where the weight of the murder I’d have to commit didn't weigh on me. I seriously shot myself in the foot by taking care of that scruffy, pubic hair pile. I was supposed to be hyped about killing it, after all, I’d dreamed and seen way worse than what I was going to do. Yet once I got home and started setting up I felt grosser with each step. I decided to record it in my bathroom instead of my bedroom so it would be harder to connect to me. I set down a few fabric scraps and a worn-out beach towel, placing it all inside a tub for easier cleanup later.
“Okay, I guess it's time,” I mumbled to myself. I brought the cat in and placed it down, setting up my camera once it was comfortable. I also wore my most generic clothes in addition to a mask, putting my hair in a bun for sanitation. When I saw the flicker of red showing that the camera was on I felt I was dreaming. I smiled, excited that I’d get to live out my violent desires. Yet, when I looked down at its pathetic frame and confused expression those urges left me.
I rationalized what I was doing, reminding myself how many animals die all the time and that I’d been forced into this, but it didn't help much in the end. I won’t get into it but under the pressure of impressing the group Cash Cow didn't go out as fast as I would have liked for a first task. Getting rid of the evidence was especially rough, the textures were pretty nasty, to put it mildly. It was surreal watching the blood go down the tub drain and gradually drip off my hands as I rinsed them. I couldn't conjure a single thought the entire time I cleaned it up.
Whether I was wringing out the clothes or putting the remains in plastic bags, it didn't matter. All I could focus on was the task at hand, with hints of disgust along the way. I ended up finishing at three AM. My hands were wrinkled and shook once I settled. I won’t deny that during the murder I didn't hate it. Slashing into something was fun and it made me feel strong. Still, it wasn't nearly as fulfilling as I expected it to be. Part of it was guilt, but it was mostly disappointment. I’d built it up for years and it wasn't earth shatteringly good or bad.
Overall, I expected to feel more, but it just left me hollow with an uncomfortable itch. There was no way I’d ever be able to see the tub the same way, hell I don’t think I’ll ever use it again. Luckily I almost always shower anyway so it's not too big of a deal. I watched a few horror game videos, trashed everything, changed and went to bed.
My scalp hurt like a bitch the morning since I kept my hair in that stupid bun. Despite getting less sleep than the past two days I held myself together a bit better in the morning. I brushed my teeth, changed, and had some fried bread before getting on the bus. Regardless I looked like complete shit and struggled to slump into my seat.
“Rough night?” Abdul asked
“Uh, yeah.” I quietly responded looking to the floor.
He frowned, looking at me with concern.
“You can talk about it if you're comfortable,” he assured me. I contemplated giving him a thinly veiled metaphor or vague explanation so he'd comfort me but stopped myself before my mouth could run a muck. He wouldn't be able to do much of anything and I don’t like opening up.
“Uhm, thanks but it's something I have to deal with alone.”
He nodded, respecting my boundaries.
“You know, I understand if you can’t hang out today it seems like you have a lot going on.”
I avoided eye contact with him as he spoke. For once I was feeling hints of guilt toward a person. I wanted to spend time with him, but I knew that I wasn't in the state to do that.
“Yeah, I think it’ll have to wait, I’m-” I cut myself off before apologizing. A fact about me that should surprise no one is that I hate apologizing. Even when I do feel kinda bad the act fills me with embarrassment.
“You what?” he asked, his eyes telling me that he knew what I was going to say.
“I’m emotionally not great.” I spat out in an admittedly poor attempt to get out of saying sorry. As always he remained calm but I could tell he saw through me.
“Okay, like I said I understand, whatever it is I hope you feel better.”
I told him thank you and we didn't speak for the rest of the day. At home I changed into more comfortable clothes and brushed my teeth. Unfortunately, I wasn't bouncing back from killing nearly as much as I expected.
“It wasn't even that bad! That thing was on its last legs anyway.” I grumbled to myself, smacking my forehead. I was feeling worse than when I did it which is weird. I ended up spontaneously decorating a ratty tie from the bottom of an accessory drawer to distract myself. It helped me get my mind off things, for a little. I had zero plan, just wanting to make something needlessly complex. Hours that felt like minutes passed and soon it was covered in patches, frills, and beads. I just tried it on when I heard the front door open.
“Man, that shit was wild!” I heard Brick laugh groggily. I didn't have to see or smell him to know he’d gotten lit. I rolled my eyes, closing my bedroom door.
“Hey, who’s there?” his friend asked, seemingly referring to me.
“Oh, that’s my little sis, don’t mind her she’s just on her emo shit!” he joked, which pissed me off for the petty reason that I didn't even listen or dress emo.
“Hey, that’s alright with me, I went through one of those phases,” they responded, their words less slurred than my cousin’s.
I fucked up and forgot to lock it when I closed it so they were able to swing it open, almost smacking my desk.
“Hey emo girl!” they waved as Brick haphazardly pulled them back.
“Okay, man, seriously I think she wants to be left alone.”
The way his friend looked at me made me uncomfortable. Like they’d snap my neck if I pissed them off. They clicked their tongue while stepping through the door frame.
“Alright, but I gotta say calling her an emo is inaccurate, they look like they watch gore and most emos just say they do.” they flashed a sharp toothy grin. At that moment I began to connect the dots.
“Easy, she’ll get pissy with you dude, now come on.” Brick warned tugging their opened button pushed him away. They looked me dead in the eyes.
“I don’t think she minds, in truth, I feel like we’ll have a lot to discuss later.” they smiled again, finally walking back into the living room. A chill ran up my spine when I saw them. The sharp teeth, New York accent, unsettling gaze, that motherfucker was the person who recruited me! They were able to get into my place so easily cause my dumbass cousin probably gave them a spare key or the opportunity to make one, and now they were a room away from me!
I dug my hands into my pillow as I contemplated what to do, no matter what happened next, I knew it was gonna be a rough visit.

Hypeloot is proud to announce that it has processed over 50 million bets for over a hundred,000 customers international, because it’s established in 2022. Being one of the quickest growing Cryptocurrency casinos, Hypeloot releases new recreation modes almost every week and has experienced a recent surge in growth that's in all likelihood to boost up.
Hypeloot adds a number of the most famous on line casino video games but is likewise not afraid to feature an modern contact to the platform by way of developing new video games that are gaining plenty of recognition, as an instance, the Plinko recreation with a 100.000X multiplier, making it the first-ever Plinko game with this high of a multiplier which isn't always handiest some thing modern for the gambling enterprise however also a excellent advertising tool as customers always try and chase excessive multipliers.
Hypeloot’s profit and $HPLT Token
The Hypeloot crew intends to do a daily buyback of the $HPLT token on the open market the usage of the platform’s earnings and burning them right after on a every day foundation.
The $HPLT Presale commenced February 1st, at 15:00 UTC and is cut up into exceptional tiers in which the first traders get the cheapest possible rate and also are eligible for the Hype NFTs so one can be tradeable right on token launch.
forty% Of the full supply will pass towards Presale contributors, the relaxation is break up between liquidity, advertising, crew, airdrops and more. All team tokens may be locked and vested on a obvious level.
Fueling The Hypeloot surroundings
Hypeloot is one of the only Crypto casinos providing Fiat fee gateways and all principal payment providers making it clean for each consumer. On top of that, Hypeloot also presently offers all most important Cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. crew attests that each one video games are a hundred% provably honest with a open and transparent manual on how to check every roll, the EOS and Chainlink Blockchain hashes are getting used to generate one hundred% randomness.
Hype NFTs
Hype NFTs are the reliable NFTs of Hypeloot.com ($HPLT), it will to begin with only be available to presale individuals, on release, these NFTs can then be traded, offered, offered and used on Hypeloot.com at no cost bets, staking pools, elevated rakeback and plenty more. these NFTs are strictly constrained and could not be minted more than the given supply.
Hypeloot has generated over $1 Million in revenue in 2023 (customers can see a detailed breakdown at the presale, for the reason that normal slot and stay on line casino games may be brought quickly, it is predicted to have a enormous surge in the coming weeks as that is expected by a variety of current users, this new addition additionally open the door to a lot of latest user acquisition in addition to higher earnings per user given all of the new game modes.
Visit : https://presale.hypeloot.com/

The incident began when my fiancé and I traveled to another state for my sister-in-law's son's 1st birthday party, a trip that had been planned for two months. Initially, we were to stay at a hotel and there were discussions about food and preparations for the party the following day. My sister-in-law expected around 10-15 guests and assured us she would handle most of the food, asking us only to bring drinks and chips. The night before the party, while shopping, she wanted more food and we spent $50, which she insisted on paying back.
The party turned out to be a chaotic event with about 30 guests, not the expected 10-15. The environment was uncomfortable, with a bounce house in the living room, a strong smell due to poor hygiene of some guests, and my sister-in-law was intoxicated and unable to manage the event properly. The food was insufficient (only one pizza for everyone), and when my fiancé's uninvited mother showed up, we decided to leave early, which my sister-in-law understood, given my anxiety around crowds.
After returning home, my sister-in-law's communication became sporadic. She promised to pay me back via Cash App but then ghosted me. A month later, she bragged about her tax refund and new purchases, despite living off her boyfriend and her son’s SSI checks. Given my financial situation of living paycheck to paycheck, I was understandably annoyed and mentioned it, which led to further silence from her for over two months.
I'm contemplating whether to apologize for expressing my frustration, but I also feel justified given her boasting and lack of follow-through on the repayment promise.

I’m in the market for a new or refurbished high quality home office chair. So I’ve been learning about this market just over the past several days. My current chair is a Nouhaus ErgoFlip that I bought 4 years ago for $200 (because the arm rests flip up) but it’s terrible now and I need to replace it.
After doing some research, it seemed that refurbished is the way to go since the quality is almost as good as new and it’s 1/2-1/3 the price. I’m leaning towards getting the Steelcase Leap V2 as it seems to be the best chair you can get for under $600 as per many reviews.
After some more research, the two main competitors for this type of refurbished chair seemed to be BTOD and Crandall. Between the two, Crandall seemed to be a no brainer as they offer thicker seats than the normal Leap which you would think makes it more comfortable than BTOD. I also saw glowing praise of Crandall on this subreddit and on Amazon. So I was very close to buying a refurbished Leap from the Crandall website and paying extra for the thicker back and seat, for around $600. I even made a post about it here a couple days ago. Subsequently, as I was in the process of making a purchase on the Crandall website, I saw an option to purchase a newer refurbished Leap, but couldn't utiiize it. I called Crandall sales to inquire more, but to my surprise, no one picked up the phone during business hours. That's very unusual for a company sales department not to pick up the phone.
This prompted me to hold off and do a bit more digging. I was disturbed by what I found. It started by seeing the “top critical review” of the Crandall refurbished Leap on their Amazon page (which only displays on a desktop and not my phone):
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B08PPVCCST/ref=cm_cr_unknown?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&filterByStar=two_star&pageNumber=1
The 2 star review with 81 "helpful" votes basically calls Crandall a scam because their foam seating is extremely cheap, breaks down quickly, and IS NOT COVERED by their 12 year warranty. I haven’t really seen this highly-upvoted criticism (on Amazon) addressed here.
In fact, as I looked more at this subreddit, it seems Crandall heavily astroturfs this subreddit (and perhaps the Amazon page too) by taking random accounts, temporarily using them to shill for Crandall, and pass themselves off as being disinterested third parties. These accounts then seem to be discarded (barely any subsequent posts after the accounts served their purpose of shilling Crandall in a thread and upvoting other shilling posts). Again, these accounts do not disclose that they are being operated by Crandall employees. In some older threads, the account name says "deleted" for obvious astroturfed posts, so Crandall seems to outright delete their more obvious examples. The owner also appears frequently to present extra legitimacy, which by itself would be fine, but of course as your attention is focused on him, it isn’t apparent that his employees are swarming this sub.
This post noticed the pattern 4 years ago and it certainly hasn’t gotten any better since I've seen this behavior in many threads made after that. It also seems to be an issue people want to tiptoe around for some reason as it's rarely squarely addressed judging from a search:
https://www.reddit.com/OfficeChairs/comments/gpk9bw/is_it_just_me_or_is_crandall_office_chairs_a/
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but these highly aggressive and sneaky tactics really rub me the wrong way. They’ve lost a sale from me. Ironically Crandall employees seem to spend all their time online engaging in these questionable tactics rather than simply answer the phone.
Just from doing my own Google searches I found out about a store called OHR Home Office Solutions that’s based in the NYC and NJ area but ship all over. They seem to do refurbishments of many top chairs, including the Leap, Gesture, and Herman Miller Aeron, at least at Crandall’s quality, and for a decently cheaper price. I plan on visiting either their warehouse sale or showroom to test out the chairs in person and make a purchase there.
When I searched this subreddit for OHR, almost NOTHING came up. That’s really a shame. I dunno if Crandall owns this subreddit or something, but it should be for information, not unmarked advertisements, and I think the worthy alternative of OHR should be discussed more, instead of 50% of posts shilling for Crandall.
That’s my two cents anyway, hope this post helps others.

this is going to be long. so i am currently 24. me and my boyfriend started looking for houses in january, our lease ended in march. the housing market has been terrible, and we have fallen through on many houses. we are now closing on a house this thursday, however for the time being, my parents offered for us to stay here until we’re in a house. we’ve been here since the beginning of march. this is where my issue/venting comes in.
my mom has the absolute weirdest rules. which is fine!!! you know it’s her house, i’m following them since im living here, but there’s so many and it’s really hard to keep up with them. things like: don’t leave the sponge with any soap on it. keep the bathroom door open all the way at all times. ask her if she needs to use the bathroom before you use it. the dishwasher needs to be done exactly the way she likes. let them know if we’re going to get dinner, and if we go ANYWHERE (coffee, gas station) we’re expected to bring them something back or we’re met with “well that would’ve been nice to know, what if i wanted something?” you get it!!! there’s a lot more but i’m trying to make this as short as possible. that’s a lot right?? which again, is fine, however, if we mess up and forget one, CAPITAL PUNISHMENT! and it’s not even reasonable reactions like “hey, i’ve told you i like it this way, please try to remember”. no. it’s a HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU NEED TO BE TOLD SOMETHING-
i am getting over a kidney infection, and the meds i was on made me borderline piss my panties. i had to pee, but she needed to pee, so she was slamming doors and mumbling. my boyfriend plays a good bit of video games, which he does on his day off while still being productive, and she is constantly nagging about how all he does is play video games and she thinks it’s rude blah blah. my boyfriend brought me home flowers and a gift on a day that i was having a really hard time. she literally said “you know i like surprises too.” 😃???
i got into it with my stepdad a couple weeks ago, he was going to hit her dogs over something stupid and she was begging him not to, and i stepped in (i shouldn’t have) and basically was like bro don’t. he screamed at me and i screamed back. but he said like really hurtful things like when i leave don’t come back, “fuck you”, etc, YOU GET IT !!! we didn’t speak for awhile because a 50 year old man isn’t gonna talk to me like that. tell me why she has sided with him, and even blamed ME for the things he said.
this is getting long, there’s so much more, but like, im torn. i have tons of outside stress. closing on a house, work, im in the middle of a divorce. am i ungrateful? i have done everything she wants me to do. i am trying my hardest. every time she gets passive aggressive on me i am nice and apologetic and i just feel so much anxiety over this because i am so extremely appreciative of them. any and all advice is welcome!!

Hi hello gamers. Urason here 800LP Rank 1 NA Samira bla bla bla nothing new you haven't heard by now since its always the same spiel. Anyways, lets do a breakdown into Samira's best build(s) atm and any variants she can do. I'll also go over some key power spikes and rune variations as well! Feel free to ask questions and I'll answer them when I can!

Boots

• Plated Steel Caps - Great standard since you'll usually face mostly AD champs
• Swiftees - Great vs high range teams so you can chase down targets and reposition much faster
• Merc Treads - Great vs high CC teams + if you need MR more than Armor
• Note - Samira can usually sit on Tier 1 boots until after 1st item and if you have enough set up you can also wait till after 2nd item

1st Item

• Collector - Pretty standard start, do it vs mostly squishy teams. BF sword > Serrated Dirk if you have to choose between recalls
• Infinity Edge - This start is much harder but it's a great option when you're gonna be facing VERY tanky teams
• Opportunity - If you can end the game fast, Opportunity is still a solid start. I'd really only run this if you have great set up and/or reset potential (in this meta it's not going to be as common anymore)

2nd Item

• Infinity Edge - Standard if you went Collector 1st
• Lord Dom - Standard if you went IE 1st

3rd Item

• Lord Dom - This is your highest damage 3rd item. Great vs tanks, good vs squishies
• Blood Thirster - If damage isn't a problem for you, well, this'll not only boost your damage but significantly increase your sustain

4th + Onward

• Blood Thirster or Lord Dom - Whichever you didn't go 3rd is usually good at 4th item if you can help it
• Shieldbow - Sadly this is your best choice if you're looking for 100% crit build (can technically go Yun Tal but its not as good unless you're perma kiting before a fight)
• Maw - This is an amazing item that pairs perfect with BT for some huge sustain in late game fights, also your best MR item now sadly
• Overlord - A decent "defensive item" that'll still give you some damage and like 53ish AD (Collector has 60)
• Randuin's - Your best armor item if you just need flat armor and some HP, plus its nice vs crit champs
• Jak'Sho - If you need a mix of both defenses this is decent, just be sure to have it stacked before fully committing
• Trail Blazer - This is just to replace your boots super late game
• Notes - Building 1-2 tank items on Samira isn't as good anymore because of how hard it is to get lifesteal while also getting crit. You'll likely get 1 defensive item at best and even then its probably better to just get more damage and play to delete the entire enemy team before you die (but ofc its situational)

Runes

Primary Runes:

• Conqueror - Pretty standard, nothing new and never really bad
• Press The Attack - New PTA is actually really strong and can do a lot of damage especially in teamfights. That being said, its pretty hard to proc late game if you're playing a wombo/engage comp

Secondary Runes:

• Sudden Impact - This rune got reworked and kinda sucks now on all-in champs. Not really worth taking
• Eyeball Collection - Take this over Sudden Impact now for better snowballing
• Treasure Hunter - Pair with Eyeball Collection for a strong snowball combo
• Cash Back - This is a nice rune that scales really hard, if you can afford to reach 3-4 items, this is really nice.
• Magical Footwear - This is similar to Cash Back however you technically save more gold faster so if you can't afford to scale then this is nice.
• Triple Tonic - If you don't need the CDR reduction from Cosmic Insight for Flash then this is a nice, yet greedy rune. Not OP by any means but its nice especially at level 6!
• Time Warp Tonic - I like to take this in dueling lanes (like vs Varus, Lucian, or Draven) because if you use your potion, you instaheal like 50hp which can be HUGE in the early game! These lanes are often determined by the first fight and this can help you win them!
• Cosmic Insight - Super good rune for when you really need your Flash or if you're facing Ashe and need Cleanse up as often as possible

Item Power Spikes

1. First recall/When you can afford BF Sword or Serrated Dirk (BF Sword is more damage and Dirk is much weaker now so relearn your damage)
2. Collector Completion (This is especially true vs traditional crit carries that can't itemize Collector or ER first HOWEVER this is MUCH weaker than last season. You can no longer 1v9 off Collector alone but you're still decently strong)
3. Infinity Edge Completion (This is now where you can absolutely 1v9 the game. Your goal each game should be to hit IE at 50% crit and just kill everything! Again, especially true vs traditional carries since you can stack damage while they're forced into AS or bad 1st items/build paths)

Closing Notes

Samira is VERY strong right now and while she's not necessarily OP anymore she's in a good spot. They have significantly hindered her snowball potential and she can no longer 1v9 at 1 item. That being said, she has one of the strongest 2 item spikes in the game and can nearly out damage any ADC. Even after 2 items she only gets stronger (however she does start feeling the range diff vs marksmen like Aphelios or Jinx). This was a bit of an info dump and I personally have no "OP" build or runes set in stone quite yet but I'm experimenting with a lot. This post is just my compilation of personal experience, some discussions with other high elo players, and just some overall analysis of different Samira's around the world. Overall, champ feels nice but it does feel bad to be weaker early. Oh whale! If you have any questions just ask and I'll get to them at some point. Hope this helps!

​
​
3xzed - Fixated / Key Bm, BPM 124, 2:58, MP3 7.35 Mb, AIFF 31.65 Mb
Alat - Theurgia Page 110 (Extended Mix) / Key Abm, BPM 128, 5:23, MP3 13.13 Mb, AIFF 57.11 Mb
Aldous - Don't Say Goodbye (Extended Mix) / Key Bm, BPM 125, 5:56, MP3 14.48 Mb, AIFF 63.09 Mb
Alex H - No Longer Feeling Broken (feat. Ivy Marie) [Extended Mix] / Key Am, BPM 120, 6:24, MP3 15.61 Mb, AIFF 68.04 Mb
Alex Kunnari - Stay or Move (Extended Mix) / Key Ebm, BPM 124, 5:35, MP3 13.62 Mb, AIFF 59.29 Mb
Arggic & Ren Faye - Break the Night (Extended Mix) / Key F#m, BPM 126, 5:25, MP3 13.22 Mb, AIFF 57.52 Mb
Bessey - My House (Club Mix) / Key F#m, BPM 126, 4:53, MP3 11.96 Mb, AIFF 51.97 Mb
Bruno Motta & Gar - Morning Coffee (Club Mix) / Key Am, BPM 126, 4:17, MP3 10.51 Mb, AIFF 45.59 Mb
Christiano Jordano & BoGriLZ - Runaway (Extended Mix) / Key F#m, BPM 124, 5:30, MP3 13.43 Mb, AIFF 58.44 Mb
Devloe & Daniel Pinho (US) - Athon (Extended Mix) / Key Cm, BPM 125, 5:46, MP3 14.07 Mb, AIFF 61.26 Mb
FACTORe - Living (Extended Mix) / Key Abm, BPM 123, 4:08, MP3 10.14 Mb, AIFF 43.94 Mb
FREEWILL (CA) - For You (For Me) [Club Mix] / Key Am, BPM 128, 4:27, MP3 10.89 Mb, AIFF 47.25 Mb
Fonzerelli - Long Way Down (Extended Mix) / Key Dm, BPM 127, 4:06, MP3 10.06 Mb, AIFF 43.56 Mb
Invisible Sounds - 30,000 Years (Remastered) / Key Dm, BPM 125, 8:19, MP3 20.20 Mb, AIFF 88.29 Mb
LVGA & Nautica - See Me Fly (Club Mix) / Key Am, BPM 125, 3:55, MP3 9.64 Mb, AIFF 41.72 Mb
Nautica - I'll Be There (Club Mix) / Key Bm, BPM 126, 3:35, MP3 8.84 Mb, AIFF 38.19 Mb
Pam Sessions - React (Club Mix) / Key Bm, BPM 126, 4:19, MP3 10.59 Mb, AIFF 45.92 Mb
SAKKO & S_Zer0 - Man of the Year (Club Mix) / Key F#m, BPM 125, 3:45, MP3 9.21 Mb, AIFF 39.85 Mb
Solarstone - The Last Defeat Pt. 2 (feat. Lucia Holm) [Sam Laxton Extended Remix] / Key Abm, BPM 135, 9:06, MP3 22.06 Mb, AIFF 96.50 Mb
TVLI - Keep You (Extended Mix) / Key F#, BPM 121, 7:32, MP3 18.33 Mb, AIFF 80.03 Mb
Taglo - Take Me to Paradise (Extended Mix) / Key Cm, BPM 124, 6:46, MP3 16.49 Mb, AIFF 71.92 Mb
Ulrich Van Bell & Mike McCarthy - Life in Quantum Space (Extended Mix) / Key Fm, BPM 130, 5:58, MP3 14.56 Mb, AIFF 63.43 Mb
Vanstone - Close to Me (Club Mix) / Key Gm, BPM 125, 5:19, MP3 12.98 Mb, AIFF 56.45 Mb
ZOYA & Nourey - Freya (Extended Mix) / Key Gm, BPM 123, 5:43, MP3 13.97 Mb, AIFF 60.80 Mb
Zen Freeman - Over and over Again (Extended Mix) / Key Cm, BPM 124, 4:24, MP3 10.79 Mb, AIFF 46.80 Mb
​
DOWNLOAD - progonlymusic com

Hey everyone,
I'm a 20-year-old « entrepreneur » in New Caledonia, and things just got a whole lot more complicated. I was set to launch a vending machine business (snacks, drinks, toys, souvenirs) for our roughly 270,000 strong population and about 300k tourists/ year. Seemed like a good fit for me. But then the riots erupted, and let me tell you, it's been brutal.
The Situation Here is Tough:

• Riots & Destruction: The violence has caused over 200 million$ in damages Many businesses, especially in the capital were burned or looted. Up to 2,000 jobs are reportedly at risk
• Fragile Economy: Even before the riots, New Caledonia's economy wasn't great. We're heavily reliant on nickel mining, which makes up about a quarter of private sector jobs, but that industry's been struggling with falling prices and foreign competition. Earlier this year, one of our major processing plants even had to shut down temporarily. So yeah, not exactly the most ideal situation to launch a new business.

The Good News (Kinda): * Investment Buddy: Thankfully, I have a partner who's willing to bootstrap a new idea with me, as long as we keep it under $50,000. ( the less the better) * Fresh Knowledge: I just finished my bachelor's degree in business and finance, so at least I have some recent knowledge to work with.
The Question: My original vending machine plan might still work eventually, but I have a feeling there might be a better approach right now, something that could actually benefit from the focus on rebuilding and potentially cater to the changing needs of the population. That's where you guys come in! What kind of business do you think would be a good fit for New Caledonia right now? Is there a way to adapt my vending machine idea to the current situation? Maybe there's a service or product people will need as things get back on their feet? Any and all ideas are welcome! The more creative, the better. Thanks a ton,
P.S. If you have any experience doing business in a similar situation, I'd especially love to hear your thoughts!

Pretty much the gist, saw a text from a girl he used to fuck while we were on a break and said that she was free to talk on Wednesday.
I told him that day that he needs to be home on time, I’ll leave work early because I have a night planned for us. We’d watch movies and I’d scratch him to his hearts desire.
Told me Wednesday after work that he’d stay 20 mins late to talk to managers to move him because he’s been having issues with this girl and his ex friend. I knew the truth though. I waited an hour, I called him at least 6 times. No answer, no text.
He gets off at 8:30 and I decide to follow his location at about 9:50? I pull up to his work parking lot and there he is in the car with the bitch.
He says they were just talking so I should the mad.
It’s been 3 days and tonight we talk, I try to talk to him. Tonight was the first night I seen him physically since seeing his stupid ass in the car. He’s all friendly and just not giving me attention. He’s on his phone as I try to talk. I cry, he tells me to get over it and to stop bringing up the whole situation.
I don’t know what to do. I shouldn’t have talked to him again but I just can’t let him go for some reason. Obviously a reason is because I love him and want a future with him. I just don’t understand why he gets so furious and mad when I talk about the situation.
He told me that he didn’t need to give him his full attention while I’m talking to him because we were just talking but I brought up the fact that when I rolled up on him and the girl, he was giving her his full attention and wasn’t on his phone at all because he didn’t answer my calls or even text. He told me I was jealous and I need to get over it. And that their conversation was important that’s why he wasn’t on his phone and that I was just whining.
I really am speechless and I just don’t know what happened to who I loved. He was so cruel. I just don’t know how he can brush off the fact that seeing him in the car has made me sick, physically and it’s been hard to look him in the eyes.
I really need help. I love him and I just don’t want to lose him. I want him to understand.

Please help! Trying not to give any identifying information but basically my lawyer was hopeful that I would settle but the other side’s proposal is an absolute shit deal so I am not accepting it… now the next appearance we are scheduled for my testimony and we haven’t rehearsed it even once or discussed what questions she will ask me let alone my responses! I emailed her so many times over the last few months asking how and when we will prepare and my texts and emails mostly went ignored or received vague responses that weren’t helpful. We had one phone call on Friday and the entire hour was spent trying to convince me to settle.
I am an absolute wreck because of how unprepared I am, and would be even if I was prepared, just to give an idea of how nervous I already am and this is scheduled to happen on Tuesday.
They just keep pushing settlement on me and believe me I’d like to settle if it was even 50/50 but it’s not even close and my child is being neglected which my lawyer knows and is on my side about (seemingly moreso than just “doing their job”).
PS… if anyone mentions I could go after them down the road for malpractice, I can’t because they’re billing me hourly with no retainer.
PPS…my lawyer is a respectable attorney but I think either they’re just tired of dealing with my case/don’t want to do the work or they’re worried that I’m running out of money or both. We’ve worked together 2+ years and I’ve paid upwards of 9k so far.

More misery bird? More misery bird. Really miserymaxxing with these fics I have going, but hey, this one is not that miserable actually! Krekos is back and ready to be dense and downcast, but maybe not quite miserable? Read and see!
Big thank you to NoP community for being great and supportive of my endeavors!
Also, obviously, big thanks to SpacePaladin15 for creating this universe and allowing fanfiction well to flow free!
[First] - [Prev] - [Next]
Memory transcription subject: Krekos, Krakotl Refugee
Date [standardized human time]: May 6th, 2137
I stare at the foul creature before me. Normally staring at something directly head on like that would be too predatory for me to do, but after nearly dying of bread yesterday, I didn’t feel patient enough to be gentle. The creature stared right back, though in a much more natural, prey-like way, tilting its head slightly as it looked back at me with one eye and let out a long bwok.
“Are you doing this now? Really?”, I ask, knowing full well it cannot respond.
Well, it can, if another bwok it made is any indication. Of course, translators aren’t yet advanced enough to translate non-sapient speech, but the intention behind sound is intuitively clear. It’s telling me to back off. Well, I tried the diplomatic approach at least.
Raising my wing I begin sliding the bird out of its nest, careful to keep any delicate joints out of its reach. It started clucking in upset indignation, struggling back and even trying to peck at me, but after realizing that I will not relent, it hopped out of the box and rushed out of the cattle house, revealing a single dead egg in the nesting box.
With relief, I finally pick up the last egg and head back to leave them at the house. Turns out that while Reginald didn’t forget to both lock them up yesterday and let them out today, he did neglect feeding them both times, as well as collecting the harvest. So when I was driven back here in early morning, the first thing I did was making sure they were taken care of. I can’t say the horrid birds looked in any way hungry, but the moment I poured the feeding grain for them, they attacked it with more viciousness than I’d expect of an actual predator. And yet only thirteen were present at the feeding, as the one that’s usually the target of flock’s ire remained in the cattle house yet again, Reginald leaving it to it, being unaware of its undesirable habit of trying to hatch dead eggs.
With eggs delivered, I flew my way to my usual spot atop the cattle house and could finally relax. The loner beast first made its way to feast on the scraps of the grain that other birds already all have had their fill of, so I wasn’t too concerned. Instead I tried to reflect on the morning I had so far.
Waking up at the hospital did make me momentarily panic before I remembered the precluding events. Not that I could properly panic, feeling the most starved I’ve been my whole life, and too weak to try flying out of the window. Thankfully, the breakfast they provided was actually well made with krakotl needs in mind, algae soup alongside a few slices of bread, this time without any horrid human ideas like putting eggs in there. Eggs! Turns out they put eggs in some kinds of bread! That’s how I got sick! Eggs! The thought of what I consumed even now made me queasy, and it definitely made breakfast a much less appetizing affair than it would have been without that knowledge, but back then the hunger won over the disgust.
Lena did keep her promise and came to pick me up extra early. Her being a staff member at the hospital gave her some extra privilege, I assume, hence why I was released without any forms needing to be filled out personally. She did have important business today too, which probably explained the earlyness and urgency of her driving me back to her house.
That did not mean I escaped her ire, however. While I couldn’t pinpoint anything to identify the man, as Bob was apparently a common name, that offered me bread, we did come to understanding that he was likely either unaware of the nutritional contents of it, or of extent to which the Cure-induced allergy would be affecting a krakotl. Yet, Lena seemed much angrier at me for failing to take any precautions. Turns out that was the purpose of medicinal injectors, epipens as humans call them, that were provided to me. I was supposed to have them on me in case I accidentally ingested contaminated food. Nobody told me that, I was just handed them back when I first received the necessities at the refugee camp and I had no clue what they were for. Then she also berated me for eating random food from strangers and ignoring bad flavors. Turns out that brioche bread isn’t actually bitter at all, and that was my body reacting to an allergen in it. Reaction that I unwisely elected to ignore, to further ire of my host. By the end, several new rules of my stay here were made, including not eating things I don’t know and always having at least one epipen on me. Thankfully, these rules would be ones I’d start following even without them being established, so I won’t have to concern myself with being kicked out over accidentally breaking them.
As if following the rules will be enough to make them like you.
Trying to distract myself from thoughts of yesterday’s incident, I focused my attention on the flock. All birds accounted for, so at least I knew that my absence did not result in the predator coming to snatch one of them. I do not wish to insult my hosts, but Reginald is far from most attentive people in matters unrelated to his job, and I am not sure the birds were watched at all while I was out. Speaking of, my scannings of surrounding treelines revealed no sign of the predator today. Perhaps it departed to hunt elsewhere, or maybe it ventured too close to a more populated area and exterminators dealt with it.
Actually, did human exterminators work similar to Federation ones? I knew for a fact they had them, although they seemed like a market of private organizations if advertisements are anything to judge by. Still, what methods do they use? I know humans oppose fire, and do not believe in predatory taint, but surely they have measures to protect themselves? They are, by self-admission, far from the best natural predator, and I doubt Earth’s non-sapient predators would just leave humans be. Maybe I should call one of those human exterminator agencies and call them in to deal with that predator? I haven’t told Lena or Reginald about it, as I didn’t want to bother them, but it could pose a serious threat to the cattle, but maybe that’s the way I could resolve it without involving them?
I have not done nearly as much research into human culture and lifestyle as I should have, considering that I’ve lived on Earth for over half a year now, but the sheer width of the topic always overwhelmed me the moment I opened internet search app to the point where I just closed it right away.
And you expect to start studying again with that attitude? You’ll flunk out even from this primitive predator education course.
Extra loud call from the flock made me refocus my attention on them, but it was nothing. Just the loner getting pecked extra hard and lashing out against assailants, causing a small aimless stampede as all the birds ran around in circles, puffing up at one another. The assailants now looked a lot more like victims. I could understand those birds more than I could humans at least. The loner bird is clearly an odd one out. It’s the only one repeatedly trying to hatch unfertilized eggs it lays, and it seems to always avoid the rest of the flock. Humans may deny the existence of Predator Disease, but they can’t deny that prey and predator both can and will sometimes behave in unnatural ways that may threaten the herd's safety. Or pack’s, in case of humans. Birds must know on instinctual level that the loner’s behavior is unnatural and are attempting to combat the Predator Disease on instinctual level. And since that is natural, I still will not interfere in this, unless the loner bird actually becomes a threat to others or will start getting too injured. The first time I attempted to pick one of the birds up was the only time for a good reason, as I have learned their viciousness all too well.
DING-DING
The sudden loud ring startled me enough that I nearly tumbled off the roof. Who would be coming over now? Lena and Reginald have left together and shouldn’t be back until afternoon, and they’d never use the bell. That means someone must be here for them. But wouldn’t they warn anyone to not come over? Especially with their plans for today.
With nobody to answer these questions, I had no choice but to go and discover the answer myself, flying up and over the house, towards the entrance gate. The moment I passed the house roof, I already saw a familiar silhouette. It was the human child from a few days ago.
Thankfully, Lena’s insistence on me carrying an epipen at all times meant I also carried my satchel at all times too, so I didn’t have to go grabbing my holopad, and took it out. But before I could even launch the translator TTS app to type out a greeting, the child was already hopping in place with excitement.
“Mr. Krekos! Hi! I came over to visit!”, she exclaimed, showing off her teeth in an unnerving expression of human joy. I simply tried to avoid that and focused on the pad, typing out my response.
“Hello, Rosie. Why are you here?”
The question was genuine, as the child was not carrying any more of that honey substance from last time.
“I just came over to visit you! Is that okay? Are Mr. and Ms. Vince okay with it?”
Visit... me? Why? While I was confused, I did instinctively type out a reply.
“They did tell me visitors are allowed as long as there’s no trouble when I first moved in.”
And before I could type a followup message asking her why she’s here, she already let out a joyous roar and ran past me.
“Can I see the chickens?”, she asked, and not waiting for an answer, rushed past the house and towards the cattle yard.
“Wait! You’ll scare them!”, I yell after her, but of course without a translator she can’t understand me as she runs like she already knows where to go.
And indeed she has, quickly rushing up to the open field where the birds were grazing. Thankfully she didn’t start chasing them, instead just approaching the flock from a distance and swaying in place, watching them with what I assume was some sort of predatory excitement at the sight of prey. Maybe that’s where the contained hunting instinct of human children showed themselves? In chasing small birds? I was still more subdued, considering she stopped shy of causing a small stampede, but still.
“Grandpa used to take me with him! He helped watch this farm until Mr. and Ms. Vince moved in. I like chickens! I think they’re cute.”, the child told me innocently as she kept swaying and watching as the beasts grazed upon insects of the pasture.
That revelation was... interesting. I suppose it makes sense that between the original owner of this land dying in the bombings and Lena and Reginald moving in, it would be unattended. With nobody to feed and watch over those things, they would be long dead for sure. And it was Rosie’s grandfather... Speaking of. I typed out my words.
“Does your grandfather know you’re here?”
She seemed to get a weird look as she stopped her excited swaying, fiddling with her hands instead. Looks like I asked the correct question.
“...he knows I am out visiting neighbors.”
That did not answer my question. I squinted at the human child, and she dipped her head as she continued.
“...he doesn’t know I’m here specifically. Or that an alien even lives here...”, she explained, her tone suddenly more sullen.
I couldn’t help but squint at that, and it appears that my expression was readable enough that even a human could see the suspicion, as she continued.
“I’m sorry... But if I told grandpa, he’d tell me I’m forbidden from talking to you, like he forbade me from talking to hedgehog people in town... But I want to talk to you! You’re nice and you’re a space bird!”
The child was actually working around the rules established by her guardian to come see me. I don’t know if I should be glad or concerned. Clearly, the man is anti-alien in his opinions, and I’d rather that kind of man not know about how close he lives to one. At the same time, I’d rather not encourage a child for lying to their guardian in order to meet a stranger they know they aren’t allowed to interact with... So I just took the middle path with my next message.
“I see. What did you want to talk to me about then?”, TTS speaks for me.
Her stiffened body language disappears, replaced again with earlier excitement.
“I wanna know more about space! And aliens! It’s all so cool but grandpa says it’s all dangerous because mom and dad died. But it’s not! The hedgehog people were nice, and you’re nice too!”
I wasn’t sure about that logic, but my self-preservation told me I shouldn’t try convincing her to go confessing. Instead I focused more on her chosen topic.
“I am not sure I am the best person to ask about space. I am not a scientist or traveler.”
“But you’re from there! You know way more than me. I don’t even know what you are called. And there’s gotta be cool things out in space!”
I let out a sigh. I suppose it’s childlike curiosity at its finest. So unfamiliar with mundane that it is a wonder. I remember being like that about becoming a doctor.
And then you let your teacher die.
I quickly tapped on the pad.
“Okay, I can answer questions, but I may not know everything.”
The noise that came out of the girl was like a squeal of a panicked dossur as she started hopping and spinning in place.
“Yes! Yes! Thank you, Mr. Krekos!” Sudden movement did cause me to recoil a bit, which in turn caused her to cease her happy flailing and adjust her little dress. “I dunno where to start though... Hm... What are you?”
...for all my trepidation about not knowing answers, I should have anticipated that the questions she asks will be rather age-appropriate and on the same level as we learn in our first school classes. At least I won’t disappoint her then.
“I am from a species called ‘krakotl’. We’re avians, as is obvious. Our home is...” dead, gone, reduced to glass and ash by our own hubris “...was Nishtal. A beautiful planet...”
Thankfully she did not question my hesitant pause. Instead she just nodded along.
“What about the hedgehog people? I already know venlil, but they’re the only ones I know name of.”
Hedgehog people in town she mentioned earlier. The only species I could think of that could be seen there would be the gojid. I have no clue what hedgehogs are, but probably some creature with visible similarity to them.
“They are called ‘gojid’, and they’re from gojid Cradle. Both of our species are... well, used to be known for our might and protecting other species of Federation.”
I am not sure if that’s something to brag about, considering... everything. But I didn’t want this child to get brought down with depressing regrets of our species. Let her know something nicer instead. She clearly lost a lot, but there’s still joy left in her. I wouldn’t want to be the one to ruin that.
“Cool! What about other people? I wanna know more!”
And so I went on, telling her about various species, although I mostly focused on ones in this new human-led union, only mentioning kolshians and farsul beyond that. It’s weird explaining to a child what a tilfish or a harchen looks like, but thankfully my holopad isn’t just a method of communicating with implant-less children. With access to interstellar web, I could easily pull up pictures of various alien species to show to her, even if she struggled to believe that some of them were even sapient purely based off of looks. With how varied species in Federation are, and how some of us admittedly aren’t too far physiologically from our more primal ancestors.
Among other topics, she asked me to tell her interesting things, which I didn’t know much of. I told her about Venlil Prime’s tidally locked status, a rarity among habitable planets, much less homeworlds for species. I told her about the unique architecture of Mileau, designed to accommodate both species of regular size and dossur themselves. I told her about Colia medical academies, some of the most beautiful medical facilities in the galaxy.
I wish I was more well-travelled, but I just wasn’t. My whole life, I never left Nishtal until the extermination fleet took me despite my protests. That may have been what saved my life...
Not that I, of all people, deserved it...
“Hey! Stop that!”
I flinched as I heard the child yell, but quickly realized that it wasn’t directed at me. Instead, Rosie was rushing down towards the chicken flock, breaking up the fight in which the loner was being pecked by a few larger chickens. As the human child approached, the birds stopped their infighting and scattered in different directions, crowing in loud panic and discontent. On instinct, I found myself rushing towards the child, forgetting about translation entirely.
“What are you doing?! Don’t touch them!”
I didn’t want her to hurt the cattle accidentally, and I didn’t want her to get hurt by the angry birds in return. But, it seems like the moment the birds scattered, she was satisfied with her actions and turned back to me, wearing another one of her happy smiles.
“Sorry, Mr. Krekos, I just saw chickens being mean. Bad chickens.” She explained.
I was baffled. Why would she interfere like that? When I tried that back when I was just starting, that got me pecked! But with her, the birds just scattered. What if they pecked her?
I took the pad out again and started typing quickly.
“That was dangerous. Why did you do that? What if they attacked you? Why are you even interfering in their natural dynamics?”, questions flowed out of my pad with an artificial human voice.
The girl simply giggled.
“They’re chickens! They aren’t dangerous. They don’t peck that painful and I’ve been scratched worse before. And I have to stop it because bullying is wrong.”
Then she actually noticed that the one that was being attacked wandered close. She casually approached it from behind, the blind spot and just reached down and grabbed it, picking the bird up. I was ready to rush to help the bird when...
“Mwah! There, all better.”
She did a human ‘kiss’ on the back of the cattle bird’s neck before releasing it, the surprise of it causing it to rush off. I knew what kisses were, I’ve seen enough of them between Lena and Reginald, but I believed they were gestures of intimate affection, not... what was even that?
It seems Rosie noticed my confusion as she explained.
“You gotta kiss it so it heals better! That’s what mom taught me.” The child displayed that smile of hers shamelessly. With how much I was being exposed to it, it almost wasn’t unnerving anymore. Still, it was interesting to learn that kisses are seen as something that helps wounds. I guess some species do have saliva with mild antiseptic properties, wouldn’t be too out there to assume humans are the same. And if that’s the case, maybe that’s how the kissing tradition started? Exchange of protective fluid between lovers?
“I see. I did not know that.” I responded before letting my puffed feathers relax. Okay, this whole ‘watching a human child’ thing is turning out to somehow be even more stressful than I expected at first.
“Wait, Mr. Krekos, what time is it?” She suddenly asked, looking up at the sky.
“It’s nearly twelve.” I respond, holopad having a convenient clock for local time.
“Oh no! I need to be home soon! Was nice seeing you Mr. Krekos gotta go bye!”
Before I had even a chance at typing out an answer or my own goodbye, the child sprinted away and back towards the entrance. I had to take flight just to keep up, and even then she just turned around, waved her arm at me and then kept sprinting down the road after leaving the gate. I simply offered a small wave of a wing back before locking the gate again. I suppose it is hard to keep track of time without a device or clock nearby...
Well, at least I had the usual peace and quiet now. And learned a bit more about the creatures I was in charge of. I should really try to deal with my aversion to looking things up on the human internet...
Just as I was about to head back out towards the yard, I heard a loud car horn, a familiar one, getting my attention. Lena’s car. There they were, signaling me, probably having spotted me at the gate from afar. Deciding to make use of my presence here, and hoping to avoid needing to explain that I had a surprise visitor earlier, I went ahead and opened the large gate, allowing the car to enter.
Once it was parked in the usual space, the doors opened and three people came out. Lena and Reginald were both looking a bit disheveled, but their faces carried these smiles that seemed wider than ever before. And third person... Was a stranger. A human I knew of, but never actually met. As he exited the car, a large bag in one hand, he just stared at me, standing in the front yard...
“...okay, I expected many things when I was told you guys housed a refugee, but not this.”
Oh no. Oh no, he was not one of the ones that was willing to overlook an invader that partook in bombing of his planet being allowed to walk free, of course, Lena and Reginald were the weird ones like that, doesn’t mean their son won’t be... I felt the panic rising as I realized I’d need to return to the camp. Why was I upset about that? This was supposed to just have been a way to make money, but now I have a free education program. Do I need to stay? No, but... Why?! Why do I not want to leave?
“Ken, you said it’s going to be alright no matter what it is, right? Wanted us to keep it a surprise to meet a new friend?” Lena’s voice. She should have told him, that’d give me time to prepare why didn’t they give me time why.
“No, no problems, just, really surprised, that’s all... uh... hey, buddy, you okay? You’re really... trembly.”
He was approaching me, and instinct took over as I recoiled, before stuttering out my answer.
“I-I’m fine...”
...thankfully translators don’t translate voice cracks. I hope, at least...
“Hey, relax... I have no problem with you being a krakotl, I just didn’t think...” He looks over at Lena and Reginald. “Calm down... I can wear my visor if you want?”
Right. Those things humans use to hide their scary faces from us.
“I... I’m good...”
Why would it last? It almost felt good after all.
There was some emotion I struggled to read on the young human’s face, as he sighed and shook his head.
“I screwed this up, I’m sorry. Let... Let me try again.” He straightened out, and adjusted his clothing, before slowly approaching me and giving me a small smile, no teeth showing. “Hello. My name is Kenneth Vince and I'm son of Lena and Reginald Vince. I was told you’re a refugee they took in to help out. It’s nice to meet you. What’s your name?”
That... snapped me out of it. Right... He was... not upset at my existence. He was just very surprised that Lena and Reginald weren’t. That’s a reasonable thing to be surprised about, considering I was surprised about it to this day. I tried to compose myself as I responded.
“My name is Krekos. I live here as... hired help with the cattle. It’s... nice to meet you?”
The smile on Kenneth’s face widens, though he still refrains from showing his teeth. Instead, he extends a hand towards me. A handshake is a human gesture that I found far from comfortable, but I didn’t want to give him a reason to change his mind on acceptability of my existence, so I took it with a wingclaw. He gently took it and held for a few seconds before letting go and sighing again, turning to his parents.
“You know, I always thought you guys would be empty nesters, but I never thought it’d be that literal.”
That got all three of them laughing, as I just tilted my head in confusion. I was fairly sure there were no empty nests in the house until after I adjusted the attic room for my own accommodations. Still, I took the laughter as a sign that the tense moment had fully passed and let my ruffled feathers slowly rest.
“Let’s head inside. Krekos, we’re having dinner, you’re welcome to join us.” Reginald said, picking up Kenneth’s bag. I tilted my head a little and he followed up with elaboration. “We will be having meat... But there’s still going to be stuff you can eat too. It’s a celebration, so I prepared a bit of everything.”
“Dad, you shouldn’t have!” Kenneth responded with embarrassment.
“None of that! Our son returned from the war, alive and a hero, and we can have a celebration. Krekos, I know you’re still... uncertain about meat so you don’t—”
“I’ll join.”
Wait, who said that? And why did they say that in my voice?
Wait, that was me. Why did I say that?
“That’s great to hear! I’ve got some nice steamed broccoli and some vegetarian fried rice as sides that you’ll enjoy!” Reginald smiled at me and I felt myself shrinking into my feathers. That the humans didn’t notice at least, proceeding into the house instead.
Well, looks like I signed my warrant. At least my bag and my epipen were on me in case something at the table triggers the allergy again. Would be rather unfortunate to have it happen two days in a row.
And that’s how, in just ten or so minutes, I found myself sitting at the dining perch, while humans took seats in chairs, all consuming chunks of roasted flesh and somehow managing to also stuff pieces of equally roasted plants in, and converse with one another. You wouldn’t be able to tell on first look, but despite their mouths being relatively small, especially for a predator, it seems they compensate for it by having those be near bottomless in both hunger and small talk.
I am not sure how I managed to shift my focus away from them consuming animal matter in front of me, however vat grown it might have been, and onto their conversation instead, but I succeeded. I suppose that was just part of me going native around predators. Soon, I’ll be the one feasting along with them before I know it, and snacking on those epipens to not die of it.
Like you could ever be on the same level as humans.
“So, Fahl? That’s where you were sent after the Battle of Earth?” Lena asked.
“Yeah. From what I heard, we got a light posting compared to guys at Sillis or Mileau. The most I had to deal with was some exterminator insurgents.”
That’s right. Since harchen participated in the Extermination Fleet, they were one of those who were occupied by humans during the war. It makes sense that there was at least some ground resistance.
“Honestly, the worst thing out there was the heat. Not the flamethrower kind, the climate. The place was so damn dry and hot. At least exterminators you could subdue or evade. Not so much with the scorching sun!”
I couldn’t resist a small chuckle at the idea of a predator being more afraid of hot weather than flamethrowers as I slowly pecked at the vegetables on my plate. Thankfully it was set far enough aside from any meat dishes that no contamination should occur, but I was still examining pieces before putting them in my mouth just in case.
Seems like reacting was a mistake though, as that brought Kenneth’s attention onto me. He finished chewing latest piece of flesh and pointed a fork at me.
“So, Krekos... Where are you from? Cradle was my guess, but I do know there were refugees from other places like Sillis too.”
That’s a weird question. Isn’t it kind of to be expected for a krakotl to be from our actual homeworld?”
“I’m from Nishtal.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant,” Kenneth chuckled, tossing a piece of broccoli into his mouth and swallowing before continuing, “I meant, where did you live? I kind of assumed you were born there, but it’s not like Nishtal had a chance to send refugees out, and if they did, this is the last place they’d be.”
Oh... I caught concerned looks of Lena and Reginald, looking between me and Kenneth from both sides. Not only did they not make him aware that I was a krakotl, they also neglected to mention just how I came by my refugee status... Which was just a legal workaround to grant me asylum without unnecessary complications or establishing undesirable precedent. Legally, I may be a refugee, but practically... I am a defector. Lena and Reginald know that, I told them my story before. And while they were weirdly accepting, Kenneth... Fought extermination fleet here on Earth. Personally.
Still, I wasn’t about to lie. It took a few moments and gathering mental strength to steel myself, and averting my eyes, focusing on the plate of warm vegetables in front of me rather than the human’s anticipating stare before I answered.
“I did live on Nishtal. I... I came with the extermination fleet.” I responded, doing my best to avoid looking at him. I did not want to witness his reaction, for some reason the thought of seeing it weighed heavy on my mind.
“Oh.”
The response was simple, and had no followup. There was no more clinking of cutlery against plates, or chewing. The only thing hanging in the air of the kitchen was silence, weighing down on me. It dragged on and on... until it just got so unbearable I couldn’t take it.
“I-I’m full... Thank you for the meal.” I quickly said, hopping off the perch and stepping out of the kitchen, quickly making my way to the yard and taking flight.
Fresh air of the outside and rush of it as I flew up and gained speed... I missed that. I knew it’s not safe to just fly over other people’s territory, so I corrected my course into doing large sweeping circles over the cattle yard and simply let my wings carry me.
Flying away from any danger is the only thing I’m good for anyway. The only thing I ever do.
I closed my eyes. With them closed and not focusing on my angle it feels like I’m actually flying away from all the troubles. Away from humans who barely tolerate my existence, away from gojid who see me as worse than a predator, away from Earth and all its incorrigible customs, away from horrid cattle, away from constant memories...
Flying feels nice. It may be a bit harder than it was home, but it’s still possible. I heard that on Venlil Prime or Mileau it’s much harder. But here? Just an extra flap of wings for every few paces and you’re just fine, free to soar the skies...
Alone. With no one to ever share it with me again.
Slowly I let my eyes open back to the bleak reality. Greenery of surrounding pastures and woods, bright blue skies and farmhouses dotted about here and there greeted me. I lowered my gaze down, focusing on what’s below. There they were, fourteen brown and black dots spread around the enclosed portion of the farm territory. I am not sure how much time I’ve spent flying in circles and trying to forget things but my wings were feeling a tad sore. Then as I just began slow descent, in same circular motion, I noticed that one of the birds, a familiar one, was being chased by several others. Recounting the morning, I tried putting the knowledge to action, and shifted direction of descent, swooping down. To my surprise, that actually worked, as the moment I got close to the ground, the cattle birds all got much louder and scattered in all directions, including the loner. Who, at least this time, got off unharmed. I suppose such pathetic flightless creatures would fear a flying one much more than they would when I just run up to them...
Swooping at them from the sky like a predator to intimidate them into behaving... Like an arxur warden.
With the fight preemptively broken up, I flutter up to the roof of the cattle house, to my usual position and rested my wings. I didn’t see any movement from the direction of the house, so I suppose the family is still busy unpacking. Since Kenneth joined the military just before the Battle of Earth, and Lena and Reginald only moved here after their actual house in city of New York got destroyed, it’d be the first time the human is seeing what is basically his new home. There was a room set aside for him since before I even moved in, and while there is also a guest room... That one did not have a large enough window to fit through, which did not feel comfortable. So when I asked for a space with a bigger window they only had an attic to offer. They seemed uncomfortable letting me live in a tiny room with slanted roof, but I found such space more comforting than I would have a large room with a window not large enough to fit even one fully spread wing through.
I wonder if Kenneth will need as much renovation as I did? The house is built for humans, but he never lived there before. Will he need to buy a more comfortable bed? Getting a proper nesting setup in place of a bed took a bit of effort, but I figured something out. Human sheets were comfortable enough for such, and sitting perches were thankfully not that hard to get thanks to help from the refugee administration. Maybe that’s the things that Lena went to buy yesterday? Kenneth’s preferred room decor?
I looked up to the sky to see the sun beginning to dim. I am not sure if it was me flying that long, or me losing track of time in my thoughts again, but the sun was beginning to set. I began my usual chores, putting out an evening meal and water for the beasts, and while they feasted, ate some myself. I was a bit hungry, having not properly finished lunch and about to skip dinner, but after the earlier conversation, I’d really rather avoid giving them the opportunity to talk to me.
After the birds had their fill, and by that I mean they emptied the tray as they always do, I let out the call, and they started funneling into the cattle house. The lonely straggler being first to go and hop into its nesting box. I bet tomorrow I will have trouble with getting her out of there again...
I took the moment to gather some eggs the birds left over course of the day, and once that was over and all of them were accounted for, I closed it up. When I flew down over to the house, there wasn’t anyone by the back door thankfully, so I just left eggs there, returned the basket, and returned to my room through the window.
Well, at least I didn’t get nearly killed today... That’s nice I guess?
I was about to check my holopad when there was a knock on the door. I approached and opened it to see... Kenneth. Standing in the doorway.
“Uh, hi, Krekos. I just, uh... Wanted to apologize again. I really wish mom and dad told me everything ahead of time... I just want you to know, I have no problems with you whatsoever, yeah? It’s just. Surprising, I guess, to hear all that. I didn’t think there were any defectors from the fleet at all... Just. Uh, please don’t worry about me?” He offered me a small smile, showing his canines before quickly correcting himself and doing a closed-lip one. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories or make you feel unwelcome.”
I had to take a moment to contemplate his words. Was Lena and Reginald’s weirdness hereditary? He almost reminded me of how Reginald talked to me early on, with constant stumbling over the words, as well as constant reassurances that he is fine with me being here. Couple that with failing to avoid predatory mannerisms like eye contact and smiles like Lena tends to and you get this human. But most importantly and least understandably, there was the general fact of him and them just... welcoming me. I couldn’t understand why. I should be one sorry to them.
“N-No, it’s fine... I’m sorry for... intruding on you and your family.”
“No, no, dude, you’re fine! I mean, hell, I was considering entering one of those exchange programs before the bombings happened, and even after, well, I did my best at Fahl to be the perfect friendly soldier just there to make sure no more bombs drop on my home and not kill or conquer anyone. And then mom told me your story, and I can’t believe it... Just... If you have any issues, feel free to tell me. I’m not one of those racist pricks that are too pussy to even call themselves HF anymore because they know they’ll get their teeth knocked. I get that there aren't good or bad species, just people. And you seem like a decent guy if mom and dad’s judgment is to be trusted.” His smile widened, though it was clear from tension on his face that he had to take conscious effort to keep teeth hidden. “So, what I said earlier stands. Friends, right?”
He extends hand forward, for a second time today. I wasn’t sure if I knew this human long enough to call him a friend... Any human really. But it also seems like human definition of ‘friends’ is anyone they’re cordial and peaceful with. Which is weird. You’d think translators would properly use ‘acquaintance’ for that.
Still... We will be living in the same house now. I can’t just say no, and... I can’t come up with a reason to say no. Even him being a predator and a human is not something I could really say I object to, considering how... mundane that became to me over my time here.
So, with naught on my mind but acceptance of the situation, I extended my wing and grasped his hand with my claw. This time he actually gripped it tightly and moved it up and down, as I saw other humans do occasionally.
“Yeah... I guess that’d be for the best.” I responded, shrugging off the hesitation. Fresh start for a third time, I guess?
The human grinned, forgetting to hide his teeth entirely, but I was ready for it somehow and avoided outwardly reacting.
“Cool! Anyway, I’ll try to get some shuteye early, I couldn’t sleep on the overnight flight home. See ya!”
And with that he left. Well... That meeting went well I suppose?
I returned to my nest and picked up my holopad, returning to what I was doing. And there it was, something I awaited every day. A notification that I was messaged on mailing app. Opening the letter revealed the schedule for the study program. Which... only had one day marked on it. And a note that the rest of it will be figured out ‘as we go from there’. So it’s not a schedule, it’s just a mark for the day of the first meeting.
While a bit underwhelming, it was still exciting. It would be an all-alien class so I wouldn’t have to deal with humans’ incomprehensibility nearly as much, and it would allow me to finally return to pursuing what I actually dreamt of. Even if I wasn’t entirely sure that was precisely what I wanted after everything that happened, it was at least something for me to move towards.
...just two days until start. I wonder if there’s some required reading to prepare?
[First] - [Prev] - [Next]