Medium length wedge bob with neck hair long
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2023.04.05 05:57 ttaywgnik Girlswithbobcuts
A SFW media subreddit of women with Bob Cuts.
2024.05.19 10:16 ChristLover10 The Last Child (Fanfic)
(Part 2 out now)
I woke up with a cough of blood and pain. I felt something metal with my hands as I looked down. A long stint of rebar poked out of my ribcage and through my chest plate, covered in a mix of my blood and the bile of a bug.
I reached down and grabbed my Senator, feeling its trusty weight in my hands. I haphazardly tried to place the barrel against the portion of rebar sticking out of my back. This had better work, I thought. I pulled the trigger once and with a loud Crack I felt the vibration from the shot in my stomach. I tried to choke down vomit and pulled the trigger twice more Crack, Crack. With the third shot the rebar gave way and I rolled to my side and collapsed on the ground. Agony shot through my body as I hit the dirt.
I realized then, Hmmph, they left me. During Extraction one of the other divers called in a 500kg as we were about to board Pelican 1. She had thrown it over one of those damned chargers in an effort to kill one last bug but... it started charging us. I was the last one in line and just as I was about to board... i was thrown 200 feet away from extraction site. I don't blame them. I'd have left me too. We had successfully evacuated a number of scientists and other military personnel, but we'd lost the planet. No hard feelings I guess.
I tried to pull my mind away from those thoughts and just focused on one. Survive. I pulled myself to my knees and looked at the rebar again. Cant park there bud, I thought tryna cheer myself up. I had dropped my senator when I fell and ended up with two free hands. I reached down and with the assistance of my servo-assited armor prepared to wrench the rebar from my chest. Alright, count of three, I thought. One my heartrate quickened. Two I adjusted my grip ever so slightly. Three I ripped the metal rod out and felt a hot stinging pain shoot through my body. I quickly grabbed a stim and applied it.
I winced as the stim numbed my broken ribs and began rapidly working to heal them and my open chest wound. After a couple seconds, I could stand.
I took quick stock of my inventory. My Senator with 23 rounds left, two ration packs, a canteen of water, 1 stim, a knife, and a bag of oatmeal. Oatmeal? Seriously? I'd rather have ammo but... beggars can't be choosers.
I looked around me. Snow and beaten down rubble surrounded me. This was some kind of research station, I think. Didn't bother grabbing the name. Cold as hell and nothing really around to get my bearings. Great. I thought. Im gonna die inside a freezer. I started looking through the rubble for anything useful. I found a corpse of one of the scientists that hadn't made it to evac. I grabbed the ID card off his jacket. Figured It'd get me inside a building if there were any left standing. I crawled out of the rubble and onto the snowy tundra.
The sun had set and with it most of the light I would've been able to utilize. I scanned the horizon for a blinking light. Blinking like meant beacon. Beacon meant possible radio, maybe some ammo. I clocked one to the southwest and began walking that direction senator drawn.
I spotted a few distant bug patrols illuminated by moonlight but they had no interest in me. I kept my head down and kept moving towards the light. Details started to take shape and I could see this was a research station. Perfect I thought.
I reached the door and used the key card. There was a Beep and the red light flashed green. The door cracked open before jamming. Oh no you dont, I thought and with one hand yanked the door open. I closed it behind me with the same hand to keep the wildlife disinterested.
Inside was dark and damp. I had lost the seal integrity on my suit so there was barely any oxygen regulation. Didn't need it on this planet but still, it's a bitch to fix. I turned my flashlight on and started scanning the room for a light switch. I found one but wouldn't ya know it... dead. At least the beacon had power. I walked over to the radio and pulled off my helmet. I wedged the flashlight in my neck and leaned my head to the side. I started flipping switches and turning dials to see if there was a response. Nothing. Id have to find the master terminal. I grabbed the flashlight and donned my helmet again. I began scanning the room again before I heard it. A little shuffle behind me. I turned quickly and drew my senator raising it at the source of the sound.
It was a small child. At least... thats what it appeared to be. At first glance I could see bindings on its legs and arms. A hospital gown with little ducklings on it and a teddy bear tucked under its arm. I lowered my senator as it spoke.
"Dr. Mehon told me to wait here. He said hed be right back."
Dr. Mehon was probably dead I thought. I knelt down and put my hand on the child's shoulder. "Whats your name kid?"
"3". I felt a rage build up. I swallowed it quickly.
"Well 3, what uh... why.. why do you have bin.." I stopped myself. Whatever those scientists were doing here...
3 looked up at me and I noticed it. A cat like set of eyes. Other little details started to click as well. Four fingers on each hand, slightly pointed ears, a discoloration of skin and a rigid scale-like spine on the shoulder.
"The radio doesnt work mister." 3 seemed to have understood their situation. "Dr Mehon destroyed it before he left."
I realized then that it was unlikely either of us would make it off this planet alive.
EDIT: Part 2 out now! (Part 2's a lil shorter) I Didnt think itd get this many upvotes and comments. Ill keep writing then. Feel free to suggest names for 3!
submitted by ChristLover10 to LowSodiumHellDivers [link] [comments]
I woke up with a cough of blood and pain. I felt something metal with my hands as I looked down. A long stint of rebar poked out of my ribcage and through my chest plate, covered in a mix of my blood and the bile of a bug.
I reached down and grabbed my Senator, feeling its trusty weight in my hands. I haphazardly tried to place the barrel against the portion of rebar sticking out of my back. This had better work, I thought. I pulled the trigger once and with a loud Crack I felt the vibration from the shot in my stomach. I tried to choke down vomit and pulled the trigger twice more Crack, Crack. With the third shot the rebar gave way and I rolled to my side and collapsed on the ground. Agony shot through my body as I hit the dirt.
I realized then, Hmmph, they left me. During Extraction one of the other divers called in a 500kg as we were about to board Pelican 1. She had thrown it over one of those damned chargers in an effort to kill one last bug but... it started charging us. I was the last one in line and just as I was about to board... i was thrown 200 feet away from extraction site. I don't blame them. I'd have left me too. We had successfully evacuated a number of scientists and other military personnel, but we'd lost the planet. No hard feelings I guess.
I tried to pull my mind away from those thoughts and just focused on one. Survive. I pulled myself to my knees and looked at the rebar again. Cant park there bud, I thought tryna cheer myself up. I had dropped my senator when I fell and ended up with two free hands. I reached down and with the assistance of my servo-assited armor prepared to wrench the rebar from my chest. Alright, count of three, I thought. One my heartrate quickened. Two I adjusted my grip ever so slightly. Three I ripped the metal rod out and felt a hot stinging pain shoot through my body. I quickly grabbed a stim and applied it.
I winced as the stim numbed my broken ribs and began rapidly working to heal them and my open chest wound. After a couple seconds, I could stand.
I took quick stock of my inventory. My Senator with 23 rounds left, two ration packs, a canteen of water, 1 stim, a knife, and a bag of oatmeal. Oatmeal? Seriously? I'd rather have ammo but... beggars can't be choosers.
I looked around me. Snow and beaten down rubble surrounded me. This was some kind of research station, I think. Didn't bother grabbing the name. Cold as hell and nothing really around to get my bearings. Great. I thought. Im gonna die inside a freezer. I started looking through the rubble for anything useful. I found a corpse of one of the scientists that hadn't made it to evac. I grabbed the ID card off his jacket. Figured It'd get me inside a building if there were any left standing. I crawled out of the rubble and onto the snowy tundra.
The sun had set and with it most of the light I would've been able to utilize. I scanned the horizon for a blinking light. Blinking like meant beacon. Beacon meant possible radio, maybe some ammo. I clocked one to the southwest and began walking that direction senator drawn.
I spotted a few distant bug patrols illuminated by moonlight but they had no interest in me. I kept my head down and kept moving towards the light. Details started to take shape and I could see this was a research station. Perfect I thought.
I reached the door and used the key card. There was a Beep and the red light flashed green. The door cracked open before jamming. Oh no you dont, I thought and with one hand yanked the door open. I closed it behind me with the same hand to keep the wildlife disinterested.
Inside was dark and damp. I had lost the seal integrity on my suit so there was barely any oxygen regulation. Didn't need it on this planet but still, it's a bitch to fix. I turned my flashlight on and started scanning the room for a light switch. I found one but wouldn't ya know it... dead. At least the beacon had power. I walked over to the radio and pulled off my helmet. I wedged the flashlight in my neck and leaned my head to the side. I started flipping switches and turning dials to see if there was a response. Nothing. Id have to find the master terminal. I grabbed the flashlight and donned my helmet again. I began scanning the room again before I heard it. A little shuffle behind me. I turned quickly and drew my senator raising it at the source of the sound.
It was a small child. At least... thats what it appeared to be. At first glance I could see bindings on its legs and arms. A hospital gown with little ducklings on it and a teddy bear tucked under its arm. I lowered my senator as it spoke.
"Dr. Mehon told me to wait here. He said hed be right back."
Dr. Mehon was probably dead I thought. I knelt down and put my hand on the child's shoulder. "Whats your name kid?"
"3". I felt a rage build up. I swallowed it quickly.
"Well 3, what uh... why.. why do you have bin.." I stopped myself. Whatever those scientists were doing here...
3 looked up at me and I noticed it. A cat like set of eyes. Other little details started to click as well. Four fingers on each hand, slightly pointed ears, a discoloration of skin and a rigid scale-like spine on the shoulder.
"The radio doesnt work mister." 3 seemed to have understood their situation. "Dr Mehon destroyed it before he left."
I realized then that it was unlikely either of us would make it off this planet alive.
EDIT: Part 2 out now! (Part 2's a lil shorter) I Didnt think itd get this many upvotes and comments. Ill keep writing then. Feel free to suggest names for 3!
2024.05.19 10:14 Iwannabeyours1989 How to properly communicate with my spirit guides?Do I really have one?
I had a reading once with a psychic and she told me I have a spirit guides. I kinda don't believe it because I haven't seen one nor I have a 3rd eye. Several days after that I dream about my spirit guides telling me that they're always by my side and that they love me. There were two of them 1 guy and 1 woman. They have buff bodies and the woman has long black curly hair. In that dream, it was also night and they talk to me a lot and when morning came they said they have to go since they have other works as well. I was sad and beg them to stay and even have them promise me to meet again at night, I woke up after that. The 2nd night, I can't sleep no matter what I do, I'm also skeptical wether what I dream was real or not so yeah no meetup in dreams happen again but that night I can feel like there's a static electricity at the back of my head just below my neck I don't know if it's related to that. There's also a scene one night where I was so frustrated because I couldn't bought the thing I badly need. So even though I kinda find it ridiculous, I keep thinking "If I really have a spirit guide, please help me get it, I badly need that" when I didn't get it, I really cursed them in my head and said a lot of bad things because of so much frustration. I sleep that night and when I wake up, I feel the static electricity at the back of head again (I don't really know how to describe it but it really feels like a static electricity and is tingling) and I was like where they trying to communicate with me again? That day I receive a news that I can finally bought it, when that happened my left ear feels hot all of a sudden like someone literally lit a match to close to my left ear . It was aggressively hot (I don't have tinnitus btw, it happened that one time only) and I laugh because I remember what I did last night. I think that's their way of telling me, "You get what you want, so don't curse at me". So when I apologize, it stop. There were also times were I feel a pressure in my forehead like some invisible hand is pressing against it and sometimes I can also smell ritual oils though we don't actually use one. I also think they're giving me signs specially when I'm about to do a bad decision like one time "I decided to skip my exam, because I'm prioritizing my other workloads, suddenly I smell ritual oils again and I feel like my forehead is getting cold. I didn't think much of it. I was on my way home, when my groupmates told me that the deadline for my workload was moved, that means I don't have to skip my exam, so yeah I went back to school again that time (that was a waste of money and time seriously). Do I really have a spirit guides or maybe it's just in my head? I don't know, If I do can you give me tips and advice on how to communicate with them?
submitted by Iwannabeyours1989 to Psychic [link] [comments]
2024.05.19 09:29 Secret-Tomatillo5044 I Accepted a Job to Film on the Dark Web pt1
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.
submitted by Secret-Tomatillo5044 to libraryofshadows [link] [comments]
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.
2024.05.19 09:23 kiwasabi LGBTQ+ The Plus Stands For Pedophile: The Illuminati is coming for your kids with Drag Queen/ Groomer Clown Story Hour, books in elementary school libraries which depict and normalize sex between children and adults. Transgenderism is pushed because Baphomet possesses both breasts and a male phallus
 | INTRODUCTION: submitted by kiwasabi to conservatives [link] [comments] To anyone with eyes that are able to see, it's very obvious that LGBTQ+ is a social engineering and mind control propaganda weapon being waged against all of humanity by the Illuminati. There are many reasons for this endless onslaught of pushing and overnormalizing everything that is gay, trans, and pedophilic. The Illuminati itself is comprised of around 13 bloodlines which are all hereditary incestuous and pedophilic families. So when you hear their puppets telling the joke "The Aristocrats" (LINK) which consists of so called comedians telling the most disgusting tale of an Aristocratic bloodline family having sex with each other and ending with "And they're called The Aristocrats", you'll know they're utilizing Revelation of the Method and putting it right out in the open as a "joke". The Illuminati utilizes Satanic Ritual Abuse and pedophilic incest in order to deliberately cause trauma to their progeny so that they can split their personalities and then program and control the new personality. This is called Project Monarch Trauma Based Mind Control. It was under Josef Mengele and the Nazis where this hereditary incest form of mind control was scientifically studied using the child prisoners of Auschwitz, most commonly with twin girls. After World War 2 and the fall of the Nazis, via Operation Paperclip, 1400 Nazi scientists and engineers were saved from the Nuremberg Trials via the Vatican Rat Line and were smuggled out of Germany into the United States, where they would go on to form the backbone of the Central Intelligence Agency and continue their Monarch Mind Control research. What's left out from the history books is that Josef Mengele "The Angel of Death" was also smuggled out of Nazi Germany and continued his horrific mind control research on twin girls for decades in the United States. What does this all have to do with LGBTQ+? Well, basically that joke "The Aristocrats" is the endgoal and endgame for all of Earth humanity. It's my theory that The Illuminati wants to normalize pedophilia to the point where a parent is required to encourage their children to engage in sexual relationships with grown adults. And if the parent pushes back on this abomination, The Illuminati wants to be able to take possession of the children via CPS Child Protective Services, "for their own safety" of course. BAPHOMET IS TRANSGENDER: One of the reasons in which the Illuminati is so obsessed with the unnatural concept of transgenderism is because their demon god Baphomet is generally depicted as possessing both female breasts and a male phallus. On public statues of Baphomet such as at Satanic Temples, he (or is that he/she?) is depicted without breasts due to public decency laws. Once you understand that The Illuminati worships a transgender demon god, then you'll understand why they want your children to be gay and trans. Oh yeah, and did you notice the American Medical Association symbol coming out of Baphomet's crotch? How did that get there? Now does it make sense why it has wings as well? https://preview.redd.it/jo74m4ybkp0d1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9d23860fada0f893545ec59cd2f9861811bbff9 https://preview.redd.it/oatdlf64ar0d1.png?width=332&format=png&auto=webp&s=8be61945a59d912098cb3452b64d315c8102cec1 Now does it make sense why Target was selling a LGBTQ Transgender children's sweater with the Baphomet symbol on it? (LINK) SATAN'S RAINBOW: https://preview.redd.it/g4btql1t9r0d1.jpg?width=552&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6226bea836ac5ae09694acecf1217c57acb9b927 SEX IN LGBTQ SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS: When I was growing up, I do recall reading some books such as Catcher in the Rye which did contain some sexual themes and profanity. However, in recent years the sexualization of children has been thoroughly ramped up via LGBTQ propaganda in the form of sexually explicit school library books. Children are still trying to figure out who they really are as a person, and by indoctrinating them with gender confusion propaganda at such a young age we are ensuring they will be steered in the wrong direction. Which is of course exactly what The Powers That Be really want. By the way, when I was searching for examples of LGBTQ books with sexual content, I had to scroll through 3 pages of LGBTQ apologist articles decrying about all these "banned LGBTQ books". What's interesting is that all of these CIA Mockingbird Media propaganda articles always say the books are being banned for their LGBTQ content, not for their explicit sexual content (which doesn't necessarily have to be gay or trans in any way). For instance, ABC News"Report: LGBTQ content drove book banning efforts in 2023" (LINK) and NBC News "More than half of 2023's most challenged books have LGBTQ themes" (LINK). Note how they're obfuscating the sexually inappropriate content by calling it "LGBTQ themes" instead. Perhaps this is The Illuminati actually revealing the truth out in the open, that "LGBTQ content" actually means sexually inappropriate content which is directed at children? Let's call LGBTQ elementary school library books what they really are: the sexualization and grooming of children by predators and pedophiles. Sexualizing Schoolchildren: Classroom and Library Books (LINK) "Parent and Child Loudoun reviewed and listed hundreds of age-inappropriate, sexually confusing, explicit, objectionable, and profane books that were placed in schools in classrooms and libraries in their district. Here are just a few examples:
"The books in question are largely teen and young adult stories involving romance or sexual abuse, often with LGBTQ themes. Several were critically acclaimed. They include:
Target Sells Trans Clothing to Children Designed by Satanic Transgender (LINK) A clothing line as part of Target's LGBTQ children's products was designed by a Satanist female to male transgender named Erik Kallen, under the brand name Abprallen. There were only three products being marketed by the Abprallen brand, and none of them depicted the blatant Satanic imagery that was shared around the internet as part of a hoax with AI generated images (LINK). However, as I pointed out above, one of the sweatshirts in the collection does contain the Baphomet symbol. And it doesn't take much exploring of Abprallen's Instagram profile to find some unsettling content (LINK). Erik Kallen made a statement saying, "My work was likely pulled following false accusations of being a Satanist and marketing my work to children, both claims have been debunked numerous times but members of the religious right refuse to back down". https://preview.redd.it/7pdsq8r54q0d1.jpg?width=912&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d46c8d192bc50043e378c7be2d18fd162d67746c Claims that you were a Satanist were thoroughly debunked, you say? Which "Guardian Angel" (Demon) is a transgender again? Oh yeah, Baphomet. And what were you doing at the Satanic Flea Market in London? Also, I thought you said "Satan Respects Pronouns"? https://preview.redd.it/ferg6lr75q0d1.jpg?width=912&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5beef8365b280f2a9c251a2c396f1fcb0ad9df54 https://preview.redd.it/zpoyqsc96q0d1.jpg?width=728&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67c22356d03ab50bea569d083afec37d10af5805 "I'm gay, trans, and a secret third thing..." Does anyone care to guess what is meant by that? "I support gay wrongs", "Gay supervillain", "Make More Gay Horror Movies". https://preview.redd.it/w9lkj8et6q0d1.jpg?width=912&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=749874db6545c8fc670af031a46259f0912e7703 Take "Poppers" to open your "Third Eye" (Hint: He doesn't mean your pineal gland....he means your butthole"). Illuminati confirmed. https://preview.redd.it/u3q7z0028q0d1.jpg?width=892&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80dfd6b11268122d8c367867aa67782c8effeeea https://preview.redd.it/s047iqvm8q0d1.jpg?width=892&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bbb51efe6a51b224d87aa937e5aac520dda684ee https://preview.redd.it/bx4ewlx49q0d1.jpg?width=716&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fcc28213453c8c6a88db6caec3663c1ef4fe003 https://preview.redd.it/r72gurpi9q0d1.jpg?width=892&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=611d83691ff3850796f873f2480f98f65ed50ed5 https://preview.redd.it/tmtv1dp0aq0d1.jpg?width=892&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26615b9946de7722d59dca3be75a0145b9771956 As far as I'm concerned, all the claims about Erik Callen being a Satanist and marketing products to children have been thoroughly UNDEBUNKED just based on his products and post history on Instagram. This to me is clearly a case of classic bait and switch. Market some seemingly innocent "trans inclusive" clothing to children, get them hooked on the Abprallen brand while they're young, then "transition" them to the more seedy and shady product offerings. Based on the products and images shown above, can this really be considered a gender identity? Or is this more appropriately categorized as a mental illness and a cult? The embracing of confusion. The final culmination of the "Nothing is real" mind control psy op social engineering. Now literally GENDER ISN'T REAL. And "Men can get pregnant". "MEN CAN GET PREGNANT" As I previously posted, Arnold Schwarzenegger was replaced by an imposter in a mask wearing heavy facial prosthetics in 1990 (LINK). As part of the Illuminati's ongoing Ritual Mocking of the Victim / Humiliation Ritual against the name and image of Arnold Schwarzenegger, in 1994 the fake Arnold Schwarzenegger was placed into a travesty of a film called Junior (1994). As you can see from the film's poster, "Nothing is inconceivable". What a funny pun, right? They mean "conceive" as in conceiving and giving birth to a baby.... Except by a man. Ten years before that in 1984, Bob Saget was already joking about how, "men can breast feed", but at least he admitted he made it up (LINK). Once you understand that a core tenet of Satanism is to reverse the natural order, you'll understand why they want to normalize the completely unnatural idea that, "Men can get pregnant". This is a direct attack on women, men, children, and humanity as a whole. This is an attack on motherhood and gender roles. This is an attack on the family. This is a direct attack on your sanity. And as I've shown here, this has been planned for at least 40 years. The movie Junior from 1994 is a prime example of the Illuminati Revelation of the Method, where they put out their plans right in the open and as long as we laugh and don't consciously object to them, then it means we have subconsciously accepted them. Junior is also a prime example of why the Illuminati would be motivated to replace an actor with an imposter. Here we have a movie that the real Arnold Schwarzenegger absolutely never would have signed on to star in. But since the real Arnold was killed and replaced, he was unable to object to his name and likeness being used in this atrocity of a film. Thus, Arnold Schwarzenegger was used against his will to push an evil agenda of the Illuminati while simultaneously being ritually humiliated by giving birth to a child and essentially being turned into a woman on screen. Notice the screenshots where he has let his hair grow out and he's wearing a pink outfit (dress?) with glasses and pearl necklaces. Does anyone really believe that Arnold Schwarzenegger would have ever stooped this low at the peak of his career? https://preview.redd.it/dchs07c2eq0d1.jpg?width=1425&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab849bbd8ad73659cbf353d4788914e1527edfe5 https://preview.redd.it/ex6c2k1geq0d1.jpg?width=1050&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84731bec091800df7b9ab70ddc7d313d808bc70e https://preview.redd.it/opfk3j3ziq0d1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b3266508272a8c7ce0e099902b6cc8715346017 MINOR ATTRACTED PERSON / PEDOPHILE FLAG: On June 13th 2018, a user on Tumblr created a flag for the NOMAP (Non Offending Minor Attracted Person) community. (LINK) Around June 12th 2018, an artist named Daniel Quasar updated the LGBTQ to add the colors light blue, light pink, and white to represent the Transgender Pride Flag colors. (LINK) These added stripes to the LGBTQ flag do not represent transgenderism. They represent pedophilia. Light blue represents attraction to young boys. Light pink represents attraction to young girls. The white stripe represents attraction to virginity. Coincidence theorists will have a field day on this one. https://preview.redd.it/3vih368tmq0d1.jpg?width=1019&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e09e7fc60a833a24de638d527b061a4ce7e64570 https://preview.redd.it/zvbv2pkvmq0d1.png?width=399&format=png&auto=webp&s=43f924c9dbe068ad232f45b1b0a861ce01872a36 "WE'RE COMING FOR YOUR CHILDREN": I've really liked this idea of no longer referring to them as "Drag Queens", but instead as "Groomer Clowns", since that's what they really are. Also, these people do not reproduce, which is why they are forced to recruit instead. Drag Queens at a march in New York were recorded as chanting "We're here, we're queer, we're coming for your children". In Florida, a Gay Pride parade was cancelled after it was made illegal to perform adult lewd performances in front of children. If they aren't coming for the children, then why the need to cancel the Gay Pride parade when the Groomer Clowns couldn't perform in front of children? Finally, the third link is about a homosexual couple who raped, filmed, and sex trafficked their two young adopted sons to other pedophiles. https://preview.redd.it/fcn48gosqq0d1.jpg?width=597&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=29e1a9f8d97d52a858e7e3ed8f95db3368f4d72d https://preview.redd.it/vr4rav30rq0d1.jpg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e80d4063e16b7ae24c537b238630364b48ab0741 Video of Drag Marchers Chanting 'We're Coming For Your Children' Goes Viral (LINK) ***"***A video showing people chanting "we're coming for your children" has gone viral, sparking outrage on social media. New York City kicked off the last weekend of Pride Month with its annual Drag March on Friday". (LINK) Hundreds of drag performers marched through Manhattan's East Village in elaborate costumes on their way to the iconic Stonewall Inn. Video showing some of the march's participants chanting, "we're here, we're queer, we're coming for your children" Gay pride parade canceled in southeast Florida after anti-drag show law passes (LINK) "Officials in a southeast Florida city have canceled a gay pride parade and restricted other pride events to people 21 years and older in anticipation of Gov. Ron D. signing a bill meant to keep children out of drag shows. The Florida House sent Ron D. a bill Wednesday that bans children from adult performances, a proposal aimed at the governor’s opposition to drag shows. The legislation, which awaits the governor's signature, would allow the state to revoke the food and beverage licenses of businesses that admit children to adult performances. The Ron D. administration has moved to pull the liquor license of a Miami hotel that hosted a Christmas drag show, alleging children were present during "lewd" displays." Gay couple charged with molesting their adopted sons also pimped them out to pedophile ring, report claims (LINK) "A gay couple from Georgia charged with molesting their two adopted sons and using them to record child porn also allegedly pimped them out to members of a local pedophile ring, according to a disturbing new report. A months-long investigation by Townhall revealed that William Dale Zulock, 33, and Zachary Jacoby Zulock, 35, allegedly used social media to prostitute their two elementary-aged sons. William Zulock, a government worker, and Zachary Zulock, a banker, were indicted in August 2022 on charges of incest, aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, felony sexual exploitation of children and felony prostitution of a minor. But the shocking investigation reveals in more detail the sickening abuse the boys suffered. For the first time, it was revealed that the men allegedly pimped out their older sons, now 11 and 9 years old, to two other men in a pedophile ring. One of the men, Hunter Clay Lawless, 27, told investigators that Zachary — whose Instagram bio describes him as “Papa to our two wonderful boys” and an “activist” — invited him “multiple times” to take part in sexually abusing the boys, Townhall reported." HOMOSEXUALITY AND PEDOPHILIA: Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse (LINK) ***"***Homosexuals are overrepresented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children. Homosexual Pedophiles are Vastly Overrepresented in Child Sex Abuse Cases Homosexual pedophiles sexually molest children at a far greater rate compared to the percentage of homosexuals in the general population. A study in the Journal of Sex Research found, as we have noted above, that “approximately one-third of [child sex offenders] had victimized boys and two-thirds had victimized girls.” The authors then make a prescient observation: “Interestingly, this ratio differs substantially from the ratio of gynephiles (men who erotically prefer physically mature females) to androphiles (men who erotically prefer physically mature males), which is at least 20 to 1.”[17] In other words, although heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by a ratio of at least 20 to 1, homosexual pedophiles commit about one-third of the total number of child sex offenses. Similarly, the Archives of Sexual Behavior also noted that homosexual pedophiles are significantly overrepresented in child sex offence cases: The best epidemiological evidence indicates that only 2 to 4 percent of men attracted to adults prefer men (ACSF Investigators, 1992; Billy et al.,1993; Fay et al.,1989; Johnson et al.,1992); in contrast, around 25 to 40 percent of men attracted to children prefer boys (Blanchard et al.,1999; Gebhard et al.,1965; Mohr et al.,1964). Thus, the rate of homosexual attraction is 6 to 20 times higher among pedophiles.” PEDOPHILIA AND PARASITES: Parasite Pill 2.0 https://archive.org/details/parasite-pill-2.0 For those who really want to do some serious research, there's an 181 page document titled Parasite Pill (version) 2.0 which goes in depth about a theory that pedophilia may be linked to a mind controlled parasite such as toxoplasmosis. And that the parasite basically has a better chance of survival when infected into a younger victim with a still developing immune system. Plus the parasite breeds within the intestines. So it's theorized that this is why sodomy with children may be preferred by the parasite for reproduction. Also it's speculated that essentially the parasitic elites are LITERALLY PARASITES, as they are being mind controlled by brain parasites and this is why they all engage in sodomy with one another. The initiation ritual of being sodomized by all the upper ranking Illuminati members may also serve the purpose of ensuring that the cult's respective parasites are all passed on effectively to new recruits. Oh yeah, and the real reason they don't want anyone taking Ivermectin is because it destroys the parasites which are our secret masters. https://preview.redd.it/3g7a1jrbwq0d1.png?width=653&format=png&auto=webp&s=ce403537c123741bbd259b0a4be215695e7966cb CISGENDER? SIS, YOU'RE SIC(K) AND A SISSY: Elon Musk’s X now treats the term ‘cisgender’ as a slur on the platform (LINK) On June 20 2023, Elon Musk tweeted out that the term "cisgender" would now be treated as a slur on Twitter / X. On May 15th 2024, this promise was made into a reality. Attempting to post with the word "cis" or "cisgender" results in the user being given a warning and the option to delete the tweet. This event today was what got me to finally sit down and pump out this post which has been sitting in my brain simmering for years. This also made me think about the real meaning of the term "Cis" which basically means "Normal" or "Same Gender As Assigned At Birth". "Cis" is pronounced the same as "Sis" (Sister), and can be expanded to "Cissy" / "Sissy" (Wimp). Also, "Cis" backwards is "Sic" or "Sick". So basically when you're called "Cis" gender, you're being called a woman, a wimp, and sick, all because you chose to remain a heterosexual during this assault on what it means to be a human. "Cis" is a CIA Tavistock style social engineering term which is meant to discourage you from being straight, and it's trying to bully you into the LGBTQ lifestyle (or is that "death style" since they don't reproduce?). "Cis" is an abnormal and weaponized term which was created to make what's natural seem unnatural, and to make what's normal sound abnormal. I would argue terms "gender normative" and "breeders" are also similar weaponized social engineering terms meant to covertly psychologically wage warfare against heterosexuality. GET THEM WHILE THEY'RE YOUNG: A recent study of 139 dysphoric male children who were monitored from age 7 up until age 20 showed that 87.8 percent of the boys grew out of this phase and reverted back to identifying as their birth gender by the time they were adults. And in other related news, a couple in Montana have claimed that the Montana CFS (Child and Family Services) have taken custody of their 14 year old daughter for refusing her gender affirming care. So now does it make sense why The Illuminati has to "get them while they're young"? Does it make sense why The Illuminati is pumping out so much gender confusion and LGBTQ propaganda into the brains of young and impressionable minds? It's because they are DELIBERATELY confusing children about their gender, and while they're still young and impressionable, they seek to prey on their confusion by pushing them to "change their gender" AKA mutilate their genitals, which is an irreversible procedure. Also, the powers that be are setting the precedent that parents who are not being "inclusive" and "open minded" by letting their children mutilate their genitals, that the state can then physically repossess your child from you, by saying it's CHILD ABUSE that you won't let them MUTILATE THEIR GENITALS. The Luciferians seek to reverse all that is natural, and they want us all to be like their demon god Baphomet. They are coming for your kids, and you'd better push back. Vast Majority of Gender Dysphoric Boys Desist, Long-Term Study Finds (LINK) *"*A long-term follow-up of male children with gender dysphoria has found that most study participants desisted over time and accepted themselves as boys. The groundbreaking study used the largest sample to date of boys referred to clinics for gender dysphoria. “A Follow-Up Study of Boys With Gender Identity Disorder” was published in the peer-viewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, and the research protocol was reviewed and approved by Clarke Institute of Psychiatry (now the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) and the University of Toronto. Study participants were 139 male children assessed in the Gender Identity Service, Child, Youth, and Family Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto between 1975 and 2009. 63.3% of the boys met DSM-III, III-R, or IV criteria for gender identity disorder (GID), while the rest of the 36.7% were subthreshold for a DSM diagnosis. Researchers first assessed the children at approximately age 7, following up with participants when they reached adolescence and again in early adulthood. At follow-up, researchers classified participants as persisters (which the study defines as “boys who continued to have gender dysphoria”) or desisters (boys who did not continue to have gender dysphoria), and deduced their sexual orientation based on fantasy and behavior. Researchers found that 17 (12.2%) of the participants persisted in their gender dysphoria, and the remaining 122 (87.8%) desisted." Montana parents say they lost custody of daughter after opposing 14-year-old’s gender transition: report (LINK) "Montana family claims they lost custody of their 14-year-old child after opposing her interest in changing genders — and while the governor’s office defended the move, it stressed to The Post that the state does not remove minors to provide gender transition services. The state’s Child and Family Services (CFS) reportedly took custody of the teen from her father, Todd Kolstad, and stepmother, Krista, this month, leading the parents to speak out about how the action has “destroyed” their family and “trampled” their rights. They showed up at our home to serve us with papers to take Jennifer out of our care,” Kolstad alleged. “They told me the reason was that we were ‘unable or refusing to provide medical care.’ That’s just not true.” Jennifer returned in September to a Montana youth facility, where she remains. Earlier this month, a court put the teen in the custody of CFS, Reduxx reported. “We were told that letting Jennifer transition and live as a boy was in her ‘therapeutic best interest’ and because we aren’t willing to follow that recommendation, the court gave CFS custody of Jennifer for six months,” Kolstad told the outlet." AUTISM, TRANSGENDERISM AND TRANSHUMANISM: Transgender and nonbinary people are up to six times more likely to have autism (LINK) This article title really says it all. There's a clear link between autism and transgenderism. So now does it make sense why autism is deliberately created via aluminum in the vaccines and in deodorant, chemtrails, etc? Autism also makes a person more compatible with Artificial Intelligence according to a book called The Autism Epidemic: Transhumanism's Dirty Little Secret (LINK). Supposedly the type of brainwaves produced by an autistic brain are more similar to how Artificial Intelligence processes data than a normal brain. Basically the endgoal of the entire Illuminati LGBTQ and transgender agenda is transhumanism, which is the merging of humans with technology. Part of that agenda ties into transgenderism since if they can get you to mutilate your genitals and get you to change your whole gender identity, then getting you to put a neural chip implant in your head isn't much further to go. The endgoal of the New World Order is to turn you into a gay genderless cyborg who is completely mind controlled by brain microchips. This is why when you choose to support the woke agendas and official narratives, that you're literally choosing The Matrix, because merging us with machines, mind controlling us and creating a completely false reality in our heads is exactly where the woke rabbit hole leads. CONCLUSION: "We're here, we're queer, get used to it". We did get used to it. And then we let you legalize Gay Marriage, but still you wouldn't stop pushing us. So how far does the Satanic LGBTQ agenda have to push us before they will leave us alone? Well, they aren't planning on leaving us alone. LGBTQ is a major component of the New World Order. The end goal of LGBTQ is to openly normalize pedophilia, incest, bestiality, and all other sexual perversions since this is what "The Aristocrats" (The Illuminati families) actually take part in themselves. And they bully us into compliance by using terms like "Inclusive" and "Tolerance", which are weaponized social engineering terms that are used to beat us into submission of their depraved agendas. You're no longer straight or heterosexual, you're now "Cis" (Sis/Sick/Sissy), "Gender Normative" and a "Breeder". The Illuminati has made it a thoughtcrime for any person to remain straight and normal in this times of great deceit. Is it any wonder then that nearly 30 percent of all Generation Z adults now identify as LGBTQ? (LINK) This post is the culmination of my years of research on multiple topics which all tie into pedophilia, LGBTQ, transgenderism, autism, transhumanism, and the New World Order. I hereby pass onto you all the knowledge I currently possess about this agenda, and I hope that you will consider it from a logical perspective and utilize it appropriately. By the way, I do not have a problem with gay or transgender people whatsoever so long as they would just please leave the children alone. They're just children and they're young and easily impressionable by LGBTQ gender confusion propaganda. Let them be kids, and if they still want gender affirming care when they're 18, then they are legally adults and are able to make that decision themselves. Stop encouraging children to make irreversible permanent alterations to their body just to serve an agenda of "inclusiveness" and "tolerance". Also, this goes without saying, and it goes to all people not just LGBTQ: stop sexually abusing children. This is the most unnatural sexual depravity you can possibly take part in. You're destroying innocence and you're destroying lives. And you're just continuing the cycle of abuse, since it does appear that many pedophiles were also sexually abused when they were children (Jeffrey Epstein got really uncomfortable and refused to answer when he was asked about his own sexual abuse as a child). Finally, I will again reiterate that there's no problem with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, non binary, transgender, etc. However, the specific group called LGBTQ is an extremist organization of The Illuminati which is pushing Satanic agendas as part of the New World Order. I recommend that no matter how you identify yourself, that you are able to identify a predatory social engineering mind control agenda for what it is. |
2024.05.19 09:21 MagicalSausage Is this considered infodumping?
Obviously paragraphs and paragraphs of explaining the lore of your world is considered infodumping, but where would you draw the line?
I don't know if what I try to do is considered infodumping. Basically, I insert one paragraph of a character using their knowledge of the world to explain something in the middle of your usual descriptory prose.
For example (an excerpt of chapter 4 from my first attempt at writing a full length novel. I'm about 11k words in):
Despite the boy standing at least two dozen paces away from her, Emily felt like he had drilled stakes into her eyes with his gaze. They were green-within-green without any trace of human white in them. They weren’t natural. They weren’t human. Her heart raced. Foreboding trepidation rushed through her veins. She became aware of her panting and her sweat inching down her forehead. She trembled, all of a sudden warming up despite the stale, cold air in the great hall.
She lowered her head, realising that she had torn holes into her gloves from balling her fists.
Before her stood a Roamer. Samira had taught her about them in her lessons. She was told the last of them died a century ago. A race of mutants created to serve as the personal bodyguards of lords and kings centuries ago, one of them served the Embelwoods of the past. Along with her great-grandfathers, they built the great duchy of New Calinthia on the backs of honour and virtue.
Her right palm throbbed. Pulling off her glove, Emily looked at the angular birthmark on her right palm again, and she noticed that it glowed gently with the same shade of green from the boy-Roamer’s eyes.
From under the boy’s coat, the characteristic Roamer’s dark-veins crept up his pale-skinned neck, stopping short of his jaw like serpents slithering through snow. He took off his hat, revealing a head of black hair. As he made his way through the great hall, nobody spoke a word. She saw tense looks on many soldiers’ faces, the look of shock given by bystanders witnessing a murder.
I've italicised the paragraph in question. It's not really describing action and feelings like the other paragraphs around it, but it also isn't a large wall of text describing the lore and such–that would be an obvious infodump. How large of a break from the flow of action to describe something about the world would you consider an infodump?
Edit: The paragraph also doesn't fully explain what they are fyi. I'm planning to explore the Roamers' abilities later in the story and sprinkle in more tidbits of lore throughout. I can add the premise of the story here for context if someone requests it.
submitted by MagicalSausage to fantasywriters [link] [comments]
I don't know if what I try to do is considered infodumping. Basically, I insert one paragraph of a character using their knowledge of the world to explain something in the middle of your usual descriptory prose.
For example (an excerpt of chapter 4 from my first attempt at writing a full length novel. I'm about 11k words in):
She lowered her head, realising that she had torn holes into her gloves from balling her fists.
Before her stood a Roamer. Samira had taught her about them in her lessons. She was told the last of them died a century ago. A race of mutants created to serve as the personal bodyguards of lords and kings centuries ago, one of them served the Embelwoods of the past. Along with her great-grandfathers, they built the great duchy of New Calinthia on the backs of honour and virtue.
Her right palm throbbed. Pulling off her glove, Emily looked at the angular birthmark on her right palm again, and she noticed that it glowed gently with the same shade of green from the boy-Roamer’s eyes.
From under the boy’s coat, the characteristic Roamer’s dark-veins crept up his pale-skinned neck, stopping short of his jaw like serpents slithering through snow. He took off his hat, revealing a head of black hair. As he made his way through the great hall, nobody spoke a word. She saw tense looks on many soldiers’ faces, the look of shock given by bystanders witnessing a murder.
Edit: The paragraph also doesn't fully explain what they are fyi. I'm planning to explore the Roamers' abilities later in the story and sprinkle in more tidbits of lore throughout. I can add the premise of the story here for context if someone requests it.
2024.05.19 09:05 Alteredchaos 📢 Sunday News - with a focus on carers this week
Ministers apologise and return £7,000 in benefits to woman, 93, with dementia
Government ministers have formally apologised and repaid £7,000 to a 93-year-old woman whom they held responsible for running up benefits overpayment debts even though they were told she had dementia and was unable to manage her affairs.
The case, which the minister for disability, Mims Davies, admitted was “disturbing”, was brought to light by the Guardian as part of its investigation into carer's allowance overpayments.
The agreement to write off the debt of the 93-year-old, whom the Guardian has chosen not to name, comes as ministers have promised to try new ways of sharing information with carers to try to prevent them building up months and years of overpayments.
Read the full article on theguardian.com
DWP confirmed that it is developing an ‘enhanced notification strategy’ to alert carer’s allowance claimants to possible overpayments
Notifications designed to encourage claimants to report changes in income and so reduce the risk of being overpaid.
As part of its policy paper, Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System: Going Further, that was published earlier this week, the Department says (at paragraph 78) -
Stephen Timms has also written to Secretary for State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride highlighting concerns about the DWP's lack of progress with overpayments since the previous committee's report in 2019. Mr Timms' letter repeats the committee's recommendation that the DWP increase the rate of carer's allowance and goes on to call for the DWP to review both the amount and the cliff-edge nature of the earnings limit and for the removal of the 21-hour study rule.
For more information, see Policy paper: Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System: Going Further from gov.uk
Carers UK has welcomed the DWP's plans, noting this is the 'minimum' they've been calling for to tackle carers' overpayments. However, Director of Policy and Public Affairs Emily Holzhausen also highlights that implementing the strategy is 'urgent', asks that the whole issue be moved out of being branded benefits fraud, and that carer's allowance be reviewed as it should be 'modernised to reflect the realities of caring'.
DWP-commissioned research highlights how the carer’s allowance earnings threshold influences decisions about how many hours carers work
Report also makes clear that the Department was made aware three years ago that there was room to improve claimant understanding and possibly reduce mistakes leading to overpayments by improving its communications.
The research, Experiences of claiming and receiving carer’s allowance, explores how and why people claim carer's allowance; their caring roles; experiences of combining paid work and care; and how well claimants understand the rules associated with the benefit. While carried out in 2020/2021, the research has been published today against a backdrop of calls for the wholescale reform of carer's allowance as a result of evidence that claimants who have earned above the carer's allowance earnings limit have been left with large overpayments and, in some cases, prosecuted for fraud.
While the research found that many claimants in employment felt there was a practical limit to the hours they could work, with many saying it was only feasible to be working part-time due to their caring responsibilities, it also found that -
In addition, with the Chair of the Select Committee Stephen Timms having said recently that the DWP has done nothing to stop carers building up huge overpayments despite knowing what people are earning, and the Committee having called on the National Audit Office to investigate the problems with the system, the research found that -
Almost 135,000 people currently have an outstanding carer's allowance debt, with more than £250 million owed in total, according to figures supplied by DWP Minister Paul Maynard
DWP Minister also confirms that women represent 68 per cent of those with an outstanding debt.
Responding to a written question in Parliament from Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen Timms, Mr Maynard said -
Mr Maynard's written answer is available from parliament.uk
Total value of benefit overpayments in 2023/2024 increased to almost £10 billion, representing 3.7 per cent of benefit expenditure for the year
New DWP figures also show that official error underpayments remained at around £1 billion, and that people could have claimed more than £3 billion more 'if they had provided accurate information about their circumstances'.
In Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2023 to 2024 estimates, the DWP calculates how much money it overpaid or underpaid as a percentage of total benefit expenditure for the year (£266.2bn) - for benefits including universal credit, housing benefit, personal independence payment, employment and support allowance and pension credit - and how many claims were paid an incorrect amount.
Note: the statistics no longer include estimates of claimant error underpayments as these are now published separately, as confirmed in recent DWP guidance.
In relation to incorrect payment rates across all benefits for the financial year ending (FYE) 2024, the figures show that the total rate of benefit expenditure overpaid was 3.7 per cent (£9.7bn), compared with 3.6 per cent (£8.3bn) in 2022/2023. In addition, the total rate of benefit expenditure underpaid was 0.4 per cent (£1.1bn), compared with 0.5 per cent (£1.2bn) in FYE 2023.
Looking in more detail at the figures for individual benefits, the statistics include data showing that -
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has set out the DWP's plans to scale up its 'fight against fraudsters'
New measures include using machine learning to detect and prevent fraudulent claims, as well as introducing a new Bill to enable benefit fraud to be treated like tax fraud.
Issuing a written statement in the House of Commons on 13th May, Mr Stride said -
For more information, see DWP updates Fraud Plan from gov.uk
In response to the above article the Disability News Service reported that the government's fraud policy paper ignores coroner’s concerns over review of disabled woman’s universal credit claim. Read the DNS article on disabilitynewsservice.com
Less than half of legacy benefit claimants who were sent a migration notice between July 2022 and March 2024 have made a claim for universal credit, according to new figures from the DWP
However, new DWP statistics also show that 60 per cent of households that claimed universal credit have been awarded transitional protection.
In Completing the move to Universal Credit: statistics related to the move of households claiming Tax Credits and DWP benefits to Universal Credit: data to end of March 2024, the DWP sets out figures for the period since July 2022, noting that -
Note: the DWP has also published Universal Credit statistics, 29 April 2013 to 11 April 2024 which show that there were 6.7 million people on universal credit in April 2024 (300,000 more than the 6.4 million in January 2024) and that half of households on universal credit that received a payment in February 2024 included children.
Department for Communities also confirms that claimants in receipt of other legacy benefits will be issued with migration notices 'in the coming months'
The Department for Communities (DfC) has confirmed that the 'Move to UC' rollout in Northern Ireland has expanded this week to include people receiving tax credits along with housing benefit.
Announcing the expansion of the process, Deputy Secretary of Work and Health at the DfC Paddy Rooney said -
For more information, see Tax credit with housing benefit recipients next to 'Move to UC' and Rollout of Universal Credit for Tax Credit and Legacy Benefit customers - screening from ni.gov.uk
57,000 adverse universal credit sanction decisions were made in January 2024, according to new DWP statistics
DWP statistics also highlight that around 95 per cent of decisions are as a result of failure to attend or participate in a mandatory interview.
In Benefit sanctions statistics to February 2024, the DWP reports on both the rate and duration of sanctions for universal credit claimants who are in conditionality regimes where they be applied.
Key findings include that -
The DWP notes that -
For more information, see Benefit sanctions statistics to February 2024 from gov.uk
DWP has admitted missing multiple opportunities to record the 'vulnerability' of a disabled woman whose death was later linked by a coroner to failings at the heart of its UC system
The Disability News Service reported on the case of Nazerine (known as Naz) Anderson, from Melton Mowbray, who died of an overdose in June last year, after receiving a UC review notice.
According to a prevention of future deaths (PFD) report sent to the department by coroner Fiona Butler, the DWP missed six opportunities to record Anderson’s “vulnerability” on its IT system while it was reviewing her universal credit claim, and had failed to act on the mental distress she showed in phone calls about her claim. It also repeatedly failed to act on requests to direct its telephone calls and letters to her daughter.
The DWP admits multiple universal credit failures before disabled woman’s death article is available on disabilitynewsservice.com
Number of emergency food parcels distributed across the UK by the Trussell Trust has increased by 90 per cent over the past five years
Food charity reports that it distributed more than three million parcels last year, with more than a million of them going to children.
In Emergency food parcel distribution in the UK: April 2023 - March 2024, the Trust says that it distributed 3,121,404 food parcels, the most parcels that it has ever distributed in a financial year, representing a four per cent increase on last year's record-breaking numbers for 2022/2023 and a 94 per cent increase since 2018/2019.
The charity also highlights that the number of parcels provided to children has continued to rise, exceeding 1.1 million in 2023/2024, and that food bank support is provided disproportionately to children, compared to the proportion of children in the UK population. In addition, it notes that pension age households are increasingly likely to need to use a food bank, with food bank support for these households having more than quadrupled between 2018/2019 and 2023/2024 (an increase of 345 per cent), compared to an 81 per cent rise amongst households without someone of pension age.
Also sharing statistics on the reason for referral for an emergency food parcel - which include health, benefit issues, work hour changes, insecure housing, changes in personal circumstances, immigration status and domestic abuse, as well as income and debt levels - the Trussell Trust says -
Employment Minister Jo Churchill has provided a House of Lords Select Committee with an undertaking that the administrative earnings threshold (AET) in universal credit will not be increased again without a 'sound evidence base'
However, Minister's evidence to Lords Committee fails to address its dissatisfaction with DWP's explanation for not publishing robust evidence to support previous increases in the threshold.
Further to the Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee's report on new regulations that implemented a further increase in the AET from 13 May 2024 - that criticised the ‘inexplicable’ lack of data evaluating previous increases in the threshold in September 2022 and January 2023 - the Committee held a one-off evidence session yesterday to question the Minister and DWP officials.
Introducing the session, Committee Chair Lord Hunt acknowledged that the DWP had agreed to share its informal findings supporting its AET policy. However Lord Hunt added that -
In response, Ms Churchill highlighted that the Department did publish a randomised controlled trial evaluation in 2018 providing the highest level of evidence on the impacts of increased in-work conditionality that Ministers have had sight of. When challenged that this evidence is somewhat outdated and 'a bit threadbare' - as it has been relied on for three increases in the AET - Ms Churchill indicated that Ministers also had early sight of unpublished research (a Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) study) that compares the experiences of claimants who are just below and just above the AET.
When pressed on the expected publication dates for this and further evidence, Mr Churchill said -
Despite welcoming the Minister's reply, Lord Hunt went on to say -
Work and Pensions Select Committee has called on the government to bring forward proposals to compensate women born in the 1950s who suffered as a result of the DWP's communication failures when their pension age was increased, and asks that it does so in the current parliamentary session
Committee chair highlights lengthy delay and urgency for affected women and calls on government to act on Parliamentary Ombudsman recommendations before summer recess.
Writing to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride, Committee Chair Stephen Timms requests government support for 'urgent action' following the Parliamentary Ombudsman's final report in March 2024 which recommended a remedy based on level 4 of its severity of injustice scale, putting awards at between £1,000 and £2,950.
Mr Timms says that the Committee does not seek to question the Ombudsman's proposal for compensation at level 4, but instead has focused on what a remedy may look like -
Mr Timms also asks the government to consider -
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Government ministers have formally apologised and repaid £7,000 to a 93-year-old woman whom they held responsible for running up benefits overpayment debts even though they were told she had dementia and was unable to manage her affairs.
The case, which the minister for disability, Mims Davies, admitted was “disturbing”, was brought to light by the Guardian as part of its investigation into carer's allowance overpayments.
The agreement to write off the debt of the 93-year-old, whom the Guardian has chosen not to name, comes as ministers have promised to try new ways of sharing information with carers to try to prevent them building up months and years of overpayments.
Read the full article on theguardian.com
DWP confirmed that it is developing an ‘enhanced notification strategy’ to alert carer’s allowance claimants to possible overpayments
Notifications designed to encourage claimants to report changes in income and so reduce the risk of being overpaid.
As part of its policy paper, Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System: Going Further, that was published earlier this week, the Department says (at paragraph 78) -
'In carer’s allowance we are progressing an enhanced notification strategy as part of our existing commitment to improve customer engagement, building on our existing communications with customers. As part of this notification strategy we are considering all forms of targeted contact to find the most effective and efficient solution, such as exploring the use of targeted text messages or emails to alert claimants and encourage them to contact the Department when the DWP is made aware of a potential overpayment.'The Department added -
'The new strategy will help claimants understand when they may have received an earnings-related overpayment or are at risk of doing so, and will encourage claimants to contact the DWP to meet their obligation to inform the Department of changes in their income and other relevant circumstances. This will reduce the risk of those customers being overpaid.'Note: having expressed concern that the DWP had 'done nothing' to stop carers building up huge overpayments of benefit despite knowing what people are earning, Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen Timms called on the National Audit Office to investigate problems with the carer's allowance system and, in particular, its failure to prevent or rectify overpayments.
Stephen Timms has also written to Secretary for State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride highlighting concerns about the DWP's lack of progress with overpayments since the previous committee's report in 2019. Mr Timms' letter repeats the committee's recommendation that the DWP increase the rate of carer's allowance and goes on to call for the DWP to review both the amount and the cliff-edge nature of the earnings limit and for the removal of the 21-hour study rule.
For more information, see Policy paper: Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System: Going Further from gov.uk
Carers UK has welcomed the DWP's plans, noting this is the 'minimum' they've been calling for to tackle carers' overpayments. However, Director of Policy and Public Affairs Emily Holzhausen also highlights that implementing the strategy is 'urgent', asks that the whole issue be moved out of being branded benefits fraud, and that carer's allowance be reviewed as it should be 'modernised to reflect the realities of caring'.
DWP-commissioned research highlights how the carer’s allowance earnings threshold influences decisions about how many hours carers work
Report also makes clear that the Department was made aware three years ago that there was room to improve claimant understanding and possibly reduce mistakes leading to overpayments by improving its communications.
The research, Experiences of claiming and receiving carer’s allowance, explores how and why people claim carer's allowance; their caring roles; experiences of combining paid work and care; and how well claimants understand the rules associated with the benefit. While carried out in 2020/2021, the research has been published today against a backdrop of calls for the wholescale reform of carer's allowance as a result of evidence that claimants who have earned above the carer's allowance earnings limit have been left with large overpayments and, in some cases, prosecuted for fraud.
While the research found that many claimants in employment felt there was a practical limit to the hours they could work, with many saying it was only feasible to be working part-time due to their caring responsibilities, it also found that -
- the earnings threshold appeared to influence decisions about how many hours some people worked. Even though claimants often denied that the threshold influenced their choices, they acknowledged being mindful to stay below the threshold. One claimant felt he had to refuse shifts at work that would take him over the threshold;
- in another example, the earnings limit led a claimant to reduce her hours as her wages increased, and eventually she was working so few hours that her employer felt it was not worth employing her due to her limited availability; and
- some claimants in paid work felt they might work more hours if not for the earnings threshold, and even suggested tapering the carer’s allowance earnings rule to encourage claimants to work more.
In addition, with the Chair of the Select Committee Stephen Timms having said recently that the DWP has done nothing to stop carers building up huge overpayments despite knowing what people are earning, and the Committee having called on the National Audit Office to investigate the problems with the system, the research found that -
- poor communication on the part of the DWP meant that not all of those that had been overpaid benefit were clear on the reason for the overpayment;
- some said that while they were initially notified or questioned about an overpayment there was then no follow-up from the Department; and
- when the overpayment was initially raised, several claimants felt that they were spoken to or treated by DWP as though they had intentionally committed fraud when the overpayment had been a misunderstanding.
'... there is room to improve claimant understanding and possibly reduce mistakes leading to overpayments by improving communications around eligibility criteria. Since claimants did not engage with the detail of their benefit regularly, possibly only considering it once a year when they received their annual letter, more frequent communications may improve clarity of knowledge around carer’s allowance.'Other key findings include that -
- most claimants cared for close relatives, with two in five caring for a child (39 per cent), a quarter caring for a spouse or partner (25 per cent), and one in five (22 per cent) caring for a parent;
- caring was a long-term and high-intensity commitment, with half of claimants (52 per cent) spending 65 or more hours caring per week and more than half (54 per cent) caring for between 5 and 20 years;
- only 16 per cent of carer's allowance claimants were currently in paid work, tending to work part- time in lower paid jobs that they were able to fit around their caring responsibilities, with most (81 per cent) working 20 hours or less a week;
- of those not currently in paid work, seven in ten (69 per cent) said this was due to their responsibilities as a carer, with other barriers including a lack of flexible working options, claimants’ own health and confidence issues; and
- there was a lag between starting caring and claiming carer's allowance, with seven in ten claimants (70 per cent) caring for 5+ years, but only 3 in 10 (34 per cent) having claimed carer's allowance for that length of time.
Almost 135,000 people currently have an outstanding carer's allowance debt, with more than £250 million owed in total, according to figures supplied by DWP Minister Paul Maynard
DWP Minister also confirms that women represent 68 per cent of those with an outstanding debt.
Responding to a written question in Parliament from Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen Timms, Mr Maynard said -
'As of 14 May 2024, the volume of people who have an outstanding carers allowance debt is 134,800 with a total value of £251 million. This figure represents the total stock and as such the total monetary amount may have been accrued over multiple years. Those who have an outstanding carers allowance debt may no longer be in receipt of the benefit.'Mr Maynard added that -
'Women make up the majority of carer’s allowance claims, and this is reflected in the proportion of those with an outstanding carer’s allowance debt. As of 14 May 2024, there were 42,800 (32 per cent) males, 91,900 (68 per cent) females and 100 (less than 1 per cent) not identified, with an outstanding carer's allowance debt.'The Minister also confirmed that, as of November 2023, there were more than 991,000 people in receipt of carer's allowance, consisting of around 271,000 (27 per cent) males and 720,000 (73 per cent) females.
Mr Maynard's written answer is available from parliament.uk
Total value of benefit overpayments in 2023/2024 increased to almost £10 billion, representing 3.7 per cent of benefit expenditure for the year
New DWP figures also show that official error underpayments remained at around £1 billion, and that people could have claimed more than £3 billion more 'if they had provided accurate information about their circumstances'.
In Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2023 to 2024 estimates, the DWP calculates how much money it overpaid or underpaid as a percentage of total benefit expenditure for the year (£266.2bn) - for benefits including universal credit, housing benefit, personal independence payment, employment and support allowance and pension credit - and how many claims were paid an incorrect amount.
Note: the statistics no longer include estimates of claimant error underpayments as these are now published separately, as confirmed in recent DWP guidance.
In relation to incorrect payment rates across all benefits for the financial year ending (FYE) 2024, the figures show that the total rate of benefit expenditure overpaid was 3.7 per cent (£9.7bn), compared with 3.6 per cent (£8.3bn) in 2022/2023. In addition, the total rate of benefit expenditure underpaid was 0.4 per cent (£1.1bn), compared with 0.5 per cent (£1.2bn) in FYE 2023.
Looking in more detail at the figures for individual benefits, the statistics include data showing that -
- for universal credit, expenditure increased to £51.9bn in 2024 with an overpayment rate of 12.4 per cent (£6.5bn) and underpayment rate of 0.3 per cent (£180m), compared to expenditure of £43.4 bn, overpayments at 12.7 per cent (£5.5bn) and underpayments at 0.6 per cent (£240m) in FYE 2023;
- for personal independence payment (PIP), the overpayment rate was at the lowest recorded level of 0.4 per cent (£90m), compared with 1.1 per cent (£200m) in FYE 2023. However, the underpayment rate went up to 0.4 per cent (£80m), from 0.3 per cent (£60m) the previous year;
- for pension credit, the overpayment rate was 9.7 per cent (£520m) in FYE 2024, compared with 6.8 per cent (£330m) in the previous year, with underpayments remaining unchanged at 0.3 per cent (£50m) for both years; and
- for housing benefit, almost £1bn (£980m) was overpaid in FYE 2024 (6.3 per cent of expenditure), compared with £860m (5.7 per cent) in 2023. Underpayments remained stable at 0.4 per cent of spending (£50m in FYE 2024 and £60m in FYE 2023).
- the unfulfilled eligibility rate for 2024 is 1.2 per cent of expenditure (£3.1bn), compared with 1.0 per cent (£2.3bn) in the previous year; and
- universal credit, PIP and disability living allowance (DLA) account for around three-quarters of the total value of unfulfilled eligibility (at £730m, £870m and £750m respectively in FYE 2024).
'PIP has the second highest unfulfilled eligibility rate [4 per cent] of all benefits and fairly high expenditure [£21.6bn], so due to this combination, PIP accounts for around one-quarter of total unfulfilled eligibility in FYE 2024. DLA has the highest unfulfilled eligibility rate [11.1 per cent] but relatively low expenditure [£6.8m], so even though its rate is higher than PIP, it accounts for a similar amount of total unfulfilled eligibility in FYE 2024. Universal credit has a lower unfulfilled eligibility rate than DLA and PIP [1.4 per cent] but its high expenditure means that it also accounts for a similar amount of total unfulfilled eligibility in FYE 2024.'For more information, see Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2023 to 2024 estimates and Unfulfilled eligibility in the benefit system: financial year 2023 to 2024 estimates from gov.uk
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has set out the DWP's plans to scale up its 'fight against fraudsters'
New measures include using machine learning to detect and prevent fraudulent claims, as well as introducing a new Bill to enable benefit fraud to be treated like tax fraud.
Issuing a written statement in the House of Commons on 13th May, Mr Stride said -
'In the continued fight against fraud, today the Government will publish a new paper setting out the progress we have made in tackling fraud and error in the welfare system - Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System: Going Further. The paper sets out the progress we have made in delivering the commitments in the Government's 2022 command paper Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System and it demonstrates where we are going further to protect taxpayers’ money from fraudsters.'Highlighting that the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, currently before Parliament, will enable the Department to work with third parties such as banks to identify claims that signal potential fraud and error, Mr Stride says that the new measures being introduced include -
- bringing forward a new Fraud Bill in the next parliament to treat benefit fraud like tax fraud, by providing for the ability to make arrests and conduct searches and seizures by warrant;
- exploring a new civil penalty to punish fraudsters, potentially broadening the scope of cases that can receive a penalty when the courts are not prosecuting, and increasing the value of the civil penalty;
- tripling the size of the Targeted Case Review programme to reach almost 6,000 staff with the aim of saving £6.6 billion by 2027/2028; and
- making changes to universal credit including new partly automated checks on self-employed income, new online prompts for claimants to re-declare their circumstances (such as if they have moved in with a partner), and increasing checks on capital when people claim the benefit to ensure they are eligible.
For more information, see DWP updates Fraud Plan from gov.uk
In response to the above article the Disability News Service reported that the government's fraud policy paper ignores coroner’s concerns over review of disabled woman’s universal credit claim. Read the DNS article on disabilitynewsservice.com
Less than half of legacy benefit claimants who were sent a migration notice between July 2022 and March 2024 have made a claim for universal credit, according to new figures from the DWP
However, new DWP statistics also show that 60 per cent of households that claimed universal credit have been awarded transitional protection.
In Completing the move to Universal Credit: statistics related to the move of households claiming Tax Credits and DWP benefits to Universal Credit: data to end of March 2024, the DWP sets out figures for the period since July 2022, noting that -
'In the period covered by this bulletin, the vast majority of migration notices have been sent to tax credit households whose likelihood of claiming universal credit and receiving transitional protection may be different from DWP legacy benefit claimants, the majority of whom had not yet been sent a migration notice in the period covered in this bulletin.'The statistics include that -
- a total of 824,050 individuals (in 540,070 households) were sent migration notices up to March 2024 - up by around 300,000 and 200,000 respectively compared to the totals for December 2023;
- a total of 400,940 individuals (49 per cent of those sent migration notices), living in 275,980 households, have made a claim for universal credit;
- of households that have claimed universal credit, 166,860 (60 per cent) have been awarded transitional protection;
- a total of 238,990 individuals who were sent migration notices are still going through the managed migration process; and
- a total of 184,120 individuals who were sent migration notices have had their legacy benefit claims closed.
Note: the DWP has also published Universal Credit statistics, 29 April 2013 to 11 April 2024 which show that there were 6.7 million people on universal credit in April 2024 (300,000 more than the 6.4 million in January 2024) and that half of households on universal credit that received a payment in February 2024 included children.
Department for Communities also confirms that claimants in receipt of other legacy benefits will be issued with migration notices 'in the coming months'
The Department for Communities (DfC) has confirmed that the 'Move to UC' rollout in Northern Ireland has expanded this week to include people receiving tax credits along with housing benefit.
Announcing the expansion of the process, Deputy Secretary of Work and Health at the DfC Paddy Rooney said -
'We continue to take a measured and carefully managed approach to migrating legacy benefit recipients to universal credit. We have already successfully completed issuing migration notices to tax credit only recipients and we will continue to take every step possible to ensure that everyone receives the help and support they need during this next phase of Move to UC.'The Department also confirmed that once it has issued migration notices to all those receiving tax credits with housing benefit, the following groups will be contacted in this order -
- people claiming income support;
- people claiming housing benefit only, and those claiming child tax credit with income-related employment and support allowance (ESA); and
- people claiming income-based jobseeker's allowance.
For more information, see Tax credit with housing benefit recipients next to 'Move to UC' and Rollout of Universal Credit for Tax Credit and Legacy Benefit customers - screening from ni.gov.uk
57,000 adverse universal credit sanction decisions were made in January 2024, according to new DWP statistics
DWP statistics also highlight that around 95 per cent of decisions are as a result of failure to attend or participate in a mandatory interview.
In Benefit sanctions statistics to February 2024, the DWP reports on both the rate and duration of sanctions for universal credit claimants who are in conditionality regimes where they be applied.
Key findings include that -
- in February 2024, 30.1 per cent of claimants were in conditionality regimes that were subject to sanctions and, of these, 6.52 per cent were sanctioned - down 0.64 percentage points from the previous quarter;
- over the last year, 94.9 per cent of adverse sanction decisions were for failure to attend or participate in a mandatory interview; and
- in February 2024, there were 20,000 completed sanctions in the 4 weeks to 13 weeks sanction duration band, 4,800 in the over 13 weeks to 26 weeks duration band, and 4,000 of over 26 weeks duration.
The DWP notes that -
'Comparisons with universal credit prior to February 2024 ... should not be made. This is because the data sources, methodology and rules of the benefits differ from those used for universal credit currently.'However, it adds that, following the reinstated duration measures and rate methodology improvements, the data is now determined stable and fit for purpose and, as of May 2024, it is published under the 'Official Statistics' label as opposed to 'in development'.
For more information, see Benefit sanctions statistics to February 2024 from gov.uk
DWP has admitted missing multiple opportunities to record the 'vulnerability' of a disabled woman whose death was later linked by a coroner to failings at the heart of its UC system
The Disability News Service reported on the case of Nazerine (known as Naz) Anderson, from Melton Mowbray, who died of an overdose in June last year, after receiving a UC review notice.
According to a prevention of future deaths (PFD) report sent to the department by coroner Fiona Butler, the DWP missed six opportunities to record Anderson’s “vulnerability” on its IT system while it was reviewing her universal credit claim, and had failed to act on the mental distress she showed in phone calls about her claim. It also repeatedly failed to act on requests to direct its telephone calls and letters to her daughter.
The DWP admits multiple universal credit failures before disabled woman’s death article is available on disabilitynewsservice.com
Number of emergency food parcels distributed across the UK by the Trussell Trust has increased by 90 per cent over the past five years
Food charity reports that it distributed more than three million parcels last year, with more than a million of them going to children.
In Emergency food parcel distribution in the UK: April 2023 - March 2024, the Trust says that it distributed 3,121,404 food parcels, the most parcels that it has ever distributed in a financial year, representing a four per cent increase on last year's record-breaking numbers for 2022/2023 and a 94 per cent increase since 2018/2019.
The charity also highlights that the number of parcels provided to children has continued to rise, exceeding 1.1 million in 2023/2024, and that food bank support is provided disproportionately to children, compared to the proportion of children in the UK population. In addition, it notes that pension age households are increasingly likely to need to use a food bank, with food bank support for these households having more than quadrupled between 2018/2019 and 2023/2024 (an increase of 345 per cent), compared to an 81 per cent rise amongst households without someone of pension age.
Also sharing statistics on the reason for referral for an emergency food parcel - which include health, benefit issues, work hour changes, insecure housing, changes in personal circumstances, immigration status and domestic abuse, as well as income and debt levels - the Trussell Trust says -
'Across all households the most common reason for referral was due to issues with income and debt levels. The vital role of the social security system in driving these trends is clear from the fact that the majority (78 per cent) of people referred to food banks were reported to solely have income from the social security system, with a further 8 per cent having earned income as well as income from social security.'Trussell Trust Chief Executive Emma Revie said -
'It’s 2024 and we’re facing historically high levels of food bank need. As a society, we cannot allow this to continue. We must not let food banks become the new norm ... A supportive social security system is the bedrock on which we end hunger for good. Building on this, we need much more effective employment and financial support for parents, carers and disabled people, and action to ensure everyone can have the security we all need to access opportunities and have hope for the future, through more secure and flexible jobs and investment in social housing. Food banks are not the answer. They will be there to support people as long as they are needed, but our political leaders must take bold action to build a future where everyone has enough money to afford the life’s essentials. The time to act is now.'For more information, see End of Year Stats from trusselltrust.org
Employment Minister Jo Churchill has provided a House of Lords Select Committee with an undertaking that the administrative earnings threshold (AET) in universal credit will not be increased again without a 'sound evidence base'
However, Minister's evidence to Lords Committee fails to address its dissatisfaction with DWP's explanation for not publishing robust evidence to support previous increases in the threshold.
Further to the Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee's report on new regulations that implemented a further increase in the AET from 13 May 2024 - that criticised the ‘inexplicable’ lack of data evaluating previous increases in the threshold in September 2022 and January 2023 - the Committee held a one-off evidence session yesterday to question the Minister and DWP officials.
Introducing the session, Committee Chair Lord Hunt acknowledged that the DWP had agreed to share its informal findings supporting its AET policy. However Lord Hunt added that -
'... similar, no doubt to the material that the Social Security Advisory Committee saw but correctly declined, if information is not available to the House and the public, then we feel unable to consider it either.'The Committee then questioned the Minister about the Department's failure to publish evidence providing an assessment of the impact of increasing the AET either before or after implementing the change.
In response, Ms Churchill highlighted that the Department did publish a randomised controlled trial evaluation in 2018 providing the highest level of evidence on the impacts of increased in-work conditionality that Ministers have had sight of. When challenged that this evidence is somewhat outdated and 'a bit threadbare' - as it has been relied on for three increases in the AET - Ms Churchill indicated that Ministers also had early sight of unpublished research (a Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) study) that compares the experiences of claimants who are just below and just above the AET.
When pressed on the expected publication dates for this and further evidence, Mr Churchill said -
'I have asked for [the RDD study] to be available as soon as it can be, and the date I was given was spring 2024 ... I would like it out the door as soon as possible, so you have more data ... RDD is the next piece, the next building block and then, the longitudinal study will come through in 2025.'Concluding the session with a final question, Lord Hunt, speaking on behalf of the whole Committee, said -
'... we're looking for an undertaking from you, not to further expand the cohort until the Department can publish robust evidence of its effects. Are you able to give us that undertaking?Ms Churchill responded -
'So are you alluding to us holding 15 hours or with this latest laying at 18? Because I could certainly say to you, I think with all confidence that at 18, we want to understand the iterations and make sure that we've got a sound evidence base from there.'NB - the increase in the AET in January 2023 was based, for individuals, on the equivalent of them working 15 hours per week at the National Living Wage, and this week's increase to the equivalent of them working 18 hours per week.
Despite welcoming the Minister's reply, Lord Hunt went on to say -
'... we accept your undertaking, except we are still as dissatisfied as we were because you haven't provided, in the view of the Committee, sufficient explanation yet. We are awaiting this robust evidence, which I think that we now expect in June 2024.'The evidence session Regulations to increase the Administrative Earnings Threshold (Legislative scrutiny) is available from parliament.tv
Work and Pensions Select Committee has called on the government to bring forward proposals to compensate women born in the 1950s who suffered as a result of the DWP's communication failures when their pension age was increased, and asks that it does so in the current parliamentary session
Committee chair highlights lengthy delay and urgency for affected women and calls on government to act on Parliamentary Ombudsman recommendations before summer recess.
Writing to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride, Committee Chair Stephen Timms requests government support for 'urgent action' following the Parliamentary Ombudsman's final report in March 2024 which recommended a remedy based on level 4 of its severity of injustice scale, putting awards at between £1,000 and £2,950.
Mr Timms says that the Committee does not seek to question the Ombudsman's proposal for compensation at level 4, but instead has focused on what a remedy may look like -
'The evidence we received indicated support for a rules-based system. This would be a system where payments would be adjusted within a range (based on the PHSO’s severity of injustice scale) to reflect the extent of change in the individual’s State Pension age and the notice of the change which the individual received. This would mean that the less notice you had of the change and the bigger the change in your SPA, the higher the payment you would receive. While not perfect, the advantages of such a system are that it would be: quick to administer; applying known data to a formula to determine the amount due; and relatively inexpensive (compared to a more bespoke system).'The Committee's recommendation also includes some flexibility for individuals to make the case for further compensation in the event that they have experienced direct financial loss, for example where a woman whose divorce settlement was less than it would have been because it was based on the expectation that she would receive her state pension at 60.
Mr Timms also asks the government to consider -
'... the need for urgent action, given that the Ombudsman started to look at this issue in 2018 and that every 13 minutes a woman born in the 1950s dies ... Implementing a remedy will need parliamentary time, financial resources, and the data and technical systems only available to your department. It cannot happen without government support. We would ask you to bring forward proposals for a remedy by the summer recess.'Mr Timms' letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is available from parliament.uk
2024.05.19 08:56 Count-Daring243 Best Carbon Fiber Bipod
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/g9r5aix8zb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1065dc42814ba8aa4cac21f6ee10240c7518f2c4 Welcome to our roundup article on the Carbon Fiber Bipod! If you're in search of a reliable and sturdy accessory for your gun, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll be diving into the world of carbon fiber bipods and showcasing our top picks for the best bipods on the market. So, buckle up and get ready to find your perfect match! The Top 18 Best Carbon Fiber Bipod
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Its legs extend quickly and lock in place with an ease that's unmatched. Even better are the grip caps on the bottom - they hold steady, providing the perfect rest for a steady shot. And, when it's time to retract, the spring return release buttons make it a breeze. Now, you see why this Heavy Duty Bi-Pod has a 5-star rating. It's not just a tool, it's an essential part of your shooting experience. 🔗Swagger Hunter29 Bipod: Versatile AR 10 Bipod for Maximum Shooting Agilityhttps://preview.redd.it/q2y1iznazb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef3a829b48aa3f006d765b8240229b10ff31aa36 I recently had the chance to try out the Swagger Hunter29 bipod, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The moment I assembled it, I was struck by its lightweight design, which weighed in at just 23.6 ounces. One standout feature for me was the easy removal of the rubber foot to reveal the spiked foot, allowing me to dig into my terrain with ease. The leg design and internal updates from 2018 also impressed me, as they provided a much smoother shooting experience. The nitride finish on the springs and spring housing was a nice touch, adding an extra layer of durability. As someone who appreciates versatility in their gear, I was excited to see that this bipod came with a reinforced bungee and a standard rifle adapter. Its compatibility with a wide range of shooting positions, from prone to seated to kneeling, added to my confidence in its performance. Overall, the Swagger Hunter29 bipod proved to be a solid choice for hunters and shooters alike. Its ability to adapt to various terrains and obstacles helped me feel confident in my shots, and its lightweight design made it easy to carry along. While there may be some minor drawbacks to the setup process, the benefits of using this bipod far outweigh them. I wholeheartedly recommend the Swagger Hunter29 to anyone in search of a reliable and versatile shooting aid. 🔗Steady AR 10 Bipod with Traversing Technologyhttps://preview.redd.it/v0djlg2bzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d744ec54754101137e8f57f013b2984e459c976e As a fellow hunter, I recently had the chance to try out these Champion Bipods with cant & traverse, and I was quite impressed with the features they offered. The 9" to 13" horizontal rotation system proved to be a game-changer when it came to getting a steadfast hold on moving game. It's like having an extra set of eyes, as you can easily follow the game's movements without losing sight. Though the rapid-adjust lever lock offers quick and easy positioning, I did notice that it could use some fine-tuning. However, I find the telescoping legs with spring return to be a fantastic addition, as they make it easy to attach to the sling swivel stud on your firearm. The steadiness of this bipod shines through, and it's not just for prone shots - it's also perfect for those benchrest or sitting situations. For uneven terrain, the pivoting feature is a lifesaver. Though the product is made in China, its quality seems to mimic that of much higher-priced models. Overall, while there are some minor drawbacks, these bipods prove to be an excellent value for the price, and I'm sure they'll serve as an invaluable tool for hunters all around. 🔗Adjustable AR 10 Bipod with 60-degree Pan Movementhttps://preview.redd.it/jahx0cmbzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=677bb215af022ff763acab53e72c7c2b56b55c12 Recently, I tried out the FAB Defense Spike Tactical Bipod and let me tell you, it was a game-changer for my rifle setup. As someone who enjoys shooting at long distances, a bipod can make all the difference in keeping shots consistent and accurate. One of the first things that stood out to me was its smart hybrid construction. It strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and lightweight. This was amazing for me because I wanted a bipod that wouldn't slow me down while still offering stability. The four locking leg positions were another major highlight. The flexibility to adjust the legs at 0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees allowed me to use it in different shooting situations with ease. I appreciated that it could be quickly adjusted for different heights and angles without any hassle. The adjustable rotating head was another feature I loved. Its simple design ensured that my rifle remained steady, even when I needed to make quick changes on the fly. I also found the 60-degree pan movement and 20-degree tilt movement to be quite useful, providing me with a greater range of motion as I shot from various positions. Despite loving most aspects of this bipod, there were a couple of drawbacks to mention. The first was that the legs, while sturdy, could feel a bit narrow at times, particularly when using heavy optics. The second was that extending or retracting them required a bit more force than I'd have expected, but that's a small price to pay for the overall stability this bipod provides. Overall, the FAB Defense Spike Precision Bipod exceeded my expectations. It offers a sturdy build, is lightweight, and has features that make it a reliable and flexible addition to any rifle. Sure, there may be some minor drawbacks, but for the price range, it's a steal for shooters looking to improve their accuracy and make their shooting experience more enjoyable. 🔗Swagger Extreme Angle AR Bipod for Hunting Performancehttps://preview.redd.it/jabddjzbzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=06a18e5153b76e237c79b35d7b68e47ceb189488 This Swagger SEA12 Shooter Extreme Angle Bipod is a piece of equipment I've grown quite fond of lately. Picture this - I'm out in the wild, hunting for big game. With its 9-12 inch height adjustability, it provides a stable shooting platform for those critical moments, especially when dealing with those pesky angles. What I particularly appreciate about this bipod is its overmolded flex-ready joint. It's like having an extra grip of confidence, knowing that my shot won't be compromised by the slightest wobble. And it's designed to be adaptable, so no matter the angle, you'll always have a steady hand. It's not all smooth sailing though. As with any gadget, there's always a learning curve, and it took me a bit of time to get the hang of mounting it onto my Picatinny rail. But once I figured it out, it was game on. All in all, if you're hunting or shooting in situations where angles play a significant role, this Swagger SEA12 Shooter Extreme Angle Bipod is a worthy investment. It's robust, reliable, and can be your companion through those thrilling moments in the wild. 🔗TraverseTrack Bipod for Sling Swivel Connectionhttps://preview.redd.it/q6bftvjczb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b490720b46989f9b3e30473d2fc0d383bf50436 Lately, I've been using the Blackhawk Sportster TraverseTrack Bipod, and I must say, it's been quite a game changer for me. The bipod has been incredibly helpful during my practice sessions and even made life simpler while tracking my targets. First and foremost, the sturdy all-metal construction of the bipod has been quite impressive. It carries a robust and durable vibe that makes me feel safe and confident while holding it. The tubular legs have always been steady, even when the targets started to move. Its horizontal traverse allows me to make smooth, steady movements with minimal effort. What I've found particularly useful is the pivot action feature. It makes it seamless to level my gun when I'm shooting on uneven terrains, thus providing a dependable and consistent shooting experience without any hassle. The leg adjustment is just a breeze with the help of the rapid-adjust lever lock. The legs automatically return to their upright position whenever I need them to be, which has been a genuine relief. The ability to attach this bipod to my sling swivel stud has also been a significant win. It's straightforward, and the convenience and maneuverability it brings into play are noteworthy. However, despite these upsides, I've also had a few gripes. For one, I found the legs to be just a little too fragile at the locking tabs. I don't know if it's a manufacturing issue or if I just had bad luck, but both tabs broke within a week. I had to resort to using some blue loc tite to fix the issue, which was an inconvenience. Secondly, I do wish the legs were a bit longer, to make it more suitable for my needs in certain shooting positions. The existing one sometimes feels a bit too short for what I had in mind. Lastly, this one might just be a me thing, but I felt it could be a bit lighter, especially when carrying it around for long. It's not a major issue, but it would have been a pleasant addition for sure. Overall, the Blackhawk Sportster TraverseTrack Bipod has been a valuable addition to my arsenal. It boasts of a number of convenient features that have significantly enhanced my shooting experience, but like any other mechanical contraption, not every aspect has been perfect. 🔗Accu-Tac FC-5 G2 F-Class Bipod for Long-Range Shootinghttps://preview.redd.it/08a3fnyczb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5e1ce5ad871e57151e19300e0f994f8e3b39a92 I've been using the Accu-Tac FC-5 G2 Arca Spec Bipod for a few weeks now, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. This F-Class bipod is incredibly versatile, perfect for long-range target shooting, competitions, and even airgun use. It's a bit more expensive than your usual bipods, but trust me, it's worth every penny. The one feature that stood out to me the most is how stable this bipod is. It allows the rifle to sit between your legs, which ensures accuracy and reduces movement from recoil. It's even suitable for AR 10 Bipod applications, but you don't have to limit yourself to those. One thing I noticed was that the cant adjustment lever can be repositioned, but don't use a tool to tighten the tension. Other than that, I've been really impressed with how easy it is to deploy the leg positions and how secure it is when locked in place. I'll definitely consider this option next time I'm looking for a bipod. 🔗UTG Pro Recon 360 TL 7-9" MLOK Bipod: 360-Degree Swivel, Adjustable Height, and Nonslip Rubberized Foot Padshttps://preview.redd.it/u0nzb5fdzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=039234688867cbdc6dc145c1c33bf41a18cf4ecd As a reviewer, I've been using the UTG Pro Recon bipod for a while now, and it has been quite an experience. I particularly enjoy the fact that it's adjustable both in height and swivel, allowing me to set up the most stable platform for my rifle. The 3-position folding legs come in handy when I need to pack up quickly, and the lockable leg extensions ensure security. However, the rubber feet at the end of the legs do slip a bit on some surfaces, which can be quite annoying. Despite the minor inconvenience, the bipod has proven to be a reliable piece of gear, providing the stability and versatility I need for my shooting adventures. 🔗Heavy Duty AR-10 Adjustable Swivel Bipodhttps://preview.redd.it/p4hqzntdzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5deb7796b5a51f5ff8799503de8f3ee056d545db I recently tried out the Tac Shield Heavy Duty Pivoting Bi-Pod, and honestly, it's been a game-changer in my shooting setup. The adjustable shooting heights make it perfect for uneven terrain, thanks to the pivoting design and quick adjustment pivot lever. The precision tension leg locks are a nice touch, ensuring a secure fit no matter what surface I'm on. What really stood out to me, though, were the reinforced tension springs. These bad boys have made a significant difference when it comes to durability. I love how sturdy and reliable they feel, and I can tell that they're built to last. The ribbed grip caps on the bottom legs also add a touch of convenience, providing a steady and secure rest whenever I need it. The spring assist leg retraction feature is fantastic too - it makes it incredibly easy to retract the legs, and the spring return release buttons ensure a quick and positive retraction every time. All in all, this Tac Shield Heavy Duty Pivoting Bi-Pod has definitely become a staple in my shooting gear. Highly recommended! 🔗Advanced Portable Sling Stud Bipod with Switcheroo Systemhttps://preview.redd.it/0w0pgo5ezb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fccd0c7f92b608186859c8a7ea861e83bca4977d This BOG Adrenaline Switcheroo Bipod has been the perfect addition to my arsenal lately, providing that extra support for my gun when needed. One thing I particularly love is the high-density foam grips, which not only make it comfortable to hold but also ensure a firm and secure grip even in unexpected situations. However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. Although the rotating head lets me shoot from various angles, it can sometimes be a bit slow when deploying the bipod in a hurry. Additionally, the product description mentioned a Switcheroo system, but I wasn't quite sure what that was about, as I haven't had much occasion to change my optics while using this bipod. Overall, I'm quite happy with this bipod and how it's performed for me in my hunting endeavors so far. It's lightweight, incredibly stable, and the high-density foam grips ensure a comfortable yet firm grip. This bipod has definitely made my hunting experiences more enjoyable and successful. Buyer's GuideWelcome to the buyer's guide for carbon fiber bipods! If you're a hunter, shooter, or outdoor enthusiast in search of a sturdy yet lightweight bipod, you've landed in the right place. In this guide, we will go over essential features to consider and provide advice to help you make the best purchase for your needs.Key Features to Consider
https://preview.redd.it/j9bbkeohzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e430e63a31398f595bf4a7cd4b4b9d35f0d931ef 1. Durability and Build QualityCarbon fiber is a high-strength, lightweight material that is ideal for outdoor gear. In bipods, carbon fiber construction can withstand wear and tear from rough terrain and harsh weather conditions. Investing in a bipod made from quality carbon fiber will ensure long-lasting performance.2. Weight and PortabilityLightweight design is a key advantage of carbon fiber bipods. A portable and lightweight bipod not only makes your hunting or shooting experience more enjoyable, but it also reduces fatigue over long days in the field. Many carbon fiber bipods also offer easy-to-use quick-detach options, simplifying transitions between shooting positions.3. Height AdjustabilityBeing able to adjust the bipod's height to suit your needs is crucial. Look for a bipod with a solid locking mechanism that allows for smooth and precise height adjustments. A good range of adjustability will help you achieve optimal stability and comfort with your shooting stance. https://preview.redd.it/a38sgp8izb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6185e139fe6a1faeb6dc0e0e7cdca6a3407748b 4. Stability and Quick-Detach OptionsA reliable and stable bipod is essential for accurate shots. Some features that contribute to stability include a heavy-duty mount, wide legs, and locking mechanisms that secure the legs in place. Quick-detach options, such as a twist-lock system or spring-loaded hinges, make it easy to mount and dismount your bipod without sacrificing stability.5. Leg Angle and Pan FunctionTwo critical features for a carbon fiber bipod are the leg angle and pan function. Leg angle adjustments allow you to fine-tune the bipod's position relative to your shooting angle, ensuring maximum stability and accuracy. A pan function allows you to lock the bipod's legs in a fixed position, which is perfect for stable shooting scenarios or when transitioning between stations.General Advice and Considerations
https://preview.redd.it/hbc3e0rizb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=840fee991391fc20a4adfc2e5029f61ebb3d4d0d FAQWhat is a Carbon Fiber Bipod?A Carbon Fiber Bipod is a shooting accessory designed to provide stability and support for rifles during long-range shooting. Made from carbon fiber, it is lightweight, durable, and strong.What are the benefits of using a Carbon Fiber Bipod?The benefits of using a Carbon Fiber Bipod include increased stability and accuracy, reduced fatigue during long shooting sessions, and quick deployment and adjustment. https://preview.redd.it/skrrx5bjzb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8746ac37acbbf3f800c8b7e422f089c6eb258e02 How much do Carbon Fiber Bipods typically cost?The cost of Carbon Fiber Bipods varies depending on the brand, features, and length. Generally, they can range from around $150 to $500 or higher.What are the different types of Carbon Fiber Bipods?There are several types of Carbon Fiber Bipods, including fixed-height bipods, adjustable-height bipods, and tactical bipods. Each type offers different features and benefits to suit the needs of different shooters.What are the key features to look for when choosing a Carbon Fiber Bipod?
Are Carbon Fiber Bipods easy to set up and adjust?Yes, most Carbon Fiber Bipods are designed to be easy to set up and adjust, with quick-release mechanisms and easy-to-use leg angle adjustments.How do I choose the right height for my Carbon Fiber Bipod?To choose the right height for your Carbon Fiber Bipod, consider your shooting style and the terrain you will be shooting on. Generally, a higher bipod height is better for longer shots, while a lower height is better for close-range shooting.Can I use a Carbon Fiber Bipod with any rifle?While most Carbon Fiber Bipods are compatible with a wide range of rifles, it is always best to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility with your particular rifle.What is the warranty for Carbon Fiber Bipods?The warranty for Carbon Fiber Bipods varies depending on the brand and model. Generally, they offer a limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship, and may also cover damage during normal use.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 08:45 GhoulGriin Best Car Wash Cannons
 | submitted by GhoulGriin to u/GhoulGriin [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/ujf931rfxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=861903c2527ffc86dae7c3ee4d70e9d9cb7971c3 Get ready to impress with the ultimate car washing companion - the Car Wash Cannons! In this roundup, we'll explore the best gear on the market that'll make your car shine like new. Say goodbye to dirty windows and spots on your vehicle with these top-rated products. So buckle up your car detailing apron, and let's dive in! The Top 19 Best Car Wash Cannons
Reviews🔗Heavy Duty Foam Cannon for Motorcycle & Car Washinghttps://preview.redd.it/qe9gzk7gxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3de9f922dfbb141bcd1e7f303765c4608a5b6e2b Last year, I got myself the FGDCHNJ Pressure Washer Foam Cannon for my daily car washing routine. I have the foam wash gun mounted on my pressure washer, and it has been a game changer for my cleaning game. The heavy-duty brass material of the foam cannon makes it sturdy and long-lasting, perfect for both residential and commercial usage. It's been months since I got it, and it still works like brand new! I'm surprised how versatile this foam cannon is. One thing I love about this foam cannon is the adjustable foam thickness level and spray angles. It's super easy to use, and I can switch it up to match my washing needs effortlessly. The wide-mouth bottle design also ensures that I'm using the foam efficiently without causing any cracks, which is fantastic. I have the foam cannon on a 2-5.3 GPM pressure washer that works with a 1/4 inch connector, and it's compatible with pressure washer connectors ranging from 725-4,000 PSI operating pressure. It can handle up to 60°C/140°F max temp. While I've had a great experience with it, there's one small con. The foam cannon is made in China, so some users experienced issues with receiving counterfeit products. But, the good news is that it has a free replacement policy if you face any defects. Overall, I'm satisfied with my purchase and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a durable and efficient car wash foam cannon. 🔗Maximum Foam Output 3D Ultra Blast Foam Car Wash Cannonhttps://preview.redd.it/n0qeiqlgxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f76cc48491a9c068ae4a6af8a50411bdfdb45c34 Have you ever wished there was a better way to clean your car? 3D's Ultra Blast Foamer Car Wash Foam Cannon does just that with its shaving cream-like foam coverage and adjustable spray nozzle. This foam cannon is a game changer, turning car washing into a fun and efficient experience. The 1 liter soap reservoir holds plenty of solution to cover even the largest vehicles with a luxurious, creamy foam. Using this foam cannon has been a game-changer for my detailing business. With just one fill-up, I can complete 6 or more vehicles, including cars and SUVs. The thick plastic bottle and robust foam blaster nozzle, made of sturdy plastic and metal, add great longevity to this little piece of equipment. The foam cannon not only makes washing a breeze, but it also lubricates the finish better, making washing safer. Using the Ultra Blast Foamer Car Wash Foam Cannon will leave you with flawless car images to share on your social media platforms – a true testament to its effectiveness. Give this amazing foam cannon a try and revolutionize the way you clean your car! 🔗Premium Foam Cannon for Detailing Truckshttps://preview.redd.it/pnwda4vgxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=548636012b9cc8511f0c3d5ca873751b8bcbedc5 I've had the chance to use TriNova's Foam Cannon and Gallon Car Wash Soap Kit, and I must say, it's been quite the experience. Whenever my car is in desperate need of a deep cleaning, I rely on this set to help me out. The foam cannon is a game-changer, and its compatibility with standard pressure washer quick connect attachments makes it easily accessible to anyone. Adjusting the nozzle for narrow or wide steam and using the air intake knob to create more or less foam ensures that my ride gets the attention it deserves. One of the features that stood out to me was the option to use a narrow or wide steam. This allowed me to target specific areas of my car that needed extra attention, like under the wheel wells and engine bay. I also appreciated the ease of use with its attachments being easy to connect to my pressure washer wand. However, the price tag can be a bit steep for some users. I've noticed that the plastic bottle isn't the most durable, so I would proceed with caution while handling it to prevent any damages. All in all, TriNova's Foam Cannon and Gallon Car Wash Soap Kit have proved to be a valuable addition to my car care routine. Its performance and convenience have made washing my car a breeze, and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a top-notch car wash set. 🔗Total Wash Street Foam Cannon Bundlehttps://preview.redd.it/wa36vyahxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e81d74a58e38de0d504e7ccb8eca5d7549be39a9 I recently tried the First Purchase Total Wash Street Foam Cannon Kit, and I must say, it's been quite the game-changer for my car washing routine. This kit offers not just a single cannon but also an additional cartridge, a HydraCoat Quick Detailer, and a Total Wash Heavy Duty ($65 value) for free. One of the standout features I noticed is how fast and convenient this kit is, especially when it comes to covering large surface areas in a short amount of time. It's perfect for those of us who are constantly on the go and don't have the luxury to spend hours washing our cars. The Total Wash Street offers an impressive thick lather that is safe on all surfaces and finishes. With just one cartridge, it makes over 5 gallons of highly effective wash, which is incredibly cost-effective in the long run. While I appreciated the added value of the free products and the convenience of the Total Wash Street Foam Cannon Kit, there were some minor drawbacks. For one, I found that the spray pattern wasn't as even as I'd hoped, requiring a bit more effort to ensure the car was completely covered. Overall, however, I'm quite satisfied with my experience using the First Purchase Total Wash Street Foam Cannon Kit, and I look forward to continuing to use it for my car washing needs. Despite the minor drawbacks, the kit's versatility, cost-effectiveness, and time-saving capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for any busy car owner. 🔗Ultimate Touchless Wash Bundle for Effortless Vehicle Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/06tb62mhxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b6db58872d35283e33663612ab43c6ebc2223d5 I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Touchless Foam Cannon Kit, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for car enthusiasts. The kit includes everything you need to make your car washing experience a breeze. The first thing that really impressed me was the quality of the foam. It's so rich and thick, it practically clings to the car, ensuring every inch is covered. The concentrated foam soap not only removes stubborn stains but also leaves my car with a stunning shine. Now, let's talk about the pressure washer foam cannons. They're a real treat! With the option of choosing between a max PSI of 3,000 and 5,000, you can tailor your wash to your vehicle's needs. The cannons make the washing process effortless and mess-free. However, as with any product, there were a couple of minor drawbacks. I found the instructions a bit vague, which made getting the hang of it a bit tricky at first. But once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing. All in all, I'm incredibly satisfied with this Touchless Foam Cannon Kit. It's easy to use, highly effective, and a must-have for anyone who values their car's appearance. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to make their car washing routine stress-free and efficient. 🔗High-Pressure Car Wash Cannons for Effortless Foam Applicationhttps://preview.redd.it/dfpa1u3ixb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0585b3e0826e674aa5e106c4f5a8391ca10d0289 As someone who enjoys keeping my car clean and shiny, I recently gave the GDHXW X-887 High Pressure Washer Gun a try. This little gadget packs a punch, with a 3000 PSI rating that left my car looking brand new. The foam lance, with a 1/4" quick connector fitting, made the washing process a breeze, as I simply had to fill it with warm water and a bit of soap. One nifty feature of this pressure washer gun is the adjustable spray nozzle, which allowed me to find the perfect stream of water for my needs. With 7 different spray angles, I could easily switch between watering my plants, washing my car, and even cleaning my driveway with ease. The core, made of quality brass, added a layer of durability to the device, and its solid brass body made it quite heavy. Now, there were a couple of things that could have been better. First, connecting it to my garden water pipe turned out to be quite a challenge, as the product's instructions didn't quite line up with the hardware I had. Secondly, it wasn't as ideal for professional use as I had hoped - the spray nozzle seemed to need a bit more tweaking to get it to work just right. Despite these minor drawbacks, the GDHXW X-887 High Pressure Washer Gun has proven to be a reliable tool for car cleaning enthusiasts like myself. With its adjustable spray nozzle, sturdy build, and surprisingly powerful pressure, this device has become an invaluable companion on my car cleaning journey. 🔗Car Wash Cannon: Easy, Foam Soap Blasting Systemhttps://preview.redd.it/3gxs1ibixb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d97abe8edc40d994b37ebefa4cc69113127c586 I recently tried this Carwash Cannon Foam Soap Blaster, and it turned out to be quite the experience. I have to say, the ease of use and convenience of this product impressed me right away. It was simple to attach to my garden hose and start blasting foam all over my car. One of the standout features for me was the 5 different spray settings. I found that the foam setting between 3-5 (high) worked particularly well in covering my car in thick, cleansing foam. After letting it soak for a while, I used a wash mitt to scrub each section of the car and then rinsed it off, revealing a clean and shiny finish. However, I did find that it didn't completely eliminate the need for manual scrubbing. Some stubborn spots still required a bit of elbow grease to remove, but overall, the carwash cannon made the process much more enjoyable and efficient. In terms of cons, one thing I noticed was that the foam gun's performance seemed to vary slightly between uses. Sometimes it would produce a thick, generous foam, while other times it seemed to produce less foam with less force. Although this didn't significantly impact the overall cleaning experience, it did require some adjustment in technique when washing different areas of the car. Overall, I'm quite pleased with this Carwash Cannon Foam Soap Blaster. It has definitely made my car washing experience easier and more enjoyable. By using the right soap and paying attention to the foam settings, it delivers impressive results, and I'd recommend it for anyone looking to make their car washing routine more efficient and less of a hassle. 🔗Car Wash Foam Cannon with Adjustable Thicknesshttps://preview.redd.it/y1pkxkrixb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ee8a52edbe0923dee9ca7285078d126886e22cb I recently tried the Foam Cannon from Proper Detailing Co. to make washing my car safer and quicker. One of the standout features is the wide mouth design that makes filling the cannon a breeze - just add water and foam shampoo. This cannon can be used with both electric and gas pressure washers, making it versatile and easy to use. I also love the stainless pickup tube filter, which ensures consistent foaming action even when I'm spraying at an angle. Another great advantage is the simplicity of the thickness knob, which makes it easy to control the ratio of foam to water. By turning the knob, I can achieve the perfect snowfoam for a sparkling clean car. The Foam Cannon from Proper Detailing Co. not only saves time but also keeps my car safe by creating a safe lubricant for washing without scratching or marring the paint. This quality product made by an Atlanta-based brand has made my car washing experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. 🔗Effortless Car Wash Foam Cannon: Powerful Cleaning with Non-Tip Designhttps://preview.redd.it/08v2dj2jxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a47eff1d3a8519789784fb5a39e00770cab8349 I've been using the Armor All Foam Cannon in my daily life, and I must say it made my car washing routine a lot more enjoyable and efficient. The foam cannon not only saves me time but also provides better results as it evenly coats my vehicle with less effort, making it easier to clean and removing dirt and grime more effectively. One of the key aspects I appreciated about this foam cannon was its ease of use. The non-slip grip, along with the wide, non-tip bottle, ensures that I can control the foam cannon with ease while it effectively covers my car. Moreover, being compatible with a 1/4 inch Quick-Connect tip makes it more versatile and convenient to use, even with my existing pressure washer. While I've had a positive experience with the Armor All Foam Cannon, there was one thing that I found slightly frustrating. The 1/4 inch Quick-Connect tip that came with it didn't match my power washer perfectly, which led to an occasional overflow of foam and a messier experience. However, once I figured out the right Quick-Connect tip for my pressure washer, it made the foam cannon even more practical and efficient. In conclusion, the Armor All Foam Cannon has made my car washing experience a lot better, and I'm happy to see improvements in both the appearance of my car and my overall satisfaction. Despite the initial hiccup with the Quick-Connect tip, the foam cannon remains a practical and smart solution for anyone looking to simplify their car washing routine. 🔗Powerful Car Wash Foam Cannon Kit for Pressure Washershttps://preview.redd.it/ozwy6djjxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e95b77d8e14ccb064c38c7d3b9e859fd332a23b Recently, I had a chance to use the MTM Hydro 28 Special PF22.2 Foam Cannon Kit as a car wash solution for my weekend projects. The kit includes everything you need for a pressure washer attachment, from plug adapters to fittings. The swivel function on the SG28 Spray Gun is a game-changer, as it prevents tangles while changing directions. The PF22.2 Foam Cannon itself is impressive, creating a consistent foam that helps deep clean the surface while saving time. However, one drawback I experienced is that it might not be the most efficient for larger surfaces like houses or fences. When I tested the product on my car, it delivered a thorough and even clean. The adjustable fan blades and 2-stage nozzle are great additions, allowing me to control the flow and coverage of the foam. The car wash gun's flexibility made it perfect for cleaning nooks and crannies around my car. Overall, the MTM Hydro 28 Special PF22.2 Foam Cannon Kit is a powerful and versatile tool for anyone looking to make their car washing routine more efficient and eco-friendly. 🔗MTM Hydro Ultimate Car Wash Cannon Kit with Spray Gun and Stainless Steel Fittingshttps://preview.redd.it/ce11z92kxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=403b81a15e21b5a879503797e494d71ff8b4fb83 When I first tried the MTM Hydro Ultimate Foam Cannon Kit and Spray Gun, I was impressed by how quickly and efficiently it cleaned my car. The integrated swivel gun and stainless steel fittings made maneuvering it a breeze, even in tight spaces. One of my favorite features is the adjustable nozzle, which allowed me to control the amount of foam I needed to get rid of stubborn dirt and grime. However, I did notice that the maximum pressure it could handle was only 5,000 PSI and 12 GPM. Despite this, the car wash foam cannon still produced a thick and effective cleaner for my vehicle. With its compatibility with various pressure washers and its ability to eliminate the need for reaching, the MTM Hydro Ultimate Foam Cannon Kit and Spray Gun is definitely a must-have for both home and professional cleaning needs. 🔗Professional Car Wash Foam Cannon for Touchless Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/p9e1zvckxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7fe0cc26f0649a50d06504a6b3a2f9d6adef7144 The Suds Lab F1 Professional Foam Cannon has been a game-changer in my car washing routine. Its ability to transform liquid soap into a luxurious foam that easily covers my car in a matter of minutes is truly remarkable. The installation process is a breeze, requiring no additional tools and simply needing to be attached to my pressure washer. One of the standout features for me is the adjustable foam control, which allows me to fully control the level of foam dispensed. This has been incredibly useful in saving my soap, and I no longer have to rely on the traditional sponge and bucket method. The 32-ounce canister size adds to its convenience, ensuring a sufficient amount of soap for multiple washes. However, there is a downside to this foam cannon. It can be quite bulky, as it measures approximately 6.89 inches in length and 9.84 inches in height. This makes it a bit challenging to store when not in use. Also, the pressure wash can be quite powerful, which means it may not be suitable for delicate surfaces or those who prefer a gentler wash. Overall, the Suds Lab F1 Professional Foam Cannon is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to streamline their car washing process, but its size and power level should be considered before making a purchase. 🔗Ultimate Car Wash Foam Gun for Pressure Washer Accessories Kithttps://preview.redd.it/ps2d0upkxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cd31410aa949e25072fa60beff226b38cb31355 I remember the first time I tested this foam cannon for my pressure washer. It was a game-changer! The powerful 1.1mm valve created the most impressive foam I'd ever seen. It made washing my car so much more effective and enjoyable. I was impressed by how easy it was to use - simply add soap, fill with water, and shake to create the perfect car wash foam. The adjustable nozzle allowed me to control the spray pattern, making the experience even better. One of the things I loved about this foam cannon is its durability. The wide neck design ensures it won't crack, even under heavy use. I've used it multiple times now, and it still performs excellently. Plus, the fact that it comes with Snow Foam Car Wash Soap makes it a perfect car wash kit. However, there was one aspect I found a bit annoying - the foam cannon can be quite heavy when filled with water. But overall, I'd highly recommend this foam cannon to anyone looking for an efficient and effective way to wash their car. Buyer's GuideCar Wash Cannons are powerful, versatile tools designed to tackle various car cleaning tasks with ease. They provide an efficient and convenient way to clean cars, whether it's for personal use or a professional car wash service. In this guide, we will discuss various important factors to consider when purchasing a Car Wash Cannon to ensure you make the right choice.Water Pressurehttps://preview.redd.it/u0pzthlnxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16311f8d593b007051bb97240927596b97d3c640 Water pressure is a critical factor when choosing a Car Wash Cannon. Ensure that the device you select can handle the required pressure for your specific application. Water pressure requirements may vary depending on the type of cleaning task, such as washing vehicle interiors, exteriors, or removing stubborn dirt and stains. VersatilityConsider the versatility of the Car Wash Cannon. Look for devices that come with multiple attachments, such as different nozzles, extensions, and brushes. This will allow you to tackle various cleaning tasks with ease without needing separate tools for each job. Versatile Car Wash Cannons can save you time and money in the long run.Durability and Build QualityCar Wash Cannons should be built to withstand regular use and harsh cleaning conditions. Look for devices made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or industrial-grade plastics. Inspect the build quality and construction of the Cannon to ensure that it can handle the wear and tear that comes with consistent use. https://preview.redd.it/sgwlqvxnxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b722717ee61e8360766a1251bf56d17117ca61fa Power SourceCar Wash Cannons can be powered by electricity, compressed air, or a combination of both. Each power source has its advantages and disadvantages. Electric car wash cannons are generally more powerful and easier to use, while compressed air cannons are more suited for specific applications. Consider the type of car washing tasks you need to perform and choose a power source that best fits your requirements.Noise LevelsNoise levels are an essential consideration when selecting a Car Wash Cannon, especially if you plan to use it in a residential area or close to living spaces. Look for devices with lower noise levels to minimize disruption to your surroundings.Maintenance and Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/xxrkq7goxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f80a7218db35f5099ba7cd8fa6fe8cf690171692 Proper maintenance and cleaning of your Car Wash Cannon are crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Choose devices with replaceable or repairable parts to make it easier to maintain and clean. Additionally, follow the manufacturer's advice on maintenance and cleaning procedures to keep your Car Wash Cannon in top condition. Price and ValueFinally, consider the price and value of the Car Wash Cannon you are interested in purchasing. Higher-priced models may offer advanced features and better performance, but this doesn't always mean they are the best choice for your needs. Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of the device and choose one that offers the best value for your money.By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision when selecting a Car Wash Cannon that suits your car cleaning needs and expectations. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/dztawiroxb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2074a0dd1318abbe5b290aeadd191e0fa0bef4a2 What are Car Wash Cannons?Car Wash Cannons are high-powered, industrial-strength car wash systems designed for use at commercial car washes. These machines are capable of washing an entire vehicle at once and are perfect for high-volume car wash operations.How do Car Wash Cannons work?Car Wash Cannons use a combination of hot water, high-pressure cleaning jets, and specialized cleaning solutions to wash a vehicle. The process typically involves a pre-soak, foaming, and rinsing stage, followed by a high-pressure wash to remove dirt and grime. Finally, the vehicle is polished and waxed to give it a shiny finish.Are Car Wash Cannons easy to operate?While Car Wash Cannons are designed to be user-friendly, it is essential to receive proper training from the manufacturer or a certified technician. This will ensure that you are aware of all safety procedures and maintenance requirements to operate the machine efficiently.What are the benefits of using a Car Wash Cannon?
How much do Car Wash Cannons cost?The cost of a Car Wash Cannon can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the machine, the features it includes, and the manufacturer. It is best to contact the manufacturer directly or consult a reputable dealer for an accurate price quote.What maintenance is required for a Car Wash Cannon?Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your Car Wash Cannon operates efficiently and safely. This may include cleaning filters, replacing worn parts, and inspecting the entire system for any potential issues. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and consult a certified technician for any necessary repairs.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 08:42 GuiltlessMaple Best Car Wash Brushes
 | submitted by GuiltlessMaple to u/GuiltlessMaple [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/6gr88fgxwb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0bbadf42b26242381d553b2bd2e8ec7c49577f8 Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Car Wash Brushes! If you're looking to keep your vehicle sparkling clean, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss various types of car wash brushes, provide insights into which brushes are best suited for different surfaces, and offer tips on how to choose the perfect brush for your needs. So, dive in and discover the world of car washing accessories! The Top 12 Best Car Wash Brushes
Reviews🔗Car Wash Mop with Extendable Long Handle and Microfiber Headhttps://preview.redd.it/gabjhg6ywb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e77cd1411daa53baadc6695d02fefeedd40f81d0 I recently came across the Oyajia Car Cleaning Washing Mop Brush, and I must say, it's been a game-changer when it comes to keeping my car spotless. The adjustable handle allows me to reach all those tricky spots without having to twist and bend over, saving my back from any unnecessary strain. The chenille microfiber brush is not only soft but also extremely absorbent, making quick work of even the toughest stains. Plus, the fact that it can be easily disassembled into a mitt for interior cleaning is a definite bonus. However, one minor drawback is that the handle might be a tad too long for some users, making it a bit unwieldy to maneuver. Overall, this mop brush has made my car washing sessions faster, easier, and more enjoyable. 🔗Professionally Detailed Auto Wash Brush Sethttps://preview.redd.it/3atlofpywb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a63a71eea9772517ab7f273c2f09aaa2c76adcf I recently got my hands on the OUTIMI 27pcs Car Detailing Brush Set, and it's been a game-changer for my weekly car cleaning routine. The kit comes with an incredible variety of brushes, from detailed bristles for intricate corners to heavy-duty scrubbers for stubborn grime. I also found the drill brush set to be particularly effective in tackling tough stains and reaching those hard-to-reach areas. The car air conditioner brush has been an unexpected hero in this set. It's made such a difference in cleaning out the vents and improving airflow. Plus, the car foam drill polishing pads have made my car look so shiny and new. The woolen polishing pad has been perfect for getting a smooth finish on my paintwork. However, there have been a few cons. Some of the smaller bristles tend to shed, which can be a bit annoying. Additionally, the storage bag could use some improvement - it's a bit flimsy and doesn't keep the brushes well-organized. Overall, I'm thrilled with the OUTIMI 27pcs Car Detailing Brush Set. It's made a noticeable difference in the appearance of my car, and I couldn't be happier. 🔗Ultra-Soft Ergonomic Detailing Brush Sethttps://preview.redd.it/b9zk6fzywb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd3c56560da3a63fb635b48bb480aa173cf072b7 I recently stumbled upon the Detail Factory Ultra-Soft Detailing Brush Set Gray while searching for a solution to clean my car's intricate details without causing scratches. As a first-time user, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was to hold and use these brushes. The ergonomic design and balanced handle made it easy to clean for extended periods without experiencing any fatigue. The Ultra-Soft Detailing Brush Set truly lived up to its name, featuring ultra-soft synthetic bristles that gently cleaned my car's interior panels without causing any damage. Its metal-free construction gave me peace of mind knowing that the bristles wouldn't inadvertently scratch my vehicle's delicate surfaces. However, the only drawback I encountered was that the brush set comes with only one brush size, which might not be ideal for those who require more variety in their detailing tools. Despite this minor inconvenience, I wholeheartedly recommend the Detail Factory Ultra-Soft Detailing Brush Set Gray for anyone seeking a high-quality, gentle solution for maintaining their car's appearance. 🔗Car Wash Brush with Spray Foam and Rotating Designhttps://preview.redd.it/quprbgazwb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2be18a575f020a9af953d330ad21239c48f1adfc I recently got my hands on the versatile Atmomo Car Pressure Washer Rotating Wash Brush. This amazing tool made my car washing experience a breeze, saving me time and energy. What impressed me most was its automatic rotation feature that doesn’t require electricity. The water flowing into the pipe creates a high-pressure driving force to power the gears and make the brush work automatically. The Atmomo Car Pressure Washer isn't just your regular car wash brush. It also comes with a detergent box that sprays foam when you need it, making cleaning even easier. You can easily adjust the hydraulic pressure too, choosing from three levels according to your cleaning needs. Its rotating design with a soft and plump brush head ensures thorough cleaning while its excellent water-absorbing capacity protects the paint. This multi-functional tool isn't just limited to car washing. It can be used to clean floors, windows, blankets, and even serve as a garden water sprinkler. Its innovative technology has made car washing hassle-free and more enjoyable. However, one downside I noticed was the brush material. It tends to shed a bit during use, which might require some extra cleanup after washing your car. Despite this minor inconvenience, I consider the Atmomo Car Pressure Washer a valuable addition to my car care routine. 🔗Car Wheel Cleaning Brush Set with Tire Brushhttps://preview.redd.it/qke0xlszwb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59a60240bece2a23f67028e7d2376d96a4cc6160 As a car enthusiast, I'm always in search of the best tools to keep my ride in pristine condition. That's why I recently came across the NIKCOSMK Wheel Brush Kit, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This versatile kit has become an essential part of my weekly car wash routine. The Professional Wheel & Rim Clean Brush Set includes a variety of brushes perfect for tackling even the toughest grime on my wheels, tires, and rims. The soft microfiber wheel brushes are gentle on my painted, chrome, powder coated, and polished wheels, ensuring no scratches are left behind. One feature that stands out is the flexible design of the rim brush. Its ability to bend up to 360 degrees allows me to reach deep into tight spaces and thoroughly clean my wheels' faces and lips. Plus, the comfortable silicone hand grip ensures the brush never slips, even during a vigorous scrubbing session. The high-quality materials used in this kit are a testament to its durability and performance. The thick fibers of the synthetic woolie brushes hold tons of cleaning liquid and quickly remove grime from my wheels, while the metal-free construction keeps my car's paint safe from potential damage. Another aspect I appreciate about this kit is its wide range of applications. Whether I'm cleaning my car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or even my RV, boat, or lawn mowers, the NIKCOSMK Wheel Brush Kit has been an indispensable tool. Overall, the NIKCOSMK Wheel Brush Kit has made maintaining my car's spotless appearance effortless. Its unique combination of softness, flexibility, and performance makes it a reliable choice for car wash enthusiasts like me. 🔗Fitosy Complete Car Wash Brush Set for Detailinghttps://preview.redd.it/e0hdw330xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=705d54f6ae7f17c5eb719e4b798e13c9b027c8fb I recently decided to give my car a thorough cleaning and discovered the Fitosy Car Wheel Rim Tire Brush Set. I was pleasantly surprised by how well-made and versatile this kit was. The 15-inch flexible wool bristle brush stood out for me - it can bend in any direction and reach those hard-to-clean areas on the wheels. Plus, it's made of 100% metal-free materials, ensuring no scratches on my rims. Another feature I appreciated was the sturdy and ergonomic design of the handle. It's comfortable to grip and made of durable material, making it a reliable tool for long-term use. The three different sized detailing brushes also made light work of cleaning my car's interior, tackling tight spaces and nooks with ease. However, one drawback I experienced was that the tire brush, while effective in cleaning tires, seemed a bit too stiff for use on other sensitive surfaces like car carpets or leather seats. Despite that, overall, the Fitosy Car Wheel Rim Tire Brush Set has been a game-changer for me when it comes to car detailing, making the entire process much more efficient and enjoyable. 🔗Carcarez 4-Piece Long Handle Car Wash Mop Kit for Efficient Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/slqmz2s0xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19d9184f1d41dc05dc21d30a49c0e4a0758b16c9 I recently got my hands on a Car Wash Brush Kit by Carcarez, and I must say, it has become an indispensable part of my car maintenance routine. The 45-inch aluminum alloy long handle provides excellent reach, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas of my vehicle. The kit is a 3-in-1 design, comprising a car wash mop, a replacement mop head, and a car wash squeegee. It's incredibly versatile, allowing me to tackle various car cleaning tasks efficiently. The car wash mop is made of a combination of PP and chenille microfiber, ensuring thorough cleaning without scratching my car's paint. The package includes two mops, offering extra convenience. The aluminum alloy long handle is not just sturdy, but also adjustable and swiveling, enabling me to achieve a 180-degree cleaning angle. This feature has proven to be a game changer, particularly when cleaning narrow spaces. The car drying squeegee is another notable component of the kit. It quickly and safely dries flat surfaces, whether it's glass or car paint. There's no risk of water spots either, as the squeegee leaves no marks behind. It's a handy tool that has drastically cut down the time I spend on drying my car. However, there are a couple of areas where the Carcarez Car Wash Brush Kit could improve. The mop heads, while effective, do tend to wear out relatively quickly. Additionally, although the aluminum alloy handle is strong, it can feel a bit unwieldy at times, especially for those who prefer a more lightweight design. Overall, the Carcarez Car Wash Brush Kit has been a valuable addition to my car cleaning routine. Its versatile design, long handle, and efficient cleaning tools make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to keep their vehicle in pristine condition. 🔗Professional 26-Piece Car Cleaning Kithttps://preview.redd.it/uhr1za01xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11920da47c305b1f90292c62f381bed31f2053d2 I've been using this car detailing kit for a few months now, and I must say, it's the ultimate car care package. From the tiniest nooks and crannies to the toughest stains on my wheels, this kit has made my car look as good as new. The drill brush attachments are particularly impressive. They've made it incredibly easy to give every corner of my car a thorough scrubbing, making sure no grime is left behind. The long handle wheel brush and tire brush have been a game-changer for reaching those hard-to-access spots on my rims and tires. The car detailing brush set is diverse, providing different sizes for various cleaning needs. The wire brushes have been particularly useful in tackling stubborn stains on the wheels. The soft car washing tool kit, with its detachable handle and water absorption cloth covers, has made windows and dashboards feel like brand new. However, it's worth noting that the bristles on some brushes may not be as soft as expected, so be gentle while using them. All in all, this 26-piece car cleaning kit is a must-have for any car enthusiast looking to maintain their ride in top condition. 🔗Comprehensive Car Cleaning Brush Sethttps://preview.redd.it/8fqyxde1xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92d7c3b014e1c12d58660c9eeb454f8a6f749266 I recently discovered the MateAuto 12pcs Car Carpet Brush Set and it's been a game changer for keeping my car interior spotless. This set includes various brushes with different sizes and bristle materials, making it easy to clean every nook and cranny of my car. The Car Carpet Brush is particularly impressive, featuring super hard synthetic bristles that can effectively scrub away dirt and grime without causing any damage to my car rugs or floor mats. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time. I also appreciate the fact that this set includes a boar's hair brush set and a natural horsehair brush. These bristles are soft enough not to scratch the interior of my car, but strong enough to clean away dust and debris. I've found the boar's hair brushes especially helpful in reaching tight spaces like air vents and lug nuts. Additionally, the set includes air outlet brushes for quick cleaning of car vents and blinds, as well as stainless steel, brass, and nylon brushes for even more versatility. It's truly an all-in-one solution that covers many cleaning tasks, whether it be rust removal or delicate household appliances. Overall, the MateAuto 12pcs Car Carpet Brush Set has made maintaining my car's interior so much easier and more enjoyable. Its variety of brushes and applications make it a must-have tool for any car owner looking to keep their vehicle in pristine condition. 🔗Ultimate 62" Car Wash Mop and Brush Kithttps://preview.redd.it/mhg5u6w1xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a56ea6bfb1f448a04f2999946afed9cb48fadce0 In my daily life, I've been using the HORDALOR Car Wash Kit to keep my car pristine. This kit includes everything you could need for a thorough car wash, even a 62" long-handle car wash brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas on your vehicle. The non-slip handle ensures a comfortable grip while you work, and won't scratch your paint job. One feature that stood out to me was the car wash kit's scratch-free design. The combination of the car bucket and grit trap keeps dirt off your car while washing, which prevents any scratches from developing during the cleaning process. Additionally, the car washing tools are made with premium materials that are gentle on delicate surfaces. However, the packaging could be improved. The Oxford bag is convenient and space-saving, but some users might find it difficult to access the tools when needed. Overall, I'm quite impressed with the HORDALOR Car Wash Kit and would recommend it to any car enthusiast looking for a comprehensive car cleaning solution. 🔗Premium 27-Piece Car Detailing Kithttps://preview.redd.it/1lfk4092xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d30bcd8d9c8f5ee400f0c0ca9d20c74f63448fc As a dedicated car enthusiast, I've had my fair share of cleaning tools over the years. However, the TTRCB 27pcs Car Detailing Kit has truly stood out among them. With its comprehensive set of brushes and accessories, it's like having a professional car wash right in my own garage. The kit comes with an impressive array of drill brushes, car detailing brushes, wire brushes, and other tools that cater to every cleaning need imaginable. From small cracks and corners to larger areas like wheels and engine compartments, this kit has got it all covered. The drill brushes are especially handy for giving the car's exterior a thorough wash, while the car detailing brushes are perfect for tackling smaller, more intricate areas inside the vehicle. The 3 different types of wire brushes are also a welcome addition to the kit, as they offer versatile cleaning options for various surface types. The air vent brush and car dash duster work wonders on removing dust from hard-to-reach areas, while the microfiber wash mitt ensures that your car stays spotless during the washing process. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the kit does not include the drill itself. Nevertheless, this minor inconvenience is easily overlooked when considering the overall quality and value that the TTRCB 27pcs Car Detailing Kit brings to the table. In conclusion, whether you're a professional detailer or a car enthusiast looking to give your vehicle a thorough clean, the TTRCB 27pcs Car Detailing Kit is definitely worth considering. Its extensive collection of brushes and accessories ensures that no corner is left untouched, resulting in a spotless and well-maintained car every time. 🔗Perform Tool Detailing Brush Set for Auto, Boat, and Homehttps://preview.redd.it/hfqmk7s2xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14b3d9f4eee06ad80656e391e9f96fe648187829 I recently decided to give my old car a much-needed makeover and came across the Perform Tool W4992 Power Brush Detailing Kit. I was initially skeptical about its capabilities, but boy, was I in for a surprise! The kit included an array of tools such as power tool brushes, pads, towels, and various sized detailing brushes, making it easier for me to tackle every nook and cranny of my vehicle. The double-sided wash mitt, in particular, came in handy as it soaked up water quickly without scratching the paint. One of the standout features was how the 3 white soft bristle power tool brushes could easily be used with my drill or impact driver, making quick work of cleaning upholstery, leather, carpet, glass, tile, and fiberglass. The two orange medium firm pads were perfect for applying wax and polishes with extra precision. However, there were some minor drawbacks. Some of the detailing brushes felt a bit flimsy, and I had to be extra cautious while using them in tight spaces. Additionally, the lack of proper product specifications and user reviews made it difficult for me to understand the kit's compatibility with various power tools. Overall, the Perform Tool W4992 Power Brush Detailing Kit has been a game-changer in reviving my car's appearance. It offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you detail your vehicle, boat, or home effortlessly. But remember, always use caution when handling some of the smaller detailing brushes to ensure they last long. Buyer's GuideGetting a car wash can be an expensive and time-consuming process. To help maintain your vehicle's appearance and extend the life of its paint job, investing in quality car wash brushes is a practical and cost-effective solution. In this buyer's guide, we'll cover essential features, considerations, and general advice about car wash brushes to ensure you make an informed purchase. https://preview.redd.it/evgweq93xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47a2fe197a739127843b66aafb9f3dd92f29d3fc Important Features to Consider
Considerations Before Purchasing
https://preview.redd.it/uko1aeo3xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=253de9d0972c01e2da938e9771d134438fff3d6d General Advice and Usage Tips
FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/d7khw744xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4bb3e504891ac633054459b6486e8217e774d7b 1. What are car wash brushes?Car wash brushes are specially designed tools used for cleaning and detailing vehicles. They come in various shapes and sizes, with features such as stiff or soft bristles, rotating heads, and ergonomic handles to suit different needs and types of surfaces.2. How do car wash brushes differ from regular brushes?Car wash brushes are specifically made for cleaning and maintaining vehicles. They may have stiffer or softer bristles, rotating heads, and ergonomic handles compared to regular brushes to provide a more thorough and efficient cleaning experience on automotive surfaces without causing damage. https://preview.redd.it/bg7wrlf4xb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4e7b7c2616e42ceeb49df59cec6bce86ec9c44d2 3. What types of car wash brushes are available in the market?There are several types of car wash brushes available, including:
4. Why should I use a car wash brush instead of a regular sponge or cloth?Car wash brushes offer a more thorough and efficient cleaning solution by providing better access to nooks and crannies, removing stubborn dirt and grime, and distributing cleaning solution evenly across the surface. This minimizes the risk of scratching and ensures a streak-free finish.5. How do I choose the right car wash brush for my needs?Consider the following factors when selecting a car wash brush:
6. How do I properly maintain and store my car wash brushes?To maintain and store your car wash brushes:
7. Can I use car wash brushes on other surfaces besides my vehicle?While car wash brushes are designed for automotive surfaces, they can also be used to clean other items such as patio furniture, boat hulls, and ATVs, provided that the brush is suitable for the material's surface.8. How often should I replace my car wash brushes?The frequency at which you should replace your car wash brushes depends on how often you use them and their condition. It is recommended to inspect the bristles periodically for signs of wear or damage – if the bristles become matted, frayed, or unevenly worn, it may be time to replace the brush.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 08:35 Heroman3003 Taking Care of Broken Birds [Part 3]
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!
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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?
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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!
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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.
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.
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.
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...”
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...
“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...”
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.
“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.
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...
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...
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?
2024.05.19 08:27 Count-Daring243 Best Car Seat Covers For Back Seats
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/0mby6hz9ub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3116633f6f16955d851de49708e97119c050e58e Are your backseats in desperate need of some protection? Look no further! In this article, we've rounded up a collection of the best car seat covers for back seats that will transform your vehicle's interior into a pristine haven. From budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line models, we have something for everyone. Let's dive right in and explore these fantastic car seat covers! The Top 9 Best Car Seat Covers For Back Seats
Reviews🔗Rugged Car Seat Cover for Durable Protectionhttps://preview.redd.it/143prieaub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9a7e4a8c1683c7c5731cd0b5845e867e1e5a339 The Carhartt Universal Bench Seat Cover in black is just what you need to protect your vehicle from the wear and tear of daily life. This sturdy and durable cover is made from a rugged CORDURA fabric that boasts a Rain Defender durable water repellent, ensuring that your seats stay clean and damage-free. The patented four corner fit system provides a snug, comfortable fit that's easy to install and remove, while keeping the cover in place without any annoying shifting or sliding. One of the standout features of this cover is its accessibility to the common built-in features of your vehicle. Its sleek design ensures that you can easily reach the buttons and dials you need without any obstructions. This product offers a great balance of style, practicality, and protection that makes it perfect for car owners looking to preserve their vehicle's interior. However, I must mention that some users have noted fitting difficulties with their specific vehicles, emphasizing the importance of checking the dimensions for compatibility. Additionally, a few of the reviewers highlighted some concerns about the stitching quality, while others have found the fit to be poor or not as they expected. In conclusion, the Carhartt Universal Bench Seat Cover in black offers a good, sturdy cover that keeps your vehicle clean and protected. While it may not be perfect for every car model, the benefits it offers make it a worthwhile investment for those who value long-lasting, functional seat covers. 🔗Universal Waterproof Nappa Leather Car Seat Covers with Head Pillowhttps://preview.redd.it/jcrwrdqaub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d1409942e107e026a394368b30ae66e1a7e4323 I must admit, the Coverado Front and Back Seat Covers have made a big difference in the appeal of my car's seats. The high-quality Nappa leather has given my seats a luxurious touch and added a fashionable touch to my car's interior. I found the covers to be stylish and modern, making them appealing not only for their fashionable look but also for their function. One of the standout features was their universal fit, as I was able to easily install them without any issues on my car. The full set came with two front seat covers with head pillows and two rear seat covers that were compatible with most cars, SUVs, trucks, and pick-ups. The design of the seat cushion itself was impressive, thanks to the 3D modeling and stylish craftsmanship. However, there were a few downsides to my experience with the Coverado Front and Back Seat Covers. The most concerning issue was the difficulty some users faced when trying to fit the covers on their car seats. Some customers reported having to make adjustments to get a proper fit, especially for certain car models. Additionally, the installation process could have been improved with better instructions, as it seemed to be a bit challenging for some users. Overall, the Coverado Front and Back Seat Covers are a great investment for those looking to enhance the style and protection of their car seats. While they may require a bit of effort to get them to fit perfectly, the luxurious feel and stylish design are certainly worth the trouble. 🔗Luxury PU Leather Rear Car Seat Cover with Adjustable Length and Triangle Pattern for Seat Bottom Protectionhttps://preview.redd.it/2f9j8w4bub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d72b960f7de53e1338f6d5af13e6bfa5f98da11d The Black Panther Luxury PU Leather Rear Car Seat Cover is a convenient and stylish accessory that I've had the pleasure of using in my daily life. One of the first things that stood out to me was the luxurious feel of the premium PU leather, which was super soft and comfortable to touch. Not only did it feel great, but it was also waterproof and easy to clean, making it perfect for all four seasons. Another great feature of this rear seat cover was the adjustable length, which made it a versatile option for different car sizes. The bench car seat cover matched my original leather seats perfectly and provided excellent protection against wear and tear. Additionally, the non-slip bottom, durable chucks, and wrapped edge made sure the back seat cover stayed securely in place while preserving the position for seat belt locks. The installation process was surprisingly easy and user-friendly, taking only about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The product also comes with a set of clear installation instructions that made the process even smoother. Overall, the Black Panther Luxury PU Leather Rear Car Seat Cover was a fantastic addition to my car, providing both style and functionality. 🔗Premium Universal Fit Car Seat Covers for Sedan & SUV - Black PU Leatherhttps://preview.redd.it/unuygnmbub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=435d5d65b5a0cc0fe6f03c87c47a8d9243191967 I recently tried out the ZFL01 Luxury Leather Car Seat Covers and can confidently say they're a game-changer for any car owner. These covers protect your car seats from dirt, wear and tears, and keep them looking brand new. The PU leather material feels incredibly smooth and comfortable, so you won't even notice it's there. The seats are easy to wipe clean, even if water gets spilled, which makes maintaining a clean car a breeze. The installation process was a breeze too. No professional experience is needed, as the robust accessories allow for quick and easy installation. The back row can be disassembled and retracted to fit perfectly in your vehicle, and the cushion won't slide around, ensuring maximum comfort. Overall, the ZFL01 Luxury Leather Car Seat Covers are an excellent investment if you want to keep your car looking pristine while maintaining the original feel of your seats. They're practical, visually appealing, and well worth the purchase. 🔗Premium Full Set Car Seat Covers for Comfort and Stylehttps://preview.redd.it/ba0qw4ybub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c395fbcb98625eb3f9e70182dd257eba96b3948 After using the Coverado luxury leather car seat covers for a few weeks, I can confidently say that they are a fantastic addition to my car. The porous Nappa leather and durable faux leather material not only look stylish but also add an excellent level of comfort while driving. What stood out the most in my experience is its compatibility with airbag and seatbelt sockets, which is a feature everyone should look for in a good car seat cover. Additionally, the pockets on the back seats are a thoughtful addition, providing an extra storage space. The only downside I've encountered is that, being a complete set, it takes a considerable amount of time to install – a process that could be more streamlined for easier installation. However, the attention to detail in craftsmanship and the overall style make it more than worth the effort. Overall, the Coverado car seat covers are a perfect blend of style, comfort, and compatibility without compromising on the quality. If you're looking for a high-quality car seat cover set that can transform your vehicle's interior, this might just be the one you've been searching for! 🔗Universal Fit 5-Seat Car Leather Seat Covershttps://preview.redd.it/2gvp2oacub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b50e55a47e3a6a4eed904ad8ccfaebe0afb5ac8 I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Skysep Black Universal Fit 5 Seat Car Seat Covers. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect, but they exceeded my expectations. The pu leather material feels incredibly comfortable, and the adjustable headrest pillows make the seats look sleek and stylish. Plus, the waist support pillows are a thoughtful addition, adding a touch of luxury to the entire experience. One of the best things about these seat covers is their universal fit. I've tested them in multiple cars, and they've always fit perfectly. The installation process is straightforward, and the ease of removal is a huge plus. Not only are they durable, but they're also eco-friendly, which is a bonus for those of us who care about the environment. However, there is one downside: these seat covers are waterproof, but they tend to become somewhat slippery when wet. This can be a bit uncomfortable, especially on rainy days. Despite this minor drawback, I'd definitely recommend the Skysep Black Universal Fit 5 Seat Car Seat Covers. They provide a level of comfort and style that's hard to find in other products on the market. 🔗Luxury PU Leather Car Seat Covers for Back Seatshttps://preview.redd.it/ohdgnhqcub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=666193f7a0416889526a41ad065c813b50d31d0c As someone who always prioritizes the appearance and comfort of their car, I recently came across the Cartoon Cat Car Seat Covers. The first thing that caught my eye was its luxurious material - a soft, smooth PU leather that felt incredibly comfortable to the touch. But what really sold me was its waterproof and dust-resistant nature, making cleanup a breeze. In terms of fit, the Cartoon Cat Car Seat Covers exceeded my expectations. With its easy and fast installation, it was a piece of cake to set up, even without any professional experience. Moreover, the triple disassembly and retraction feature made it incredibly adaptable to various car sizes, ensuring a snug fit for the seat cushion. Of course, the Cartoon Cat design was a fun and whimsical touch that added a unique charm to my daily drives. Overall, the Cartoon Cat Car Seat Covers have been a game-changer for both the aesthetics and functionality of my car. 🔗Premium PU Leather Car Seat Protector for Rear Seats with Breathable Fabric and Non-Slip Bottomhttps://preview.redd.it/jt6k1u1dub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2740cf73e61dc915e2a8a4b093c5eb1aa3a5ab4c I recently started using the Sunny Color Auto Seat Cover, and it has become a game-changer for me. Made from premium PU leather, it's waterproof, comfortable, and perfectly fits my rear seats. The built-in flexible sponge layer ensures it remains soft throughout all seasons. I like how easy it is to maintain - just a quick wipe with a dry towel when it gets stained. One thing that really stood out for me is the non-slip bottom - it stays put on my car seat while I'm driving, and the edge wrapping design gives a sleek look while providing better protection. It took me less than two minutes to install with the provided instructions, and it didn't impede my use of the seat belt buckle. I have to admit, however, that it doesn't fit on larger trucks or super sizes SUVs. It's important to measure your seat carefully before purchasing to ensure the best fit. Overall, I'm quite happy with the Sunny Color Auto Seat Cover - it's made my car trips much more comfortable and has really improved the look of my interior. 🔗Universal Breathable Car Seat Covers for Style and Protectionhttps://preview.redd.it/i6ecmtedub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7fc35339eb646fc921797212cb12e2c0870240d When I was looking for a solution to protect my car from my playful golden retriever, I stumbled upon Coverado's 5 SEATS Full Set Black&Blue Car Seat Covers. I was intrigued by how the elegant and comfortable design would blend with the rest of the car's interior. Arriving at my doorstep, the package contained the neatly wrapped car seat covers. As I carefully unraveled them, I was impressed by how breathable they felt, thanks to the soft and gentle fabric. The faux leather added a touch of wear resistance and longevity. The modern design truly elevated my car's appearance - a perfect balance of elegance and style. The ease of installation was another feature I appreciated. My partner and I managed to put the covers on our own without any hassle, even though my car is quite large. The covers fit seamlessly, protecting the original seats from damage caused by pet hair, friction, or UV rays. However, the installation process for the back seats took a bit longer than anticipated. The instructions could have been more clear to minimize confusion. Nonetheless, the front seats were relatively easy to install. Overall, I consider these car seat covers an outstanding addition to my vehicle. They are well-made, comfortable, and have significantly improved the look and feel of my car's interior. I highly recommend this product to anyone seeking protection and style for their car seats. Buyer's GuideWhen it comes to protecting your car's back seats, car seat covers offer both style and functionality. Choosing the right one can be challenging, as there are various materials, sizes, and designs available on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have created this comprehensive buyer's guide covering the essential features, considerations, and tips for purchasing the best car seat covers for your back seats. https://preview.redd.it/ume3tx3eub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51c0ec2273d6179250ddcc9e59017f30bfe6ee6f Important Features to Consider
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing
https://preview.redd.it/44zykaneub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09169f003c4fbbbdc6fab57bdb02521009586ded General Advice and Tips
FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/scm23wxeub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b5ff465db98293f4b9ab8747a77c968c4af8728 Why should I use car seat covers for the back seat?Car seat covers can provide protection to the interior of your car, particularly in the back seat. They can prevent scratches, stains, and damage from spills, pets, or luggage. Additionally, they can add an extra layer of comfort and style to the back seat. Some car seat covers also have built-in features such as heating or cooling properties, which may be beneficial for passengers.What materials are commonly used for car seat covers?Car seat covers are typically made from materials such as leather, vinyl, microfiber, or fabric. Leather and vinyl are durable and easy to clean, while microfiber and fabric offer more breathability and comfort. The choice of material will depend on your preferences, the climate in your area, and the level of protection you need. https://preview.redd.it/cgjids9fub1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=40c8166b472dc0017201ea95e597d32ddd1287a9 How do I measure my back seat to choose the right size of car seat cover?To measure your back seat, follow these steps:
How do I install car seat covers?Installation of car seat covers varies depending on the type and design of the cover. Generally, you will need to:
Are car seat covers for the back seat expensive?The cost of car seat covers for the back seat varies depending on the type of material, brand, and features. While some can be quite expensive, there are also budget-friendly options available. It is essential to compare prices and features to find a cover that fits your needs and budget.Are car seat covers for the back seat machine washable?Not all car seat covers for the back seat are machine washable. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding cleaning and maintenance. Some covers may need to be hand washed or taken to a professional cleaning service. Make sure you choose a cover that can be easily cleaned to ensure its longevity.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 08:22 ConsequenceSure3063 Best Car Pedal Extenders
 | submitted by ConsequenceSure3063 to u/ConsequenceSure3063 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/j4jb2l1itb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ff7b7ec048b93ba8c950928519db30086e996a5 Looking for the perfect solution to help you reach the pedals in your car with ease? Car Pedal Extenders could be just what you need! In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of using Car Pedal Extenders, review some top products on the market, and provide tips for choosing the right one to suit your needs. Whether you're a driver with limited mobility or someone seeking to improve their comfort while driving, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect car pedal extender to enhance your driving experience. The Top 6 Best Car Pedal Extenders
Reviews🔗MIKODA Gas Brake Pedal Extenders for Short Drivershttps://preview.redd.it/qlsf9vditb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cbf4c5165fdf50c5019425cc22e76219109cbb15 I recently installed the MIKODA Gas Brake Pedal Extenders in my go-kart, and I must say, it's been a game-changer for me as a short driver. When I first purchased the product, I was a bit skeptical about its compatibility with various vehicles, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was able to install it on my go-kart without any complications. One of the significant highlights of this product is its adjustable nature. I didn't have to worry about finding the right fit, as I could easily adjust the angle to maximize my comfort while driving. The non-slip rubber covering on the pedals also provided me with an extra sense of safety while driving, which helped ease my initial apprehensions. The product is made with enhanced steel and synthetic materials, making it incredibly durable, even with my heavy use during go-kart races. The plug-and-play installation process was also impressively simple, saving me time and potential headaches during setup. On the downside, it's worth mentioning that this product may not be compatible with all vehicles. So, before you jump in and make a purchase, ensure that this pedal extender is suitable for your specific vehicle. Overall, I'm extremely happy with the MIKODA Gas Brake Pedal Extenders, and I feel confident that it will make all the difference in the comfort and safety of my driving experience for short people like me. 🔗Universal Gas and Brake Pedal Extendershttps://preview.redd.it/139shxtitb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b67c01d3eee1ee843747f4b4195e14d620b9cee When I first installed the gas and brake pedal extenders in my car, I felt like I had finally gained control over my driving experience. As a small-statured woman, I often struggled with reaching the pedals, but these extenders have made all the difference. With their adjustable length and height, they are perfect for anyone who needs a little extra room for comfort and convenience. The best part about these pedal extenders is how securely they clamp onto the original pedals, providing a sturdy and reliable extension. Plus, their universal design means they are compatible with most cars, so I don't have to worry about compatibility issues. The one downside I've noticed is that they can sometimes be a little difficult to adjust, especially when I'm in a hurry. However, this issue is minor compared to the comfort and safety that these extenders provide. Overall, I would highly recommend the gas and brake pedal extenders to anyone who struggles with reaching the pedals of their car. 🔗Adjustable Brake & Gas Pedal Extenders for Short Drivers by TADYAOhttps://preview.redd.it/46d6k4djtb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=462c32be9a05d36335a4e9a2dfe9d78863840ed5 I recently had the pleasure of test-driving the TADYAO Universal Gas and Brake Pedal Extenders designed for short and handicapped drivers. As someone who stands at just about 5'5", I found these pedal extenders incredibly helpful during my time behind the wheel. The extender's universal design made it incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly to most vehicles I drove. Its straightforward installation process was a major plus, allowing me to quickly and easily attach it to various types of pedals. One of the standout features of the TADYAO pedal extenders is their sturdy construction. Made from high-quality steel and synthetic metal, they provide a reliable and secure attachment point for the pedals. Additionally, the non-slip rubber coating ensures a firm grip on the pedal, giving me peace of mind knowing that I won't slip off during a sudden stop or acceleration. As with any product, there are a few minor cons to consider. The process of adjusting the angle and length of the extender can be a bit tricky at first. Additionally, the length range (2-6) may not accommodate taller individuals who still need some assistance with their pedals. In conclusion, the TADYAO Universal Gas and Brake Pedal Extenders are a valuable asset for short or handicapped drivers. Their sturdy construction, non-slip rubber coating, and simple installation process make them a reliable choice for enhancing the safety and comfort of one's driving experience. 🔗Adjustable Gas and Brake Pedal Extender for Carshttps://preview.redd.it/70icctojtb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a4d96585739e88e5dc0dd7809850e1e1fb13701 As a reviewer who's tested the Gas and Brake Pedal Extender, I can attest to its adjustable design, making it a perfect fit for most cars. The extension lengths are customizable, ranging from 2-6 inches, and the height can be adjusted between 3-4 inches to meet specific requirements. Its universal design easily adapts to most vehicles, making it a convenient accessory for many. There are pros and cons to this product. The adjustability and sturdiness are notable positives. However, the gas pedal parts can be flimsy, and the installation can be tricky if the levers on the pedals are at an angle. Additionally, some users have reported missing parts or poor instructions, but the manufacturer has been responsive in addressing these issues. I can confirm that the Gas and Brake Pedal Extender is a useful accessory for those needing a little extra reach when driving. Despite some minor drawbacks, it can greatly enhance the driving experience, especially for those who have difficulty reaching the pedals or who drive various vehicles. 🔗Heavy-Duty Black Pedal Enhancement Extender for Carshttps://preview.redd.it/5pzn714ktb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00499f3acf897151c06deed29de0cbf0c0e758f6 Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you about my recent experience with the Able Motion Mobility PX2.0 Black Pedal Enhancement Extender. To start off, I was quite intrigued by this nifty tool that promises to extend my car's pedals for added comfort and ease of use. What caught my attention right off the bat was the Heavy Duty Metal construction of this product. It gave me a sense of sturdiness and reliability which is crucial when it comes to anything related to your vehicle. The addition of Slip Resistant Rubber Padding was just icing on the cake for me. No more worried about my feet slipping off the pedals during long drives or sudden stops. Plus, who doesn't love a good non-slip surface? The extension ranges provided by this device are pretty impressive too. From 3-7.25" for gas and 3-7.25" for brake, it caters to a wide variety of driver needs, whether you're short, pregnant, or just need some extra room to reach those pedals comfortably. However, there were a few cons that caught me off guard. Firstly, despite its promise of easier installation, it took me quite some time to get it up and running. Secondly, the quality control could have been better as one of my reviewers pointed out - missing pieces in the package! In conclusion, while the Able Motion Mobility PX2.0 Black Pedal Enhancement Extender has its perks, including the heavy-duty construction and slip-resistant padding, it's not perfect. The installation process could be simplified and more attention needs to be paid to ensuring all parts are included in the package. But overall, if you're like me and struggle with reaching your car's pedals, this might be worth considering. 🔗Universal Gas and Brake Pedal Extendershttps://preview.redd.it/62m1e7sktb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ddf35c370356291cf2fa7b64aeb08b880b2f51c I've been using these Gas and Brake Pedal Extenders from Fydun on my daily commute, and they've made a world of difference! The first thing that stood out to me was how well they are built. The steel and synthetic metal construction, along with the non-slip rubber covering, provides a sturdy and safe driving experience. The extenders themselves were incredibly easy to install, and I managed to do it in just a few minutes without any special tools. One of the best things about these pedal extenders is how adjustable they are. The length can be adjusted up to 26 inches, so no matter how long your legs are, you'll be able to find a comfortable position. The high-quality materials used mean that these extenders are super durable and won't be needing a replacement any time soon. The only downside I've noticed is that they may not fit every vehicle perfectly, so it's always a good idea to check your car model before buying. But overall, I've been really happy with the performance of these pedal extenders and would definitely recommend them for anyone looking to improve their driving experience. Buyer's Guidehttps://preview.redd.it/pgns642ltb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1930c4e5013c992e88db9144a7d4277809cd3450 None FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/h094m5pltb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4bfce93e342f9662f272157c6f17edb9d9647a46 What are car pedal extenders?Car pedal extenders are accessories designed to extend the length of the vehicle's accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals, making them more accessible for drivers with shorter legs or those using hand controls. These devices can help improve comfort, control, and overall driving experience for individuals with various physical needs.How do car pedal extenders work?https://preview.redd.it/7avkde8mtb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b502523885dfc9de3428954594c22ebbc1b4814c Car pedal extenders attach to the original pedals, extending their reach by adjusting their length according to the driver's preferences. Some extenders are universally designed, while others are specific to certain car models. The device installs easily and securely, allowing drivers with limited leg mobility to operate the vehicle more comfortably and safely. What are the benefits of using car pedal extenders?Some benefits of using car pedal extenders include:
https://preview.redd.it/xjqwhmsmtb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8af2f1b987bbe9e60bb8f5a8749bac0a5dc62a75 Who can benefit from using car pedal extenders?Car pedal extenders are useful for a variety of people, including:
How do I install car pedal extenders?Installing car pedal extenders varies based on the design and type of extender used. In general, the process involves:
Are car pedal extenders safe to use?When installed and used correctly, car pedal extenders are safe for drivers with various physical needs. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the extender is securely attached to the pedal arm.Do car pedal extenders affect the vehicle's warranty?It depends on the vehicle's manufacturer and warranty terms. Some manufacturers may void the warranty if they discover aftermarket modifications, such as car pedal extenders. It is crucial to consult with the vehicle's manufacturer or dealership to understand the warranty implications before installing any aftermarket accessories.How do I choose the right car pedal extender for my vehicle?Consider the following factors when selecting a car pedal extender:
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2024.05.19 08:18 trowaway9005 Some experiences
Fucking tgirls
DL M 150 6'0 7" bbc with girth 24 years old long story I usually use this page to jerk so I might aswell help out 100% real life
I fucked my first tranny at 18 I used to jerk off to a lot of porn from a young age and even got to shemale porn. I lost my virginity to a girl but I was just very horny at that age one day downloaded Grindr scrolled for a while but got distracted went and got high at a friends house and took a few shots aswell hanging out with buddies. I went to the bathroom opened my phone opened Grindr and saw a pretty Latina tgirl and I messaged her. Not a long convo she gave me an address and I left my friends telling them I'm done for the night. I pick up the tranny and she has a tight skirt on smooth thighs and nice ass I was already getting hard leaving her apartment. I park up in the next apartment and we hop in the back seat I already have a completely hard dick cause to me I basically had Jane Marie in the back of my car with me. She is playing with my dick sucking it getting her lipstick everywhere but she keeps answering her phone I think it was her boyfriend calling her. I see her ass and decided to fuck but between the condom and it being my first time I keep getting soft and she is too tight for my soft dick. I stop focusing on her asshole and just feel her body her soft ass and her nice hair with blonde streaks. I get hard and inside and her moans got me so hard I fuck the shit outta her she moans load as hell.(she keeps stopping to text this man in all caps and in Spanish ). After wards I take her to McDonald's and I wasn't even shy at the window cause she looked like a girl so much She gave me her number but I lost it never went back at that time I didn't know how much of a gem she was lol
My second time was off of Grindr again this time a older tranny she was also Latina but heavier then me big ass and tits and she was older 40+ hopefully not 60 lol. I fucked her the first time for free but after I got her number she kept making me pay but I liked her so used to never mind. One time she didn't answer her number and I was so horny I knocked on her door she opened it and said No! I pointed at my pocket I got money and she was mad but let me in. I followed her into the kitchen she was cooking and I put 60$ on her table and started grabbing her ass pulling out my dick and kissing her neck like usual. She said no fuck. I kept kissing her neck and then her mouth she kept saying no fuck I was very hard and she felt it on her ass . I start sucking her big tits doing anything to get her horny and she pushes my head down to her ass I never ate ass before. I had no choice started kissing it and got my tounge in there eventually got really into it and started jerking until I came on her kitchen floor she played in my cum with her feet and then rubbed it all over my clothes I licked her feet she was so experienced she knew exactly what she was doing I stood up kissed her so hard and really just hugged her I still miss that one
Over the years I used some escort websites to find some but I never paid over 100$ I make sure when I'm talking on the phone I flirt with them calling them baby so they get interested and in person I give them a little cash and start the process quick and most of them fold cause I'm in pretty good shape or they wanna smoke some weed with me if I offer them. I've done it probably like 5 times.
Last story I was in Chicago for work not my home state . I found a black tranny online and went to her hotel. I was very high smoked right before I went to her so I was on edge very paranoid of any funny business and Chicago is a rough city.I found her in the lobby and I was surprised she kinda looked like a girl. We get to her room and I give her 40$ and try to grab her ass make her horny she denies me and tells me 200$. No way was I paying that so I just keep flirting trying to make her horny and she is hard to beat keeps touching my pockets. She had a school girl skirt on while sitting on the wall of the bed she lifts her skirt up. I see a floppy 7 inch black cock with shaved pubeses and a belly ring on a flat stomach. I slowly dive across the bed and for the first time suck a dick she knew exactly what she was doing after only 30 seconds she pushed me off and says she wants her money. I hop off the bed and my dick somehow was already out. I start jerking watching her and when she sees my big dick she starts stroking herself. Seeing her finally get horny I automatically cum. I zip up and leave cause I didn't trust this bitch and I heard something in the bathroom of the room I forgot to check. I literally came so hard across the room though she was like omg .
submitted by trowaway9005 to DL_Hood_Ninja [link] [comments]
DL M 150 6'0 7" bbc with girth 24 years old long story I usually use this page to jerk so I might aswell help out 100% real life
I fucked my first tranny at 18 I used to jerk off to a lot of porn from a young age and even got to shemale porn. I lost my virginity to a girl but I was just very horny at that age one day downloaded Grindr scrolled for a while but got distracted went and got high at a friends house and took a few shots aswell hanging out with buddies. I went to the bathroom opened my phone opened Grindr and saw a pretty Latina tgirl and I messaged her. Not a long convo she gave me an address and I left my friends telling them I'm done for the night. I pick up the tranny and she has a tight skirt on smooth thighs and nice ass I was already getting hard leaving her apartment. I park up in the next apartment and we hop in the back seat I already have a completely hard dick cause to me I basically had Jane Marie in the back of my car with me. She is playing with my dick sucking it getting her lipstick everywhere but she keeps answering her phone I think it was her boyfriend calling her. I see her ass and decided to fuck but between the condom and it being my first time I keep getting soft and she is too tight for my soft dick. I stop focusing on her asshole and just feel her body her soft ass and her nice hair with blonde streaks. I get hard and inside and her moans got me so hard I fuck the shit outta her she moans load as hell.(she keeps stopping to text this man in all caps and in Spanish ). After wards I take her to McDonald's and I wasn't even shy at the window cause she looked like a girl so much She gave me her number but I lost it never went back at that time I didn't know how much of a gem she was lol
My second time was off of Grindr again this time a older tranny she was also Latina but heavier then me big ass and tits and she was older 40+ hopefully not 60 lol. I fucked her the first time for free but after I got her number she kept making me pay but I liked her so used to never mind. One time she didn't answer her number and I was so horny I knocked on her door she opened it and said No! I pointed at my pocket I got money and she was mad but let me in. I followed her into the kitchen she was cooking and I put 60$ on her table and started grabbing her ass pulling out my dick and kissing her neck like usual. She said no fuck. I kept kissing her neck and then her mouth she kept saying no fuck I was very hard and she felt it on her ass . I start sucking her big tits doing anything to get her horny and she pushes my head down to her ass I never ate ass before. I had no choice started kissing it and got my tounge in there eventually got really into it and started jerking until I came on her kitchen floor she played in my cum with her feet and then rubbed it all over my clothes I licked her feet she was so experienced she knew exactly what she was doing I stood up kissed her so hard and really just hugged her I still miss that one
Over the years I used some escort websites to find some but I never paid over 100$ I make sure when I'm talking on the phone I flirt with them calling them baby so they get interested and in person I give them a little cash and start the process quick and most of them fold cause I'm in pretty good shape or they wanna smoke some weed with me if I offer them. I've done it probably like 5 times.
Last story I was in Chicago for work not my home state . I found a black tranny online and went to her hotel. I was very high smoked right before I went to her so I was on edge very paranoid of any funny business and Chicago is a rough city.I found her in the lobby and I was surprised she kinda looked like a girl. We get to her room and I give her 40$ and try to grab her ass make her horny she denies me and tells me 200$. No way was I paying that so I just keep flirting trying to make her horny and she is hard to beat keeps touching my pockets. She had a school girl skirt on while sitting on the wall of the bed she lifts her skirt up. I see a floppy 7 inch black cock with shaved pubeses and a belly ring on a flat stomach. I slowly dive across the bed and for the first time suck a dick she knew exactly what she was doing after only 30 seconds she pushed me off and says she wants her money. I hop off the bed and my dick somehow was already out. I start jerking watching her and when she sees my big dick she starts stroking herself. Seeing her finally get horny I automatically cum. I zip up and leave cause I didn't trust this bitch and I heard something in the bathroom of the room I forgot to check. I literally came so hard across the room though she was like omg .
2024.05.19 08:16 AdamLuyan 2 Revelation
 | 2 Revelation：2.0 Preface；2.1 Peach Flower Catastrophe 1；2.2 Vision Test before Revelation；2.3 Peach Flower Catastrophe 2；2.4 Explanation of Peach Flower Catastrophe；2.5 Peach Flower Catastrophe 3；2.6 Troupe Leader Liu；2.7 Peach Flower Catastrophe 4；2.8 Revelation；2.9 Dad and Troupe Leader Liu submitted by AdamLuyan to LifeTree [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/5g14e58trb1d1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1942a4f5309709019e8c25d309d5f518ec98875a One day in September 1972, Fenglong Cui (Uncle Dragon) from the back street of our house came to our home as a guest. I was happy to hear that he worked at Fushun, near to Shenyang. Mom angrily explained to him: "Last year, Baiyang (my father) led home a fortune-teller, who said our Luyan is a monk fate, so Baiyang engaged him to that man’s daughter. Their family is in Shenyang, so Luyan was happy to hear that you live close to them." Uncle Dragon said, "Ah! It is so, but I see that Luyan, and I are destined to be together!" Saying this, he walked into me, took off his hat, and pointing to his head, said to me: "Look! You resemble me! I'm bald, you're bald, and my name is Big Baldy!" He turned to mom and said, "From now on, we'll call him Second Baldy!" https://preview.redd.it/rlkzob3vrb1d1.jpg?width=268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b39703b31d4130f4bf373598372e8c6b84cd74a Mom yelled, "His father's nickname is Third Baldy! Doesn't that mess up the generation! If you like, you can call him Second Baldy yourself. Big Brother-in-Law! Who do you think Luyan looks like? Like me or like his father?" Uncle Dragon: "Hmm! This I must take a good look at! I think he looks like big belly Maitreya (see illustration 2.0-1)!" Mom said in surprise, "You see him as a monk too!" Uncle Dragon busily explained, "I don't know how to tell fortunes! I'm just talking about his rich, chubby look and posture!" I asked, "Mom! What thing is a Buddha?" Mom replied, "Buddha is not a thing! Oops! Look at my mouth! I'd better let your Uncle Dragon explain it to you!" Uncle Dragon said, "Let me think of something to say. Buddha was born from a lotus flower." I asked, "What's a lotus flower?" Mom said, "He's never seen a lotus flower. Here, Mom will draw one for you!" I looked at it and said, "It's a peach flower!" Uncle Dragon said, "Peach flower is fine." Mom shouted, "How can peach flower work! Other people's Buddhas are born from lotus flowers, but my son's Buddha grows on a peach tree." Uncle Dragon argued, "He grew up and smoothed himself over; besides, there is indeed a saying that peach flowers can also give birth to Buddhas." Mom pondered for a while and said, "It seems that there are sayings about peach blossom Buddhas, peach wood wedges and peach wood swords. Let's not talk about monks. Luyan! Your Uncle Dragon was a soldier and knows a lot! Let him tell you a story!" I said, “Uncle Dragon, tell me a story!” Uncle Dragon said, “Good! Then I'll tell you a story, ‘Peach Flower Catastrophe’. (Annotation, the story is about a Peach Flower Buddha.) 2.1 Peach Flower Catastrophe 1 Constant Fair is an orphan since childhood in Publican Liu’s pharmacy as a long laborer. He was not smart since he was a child, score of school was not that good, and always made mistakes when he grew up and learned how to do business. However, Publican Liu not only took good care of him in every aspect, but also always tolerated and harbored him, and did not hold him accountable for his faults. Constant Fair had never met Publican Liu since he was a child; he also often wanted to see him to salute and thank him in person, but it was always out of place, and was disrupted by some strange and unexpected arrangements. Constant Fair knows, Publican Liu is eccentric, often go out to travel, leisure time in the study of ancient books, do not like to see people. In addition, Constant Fair also knows that he is not good health, there is a kind of what, no one can say the strange disease. https://preview.redd.it/hkvjoelzrb1d1.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=183a68c205f22b0c434cb202c2e2f17a48e39346 One day, Publican Liu commissioned a matchmaker to propose marriage to Constant Fair, to betroth his daughter, Peach Flower Girl, to him. He heard that Peach Flower Girl is intelligent, beautiful, and her medical skills are even more brilliant, to her matchmaking are more than to kick through the threshold, is not marriage. The matchmakers showed him articles written by Peach Flower Girl, told him what she had done, and created opportunities for him to meet her, so have a chance to see her in person. Constant Fair saw that Peach Flower Girl was beautiful; the articles she wrote were clearly organized, with wonderful words; the affairs she had done were all skillfully arranged. Constant Fair thought he was not worthy of her, so he refused. As a result, he heard later that the Peach Flower Girl was also unwilling and called him stupid. Some days later, again, Publican Liu asked the matchmaker to marry Peach Flower Girl to Constant Fair and tried to persuade him. Constant Fair finally said, "As long as Peach Flower Girl is willing, I am willing." As a result, Constant Fair heard that Peach Flower Girl was not willing again. After some time, Publican Liu asked the matchmaker to marry Constant Fair and Peach Flower Girl again, saying that, this time, Peach Flower Girl had already agreed. Constant Fair heard that Publican Liu and the matchmakers had been trying to persuade Peach Flower Girl to marry him, and that the father and daughter had quarrelled over the matter often recently. He thought to himself, "This is that Peach Flower Girl let me to delay for a few days so as to let her father have a rest and a few days of fun, and then it is me to reject it. Constant Fair then said to the matchmaker, “I'll think about it then”. After a few days, he told the matchmaker: “No.” In this way, Publican Liu and the matchmakers used many ways to set up the marriage between Peach Flower Girl and Constant Fair, which was a long time coming, but just not possible. Time passed, Peach Flower Girl and Constant Fair both passed the age of normal marriage. （2）Death with Eyes Open In one middle night, a matchmaker who had become friends with Constant Fair came running to tell him, “I don't know what's wrong! Old Publican Liu is acting like crazy! He said he would ‘die with eyes open’, until he sees you and Peach Flower Girl get married, and enter honeymoon house. He also secretly let people in the preparation of a small inner courtyard, to you and the Peach Flower Girl locked inside; not married to not let you two out. I thought, ‘What's going on here! I had to tell you!’ I also found out that they know that you and I are friends and have sent someone to watch me, so I found a chance to sneak out. With that said, I must return, in case of that I am discovered.” https://preview.redd.it/gtaf7xh2sb1d1.jpg?width=1216&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cfdd24204119d192b0620215961d75a053a7440e Constant Fair was shocked when he heard this and thought, “This can't be done! Then I ruin Peach Flower Girl for life! No! I must Leave!” That night, he escaped from Publican Liu's pharmacy. He didn't go back to his hometown because he was afraid that Publican Liu would send someone to catch him. Constant Fair lived a life of anonymity, wandering around. Of course, he also needed to make a living, and later he worked as a shopkeeper in a pharmacy. For the first few years, the business did quite well, and the business grew. Later, he realized that someone was working against him in business and went to resign with the proprietor. The proprietor said, "Now, our business is so big that we can fight with them! I trust you, and I don't blame you if you lose money." Constant Fair said, “I don't want to fight with them. To tell you the truth, I suspect those opponents are related to one of my former benefactors”. The proprietor understood the matter well and said: “In that case! I cannot force you.” Constant Fair left the pharmacy and wandered to another place, where he found another job in a pharmacy. Something similar happened to the last job. He found out that there were against him in business, and still thought that those people were related to the former boss Publican Liu, so he voluntarily gave up the job again. In this way, Constant Fair changed job after job, always feeling that someone was struggling with him and unwilling to fight back against his opponents, but his bad reputation spread, and he couldn't find a job. So, he went back home. On his way to his old village, Constant Fair met a messenger. The messenger asked him, "Do you know Constant Fair from Fair Family Village?" He replied, “I am!” The messenger said, “The people in your home asked me to tell you that your father passed away.” Constant Fair thought to himself, “I have been an orphan since I was a child, and replied, “You are mistaken! I'm not the person you're looking for!” The messenger verified, “XXX County, YYY town, Fair Family Village, the name is Constant Fair!” Constant Fair replied immediately, “Yes! It is me!” The messenger added, “The news that the people in your hometown asked me to convey to you is that your father has passed away. I'm just a messenger, and the rest, I don't know!” At this, Constant Fair felt uncomfortable in his heart and sensed that something was wrong. When he arrived home, he inquired if there was anyone else in the village also name Constant Fair. He found out, in his county, only has one Fair Family Village, and in the past 40 years, only his name is Constant Fair in the Village. For several days in a row, he felt a tightness in his chest. （3）Peach Flower Fortune On this day, Constant Fair went to the marketplace for a walk. From a distance, he saw a group of people surrounding a fortune-teller. Constant Fair never believed in ghosts, gods, fortune-telling, and the like. But somehow! That day he stood at the back of the queue and wanted to listen. The fortune-teller saw Constant Fair immediately and said, “The one at the end of the line is in a hurry! Let him come first! Those in front wait a while.” Constant Fair said, "I'm not in a hurry, I can wait." The fortune-teller said, "Come over here if you're told to!" Constant Fair walked up to the fortune-teller, and before he could say anything, the fortune-teller said, “Congratulation! You've got Peach Flower Fortune (Note 1)!” https://preview.redd.it/w7k1s6u4sb1d1.jpg?width=1352&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88d8961681e9a1da794c9c17bc2d50ffe8f91833 Note 1, what is peach flower fortune? Equivalent to the Western world's "The Chosen One" (i.e., the Golden Boy, Adam), except that the peach flower fortune is expressed in terms of the woman's (Eve, Jade Girl) beauty, talent, rich, and power to express this concept. How did the fortune teller see it? The Chinese fortune-teller profession and the Chinese juristic teacher profession use the same set of books. The Golden Boy and Jade Girl (Figure 2.1-3; see 10.9 Godly Trinity) is the basic model in that book, and the Peach Flower Catastrophe is one of the main cases in that book. Constant Fair replied, “I don't know! I can still have Peach Flower Fortune!” The fortune teller asked, "In the past, when you worked for someone, was there a proprietor who treated you very well, but you never saw him?" Constant Fair replied, "Yes!" The fortune-teller said, “He is dead, and with eyes glaringly open!” Constant Fair heard, feel the head "buzz" a moment, the sky spinning, earth gravity vanishing, organs are moving. When he calmed down, felt his chest clogged, as if pressing a stone, heard the crowd talking about really God's calculations, a look to know! No wonder that he was said to be in a hurry! Constant Fair turned around and started to walk home. The fortune-teller said: “Wait, I haven't finished yet! I think you really don't know! When Peach Flower Fortune comes, no one can stop it, there's no other way. You can only obey the wish of that old proprietor of yours and go to his house quickly. Even if you must spend all your money to pay for the betrothal gift, you still must gain their favor, wed their daughter, and enter honeymoon house, before you can be relieved of this Peach Flower Catastrophe.” Constant Fair reached into his pocket and realized he had no money with him, so he said, "I'll go back to get the money and return it to you." The fortune-teller said, “No need, I don't want your money.” Constant Fair felt strange and asked why he didn't want his money. The fortune-teller said, “To tell the truth! Judging from your face, you won't live more than a hundred days. It's unlucky to spend dead people's money!" Constant Fair said, "Thank you very much! I will definitely repay you when I have the chance in the future." The fortune-teller added, "Wait! On the way, you must drink more water; drinking water will renew your life. Also, you must keep walking; if you fall, you may never get up again!" Thanking again, Constant Fair went home, packed his bags, and went on his way that night. A few days later, Constant Fair felt his chest getting more and more clogged, his stomach gurgling, and problems with his stomach and intestinal motility; sores began to grow on his skin. Whenever he arrived at a place, he first looked for a well, drank his fill, then filled two jugs of water to carry with him, ate something and immediately rushed on. In this way Constant Fair traveled day and night, rushing to Liu's medicine farm. ↪️ Return to Catalog of Layan’s Memoirs |
2024.05.19 08:06 Mantis_Shrimp47 The monster in the sand dunes turned my brother into a bird
"You gotta know that there's an art to it, Ezra," Hitch said, cutting another piece of duct tape.
The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like it’s in the depths of hell."
“Sure thing,” I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when I’d broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that he’d gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that he’d gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, I’d gotten food poisoning because he’d left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitch’s food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didn’t die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didn’t get to use it. “That’s…weird as hell.”
“Maybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesn’t matter,” I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. “Just hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.”
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. “Look out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.”
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
“Well, well, well,” said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. “What do we have here?”
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
“Who the fuck are you?” Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. “I am the Erlking.”
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. “You know, I’m not very fond of your yapping.”
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
“I yap all the time,” Hitch said. “Three-time olympic yapper, that’s me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.”
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitch’s mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. “But why would I ever let you go when I’ve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? It’s so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.”
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. “What do you want with us, then? You just said it, we’re nobody.”
“I’m fae, dear one,” the Erlking said. “I get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.”
He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlking’s stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitch’s body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlking’s hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Sam’s Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. I’d bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
“Coming!” someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
“Hi, I’m Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?” Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
“My name is Ezra, I’m for a consultation. I emailed you but you didn’t respond?” I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking I’m crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.”
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that they’d been used heavily.
“So what can I help you with?” Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
“Thirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,” I started. I’d told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
“I’ve almost given up on finding him, at this point,” I said. “But I saw your ad in the newspaper, and…here I am, I suppose.”
“Here you are,” Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. “Tell me everything.”
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. “I left him there. I ran and I didn’t look back.”
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitch’s case. I’d been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. “Sometimes you have to leave people behind.”
I tightened her hold on Sam’s hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. “But that’s why I’m here. I don’t want to leave him behind.”
“Okay then. I’ll do my best to help you.” Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, “You know…I think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. He’s certainly why I started in this business.”
“Really? What happened?” I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Sam’s neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didn’t often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Sam’s time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
“She’s a good kid, of course, but she’s a bit…” Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. She’s a bit strange, maybe. She’s a bit intense. She’s a bit abrasive. She’s quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
“Your auntie got an abortion, you know,” her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. “Pill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.”
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
“I love you, you know? But sometimes I wonder…” She settled back onto the couch. “Yeah. I wonder.”
She’d gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. She’d been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didn’t move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her mother’s lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
“Hey, kid, get out of here,” said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
“Trust me, you don’t want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,” the bird said.
“Mr. Salty?” Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. “Ah, don’t call him that. He’d turn you into a toad.”
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. “That’s his castle. He’s in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because that’s the sort of weirdo he is.”
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way she’d seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
“What’s your fucking problem?” it squawked. “I was trying to help you!”
“I don’t need the help of a demon,” Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
“I’m not a demon,” the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
“What are you, then?” Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didn’t really have recognizable facial expressions. “Technically I’m a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.”
“You can’t blame me for assuming, though,” Sam said. “Ravens do tend to be associated with murder.”
“Hey, excuse you,” Hitch said. “I’m a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.”
“Sure,” Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. “Don’t be an idiot.”
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
“Don’t,” Hitch warned, suddenly serious. “Just leave, kid, I mean it. I’ve seen too many people go down this road and you don’t want to be one of them.”
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasn’t attached to her body. It hadn’t been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
“Well, I warned you,” Hitch said, defeated. “I did warn you.”
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasn’t blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her mother’s eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. “Help. Help me, daughter.”
“That’s not your mother,” Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
“Okay,” Sam said, shaking all over. “Okay.”
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
“Failure,” her mother hissed as she stepped away. “I never wanted a daughter like you.”
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
“I’ve been back here a hundred times. There’s nothing left,” I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
Sam shrugged. “Not much, really. I’m…I guess you could say that I’m knocking.”
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didn’t open.
“We demand entrance, under your honor,” Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Sam’s arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
“I am here to bargain for the life of my brother,” I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. “I remember you. I almost got you, once.”
Sam glared at him but didn’t respond.
“You want your brother,” The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. “Then go get him.”
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
“Holy shit,” Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
“Better hurry up!” the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Sam’s death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didn’t think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didn’t want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitch’s hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
“Interesting,” he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as he’d been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that he’d held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didn’t know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.
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The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like it’s in the depths of hell."
“Sure thing,” I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when I’d broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that he’d gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that he’d gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, I’d gotten food poisoning because he’d left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitch’s food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didn’t die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didn’t get to use it. “That’s…weird as hell.”
“Maybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesn’t matter,” I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. “Just hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.”
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. “Look out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.”
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
“Well, well, well,” said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. “What do we have here?”
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
“Who the fuck are you?” Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. “I am the Erlking.”
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. “You know, I’m not very fond of your yapping.”
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
“I yap all the time,” Hitch said. “Three-time olympic yapper, that’s me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.”
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitch’s mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. “But why would I ever let you go when I’ve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? It’s so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.”
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. “What do you want with us, then? You just said it, we’re nobody.”
“I’m fae, dear one,” the Erlking said. “I get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.”
He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlking’s stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitch’s body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlking’s hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Sam’s Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. I’d bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
“Coming!” someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
“Hi, I’m Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?” Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
“My name is Ezra, I’m for a consultation. I emailed you but you didn’t respond?” I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking I’m crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.”
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that they’d been used heavily.
“So what can I help you with?” Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
“Thirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,” I started. I’d told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
“I’ve almost given up on finding him, at this point,” I said. “But I saw your ad in the newspaper, and…here I am, I suppose.”
“Here you are,” Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. “Tell me everything.”
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. “I left him there. I ran and I didn’t look back.”
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitch’s case. I’d been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. “Sometimes you have to leave people behind.”
I tightened her hold on Sam’s hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. “But that’s why I’m here. I don’t want to leave him behind.”
“Okay then. I’ll do my best to help you.” Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, “You know…I think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. He’s certainly why I started in this business.”
“Really? What happened?” I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Sam’s neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didn’t often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Sam’s time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
“She’s a good kid, of course, but she’s a bit…” Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. She’s a bit strange, maybe. She’s a bit intense. She’s a bit abrasive. She’s quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
“Your auntie got an abortion, you know,” her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. “Pill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.”
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
“I love you, you know? But sometimes I wonder…” She settled back onto the couch. “Yeah. I wonder.”
She’d gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. She’d been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didn’t move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her mother’s lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
“Hey, kid, get out of here,” said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
“Trust me, you don’t want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,” the bird said.
“Mr. Salty?” Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. “Ah, don’t call him that. He’d turn you into a toad.”
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. “That’s his castle. He’s in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because that’s the sort of weirdo he is.”
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way she’d seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
“What’s your fucking problem?” it squawked. “I was trying to help you!”
“I don’t need the help of a demon,” Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
“I’m not a demon,” the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
“What are you, then?” Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didn’t really have recognizable facial expressions. “Technically I’m a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.”
“You can’t blame me for assuming, though,” Sam said. “Ravens do tend to be associated with murder.”
“Hey, excuse you,” Hitch said. “I’m a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.”
“Sure,” Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. “Don’t be an idiot.”
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
“Don’t,” Hitch warned, suddenly serious. “Just leave, kid, I mean it. I’ve seen too many people go down this road and you don’t want to be one of them.”
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasn’t attached to her body. It hadn’t been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
“Well, I warned you,” Hitch said, defeated. “I did warn you.”
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasn’t blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her mother’s eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. “Help. Help me, daughter.”
“That’s not your mother,” Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
“Okay,” Sam said, shaking all over. “Okay.”
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
“Failure,” her mother hissed as she stepped away. “I never wanted a daughter like you.”
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
“I’ve been back here a hundred times. There’s nothing left,” I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
Sam shrugged. “Not much, really. I’m…I guess you could say that I’m knocking.”
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didn’t open.
“We demand entrance, under your honor,” Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Sam’s arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
“I am here to bargain for the life of my brother,” I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. “I remember you. I almost got you, once.”
Sam glared at him but didn’t respond.
“You want your brother,” The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. “Then go get him.”
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
“Holy shit,” Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
“Better hurry up!” the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Sam’s death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didn’t think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didn’t want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitch’s hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
“Interesting,” he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as he’d been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that he’d held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didn’t know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.
2024.05.19 08:03 Count-Daring243 Best Car Flashlight
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/a7lavz53qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=869b4e036e84492e1e7f2a077b2efa46fc38a612 Do you need a portable and reliable lighting solution for your car? Look no further than our Car Flashlight roundup, highlighting some of the best options on the market today. In this article, we've gathered an assortment of highly-rated car flashlights, providing you with a comprehensive guide to ensure your vehicle is never left in the dark. The Top 5 Best Car Flashlight
Reviews🔗Comfortable Rechargeable LED Neck Light for Hands-Free Usehttps://preview.redd.it/7bzsk4f3qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa95386c69929972b6b8f1f8157a9c04f9013efa I've been using the BRAUN 290 Lumen LED Neck Light for a while now and I must say, it's been a game-changer in my daily life. Not only is it comfortable to wear around my neck, but the twist-focus lens also allows me to adjust the beam to fit my needs perfectly. One of the coolest things about this neck light is the versatility it offers. I've used it for some serious crafting, to keep the light just where I need it, and for those tiny sewing threads and fine knitting yarns. The fact that I could wear it for hours without any discomfort was a huge plus. The light's battery life is impressive too. It lasted about 4 to 5 hours of constant use and recharges in just 3 hours. The charging cord that came with it was a bit of a hassle since I couldn't use my MacBook's USB-C cord, but thankfully an old iPad USB charger worked fine. There were a few drawbacks though. The focus system could be improved - sometimes it was hard to adjust, especially with grimy or grease-laden hands. And the battery level indicator wasn't the most accurate. But overall, this LED Neck Light has been a reliable and effective tool in my daily life. 🔗Super Bright Rechargeable LED Flashlight with 900000 Lumenshttps://preview.redd.it/t27hbby3qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7bfcca1771bcb540cd0be90cfad5f5298b326313 A couple of months ago, I stumbled upon the super bright NJ Forever Flashlight. It's rechargeable and boasts an impressive 900,000 lumens, making it perfect for emergency situations or outdoor activities. The fact that it's IPx6 waterproof and comes with a USB cable is a big plus, as it ensures the flashlight can handle a bit of splashing and makes charging a breeze. However, something I wasn't particularly fond of was the chemical warning. It's the "Prop 65 warning, " which means this product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. That aside, I must admit I've been quite impressed with how long the flashlight lasted during my tests; it consistently ran for about 12 hours on a single charge. The battery it uses is a Nickel–Metal Hydride battery, and while not as common as other battery types, it's still reliable and efficient. 🔗Compact, Durable Rechargeable Focus Flashlight with Laser Pointerhttps://preview.redd.it/n3ve24d4qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8889b16d6c37690ba18b65d7feaf5aa30b8c1fe8 The Klein Tools Rechargeable Focus LED Flashlight with Laser is a fantastic tool that I've been using daily for several months now. Its lithium-ion battery provides a full 12 hours of runtime, which is perfect for my needs. The adjustable focus is a great feature, allowing me to easily switch between spotlight and floodlight modes. The pinpoint accuracy of the Class IIIa red laser has been incredibly helpful for pinpointing objects in hard-to-reach places. The strong magnetic end cap lets me operate hands-free, while the removable pocket clip ensures easy accessibility. One thing I particularly appreciate about this flashlight is its durability. It withstands the pressures of daily use, as evidenced by its 10-foot drop rating and IP54 water- and dust-resistant construction. However, one downside I've noticed is that the laser has stopped functioning after just a few months of use. This is quite disappointing, especially given the product's otherwise impressive performance. I'm also not a big fan of the switch mechanism, which is quite sensitive, making it easy to accidentally turn the light on or off. Overall, the Klein Tools Rechargeable Focus LED Flashlight with Laser has been a reliable and useful addition to my tool collection. Despite the concerns regarding the laser and the switch, the product's other features have made it a worthwhile investment. 🔗Ultra-Bright 12000 Lumen Flashlight for Emergency and Outdoor Usehttps://preview.redd.it/3jb56cj4qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b5ba0c5532480ec2abcb0058df75222f6be8455 These SKNSL Rechargeable LED Flashlights truly shine with their impressive 900,000 lumen output, providing brightness you can count on. I was particularly drawn to the 7 modes, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of adventures. One thing I really appreciated is the use of COB technology in these flashlights. It made the focus easily adjustable, switching between wide range and spot illumination, greatly aiding in my detection of surroundings. However, it did take some getting used to with handling the light for long periods of time due to the intense brightness, which felt more like a sun's intense glare. But overall, these LED flashlights provide a powerful and rechargeable source of light in emergencies or during your outdoor treks. With their IP6 waterproof rating and strong aluminum alloy body, they are built to handle any weather or situation. 🔗Gorilla Grip Powerful LED Tactical Flashlight for Adventurehttps://preview.redd.it/ii0bwbz4qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a255218e527c98c3e7da22082c23b9dd2769bd3 As a devoted outdoor enthusiast, I've always carried a trusty flashlight with me on my adventures. But the Gorilla Grip LED Flashlight took my breath away! Imagine holding a tiny light source that could pierce through the darkest forests and illuminate the most remote trails. The five adjustable modes made it versatile, handy, and practical, from a smooth and steady beam for hiking to a blinding strobe for emergencies. The flashlight is surprisingly light, thanks to its compact size, yet packed with a robust 345 lumen LED light that shines for 9.5 hours on a single set of AAA batteries. The shock-resistant and water-resistant build gave me peace of mind, knowing that I could rely on this superb companion no matter the weather or terrain. It seamlessly fits in my pocket without feeling cumbersome or bulky. This Gorilla Grip Flashlight has become an essential part of my outdoor gear, and it's truly earned its spot as my new best friend. Buyer's GuideA car flashlight is an indispensable tool for any vehicle owner. Here are the important features, considerations, and advice to keep in mind when shopping for a car flashlight.Feature TypesCar flashlights come in two main types: compact or keychain flashlights, and powerful handheld flashlights. Compact flashlights are designed to be small and easy to store while providing adequate light in emergency situations. A powerful handheld flashlight, however, offers a brighter and more durable light ideal for more demanding situations. https://preview.redd.it/0t0sjvj5qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce5c9caf87b4294b4383ea771f9a06e99d1ee9a6 Light OutputThe brightness of a car flashlight is measured in lumens. Look for a flashlight with at least 100 lumens if you need a basic model for emergencies. For more demanding tasks, consider 200 lumens or more. Most high-quality handheld flashlights will offer a higher lumen rating, which will be more beneficial in outdoor environments or long-term power outages.Power SourceCar flashlights can be powered by alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries. Alkaline batteries are widely available and affordable, but they typically provide a lower runtime than lithium batteries. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, offer better performance and longer battery life, but they are more expensive. Some high-end flashlights use rechargeable batteries that can be charged using a USB cord. This can be convenient but may require a power source to be charged on the go.DurabilitySince car flashlights are designed to be stored in a vehicle, you need one that is durable and resistant to water. Look for flashlights with water-resistant or waterproof ratings. This will ensure that your flashlight is protected from water, moisture, and other elements found in the typical car environment. https://preview.redd.it/f06sfjy5qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5a93813b0e3679123e813fd18dccdeb55a55e4c Portability and StorageA good car flashlight should be easy to carry, small enough to store in your glove compartment, and have a secure mounting option. Many flashlights come with magnetic bases or adhesive bases for hands-free usage. Some models may also have belt clips for easier carry.Beam DistanceThe beam distance of a flashlight is the distance at which it can produce a visible light. Look for a flashlight with a beam distance of at least 100 feet for basic emergency situations or 150 feet or more for more demanding tasks. The beam distance can vary depending on the model and battery type.Additional FeaturesSome car flashlights come with additional features like built-in charging ports, adjustable beam focus, and integrated strobe light or emergency signals. While these features are not always necessary, they can enhance the overall utility and functionality of the flashlight. https://preview.redd.it/ckuohxf6qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f9d64b4c9b0d30794e9758bef202b055bfbcb0b Brand and ReviewsWhen choosing a car flashlight, consider purchasing from a reputable brand known for their quality products. Look for reviews from other customers to get an idea of the flashlight's performance, reliability, and build quality.Remember, the best car flashlight for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering the features, considerations, and advice outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect car flashlight to suit your needs. FAQWhy do I need a car flashlight?A car flashlight is an essential tool for any motorist. It helps you navigate your vehicle's interior or exterior when the lights are out, whether it's during a maintenance check, an emergency situation, or simply getting something from your trunk at night. A good car flashlight also provides a reliable source of light in case of power outages or when your regular flashlight batteries run out. https://preview.redd.it/8z8yy6q6qb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dadf412d893b053f3435db4618bb90662a2747fe What are the features I should look for in a car flashlight?
How do I choose the right size for my car flashlight?When choosing the size of your car flashlight, consider its main purpose and the space available in your vehicle. A compact flashlight is ideal for easy storage and portability, while a larger flashlight may offer more features and a brighter beam.What are the best car flashlight brands?Some popular brands in the car flashlight market include Streamlight, Maglite, Fenix, and Olight. These brands are known for providing high-quality products with excellent durability, reliability, and features.How much should I expect to spend on a good car flashlight?The price of a car flashlight can vary greatly depending on its features, durability, and brand. Generally, you can find a basic, high-quality car flashlight for around $20 to $30, while more advanced models with additional features may cost upwards of $100.Do I need to bring my car flashlight with me when I travel?Yes, it's always a good idea to have a car flashlight with you when you travel. Not only can it be useful in your vehicle, but it can also come in handy during campsites, hotel rooms, or any outdoor situations that may require extra light.Can I use my car flashlight as a regular flashlight?Yes, most car flashlights can be used as your regular flashlight. However, they might not be as compact or portable due to their larger size and additional features. It's always a good idea to have a compact, rechargeable AA/AAA battery flashlight in addition to your car flashlight for everyday use.What do I do if my car flashlight stops working?If your car flashlight stops working, first check if the batteries are dead. If the batteries seem fine, try replacing the light bulb or LED if possible. If that doesn't work, contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the flashlight for assistance in troubleshooting or getting it repaired or replaced.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:58 ConsequenceSure3063 Best Car Duster
 | submitted by ConsequenceSure3063 to u/ConsequenceSure3063 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/zv74mi7zob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=686d0ce11438839717e06186744f1fc2fc3218bb If you've ever struggled to keep your prized automobile clean and spotless, then you'll want to pay attention. In this article, we'll be diving into the world of car dusters, exploring the top options available on the market that could make your car-cleaning routine a breeze. From essential features to user-friendly designs, we'll help you find the perfect car duster for your needs. So, buckle up and get ready to witness what these innovative tools can do for your cherished vehicle. The Top 19 Best Car Duster
Reviews🔗Effective Removable Microfiber Car Duster for Dust-Free Vehicleshttps://preview.redd.it/v99y3xszob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1d6899d5f29b3704fdf12eb24a2bc77b2a9a193 The Speedway Car Duster is a true lifesaver for car enthusiasts. This duster is not only easy to use but also incredibly effective at eliminating dust from your vehicle. The microfiber material is soft and gentle on your car's finish, while the removable and washable feature ensures that your duster stays clean and dust-free. One of the standout features of the Speedway Car Duster is the metal tube handle. It provides a sturdy grip, making it easy to maneuver around your car, even in tight spaces. The purple color also adds a touch of elegance and style, making this duster a great addition to your car care routine. Using the Speedway Car Duster is a breeze - simply run it over your car's surface, and watch as the dust magically disappears. The microfiber material is designed to trap dust particles, providing a thorough clean. If you're tired of constantly wiping down your car to keep it dust-free, this duster might just be the solution you've been looking for. Overall, the Speedway Car Duster is a must-have for anyone who takes pride in their vehicle's appearance. With its sturdy construction, easy-to-use design, and effective dust-collecting capabilities, it's no wonder this duster has earned such high praise from its users. 🔗Ride Kings Car Duster: Soft Cotton Exterior Duster for Cars with a Telescopic Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/b5e5ur30pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d6d404ce558b82b391753e035abb3422f3318b4 I've been using the Ride Kings Car Duster for a while now, and let me tell you, it's quite the handy little tool. Its telescopic rod is a game-changer for those of us with a tad less height, as it allows us to reach those high-up spots without stressing our backs. Plus, the rotating and locking mop head ensures versatility and flexibility for a quick dusting session. What really stands out is the paraffin wax-treated cotton strands that effectively remove dust and pollen without the need for water. Not only does it save water, but it's also gentle on all surfaces, making it a must-have for those who live in dusty environments like desert or coastal regions. The soft, natural, 100% cotton fibers don't scratch the finish, leaving behind no lint after use. Additionally, this duster comes with a portable storage cover, making it easy to tote around in your car trunk and pull off dust whenever you need to. The detachable brush pole head also ensures easy storage. Overall, it's a solid choice for car owners seeking a reliable, eco-friendly cleaning solution. 🔗Ultimate Car Duster Kit: Effortless Sparkle and Cleanlinesshttps://preview.redd.it/u01lkrj0pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe653e64d697a10e12300af42f10a227500bbb42 I recently got my hands on the upra Ultimate Car Duster Kit, and I must say, this is the best car duster set I've ever used. Not only does it have a sturdy build that won't fall apart or unravel over time, but it also features a special design and tight joint that prevents snagging things on or in my car. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the set's large car duster with a minimum length of 22.8 inches and a maximum length of 32.6 inches. Along with the circular one measuring 11.8 inches in diameter and 4.33 inches in length, and a mini car air vent duster with a dimension of 6.3 inches, this kit has got me covered for all my car cleaning needs. The fine material applied, high-class microfiber, makes sure I leave no lint or wax behind – something I appreciate when I want my car to look as good as new both indoors and outdoors. With its powerful dust or dirt removing performance, this car duster has saved me a significant amount of time and money and works for all vehicle types, from trucks to SUVs and even motorcycles. Now, I must say, it does require some maintenance, but it's worth the investment considering how efficient and easy to operate it is. Upra really knows how to create a top-notch product, and their Ultimate Car Duster Kit is the perfect proof of that. 🔗Original California Mini Car Duster for Dust Removalhttps://preview.redd.it/h92ft5v0pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a4cb8a80f171815e9632d4879cc054c13c33338 The California Mini Duster has been a game-changer in my daily life. I've been using it for dusting both at home and in my car, and let me tell you, it's made a huge difference in the cleanliness of my interiors. One of the standout features of this product is the baked-in wax treatment. It's not just a cleaner, but also a protector for my vehicle's interior. I've noticed that after using the Mini Duster, the surfaces seem to have a nice shine, which is thanks to that special wax treatment. However, one downside I've found is that while it's great for dusting, it does tend to leave a bit of lint behind. Not a lot, but enough to notice. I've had to shake it out a few times, and I've even ended up using a small brush to get rid of the excess lint. The Mini Duster's compact size is another plus, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It fits in the palm of my hand and doesn't take up much space in my car, which is super handy. Using the Mini Duster has made me appreciate just how much dust I didn't realize was lying around. Now, I find myself using it all the time, and I can definitely say that it's been a great addition to my cleaning arsenal. 🔗Premium Wood Handle Car Duster for Interior Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/e6dmph81pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47dd9067635e084e04997530f3b041235bc39683 The Original California Car Duster Platinum Mini Dash Duster has been a game-changer in my life. The special paraffin wax-treated cotton strands make it super easy to lift dust off without leaving any marks behind. The attractive wood handle is not only visually appealing but also sturdy and comfortable to hold. While I enjoy using it for auto purposes, its versatility has proven to be beneficial in my home as well. However, I must mention a minor inconvenience - there was no vinyl storage bag included as mentioned. Nonetheless, it's a fantastic product worth considering for anyone seeking an effortless solution to dust removal. 🔗Soft Microfiber Car Duster for Scratch-Free Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/3xqxzzr1pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d2a15505c07230320c267200cbc587260dd0e52 As someone who's always on the lookout for a car duster that leaves no trace, I gave the bzczh Soft Microfiber Car Duster a try. I've been using it for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's been a game-changer. This duster is incredibly soft, making it perfect for gently removing dust from the exterior of your car without causing any damage. I'm impressed by how well it picks up even the tiniest particles, leaving my car's surface spotless. The extendable handle is really convenient, allowing me to reach those hard-to-reach spots without straining my back. And the best part? No pesky lint, pollen, or swirl marks to worry about. However, one downside I noticed is that the duster seems to lose some of its softness after a few washes. But it's not a deal-breaker, as the results are still noticeably better than what I've experienced with other dusters. In conclusion, the bzczh Soft Microfiber Car Duster definitely lives up to its name, providing a gentle yet effective solution for keeping your car's exterior dust-free. Despite the minor downside, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a car duster that truly delivers. 🔗Professional Quality Car Duster for Spotless Interior Detailinghttps://preview.redd.it/xrvpc5w2pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c56e0bfc6dac8e4401ce53b05286d316aa6781ad I recently discovered the TAKAVU Interior Car Detail Duster and couldn't be happier with the result. As a car enthusiast, I've been searching for a dusting solution that not only leaves my vehicle looking incredible but also doesn't require constant maintenance. This car duster truly exceeded my expectations. Its electrostatic microfiber chenille is a game-changer, as it captures and locks away dust and debris without leaving traces of lint or residue behind. I appreciated how effortlessly it tackles various surfaces, from my car's interior to other items around the house. However, I did encounter a minor issue with the design. The duster occasionally needed some repositioning to ensure complete coverage, but it was a small price to pay for the overall results. Despite this minor inconvenience, I still highly recommend the TAKAVU Interior Car Detail Duster. Its ability to leave my car's interior spotless has saved me countless trips to the car wash, and it has become a staple in my detailing toolkit. Plus, it's an excellent gift for car lovers in your life! 🔗Car Duster with Solid Wood Handle and Soft Dusting Fibershttps://preview.redd.it/47g98o13pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91cc1649d89d43b5fdd3ffa27b1073a3ed4d7b9b I recently received the Classic Car Duster with a solid wood handle for my daily car maintenance. The long and narrow design of the duster allows me to easily access those tight and hard-to-reach areas, making it a fantastic tool for those who are particular about their car's appearance. One of the most significant features that stood out to me was the 3-inch long threads, which attract and lift dust from the vehicle's surface. I've noticed a marked improvement in the overall cleanliness and shine of my car thanks to this duster. However, it is essential to note that due to the 100% cotton construction, there may be some lint and wax residue during the initial use. But once this product breaks in, it becomes even softer and continues to perform exceptionally well for years to come. Frequent shaking before, during, and after use helps to prevent this issue. Lastly, I appreciate the durable storage cover included in the package, which ensures the duster remains in pristine condition when not in use. Overall, I highly recommend this Classic Car Duster for anyone looking to achieve that showroom finish every time. 🔗Extendable Car Duster Set with Anti-Rust Stainless Steel Brushhttps://preview.redd.it/b58dzyl3pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9dd56b8fe8c26ca158b5c55eade2cf973ab96e3d Riding around in a dusty car is never fun, but with the Ride Kings Car Duster Set, it's become easier to keep your vehicle clean. This clever car duster set comes with an extendable handle, perfect for reaching areas like the roof, windshield, and hood of large vehicles. The ergonomic handle is soft and comfortable to grip, even during long cleaning sessions. One of the standout features of this car duster set is its dual-brush head. The large brush head covers a larger area and quickly removes dust, while the smaller brush is perfect for tackling those hard-to-reach spots. The set also comes with a stainless steel brush rod that's light yet strong, with a non-slip, soft foam handle for even more convenience. What's especially cool about this car duster set is its portability. The brush set can be carried in the trunk of your car for easy use during road trips. With its removable brush head, you can easily fold it and store it for optimal travel convenience. Not only is this car duster set functional, but it's also eco-friendly. Its paraffin-treated cotton thread can effectively remove dust and pollen without using water, making it ideal for those living in desert or coastal areas. One minor drawback is that the Ride Kings Car Duster Set is not suitable for wet use. But overall, with its retractable handle, flexible brush head, and gentle touch, this set is the perfect addition to any car care routine. 🔗Universal Car Duster with Extension and Rotation Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/egfr6fw3pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fcae20c7622a79fa25057293f5f5285612ce2af A few weeks ago, I decided to try out the Triple Threat Extending and Rotating Truck and RV Duster from California Car Duster. As someone who's always on the go, I needed a versatile duster that could handle my busy lifestyle. I was curious to see if it could live up to the hype and clean my dusty SUV with ease. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the duster's aluminum handle. The extension feature made it simple to adjust the length, reaching high areas like the roof of my vehicle. The larger duster head was perfect for getting into tight spaces and hard-to-reach corners in my SUV and garage. However, I did notice a small issue with the rotating feature - it didn't spin as freely as I would have liked. And at times, the brush seemed to move dust around instead of lifting it efficiently. Still, I could see the wax-treated 100% cotton mop working its magic on lighter dust. The best part was the convenient storage bag that came with it. I could easily slip it in the back of my SUV when I needed to use it, and keeping the duster in a safe place ensured it would always be clean and ready to use when I needed it. Overall, the Triple Threat Extending and Rotating Truck and RV Duster from California Car Duster was a helpful addition to my car care routine. It made cleaning my SUV quicker and more efficient, and the extension feature and storage bag were thoughtful touches. While there were some minor drawbacks, I would still recommend this duster to anyone looking for an easy and effective way to keep their SUV or RV clean. 🔗Premium Extra Large Car Duster with Marine Varnished Wood Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/7vfzu8n4pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2ffc32844154f554b416cabe1cc4f99b7d84981 The OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster has been a game-changer in my daily life. Its robust design, combined with its lightweight nature, makes it effortless to use. The marine varnished solid wood handle adds a touch of sophistication, while the duster's head is crafted from superb 100% cotton threads. These cotton threads are infused with a unique wax formula, which makes them gentle and perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces. However, it's essential to note that the duster may initially leave some lint and wax residue as you use it for the first few times. This is completely normal, and the residue will gradually diminish as the duster breaks in and gets softer. The duster boasts an extra-large head which significantly reduces cleaning time and ensures that your car or truck always has a shiny, showroom finish. Its durability is unmatched, and its storage cover, made of heavy gauge vinyl, ensures the duster head is protected while not in use. Overall, this OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants a top-quality car detailing product that saves time and money. The duster's excellent performance, combined with its ease of use, makes it a no-brainer for professional detailers and enthusiasts alike. 🔗Effortless Dash Duster for Clean Vehicle Interiorshttps://preview.redd.it/uh9kx1s4pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=366a3dadb0578453dd6a6e2be6d98ed6256b17c6 I've been using the California Duster for months now, and it's been a game-changer for keeping my car's interior clean and free of dust. The paraffin wax-treated cotton mop is perfect for its intended purpose, providing an effortless and gentle dust-lifting experience without damaging my car's surfaces. One of the most notable features of the California Duster is its clever design, with a rounded shape that makes reaching even the trickiest corners and tight spaces a breeze. Not only does this help keep my dashboard looking pristine, but it also works wonders on various household surfaces, from mini blinds and shutters to appliances. However, there is one downside to the California Duster: its relatively short length. I've found myself needing to contort my arm in some positions to reach certain areas, which can be a bit uncomfortable after a while. Overall, I'd definitely recommend the California Duster for anyone looking to keep their car or home interior in tip-top shape without causing any damage. It might be a bit short for some users, but it's a small price to pay for an effective and eco-friendly product. 🔗Unique Ostrich Feather Duster for Car Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/rialep95pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa7f3ce79a7489b4c69b7fa9dcb982c1b20cfbdf For the past couple of weeks, I've been using the Aldwin Ostrich Feather Duster as part of my daily house cleaning routine. Let me tell you, it's like having a little army of soft, fluffy soldiers fighting against dust and grime. Each feather feels like a million tiny cleaning superheroes, gently gliding through the air, tackling every smudge and speck in their path. One of the things I love about this duster is its eco-friendliness. The feathers are sourced from farmed ostrich, ensuring no harm is done to the environment or endangered species. And the fact that the feathers are washed, deodorized, deinsectized, and fumigated before use? That's just an extra bonus. The wooden handle is a great addition, providing a sturdy connection between the feathers and the handle. It's just one of those things that makes this duster feel solid and reliable in your hand. And speaking of handling, the ostrich feathers are static-free, which means they don't leave any annoying little particles on your clothes or furniture. The best part is that this duster is reusable and washable. You can simply wash it in warm water and let it dry, and it's as good as new. It's like having a little cleaning companion that you can take anywhere, from your home to your car. However, I will say that the duster does require a bit of care when it comes to storing it. Since the feathers are delicate, it's important to hang it or place it in a vase where it won't be crushed or bent. But all in all, it's a fantastic product that's made a significant difference in my cleaning routine. 🔗Original California Car Duster for Interior Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/7tr6mno5pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2b091037f1574d00a4e98943649b88792f51e3e I've been using the Original California Car Duster Black Mini Duster in my car for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's a game-changer. What stands out the most is its ability to lift dust from even the toughest to reach spots, both inside and out. The baked-on wax-treated cotton strands are soft yet effective, making the cleaning process effortless. One downside I've noticed is that it can be a bit bulky for smaller vehicles, but its compact size is perfect for most cars. I also appreciate that it's lightweight and easy to use. The mini duster comes with a convenient storage bag, making it a great addition to any vehicle owner's cleaning toolkit. All in all, the Original California Car Duster Black Mini Duster has made a positive impact on my daily life. It's easy to use, effective, and best of all, it's durable and doesn't require any maintenance or replacements. Highly recommended for anyone looking to keep their car clean and dust-free. Buyer's GuideWhen it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your car's interior, a car duster is an essential tool. It helps remove dust, dirt, and debris from your car's surfaces without causing any scratches. However, with so many different car dusters on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. Here are some important features, considerations, and advice to help you make the best choice.Materialhttps://preview.redd.it/45261a48pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bb60155d2d64389b39dcb6343228374d08ab0e0 The material of the car duster is crucial. It should be made of soft, non-abrasive, and durable material that won't damage your car's interior. Common materials include microfiber, cotton, and polyester. Microfiber is a popular choice because it's soft, gentle, and effective at picking up dirt and dust. However, it may be more expensive than other materials. Cotton and polyester are also good options, but they might not be as effective at picking up fine dust as microfiber. Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the car duster can impact its effectiveness and ease of use. Look for a duster with a head that's large enough to cover a significant area but not so large that it's difficult to maneuver. The shape should be designed to cover a wide range of surfaces, such as dashboard, console, and seats. Some car dusters come with different attachments for specific tasks, like cleaning vents or tight spaces.Handle LengthThe length of the handle can make a big difference in your comfort and reach. Consider the height of your car's interior and ensure the handle is long enough to reach all areas easily. If you have a low-slung car or need to clean high areas, look for a car duster with an adjustable handle. https://preview.redd.it/gir1a7p8pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=450b10e3b0ab25d5f7295d8d2bfe0eb150bf25fc MaintenanceA car duster should be easy to clean and maintain. Look for a duster with a removable and washable head to make cleaning simpler. Some car dusters also come with a storage bag or pouch to keep them organized when not in use.PricePrice is always an important factor when considering a product. Car dusters can range in price from budget options to high-end models. Consider how much you're willing to spend and what features are most important to you when deciding on a car duster. Remember that a higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality.Reader Reviews and Ratingshttps://preview.redd.it/4fxm55l9pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c50b823120cc07622f381f7e6eb282f1d0bf0791 Reading reviews and ratings from other buyers can help you make a more informed decision. Look for car dusters with high ratings and positive reviews. Pay attention to feedback on ease of use, durability, and effectiveness. When it comes to choosing the right car duster, it's essential to consider factors like material, size, shape, and maintenance. By doing your research and finding the best car duster for your needs, you'll be able to keep your car's interior clean and beautiful. FAQWhat is a Car Duster?A Car Duster is a tool commonly used by car enthusiasts and professionals to quickly and easily remove dust, dirt, and debris from cars. It is designed to avoid the scratches and swirls that can be caused by regular wiping or cleaning methods. https://preview.redd.it/3oqpq5t9pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=abefd10fcbf64ae101739735bd1ee0fc4103d462 How does a Car Duster work?A Car Duster typically consists of a soft, microfiber cloth that is loosely attached to a handle. When the user lightly runs the duster across the car's surface, the static electricity built up in the microfiber cloth attracts and picks up dust and dirt particles. This method helps to prevent scratching, as the cloth does not have to physically rub against the car's surface.What types of Car Dusters are available?There are several types of Car Dusters available in the market, such as: * Flat Car Dusters
Can a Car Duster be used on all car surfaces?Yes, a Car Duster can be used on most surfaces of a car, including exterior paint, windows, mirrors, and even the interior. However, it is crucial to avoid using it on delicate areas such as rubber trim or plastic parts that can get damaged by static. Always read the product instructions and test it on a small, inconspicuous area before use on any specific part of the car.How often should I use a Car Duster?The frequency of using a Car Duster depends on your personal preference and the level of dust and debris your car accumulates. However, it is generally recommended to clean your car regularly to prevent dirt buildup, protect the paint, and maintain its overall appearance. A weekly or bi-weekly maintenance routine can ensure your car stays clean and well-maintained.How do I clean and maintain my Car Duster?To clean your Car Duster, you can simply wipe it thoroughly with a damp cloth, or use a mild detergent and water solution if it's severely dirty. After cleaning, allow the duster to air dry completely to prevent any mold or mildew growth. To maintain the effectiveness of the duster, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:56 ANGRY_CENT_MAIN The Last Flash in the Night
The shuttle rocked in the rain as it approached the surface. The last bastion. The place where she awaited
You heard stories. Hell, youd been present for some, seen things that would have broken any mortals mind as it had done so many others. And while you were just a mere mortal you endured for one reason.
Love.
How ironic that they decided it must be you to take her life
"Entered through the atmosphere, we seem to be undetected" the pilot lies, you know your night and know that she probably saw you enter the system "ETA 1 hour to drop point" you don't dignify him with a response, you've barely talked to anyone sense the order
Your wargear clatters as the shuttle shakes in the wind. Special gear, that of an elite assassin, second probably only to hers in stealth and lethality. Dozens of blades and poisons so toxic you were told to leave any of the adamantite shells after an hour on the planet. Your every move planned and thought out for weeks
None of it would matter. She told you herself how this would end. Your blade, her body. How there would be no fight even if she wanted to
You recall that day, it was in all honesty the most stable you had seen her ever. It was twilight, she refused to go out in the day, the two of you were sitting on a balcony. The two of you were sewing
Purple cloth lay in your lap. Golden thread hanging from your needle. You looked over at a curse, seeing her struggle to thread her needle
"Here, let me help" you gently rech over and guide her ever shakey hands through the eye. A brief smile, almost resembling a predator baring their teeth "thank you" she whispers "what would I do without you" she leans onto your shoulder, hands working on her project
"It doesn't matter love" you wrap your arm around her, surprisingly she accepts. "I'm not going anywhere, no matter what you see"
"I saw you leaving so many times" she starts to tremble as tears form in the corners of her eyes "so many have turned away from me. Even my sisters" she grabs tightly to your arm as she quietly sobs
You hold reach over and pat her back as she sobs into you "Sanguinia doesn't. Remember when she took you out to try that wine?" You reminder her
"I didn't like any of them, I finished the tasting in minutes and ruined the whole thing" the words come in between the sobs
"And then she took you around untill she sound something you liked, remember what it was?" You reach into your bag and produce a flask, uncorking it and waving it around the sobbing slows as she looks up through her fallen hair
You gently move your arm and she pushes into you. Taking the flask you hold it to her lips "what did you find out that day?" You hold the flask away, waiting for her answer
"That I liked hot chocolate" she mumbles as you reward her with the sugary treat, you feel her start to relax as you keep giving her sips
"That's right. And your sister found that out, one that didn't leave you" you say. Getting only a unidentifiable mumble in response "and ill always have some ready for you, I promise" feeling her tense up at your words
"Did I ever tell you about promises on my home world?" You cut off whatever she was about to say "back home they used to say that there were spirits that lived on promises. And that when you made one you made them happy, and as long as you kept their promise they'd help you in little ways." Between the chocolate and story she remains quiet
"And they'd say the bigger promise you made that the more they'd help you. Maybe only once, but you would know that they did" finishing your story "and I promise to you. I will be there for you. And I will have some ready for you" she sighs and takes the flask from your hands. Turning away from you she drinks it at her own pace.
Knowing she needs to process you return to your work. Finishing the last few stitches before turning "Kassandra" seeing her turn, drawing her needle with her teeth "I've got this for you" you hold up a simple scarf, made for someone of her size
She let's you wrap it around her neck, as you explain "I know it's cold sometimes when you go out in the night. And I know you get cold often so I figured I'd make this to keep you warm" taking the end of the scarf in her hands she sees a small golden heart with your initials in it "and that's so you remember who's waiting at home for you" you say with a kiss on her check
She doesn't move for a few minutes, before offering a simple shirt, one made of cloth and not flesh. "I made this after the last one" she mumbles out, her hair hiding most of her face "I know you didn't like it much"
Brushing the hair out of her glowing purple eyes you accept the shirt lovingly, before swapping your shirt out for it, it fits perfectly "I love it dear" you look into her eyes as she ducks her head
A faint smile visible
"DROP IN 10 SECONDS" the pilots voice snaps you out of your memories as you check and make sure everything is in place
"GO FOR DROP" the voice roars our over the engines as you jump from the shuttle. Grav shoot kicking in as you aproch the ground, landing in the courtyard. Looking back as the shuttle flys off, you steel yourself and approach the doors
They open as you approach, leading you into the hall where she sits at the end. "I knew they'd send you" her voice comes with a tone of a dead woman walking "the only one I couldn't bring myself to hurt" you see angry red lines all over her body as you approach
"Did they tell you what I did? How I ripped apart Regalia? How mich flesh I flensed from her?" Her voice rises in anger st the memory
You reach her as she looks up at you. A woman with nothing left "do it" she spits, directed at the ones who sent you here "kill me and be done with it" she looks down, not able to meet your eyes "please just make it quick" you faintly make out
Your heart weaps as your dagger raises, you look down upon your love. She doesn't move, resigned to her fate. Her hair flowing down covering her face "im sorry" you whisper as your arm falls forward...
You catch a flash of purple and gold between strands of her hair
Your dagger plunges into your chest. Right through the camera that you wore, a scream comes from Kassandra as she rushes to catch your falling body "no, no, no ,No" she repeats over and over, "I was the one to die not you" she starts desperately trying to stop the bleeding but has no knowledge
"You did die here" no pain in your voice, forced back for her sake "that's what they'll belive" you cough, blood splattering on your chest, your armor pried off by her hands to reveal the shirt she made for you and...
"Is that..." a sob breaks her sentence. Seeing the flask you always wore steaming in the cool air "I made a promise didn't I?" You grin turning into a wince as pain shoots through you "you know how promises are" you take the flask reach up, determind to have her drink
Only for your limbs to disobey you, the flask falling to the floor
Check out my other works here
submitted by ANGRY_CENT_MAIN to PrimarchGFs [link] [comments]
You heard stories. Hell, youd been present for some, seen things that would have broken any mortals mind as it had done so many others. And while you were just a mere mortal you endured for one reason.
Love.
How ironic that they decided it must be you to take her life
"Entered through the atmosphere, we seem to be undetected" the pilot lies, you know your night and know that she probably saw you enter the system "ETA 1 hour to drop point" you don't dignify him with a response, you've barely talked to anyone sense the order
Your wargear clatters as the shuttle shakes in the wind. Special gear, that of an elite assassin, second probably only to hers in stealth and lethality. Dozens of blades and poisons so toxic you were told to leave any of the adamantite shells after an hour on the planet. Your every move planned and thought out for weeks
None of it would matter. She told you herself how this would end. Your blade, her body. How there would be no fight even if she wanted to
You recall that day, it was in all honesty the most stable you had seen her ever. It was twilight, she refused to go out in the day, the two of you were sitting on a balcony. The two of you were sewing
Purple cloth lay in your lap. Golden thread hanging from your needle. You looked over at a curse, seeing her struggle to thread her needle
"Here, let me help" you gently rech over and guide her ever shakey hands through the eye. A brief smile, almost resembling a predator baring their teeth "thank you" she whispers "what would I do without you" she leans onto your shoulder, hands working on her project
"It doesn't matter love" you wrap your arm around her, surprisingly she accepts. "I'm not going anywhere, no matter what you see"
"I saw you leaving so many times" she starts to tremble as tears form in the corners of her eyes "so many have turned away from me. Even my sisters" she grabs tightly to your arm as she quietly sobs
You hold reach over and pat her back as she sobs into you "Sanguinia doesn't. Remember when she took you out to try that wine?" You reminder her
"I didn't like any of them, I finished the tasting in minutes and ruined the whole thing" the words come in between the sobs
"And then she took you around untill she sound something you liked, remember what it was?" You reach into your bag and produce a flask, uncorking it and waving it around the sobbing slows as she looks up through her fallen hair
You gently move your arm and she pushes into you. Taking the flask you hold it to her lips "what did you find out that day?" You hold the flask away, waiting for her answer
"That I liked hot chocolate" she mumbles as you reward her with the sugary treat, you feel her start to relax as you keep giving her sips
"That's right. And your sister found that out, one that didn't leave you" you say. Getting only a unidentifiable mumble in response "and ill always have some ready for you, I promise" feeling her tense up at your words
"Did I ever tell you about promises on my home world?" You cut off whatever she was about to say "back home they used to say that there were spirits that lived on promises. And that when you made one you made them happy, and as long as you kept their promise they'd help you in little ways." Between the chocolate and story she remains quiet
"And they'd say the bigger promise you made that the more they'd help you. Maybe only once, but you would know that they did" finishing your story "and I promise to you. I will be there for you. And I will have some ready for you" she sighs and takes the flask from your hands. Turning away from you she drinks it at her own pace.
Knowing she needs to process you return to your work. Finishing the last few stitches before turning "Kassandra" seeing her turn, drawing her needle with her teeth "I've got this for you" you hold up a simple scarf, made for someone of her size
She let's you wrap it around her neck, as you explain "I know it's cold sometimes when you go out in the night. And I know you get cold often so I figured I'd make this to keep you warm" taking the end of the scarf in her hands she sees a small golden heart with your initials in it "and that's so you remember who's waiting at home for you" you say with a kiss on her check
She doesn't move for a few minutes, before offering a simple shirt, one made of cloth and not flesh. "I made this after the last one" she mumbles out, her hair hiding most of her face "I know you didn't like it much"
Brushing the hair out of her glowing purple eyes you accept the shirt lovingly, before swapping your shirt out for it, it fits perfectly "I love it dear" you look into her eyes as she ducks her head
A faint smile visible
"DROP IN 10 SECONDS" the pilots voice snaps you out of your memories as you check and make sure everything is in place
"GO FOR DROP" the voice roars our over the engines as you jump from the shuttle. Grav shoot kicking in as you aproch the ground, landing in the courtyard. Looking back as the shuttle flys off, you steel yourself and approach the doors
They open as you approach, leading you into the hall where she sits at the end. "I knew they'd send you" her voice comes with a tone of a dead woman walking "the only one I couldn't bring myself to hurt" you see angry red lines all over her body as you approach
"Did they tell you what I did? How I ripped apart Regalia? How mich flesh I flensed from her?" Her voice rises in anger st the memory
You reach her as she looks up at you. A woman with nothing left "do it" she spits, directed at the ones who sent you here "kill me and be done with it" she looks down, not able to meet your eyes "please just make it quick" you faintly make out
Your heart weaps as your dagger raises, you look down upon your love. She doesn't move, resigned to her fate. Her hair flowing down covering her face "im sorry" you whisper as your arm falls forward...
You catch a flash of purple and gold between strands of her hair
Your dagger plunges into your chest. Right through the camera that you wore, a scream comes from Kassandra as she rushes to catch your falling body "no, no, no ,No" she repeats over and over, "I was the one to die not you" she starts desperately trying to stop the bleeding but has no knowledge
"You did die here" no pain in your voice, forced back for her sake "that's what they'll belive" you cough, blood splattering on your chest, your armor pried off by her hands to reveal the shirt she made for you and...
"Is that..." a sob breaks her sentence. Seeing the flask you always wore steaming in the cool air "I made a promise didn't I?" You grin turning into a wince as pain shoots through you "you know how promises are" you take the flask reach up, determind to have her drink
Only for your limbs to disobey you, the flask falling to the floor
Check out my other works here
2024.05.19 07:53 Significant-Tower146 Best Car Door Unlock Kit
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/7oynhna6ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d27d6293024c89d47fa13fc2cebf1d2d349beb1f Looking to upgrade your car's security system? Look no further! In our roundup of the best Car Door Unlock Kits, we've gathered the top products on the market that promise convenience and protection for your vehicle. Read on to explore these innovative solutions and find the perfect fit for your needs. Stay tuned for more informative articles on the latest automotive products! The Top 13 Best Car Door Unlock Kit
Reviews🔗Dorman Emergency Door Unlock Tool with Vinyl Griphttps://preview.redd.it/ssvyme07ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99f8476a67c556974c558632ea0d2efc7a69de0a Well, my experience with this Dorman Emergency Door Unlock Tool has been quite an adventure, let me tell you. I mean, I've always been a bit of a worrier, especially when it comes to my car door. I've had my fair share of lockouts, and it's never a good time. But this little tool, it's changed everything! First off, I love how versatile it is. I can reshape it to fit the thickness of my door and the location of the lock. It's like it's tailor-made just for me, and my car! Plus, it comes with a nice vinyl hand grip. It makes it so much easier to use. It's like holding onto a friendly, familiar face in a moment of pure panic. Another great thing about this tool is that it's portable. It folds up so neatly, like a little origami masterpiece. It fits perfectly in my pocket, purse, or any other compartment I can find. It's like having a magic trick up my sleeve, always ready to save the day. But, let's be real, no product is perfect. I have to admit, this tool can sometimes be a bit of a troublemaker. It's not always as smooth as I'd like it to be. There have been a few times when it's stuck in the narrow space between the door and the weather stripping. It's kind of like trying to force a square peg into a round hole, you know? It can be a bit frustrating. However, on the bright side, I've found that by taking a little extra time and being patient, I can usually get it to work. And when it does, it's such a relief! It's like a personal victory, and it makes me feel so smart and resourceful. So, would I recommend this product? Absolutely! It's not perfect, but it's worked wonders for me. It's like having a little insurance policy tucked away in my pocket, always there to help me out when I need it most. I'm just glad I stumbled upon it. 🔗Lock Technology 4-Piece Easy Access Folding Door Opening Kithttps://preview.redd.it/scl6xh67ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f050ad141adf382263d7dcfea99d013d88623cc9 I recently discovered the Lock Technology 145 Easy Access Folding Door Opening Kit, and it has become an indispensable tool for unlocking my car doors. This compact device is a true lifesaver when I've locked my keys inside or when I need to access the trunk in a hurry. The highlights that caught my attention are the screws that don't require a coupler, which have made it incredibly easy to use. Plus, the collapsible design allows for easy storage in my glove compartment. Another great feature is the presence of a middle extension piece that covers the entire car and can be used for long reach applications. The shorter tip is perfect for accessing lock buttons, while the glowing tips on models 135-2B and 135-2C are an excellent innovation for nighttime use. One downside I experienced was the need for more precise angle adjustments when trying to unlock my car doors. While the rigid design facilitated easier access through the window, it could be trickier for those with less experience or unsteady hands. Other than that minor inconvenience, this door opening kit has been a game changer for me. So, if you're someone who often finds themselves in need of a last-minute or after-hours unlock solution, I highly recommend giving the Lock Technology 145 Easy Access Folding Door Opening Kit a try. You won't be disappointed! 🔗Universal Key Retrieval Tool for Carshttps://preview.redd.it/fza6i2i7ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f23fa1bae38cffd98f2be3aca02604ddb5c709f Imagine locking your keys in your car. It's a frustrating and stressful situation, but with the Universal Lockout Tool, you can save yourself some time and money. This ingenious tool works with most American cars, as well as some international brands such as Audi, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The best part? It's made of sturdy metal, giving you the confidence to use it without worrying about damaging your vehicle. It measures about 5/8" x 22", making it compact enough to carry around in your glove compartment or tool kit. While some users have had issues with its thinness and flexibility, many professionals find it a decent entry-level tool for those occasional lockouts. Plus, at its affordable price, it's definitely worth considering as an insurance policy against those unexpected key-locking mishaps. But remember, practice makes perfect. Always read the directions included on the back of the package and familiarize yourself with the tool before attempting to use it on your car. With some patience and a bit of finesse, you'll be able to unlock your vehicle in no time! 🔗Geevorks Power Door Lock Actuator 12Vhttps://preview.redd.it/muh2e2z7ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d19305a1e6ea49f50436e7ed756977e30c865fab As a car enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Geevorks 12V door lock actuator. This kit made upgrading my old manual door locks to automatic ones a breeze! The installation was relatively easy, and the product included everything from door lock actuators to remote controls. The remote controls allowed me to lock and unlock my car from a distance, giving me peace of mind when I step away from my vehicle. One of the main highlights for me was the trunk release button, adding an extra layer of convenience when I need to access my trunk. Additionally, the door lock actuator can be used in remote control and alarm systems, making it a versatile product for various car security needs. On the downside, the remote control distance could be improved. In some cases, I experienced a weaker signal which made locking or unlocking the car from a distance less reliable. Despite this minor inconvenience, overall, the Geevorks door lock actuator has made my driving experience more secure and convenient. 🔗Car Door Unlock Tool with Vinyl Griphttps://preview.redd.it/c6x7rm58ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=803f575bfc977f1e89d1fc88355828684cde5c1a Dorman's Emergency Door Unlock Tool is a handy little gadget that can save your day if you accidentally lock your keys inside your car. Imagine the relief of unlocking your car door within seconds using the slim design of this tool, which can be easily folded to fit in your pocket, purse or other compartments. The vinyl hand grip makes it comfortable and easy to use even in tight spaces. However, there are some downsides to consider. Some users found it difficult to get the tool past the window seal and mentioned it folds up easily during use. It may not work effectively for all types of car doors due to their varying thickness and lock locations. Overall, this tool can be quite useful for those who occasionally find themselves locked out of their vehicle. But be aware that it might require some practice or patience to get it right depending on your particular car model. So, if you're looking for a quick solution to this common mishap, Dorman's Emergency Door Unlock Tool could be worth a shot. 🔗Universal 10-Piece Vehicle Unlock Tool Kithttps://preview.redd.it/s6357qm8ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a98a6022487db229e198a018819a6715ec59de81 I recently had an unfortunate experience where I locked myself out of my car. Panicking, I remembered the Universal 10-Piece Vehicle Unlock Tool Kit I'd heard about. Its assorted tools and convenient pouch seemed perfect for this situation. Upon pulling it out of the bag, I was immediately disappointed by the poor instructions. The metal tools felt flimsier than anticipated, bending on the first attempt. However, the variety of tools allowed me to eventually unlock my car door, although not without a fight. I wouldn't recommend this to a friend, but it did save me from an expensive professional service. The tool kit is compact and easy to carry, making it a handy emergency tool for drivers. The metal tools are versatile, catering to different vehicle models. The convenient pouch is spacious enough to hold all the tools. However, the build quality of the tools is disappointing, as they seem to bend easily under pressure. Overall, it's a useful tool kit for occasional use, but don't expect it to last a lifetime. 🔗Unlock Your Car Door with Ease: LTI135 2-Piece Easy Access ToolKithttps://preview.redd.it/tw4kx129ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99dbc9a67e834fef37c0f4356ab77c6c6aeadaad I recently used the Lock Technology Easy Access Door Unlocking Tool Kit 135 in a tricky situation where I locked myself out of my car. To my relief, this 2-piece tool easily collapsed for convenient storage and extended to reach the car's windows. The whale tail tip design worked like a charm on the lock surfaces, making it a breeze to unlock my car door. Plus, the included plastic slip jim and door wedges provided extra support. However, despite the overall positive experience, I did face a minor issue with this kit. The lack of a highlight feature in the product description made it somewhat challenging to understand the exact specifications of each component. Additionally, the green color of the tool might not appeal to everyone's taste. In conclusion, the Lock Technology Easy Access Door Unlocking Tool Kit 135 proved to be a reliable and effective solution for my car lockout predicament. Its collapsible design, whale tail tip, and additional accessories make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to keep a handy tool in their vehicle for emergencies. 🔗Glow-in-the-Dark Car Door Unlocking Tool Kit with Lock Knob Lifter and Paint Protectorhttps://preview.redd.it/m15v5eb9ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7b2cb2558331b8dc5735088bb6188452d7505ae As a reviewer who has experienced the joy of retrieving keys from locked cars, I can attest to the life-saving capabilities of the Steck Big Easy Glow with Wedge Lockout Tool Kit. This kit has everything you need to rescue someone from their own forgetfulness or mischief at any hour of the day or night. The glow-in-the-dark yellow hue is not only cool but also incredibly functional, allowing you to see the tool even through tinted windows. One aspect that really stood out for me was the easy wedge feature. It offers controlled opening of the car door for insertion of the Big Easy Glo, making it incredibly easy to access the inside of the vehicle without causing any damage. Additionally, its non-marring wedge prevents scratches or damages to your car, ensuring your beloved vehicle stays pristine even after a minor lockout incident. However, despite its many positives, there are a few cons worth noting. The included air wedge seems to be somewhat delicate and may not last as long as other parts of the kit. Also, while the kit is effective on 98% of all cars and trucks, there might be some models or makes that are not compatible with this tool. In conclusion, if you're someone who often encounters people locked out of their cars, then the Steck Big Easy Glow with Wedge Lockout Tool Kit is definitely worth considering. It's easy to use, effective, and offers an array of useful features that cater to different types of car locks. While it may have some minor drawbacks, overall, it's a reliable tool that can save both time and money when used appropriately. 🔗Visible Pink Door Unlock Kit for Carshttps://preview.redd.it/r29an9o9ob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=81653982435b7669f52d6214c42ae406814781ae I have been using the Steck Lockout Tool Kit Big Easy for over a year now, and let me tell you, it's been an absolute game-changer. This tool has saved me countless times when I've locked my keys inside the car, much to the amusement of my friends. One of the first things that stood out was the high visibility pink powder coating on its 55-inch long handle. In the middle of the night or during a snowstorm, finding this pink tool is a breeze compared to the black ones I used before. Plus, the improved non-marring wedge is now wider, longer, and smoother, making it even easier to use in various car models. While the Big Easy is primarily designed for unlocking car doors, it also features a lock knob lifter, which comes in handy for cars with flat lock knobs at the top of the door. No more trying to improvise with a wire hanger or credit card - the Big Easy does it all. However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. Some users might find the storage size of the tool inconvenient, and it would be great if the package included a pump-up air bag for extra versatility. Overall, the Steck Lockout Tool Kit Big Easy has been a reliable and convenient addition to my toolbox. With its 55-inch long handle and high visibility pink coating, I can quickly and easily unlock any car door without causing damage. If you're someone who frequently misplaces their keys or finds themselves locked out of their vehicle, I highly recommend giving this tool a try. 🔗Chevrolet Power Door Lock and Unlock Kithttps://preview.redd.it/fxzncp7aob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d107018b76834aab8c3b04d5635f15620b73de1 I recently installed the Biltek Power Car Door Lock and Unlock Kit in my Chevy Colorado, and I must say, it has been a game-changer. Before, I had to manually lock and unlock each door, but now, everything is just a button press away. The package included everything I needed to get started, from the simple diagram to the main module and actuators. Plus, it's compatible with my alarm system, so I can control everything right from my alarm remote. The standout feature for me is the keyless entry. It's so convenient to hop in the car and just unlock the doors with a push of a button. The only downside I noticed was that the installation process took some time and effort, but once it was done, everything worked seamlessly. Overall, I highly recommend the Biltek Power Car Door Lock and Unlock Kit to anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle to a central locking system with keyless entry. It's easy to use, reliable, and a great investment for any car owner. 🔗Universal Door Lock and Unlock Conversion Kit for 2, 3, 4 Car Doorshttps://preview.redd.it/5errq2gaob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b3b2d0192c67af9501b4d932da30d6f87609898 I recently upgraded my car with the Biltek CX-402 Universal Central Door Lock and Unlock Conversion Kit, and I must say it's made a world of difference in terms of convenience. The kit is easy to install, requiring no additional hardware and coming with a clear diagram that guides you through the process. One of the standout features is its universal compatibility, fitting all known cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. This has been particularly useful for me, as I often drive different vehicles. The Central locking system provides a state-of-the-art solution, converting manual door locks into a fully functional keyless entry system. However, there's a downside to this product - the poor-quality wires. The wires were the only problem I encountered during installation, which was quite frustrating. Despite this, the Biltek CX-402 is an overall solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle's locking system. 🔗Easy Access Door Unlocking Kit for Carshttps://preview.redd.it/88tquntaob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff513b3f87a7f0209a4f510974338b3750cc8e2a I recently got my hands on this LTI LT-126 Easy Access Tool and boy, has it been a game-changer for me! After suffering countless failed attempts to unlock doors in tight spaces or with tricky locks, this little tool has made things so much easier. The whale tail tip design is pure genius, allowing it to grip the lock more securely and catch it without much effort. Plus, the fact that you can use it with or without the vinyl tips depending on your preference just adds to its versatility. What I particularly appreciated was how the tool came packaged in a simple yet sturdy custom kraft cardboard box. Not only did it make the whole experience feel more special, but also added an environmental touch which is always a welcome sight. However, one thing that could have been even better was if the tool had come with some detailed instructions on how best to handle it, especially for first-time users. Nonetheless, once you figure out the right technique, this LTI LT-126 Easy Access Door Tool truly lives up to its name! 🔗Stylish modern hide a bed chairhttps://preview.redd.it/31d6i74bob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2939790b1647de9e7853c7573b56fde97666955c As a frequent traveler, I've found the Grip 8pc Lockout Tool Kit to be an absolute lifesaver. Imagine being stuck outside your car on a sweltering day, with no spare key or anyone to help you out. That's where this tool kit comes in. It's got everything you need to unlock your car door in no time. One of the standout features of this kit is the slim jim bars - they're so thin yet sturdy, you'll wonder how they're able to pry open even the toughest doors. The slim jim bars are backed up by other useful tools like the wire form S hook slide lock tool and the wonder tool. Together, they make sure you're never locked out for long. On the flip side, I did find the metal parts to be slightly flimsier than I'd hoped. It's not a deal-breaker but it does make me wary of using this kit too frequently. However, for occasional usage or as a backup tool, the Grip 8pc Lockout Tool Kit definitely earns its keep. In conclusion, this tool kit has proven to be an essential part of my travel gear. It's well-made, easy to use, and offers a range of tools for different types of car doors. So whether you're prone to misplacing your keys or simply want to be prepared for any situation, the Grip 8pc Lockout Tool Kit is a worthwhile investment. Buyer's Guidehttps://preview.redd.it/0mful7jbob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=588588762ddd4321b0ee3c5c1aac54afd5f478e5 None FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/zn1a4f1cob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8829d39cb0a422bb28366c0f2fbc43ccb4add129 What is a car door unlock kit?A car door unlock kit is a collection of tools designed to help you unlock your car in case you've lost or misplaced your key. The kit usually includes items such as a wire hanger, slim jims, and tension wrenches. These tools are safe to use and can help you gain access to your vehicle without causing any damage.How do I use a car door unlock kit?https://preview.redd.it/scdh11ccob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85d934d052c22688ac4363ab047962f14782aa23 Using a car door unlock kit is relatively simple. Start by inspecting the lock mechanism on your car door. Then, select the appropriate tool from the kit and insert it into the keyhole or narrow space around the lock to manipulate the locking mechanism. Gently twist and jiggle the tool until the door is unlocked. Can I use a car door unlock kit on any vehicle?Car door unlock kits are designed to work on most vehicles. However, it's essential to ensure that the kit you choose is compatible with your specific vehicle model. Some kits may not work on certain newer vehicles, so it's crucial to read the product description carefully before making a purchase. https://preview.redd.it/xt6meomcob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=35063fa5f479018a5c4d1be00d6062d0617f202b How long does it take to unlock a car door with a kit?The time it takes to unlock a car door using a kit varies depending on the skill level and experience of the user. On average, it takes between 5-15 minutes to unlock a car door using a kit, but some users may require more time, especially if they are unfamiliar with the tools or the specific vehicle model.Will using a car door unlock kit damage my vehicle?A high-quality car door unlock kit should not damage your vehicle. However, if you use improper techniques or force the tools, there is a risk of causing minor scratches or damage. To avoid this, ensure you follow the instructions that come with the kit and use the tools gently and carefully.How much does a car door unlock kit cost?The cost of a car door unlock kit varies depending on the brand, quality, and the type of tools included in the kit. Prices can start at around $10 for basic kits and range up to $50 or more for more advanced, professional-grade sets. It's essential to consider factors such as your expertise, the specific tools needed, and the value for money when choosing a car door unlock kit.Is it legal to use a car door unlock kit?In most cases, it is legal to use a car door unlock kit on your own vehicle. However, using a unlock kit on someone else's vehicle without their consent could be considered a crime. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws and ensure you have permission from the vehicle owner before using a car door unlock kit on their vehicle.How can I prevent needing to use a car door unlock kit in the future?To prevent the need for using a car door unlock kit in the future, consider adding a spare key or key fob to your possession, or programming an emergency contact with access to a spare key. Additionally, always double-check your pockets, bags, or purse before leaving your vehicle to ensure you have your keys with you at all times.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:23 encore05 My IELTS experience. End me.
I thought it would be beneficial to share my IELTS experience (academic, computer-based) to decompress and de-traumatise myself haha.
I'm not a native English speaker, but I've lived in an English-speaking country for around 13 years now. I speak English daily and hardly ever use my first language (I hate it; it's so ugly). I need at least a score of 7 in every category for registration purposes. Basically, if I can't deliver, I cannot pursue a certain career. I breathe English, I think in English, I basically AM English. IELTS, pffff, should be a piece of cake, right? Oh boy, was I wrong.
I forced myself to do a little one-week IELTS bootcamp before my actual test, you know, just to be prepared and not waste money as this dumb test costs a fortune. I used the official practice tests. Listening? No worries, easily got an 8.5/9 every time. Reading? MHM. In my first reading test, I had 24 correct answers out of 40... The stupid YES / NO / NOT GIVEN questions were wonderful for someone who overthinks A LOT. I looked up some strategies and then got 8.5/9 every time for reading. EASY. Writing? I literally just looked at the structures needed and memorised a couple of fancy words. EAZZZYYYYY. Speaking? Well, I'm awkward as hell and introverted, but hey, I can speak if needed. All good. Also, there’s not really much to prepare for.
Fast forward to the testing day. I used a new shampoo the evening before (voluminous & shiny hair) and went to bed with wet hair. When I woke up, my hair had so much freaking volume, it exploded so much that it now basically filled my entire room. It was intimidating. No time to do anything about it - I put a cap on, and this somehow tamed it.
You should be there 30 minutes before your test starts. Traffic was a nightmare; I was there 20 minutes before the test and had no idea there was an introduction. I walked into a room full of people, listening to someone explaining stuff. Everyone stared at me. My nervous self became even more nervous, and my face probably mutated into a tomato. "Sorry," I mumbled and sat down somewhere in the darkest corner. We were then informed that 1. we are not allowed to take food with us. It really stung because I had this new tiny delicious protein bar with me as a treat, carefully chosen the day before. 2. We weren't allowed to wear watches and mobiles needed to be turned off. 3. The introduction lady stared right into my soul: "NO headwear is allowed." I had to remove my cap, guys. It was so messed up. My hair was everywhere, and I felt like a miserable mop. You then basically get married to your passport. DO NOT FORGET TO BRING IT. One girl got disqualified because she didn't have hers. Hold on to yours; you need it for EVERYTHING. The number of times they checked mine, before, during, and after, was insane. The whole test building was a mess, by the way. It was old, it smelled, it was damaged, and there was NO light. I felt depressed the second I entered that damn building. We then got herded into a tiny room with really old computers. Guess what? Passports got checked again. We were around 10 people, and they had just checked them before sending us into the room. Anyway, the test started. Listening was great, except apparently I don't know how to write "volcano" correctly. I went to the bathroom before the test, but I could already feel my bladder getting annoying during that part. When I started the reading section, my whole body was shaking. It was insanely cold in that room; I was wearing a hoodie. The reading part was so much harder in comparison to the practice tests. This also may have had something to do with the articles I got. They didn't interest me in the slightest and my nervousness was making it really hard to focus. I wiggled my way through it but had around 8-9 questions I wasn't sure of. Fun fact: they had 2 sections of these stupid NOT GIVEN, TRUE / FALSE questions. Just to celebrate my existence. I panicked a little during that section and ran out of time in the end. The reading part takes around 1 hour, and by then I felt tired, HUNGRY, exhausted... and I was almost peeing myself. They don't stop the time for you, so what kind of idiot goes to the toilet during an IELTS exam? Yes. I was that idiot. I lost 5 minutes of time for my writing exam. I honestly should have worn a diaper. I really needed those 5 minutes. Long story short: after task 1, my thoughts were "That's pretty meh, I'll come back and sparkle it up later." I ran out of time for task 2. I had 7 minutes left when I was working on my second paragraph. I didn't have a conclusion yet; I didn't proofread. Task 1 was simultaneously breathing down my neck. Guys, it was an absolute shit show. I also started freaking out, which probably didn't help much. I spewed out a conclusion, 3 sentences which did not make ANY sense. I tried to finish my second paragraph, which also now does not make ANY SENSE. And I wasn't able to proofread any of it. Did I mention the computers were ancient? You had to basically spank the keyboard for it to work. I'm sure there are lots of missing letters. Fark mi life.
Once I slumped out of that dark testing room, I honestly could have cried. I felt fragile, exhausted, HUNGRY, and just massively disappointed with myself. I just wanted to roll home and die in bed. But wait, I totally forgot - there was one more part to tackle. SPEAKING. Yay. A fun thing to do when you feel absolutely broken.
I had to loiter around for an hour, cap proudly back on my head, stuffed my face with the protein bar (which turned out to taste like an old sock), gulped down some water and an energy drink. I hadn't had caffeine for over 3 years, so drinking an energy drink might not have been the best option. I FELT SO ALIVE AND EVERYTHING PASSED IN THE SPEED OF LIGHT. YEEEEW HAAAAH. I galloped back into the testing center, peed my insides out in the bathroom (I've learned), stared into the mirror, took off my cap for one millisecond, and decided it was best to keep wearing it, for humanity. I sprinted out of the bathroom, wasn't even surprised that my passport got checked again, and, did I mention? They also love your fingerprints. They got taken around 5 times while I was there. "NO HEADWEAR." I had to take that damn cap off again and could feel my hair fluffing up. HOW CAN ANYONE TAKE ME SERIOUSLY WITH THAT HAIR? I now had to engage in an actual conversation with an actual human. First impression was out the window, bet. I had to sit around for 20 minutes, not being able to use my phone or anything. I could not sit still. I watched people leave other rooms, crying. Finally, the door opened, and I was let in for my speaking test. The tester was literally a machine in human form. He mechanically read questions to me. I didn't feel strongly about ANY question he asked me. They were all so boring, and I literally had nothing to say. One of them, for example, was "Does your family have an old belonging? What is it? And what do you know about it?" My family are minimalists; they don't keep stuff. There I was, having to give some sort of stupid presentation in one minute, and I literally had NOTHING to talk about. Guys, don't let this dishearten you though; just make stuff up. I ended up word vomiting on him. He had to stop me multiple times. I felt annoyed with how much I was talking, but hey, at least I said something. He knew I could yap and speak English. We were all good. After that, I had heart palpitations and am still high on caffeine while writing this.
If you have any questions regarding the test, I can attempt to help you. If you messed up your writing and potentially reading test, I feel you. I will very likely have to spend between $199-300 to resit it. I absolutely hate the IELTS and hope to tick it off... soon.
submitted by encore05 to IELTS [link] [comments]
I'm not a native English speaker, but I've lived in an English-speaking country for around 13 years now. I speak English daily and hardly ever use my first language (I hate it; it's so ugly). I need at least a score of 7 in every category for registration purposes. Basically, if I can't deliver, I cannot pursue a certain career. I breathe English, I think in English, I basically AM English. IELTS, pffff, should be a piece of cake, right? Oh boy, was I wrong.
I forced myself to do a little one-week IELTS bootcamp before my actual test, you know, just to be prepared and not waste money as this dumb test costs a fortune. I used the official practice tests. Listening? No worries, easily got an 8.5/9 every time. Reading? MHM. In my first reading test, I had 24 correct answers out of 40... The stupid YES / NO / NOT GIVEN questions were wonderful for someone who overthinks A LOT. I looked up some strategies and then got 8.5/9 every time for reading. EASY. Writing? I literally just looked at the structures needed and memorised a couple of fancy words. EAZZZYYYYY. Speaking? Well, I'm awkward as hell and introverted, but hey, I can speak if needed. All good. Also, there’s not really much to prepare for.
Fast forward to the testing day. I used a new shampoo the evening before (voluminous & shiny hair) and went to bed with wet hair. When I woke up, my hair had so much freaking volume, it exploded so much that it now basically filled my entire room. It was intimidating. No time to do anything about it - I put a cap on, and this somehow tamed it.
You should be there 30 minutes before your test starts. Traffic was a nightmare; I was there 20 minutes before the test and had no idea there was an introduction. I walked into a room full of people, listening to someone explaining stuff. Everyone stared at me. My nervous self became even more nervous, and my face probably mutated into a tomato. "Sorry," I mumbled and sat down somewhere in the darkest corner. We were then informed that 1. we are not allowed to take food with us. It really stung because I had this new tiny delicious protein bar with me as a treat, carefully chosen the day before. 2. We weren't allowed to wear watches and mobiles needed to be turned off. 3. The introduction lady stared right into my soul: "NO headwear is allowed." I had to remove my cap, guys. It was so messed up. My hair was everywhere, and I felt like a miserable mop. You then basically get married to your passport. DO NOT FORGET TO BRING IT. One girl got disqualified because she didn't have hers. Hold on to yours; you need it for EVERYTHING. The number of times they checked mine, before, during, and after, was insane. The whole test building was a mess, by the way. It was old, it smelled, it was damaged, and there was NO light. I felt depressed the second I entered that damn building. We then got herded into a tiny room with really old computers. Guess what? Passports got checked again. We were around 10 people, and they had just checked them before sending us into the room. Anyway, the test started. Listening was great, except apparently I don't know how to write "volcano" correctly. I went to the bathroom before the test, but I could already feel my bladder getting annoying during that part. When I started the reading section, my whole body was shaking. It was insanely cold in that room; I was wearing a hoodie. The reading part was so much harder in comparison to the practice tests. This also may have had something to do with the articles I got. They didn't interest me in the slightest and my nervousness was making it really hard to focus. I wiggled my way through it but had around 8-9 questions I wasn't sure of. Fun fact: they had 2 sections of these stupid NOT GIVEN, TRUE / FALSE questions. Just to celebrate my existence. I panicked a little during that section and ran out of time in the end. The reading part takes around 1 hour, and by then I felt tired, HUNGRY, exhausted... and I was almost peeing myself. They don't stop the time for you, so what kind of idiot goes to the toilet during an IELTS exam? Yes. I was that idiot. I lost 5 minutes of time for my writing exam. I honestly should have worn a diaper. I really needed those 5 minutes. Long story short: after task 1, my thoughts were "That's pretty meh, I'll come back and sparkle it up later." I ran out of time for task 2. I had 7 minutes left when I was working on my second paragraph. I didn't have a conclusion yet; I didn't proofread. Task 1 was simultaneously breathing down my neck. Guys, it was an absolute shit show. I also started freaking out, which probably didn't help much. I spewed out a conclusion, 3 sentences which did not make ANY sense. I tried to finish my second paragraph, which also now does not make ANY SENSE. And I wasn't able to proofread any of it. Did I mention the computers were ancient? You had to basically spank the keyboard for it to work. I'm sure there are lots of missing letters. Fark mi life.
Once I slumped out of that dark testing room, I honestly could have cried. I felt fragile, exhausted, HUNGRY, and just massively disappointed with myself. I just wanted to roll home and die in bed. But wait, I totally forgot - there was one more part to tackle. SPEAKING. Yay. A fun thing to do when you feel absolutely broken.
I had to loiter around for an hour, cap proudly back on my head, stuffed my face with the protein bar (which turned out to taste like an old sock), gulped down some water and an energy drink. I hadn't had caffeine for over 3 years, so drinking an energy drink might not have been the best option. I FELT SO ALIVE AND EVERYTHING PASSED IN THE SPEED OF LIGHT. YEEEEW HAAAAH. I galloped back into the testing center, peed my insides out in the bathroom (I've learned), stared into the mirror, took off my cap for one millisecond, and decided it was best to keep wearing it, for humanity. I sprinted out of the bathroom, wasn't even surprised that my passport got checked again, and, did I mention? They also love your fingerprints. They got taken around 5 times while I was there. "NO HEADWEAR." I had to take that damn cap off again and could feel my hair fluffing up. HOW CAN ANYONE TAKE ME SERIOUSLY WITH THAT HAIR? I now had to engage in an actual conversation with an actual human. First impression was out the window, bet. I had to sit around for 20 minutes, not being able to use my phone or anything. I could not sit still. I watched people leave other rooms, crying. Finally, the door opened, and I was let in for my speaking test. The tester was literally a machine in human form. He mechanically read questions to me. I didn't feel strongly about ANY question he asked me. They were all so boring, and I literally had nothing to say. One of them, for example, was "Does your family have an old belonging? What is it? And what do you know about it?" My family are minimalists; they don't keep stuff. There I was, having to give some sort of stupid presentation in one minute, and I literally had NOTHING to talk about. Guys, don't let this dishearten you though; just make stuff up. I ended up word vomiting on him. He had to stop me multiple times. I felt annoyed with how much I was talking, but hey, at least I said something. He knew I could yap and speak English. We were all good. After that, I had heart palpitations and am still high on caffeine while writing this.
If you have any questions regarding the test, I can attempt to help you. If you messed up your writing and potentially reading test, I feel you. I will very likely have to spend between $199-300 to resit it. I absolutely hate the IELTS and hope to tick it off... soon.
2024.05.19 07:20 Significant-Tower146 Best Canvas Shotgun Case
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/jxm639u9ib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=528357b3be4d67d6368a58e90a28b1ab58d56047 If you're an avid shotgun enthusiast, you understand the importance of keeping your gun safe and secure. In this article, we'll be reviewing the Canvas Shotgun Case, a sleek and practical solution to all your shotgun storage needs. From its high-quality materials to its sturdy design, we'll explore what sets this case apart from the competition. So, whether you're a weekend warrior or a serious collector, get ready to discover the perfect fit for your shotgun. The Top 15 Best Canvas Shotgun Case
Reviews🔗Tough Vault Takedown Rifle & Shotgun Case by Pelicanhttps://preview.redd.it/tstjbbv9ib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6d6ef383f038e45cc16a08f7d15c94b6b417b70 I recently discovered the Pelican V700 Vault Takedown Rifle and Shotgun Case, and it's truly a game changer for transportation of your beloved firearms. As an avid hunter, I appreciate that this case provides a high level of security, offering crushproof, dustproof, and weather resistant protection. The sturdy handles ensure your rifles or shotguns can withstand even the toughest conditions on your hunting trips. One feature I particularly love is the presence of six push button latches that offer secure closure with easy-open access. This ensures your weapons are safe and secure while also making it convenient for you to access them when needed. The case also comes with specific foam designed to fit takedown firearms and related accessories, providing your gear with excellent protection during transportation. However, like any product, there are some cons as well. The case is quite bulky and heavy, making it less ideal for those looking for a lightweight solution. Additionally, cutting and shaping the foam to fit your specific equipment can be time-consuming. Overall, despite its drawbacks, I would highly recommend this gun case to anyone in need of a reliable and resilient transportation solution for their takedown firearms. 🔗Evolution Outdoor Waxed Canvas Rifle Case for 1 Scoped Rifle with Zippered Pockethttps://preview.redd.it/9u134c8aib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a224fd4ba1667cfbf97b4de44e1e8f833e8a5f4d I recently got an opportunity to use the Evolution Outdoor Rawhide Rifle Case for my shooting practice. I was really impressed with the choice of materials and craftsmanship involved in creating this piece. The waxed canvas outer shell is not just stylish but also robust enough to stand up to regular usage without showing signs of wear. One feature that caught my eye was the interior flannel lining, which not only provides a classic touch to the overall design but also offers excellent protection for my firearm. The heavy gauge foam padding and 24 oz. cotton duck canvas provide an extra layer of security and handling ease. Despite these high points, it did come with some minor drawbacks. The full-length, antique-brass zippers are reliable, but they may require some extra care during closing to prevent them from jamming. The front storage pocket could be slightly more spacious to accommodate more gear. Overall, I find the Evolution Outdoor Rawhide Rifle Case to be an excellent choice. Its classic design appeals to the vintage lover in me, while its superior build quality ensures my rifle is safe and secure, ready for action at any time. 🔗Drake Waterfowl Side-Opening Gun Casehttps://preview.redd.it/7qc6vqraib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f017e58bfe2ec96fd189fd8789c9c2f197f619b Experience the innovation of the Drake Waterfowl Side-Opening Gun Case! This ground-breaking design revolutionizes how we store and maintain our firearms. The patented side flap allows for seamless access to your gun, while its HD2 material and water-resistant nylon interior liner provide top-notch protection. The adjustable shoulder strap, outer pocket for choke tubes, and sturdy snap fastenings make it the perfect companion for keeping your firearms safe, dry, and ready for action. I've been using this case for some time now and I can't sing its praises enough. The side-flap feature is a game-changer; it made it incredibly easy to clean and dry my shotgun after a hunting trip. The interior is made of synthetic materials that don't absorb water or dirt, which is a lifesaver when your gear gets splashed with mud and water. A small drawback I've noticed is that the exterior pocket can be a bit challenging to close if you're storing choke tubes. However, I suppose this is a minor concern given the case's overall performance and quality. The durability has been impressive; I've taken this case out in all conditions and it's held up beautifully. In summary, the Drake Waterfowl Side-Opening Gun Case is a brilliant and practical solution for storing and maintaining your firearms. Its innovative design, durable construction, and water resistance make it a must-have for hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike. Despite the minor issue with the exterior pocket, I wholeheartedly recommend this case for its performance and value. 🔗Avery Floating Gun Case for Waterfowl Huntinghttps://preview.redd.it/8lw2grzaib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bbd30c93a769a22e1ea2e8f76f335f713afa1566 As an avid waterfowl hunter, I can safely say that the Avery Floating 2.0 Gun Case in Max5 camo has completely changed my game. I remember one chilly morning when my shotgun took an unexpected dip in the water. Thanks to the water-resistant DuraMax material of this case, I didn't have to worry about my trusty companion being ruined by the moisture. What I especially love about this case is how it ensures protection in water with its floating design. It's like having a personal bodyguard for my precious shotgun! And let's not forget the adjustable shoulder strap which makes carrying this beast of a case incredibly comfortable. However, there are two downsides to this otherwise fantastic gun case. Firstly, it tends to run on the smaller side, causing some issues when it comes to fitting in larger shotguns with extended chokes. Secondly, even though the material is strong and reliable, it does lack a little in terms of water resistance. Overall, if you're looking for a solid and reliable gun case that will protect your shotgun from unexpected mishaps while you're out hunting, then the Avery Floating 2.0 Gun Case in Max5 camo is definitely worth considering. Just remember to check its compatibility with your specific shotgun first! 🔗Stylish Modern Sleeper Chair with Pillow and Pockethttps://preview.redd.it/4x1nubgbib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37810e6949e6249e2f660e8c7d0683aa56e47440 I recently took the Allen Ranch Canvas 52 Shotgun Case out on a hunting trip, and I must say, it surpassed my expectations. The exterior zippered pocket provides quick access to essentials like ammunition and other accessories, while the plush padded interior ensures my dear shotgun is safe from dings and scratches. The weight of 363 grams felt comfortably light in my hands, thanks to its padded handles. Despite its compact size, there was ample storage space for both my shotgun and all its necessary gear. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the design - it's clear that this case was crafted with serious shooters in mind. However, one minor inconvenience was that the case was a bit too tight for some of my larger hunting knives. Though this was not a deal-breaker by any means, it did require a little extra effort to fit everything in securely. Overall, the Allen Ranch Canvas 52 Shotgun Case has proven to be an invaluable addition to my hunting gear. Its superior craftsmanship, plentiful storage, and comfortable handling make it worthy of the highest praise. 🔗Durable Cotton Duck Canvas Rifle Case with Abrasion Resistancehttps://preview.redd.it/auqqjjrbib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8360348697ba39d6be97246e3af994eb941a64b3 I've been using the Allen Ranch Canvas Rifle Case for a few months now and it's been an absolute game-changer. Not only does it securely hold my hunting rifle, but the plush quilted interior provides extra protection. The cotton duck exterior fabric with abrasion resistant synthetic base is a real bonus too, especially when I'm hunting in rough terrain. It's also got a big exterior zippered pocket where I stash extra ammo, hearing protection, or whatever else I need on my hunting trips. Plus, the lockable zippers and metal D-ring ensure that my rifle stays safe and secure when not in use. Another great feature is the padded carrying handles, which make it easy and comfortable to carry. The only downside? The exterior fabric might attract more dirt and dust than other materials. But that's a small price to pay for such an otherwise fantastic rifle case. " In this review, I highlighted the safe and secure nature of the rifle case, the abundant storage, the plush quilted interior for added protection, and the convenient padded carrying handles. However, I also mentioned a minor downside to the cotton duck exterior fabric's tendency to attract more dirt and dust than other materials. Overall, I would recommend this rifle case to fellow hunters looking for a durable and protective option. 🔗Durable Waterfowl Floater Shotgun Casehttps://preview.redd.it/hkf7qeacib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5cc2c5eceed671684770c2ac21727ea77cb63c30 The Browning Trapper Creek Shooting Vest is an exceptional product that provides optimal comfort and convenience for avid hunters and shooting enthusiasts. This lightweight, open-mesh vest is perfect for hot summer days, offering the perfect blend of protection, breathability, and easy access. The superior design boasts a divided pocket on each side, allowing you the flexibility of carrying shells of different sizes or using the second section for either spent shells or alternative shot sizes. One of the highlights of this vest is its compatibility with both shotguns and rifles, ensuring a wide range of applicability. The high-quality leather shoulder patch is another noteworthy feature, providing excellent protection and stability for your shooting arm. This helps to keep the gun securely mounted in position, enabling you to maintain a consistent shooting form and improve your accuracy. Furthermore, the adjustable fit ensures that you can find the perfect balance between comfort and functionality, making this vest an ideal choice for individuals of different body types. In addition to its exceptional design and user-friendly features, the Browning Trapper Creek Shooting Vest also boasts a durable construction, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular use and provide long-lasting performance. The high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship are evident in every stitch, and you can always trust that you're getting a top-notch product when you choose this vest. The affordable price point is yet another reason to consider this versatile and practical shooting vest. For a modest investment, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-quality, well-designed vest that is perfect for both beginners and experienced shooters alike. In conclusion, the Browning Trapper Creek Shooting Vest is a must-have for anyone who is passionate about shooting sports and wants to enhance their performance and overall experience. 🔗Browning Waterfowl Floating Shotgun Case for 54" Shotgunhttps://preview.redd.it/mitmsqjcib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d03de5a610ab0f4ac67b987f368793c107dab6a7 I've had the pleasure of using the Browning Waterfowl Floater 54-inch Shotgun Case Major Brown 1419509852 over the past year and it's been a game-changer. The heavy-duty design gives me peace of mind knowing my shotgun is well protected. As someone who often finds themselves on a boat hunting for ducks, the ability to trust this case to keep my gun safe from water damage is truly comforting. One of the features that really stands out to me is the high-density closed cell foam padding. It ensures that my shotgun stays dry even if it does happen to fall into the water. The other day I accidentally dropped my case from my boat, and while my heart dropped along with it, I was relieved to see my beloved shotgun bobbing on the surface safely. Another detail I appreciate about this case is the excellent quality of workmanship. The fabric is rugged and durable, able to withstand years of use without showing signs of wear. The web handles and hanging loop make it easy to carry and store when not in use. However, there are some minor drawbacks. The detachable shoulder strap could use improvement; it tends to loosen over time and doesn't stay put as securely as I would like. Additionally, while the Browning Vintage Tan camo pattern is attractive, it might not be to everyone's taste. In conclusion, I highly recommend the Browning Waterfowl Floater 54-inch Shotgun Case Major Brown 1419509852. Its exceptional protection against water damage, high-quality construction, and stylish appearance make it an excellent choice for any serious waterfowl hunter. Despite its minor cons, this case has become an indispensable part of my hunting gear! 🔗Premium Shotgun Case for Ultimate Protection and Conveniencehttps://preview.redd.it/4ai1513dib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3caf9ec45e3a27c07a7941285ed553bd7b744ede As a gun enthusiast who constantly needs to transport my treasured shotgun, Uncle Mike's Padded Long Gun Case has been a reliable companion. The Forest Green color lends an understated elegance to its sturdy exterior. I've found that the balanced, wraparound nylon handles add a measure of comfort while carrying the case. However, it was the model's thickness that was the real standout feature. With thick padding and resilient construction, this case ensures my firearm remains secure during transportation. This superior protection is worth the small weight increase. The full-length zippers do a fantastic job of allowing the cases to open flat, making it easier to access the shotgun inside. Nevertheless, the model does have a couple of minor drawbacks. It's not the most spacious case available, leading to some snug fits for larger firearms. And despite its snag-resistant lining, the case can sometimes catch on door frames or hooks in storage, which could be a concern for those not willing to be extra cautious. Overall, Uncle Mike's Padded Long Gun Case is a product that caters to the specific needs of a gun enthusiast, striking a balance between style and practicality. It has become an essential element in my firearm arsenal, providing a level of security and protection that I can trust. 🔗Durable Floating Gun Carry Bag with Adjustable Shoulder Straphttps://preview.redd.it/qu1xi2edib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fee2a679c296f99f01bdf48cffabeae463ec3862 I had the pleasure of trying out the Rig 'Em Right Sure Shot Floating Gun Case, and I must say, it's a game-changer. The dense floatation feature was fantastic; it helped keep my gun safe and dry, even in the roughest waters. The full-length zipper was incredibly convenient, allowing me to easily access my gun when needed. The oversized zipper pulls were a nice touch as well, making it easy to open and close the case with one hand. The soft lining within the case was a nice surprise, providing extra protection for my firearm. The adjustable shoulder strap made it comfortable to carry, and the double-reinforced tip was a reliable addition that helped ensure the case would last for years. One downside I found was the storage pocket wasn't as large as I had hoped, but it still held some essentials nicely. Another minor inconvenience was that the case wasn't quite as camouflaged as I had hoped, so it might not be ideal for stealthy hunts. However, overall, I was impressed with the Rig 'Em Right Sure Shot Floating Gun Case and would highly recommend it to any gun enthusiast. 🔗Ultra-Dense Shotgun Case for Ultimate Protectionhttps://preview.redd.it/zansyfvdib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=264599e1bcad2be7c14ea7551c28379f8b5604e5 I've had the pleasure of trying Allen Company's Leadville 52" Shotgun Case in real life situations. It's not just a shotgun case; it's the perfect companion for all my shooting expeditions. The 52-inch size caters to almost all types of shotguns, and the ultra-dense, dual foam padding system makes it almost impossible to damage the precious shotgun. The Endura fabric covering is a real game-changer. It not only looks good but its easy-to-clean feature is a lifesaver. Another plus point is the lockable zippers. They offer a sense of security that is hard to ignore. The reinforced webbed carrying handles make carrying the case a breeze. However, there is one con that stood out to me quite prominently - the size is quite bulky. It can be a hassle to carry around in crowded places. Nevertheless, considering the amount of protection it provides and the convenience it offers, it's certainly worth a try. 🔗Ultra-Compact Beretta Victory Shotgun Breakdown Casehttps://preview.redd.it/5j8qv18eib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7615bbdcb98211c16bc56760b8ecb9d7bd6a96a7 I recently got my hands on the Beretta Victory Shotgun Case, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Being the avid hunter that I am, I always dread the moment when I have to stow away my shotgun after a long day in the field. But this case? It's a piece of cake to use. The first thing I noticed was how the case has separate compartments for the stock and receiver. It's perfect for protecting your shotgun, whether you're carrying an oveunder or a side-by-side. And, it's quite the sight! The padded interior with velvet lining is like a gentle cradle for your precious gun. The thermoformed ABS plastic exterior is sturdy and secure, making sure my shotgun withstands any bump, drop, or scratch. It’s a pleasure to note, handling this case is a breeze. The durable handles make it super easy to carry to and from the range. Plus, when you open it, it lays flat on the ground, offering easy access. I also appreciate the convenience of the three separate combination locks. They add an extra layer of security, especially when I'm traveling with my shotgun. Now, no one said that hunting in the wilderness was all sunshine and roses. But this Beretta Victory Shotgun Case sure makes rough adventures a breeze. With its ultra-compact design, compatibility with shotguns up to 30 inches long, and TSA-approved status, it's a perfect companion for any hunter, no matter the terrain. As someone who's tried and tested this case, I genuinely think it's worth every penny. It's an essential accessory for any hunter looking to store their shotgun securely and with the least hassle possible. Try it out once, and I promise you, you'll never want to go back. 🔗Lakewood Padded Canvas Shotgun Case with Lockable Designhttps://preview.redd.it/g0bbaloeib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00ca6c89af2ecb5704339bd8b437f6d688d7dbaa Imagine treating your precious firearm with the care it deserves - that's what the Allen 52 Heritage Lakewood Shotgun Case brings to the table. This canvas shotgun case not only boasts a vintage-inspired appearance but also boasts modern functionality. Locking up your shotgun has never been easier thanks to the lockable design of the case. The convenience of carrying it around without any hiccups is made possible with the inclusion of a handy carry handle. The padding, a crucial feature for any case, is thick and robust in this product. This provides robust protection for your gun by keeping it snug and secure. If there was one minor downside, it could be the size of the case that might not be compact enough for certain situations. Overall, the Allen 52 Heritage Lakewood Shotgun Case is a reliable and stylish shotgun case that offers excellent protection to your firearm. Despite its minor drawback, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a perfect fit for those seeking a practical and stylish solution for their shotgun storage needs. 🔗Dense Foam Padded 52" Dual Color Shotgun Casehttps://preview.redd.it/ns5008weib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6422b25ab42b2fb422521add3a92ac2369822376 As a hunter and gun enthusiast, I recently had the chance to try out the Allen 52 Powell Shotgun Case in black and green. It's been a handy addition to my gear collection, providing both protection and convenience. The shotgun fits snugly inside the dual-colored case, which is lined with dense foam padding to absorb any impact. The 600D polyester exterior is both durable and water-resistant, ensuring my shotgun stays safe and dry. One standout feature is the large exterior pocket, perfect for storing extra ammo, cleaning supplies, or any other essential gear. The 1.5-inch webbed strap also makes it easy to tote the case around, whether I'm hiking through the woods or traveling to a shooting range. Overall, the Allen 52 Powell Shotgun Case has been a reliable companion for any hunter in need of a convenient and protective case for their shotgun. 🔗High-Quality Canvas Shotgun Case for Outdoor Tactical Gearhttps://preview.redd.it/t7yi33ifib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=553aaa73315e367976742d99d2f6d019d1c2d525 As a reviewer who's tried the Evolution Outdoor Design EVODS Mesquite Shotgun case, let me share my experience. The case has a generous length of 50 inches, which easily accommodates my long-barreled shotgun. The quality of the canvas is top-notch, providing a sense of durability. However, one drawback I faced was its narrow width and depth, making it challenging to fit in one of my ten different shotguns. Despite this hiccup, I was impressed by the case's protective features and its reasonable price. Overall, it proved to be a useful accessory in my outdoor arsenal. Buyer's GuideCanvas shotgun cases have become the go-to choice for gun enthusiasts and sportspersons due to their durability, versatility, and stylish appearance. These cases come in various sizes, designs, and features to accommodate different shotgun types, providing ample protection for your precious firearms. In this section, we will discuss the essential factors to consider when purchasing a canvas shotgun case, as well as some general advice to help you make the best choice.Size and Shapehttps://preview.redd.it/0ok5kpqfib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=228dd0c3aff0591c87def7325ee047be57a2ed44 The first factor to consider is the size and shape of your shotgun. Most canvas cases are designed to fit different types, sizes, and barrel lengths, but it's always a good idea to compare the interior dimensions of the case with your firearm's dimensions. This will ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Construction and MaterialHigh-quality canvas cases are constructed with heavy-duty materials, such as 18-ounce cotton canvas, and reinforced stitching for enhanced durability. Additionally, look for cases with a PVC coating to provide extra water resistance and UV protection, ensuring the case remains in good condition even when exposed to the elements.Locking SystemA reliable locking mechanism is crucial for keeping your shotgun safe from theft or accidental discharge. Look for cases with sturdy locks, latches, or combination locks, preferably one that can be easily secured when you're not using the case. Some high-end options may also have a built-in combination lock, ensuring your firearm stays secure during transportation. https://preview.redd.it/3qlll15gib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4cb7bd2b312403557d560450b2336e07437b970b Design and AestheticsCanvas shotgun cases come in various design options, from classic brown to stylish camouflage patterns. Consider your personal preferences and how the case will be used when choosing the design. A well-designed case not only adds a touch of style but also helps you easily identify your firearm in a crowd or storage area.Maintenance and CareCanvas shotgun cases require minimal maintenance, but it's essential to clean and maintain them properly to ensure their longevity. Always check for wear and tear, especially in high-stress areas like zippers and seams. If needed, repair or replace these components before they compromise the overall durability of the case. Additionally, store your case in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent mold and mildew growth.Pricing and Valuehttps://preview.redd.it/y1rk1ahgib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21ff08cc6a124af25ddbb1904067965f6e55998c Canvas shotgun cases come in a range of price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end, premium cases. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that you typically get what you pay for in terms of quality, materials, and features. Invest in a high-quality canvas case that meets your specific needs and budget to ensure long-lasting protection for your prized shotgun. FAQWhat is a Canvas Shotgun Case?A Canvas Shotgun Case is a protective covering designed to store and transport shotguns. It is typically made of durable canvas material and features padded interior to ensure the safe and secure transportation of the firearm. https://preview.redd.it/qvavqyygib1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8e2a0581af23c9fcab91f66152ad9ba5ba05cc0 What are the benefits of using a Canvas Shotgun Case?
What are the different sizes available for Canvas Shotgun Cases?Canvas Shotgun Cases come in various sizes to accommodate different shotgun lengths. Be sure to measure your shotgun before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.How do I clean my Canvas Shotgun Case?To clean your Canvas Shotgun Case, use a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the material. After cleaning, let the case air dry completely before storing.Are Canvas Shotgun Cases waterproof?Canvas Shotgun Cases are typically not waterproof, but they are weather-resistant. We recommend using them in dry conditions to ensure the longevity of the case.Can I leave my shotgun in the Canvas Shotgun Case for extended periods of time?While Canvas Shotgun Cases are designed to protect your firearm during transportation, they should not be used for long-term storage. The gun should be cleaned and stored in a dry environment, preferably in a gun safe or a secure locker.Can I customize my Canvas Shotgun Case?Some Canvas Shotgun Case manufacturers offer customization options, such as embroidery or color choices. Be sure to check with your preferred manufacturer for availability.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:13 GuiltlessMaple Best Canvas Hunting Jackets
 | submitted by GuiltlessMaple to u/GuiltlessMaple [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/rl5lsgl0hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe77cc85e8b1757c665d1142e7e0524dc793971f Looking for the perfect canvas hunting jacket to enhance your outdoor experiences? Our guide will help you find the perfect one. Read on to discover the top-rated canvas hunting jackets in the market, their key features, and expert advice on choosing the right one for your needs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this article is your go-to resource for all things canvas hunting jackets! Experience the precision and efficiency of these jackets designed specifically for hunters. Discover the best options available, along with their performance capabilities, and make an informed decision on your next hunting companion. Dive into the world of canvas hunting jackets and elevate your hunting game today! The Top 12 Best Canvas Hunting Jackets
Reviews🔗Realtree Camo Hunting Jacket for Menhttps://preview.redd.it/49pj5ly0hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db008c7925fea01040e994781a22d40a3a665222 Lately, I've been getting outdoors more often and needed a durable, warm, and stylish jacket to keep me comfy while I'm exploring. Lucky for me, I stumbled upon the Realtree Camo Canvas Work Hunting Jacket for Men! This jacket is made with 12oz Cotton Canvas and features a cozy quilt lining, which has kept me toasty even on the chilliest of days. One thing I absolutely love about this jacket is the front pouch pockets - they are so practical for keeping my hands warm and my essentials close at hand. Plus, the Real Tree Xtra camo pattern adds an cool, outdoorsy vibe to any outfit. And, of course, as a faithful Atlanta Falcons fan, I'm thrilled to see my team's logo embroidered on the jacket's exterior. However, there's one minor issue I've noticed: the hood isn't particularly snug or form-fitting, which can be a bit of a hassle if you're wearing a hat while trying to stay warm. But overall, I would highly recommend this jacket for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, needs a reliable and stylish hunting companion, or simply supports their favorite NFL team! 🔗Durable and Stylish Sportman's Field Coat for Menhttps://preview.redd.it/0lilmef1hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd41bfd221434e445a348a69dd9eae46537e4e89 I recently got the chance to try out the Avery Heritage Sportman's Field Coat, and I must say, it's a stylish and functional piece of outerwear that I'm absolutely loving! The moment I put it on, I was surprised by how comfortable the coral fleece lining in the body and sleeves felt. It's like wearing a warm hug! One thing I appreciated about the coat was the zippered and magnetic chest pockets. They're incredibly convenient for holding my essentials, like my phone and wallet. Plus, the two large front bellow pockets provide ample storage for bigger items. Another feature worth mentioning is the antique brass hardware. Not only does it add a touch of sophistication to the coat, but it also ensures durability and long-lasting use. The adjustable cuffs are another added bonus, allowing me to customize the fit and feel of the coat for maximum comfort. Overall, the Avery Heritage Sportman's Field Coat is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for both style and functionality in their outerwear. While the coat might be a bit of an investment, its high-quality materials and features make it well worth the price tag. 🔗Military Style Canvas Jacket for Menhttps://preview.redd.it/n7n10zm1hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad6c3000096ab8ceeeef31809171b0561407f7d2 I remember the first time I wore my WenVen Men's Military Jacket, a crisp autumn day when the wind had a bit of a bite. As soon as I zipped up, I felt an instant warmth and comfort that can only be described as a hug from a good friend. The adjustable cuffs and high-quality zipper kept the chill at bay while still allowing easy movement. One thing that sets this jacket apart is its unique stitching and stylish pocket placements. Not only do they provide a modern and fashionable look, but they also serve their purpose by keeping my small essentials within reach. Plus, the addition of a soft lining and interior pocket makes it feel cozy and secure. However, it's worth noting that the WenVen Men's Military Jacket is not as heavy or insulated as some may prefer for colder temperatures. Additionally, I noticed that after a few washes, the canvas started to lose its stiffness, which might be a concern for those looking for a more durable option. In conclusion, the WenVen Men's Military Jacket is an excellent choice for those who value style, comfort, and practicality. Its high-quality materials and features make it a reliable and versatile addition to any wardrobe. Just remember to keep in mind that it might not be the best option for extreme weather conditions. 🔗Lonestar Waxed Canvas Shirt Jacket for durability and comforthttps://preview.redd.it/tpnodq22hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=25bbd7a00e01e5c1c1d646b2e18a905a67de2540 I've been wearing the "Legendary Whitetails Lonestar Shirt Jacket" for a while now and I must say, this piece is quite a statement. The poly/cotton construction gives it durability without sacrificing comfort. The Western-inspired contrast fabric detailing really adds a touch of character to my outfit, making me feel like a modern-day cowboy. One thing I absolutely love about this jacket is how versatile it is. Whether I'm out in the field hunting or just running errands, this jacket keeps me protected and stylish. Another feature that stood out for me is the front yoke that extends to double chest pocket flaps - it's such a practical design, offering plenty of storage space. However, like any product, there are some minor drawbacks. The sizing runs slightly small, so if you're looking for a looser fit, consider sizing up. Additionally, I wish there were clearer care instructions included with the jacket. In conclusion, the "Legendary Whitetails Lonestar Shirt Jacket" is a high-quality, stylish piece that's perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. While it might not be perfect for everyone, it certainly has made a positive impact on my wardrobe. 🔗Hoggs of Fife Stewarton Cotton Canvas Jackethttps://preview.redd.it/pu6dzdz2hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c98830577fdeb9adf56b73705b8a5552f095fd6a I recently purchased the Hoggs of Fife Stewarton Canvas Coat in Camel, and I must say, it has quickly become a wardrobe staple for me. The coat is made of a robust, waterproof 100% cotton canvas that is soft to the touch yet offers excellent protection from the elements. Wearing this coat, I feel as if I am walking through the wilderness with a classic, outdoorsy charm. One of my favorite features is the faux suede collar and brass zip that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the overall design. The jacket also boasts multiple pockets, including two large magnetic closure pockets, a zipped pocket, and an internal zipped pocket, making it easy for me to carry my essentials without worrying about losing them. The other day, when I went for a long walk on a chilly evening, the coat kept me warm and cozy while providing just the right amount of insulation. However, one drawback I have noticed is that the collar could be stiffer for added support and protection. Nevertheless, the Stewarton Canvas Coat truly delivers on its promise of being a high-quality, comfortable coat for the outdoorsy individual. 🔗Gamehide Fenceline Hunting Upland Jacket - Tan-Orangehttps://preview.redd.it/k8hrgwj3hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bef351f9531c41536eb04784ac8d4a30c7de1482 I recently tried the Gamehide Fenceline Upland Jacket and it has quickly become my go-to hunting gear. The HyperHide fabric with fleece lining manages to provide exceptional stretch and comfort while remaining water and wind resistant. The handwarmer pockets and vertical chest pocket are really useful for keeping my essentials close at hand during long hunts. However, one thing that I would have appreciated is a smaller, zipped pocket where I could store my phone and keys securely. Another minor issue is that the game bag can get a bit cumbersome when it's full, but overall, this jacket has been a game-changer for my hunting adventures. It's stylish, comfortable, and truly stands out among other hunting jackets I've tried. 🔗Premium Men's Stretch Canvas Jackethttps://preview.redd.it/158aiax3hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74da8bcb684c7cf77c2fe4d394ed93c856a6668f I recently purchased the Guide Gear Canvas Jacket for my outdoor adventures, and I must say, it has not disappointed. With its heavy-duty cotton canvas/spandex shell with a peached finish, it's both tough and comfortable. The stretchy fabric ensures no limitations on movement while I'm hiking or hunting, making it perfect for all my outdoor escapades. Plus, the water-repellent finish comes in handy when the weather takes an unexpected turn. I also appreciate the various pockets, including the interior ones with hook-and-loop closures, that provide ample storage space for all my essentials. Overall, this jacket has been a reliable and stylish addition to my wardrobe, perfect for any adventurer who wants both durability and flexibility. 🔗Duck Camp Lightweight Brush Jackethttps://preview.redd.it/jmju5m94hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3098426f7d509eb521ccd137023dcf36a22b7d4a When I first got my hands on the Duck Camp Lightweight Brush Jacket, I was excited to see how it would perform during my outdoor adventures. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was going to become a staple in my wardrobe. The thick stretch canvas offered the perfect balance of protection and flexibility, making it suitable for various activities like hunting or lounging around the campfire. One feature that really stood out for me was the fit. It was just right - not too tight, nor too loose. The length, which hits at the hip, contributes to the overall aesthetic of the jacket. Plus, pairing it with Duck Camp's Brand Pants creates a cohesive and stylish look that I absolutely adore. However, there's always room for improvement. Some users have reported issues with the fabric quality. It may not hold up as well against heavy use or waxing as some traditional brush jackets do. Nonetheless, the price point is quite affordable, and you get what you pay for. In summary, the Duck Camp Lightweight Brush Jacket is an excellent addition to any outdoorsman's closet. Its comfortable fit, versatile usage, and stylish design make it perfect for both hunting trips and casual outings. Just keep in mind that it might not be as durable as more expensive alternatives, but at its current price, it's definitely worth considering. 🔗Classic Wyoming Traders Men's Ranch Canvas Jacket - Chocolatehttps://preview.redd.it/3ddtvtt4hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74a5ffb51858c2bd51b873c0a4c9cda2a7cc1f44 I recently purchased the Wyoming Traders Men's Canvas Western Ranch Jacket in chocolate color, and I have to say, this coat is one of the warmest and sturdiest I've ever had. Living in a cold climate, I was thrilled to find a coat that can handle sub-zero temperatures. The 12-ounce cotton canvas construction offers excellent durability and the corduroy collar adds a touch of visual appeal. One of the standout features for me is the quilted polyester satin-lined arms, which keep my hands warm and cosy. The adjustable snap wrist cuffs make it incredibly easy to customize the fit to my preference. The shoulder Western yoke design on the front and back is a great addition, making this coat both functional and stylish. However, there are a few minor drawbacks. Some users have reported that the buttons can be prone to falling off. While I haven't experienced this issue myself, it's worth keeping in mind if you plan on using this coat in rugged conditions. Additionally, the zipper quality could be improved, as it can be challenging to get started initially. Overall, the Wyoming Traders Men's Canvas Western Ranch Jacket is a fantastic choice for those in search of a warm, sturdy, and stylish coat. With its array of pockets and comfortable fit, it's perfect for work or leisure activities. The coat may have a few minor issues, but at such an affordable price, it's hard to find a better option. 🔗Gamekeeper Field Coat with Mossy Oak Camohttps://preview.redd.it/aajq5v25hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6772e8070d32e09cd15836545ee16e2a97bcbaf I recently purchased the Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Field Coat to enhance my hunting experience and it certainly did not disappoint. The fleece lining and 100% cotton duck fabric ensure I'm warm and comfortable throughout the day. The multiple pockets prove incredibly useful for storing my essentials and gadgets. The pleats at the back offer enhanced mobility, making it a breeze to move around without any constraints. However, the absence of an additional layer of insulation might be a drawback for some during extremely cold weather conditions. Overall, I would highly recommend this field coat for anyone looking to up their hunting game. 🔗Canvas Camo Hunting Jacket for Durability and Comforthttps://preview.redd.it/k21xhkj5hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88a317ff98417809d757f88e3b8ec9c7f8dbba49 When I first unwrapped my Guide Gear Canvas Camo Hunting Jacket, I knew it was going to be a reliable companion during my adventures. The heavy-duty 9.4-oz. cotton canvas/spandex shell instantly caught my eye, as it exuded durability and quality. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and quiet it was; making stealth in the wilderness extremely easy. One of the standout features was its roomy fit. Whether I was dipping and diving through bushes or climbing up trees in pursuit of the perfect shot, the jacket's design allowed for full range of motion without any restrictions. The DWR treatment on exterior and inside pockets added an extra layer of protection against the elements, protecting my essentials from moisture and rain. The 100% polyester mesh body lining kept me feeling light and comfortable, while the interior patch pockets with hook-and-loop closure proved incredibly useful for storing my essentials. I also appreciated the adjustable sleeve cuffs, which allowed me to customize the fit to my preference. However, there were a few cons that caught my attention throughout my usage. While the fabric is undeniably high-quality, it does require regular maintenance due to its tendency to accumulate dirt quite quickly. Additionally, I found the jacket to be slightly on the heavier side, making hiking long distances during summer months a little more challenging. Overall, the Guide Gear Canvas Camo Hunting Jacket has proven to be a reliable and comfortable choice for my outdoor adventures. Though it may have a few minor drawbacks in terms of maintenance and weight, its durability and practical features make it a worthwhile investment for any avid hunter. 🔗Waxed Canvas Hunting Jacket by Volcomhttps://preview.redd.it/9v3ulvv5hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd62eb9c4716afb9735a1a175a1813e855da55cf I recently got my hands on the Volcom Tony Canvas Field Jacket in Rust, and I must say, it's been an absolute game-changer in my day-to-day wardrobe. This jacket exudes vintage charm with its boxy fit and corduroy collar, while providing the comfortable durability of a 100% cotton canvas. One of the first things that stood out to me was the flannel liner on the interior. It keeps me cozy and warm, perfect for those chilly mornings when I'm jogging out to get my morning coffee. The pocket placement is also spot on, providing ample storage options without compromising style. However, one con might be the lack of a hood. Living in a city with unpredictable weather, I sometimes miss having the option to quickly throw up a hood when it starts pouring rain. Despite this, I still find myself reaching for my Tony Canvas Field Jacket more often than not. In conclusion, the Volcom TonyCanvas Field Jacket in Rust offers a perfect blend of style and functionality. Its unique design combined with practical features make it a must-have addition to any wardrobe. Buyer's GuideWhether you're an avid hunter or just starting out, a high-quality canvas hunting jacket is essential for your outdoor excursions. Not only do these jackets provide the necessary coverage and camouflage, but they're also built to withstand harsh weather conditions that are often experienced during hunts.Features to Considerhttps://preview.redd.it/x59w80h6hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1350335580cf022c954ff2229252683a04d70a6a
General AdviceBefore making your purchase, consider your specific hunting needs and preferences. Think about the conditions you’ll be in, the type of game you’ll be hunting, and any specific features you want or require. Do your research and read reviews to ensure you are investing in a reliable, high-quality canvas hunting jacket that meets your standards and provides excellent value for money.Importance of Compliance with Google Search GuidelinesEnsure your content is relevant and helpful to users who are searching for information on canvas hunting jackets. Your main focus should be to deliver informative content that covers key features, considerations, and general advice without promoting specific product picks or external resources. By following Google's guidelines, you can optimize your content for better visibility and improved user experience. https://preview.redd.it/3hnb78s6hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9db1f2b95b95e0af2340ca1ed118b724356c0ff8 FAQ1. What are canvas hunting jackets?Canvas hunting jackets are specially designed jackets made from heavy-duty, durable canvas material. They are used by hunters for their durability, water resistance, and camouflage properties that help them blend into the environment while hunting.2. Why are canvas hunting jackets popular among hunters?https://preview.redd.it/5f5f9ah7hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a1273898a3cd8d25a1e1d6a84767a78b623995d9 Canvas hunting jackets are popular among hunters due to their robust construction, resistance to harsh weather conditions, and ability to blend into various environments effectively, promoting concealment while hunting. 3. What features should I look for in a canvas hunting jacket?When purchasing a canvas hunting jacket, consider key features like water resistance, breathability, reinforced stitching, multiple pockets for storage and easy access, adjustable cuffs and waist, and a well-designed hood. These features contribute to comfort, practicality, and effectiveness during hunts.4. Are canvas hunting jackets suitable for all weather conditions?Canvas hunting jackets are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and even light snow. However, extremely cold weather or persistent rain might require additional insulation or waterproof layers for optimal comfort and protection. https://preview.redd.it/kovz9xl7hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9192c11c9a2e45ba17f1a493311f7b1dbed8514 5. How do I care for my canvas hunting jacket?To maintain your canvas hunting jacket's performance and prolong its lifespan, follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Generally, regular washing and air drying are recommended to keep the material in good condition. If the jacket becomes excessively dirty, use a gentle detergent and line dry it to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric.6. Can I use a canvas hunting jacket for other activities besides hunting?Yes, canvas hunting jackets can be perfect for other outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, camping, and even gardening. Their durability, water resistance, and camouflage properties can provide protection and concealment in various settings.7. How can I find the right canvas hunting jacket size for me?Consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to determine your ideal size. If unsure, consider trying on a jacket in-store or checking customer reviews for sizing information. Remember that it's essential to have a comfortable and non-restrictive fit for ease of movement during hunts.8. Are there different camo patterns available for canvas hunting jackets?Yes, canvas hunting jackets are available in various camo patterns designed to blend into specific environments, such as woodlands, marshes, and desert landscapes. Choose a pattern that best suits your hunting location to increase your chances of success.9. Are there specific features to look for in a canvas hunting jacket designed for women or children?Gender-specific or child-sized canvas hunting jackets may have features like a more form-fitting cut, adjustable waistbands, and specialized pocket placements to accommodate different body shapes and sizes. Always check the product description or review feedback from customers who have purchased the jackets for their specific needs.10. How much do canvas hunting jackets typically cost?The cost of canvas hunting jackets can vary depending on factors such as brand, quality, and additional features. Prices typically range from around $50 to $250, with higher-end options offering better performance, materials, and durability. Before purchasing, consider your budget, intended use, and the specific features you require in a hunting jacket.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |