#it's going to be 2035 and I am still going to be begging people to just get a cup of coffee and WATCH this team

[redwineconversation]

Olympique Lyonnais Le Progrès Article (September 28, 2022)

TL:dr version: everyone is dead. You thought I was being sarcastic when I talked about the upcoming translations but no!! I was being literal!

So many questions. Is Lyon going to beat Bayern's record of only having two subs in a Champions League game? Does van de Donk's contract involve a clause regarding Lyon paying for a hot tub if she has to carry the No. 10 position on her back with no reassuring breathing room until January? Does Lyon believe in resurrections or do they think some things are better left buried? More importantly, does Lyon, the author of so many love stories, still believe that love can be absolute if someone loves something other than them?

Jokes aside when you know Lyon well enough you realize what they aren't saying is sometimes as relevant as what they are. Love a team, too, whose definition of love is pure but also complex. I'm telling you. You can search as much as you want. You won't find another team like you. They're a once in a lifetime kind of locking eyes with a stranger during your wedding reception and thinking "ah, shit." So, like, by all means. Get involved with another team. Watch someone else! But on a cold and rainy day, when you're putting off doing laundry or cleaning your apartment or whatever, sit down and watch a team who only writes love stories because they desperately want someone to see them for who they are. Just... watch them. They can be really good for you, I promise.

Unrelated: if anyone has any good pumpkin pie recipes (from scratch) to recommend, please do shoot them my way.

Already exhausted, OL women is getting ready to confront a rough month of October.

Crippled by injuries at the beginning of the 2022-2023 after a draining summer, Sonia Bompastor's OL will once again be strongly solicited in October, with the return of the Champions League.

Back in training this Wednesday morning in Décines [physical location of Lyon's training group], after four days off for the international players following the Montpellier game, the Lyon players worked on ball control for the third open session to the public. This involved about 50 supporters, who suffered through the rain to wish a happy 33rd birthday to Amandine Henry.

"The players got to recharge with their families, it did them a lot of good. The core players only got about 10 days vacations following the Euros and other international competitions, which was a really short period in terms of optimal recovery considering the exhaustion on a mental and physical level. We timed it so they would get the weekend off while the beached were still open. We're handling this start of the season as if it were the end of a season," Sonia Bompastor pointed out.

Sara Dabritz and Ada Hegerberg absent

Out of the group of 24 players, there were two notable absences besides the longterm injuries of M'Bock, Carpenter, Macaario, Marozsan and Majri. Sara Dabritz, who received an ankle injury last Thursday in training, has not rejoined the group. The German midfielder, who had an MRI this Wednesday afternoon, will soon know how long she will be out for.

Another player missing during roll-call: Ada Hegerberg. The Norwegian forward, who received a huge knock on the left leg with the national team at the beginning of September, returned to Lyon Tuesday night after having spent three weeks in Sweden with her husband. "We'll see each other for the first time this week, and then another time next week and we will make a decision together about how to set in place a protocol for her," the OL head coach elaborated.

Vanessa Gilles expected mid-November

Sonia Bompastor will however recuperate Eugenie Le Sommer, who participated in modified training this Wednesday after having received "a hell of a knock on the thigh in Montpellier," back in training with the group this Thursday to prepare for the final stretch.

Suffering from a quad injury and rehabbing since her arrival at the club some ten days ago, Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles will not participate in group training before mid-November. "We'll try and cope until then, knowing that's the optimistic version," Bompastor added, thrilled to have let her players "catch their breath a little" before the final push. Before taking on a packed month of October**, "with a grueling schedule of one match every three games, between the Champions League and the [French] league."

** This is excluding the international break, so Lyon is going to be truly gassed.

#all good love stories start in the rain #it's going to be 2035 and I am still going to be begging people to just get a cup of coffee and WATCH this team #as I have so often said #fuck off with your parity bullshit I just want to be better than the others #but let's TALK about how you get to that point

[bookofmirth]

I wish I wasn't so obsessed with the elucien and gwynriel ships because I genuinly want to leave the fandom and leave everything Sjm related behind. The fandom is toxic and that lady seems to love our money more than the magic she used to love putting in her books. The trademarking crap is another straw for me, I hope the last will come soon.

I'm not even scared wether or not my ships are gonna be endgame. I'm 100% sure that they are. I'm rather scared of what she'll do with them after reading her latest books (Acosf, hosab and hofas). I feel like they'll flop.

Idk, she has been annoying me since acosf came out.

Yeah that's the thing, these characters and books were always her intellectual property, she always had copyright over them, so why trademark unless there are further money things going on? I don't know. It's giving capitalism, it's giving a millionaire author concerned about some random Etsy shop selling a mug for $10. And when said author regularly begs borrows and steals from other people's work and cultures anyway? LMAOOOOO

And frankly, like you said, I am ceasing to care. The only thing I'm obsessed with anymore are the amazing, lovely, wonderful, supportive friends that I have made while in this fandom. acotar has lost its spark for me. CC being not good and the fandom culture have just made it worse. So I low-key think I'm going to just use this blog to do my own thing now. I'm sure I'll still talk about sjm (I don't want to ignore the state of my inbox) and will read new acotar releases. I just... don't care.

I've always said I'll never be anti because I find it a waste of my time, but I have never been so close to it in my life.

And another thing, it's like you said, it's not that I am unsure of what will happen or whatever, it's just!!!! I don't care anymore!!!! Maybe acotar5 will come out and be amazing. Who knows. Maybe by 2035 we will finally get an elucien book. I'm just tired of spending my time on it.

#sjm critical #ask #anon

[bellakitse]

Of cute beagles and decidedly cuter owners

For @gra-sonas who had this excellent post and let me use it. I hope this is fluffy enough for you, hon!

Michael, Rosa, Kyle, and Jenna just moved into a new place that doesn't allow pets, luckily across the street is the cutest beagle ever. Rosa is ready to plan a dog-nap, Michael suggests writing a note to the owner instead.

All Rosa wants is to play with Buffy, while all Michael wants is Buffy's owner.

Michael arrives home sometime after six p.m., the hallway of the modest townhouse he and his roommates moved into, still has boxes lying around. They've been in the two-story home for three weeks now. But with work and school, no one has found the time to finish unpacking. Michael has his new teaching post at the university while he works on his doctorate. Kyle has medical school. Jenna, a rookie cop, works crazy hours, and Rosa, their resident artist, has been using all her waking hours to work on a set of pieces she hopes will end up in the city’s next art exhibit. None of them have been particularly motivated to put boxes away, but Michael is starting to think he’s going to have to say something soon, or there’s a chance the boxes will become part of the décor.

“Guerin!” Jenna greets from the kitchen as he makes it into the living room. “Thai or Chinese for dinner?”

“Whatever Valenti doesn’t want,” he calls back out to her, smirking when he hears the man in question curse at him from the kitchen. He hears a chuckle and turns to find Rosa in her favorite spot of the house, the big bay windows. It was the selling point for Rosa when they decided to rent the place together.

“You have to start getting along with him eventually, Michael,” she says, not looking up from her sketching pad.

“Do I have to?” Michael questions as he drops his bag on the couch and walks over to her, lifting her legs to sit down. He leans over to sneak a peek at what she’s working on to find the drawing of a beagle.

“It would help,” Rosa says, a smirk on her face. “We did sign a one-year lease, you’re stuck until then.”

“Cute dog,” he points at her work, instead of acknowledging her comment.

“It belongs to the neighbor across the street, I saw them this morning,” she explains with a smile that turns into a frown moments later. “It sucks that we can’t have a pet here.”

Michael nods; he’s heard all three of his roommates complain about it. Their landlord had killed their hopes for a pet before they signed on the dotted line of their lease.

“I love that expression,” Michael points at the drawing, the beagle has an impressive resting bitch face.

Rosa laughs, nodding in agreement. “I only saw them for a second, but that face is memorable. I had to stop myself from running across the street to beg the owner to let me play with his dog, probably would have freaked the guy out.”

Michael chuckles at the comment, Rosa is the more impulsive one of them all, he could totally picture her on a puppy-high scaring some poor guy into thinking that he was going to get robbed for his dog.

“We just moved in, Rosa, can we maybe wait a few weeks before scaring off the neighbors?” he teases, laughing when she gives him an unimpressed look.

“You’re supposed to be the fun one, Michael,” Rosa pouts. “Kyle and Jenna are the strict, boring ones. You should be helping me plan a dog-nap.”

Michael opens his mouth, only to be interrupted by Kyle and Jenna walking into the living room.

“What’s this about a dog-napping?” Kyle questions, coming to sit down on the couch. Jenna sits next to him, leaning into his space. Her hair is messed up, and her lipstick smudged off, some of it transferred to Kyle’s white polo.

Michael and Rosa look at them, and then at each other, wrinkling their noses in distaste. This is what they get for moving in with a couple who can’t keep their hands off each other.

“Whatever you did in our kitchen, I hope you disinfected it,” Rosa comments still making a face. Michael nods in agreement, a part of him a little jealous of what Kyle and Jenna have. He wants someone to make out with in the kitchen, someone to smile at him the way Jenna and Kyle smile at each other. Something real, like what they have.

Kyle blushes under Rosa’s judging look, but Jenna just rolls her eyes, running her hand through Kyle's hair to settle him.

“Dog-napping, Rosa?” she questions, getting back on track.

“Oh!” Rosa lightens up at the mention, and Michael is starting to worry about just how serious she is. “The beagle across the street, it’s precious.”

“I saw it the other day,” Kyle says with a smile of his own. “Very cute dog.”

“Very cute owner, too,” Jenna comments, tugging on Kyle’s hair when he pouts, it says more than Michael needs to know about their relationship.

“True,” Rosa agrees after a moment, thinking about it. “But not so cute that I’m not totally willing to steal his dog.”

“We haven’t even been here a month,” Michael speaks before Rosa can really get going. “Let’s not commit a crime just yet.”

Rosa exhales loudly like she thinks he’s the biggest party-pooper ever, for not encouraging the stealing of an animal. “What do you suggest then? Because I need to cuddle that dog, bad.”

Michael thinks for a moment before his eyes light up with an idea. He pulls Rosa’s sketch pad and pencil out of her lap. “We can write the owner a note asking if we can meet his dog,” Michael suggests, quickly composing the letter when no one says no. “Dog people understand crazy dog love.”

“Tell them they have the best dog,” Rosa instructs him.

“Ask what treats it likes,” Kyle chips in, getting into it.

“We can take it for a walk if they’re too busy,” Jenna adds, just as excited.

He finishes the note, signing it with all their names and adding Rosa’s drawing. “There. I’ll drop it off in the morning,” he says satisfied, the others nod seemingly pleased themselves. “Now, about dinner…”

*

Michael doesn’t think about it the next day, he tapes the note to their neighbor’s front door and goes to the university where he spends the day teaching freshmen in his Engineering Physics class. It’s only when he gets back home and finds Rosa practically vibrating with excitement that he even remembers about their neighbor and their dog.

“They wrote back, Michael!” she shouts as soon as he walks through the door, waving a piece of paper in the air.

“Who?”

“Buffy Manes!” Rosa exclaims, rolling her eyes at him when he doesn’t answer. “That’s the beagle’s name, look they left a note.”

Michael takes the piece of paper, instantly charmed by the paw print on the back.

It starts:

‘To my new friends, Michael, Rosa, Kyle and Jenna’

Thank you for your nice letter! It made my tail wag all night. The drawing was so good, whoever drew it is very talented, a perfect likeness.

My name is Buffy Manes, and I’m 4-years-old. I love treats of any kind. I love playing catch, -tennis balls are my favorite- and digging holes.

I am the bestest girl! Thank you for noticing, my dad tells me that every day.

I would very much like to meet my new friends, so I’m giving you my dad’s number, call any time.

Sincerely,

Buffy and Alex Manes

505-718-2035

 “Okay,” Michael starts, a smile tugging at his face. “This is seriously fucking cute.”

“She liked my drawing,” Rosa says happily, which Michael finds hilarious. “And her name is Buffy, how adorable is that? If it’s for Buffy, the vampire slayer, this Alex guy is my new best friend. He has the cutest dog and good taste in 90’s tv shows, we need to call them, now.”

“What about Kyle and Jenna?”

Rosa waves his question away. “They went on a date,” she says, tugging at his shirt impatiently. “Let’s call.”

“Okay, okay,” he laughs as he pulls out his phone and dials the number, ringing a few times before someone picks up.

“Manes,” greets a deep voice that makes Michael stand up straighter as it sends a shiver up his spine. That is a very nice voice.

“Um, hi, Alex?” he starts, suddenly nervous. “This is Michael, your neighbor from across the street, my roommates and I left you a note about your dog, Buffy?”

“Right,” Alex says, letting out a soft chuckle. “With the drawing, it was really good.”

“Thanks,” Michael says, grunting when Rosa pokes him. “That was Rosa, she’s the artist, and she’s in love with your dog.”

“You’re not?” Alex questions, sounding a little offended.

“I’m actually the only one of my roommates that hasn’t seen Buffy,” he admits, as Alex makes an amused noise. “But I’m sure she’s great, her letter was perfect. Did it take long to teach her how to write?”

Alex laughs, making Michael feel pleased and oddly proud. “No, she’s a genius, it took no time at all.”

“Well you should be very proud,” he jokes getting another laugh out of Alex. “So anyway, we were hoping that we could arrange that meet-up with Buffy, and you, of course, any time you want,” he rushes to say, ignoring the way Rosa is looking at him.

“We’re home now,” Alex starts, a little hesitant. “If you want to come over.”

“Now?” Michael questions to which Rosa starts nodding vigorously. “It would just be Rosa and me, Kyle and Jenna are out, is that okay?”

“Yeah,” Alex breathes, sounding more at ease. “That’s probably better actually, I don’t do great with a lot of people. We’ll meet you two outside in 10?”

“Okay,” Michael says quickly. “See you guys in a few, thanks.”

“Not a problem, Michael,” Alex says before hanging up. He decides then and there that he likes the way Alex says his name.

“Were you really flirting with a stranger over the phone?” Rosa questions incredulously.

“No!” Michael denies, blushing when Rosa raises an eyebrow at him. “Maybe?”

Rosa shakes her head at him, amused more than anything else. “Keep your head in the game Guerin, we are in it for the dog. Let’s go.”

Michael follows Rosa out of their home, she’s practically shaking by the time they cross the street and open Alex’s gate.

“Don’t freak them out,” he warns. “Alex said he’s not the best with people.”

“I’ll behave,” she promises just as their neighbor’s door opens.

A robust beagle comes out first, followed by what has to be the most beautiful man Michael has ever seen. He has tousled dark hair, big deep brown eyes, cheekbones that could cut glass, and full pink lips quirked up into a hesitant smile. The rest of him is perfect too, strong shoulders and arms, wrapped in a soft-looking grey Henley, and he’s in a pair of black jeans that hug his legs nicely. As he takes a step forward, Michael notices the crutch in his left hand.

“Michael, Rosa?” he questions as he comes down two short steps, standing before them.

“Hi,” Michael breathes, if possible, Alex is even more gorgeous up close, especially when he smiles at Michael.

“Hi,” he greets back at him, before looking at Rosa to give her a smile of her own. “Well, you didn’t come to see me,” he says, looking down at his dog, who is standing faithfully at his side, waiting. “This is Buffy.”

Buffy looks up at him at her name.

“They’re here for you, baby girl,” he speaks to her. “Greet.”

The moment Alex says the command, Buffy leaves his side, making her way toward Rosa as she gets down to her knees to pet her. Buffy’s tail starts wagging excitedly the second Rosa starts to pet her.

“Who’s a good girl,” Rosa coos at Buffy. “You are, you’re such a good girl, so sweet.”

“She’s a therapy dog,” Alex tells them with a proud look on his face as he watches his dog. Michael bends down too, letting Buffy sniff his hand first, chuckling when she starts to lick it.

“She’s very friendly,” Michael comments, looking up at Alex, his breath catching when he finds Alex’s eyes on him.

Alex nods, his expression soft. “She likes to make friends.”

“We can be her friends,” Rosa says quickly, as she rubs the top of Buffy’s head, looking back at Alex. “Her name? Is it because of the show?”

“Yeah, when my friend Maria and I picked her at the shelter, she said that Buffy would slay my demons,” Alex says with a slight laugh. “It stuck, so I named her Buffy.”

Michael bites down on his lip as he stands up, he does it to keep from asking what Alex’s demons are, wanting to know everything about him.

The rest of the visit, they’re on Alex’s porch. Rosa plays with Buffy, while Michael stares at Alex like an idiot as he tells them cute anecdotes about his dog. He shares a little bit about himself with them, each tidbit Michael stores away for later. He learns that Alex was in the Air Force until he got hurt. Alex knocks on his leg, which Buffy responds by leaving the belly rubs Rosa is giving her to press her small head against her owner’s leg. The gesture obviously meant to comfort him, which going by the smile on Alex’s face it does. He still does military work but as a private contractor and mostly from home and has had Buffy since his enlistment ended, and he hasn’t been in town too long, only a few months.

“I don’t really know much around here,” he comments with a shrug. “The base, the market, and the dog park, but that’s pretty much it.”

“I can show you around,” Michael blurts out before he can stop himself, he feels himself go hot as he feels Rosa’s eyes burn into the side of his face. He knows the second they’re alone; she’s going to mock the hell out of him.

Alex starts to smile only to look over at Rosa. “Umm,” Alex begins nervously, and Michael realizes with surprising clarity that Alex thinks they’re together.

Luckily Rosa seems to notice too, jumping in before he can make a fool of himself. “You guys should go,” she says with a grin. “This loser barely goes out himself, it’s just home and the university for him. Sad, really.”

“You’re just as bad as me,” he argues, trying to defend himself. “When’s the last time you went out?”

“Last week,” Rosa says smugly. “I met up with that hot blonde who modeled for me a few weeks ago, she showed me her portfolio,” she continues, waggling her eyebrows which makes Alex laugh. “You guys could go get a bite, and I can stay and hang with Buffy.”

Alex smirks at her, his eyes dancing with amusement. “That’s really what you’re after, isn’t it?”

“I’ll be honest, you can turn out to be Dahmer and eat Guerin,” Rosa says bluntly, ignoring him when he makes a noise of protest. “I’m cool as long as I get to keep playing with your dog.”

Alex looks at her, letting out a low whistle.

“As you can see, I need better friends,” Michael says, shooting Rosa a glare. “Do you want to go get something to eat?”

Alex bites down on his bottom lip, and it takes everything in Michael not to lean in and do it for him. “Now?”

Michael nods. “No time like the present.”

Alex smiles softly at him, there is a slight rosy color on his cheeks that makes Michael’s heart skip a beat. “Okay, let me get my wallet.”

“And I get to watch Buffy?” Rosa asks hopefully, as he stands. “I’ll take real good care of her, give you picture updates and everything.”

Alex looks at Rosa for a moment before nodding, his amusement obvious. “Sure, she’s really mellow, so I don’t see it being a problem if you really want to watch her.”

“Alex, you’re my new best friend,” Rosa says with a serious expression on her face.

“I’m sure that would mean more to him if you hadn’t just offered your current best friend up to be eaten,” Michael grumbles at her.

Alex laughs as he heads inside.

“This is where you say thank you,” Rosa whispers at him.

Michael frowns at her.”You did nothing,” he answers, getting a snort back.

“I just wing-womaned the shit out of this,” Rosa gripes. “You were just staring at him like a smitten idiot.”

Michael hates that he can’t argue with the truth, and in a fit of childishness, sticks his tongue out at her.

“Mature,” Rosa laughs as Alex comes back.

He gives them a curious look as he closes his door, leash in hand. “We usually go for a walk at seven,” he says, handing Rosa the leash after attaching it to Buffy. “She likes the park two blocks away.”

Rosa nods as she starts walking towards the gate with Buffy. He and Alex follow behind them, crossing the street back to their place where his truck is parked.

“We’ll go for a lovely walk, don’t worry,” Rosa promises.

Alex kneels down to rub Buffy under her chin, getting a lick for his troubles.

“Be good Buffy, I’ll be back soon,” he says tenderly before pressing a kiss on the top of her head, it makes something inside Michael flutter behind his ribcage.

Standing back to his feet, he walks over to Michael, giving him a charmed look when Michael opens the door of his truck for him.

“Have fun you two,” Rosa tells them as Michael puts the car in drive. She picks up Buffy and heads inside.

“You just made her night,” he tells Alex as he starts to drive downtown.

“I’m glad,” Alex answers, flashing him a smile. “You said in your note that you guys can’t have pets?”

“Grumpy landlord,” Michael explains.

Alex makes a face. “That really sucks. I got lucky, my landlady didn’t seem big on pets either, I wasn’t even going to interview for the place, but I brought Buffy with me and explained that she’s my therapy dog and I guess Buffy won her over. It’s hard resisting her face.”

“Probably hard resisting yours too,” Michael blurts out, already cringing before the words are completely out of his mouth. He keeps his eyes on the road to avoid looking at Alex, but after a moment of silence, he can’t help but sneak a peek at him. There’s a shy smile on Alex’s face, and his eyes are welcoming as he looks back at Michael, making him feel more confident to continue. “It’s a very nice face.”

Alex’s smile grows until he’s laughing softly, shaking his head at Michael's boldness. “You have a very nice face too, Michael.”

Michael grins to himself, his heart beating faster with excitement. He parks the car outside his favorite Mexican restaurant. “Hope you like tacos,” he says as he gets out, going around the car to Alex’s door.

“Are you even allowed to live in New Mexico if you don’t like tacos?” he questions, passing Michael his crutch. He gets out, and Michael reaches out his hand at his waist to steady him, his body responding instantly when Alex lets out a small gasp at his touch.

Michael lifts his eyes to Alex’s face, finding his gaze already on him, eyes wide, lips slightly parted, and Mickael knows Alex just felt the same spark he did at their touch. He steps in closer, crowding Alex in the door, his pulse spiking when Alex’s eyes drift down to his mouth.

“Proposal,” he starts, his voice low.

Alex hums softly, his body seemed to sway, brushing against his, his eyes half-closed.

“We turn this into a date,” Michael suggests, smiling at the surprised but happy look Alex gives him.

“How does it differ?” Alex questions with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Michael squeezes the side of Alex, where his hand still rests. “I get to kiss you at the end of the night,” he answers, inhaling sharply when Alex closes the small space between them, brushing his lips against Michael’s.

Alex takes his crutch and Michael’s hand leading him into the restaurant.

“You should text Rosa,” he throws over his shoulder, giving Michael’s hand a squeeze.

“Why?” Michael asks, still a little dazed from the touch of Alex’s lips.

A couple of hours is too fast to fall in love, right?

Alex turns back to him, a beautiful smile on his even more beautiful face, and Michael decides that, no, a couple of hours is more than enough time to fall in love with Alex Manes.

“To tell her that starting tonight, she’s going to have plenty of opportunities to borrow Buffy if I get to borrow her roommate.”

Michael grins, pulling out his phone even as he pulls Alex back into another kiss, this one deeper and longer as he takes his time, enjoying the taste and the sounds Alex makes. Rosa will be pleased with the arrangement, and he’s good with it too.

#roswell nm #malex fic #malex #michael x alex #my writing #buffy manes

[artsynedthenerd]

Head Canon Corner: What if Lyudmil Came Back in 2035?

I have a theory friends: the Demon Castle War, 1999, it is safe to say that would have brought back all of Dracula’s undead servants to fight in the war, yes? What would make Lyudmil any exception? Obviously, he died as a vampire, making him a creature of the night, and since he was a servant to Alucard, that would still make him something like one of Dracula’s servants. So, what if he was revived in 1999, but with his trauma from Magnus, instead of going to the castle for the war he fled and he started living a “normal” life. That is until one day thirty-six years later he finds himself drawn to Japan and he reunites with who else but his Master? 

I just wanted to share this head canon. It’s one I have had for the longest time (and shameless plug, this was the basis of my first ever fanfic), but I enjoy it immensely for not other reason then it gives Adrian and Lyudmil a chance to be happy and live a relatively domestic life together. 

Perks to this head canon

LYUDMIL IS ALIVE AND HAPPY AND FREE FROM MAGNUS

Lyudmil is not evil anymore because no more Magnus being a jerkface

Adrian is happy to have his bestie **cough cough** lover **cough cough** back.

Lyudmil and Soma interactions

Lyudmil and Genya can even work together!!!

Genya helping Lyudmil get over his trauma’ s from Magnus.

And who’s to say Lyudmil wasn’t one of the associates left to take care of Mina in Dawn of Sorrow?

Lyudmil would love Mina OMG

Maybe Adrian can actually learn how to make flower crowns.

Actually, I have revised the first chapter of my work so it was slightly less cringey than the original so I could share it with all of you. If you are interested in their reunion, read below!

After the Aria: Reunion

“Genya, where are you?”

“I am on my way now. What is your status?”

The voice on the other end of Genya’s phone was drowned in a tiring haste. It was nearing dusk. It was the time of day where the sky was still blue, but the edges of sunset began to sear the sky. Genya usually stayed late at work, usually late into the evening. However, his affiliate Julius Belmont had an urgent call which forced him to alter his plans.

“Yoko and I have split up in the the wooded area to the west,” Julius began to explain. “We are trying to corner it, but it’s hard with just the two of us. He’s faster than I anticipated. Do you know if this guy is dangerous?

“You can probably handle him.”

“Have you taken any consideration that I am not as young I used to be? 1999 was a long time ago. Things change.”

“Do not kill him until I get there.”

“Fine. Whatever you say. But you better make it here soon.”

Without another word, Genya Arikado took the cellphone from his ear and hung up. He stormed out of the doors of the heated agency as fast as he could into the chilled and unforgiving late autumn air.

He had to get to them, and fast. There have been vampire sightings lately, but never have they actually found said vampire. That is, until now. Julius Belmont -the same man who destroyed Dracula for good over thirty years ago- got word of a mysterious figure roaming near the city. So he and Genya’s colleague, Yoko Belnades, got a head start on finding this character. Genya knew for sure the two of them could take this rogue vampire down on their own, but Genya had a primary obligation to take in this monster with his own hands. That was his job after all.

Once he reached his ebony motorbike which was parked in the routine space outside the front entrance of the agency, Genya pulled back his sable hair and put on his matching helmet. Throwing his leg over the apparatus he revved its engine and as soon as he could get it to start, he drove through the security gate and sped towards the road. He raced down the thoroughfare and merged onto the upcoming parkway. Leaning in on the black vehicle, as if it were a black stallion, he zigzagged through the impending traffic with cold air pounding against his body. The competing cars wailed as he let them fall behind him. It made no difference to him. There was absolutely no time to waste. His raven chariot buzzed below as he made his way closer to his destination.

The motorbike was fast, yet it would be so much faster if he could just run. But that would only affirm the existence of vampires. The whole point of his job was to secure that ghouls and ghosts were merely myths, not to show off his own vampiric abilities.

The crowd of trees Julius told him about came up on his left. Of course, he was on the right side of the parkway. There was a whole road, a median, and another group of lanes until he could get to the location he so urgently had to get to. Genya looked at the oncoming traffic to his left and in a split second decided to cross in front of all the cars coming towards him, nearly getting slammed by them. But his mind was on his job. He had one goal and that was to stop whatever was out there. In a matter of seconds he crossed the stretch of grass and barely passed the other vehicles that ran towards him. He blazed into the coupling of trees and leaped off the machine, throwing it sideways and simultaneously threw off his helmet. The pitch-black motorbike braised the terrain as he bolted into the cluster of green, trying to find out where his associates were, and where this threat was.

The leaves below him crunched as his feet pounded the ground. As he got deeper into the woods he heard the cracking of a whip and knew that Julius must be close. When he got closer he could even hear the crash of Yoko’s ice magic. He pursued the sounds of battle and slowly began to summon Hellfire. Genya preferred the use of a sword. Alas, this hunt was on such short notice he could not waste any time retrieving the sword passed down to him by his mother. So magic would have to suffice.

Eventually he came upon an area that was void of the heavy woods that not too long ago was he using as cover. It was an odd area to find in the middle of such a vast sea of trees. It actually was a blessing they were so deep into the woods, giving them a nest of security that prevented any outsiders from observing the confidential situation. The only ones who would know about what happened here today were the hunters and the one being hunted. But he won’t much of a problem for long.

Once he crossed the border, he spotted his associates mercilessly trying to hit a target that was constantly on the move.

On the battlefield, Julius wielded the legendary Vampire Killer and Yoko utilized all the ice spells she could conjure. Yet, nothing hit this speed demon. As Julius stated perfectly, this vampire was fast. So fast Genya could barely make out it’s figure. When it moved, it was practically a blur. Genya refused to attack until he could figure out why this monster was here and where he came from. It was crucial to determine that there are no other predators on the loose or, God forbid, any connections to his father. Yes, Dracula has been destroyed for over three decades now, but ever since what happened on the night of the solar eclipse, nothing can be taken lightly.

To be honest, there is no evidence of this vampire causing harm to any innocents. But it could still be a valuable source of information regarding other vampiric locations. Of course, if it became a threat, Genya would destroy it no questions asked. Surprisingly, though, it seemed to refuse to fight back. It just kept flinging itself side to side, dodging their attacks.

At a crack of Julius’s whip, the figure was finally thrown against one of the trees that edged the vacant space. Standing over his hit, Julius called to the man who told him to hold off from killing the rogue. “You finally decided to join us. Arikado, what should I do to this demon?”

“Is he violent?” Genya yelled back as he started to make his way over.

“Not as of yet. But who knows when he could turn.”

Yoko went to Julius’s side, making sure the vampire couldn’t escape until he could be questioned by the agent. The figure began to beg:

“Wait please, let me explain.”

“Be quiet and await your judgement,” snapped Julius. But he kept pleading:

“I swear, I haven’t hurt anyone, just let me explain myself.”

Genya listened close to the voice he approached. It was a young male, which oddly sounded human. It… It actually sounded familiar.

Julius and Yoko stood in Genya’s view of the cornered prey, and as he got closer, about six yards from their current post, he asked for them to let him see this being. As he asked, the two of them cautiously flanked the vampire.

At the sight, Genya froze. 

“Is everything alright?” inquired Yoko, with a look of concern.

Genya stood there staring, shocked, straight into the eyes of this thing. 

 “Arikado, what’s wrong?”

Just as unanticipated, this monster looked back at the man in black with a similar expression of disbelief.

Genya knew this face. But it wasn’t possible. This, creature of darkness, he looked just like him. His hair. His hair was the same silvery-jade. Slicked back the same way as well. Well, slicked back for the most part. He never had a neat head of hair. What you could call “bangs” still curled in front of his ears. Just like his. And the eyes, a deep scarlet.

But it wasn’t possible. He was dead. The man Genya felt this was died three-hundred years ago.

The vampire stood up, forgetting all the danger he was in. Julius was on guard, but Yoko gave him a look as if to tell him to stand back. Arikado never froze on missions. There was a reason for everything, and Yoko knew to let Arikado handle it. Apparently he knew something they didn’t.

Arikado and this person just stared at each other. They stood still in time. A tranquil breeze brought a chill in the air, enhancing the icy silence. They looked across to each other, as if they were the only two people left on this entire Earth. It was as if they have known each other for years. Time no longer mattered.

The vampire overlooked him, stared into his eyes and questioningly regarded the black hair upon his shoulders. Genya let him. He let him look into his eyes. He let him figure out who he was.

“Master,” the vampire started. “Is that you?”

Genya felt a strong pang in his chest. He said it just like him. It was his  voice, there was no doubt about that. But that could have been a coincidence. Some strange coincidence. After all, this wouldn’t have been the first time demons posed as someone he loved dearly, making him fall into a false sense of nostalgia only to try and kill him moments later.

But on the breeze was a scent: blood. The smack of Julius’s whip drew blood from the vampire, and it was that that told Genya it was true.

Within the vampire’s blood was the ancient remnants of a human scent, that f someone he knew long ago. Unfortunately, it was coated in that of a monster, an inhumanity that caused him to starve for human crimson. Even worse, Genya could smell the echoes of his own blood within this beast.

The bite scar on the right side of the vampire’s neck. Those were Genya’s fang marks, without a doubt.

Genya couldn’t stop himself from trembling.

By the Gods, it is him.

Barely audible, Genya whispered a name. A name he never thought he would ever get to say again. His voice was shaking, as if his speech was rusty from lack of use.

“Lyudmil?”

The figure with silver hair staggered. He began to reach one hand out, as one would do to check if there was a barrier keeping him from progressing forward. He took a single step forward and faintly whispered, “is it...?”

Then he stopped short. His suspicions were not in vain.

The staggered steps instantly became a rushing run and with crimson tears streaming down the side of his pale vampiric face he called out “Master!” and threw his arms around Arikado’s neck.

And Genya stood there, just like one of the statues that adorned his father’s castle so many years ago. This was him. The voice. The face. The mere presence. It was him.

The man now sobbing on his shoulder just whimpered, “I never thought I would see you again.”

Genya took his petrified arms, and hesitantly drew closer around the friend he lost so many years ago. It was so warm. With a shake in his usually-stoic voice, he barely said the name again.

“Oh Lyudmil.” And the arms that were once paralyzed now fully clutched him. “You were right,” Lyudmil said into his Master’s shoulder. “I suppose this in the next lifetime.”

Genya felt his core tremble as Lyudmil said those words. Everything came back in a blinding flash: The fight with Magnus, how he had to destroy Lyudmil because he became a lost soul in a world of darkness. He held him in his arms as his vampire body shut down, and when he still went by the name Alucard, he told Lyudmil that wasn’t the end. He told Lyudmil they would see each other in the next lifetime.

Never did he expect it to be true. But at realizing the fact that it was, Genya felt his own emotions overwhelming. He clutched Lyudmil’s head and forced it to his chest just as a crystal tear fell from his own stoic eyes.

He was never going to let go again. He will not lose him like he did before. This was a reunion. A reunion of two lost souls who felt they would be lost forever. Two souls who found hope in each other. Two souls who are together again, against all possible odds.

#Castlevania #Genya Arikado #Alucard #Lyudmil #Adrian Tepes #Fanfiction #After the Aria #Aria of Sorrow #Dawn of Sorrow #Nocturne of Recollection #Lyudrian #Aludmil #AlucardxLyudmil #Headcanons

[bronovatwelvemore]

Sho Wara

Satoshi Sho Wara (サトシ翔ワーア) is an english singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, poet and painter under Asylum Records. Dubbed as “The Poet Of Rock And Roll”, he has enjoyed consistent critical and popular success and is widely credited as one of the key artists in the rock genre. Besides music, Sho has released poem books and paintings. He is also one of the only artists of asian ethnicity to win a Grammy Award.

Profile

Full name: Satoshi Sho Wara (サトシ翔ワーア). Stage name: Sho Wara (翔ワーア). Birth date: June 1st 1984 (33). Birth place: London, England. Nationality: English. Zodiac sign: Gemini. Chinese zodiac sign: Wood rat. Height: 1.93cm. Weight: 86kg. Blood type: O. Voice type: Bass. Vocal analysis: A-.

Personality

Positive traits: Adventurous, charming, communicative, creative, dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, independent, lively, loving, self-confident, sociable, strong sense of teamwork, virtuous, talented, warmhearted and witty. Negative traits: Changeable, competitive, daredevil, flirtatious, foolhardy, greedy, impatient, impulsive, inquisitive, jealous, obsessive, possessive, quick-tempered, resentful, self-indulgent, selfish and unfaithful.

Physical appearance

Dark brown and straight hair. Brown eyes. Tanned skin. Athletic. Dimples. One piercing on the left ear and one piercing on the right ear. Eighteen tattoos.

Vocals

Critic Of Music

Vocal type: Bass. Positives: Robust, clear lower register that is projected well. Bass is achieved with great technique and support down to F#2. A highlight of the voice. Slightly brightening as he ascends, the middle register still maintains ease and displays a warm, masculine tone. Though he gains a slight (pushed) rasp above E4, his voice remains open, projecting well. Well-developed mixed voice, allowing him to access a clean, head-dominant C5 belt. A light, warm falsetto that Sho has no issues staying in for extended periods. This area possesses a soft vibrato and is reached with ease until around Eb5 when he needs more volume to phonate. Solid understanding of musical phrasing, being considerate to the music by changing vocal colors, texture and dynamics. Negatives: The upper extremes of the falsetto are unstable and undeveloped and the chest register thins as he ascends. Though he mixes at the extremes of his chest voice, the rest of the belting range could use a more even mix.

Albums and singles

Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2002) I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor When The Sun Goes Down

Favorite Worst Nightmare (2004) Brianstorm Fluorescent Adolescent Teddy Picker

The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us (2006) Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas Dirty Lights Noisy Heaven

Gumboot Soup and Polygondwanaland (2007) All Is Known Beginner’s Luck Greenhouse Heat Death The Last Oasis

Ok Computer (2010) Airbag Karma Police Lucky No Surprises Paranoid Android Plug In Baby

In Rainbows (2012) All I Need Bodysnatchers House Of Cards Jigsaw Falling Into Place Nude Reckoner

The Underside Of Power (2014) Cleveland The Underside Of Power Walk Like A Panther

Boarding House Reach (2016) Connected By Love Corporation Ice Station Zebra Over And Over And Over Seven Nation Army Supermassive Black Hole

Thin Black Duke (2018) Come As You Are Locked Out Of Heaven Roxanne Smoke On The Water

Science Fiction (2020) Happy Together Hold On We’re Going Home Sex And Candy Time Of The Season

Virtue (2022) ALieNNatioN All Wordz Are Made Up Leave It In My Dreams Pointlessness QYURRYUS

For Nina, Forever Ago (2024) Lover, You Should’ve Come Over Since I’ve Been Loving You Skinny Love Slow Dancing In A Burning Room You Are My Sunshine

Hug Of Thunder (2026) 1979 Hug Of Thunder Losing My Religion Viva La Vida

Sleep Well Beast (2028) Carin At The Liquor Store Day I Die Guilty Party I’ll Still Destroy You The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness

Kid A (2031) Burning For You Don’t Fear The Reaper Kid A True Love Waits

Skeleton Tree (2033) I Need You Jesus Alone O’Children Skeleton Tree

Is This The Life We Really Want? (2035) Dejà Vu Smell The Roses The Last Refugee Wait For Her

Relatives In Descent (2037) All Along The Watchtower A Private Understanding Don’t Go To Anacita Whole Lotta Love

No Cities To Love (2040) Babe I’m Gonna Leave You Hallelujah Stairway To Heaven

Twin Fantasy (2043) Bodys My Boy Say It Ain’t So Twin Fantasy

To Be Kind (2045) Oxygen Screen Shot

Snares Like A Haircut (2047) I Want You Just Like A Woman One Of Us Most Know Snares Like A Haircut

Sleeping Tapes (2053) A Glass Of Water Goodmorning, Sweetheart The Raven

Grace (2060) Eternal Life Forget Her Grace Last Goodbye So Real

Albums and non-title tracks

Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2002) A Certain Romance Dancing Shoes Fake Tales Of San Francisco From The Ritz To The Rubble Mardy Bum Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured Riot Van Still Take You Home The View From The Afternoon You Probably Couldn’t See For The Lights

Favorite Worst Nightmare (2004) 505 Balaclava D Is For Dangerous Do Me A Favour If You Were There, Beware Old Yellow Bricks Only Ones Who Know The Bad Thing This House Is A Circus

The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us (2006) Hard Luck Kid I Break Guitars Porno Love Ride The Wild Haze Throwaways Too Late To Die Young Young & Alive

Gumboot Soup and Polygondwanaland (2007) Barefoot Desert Down In The Sink I’m Sleeping In Muddy Water Superposition The Great Chain Of Being The Wheel

Ok Computer (2010) Climbing Up The Walls Electioneering Exit Music (For A Film) Filter Happier Let Down Subterranean Homesick Alien The Tourist

In Rainbows (2012) 15 Step All I’ve Ever Known Faust Arp Pain Videotape Weird Fishes/Arpeggi

The Underside Of Power (2014) A Hymn For An Average Man A Murmur, A Sign Animals Bury Me Standing Death March Cry Of The Martyrs Mme Rieux Plague Years The Cycle/The Spiral: Time to Go Down Slowly

Boarding House Reach (2016) Abulia And Akrasia Ball And Biscuit Everything You’ve Ever Learned Ezmerelda Steals the Show Get In The Mind Shaft Humoresque Hypermisophoniac Respect Commander What’s Done Is Done Why Walk A Dog?

Thin Black Duke (2018) A Gentleman’s Gentleman Cold & Well-Lit Place Ecce Homo Host Letter Of Note Other People The Finished Line The Upper

Science Fiction (2020) 137 451 Batter Up Can’t Get It Out Could Never Be Heaven Damn Desert Everybody Here Wants You In The Water Lit Me Up No Control Out Of Mana Same Logic/Teeth Waste

Virtue (2022) Black Hole Lazy Boy My Friend The Walls One Of The Ones Permanent High School Pink Ocean Pyramid Of Bones Think Before You Drink To Fall In Love With You We’re Where We Were Wink

For Nina, Forever Ago (2024) Can’t Get Started Edge Of Desire Give Me Love I Don’t Trust Myself With Loving You I Know It’s Over In The Blood I Still Feel Like Your Man Little Lion Man Nina Please Don’t Fall In Love With Someone New The Girl The Night We Met White Blank Page You Should Know Where I’m Coming From

Hug Of Thunder (2026) Gonna Get Better Halfway Home Mouth Guards Of The Apocalypse Please Take Me With You Protest Song Skyline Sol Luna Stay Happy Towers And Masons Vanity Pail Kids Victim Lover Violet Hill

Sleep Well Beast (2028) Born To Beg Cheers, Darling Coconut Skins Dark Side Of The Gym Empire Line Helpless Moving On And Getting Over New Light Nobody Else Will Be There Sleep Well Beast Turtleneck Walk It Back

Kid A (2031) Eskimo Everything In Its Right Place How To Disappear Completely Idioteque In Limbo Morning Bell Motion Picture Soundtrack Optimistic The National Anthem Treefingers

Skeleton Tree (2033) Anthrocene Distant Sky Girl In Amber Magneto Ring Of Saturn

Is This The Life We Really Want? (2035) Bird In A Gale Broken Bones Is This The Life We Really Want? Oceans Apart Part Of Me Died Picture That The Most Beautiful Girl When We Were Young

Relatives In Descent (2037) Caitriona Corpses in Regalia Elephant Half Sister Here Is The Thing Male Pleague My Children Night-Blooming Cereus The Chuckler Up The Tower Windsor Hum

No Cities To Love (2040) A New Wave Bury Our Friends Fangless Gimme Love Hey Darling No Anthems No Cities To Love Price Tag Surface Envy Wave

Twin Fantasy (2043) Beach Life-In-Death Cute Thing Famous Prophets High To Death Nervous Young Inhumans Never On The Day You Leave Sober To Death Stop Smoking

To Be Kind (2045) A Little God In Your Hands Bring The Sun Just A Little Boy Kirsten Supine Nathalie Neal She Loves Us Some Things We Do To Be Kind

Snares Like A Haircut (2047) Cruise Control Drippy Popper Primitive Plus Send Me Secret Swamp Soft Collar Fad Squashed Stuck In The Changer Third Grave Rave Tidal

Sleeping Tapes (2053) Chimes For Dreams Feeling Good Good Evening Hummmmmm IKEA Seeing With My Eyes Closed See You At The Dreaming Tree Sleep. Dream. Wakeup. Temescal Canyon The Hen The Sea We’re All In This Together (Goodnight)

Grace (2060) Corpus Christi Carol Dream Brother Lilac Wine Mojo Pin You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me

Partners

Shraddha Kapoor (1999) Caryn Marjorie (2001) Adeline Rudo (2002) Yovanna Ventura (2002) Seryna Seo (2003) Caitlin Beadles (2004) Dina Denoire (2004) Lily He (2004-2010) Koleen Diaz (2006-2011) Jessica Vu (2005) Dollicia Bryan (2005) Mishti Rahman (2007-2009) Jasmine Villegas (2007) Érika Januza (2008) Yes Liv Can (2008) Blue Cantrell (2009) Tammy Torres (2009) Rosario Dawson (2010) Bria Myles (2010) Karrine Steffans (2011) Alyssa Arce (2011) Vanessa Vargas (2011) Mikaela Long (2012-2015) Krista Santiago (2012) Maika Monroe (2012) Cindy Kimberly (2012) Shenelle Scott (2013) Nicola Peltz (2013) Cydney Christine (2014) Marie Avgeropoulos (2014) Jasmine Sanders (2014) Draya Michele (2015) Bernice Burgos (2015) Cyn Santana (2015) Ammika Harris (2016) India Westbrook (2016) Lily Collins (2016) Baskin Champion (2017) Audreyana Michelle (2017) Cailin Russo (2017) Jordan Ozuna (2017) Alexandra Daddario (2018) Olivia Holt (2018) Raina Lawson (2018) Nina (2018-2023) *married in 2022, divorced in 2023 Rachel Roy (2021-2023) Karisma Ramir (2021) Jasmine Rose (2022) Maya James (2022) Lani Blair (2022) Marie Nova (2023) Stephanie Woods (2023) Brenda Lowe (2023)

[waldos-writing]

The Dig Initiative: Chapter 23

The Log of Dr. Fletcher

Internal Registry: Dr. Melissa Fletcher, PhD in Neuroscience 2032, Psychiatry in 2032, subseciality clinical neurophysiology from 2032-2035, general practice 2036-2046; moved to Hope General Care in 2044.

Brought in as a consultant for Montemille trials, 03.10.2044. Per her mentor, Dr. Yorick Juliens:

…if, on record, I would admit that Dr. Fletcher would be a keen eye for clinical trial 212. She has an unwavering patience and an inhuman amount of decency for these individuals, which would be seen as a weakness except for her work with interrogation and integration. Her open kindness, while an asset to help control and/or console the individuals, has so far not deterred her from what is necessary to see the trial moved forward to the potentially fatal step in our procedure. She knows what is at stake. And she is comfortable with the knowledge that this is going to help people in the future. We are close to successful turnover, and I believe moving from NVRA to NARA will be successful. I would gladly have Melissa on my team.

Fletcher joined in the second round of NARA pre-trials at Montemille facility in 2035. Charged with seventeen of the sixty patients who had survived the first neurological enhancement drug testing led two sessions of augmented reality simulation with the prototype WsTWD, precursor to the eventual Westwood Trial simulator.

 NARA pre-trial, WsTWD session 02 with Subjects 01, 09, 22:

Per protocol, Subject 12 has been moved to quarantine. Has started the fever stage. Talk to Dr. Juliens tomorrow about reworking the serum to account high protein concentrations in blood samples. Still having trouble with calcium in urine samples. Josh tells me not to beg. WsTWD session 02 ‘REFORMATIVE DREAM.’ Add to the atmosphere as we introduce them to the test.

Subject 09 and 22 have grade F sedative patches. Is this a Band-Aid solution to keeping them viable after the inevitable? Cold transfusion slowed it down last night, maybe we make it past 48 hours. Izzie had a seizure before the ice bath. Not sure if she will be available for the third session.

Subject 01 has been the most resilient patient in the program. He is perceptive, attentive to instructions by myself and the staff, and eager to please. We just might see our efforts brought to fruition. High hopes. One concern, have to discuss with Josh. While all patients in the program suffer from a wide range of psychosis, Subject 01 hasn’t shown improvement with counseling. Dramatic sociopath personality disorder. Boasts first that he was the second Jesus come, that he was the only messiah of God, and finally that he was God himself and we would all fall at his feet when he was given into his natural powers. Histrionic, narcissistic. Not my first choice. Believe he even stole status as Subject 01 from a John Doe. Research still needed. Concerns of sadism towards Subjects 10, 13, and 19 [note: 10 history of self-destructive behavior must be ruled out). Charmer. Compare to session 01 notes with Josh. Don’t let him play you.

Hypothesis on NARA restructure with scans of Subject 01 CT scan and MRI:

Intent on continuing with the remaining subjects. We’re going to session 3 following track of Subject 01 and Dr. Grailee’s Subject 47. ‘THE PATH.’ How many times….Talked to Juliens. Josh let go. Can’t get a hold of him outside the office. Check for his address. NARA is augmenting the damaged areas. Needs severely underdeveloped frontal cortex to avoid rapid overexpansion. Great news, obviously, for the initial purpose of the clinical trials, but I believe Juliens and his team have ideas for something else. Fever everyone has exhibited is the body fighting off a wildfire tearing through their brain. Whatever the reason, these are the ones who can survive it. Regrowth. Not regrowth, rebuilding. More accurately, freshly building segments of the brain that did not exist before. Maybe we can figure out how to alter this to repair damaged brain tissue.

Strange aura present in the MRI scan. Also, check on the anomaly in Subject 31. According to records, Subject 31 should not have survived NARA injection. Too much healthy tissue. Appears to have been chemically lobotomized. Muscular hypertrophy symptom adverse event. Subject 47 no longer suffering auditory hallucinations but emotional response shutting down. Subject 01 is playing off of her. They’ve made themselves a pair. We are getting close. I’m just not sure to what.

Note from Dr. Juliens dated 10.11.44:

Pulling Melissa off the project. Send her credentials on to Hildebard. Maybe Hope Center will take her. Move forward with the partnerships. Serum for 01-47.

Locke Security Clearance 6

Fletcher, Melissa. Processed through ALTAMIRA 11.14.46. Holding cell standard, order of Lawrence DuVang. Retrieval by Domestic Division Agents Shutters and Poole. Commendation and 3% increase bonus pay. –Check your paystub, think Brandley shorted us, S.

Altamira Data: audio recording with Agent Shutters and Fletcher, dated 01.01.47:

 Shutters: Well, Happy New Year! What a surprise. Don’t know if they brought you the champagne I asked. Probably not. Is that the food ration? Mm. Supposed to be that gray, you think? Listen, I won’t argue the validity of that, but, hey, eat what you eat and be pleased it’s there, I guess. How are you liking the place? It’s nice enough, you know? I thought, given your history, you’d rather like working here. Got yourself a whole crew of people under your belt, if you took it. And now, you seen those machines? Way better contact and readout for the trials. I’ve seen the old equipment you guys used to use in Montemille for Westwood? Barbaric! This scanner they have in there is eons better than the old one. So, why do you keep pulling this self-pitying routine like it’s your only saving grace?

Fletcher: I’m not going to be harassed back into this. Is Juliens out there?

Shutters: Don’t know anybody by that name, but it’s not my place, you know. Not my deal. I got my own to beck and call and serve and all, so, you know. Names. Pfft. No, now listen. Please.

[A sigh on the recording, followed by silence].

Shutters: This is between you and me. I don’t know when you walk out of here or if you walk out of here again, but I have questions too, and maybe you’re the only one who has the answers that’s willing to share them with me.

Fletcher: Why would I?

Shutters: Kindness of your heart. Human decency. I don’t know what gets your tinker toys going, just do this for me.

Fletcher: I’m not—!

[Muffled audio, sharp bang of something striking the wall]

Shutters: Just. Listen.

Fletcher: Stay back

Shutters: First thing is I saw your log on the original trials. You had your hand on Subject 01, right? Bonafide numero uno. Our progenitor, right? Cause I can’t tap my finger on who that is, but they’d have to be high up, wouldn’t they? Second things not adding and multiplying is that it ain’t Lawrence DuVang, I can say that plain as day and be right as rain. Man doesn’t have a talented bone in his body. And if that man did get through it all spiffed up and shiny clean…I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right. I don’t…. Who’s Subject 01?

Fletcher: That was so long ago.

Shutters: Wasn’t really.

Fletcher: And I wasn’t the only one there.

Shutters: Only one left I can find.

Fletcher: I don’t even remember who…?

Shutters: Right, you see? You see, I’ve been reading up on this. Swiped myself a good access badge too. Oh I like hunting and finding things, always have, always did, always will. And what I can say is I’ve learned a few things. Things like how they started with the injections but they’re moving on up to this aerosol deliverable type deal originally used on children, can you even believe that? Something in the file about oracles. Don’t ask me what it is, I don’t know. The CM I pulled it out of didn’t know either and, wouldn’t you know it, I still ended up killing him and his augmenter because they just blab to anyone who asks the right way. Can you believe? Well, now they got this plan to go through and disperse it through the CleanAire towers filtration. What a crazy crock that is, isn’t it? Ah, I don’t think I mind as much as I’m saying I mind, more for show than tell.  Maybe it’d be good, we get all the turnovers out of the way and, poof, wipe out anyone who doesn’t have that space in their heads to complete it, right? But, see, then aren’t we just giving the gift to people who haven’t been introduced to the program correctly?

Fletcher: They’re going to infect everyone?

Shutters: Right. Heights is our big trial. I think they’re going to take this show on the road, though. Air. All of us have to breath it. Seems like Subject 01 doesn’t even care if he bulldozes right over everyone, and I didn’t think I did either, but I keep imagining if they do this, we’re either outnumbered by the wild ones or we drop the population too low and maybe then we really are out of luck. Plus, I mean, what’s that thing they said about the kids? Child plasticity is great, but for some reason or another it doesn’t stick. You hear about all the littles they killed? Almost 100%. That’s just cruel to be cruel at this point, and I know that. I am right there on the money with that. So they kill too many adults and all the little kiddies. All them dead bodies everywhere. It’s gonna be rotten as hell, can’t you think? Imagine it.

Fletcher: He’s insane.

Shutters: Me?

Fletcher: Yeah, you too.

Shutters: Course he is. Course I am. Had to be. Said so right in the notes, damaged tissue or underdeveloped areas. Big old spaces in the head to make room. But, thing is, whatever all that happened happened, but maybe we don’t let the biggest and craziest of them try and Armageddon us off this rock.

Fletcher: Do you think you can stop him?

Shutters: Well, it’ll take a bit. I’ve gotta get myself a new partner first. The big guy I paired with is dumber than a sock of stones, or whatever it is. I’d do him a disservice not to tap his brain and make him a White Jacket, you know? I’ll get him moved over, if I can. I don’t even really know, ha ha, I don’t know if you can make the jump. Ha! Might just kill him anyways! Oh, Poole, you sonovabitch, I’m…. I’m getting ahead of myself. Just give over the name, let me see what I can pull and I’ll keep you updated. What are you going to do anyways? Leave? Ha ha ha ha—

Fletcher: Diggs. His name was Diggs.

Shutters: Hmm? Diggs. Mmm. Mmmmmmmmmm. Well, look, I don’t have a leg on it yet, but I will. And I’ll let you know what I have when I can. You sit pretty, Pretty. I’ll be seeing you again.

-End Recording-

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#The Dig Initiative #writing #prose #novel #self publishing #this one is formatted wrong #but it's all I can do in Tumblr so