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Fan fiction:Bane Hero of the North/Chapter 10
Bane Hero of the North is a fan fiction piece by Bane, originally posted on The Dark Library. The fiction series was recovered on April 14th 2010. You can find more information on Bane:Hero of the North article.
Chapter 10: The Gate(Part I)[edit source]
The eruptions of fire from outside the complex had deepened his mood. The room was dark, and the true form of Horthis sat on his giant throne, his large thick boned figure finding comfort with difficulty.
He sat rubbing at his twisted thin chin with clawed hand, hundreds of thoughts rushing through his mind all at once. The most pressing of these was the re-emergence of his brother, Grandium. Why did Grandium ask an audience of him, was he not burrowed away somewhere, hidden in the very core of the world, plotting against it. What was his brother planning? Did it involve Horthis himself?
"You needn't worry brother…" came a voice from behind the double doors leading into his room. It was loud and powerful, the very sound capable of freezing men. He had seen it before upon arrival in this world. Horthis shuffled uneasily in his seat.
"What do you want Grandium?" The doors swung open, a green mist entered the room.
"No brother anymore Horthis?" The mist dissipated leaving the tall figure of his brother before him.
"Always keen on making a big entrance Grandium…" Grandium laughed reply at Horthis's words, and began a slow pace towards the throne, Grandium's long clawed legs breaking the room's tiled floor.
Grandium began to study the room in greater detail, walking over to the long table to his side running his hand over the polished wood. His attention quickly turned to the weapons and armour mounted on the walls. His hands reached out snake-like towards a halberd. He swung it about as if fighting an unseen enemy. Horthis watched with great interest.
"Nice toys you have here brother." Grandium replaced the halberd and walked over to a piece of armour besides a furious fire, behind Horthis' throne. Grandium began to stroke it gently.
"What do you want 'brother'?" Grandium's face brightened, his cruel sharp facial features breaking into a wicked smile. He stopped before Horthis, who had righted himself.
"Concerned are we, you always were troubled when you had no idea what I was doing weren't you Horthis." Horthis stood up and neared his brother.
"I wish to know what you are up to. I do not like being left in the dark." Grandium laughed once more and began circling his brother.
"Always needing information aren't we Horthis, always wanting to know everything happening on this damned planet. Why do you bother?"
"I need not explain my reasons to you Grandium, they are mine and mine alone but you will tell me what you are up to." Grandium made himself to appear as though hurt by Horthis' words, drawing his long green muscled arms in front of him.
"Your home has changed…"
"I am content with it Grandium."
"Yes, I have no doubt that you are." Horthis raised his voice, the coarseness of it echoing down the room's walls and into the corridor.
"Tell me what you are doing brother!"
"Why do you think I am up to something every time we meet these days?" Horthis moved closer to his brother, placing his hand on broad shoulder. Fire burned in his eyes. Grandium was up to something; Horthis knew how much his brother enjoyed these games.
"I know you would not come out of your 'burrow' without reason to. A family visit is never in the cards you hold." The two stared at each other momentarily before Grandium slipped away from his brother's grasp.
"I am talking about the Way' Far brother." Horthis' eyes widened. What did his brother want to do with the gate?
"The Way' Far is lost to this world Grandium, we will never find it." Certainty in the demons voice. Horthis relaxed slightly, and sat himself gently down on his throne.
"You are certain of this are you brother." Horthis remained silent.
"We have tried to find it before but found nothing Grandium."
"Yes but this world constantly changes Horthis, perhaps the gate has revealed itself once more and it is time to search for it." Horthis raised his hairless eyebrow.
"What would you do with it if you found it brother? Return home?" Grandium stepped forward, anger evident on his face. Horthis's mocking tone was something he did not enjoy.
"Yes brother, home and away from this damned world I have grown so tired with over the past centuries."
"With all the power the Way' Far contains you would return home through it? The darkness within can be used as a weapon against this world Grandium. We both know this yet your telling me your dark and twisted soul would rather return to our home. You lie well brother." Grandium flashed a smile and stepped within breathing distance of Horthis.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. The gate is still yet to be found and a decision yet to be made. I ask of you to help me locate the Way' Far Horthis. Have you no interest upon going home, and then what of this world and its cares and troubles."
"Very well Grandium… I may help you find the gate, if only to return home. Leave me now brother to think on your proposal." Grandium nodded, his form disappearing into the same green mist he had travelled here by.
"You're a fool brother, the Way' Far is not a toy to play with, do you take me for an idiot. The power that you could amass with the gate in your hands would destroy this world. I will not be made a pawn in this game Grandium." Horthis whispered, the green mist far away now. The demon sat back on his throne, his heavy claw scratched at his chin.
The thrown fist missed Bane by a mile, his panther like movements too quick for the man who had challenged him in the square. Bane ducked and sent his fist crashing up into his adversary's ribs. A satisfying crunch followed and the man screamed out, falling hard on his knees. Bane followed through his combination sending his fist into the big man's jaw, once again the sound of a bone breaking filling his mind. The man dropped back, a trail of blood dripping from mouth.
The crowd cheered and Bane nodded, before turning to Walkin, who looked shocked at the display. Bane walked over to his friend and smiled like a child. Walkin could not help notice the blood on the barbarian's hands.
"You draw attention upon yourself easily don't you Bane." The barbarian simply nodded.
"The man had asked for it Walkin. Do not start a fight if you can't go through with it."
Walkin shook his head. The man had deserved some pain for Walkin had seen what he had done to Bane. The big man had walked right up to the barbarian and had pushed Bane into a market store. Bane was not a happy barbarian but instead of responding with sword, as Walkin had expected, Bane simply waded in with fists and kicks.
"We should return home now Bane, that fight would have attracted unwanted attention." Bane nodded and sure enough as he turned he could see giant plumed helmets sticking out from the crowd, that broke apart as soon as the city guards began rounding up the spectators and the injured man.
Bane was happy, he had not seen any action for more than two weeks, since his encounter with the Dark Rider. He had returned to Galmnor shortly afterwards, and had stayed there since, without any wish to leave.
It had worried Bane for he began to live a more civilised life style, one that consisted of dining and washing, polite conversation and dullness, and the worst thing of all Bane had seemed content with it all.
He had seen very little of Travin, even less of Kabana, but Balkin and Chiana were around most of the time. With the mere thought of Kabana Bane was worried for his friend had become dark after the encounter in the clearing on the Night of Souls.
The man's usual calm attitude towards things had seemed to fall apart. Bane could see a great need to leave building within Kabana. Bane had noticed him snap more, go wild like Bane himself would do. It was shortly after there arrival back in Galmnor did Kabana mention he would be leaving soon. He left afterwards with no mention on where he was going or when he would be back.
Of all the people he had met since he had left his homeland for the Western Kingdoms the dark coloured man had been the most striking individual, Kabana had a warrior spirit, any fighting man could detect that in someone, but he also had a heart warmer than most. He had seen Kabana stop fights in Travin's bar with just words. Something Bane knew he could never achieve, certainly not now.
He had spent most of the time with Chiana, learning more about her and her people in the deserts of Aranoch. It had been an unexpected joy to learn about the customs of the eastern people, the differences between his homeland, the Western Kingdoms and the sandy cities of Aranoch was astonishing. The talks with her had made him swear he would travel into Aranoch before his death. Lost in thought Bane had hardly noticed the journey back to Walkin's home.
Walkin stopped outside and turned towards his large friend. He could see Bane was troubled but had not asked him why. His left hand carried the food he had bought in the market, nicely contained in a sack that he placed by Bane's foot.
"Bane…we are back." The barbarian shook his head softly, as if shaking a blow in a fight.
"My mind is else where Walkin. I am going to see Chiana and Balkin now." Bane turned away in a trance like state and began his walk to Travin's Pub The Dog.
It was a short walk, a walk where Bane failed to see many people pointing and staring at him. They had heard and seen a lot of the north-man, many of the children in the area enjoyed watching him pass many an occasion. Bane had even seen some playing as barbarians in the streets, painting fake blue 'war' tattoos on their faces and running around screaming. It usually brought a smile to the barbarians normally hard face.
The Dog was unusually full. Smoke filled the room as if the place was on fire. Men and women laughed and shouted while others sat silently and on their own, keeping company with long elegant pipes and half-full pints. Bane walked over to the bar and sat down on the tall barstools, his hand taking out his depleted money pouch, ready to start drinking.
The barkeeper Travin trusted to run his tavern walked over to Bane, a great smile drawn across his stern looking face. Bane gave a nod which the returned. He tied his white apron tighter around him before addressing Bane with words.
"Good day to you barbarian." He said, the smile still on his face. Bane had never really studied the man before, indeed only knew his name or the name used by the man's friends. Pug they called him or 'Pug the Brave'. Pug was a tall man, perhaps as tall as Bane. He was well built, not like Bane but much tougher looking than most men, rivalling that of his former employer Konrad. The man looked as though he had seen action as well, small cuts littered his face and forearms.
"To you as well Pug."
"I heard about a clash in the market a few minutes ago from a source of mine, involving a brute of a man." Bane pretended to be shocked.
"Don't know what your talking about man." he said smiling.
"What do you want to drink?"
The room was dark despite the burning torches set up on the walls. It seemed as though the light was being suffocated by the darkness. Footsteps echoed outside the thick oak door that separated the room from the corridor.
Kabana looked around. It had been a while since he had been in Kehjistan and within the walls of the great Zakarum Church. It had been a tiring trip to get here, through the sands of Aranoch and the very jungles of Kehjistan. He had travelled alone and as quickly as possible given his position in Entsteig.
The huge towers reached out to catch the clouds and stars and could be seen from miles away, towering over the trees, and the very jungles of Kehjistan.
Finally he had news to report to his superiors, information he had never wanted to believe, information he had never wanted to uncover. How much his news would worry the council he had no clue, perhaps this will be an annoyance to them, something that Sankekur, Que-Hegan would ignore, awaiting deeper and darker news from other agents with more evidence of corruption within the civilised lands.
The night he had offered a barkeeper his help to locate his lost son had proven nothing more than a constant nightmare. When he had slept he saw nothing but the Dark Rider and his demonic minions, worse though he saw the humans among the group, who hid themselves in robes and screamed as much as the beasts they stood by. If that wasn't proof of the Prime Evils corruption upon the face of the world what was?
Now he sat on a long bench awaiting Sankekur, Que-Hegan and the council to ask him to present the information. For the first time in a while he felt the weight of his armour, dressed in his full plate mail, his white robes a symbol of power and purity.
Apparently his appearance had caused uproar within the very council itself, and not more than a week ago bishops from Westmarch had been called forth as well, including Archbishop Lazarus to discuss the action to be taken.
Kabana had no doubt that the evenings proceedings would be a long drawn out debate, with those in the church on two separate sides, one on Sankekur, Que-Hegan's side, backing his decisions with loyalty and commitment, and those who have been rumoured to be a cancer within the high positions of the Zakarum.
The footsteps from outside his room came closer, breaking his chain of thoughts. The shuffling of sandaled feet could be heard besides the door that opened slowly to reveal a young man dressed in customary orange and purple robes. His eyes revealed no thought; no individuality for the boy was merely an errand boy for the council and had no need of his own opinions and thoughts.
"You are summoned." He whispered in a rehearsed manner. Kabana stood confidently and began an easy pace out of the room and into the corridor.
The corridor was long and wide, large paintings and statues lined the brickwork in small alcoves. He had walked this way a couple of times before in his life and service to the Zakarum. The church was much grander than those that had been erected in the Western Kingdoms. The errand boy was besides him, walking quickly to keep up with the strides of the knight.
Two great doors stood closed before them, after the pair had negotiated their way through the many corridors and rooms that led to the great Council Chamber. Two armed men flanked the doors, wearing their full plate mail and carrying tall halberds. From the distance they looked like nothing more than the statues he had seen on the way here, standing there motionless. Upon arrival they stirred and took hold of the door handles, two great rings of iron. They pulled back and the doors opened with little resistance.
The room was grander than that of any he had seen in Galmnor. There were long spanning tapestries and hanging curtains depicting scenes of battle and great men who had become saints and martyrs after their deaths. The Horadrim mages could also be seen battling the Prime Evils, they're past glories relived for the privileged.
Indeed Sankekur, Que-Hegan had gathered a lot of high figures in the order, which now sat in their allotted seats high above the ground. Kabana looked up to see the semi-circle of seats located high in the northern wall where Sankekur, Que-Hegan sat, his gnarled staff in hand, his other playing with his long grey beard. Besides him was the powerful figure of the Archbishop Lazarus, a blank and unreadable expression on his face.
The Archbishop was a well-respected man in the Council, even more so than the Supreme Patriarch himself; his loyalty to Sankekur was unquestionable however. It was Lazarus alone who took the responsibility of spreading the Zakarum religion to the west. It had been some kind of personal quest, one that earned him the respect of the council.
All the details of the room, including the council were lit up by the standard burning torches on the walls, instead a great ball of light hung from the ceiling, almost like the sun itself. The doors shut silently behind him and Kabana shuffled forward, to the centre of the room. He raised his head towards Que-Hegan and waited to be addressed.
"Good Kabana, trusted general to the Zakarum Order I welcome you back home." The patriarchs voice was unshaken and calm, sounding friendlier than he last remembered it being. Kabana replied.
"Thank you Supreme Patriarch, it is good to be here." silence ensued; Que-Hegan's old face broke into an easy smile. He stood from his seat to address the gathered bishops and Kabana.
"As you all know, I have sent members of our Order into the Western Kingdoms on certain quests, all of great importance. Some to spread word, others to build churches and gather the people to us so the Light can touch them, and although we have had great difficulty there has been a start, an uneasy one which will be fully continued at a future date, for only when we have spread the Light through the east can we begin in the west. It gives me no pleasure to hear that one such man, who stands before you now, brings word of no good tiding." the council began talking, each man whispering to the next, apart from Que-Hegan and Lazarus, who remained silent. The Supreme Patriarch continued, the power in his voice silencing the whispers.
"Tell us what you have uncovered good knight." Kabana could feel all eyes turn on him, something he had gotten use to serving as a general to the paladin's, the trusted knights of the Zakarum.
"It is as you feared, for I have seen the Prime Evil's corruption, signs of their evil tainting our very hearts." A laugh broke out. Kabana turned to the man who had mocked him. It was Archbishop Medici, one of the so-called 'cancers of the council'. The man was tall, possibly taller than the Archbishop Lazarus and much younger.
"There is no such thing as corruption man!" he shouted. "The Prime Evils have been locked away for more than one-hundred and fifty years, where is the proof?" Kabana shook his head; he had no respect for fools such as Medici.
"With respect sir, my words are true. Ask any man who has met me, I do not lie or even manipulate the truth."
"But you lie everyday on your mission; you are an agent."
"Yes my lord, but I would not lie to the very people I serve. My words are true for I saw this corruption with my own eyes on the Night of Souls. I had stumbled onto a scene of chaos and evil upon a request from an elderly man wishing his son to be found. It led me to a human sacrifice where demons and monsters, the likes such are shown on the very tapestries and paintings in this church. With these beasts, standing together were men and women. I watched them chant in ancient tongue and dance in the very blood spilt from the men, women and children that had been butchered on the stone." Archbishop Lazarus stood, turning his attentions towards the outspoken Medici, his voice like a calm breeze.
"You really believe that just because we have contained the Three that their work has been completely halted. Only an ignorant man would say such things, but to hear such words come out of an archbishop of the Zakarum Church's very mouth is such as blasphemy itself. We can not ignore the Prime Evils any more than the Horadrim's trust they put in us to contain such evil." Archbishop Lazarus' words were not spoken with anger but hit home like a knife in the chest. Medici appeared agitated and embarrassed.
"What have we been doing all this time then… building churches and spreading lies? Westmarch may believe in our words, but those in Entsteig and Khanduras are stubborn, even unwelcome. And what of the Horadrim? They have been at constant war with themselves for more than two centuries even before the capture of the Three. They are nothing more than a broken brotherhood that has split into different factions, clans that seemed to have forgotten this world now. What worry do we have if the mighty Horadrim do not worry and concern themselves with such trifle matters such as the agent speaks?" Archbishop Lazarus remained standing and glared icily towards Medici. Kabana shuffled uneasily in the centre. He knew there would be disagreement in the meeting.
Suddenly other voices could be heard, siding with and against Lazarus. The words that were shouted were lost in the crescendo, the very tone of it echoing through the giant room as if it were an angry cloud ready to fling great lightning bolts upon the world. Kabana stood patiently, trying to make out individual conversations and arguments. It seemed as though Kabana's news had split the council even more than it had been rumoured to. These were his superiors, the people that had sworn allegiance to the Horadrim. He had seen children make better arguments.
Then a powerful voice silenced the council, and all eyes turned to the Supreme Patriarch. His hand was still busy playing with his beard, wrapping pieces of it around his old fingers. His staff seemed to hum, sounding like a fly beating at its wings. An inch from the end, where the symbol of the Supreme Patriarch hung proudly was a bright light, a ball of fire similar to that of the light above them.
"It is a sad time indeed when I see my brothers fight amongst themselves. If the Three could hear us now they would laugh at us. The position of the Horadrim should no longer concern us. They have done their job, now we must do ours. It is obvious that Sanctuary is contaminated by the Three's presence even if they are not free and able to do it themselves. Kabana brings us bad news and we must act."
"What do you suggest?" asked Archbishop Lazarus, seating himself, no longer glaring at Medici who now turned his attention towards Kabana.
"I can see no alternative but to increase our searches. People who have been touched by chaos will not be easily found. They hide themselves away in the very heart of civilisation. They could be anyone, rich or poor. That is all, I thank you for your time." Whispers filled the chamber, more arguments perhaps? Kabana remained standing as the council dispersed.
"What of me?" Kabana asked staring directly into the calm old eyes of the Supreme Patriarch.
"You will remain here Kabana. I will inform you when you will be needed next." Kabana nodded and turned to leave.
Bane stared at his empty tankard, slowly swirling the remains of the ale around. His pocket was empty and his head was swimming. This was city life, a dull society he thought as he looked at the drunks in the tavern. Perhaps he had stayed in one place too long? He was here, in Galmnor to do a job, one that he had ignored since his arrival. There was no work for mercenary units in Galmnor or anywhere else it seemed.
Konrad would have no doubt, moved his small army of misfits from Kath-Amor by now. Why did Bane feel guilty about it anyway? He had hardly given the matter any thought since his arrival. He had met new people, so far his only friends in the civilised lands. He had a job of sorts, one that bothered him little. Travin however, had not been around much and with no approaches for potential work Bane had nothing to do but drink and make conversation with his newfound friends, something of a difficulty for the barbarian.
A warm hand touched his shoulder and he turned to see the smiling face of Chiana, her long hair tied back. She sat down besides him without a word. Bane noticed Balkin had also entered the tavern and was at the bar.
Bane could not think up anything to say to the girl, the ale had took hold of his senses, he would only sound and act like a fool he thought. Chiana sat silently too, but looked as though she wanted to talk. Bane shook his head, annoyed by the constant banging in his head.
"You look like you've drunk too much!" she said in a cheerful way. Bane simply nodded, all words forgotten.
"Not going to say anything? You going to stare at your empty drink all night!" she laughed and Bane smiled.
"This empty drink is about as interesting as Galmnor. It feels as though I'm doing nothing here. I could have stayed at home, amongst my brothers if I wanted to drink. Free there it is, the drink I mean, well most of the time anyway." He leant back on his seat and looked over at Chiana.
"I think we all need to get out of here. Kabana's gone, Travin isn't around." Bane nodded.
"Have you ever been to the Gulf of Westmarch?" Bane's mind cleared and his ears seemed to pin back.
"I have heard of it but have never been." he replied, sitting more upright than before.
"Great! I have not been either; I ask you this because Balkin is going to see his brother there in a couple of day's time. He would be glad of some company."
"I have never seen the sea before, it would be nice to, its a never ending lake I hear." Chiana laughed again.
"I have never heard it put like that before. The sea is an amazing sight Bane; I have spent most of my life looking over the walls of Lut Gholein, staring at the docks and the waters. How much it will affect a big lad like you I don't know?" Her customary playful laugh followed. The shuffling of feet besides Bane made him turn. Balkin held a tray of drinks and set it down on the table. Balkin grinned and sat on a stool between Bane and Chiana.
"Drinks for me Balkin, your too kind." Balkin blushed and passed a drink to Chiana and then to Bane.
"Quiet girl. I'm not the only one who's going to be drinking tonight." Bane noticed a troubled look across his short companion.
"What is wrong?" Balkin screwed his face up and turned to the barbarian.
"Troubles my barbarian friend, troubles on my brother's farm. Someone's trying to take it from him! Of all the disrespectful things to do to an honest hard working man like my brother! He needs my help." Balkin was surprisingly angry. Gone was his hard man act and playful cursing, instead Bane could sense nothing more than rage, an anger that was building up inside.
"Ease down. There's nothing you can do right now is there. When do you leave?" Balkin took a deep swig of his drink and placed it hard on the table.
"No damn it. Your right Bane, that's not gonna' stop me from cursing though. I'm leaving tomorrow as soon as daybreak. It's going to take a while before I get there though, Kanton is a few miles off the Gulf of Westmarch, a week at the very least."
"Mind if we tag along?" Chiana asked, her hand touched Balkin's gently. Bane shook his head and smiled.
"I could use your help, I don't know these people who are playing with my brothers livelihood, but he said they were pretty rough."
"I could use some action, I hope they don't disappoint!" Bane shouted, his hand firmly on the hilt of his sword. The crowded drinkers in the tavern turned towards the sudden loud shout from the barbarian, looks of confusion and anger on their faces.
The sun rose high above the seemingly endless rolling grass fields and hills that scattered the countryside. Dense woods were like its borders, forests Bane had entered before on his way to Galmnor. Finally he had left the city that had trapped him. He was on the move again and already he felt free. The soft wind was a refreshing breeze against his face.
The journey had already taken up the past three days, the ground covered quicker because of Balkin's hurry. They would push the horses at a quick pace through most of the day, stopping occasionally to rest the horses and feed them. Bane had enjoyed the hunting for it was more exciting than spending a week in a tavern. He had practised more in the use of the bow and had shown his inexperience.
Chiana with the lightest of touch had tutored Bane well enough, and his third arrow had hit and killed a moving target. He had smiled proudly as if it was the day he had become a man. The rabbit was not a hearty meal but he had eaten it with the joy of a child, something that Chiana had seen a lot in the barbarian.
She had seen things in him that Bane probably did not know existed himself. Bane had seemed to look upon a lot of things through a child's eye, his eyes would widen, and his mouth would sometimes hang open.
"Tell me about your brother." Bane asked, curiosity clear on his voice. Balkin slowed his horse down to a trot, and looked towards the barbarian. The dark cloud that had Balkin in such a mood seemed to pass.
"My brother is a very special man Bane. He is a few years younger than I, yet wiser and a better man than me. He had married at a young age, only twenty I think to a lovely lass… now what was her name," Balkin searched his mind for his brother's wife while Bane patiently rode his horse slowly next to Balkin.
"Laya. That's the one…Laya," he shook his head as if he should have known it all along. The sun began to glare angry upon them, and Bane raised his hand to cover his eyes.
"My brother is called Bailey, he is a farmer, an honest one at that. Took the honourable route he did, unlike myself, I suppose that's why I lov... like him so much. I am proud of him." Bane nodded as if in understanding.
"I never had a brother, a blood tied one, but I have many in my homeland that I care for; they are all my brothers in Kamidia." A look of longing passed Bane's face. Was he missing his homeland?
"I have never been to the barbarian mountains Bane, I have seen them in the distance many times, it must be a different place there?" Bane nodded, a smile spreading across his face. He lowered his hand and rested back on his sword hilt.
"It is a wonderful place, despite what many people in the Western Kingdoms would say and think. Snow covered mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see, reaching out towards the stars like your towers in Galmnor except no man made them. Only the gods can be responsible." Bane could picture his village sitting in the valley this very moment, smoke rising out of snow caked houses, children wearing thick animal pelts to protect them from the cold while they played in the snow, the men and women of the village sat in the Long House, besides the warmth of a crackling raging fire, talking about days of long ago. It was a community, where everybody counted, where everybody depended on the next to survive unlike the society he had seen in the Western Kingdoms so far. Here he saw what power did to men and women alike, where the arts of powerful godly magic were taught by the few to the masses. A place where those with power can do what they like. The words that Travin had used in a conversation once had interested Bane, he had not forgotten them; "Those with power can determine the exception."
"Perhaps it would take you some time, when my lust for adventure dies out and I wish to return home." Chiana sighed behind the talking pair, and rubbed at her eyes sleepily.
"Do you know if there is a town near?" She asked, her face paler than usual. Bane shrugged and turned to Balkin.
"There are small farms dotted around the area but no real town, why do you ask?" Chiana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I don't feel so good." Bane turned his horse gently around and began a trot towards the girl. When he arrived she attempted to smile. Bane placed his free hand on her forehead.
"She's burning up. We should rest." Bane took out his water pouch from the saddle of his horse and passed it into Chiana's shaking hand. She drank deeply but clumsily; excess water flowed like a spilt flask down her chin and cheeks. Once she had finished she lowered the goatskin pouch and looked slightly refreshed. She then passed it back to Bane.
The next hour went slowly, constantly stopping to accommodate Chiana's needs. It was a strange thing Bane thought for she was bright and well early in the day. It was like she had been suddenly hit by an unnatural illness that neither Balkin nor himself could explain. He had seen cases similar to this in his homeland, but the shaman would be there to administer treatment, the patient well by the following morning. Here there was no one with the knowledge of healing. All Bane could hope for was Chiana getting well over a good nights sleep in a bed if possible, or even a barn.
The scenery changed slightly over the course of the day, the land becoming littered with more trees and animal life. Fields that were obviously tended by man were also littered amongst the scenery, corn and other foods growing well.
When the group arrived on top of a small rise in the land they could see a small group of large houses set about in a circle. Pens surrounded them, livestock such as cows and pigs milled about like they were watching some form of entertainment.
"Looks a nice little place." Balkin whispered, the length of the day finally tiring him. Bane nodded and began leading his horse towards the settlement.
Bane led the way through a winding gravel path lined with white fences. The scent of home cooking drifted in the air, as well as the scent of the animals. Small children hid behind fences as they passed, watching the barbarian closely and fearfully. Men looking after the stables and pens gathered together, crude makeshift weapons in hand such as pikes, shovels and simple wooden clubs.
Bane stopped his horse before the nervous looking crowd of people. He counted eight, all of them healthy looking but with similar distrusting facial expressions. Bane spoke aloud determined to break the silence.
"We mean you no harm. Our friend is not well and needs rest. Would it be acceptable to stay with you for the night?" There was no answer for several minutes. Each man looked to the other until a short stocky man stepped forward, his hands gripped a wooden club securely.
"What is wrong with your friend?" he asked in a low but heated tone.
"I do not know, she is tired, we all are. Would you be able to put us up for the night?" The man who stepped forward turned to his companions quickly, but realising his eyes were not on the intruders he whipped it back round as if his very life depended on the action.
"That is the only business you have here?" curiosity was evident. Bane replied quickly.
"Yes. What other business do you mean? We are merely travelling to see a friend in Kanton." The farmer looked relieved, a sigh and slump of shoulders followed.
"I apoligise for our uneasy way but people have been to us recently, coming with threats. They have killed off many of our animals." Balkin came forward.
"I am visiting my brother in Kanton. He is a farmer like you. He says he has been approached by people recently as well, although I do not know the circumstances." The farmer looked to his left and right, still apparently nervous.
"I will explain things, this way, you can stay in my home for the night." Bane smiled and got down from his horse and proceeded to help a complaining Chiana from her horse. The farmer turned to the group of men by the paddocks.
"Stable the horses lads and carry on."
The farmer led them away, further on down the gravelled path, passed a brick well positioned at the centre of the homes. The farming houses were of a generally good size and had their own distinctions despite the unified look.
The man spoke with Bane as they walked towards the house, Bane introduced himself and his companions, and the farmer did the same. He was called Hugo and was in charge of the farms in the immediate vicinity. He said he had a wife called Erylin and two daughters called Nian and Elyse who were the most important things in his life. He told Bane that farming was in his blood. He had helped his father on the farm when he was a child, learning the trade in the same way his father had and his before that. He mentioned nothing about the men who had come to the village however, and Bane did not want to press him on it. Not yet.
Hugo's home was the largest building in the area. It was of simple design, but built solidly out of good stone and strong wood. As soon as the small oak door was opened Bane could smell the aroma of home cooking strongly.
The hallway, although large, was plain and of simple construction, the walls were not painted but polished, the wooden floor seemed well made, Bane could see a blurred image of himself on the polished wood. The base of a flight of stairs was located to the north, besides an open door that led into another room.
"Come this way." Hugo whispered leading the trio into another large room. Scattered chairs and a small rectangular table made up the rooms furniture. Windows let in the days dying light, windows in which one could see the fields and men still slaving away outside.
Small paintings hung in a series on the eastern wall of the room; closer inspection revealed that the paintings were a history of the farming community in which Bane now found himself. The building they were in had its own set of paintings from its start of the production to the finish. The walls in this room where white, while the floor was made to match the hallway, various large red rugs and animal pelts lay on top of the polished surface, a stark contrast to the walls. A door slowly opened before them and a thin woman with long black hair stepped forward, concern across her hard features.
"Who are these people?" she asked her husband who took a hold of her arm softly. He whispered into her ear and she relaxed. She smiled and walked towards Chiana who Bane was supporting. She brushed back the girls hair that had fallen over her face and looked at her with a mothers love.
"This way my love." She said softly, taking her away from Bane and leading her out of the room. Chiana did not resist.
"My wife will tend to your friend Bane. She has a basic knowledge of healing. Sit, my wife has cooked some chicken and vegetables. There is not a lot you understand but we were not expecting guests today."
"That is fine Hugo, thank you." The barbarian sat awkwardly down on a seat that had a high back. The cushioning of the furniture was comfortable. Bane relaxed and took off his sword belt, propping it up against the back chair leg.
Hugo pulled the empty table over to Bane and Balkin and rushed into the kitchen. Shortly afterwards he returned with steaming plates which he placed carefully in front of Bane and Balkin. Hugo had given them a lot of food he thought. The man sat down before them after he had roamed the room, shutting the open doors and drawing the windows shut.
"We will not be disturbed Bane. My wife and daughters are with your friend, she will be fine by morning. As we walked across the square I noticed you were interested in our problems Bane, I could sense you were anxious to know more. I can tell you now. Perhaps the information might spread more light into the misfortunes of your brother also Balkin."
"Why are you being so secretive?" asked Bane, sitting upright and tucking into the meat on the plate.
"It is a strange time my friends. For years we have lived here peacefully with no real trouble. Aye, people have tried to steal our stock before but nothing like this. The people who came here were odd, originally peaceful. Over the last few weeks however the actions have become hostile towards us. They watch us constantly from the woods, and come to our very homes to beat upon us. At first we thought them nothing more than a group of wandering priests, trying to spread their religion. Then there words became strange, evil I could say, their ideologies twisted. When we told them to leave they became aggressive, and killed some of our cows, burning some of our crop fields. Shortly after this I sent my nephew to check out the neighbouring towns and villages. He came back bruised and fearful, his news even more strange."
"He told us of this group. They were much bigger than we originally thought, and had started trouble in many towns. My nephew had found out by word of mouth in taverns that these people were not only in Entsteig, but in Khanduras as well, possibly even Westmarch."
"Does anyone know what they want?" Hugo shook his head.
"There are ideas. Many believe that they are directly facing off against the Zakarum Church, that they are trying to preach a new religion to the people. If this is true they are going about it in a tyrannical way and I believe it will not work."
"Word of mouth is never accurate Hugo." Balkin exclaimed, gravy dripping from his chin.
"Yes but there is no denying the fact that these people are about and are up to something." Bane was deeply interested. No one like the people Hugo described were in Galmnor, perhaps it was just in the pastures surrounding the main cities, affecting the small towns and farming communities. Finally there was no more talk. The three sat and ate their fill until the daylight had drifted away to leave the dark void of night. Bane and Balkin were shown to an empty room, usually used for storage but was cleared early on in the week. Hugo supplied them some bedding which provided more comfort than the road. Balkin had fallen asleep shortly after closing his tired eyes. Bane however felt refreshed by the food supplied by the friendly farmer, his mind alive and active with the words spoken in the conversation earlier.
The group of 'priests' had interested Bane, his curiosity had been fed and now all he could think about was discovering more information on them. Eventually he fell asleep to, besides his snoring companion.
Bane was disturbed, his light sleep allowed a noise to filter through into his not-so peaceful dreams. At first Bane had believed it was his dream, part of it, for he had been riding across a yellow field, its tall grass came up to the horse's knees. Something had scared the horse as it came to a halt, it reared backwards throwing Bane to the ground, the soft grass had disappeared for some reason but the impact had not hurt. From his prone position Bane could see what had scared the horse; a snake was directly in front of it, hissing like it was possessed. His horse began neighing.
Snapping out of his dream he could hear a horse was whinnying, possibly in terror. Bane stood up slowly and picked up his sword belt. He carefully tied it around his waist and opened the door. Moving quietly through the house he made for the door.
"What are you doing?" Bane turned around. Startled to see Hugo standing by the staircase, a candle burning in his raised hand.
"I heard a sound from outside, I was about to investigate." Hugo stepped forward, putting the candle out.
"I did too, its those damn 'priests' snooping around the stables, probably going to steal them too." Bane looked angry.
"I am going to check, if they are they can have some cold steel for their efforts." Bane turned away from Hugo and took a hold of the cold iron door handle. He pulled back on it gently and moved forward, eyes and ears open to the surroundings.
The moon hung in the sky, casting its eerie light onto the farmhouses. The wind was soft and whistled gently against his ears, a ringing sound beat at a consistent rhythm, and the horse was still whinnying. Heavy footsteps came behind him and Bane turned round quickly, his sword withdrawn smoothly, his heart began beating faster.
"Can't see anyone." Hugo said, too loud for Bane's liking. The barbarian brought his index finger to his lips, wordlessly instructing the farmer to be quiet. Hugo nodded and crept forward to the best of his ability.
Bane brought his hands up; momentarily forgetting the man with him would not understand Kentu, the barbarian hand-code. Hugo shrugged at Bane's commands forcing Bane to curse. He was no longer with his people. The two crept forward, keeping low and near to the buildings.
Bane could 'sense' that something was wrong, the same gut feeling he had noticed mature into a lifesaver. Hugo was nervous yet did not turn back and almost clung to Bane's arm as they drifted towards the stables.
Bane's mind was racing. If this was an assault on the farm surely he could do something to protect the farm. More importantly however, he could find out information about the group of strange 'priests', something that would satisfy his inquisitiveness.
Shortly after crossing an open area where the homes were separated by a low-cut grass field Bane discovered the ringing noise was that of a chain hanging from a closed gate, banging tenderly against the wood. Then the farmer jumped and let slip a gasp; an owl had begun singing its hollow wraithlike song, the very sound running a tremor up and down Bane's spine. The leaves of the trees and bush that squeezed past the gate rustled violently to their right and Bane issued a snarl, as harsh and terrifying as that of a wild animal. Hugo steeped away from the barbarian, panic across his face.
Bane stepped forward, his eyes narrowed as if the action would pierce the dense leaves so that he could see beyond them. They rustled again and Bane rushed forward, pushing the quivering bush aside. Bane relaxed suddenly for it was only a cat. It stared up at him; its giant intelligent eyes seemed to pierce his mind forcing him to look away. When Bane turned back round to see it the animal had gone, but he could still hear the rustling of leaves as it made its way through the bushes.
Gathering themselves together, the pair began to head towards the stables, the horses even wilder. Bane began a fast pace, his long strides taking him far away from Hugo, who was forced to run on his small legs.
The cold hilt of his sword in hand was a comfort to Bane, for he knew if there was indeed a formidable opponent around the stables at least he could rely on his weapon, and the natural but trained fighting instincts that had kept him alive in combat situations before. Although his heart was beating Bane was not afraid, his mind seemed clearer than it had been as he had moved through the farm buildings and down the gravel paths.
Bane's sharp eyesight picked out a form rushing away from the stables, but it was fast. Bane arrived at the stables and peered into the darkness. Two horses lay slain on the ground, there blood forming a giant pool that the other horses avoided. Bane was pleased to see his mount still standing and alive, if a little shaken. It looked like Balkin's horse was fine, but Chiana's black steed was cut on its flanks, blood dripping down its powerful frame.
Bane stepped forward and began stroking the wounded horse that relaxed slightly. Bane turned to see a horrified Hugo, The man stood at the doorway and gasped.
"Why do they keep doing this?" he whispered as he stood beside the barbarian. He could see footprints in the blood, and followed the trail out of the stables and onto the grass. Whatever he saw rushing from the stables was most probably long gone. Bane cursed and turned to Hugo.
"There are empty stables further on up the path, the horses should be taken there now." Bane nodded.
"You should go to sleep Hugo, I will tend to the horses and stay with them the remainder of the night. My sleep is light so do not fear for me." Hugo simply nodded, the look of disgust and horror still on his face.
It was early morning when Bane and his companions left the farmhouse and got back on the road to Kanton. Farmer Hugo had his wife prepare previsions for the journey and had already groomed and fed the horses.
Chiana was bright and well, her face bursting with colour. Whatever Hugo's wife did it worked, or at least seemed to. Her horse however was a different story. The wounds had proved fatal and it had died an hour before daybreak. The farming community had been generous however, realising the haste the group needed Hugo had supplied a fine chestnut horse for her to ride that was gratefully accepted on her half.
The night's events had been strange and plagued Bane's mind as they rode away from Hugo's farm. Bane had remained awake, and wondered the village. Footprints were located in many places and appeared human enough. The speed of the figure he had seen had shocked the barbarian. It had appeared to glide across the grass like that of a ghost he imagined. Whatever was in the farm had been real enough, and four horses had been butchered along with some of the livestock.
With full stomachs and eagerness the group left, Balkin anxious to get to his brothers farm, worried that it was a similar case of that of Hugo's farm in Kanton.
Bailey sat on his stool and looked over his fields from the safety of his kitchen window. His eyes scanned his crops and animals that milled about in the sturdy paddocks he had built with his own hands. In the distance he could see the burning newly constructed watchtowers that lit up the woods and nearby town. He was generally worried. Not just for the future of his farm, but his family as well.
Those damn priests! he thought slamming his fist on the sturdy windowsill. They had changed the running of Kanton. In all his years he had never witnessed such an aggressive group of men. He had seen them beat on anyone, young children to the old seemingly uninterested in males or females, beating on them as if they were mere animals.
Many people had already disappeared under strange circumstances, some of them would turn up later, as cold lifeless bodies found in the woods or ones farm. It was sad he thought. Kanton was a breathtaking place, lush green forests and open land good for farming. The weather was generally good, the cool rain that followed the changing of seasons refreshing.
The strange men had come to his farm and approached him directly only twice and had not raised their fists against him, although they had flung threats his way. Farmer Fern, his neighbour had suffered badly however, his fields had been burnt to accommodate the priests. He had been told that a lot of trees were being cut down, and buildings erected on Fern's land. It had turned out to be some kind of temple, and Bailey had followed them their three times now.
He had hidden amongst the trees that lined the buildings, cold blue eyes straining. The men had cued before the great wooden construction, carrying chickens, hung over long wooden sticks all in a row. They would remain in the building for more than two hours, song and laughter echoed from within. The last night he had been spotted by the tree line, and that was what was worrying him so much this evening.
His attention fluttered for a brief moment as a moving figure moved into the kitchen. He turned towards his wife and forgot his worries as she smiled warmly and lovingly at him. Unconsciously Bailey returned the smile before returning his attention and his thoughts back to the window.
Suddenly he jumped up, his blood running cold as someone knocked on his door. He turned towards his wife, who had frozen by the kitchen door. Bailey could feel his heart race as the knock came harder, as if someone was trying to break the door down.
Walking forwards slowly, he placed a hand on his wife's shoulder and squeezed it gently before brushing past her and into the hallway.
"I'm coming, stop being so bloody impatient!" He tried to keep his voice steady and confident. The knock came harder and Bailey could see the door shake violently. Covering the last few yards of the hallway Bailey took the cold iron doorknob in his shaking hand and pulled back the door. He hesitated and shut it quickly before he had a chance of seeing who it was who had disturbed the house.
"Who is it and what are you doing here at this time of night?" He raised his voice but noticed it was more high-pitched than usual. His hands were sweating and he felt incredibly hot, as if he had been sitting next to the warmth of a blazing fire. There was no answer for what seemed ages to the worried farmer.
He stepped back from the door slowly as he heard his wife whimper from the kitchen. She screamed out loud, one that pierced Baileys very heart and with his fear still running but with thoughts of protecting his family Bailey rushed towards the screams. A shadowy figure flashed towards him suddenly, and Baileys world span as the figure struck him in the face. Bailey clung to consciousness desperately, and lunged towards the figure that stepped back calmly away from the wild attack from the farmer. Then all of a sudden the pain left him, and his vision turned to darkness.
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text:
Kibaku Kaiten!
Neji Hyuuga winced slightly as he spun his way out of his Kaiten, its effects having taken down at least another six Zetsu clones. His chakra level was depleting at a dangerously fast level once again, and his Byakugan had spied a new wave of White Zetsus approaching from below the ground's surface. He cursed inwardly as he wondered how both he and Hinata's activated Byakugan could have missed such a stupendous number of enemy soldiers surrounding their flanks.
As he sent his right palm into a Zetu's abdomen before crushing its neck with a well-placed elbow smash, the sinking feeling in Neji's stomach grew more pronounced. Division 2 had been instructed to proceed quickly to where Naruto was, the actual Naruto that they were all fighting to protect and not the Naruto Kage Bushin clone that had finally vanished in a puff of white smoke a half-hour ago. This diversion was yet another setback to the dwindling troops of his division, as many had already been taken down by the White Zetsu clones impersonating as their fellow soldiers.
He heard Kiba's ecstatic cry as he slashed his way through the enemy together with Akamaru. Shino's bugs were all over the place, and Neji could sense the awkward teen actually smiling beneath the mask covering the lower half of his face. A quick glance to the right saw Hinata's Gentle Twin Lion Fists creating havoc among the enemy, their bluish orb a blurry motion of destructive beauty.
Team 8. All members fighting alongside one another in one of the most heated battles of their lives. Neji had never been known to be a being of sentiment, but ever since he'd almost lost his life the previous day due to immense chakra loss, the images swirling in his mind had been of a particular person.
Once again, he tried to rationalise his thoughts as he leapt out of harm's way from another two menacing Zetsus determined to drain his chakra. He knew for certain that Guy Sensei was in the same division with Lee, and Kakashi Sensei and Sakura would ensure that those knuckle-heads he called team-mates would not get into too much trouble. He knew also that Guy and Lee would have been tremendous assets to Division 3, with their speed, agility and raw taijutsu strength. And while Neji was also separated from the rest of Team Guy, he was now in the company of his comrades in Team 8, secure in the knowledge that his Konoha peers would keep one another safe, just like how Kiba had grudgingly become his attendant the night before.
That left Tenten. Alone. In division 1.
That's it, he scowled to himself again, oblivious to the pained expression on the Zetsu that he had just sent flying into a jagged rock in the vicinity. That must be it. The reason why Tenten had been registering in his mind so much in the past two days must be because he was worried for her being alone without the company of any of the rest of the Konoha peers. Granted that his uncle Hiashi and Chouji's father Chouza were veteran warriors and were in the same Mid-Range division as Tenten, she was still pretty much a lone wolf in the absence of the rest of her Konoha peers.
"I'll be fine, Neji."
He remembered the day that they had all been separated into the 5 divisions, and the slight grimace on Tenten's face when she'd realised she would be 'all alone'. Just as he'd approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder, Tenten had turned around, wearing her usual grin and assured him that she would be all right. The words had caught in his throat and he'd merely nodded, keeping his eyes on the scroll in her holster.
He'd raised his head only to find her eyes glistening with obvious tears. Didn't she say she'd be fine? Was her words just a front to hide her inner fears, the occasional complaints and whines about her not being as strong as her comrades in Team Guy and (that was always a painful admission for her) the rest of their peers? Before he could respond, she'd wrapped her arms over his shoulders in an awkward hug... awkward only because Neji did not know where to place his own hands or how to react.
"Please take care of yourself. I won't be able to support you with my weapons during this war."
With that, Tenten had turned away and, with the excuse of the need to sharpen her blades one last time, left the group in muted silence.
No one had dared to look at Neji's blank expression, nor mention about this exchange, until the previous night, when Kiba had insisted that Neji rest instead of joining Hinata and Shino on the lookout for the enemy.
Kiba had turned to look at Neji when he muttered her name, expecting to find Neji asleep and that he had whispered her name in his dreams. Neji was awake actually but had muttered the name of the comrade he'd been training and fighting together with the past few years out of the blue. Stunned but not totally taken aback, Kiba gave a rueful smile and, quite unexpectedly out of his character, did not turn this into a teasing exchange.
"What did she mean, Neji? When she said she wouldn't be able to support you in the war?"
Neji closed his eyes momentarily, his mind swirling with memories of their past training sessions and battles. With a slight cough, he went on a lengthy description of the dynamics in Team Guy and the crucial role that each and every one of them played, but how Tenten was the one who'd been keeping the male members of the team in check. Kiba, playing the role of an attentive audience, had listened, nodded and whistled at appropriate moments, enjoying this side of the cool and collected Neji that he had never thought existed.
"She sent an Akatsuki member fleeing? With her weapons?" Kiba's eyes widened considerably. "Well to be honest, I already thought she was pretty bad-ass when we were providing support to Shizune and Kakashi when they tried to seal the Three-Tails, but it was during our fight with Hiroku and that damned Chimera beast when I realised how amazing Tenten's capabilities are. I mean, was she kidding? Summoning all those explosive kunai? There must have been thousands of them!"
Neji had swelled with pride, even when he knew Kiba had dutifully and purposely exaggerated his reactions in order to keep him talking about Tenten, so that he would recuperate and not insist on joining Hinata and Shino on guard duty. In the preceding hours, he'd recognised his own weaknesses and mortality, and realised that Tenten must have felt the same way he did for a very long time. Though she was a determined and fierce combatant capable of holding her own, due to Team Guy's dynamics, she'd always been relegated into the supporting role of providing back-up in battle while the three of them took the fight to their adversaries.
He recalled how she'd once made her way through a group of ninja with nothing else but a wooden staff, and another time when she'd engaged in melee combat with just a pair of sai daggers. Neji had pretended not to have noticed how advanced she had become with the usage of melee weapons and not just kunai and shurikens, but had kept his admiration to himself. Now, regrettably, he wasn't certain if he'd make it out of this war alive to share with Tenten how he'd been feeling.
Hinata's startled cry sent his instincts reeling, as he rolled away from a potentially fatal blow. Before he could catch his breath, he felt a shadow right over him, and braced himself in preparation for another attack.
"Kage Nui!"
Neji's eyes flashed wide open as he heard Shikamaru's Shadow Technique rip a Zetsu clone apart. He quickly gathered his senses as he activated his Byakugan, noticing Chouji rampaging through another dozen clones. Had Division 4 been sent to aid Naruto as well, and had just happened to reach the area where Division 3 had been attacked?
With the arrival of back-up troops, there was evident renewed vigour amongst the rest of Division 3. Kiba's enthusiasm was verbalised much louder, while the red-haired, olive-skinned Karui was throwing expletives at every Zetsu clone she was slashing through. Even Shino could hardly contain his relief as he fought back to back with Shikamaru, both teens working in sync with their unique techniques.
"Shintensen no Jutsu!"
Ino's sharp voice broke Neji's thoughts. He spun around to see the blonde girl kneeling on the ground right behind Hinata, who was now hovering protectively over Ino's inert body. The Yamanaka teen had apparently taken over the body of two Zetsu clones just as they were about to hurt another ninja.
Team 10, thought Neji. They managed to meet up in the midst of battle as well, just like Team 8? Just like Shino and Kiba, Ino was supposed to have been part of Division 5, the Special Ops Team. She must have been sent to aid her comrades in Division 4 …
"Neji-San! I'm detecting more Zetsus underground!"
Hinata was right. His own Byakugan was now picking up the movement of at least another few hundred Zetsu clones right beneath them, making their way to the entrance of a cavern two hundred metres away. Once Shikamaru heard this news, his eyes flashed with annoyance.
"Curses! We can't keep getting delayed! We need to move towards Naruto as quickly as possible and provide back-up! Ino, Chouji, let's go look for Darui and let him know about this! We can't let the Zetsu clones come out from the cave!"
Darui? Neji's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't he supposed to be the general for Division 1? Before he could ask any more, Team 10 had leapt into action. Neji followed close behind as they made their way towards a white-haired man brandishing a gigantic sword, together with Team 8.
"We can get Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi to seal the cavern! We can't let them leave the cavern. We don't have much time to lose!"
Shikamaru's suggestion was met with Darui shaking his head. In his deep baritone, he explained that the Division 2 general had already moved on ahead with his daughter and a significant number of troops from Division 1 and 2.
"Yeah, Dad and Hiashi-sama… Kotetsu and Izumo… they've moved on ahead as well," Chouji nodded.
Neji's heart sank, the exhilaration that Tenten might be in the vicinity now quickly dashed. He really wanted to ask Shikamaru or Ino if they'd seen Tenten, now that it was clear these few divisions had somehow provided back-up for one another. On the other hand, he'd found it weird that Tenten was not together with her Konaha peers, and the renewed fear that she'd met her demise almost caused Neji's knees to buckle.
As usual, Kiba was quick to provide support for his friend. The stricken look on Neji's face caused his own startled expression to soften, as their conversation the previous night replayed in his head.
"I've… I look upon her more than a teammate."
"Not a teammate? Then…a… hmmm… A sister?" Kiba had managed a wry smile, and he almost laughed out aloud as Neji's brows furrowed.
"I… I think I've fallen for Tenten, Kiba."
Neji's slackened body against his own caused a fire to burn from within. Just as he was about to bark at Shikamaru to tell Neji more about Tenten's whereabouts, Hinata exclaimed, "The Zetsus! They're almost breaking through!"
The cavern lay another hundred-odd metres away. Just as the group was about to move forward, a sudden commotion caused them to stop abruptly in their tracks. Out of nowhere, a gigantic spiked ball had appeared in the air, hovering just outside the entrance of the cave. Neji's strangled cry of Tenten's name almost went unheard as everyone kept their eyes fixated on the uncanny scene ahead of them.
"Tenten… Tenten's Jidanda…" Neji was almost delirious with glee as he recognised the unorthodox weapon that Tenten had managed to acquire the last time they visited Io's ninja tool lab. True enough, from what they could see, the spikes on the ball extended outwards. Neji knew that explosive tags were hidden in them, and in the next few seconds, Tenten would command them to detonate.
"The White Zetsus! They're about to…"
The resounding boom silenced Hinata's warning. Before the rest of the group could gather their wits, Neji rushed forward, his heart thumping wildly as wave after wave of delight set his body aflame. The sight of Tenten wearing her hair in her signature buns, coughing slightly at the smoke that had surrounded the area with Jidanda's explosion, was one for sore eyes. Just as he was about to yell her name, he saw Tenten's eyes widened in obvious terror. Neji gritted his teeth as he spun round, and with a roar, went into a spinning frenzy, creating a rotating shield of chakra around him.
"Hakkesho Kaiten!"
"Kibaku Kunai!"
Kiba froze in his tracks as he marveled at the scene twenty metres ahead of him. Neji's Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven move had sent the ten-odd stray Zetsu clones that had tried to ambush him flying. Each and every single one of them was tossed in a myriad of directions, yet each and every one of Tenten's explosive kunai had managed to zone in and find its way to each clone, detonating upon contact and blowing the body up into smithereens. The others were as taken aback by the fantastic display of teamwork and chemistry, but the girls were reduced to excited giggles and the boys all had something in their throats almost immediately after.
Kiba was the only one to react more enthusiastically among the teens. He gave a piercing wolf whistle and punched the air above him, once he saw Neji lock lips with the utterly confused but very willing Tenten, whose body soon melted into a tight embrace with her love.
"Well, it's about time!"

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Renee Kotzian, M.A.
Professional educator since 1982.
Where I Teach:
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What I Teach:
- Achieving Student Outcomes Through Cooperative Learning™
- Behavioral, Academic, and Social Interventions for the Classroom™
- Brain-Based Ways We Think and Learn™
- Building Communication and Teamwork in the Classroom™
- Classroom Management: Orchestrating a Community of Learners®
- Collaborative Inquiry for Students: Preparing Minds for the Future™
- Designing Motivation for All Learners®
- Differentiated Instruction for Today's Classroom™
- Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms™
- Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences™
- Student Engagement and Standards-Based Learning™
- Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility®
- Teaching Through Learning Channels™
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My Degrees:
B.A. in Music Education, University of Michigan, 1980
Elementary Endorsement, Oakland University, 1990
M.A. in Art of Teaching, Marygrove College, 1999
More Information:
E: firstname.lastname@example.com
Why I love teaching PLS 3rd Learning classes:
I love the fact that PLS 3rd Learning takes the theory of teaching and puts it into practice. My participants can come to class for the weekend and have something new to implement into their class on Monday without re-inventing the wheel. I also really like that PLS 3rd Learning classes are presented using best practices. The participants get to experience the skills and activities first-hand.


text:
Kitchen Appliances, Home Appliances
Thomas Tharakan
Hacker Kitchen GmbH & Co. KG has been synonymous to the world's finest kitchens for over seven decades, since 1898. At its sprawling 1,75,000 square meters manufacturing facility at Rodinghausen, Germany, the company has centralized its entire production.
Hacker offers modular kitchens for every market segment-ranging from competitively priced to medium-high end and premium. Every single kitchen from Hacker is customized to fit any space within their standard cabinetry system. Over the last 10 years of Hacker in India we have built a strong base of satisfied clients. This has been possible with the help of Hacker's sound logistics ensuring timely delivery, precision in product manufacturing, design and installation training coupled with strong after sales support.


text:
- Please select a date to see the proper prices!
Description of the accommodation:
Rooms, services SELECT INN MURFREES Murfreesboro is offering 78 comfortable rooms to guests looking for accommodation in Murfreesboro. If you feel like having a meal not included in your chosen type of catering, you can always taste local dishes in the restaurant of the hotel. The exact scope of services offered by SELECT INN MURFREES Murfreesboro (including those for an extra fee) is available on the information sheet below.
Payment Advance payment by credit card or providing credit card guarantee may be necessary for finalizing the reservation, depending on the chosen date, room and price.
Arrival, opening hours The earliest time of check-in is 14:00, the latest time of check-out is 11:00. The personnel of the hotel can speak in English with you.
SELECT INN MURFREES Murfreesboro rooms Rooms
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Accommodation services
- Jacuzzi
Own restaurant


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- Post: 07 November 2015
A human rights delegation made up of thirteen members of the Unitarian Universalist denomination from the United States visited Palestine/Israel from July 26, 2015 to August 6. The delegation was organized by Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (see UUJME.org). UUJME is dedicated to achieving a just peace in the Middle East with equal rights for all peoples in Palestine/Israel. UUJME works both within and without the Unitarian Universalist denomination.
- Post: 07 November 2015
"Abraham's Children" had life changing experiences meeting the people of Palestine and Israel in July 2015. After arriving in Tel Aviv, we traveled across Israel and Palestine from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Masada and the Dead Sea, Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, Banyas, Nazareth, and Haifa before returning to the US and Canada.
- Post: 07 November 2015
During the Summer Celebration Program, students have the choice of taking part in either a one-month or two-month stay in Palestine. Participants are able to take part in summer afternoon walks in nature which are organized by the Masar Ibrahim al Khalil and the Siraj Center. Also, they participate in tours of Palestinian cities like Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Hebron, which allows them to learn about the political situation, while experiencing authentic Palestinian hospitality. Students enjoy the unique landscape and traditional Palestinian hospitality in homes or Bedouin tents. They learn about and explore ancient cities, such as Sebastia and Jericho, which are host to a number of sites of archaeological importance.
- Post: 12 June 2015
- Cagetory: Siraj News
- Written by Mayada
A delegation of 96 graduate students from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government along with four organizers visited Palestine. The 8-day educational tour was organized by the Palestine Caucus at that school.
The graduate students came to Palestine to improve their understanding of the situation on the ground.
Some 14 different nationalities were represented, including Americans, Canadians, Indians, Pakistanis, Australians, French and Nepalese.
An American delegation composed of 7 participants visited Palestine for 9 days . The delegation started its day with a visit in Jerusalem, where the participants had meetings to hear about the political situation. Later on they visited Hebron, Bethlehem, Auja, Ramallah, Nablus and ended their tour in Jaffa.
The Siraj Center arranged for a delegation of 14 adults from Westtown School in the USA to travel through Palestine.
The group stayed with local Palestinian families, helping them to get a real sense of everyday life and culture in the West Bank.
A delegation of 22 Americans, led by Pastor Jeff Wright and his wife Janet, visited Palestine again this year. The group met with Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Muslims and Christians to engage in dialogue and to hear different perspectives on the conflict.
The delegation visited some of the holy places in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, Jerusalem and Nazareth, and also had a chance to explore Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah.


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Results 11 to 15 of 15
Thread: Nonna
April 20th, 2013 07:05 AM #11Libby Felicity Annalise Isla Phoebe Carina Violet Martha Ariana | Iowan Macsen Henry Isaac Jude Freddie Aneurin Niall Adair
April 20th, 2013 07:40 AM #13
I am also Italian, and grew up calling my paternal grandmother Nonna. I just don't think I could ever get past it.Currently exiled from the US
Emiliana Pari 郑煜曈 '14
Caspian Kaveh 郑煜祺 EDD: Oct '17
April 20th, 2013 08:00 AM #15Gwendolyn Mae... Meredith Jane. ... Josephine Claire...Catherine Esme... Evelyn Grace ** Arlo Grant ... Drew Thomas ... Eli James ... Owen Vincent... Jay Theodore
April 20th, 2013 10:44 AM #17Senior Member
- Join Date
- Mar 2011
- Location
- Midwestern United States
- Posts
- 751
April 20th, 2013 12:02 PM #19thejollyfinch Guest
Have I told you all how amazing you are lately?
You've given a lot of great, honest opinions and suggestions. I really appreciate it. And for someone who used to study lists of Saints I cannot believe I didn't think of St. Nonna.
I don't think I'd ever use the name but between my mother and St. Nonna it might not be too bad.
Thanks berries.


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text: evening all. good to see forum back up! i had 30 min spare so decided to do some DIY wheel allignment. As i have replaced loads of bushes, lowered and stuff i decided to give it a go as was not keen to pay the £25 odd the garages want when my ride height may get lower yet. I followed this guide and took about 30min - 1hr and did it on my drive. to be fair it has to be better as both wheels had around 2mm differnce caused by the lowering. anyway steering wheel now centres correctly and car doesn't pull one way then the other. it drives as it should. So just a heads up really for anyone wanting to try it out. i used engine oil bottles and axle stands to hold the string http://mercedes-190.co.uk/topic/6538754/1/


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Lakeside at Smiths - waterfront and sunsets
House, Smiths Lake
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 3 reviews
Confirmation within 24hr
From $214 per night {{quote.pricing.message}} Total {{quote.pricing.price | format:'currency':'short'}} for
Min 2 - 3 nights stay
Lakeside at Smiths makes the most of its lakefront setting with double height windows throughout the main living area and a huge deck providing stunning views . The house is in a natural bush setting and a private 100m track takes you directly to a sandy beach front. It's perfect for summer with swimming at your door, and great in winter with a cosy combustion wood fire.
This is a unique property - the living space is set up with comfortable sofas, TV, dining table in it's own window-side nook and opens out directly onto the huge deck. There are 3 bedrooms - one queen downstairs, and upstairs is another queen plus a 3rd bedroom which has a double bed and a single bed +trundle. All bedrooms have lake views. One bathroom is upstairs and one is downstairs.
The kitchen is well-equipped with plenty of cooking equipment as well as serving things. We also have a BBQ and an outdoor dining setting for the deck.
The house has a bit of quirky castle feel to it - added bonus
Visitors have access to everything - this includes a large selection of gear including kayaks, surfboards, bikes, fishing rods, tennis racquets and more.
We are experienced hosts, having rented out our previous house Nature's Place in Smiths Lake for 5 years with excellent reviews. We are just starting out listing this new house and will continue to provide a super experience.
Smiths Lake the town is a not so well known gem. It's situated between Blueys Beach and Seal Rocks so as well as having direct access to the lake, you have a number of world famous beaches within a 10 minute drive.
The Smiths Lake shops are less than a 10 minute walk from the house and include a bakery, butcher, bottle shop, take-away cafe and a general store. The Frothee Coffee cafe and boatshed is only a few minutes walk either via the lakefront or via the road.
We have onsite parking for up to 3 cars but note we do not have a garage or undercover car port. Note this isn't a party house but you will enjoy yourself :
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Economy & Jobs
Energy & Environment
Global Europe
The British government has given the go-ahead for the first trials of convoys of semi-automated trucks on UK motorways.
Concerns that sharing schemes do not deliver a net reduction in car use are not supported by evidence, writes Greg Archer. Now, digitisation and the sharing economy provide an opportunity to reduce the number of vehicles in our cities even further, he contends.
Truck drivers are the latest workers to come into the European Commission's sights in its bid to build a more 'social Europe', with new rules designed to make sure drivers from lower-wage countries don't undercut better paid workers when they travel to other EU member states.
Austria's transport minister has vowed to take Germany to court over its new road toll law, arguing that it discriminates against drivers from other EU countries. He spoke to EURACTIV in an interview.
The Belgian system Car-Pass should be introduced across the EU to avoid odometer frauds in second hand cars poses a massive problem, especially in Eastern Europe, writes Tomáš Zdechovský.
EU transport ministers have agreed on measures to reduce the number of serious road injuries and deaths in Europe, including reducing speed limits in cities down to 30 kilometres per hour.
Cities from Portugal, Sweden and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have made it through to become finalists for the European Mobility Award 2016.
The EU needs independent oversight of self-driving technologies, argues Antonio Avenoso. The risk is of a kind of lawless Wild West for the early years of automated cars, not unlike the early years of motoring itself – before speed limits, traffic lights and driver license tests started to set the rules of the road.
According to Dita Charanzová, smart cities are about bettering the lives of Europe's citizens. They'll not only improve urban life but the environment too, she told Euractiv.com
Fitting vehicles with comprehensive crash reporting software is a huge opportunity to save lives. It is a crying shame policymakers caved to pressure from privacy advocates and watered down the regulation, writes Nick Wallace.
The European Commission is considering introducing automatic braking systems on all new cars in an effort to reduce the number of road deaths. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The European Commission wants car companies to make sure new models have a slew of digital technologies that can cut fuel use and be safer on roads, as part of an EU strategy on internet-connect vehicles published today (30 November).
About half of the driving offences committed by Europeans in other EU countries went unpunished last year, according to internal documents.
Bulgaria, Romania and Latvia had the most road deaths per capita in the EU in 2015, tarnishing the EU's record on vehicle safety in a year when the number of people killed by vehicle crashes rose for the first time in almost twenty years.
Women drivers are safer on roads and could help to fix Europe's bad record on vehicle-related deaths, EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc told reporters today (26 October).
European Commission plans to force tractors to have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are unnecessarily expensive for manufacturers and based on inaccurate analysis, EU farmers and machinery industry representatives have warned.
European car manufacturers are seeking full control over the data sent to them by connected vehicles they put on the road, and fear a move by Brussels that would impose sharing that data with rivals.
I crashed my car the other day: mounted the curb, hit a rock, bent a wheel, rolled noisily to a nearby garage. The experience was a wake-up call. The European Commission's approach to reducing road transport emissions could do with a similar shock, writes Chris Davies.
Members of the European Parliament have warned the Commission not to make more cuts to its €30 billion fund for building transport, energy and telecoms infrastructure.
The European Commission is trying to figure out whether insurance laws should be changed to cover crashes caused by driverless cars. With no human in control of the cars, insurance companies are already rethinking who will be liable for the new technology.
Car industry lobbyists are complaining that in-house divisions at the European Commission are delaying technologies like driverless cars from getting onto European streets.
Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc wants to stop companies that use legal loopholes to underpay truck drivers. The executive says social dumping is rampant among truckers who drive between multiple countries every month—and Bulc wants to clamp down this year.
Transport ministers from EU countries are slated to sign a joint declaration on driverless vehicles tomorrow (14 April), but squabbles between member states have made the agreement a sensitive subject.
EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc is turning to driverless cars as a way to improve the bloc's floundering record on road deaths.
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text:
Suffering from loose stools. Stool test showed 10-12 pus cells and occult blood +++ with bacteria ++ present. Should I worry?
my baby is 19 months old and has been suffering from loose stools since the past 4 days. His stool report showed 10-12 pus cells and occult blood +++ with bacteria ++ present. Should i worry?
Brief Answer:
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
As per reports your baby is havong infective diarrhea which is bacterial in nature.
I suggest you to get him examined by pediatrician as course of antibiotic is needed.
In the meantime monitor and maintain his hydration.
Give oral rehydration solution sip by sip after each loose stool.
Also give lemonade,coconut water,curd,rice porridge,boiled potato,banana.
Give probiotic 2 times a day.
Watch for urine output/feeding pattern/increased thirst.
Hope I have answered your query,let me know if you have any further question
I would be glad to help.
Wishing your baby good health.
God bless...
Above answer was peer-reviewed by
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Stool with ridges, have large external hemorrhoids, symptoms of IBS. Treatment? Stomach hurts and feels bloated all the time. What is going on?


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The Crafter's opinion :
Add a touch of neon with this green crepe paper! Make lovely, inexpensive decorations, such as garlands, flowers, pompoms, etc. for your home!
Crepe paper - neon greenMarque : Rico Design
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- Length : 27,5 m
- Colour : Green
- Material Type : Paper
- Pattern : Plain
- Sold by : Bobbin/ Reel/ Skein
- Width : 25 cm
- Specificities : Neon
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- Mainland France: €6 - experienced delivery time: 2 to 3 working days
- Overseas departments: €15 - experienced delivery time: 5 to 6 working days
- UK: €9 - experienced delivery time: 3 to 8 working days
Roll of neon green crepe paper.
32 g/m².
Crepe paper is ideal for kids craft activities!
Product description Crepe paper - neon green
Roll of neon green crepe paper.
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A woman's mind and character, like her sense of purpose and self-worth, is determined and governed largely by her sexual market value. A stunner who is flooded by male attention has no need to be fair or logical in her relations with us: her power derives from the fact that we, wanting to fuck her, line up to give her attention and to do things for her, inflating and distorting her vile ego in consequence.
This is, essentially, an irrational affair, and until she approaches middle age, men will continue to give her that extreme power, no matter how she conducts herself. In contrast, the relations of men in civil society have historically been rather duty-bound and abstract: reason has been necessary to order that things should be thus and so, so that the overwhelming self-interest that drives every individual would not be too much for the whole, and thus destroy the social unit, whatever the form it took.
But sexual desire is not a matter of reason, or order, or obligation. Once his needs for food, drink and shelter have been met, the chief interest of the straight man is women, objects of desire through and through. Yet neither sexual pursuit nor its reception is inherently logical. Both genders act mainly on impulse, their motives frequently unconscious. But while a man historically had to deal mostly with other men in order to meet common material needs (easily a cause of war and strife), so that he often had to be at least somewhat fair-minded in his relations, a woman had only to be fairly attractive in order to get her needs met, and in some cases, to get away with virtually whatever she wanted. And hence, then, that universal truth about stunners, whether here in the States or abroad: the more attractive, the more cuntish—almost no exceptions.
Since, then, the mind and character of woman is a result not of reason, but of an irrational force—her sexual market value—it follows that in her relations with men, her behavior will be determined mostly by feeling, impulse and caprice; or, if she's hot enough to get away with it, by her essential cuntishness. And so we men should not expect women to take personal responsibility for their actions, for where a man feels a sense of justice—abstract and rational—a woman's mind rather follows its whims and delusions. She is, to borrow a fine aphorism from Nietzsche, "foam tossed to and fro on shallow water."
Again, being driven by an irrational force—her sexual market value—a woman has, as a general rule, no sense of honor or loyalty or obligation. Inherently abstract, and requiring a steady will to carry them out (which women, with their inconstant nature, also lack), these things are fundamentally masculine in character. It's often been noticed, for example, that keeping their word generally means little to women; they prefer to avoid such discomfort, in just the same way that they are not inclined to assert themselves.
When faced with a compelling argument or even empirical evidence which shows her to be wrong beyond dispute, a woman will usually just devise some rationalization or other, happily supported in this bizarre endeavor by every other stupid bitch in her phone, from mom to BFF. This "girl power" is, in fact, a great herd passion of women, comparable in significance to their profound interest in Kim Kardashian and whoever is fucking whom in Hollywood.
Again, doing the right thing, for women, is a matter not so much of reason as of instinct and feeling. Hence "unconditional love" is a distinctly motherly thing. And hence it is that the moral judgments of women are frequently dubious, just as their characters are by nature fickle and unreliable.
In the age of smartphones and social media, women receive such a massive amount of male attention that is quite rare for a 7 and up not to be a cunt, for the simple reason that she can be. So what that she pisses you off? You are just one among an endless number of suitors. And as we see from children and women alike, human nature, as a general rule, will incline to do whatever it can, so long as there are no apparent consequences.
Today women are surrounded by so many white knights and beta orbiters that the rare man who not only doesn't take their shit, but even "presumes" to call them on it, is likely to be deemed abusive, or a creep, or who knows what. There is a collision here between entitled expectations and non-beta male behavior: here the hamster will only point touchy fingers; it will not itself be accountable, for its only pressing interest lies in looking pretty and being seen.
An Example
Let's say, for example, that you and your sweetheart are having difficult times, her cuntish behavior becoming too much for you to take. You can present her with an eminently reasonable explanation of how she is fucked up and needs to change. Yet even if you do so with tremendous tact and patience, she probably will distort your views anyway, employing her powerful sense of her sexual market value in order to do so. It's not that she's been a bitch or a brat or whatever. You're the problem, and she is "not going to settle."
A woman will rarely demonstrate any understanding of how her own poor behavior caused or influenced you to respond in kind. Simple cause and effect, as it concerns moral agency, is far beyond her. All she knows is that she doesn't like how you made her feel, so you're a bad guy. Besides, "everything happens for a reason," or "it wasn't meant to be," or "you weren't the right one after all," and so on, for her mind is little more than a bundle of rosy delusions and clichés. She is a kind of media way station for the cherished nonsense of our ongoing Western decline.
A Woman's Word Is Meaningless
Having been a bouncer on and off for about a decade, I have had countless women ask me to throw men out. A man goes up to a woman and, because she is pretty, tries to chat her up and offers to buy her a drink. He is, however, a little goofy or awkward, and perhaps stares a millisecond to0 long at those tits carefully bursting from her too-tight blouse. Ergo, he is a creep—get him, bouncers!
It's a good thing for the men at the bars and clubs where I work that a woman's word is generally meaningless to me. If I don't see the "incident" happen, and if the man's body language and tone (both of which I can read well, like a seasoned cop or lawyer) don't suggest culpability, then I am not taking that whiny white bitch's word for it, since I know that, as a general rule, there is nothing in life less credible than an angry woman's word.
If a woman is not essentially delusional in her relations with you, but is actually just and responsible, then it is likely that you have some leverage against her: you are a 9 on the looks scale, while she is only a 7, or you're well-off, while her broke ass depends on you. Feminists—who are never attractive—may say women want equality, but the truth is that, deep down, women, insofar as they are attractive, want the freedom to get away with whatever they can, all while shirking the consequences of their actions. Their sexual market value (which is a matter of superiority) is what allows them to do so.
Of course, the delusional nature of women applies in their relations with each other as well. Female-dominated professions—nursing and teaching, for example—are commonly marked by a distinctly female sort of politics, endlessly catty and petty. Women, whether they are stunners or corpulent slobs, need a reason to hate other women, and though it's claimed that the new girl isn't a "team player," the real problem is that she is prettier than this or that Americunt who isn't receiving a comparable amount of male attention, and hence validation.
How To Deal With This Delusional Nature
As a man used to dealing with your fellow man, you find yourself miserably perplexed by that hottie's clearly fucked-up behavior. You've been so good to her: How can she be so bitchy in response? Or so ungrateful? Or so flaky? And so on.
This is where game, and game only, to be sure, can set you on the right path. Analytical reason is not your best ally here. Alpha reason is. For that stupid bitch doesn't know what the fuck she's doing any more than her behavior makes sense to you (or her). In response to the characteristically unjust and dishonorable behavior of women, an alpha must, as every student of the manosphere knows, not care much about them; he must steel himself against their invariable cuntishness.
Don't try to reason with crazy. Instead, mock it:
- "Is that attitude how you graduated at the top of your class in charm school?"
- "Damn, Babe, are you that eager to be spanked tonight?"
- "Still talking? I would have thought you'd make some sense by now."
Or, say nothing at all. Just look at that whiny white bitch with bemusement, then declare, "Gotta go, Doll," [self-satisfied smile or wink]. Unshakably composed, you just don't give a fuck, and there's nothing that delights her deep masochism more than that. Being that rare man who doesn't need them: this is a kind of superb opposite game to play with women period, and with beautiful attention whores in particular.
In not giving a fuck, it helps tremendously to do two things: never stop approaching—I always have another hoe in my phone—and never lose sight of the fact that, if you are a real man—physically and mentally strong, and therefore self-assured—then there's not a woman on the planet who is your equal.
Why should I care about being flaked on by some 23 year old Americunt who barely knows whether she is coming or going? I have the great writers and philosophers by memory, but when I check out this little brat's trifling Facebook or Twitter, I feel disgusted by my desire to have sex with her, so unattractive are the contents of her mind. Why should I chase, or care about, or assign great value to that which is so obviously inferior to me?
Read More: Women Have No Sense Of Justice


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Download full-length 39min 28sec movie now!
Alexis has bribed the prison guards to let her see her man in jail so he can fuck her. She drops her trench coat to reveal that she is wearing nothing but a bra and a pair of panties underneath. Her man sticks his face between her tits and she sucks his cock in his cell. He thrusts his pecker into her boobs.
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