We have been best friends since junior year of high school. (Both girls)8-9 years of friendship. We are both 25. We stopped being friends mid-Nov 2022. I noticed that she ALWAYS had problems with people she met. She could never get along with anyone and there was always a problem with THEM, not her. She ended up not having many friends. I am engaged and have been in a relationship for about 6 years but always made sure to spend time with my friends and include them. Before we stopped being friends in 2022, she lost a ton of weight (to the point it was bad and concerning. WhenI spoke to her lightly about it she appreciated it mentioned that her mom had the same worries but she’s fine. She has never had a boyfriend for the 9 years we have known each other. Oct,2022 we stopped hanging out/texting. When I reached out to her, she told me she met someone at work.I was very happy for her! This is when things went downhill though. She started calling me crying that her mom didn’t like guy and was taking things too quick .She called me freaking out asking why wasn't he asking her to be his gf yet & at the time she only went out with him 2x and just talked at work but acted as if they were going to get married. Yes, I tried being supportive! She has personal health issues that she was concerned about and told me she was nervous about getting physical. On date 3 , she ended up canceling the plans we made for over a week (I understood, she was excited). She then texted me the next day and told me she met his parents for the first time and ended up having sx in his room.(first time she has ever been physical with any guy.) Long story short. I said as long as you feel it was right! Maybe just out of respect, not when you meet the parents the first time for dinner but I'm happy you found someone. She went OFF on me. Cursing at me, everything. I apologized if it came off wrong multiple times. That’s when it ended. During that time, we still followed each other on IG and every time I posted a story, she viewed it right away and would post something right after. I wouldn't view her stories & ended up just muting her. We also go to the same gym. She would always comes at same times/days I’m there and I’ve physically seen her wait in the car parking lot and she will follow me out. I ended up texting her very politely later that day to please be respectful and let’s just stop. She proceeded to go off, calling me crazy and not a soul gives a fck about me and how I'm mental gaslighted the situation)I said ok thank you for understanding and blocked her! Fast FWD to present. Ive been away since I am moving in with my fiancee and recently went back to the gym after a while of not being there. The other day when I was walking by to put a weight back, she was leaving and purposely walked into me then looked at me, stared me down and laughed. She has been at the gym every single day ive been back. She only stays for 20 min tops and when she does she just stays on the stair machine stares down at me and legit watches me around the gym room. Tuesday when I had my gym session w/ my trainer, she was staring at me and he even noticed and asked if I knew her and I said no. When we walked into the private training room, there’s a big window and a tiny workout room next door. When I was stretching w/ the trainer, SHE WAS THERE in the room next door staring at me. She has NEVER been in that room before and when she saw that I noticed, she stared back and gave a bitchy sarcastic look back, I have her blocked on SC and IG but she blocked me on Facebook first back in 2022 but I have also been noticing that she’s been blocking and unblocking me bc the pictures and posts that were tagged or on my Facebook from her are appearing and disappearing from time to time. I also notice in my other friend friends list her name will show up sometimes and then not. Why is does she keep blocking and unblocking me on Facebook? I will continue to keep her blocked on other forms Will she ever stop her behavior towards me at the gym? I am also leaving this month so I won’t be seeing her again after this for a long time if ever. Sad how this ended.

I (M22) don't think I've ever actively tried to make new friends. All my friends were from high school and these were people I was "forced" to interact with every single day. It felt natural back then. Now that undergrad is over I realized how much my friends have grown apart. It feels like the natural progression, because of us being in different education and career paths. Now I'm starting to feel insanely lonely.
I spent the first few months of 2023 in denial that I needed social interaction/friends but it hit me really hard a month or two ago. I got extremely depressed and an extremely negative headspace. I decided to sign up for rec basketball as method to meet new people. I've enjoyed it, but I don't know how to make friends in these situations. With most of my teammates, interactions start and stop at within the game. Most teammates show up 5 minutes before start and leave in 5 when its over. There are some that are more talkative, but I don't really know what to talk about in these situations or start the conversation. We only play once a week so there isn't that much of an interaction in the first place. I didn't expect to come out of this with a whole new group of friends, but I haven't connected with anyone. It has me feeling very very pessimistic about my future in social situations. We only have a couple more games together as a team, so that window is closing. I could and probably will rejoin for the next season, but it will be a completely new set of stranger so I'm back at step 1.
Another multiplier on top is my horrible experience making friends in high school. I moved 3 schools in the span of a semester, so every time I started creating a connection my family would move. It sounds dumb to say, but it left me kind of traumatized when it comes to social situations and platonic relationships. I feel like unless I make that connection quickly, it'll never happen which I realize isn't very realistic.
Any advice or resources that might help with what to do or expect in situations like these ? Am I expecting too much from this?
Also, what are some places you think are good places to make friends post college/school? I love sports, but I want to meet more people my age range.
Thanks!

Does anyone have any info on where the majority of the Dortmund fans will be sitting. I'm trying to get tickets, but I'm not sure for which section I should get them. It's going to be my first time at Allegiant Stadium, thanks.

TDLR: 35, speech impediment (stroke), wife, toddler, own house outright, no income, no real experience (IMO), what should I do? Should I retrain in something I’m not interested that can provide income for my family? Perth based.
I feel really lost and am in limbo. I have a finance degree with first class honours, graduating at the top of my class 13 years ago. Means absolutely nothing as my career never truly got going.
I’ve been fired from 3 jobs (2 for political reasons and one for lack on suitability in 2013); been made redundant from 2 jobs - that’s my whole career.
Most of my experience stems across financial journalism (6 years - made redundant) where I researched and analysed investment markets, commodities and stocks. I wrote quite comprehensive research and analytical reports. But the issue is my experience was at a publishing company - and it an investment bank - even though I have a good grasp of financial markets.
Then I had a stroke and went mute at 32. I have recovered my speech 80-90% in 3.5 years and can converse reasonably well, especially in the mornings. My main issue is speaking under pressure and finding the words in my head to use (aphasia) and it takes me a split second longer to understand language. 90% of the time this isn’t a problem. But when I’m explained a high level / new concept, I hear the words but they don’t process as quickly as before my stroke in my brain. I have to go away and think about it to let them sink in and understand. My spelling has also gone to shit, but thank god for spell check! So I’m alright here
My stroke is a massive disadvantage.
Around 8-months post stroke, I landed my first real corporate job as an analyst. I worked on the researching, analysing, and writing the prospectus for the IPO. I worked on researching and analysing mining projects to find new opportunities for the firm, and trend / competitor research and analysis, building presentations for the board and business development team. I built strong relationships and enjoyed my work. But the company self-imploded due to corporate greedy executives and there were huge redundancies mid last year, and I was one of them unfortunately.
Around October last year, I landed a really good job as an analyst at a ASX top 200 mining company. I didn’t have much financial modelling experience (I said that I had loads), so I learnt financial modelling in the two weeks before I started. I worked on the corporate DCF model and built a comprehensive/integrated revenue model in excel for the firm. My revenue total lined up with the corporate DCF built by professional modellers, and the senior management team were discussing whether to integrate my model into the corporate DCF. I also helped build investor and board PowerPoint presentations and write the quarterlies. Before Xmas last year, my boss was really pleased with me and really wanted me to stay
Anyhow, around late Jan, my boss said to me “why do you always ask me what to do when I have explained to you detailed instructions”. I was caught off guard since I had been performing in the role. I replied, “it’s prob Becuase I like to do things right the first time, rather than doing the task over and over and wasting your time. You wouldn’t like that and it would waste your time”. Boss agreed.
I knew it was my stroke and a processing speed issue. When my boss explained something to me, it often went over my head since I felt under pressure. So I went away and thought about it before Going back and asking for clarification, prior to starting the task. I would also keep my boss updated with where I’m at in the task.
Two weeks later I was let go for “not being senior enough” towards the end of probation, despite doing everything they asked at a high level. I was paid three months salary in advance despite being let go during probation.
I asked the CFO and my boss at my dismissal meeting whether they would put the company on my CV (4-5 months). The CFO replied, “if it was me, I wouldn’t - just talk at what you have done in this job at your next interview”. They also said that they wouldn’t be a reference - I wouldn’t have used them anyway. But I did a lot of great things in that role.
I’m absolutely exhausted, unmotivated and dejected.
2019 - redundancy 2019 - stroke 2021 - redundancy 2022 - fired
My first class honours degree has eventuated to nothing. I have knock after knock after knock.
I’m totally over my career, or there lack of. I don’t know what I should and am in limbo. But I’m not in my 20s anymore and need to consider my wife and child.
Should I throw in the towel and study something like surveying or design drafting at tafe, something I’m not really passionate about but can offer a good stable life for my family.
I’d move around Australia to relaunch my career, but there’s a housing shortage nearly everywhere.
My speech impediment certainly adds to the weight I feel.
Sorry for the rant - just stuck in a rut and don’t know what to do about it

Hi guys. Long time lurker, first time poster here.
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I'm desperate for any advice. If this is the wrong subreddit I do apologize, this was the first place I could think of.
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I (f 26) live with my father (m 50's) and it's reaching a boiling point.
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I moved back in with my father after things were not going well when I lived with roommates, and even though stressors were high between me and my father, I thought I was truly seeing a better man.
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I was wrong.
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Ever since he kicked out his ex girlfriend literally just before Christmas and immediately got into another relationship, things have been beyond suffocating. Comments on my body, comments on my looks, refusing to let me cut my hair, refusing to let me leave since I'm so miserable here, and I'm tired of it.
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To answer questions I know some of you will have: Why not just leave?
That's why I'm posting, I need to know what steps I need to take to safely and quickly remove myself from this household.
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Does he have anything on you? I literally pay him for my car insurance. That's it. With my income and me being stuck at part time, it's incredibly difficult to afford the insurance amounts on my own when I could just give him a small amount of cash and it's covered.
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Do you have somewhere safe to go?
I have places that are options, but I need to discuss with the people in charge of said options. If those options are a no go, then I'm trapped in a prison cell with no effective way out.
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If your dad has been this bad, why did you come back?
Empty promises. He promised I'd never have to pay a single bill. I've been paying all of them except garbage, internet and rent. He promised I wouldn't have to pay a penny at all, and now he's expecting me to need to start contributing to a house we may not be staying in. Our lease ends at the end of July.
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I'm an adult, I know. It should be as easy as pack my things and go. And it feels easy ASSUMING these options, my friends, are open. I'm in a part of the country where I'm a decent drive from my friends, but I would do it, if I knew I had a get out.
I am planning on changing my number, cutting my hair, and finally embracing myself, which I can't do with him.
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I need advice. Is there something I'm missing? Is there an added step I need to consider? PLEASE HELP.

Peregrine the fairy has been the apprentice of his town's finest gem crafter for a little over a year now. He couldn't be happier with the position. He's always wanted to work in this field and to end up working under the finest? It was a dream come true. Not only was this his first visit to Stonewrought but he was being sent alone! His master had sent ahead with the order. He had been given the gold. All he has to do was inspect the product for quality, pretty much a formality at this point considering the dwarves' work, and then.. recover from the sale. He was happy that he was being trusted with this job but deep down he knows it's because his master didn't want to deal with that anymore. He isn't exactly young after all.
If he had been standing Peregrine would be just under a foot tall.. but he was currently sitting cross-legged on the front of the small heavily armored metal wagon that was being pushed along by the shimmer he was projecting behind it. The armoring for the jewel cart was almost pointless. Very few people want to provoke a fairy. Very few people enjoy exploding. Even going through a portal, he was still not sure how he felt about that experience, this trip had been going on for several days now. He was currently traveling up a well crafted smooth path cut deep into the mountain surface. He couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship on the bronze lanterns hanging from a pole every 20 feet or so. Nobody could top the dwarves when it came to metalwork.
A while later he came around a bend that had been obscuring his vision and finally could see the entrance to Stonewrought. A massive rectangle carved into a sheer face in the mountain. At least 100 feet tall. Even from where he was sitting he could see how elaborate the carvings were around the entryway. On either side of the entrance were statues of dwarves just as tall as the entrance itself. 2 holding rifles, 1 an ax and one raising a flagon. He had heard the story but barely remembered. Some great dwarven heroes of the past. Maybe they had something to do with that death nymph thousands of years ago? He had never been good at history despite his people's obsession with archeology. He only had eyes for jewels. Well..also that girl who worked at the bakery across from his gem shop.
As he approaches the city he passes between guard towers occasionally. From where he is sitting he can see the rifles leaning at the ready. All the dwarves at least wave and grin as he passes. Most raise flagons as way of greeting. It really was true about how much dwarves love their beer he is learning. He's seen a few in his life but never really approached them. Whenever they came to his village it was to visit the archaeological museum they had built just outside of town. It was by far their largest building..it was constructed so all races could enter and learn from what his people had uncovered. He hadn't been since he was a child and it was required as part of his education. All he really remembered was some old jewelry from the race who built the portals.
Finally he approaches the gate. As he was nearing it he had noticed the small windows with more riflemen in them between the carved entrance and the statues. 2 dwarves had approached from a guard house as he neared. The shimmer behind the cart vanished as he stopped to talk with the guards. "Fairy eh? Gem crafting business?" One dwarf said happily..but very loudly. The other was drinking. From where he was sitting he could see several kegs in their guard tower. "Yes! My first time here actually. I'm excited to see your city. I've heard it's amazing." He said earnestly. The dwarf who was drinking stopped long enough to scream "AYE!!!" while toasting then drank deeply to celebrate. "Who are you here to see? Do you know where you are going?" The first dwarf asked. Peregrine turned around and held out his hand. The several locks along the top of the cart opened in a shimmer and a parchment map floated out from among his supplies. It unfurled itself in the air where both him and the dwarf could easily view it.
"Actually yes! I'm going to MacIntyres. My master has this map he lent me. Marked it and everything." He gestures at the map with the glowing mark on a business deep in the city. "MACINTYRE!! He beat my brother unconscious in a bar brawl just last month. Great man. Had him 'round for dinner the next night." the dwarf roared happy as can be. Peregrine just stared. He had no idea how to respond to this. The dwarf didn't seem to mind his silence at all. "Well then! On your way I'm sure you have lots to do!" He said happy as ever. "AYE!!" yelled the other dwarf between drinks.
Peregrine waved happily as he recast his spell to start pushing the cart again. He still wasn't quite sure what to make of his first interaction with dwarves but they seem very nice. As he passed through the great entryway he looked up and around. He saw the large slots in the wall going all the way up. He had heard that the entire entryway had extremely strong iron gates that could be pushed out to seal off the city. He couldn't imagine metal work that large. Very quickly the pathway starts heading downward at a sharp angle. He quickly deactivates the spell pushing and cast another one in front of the cart to keep it from moving too fast as gravity pulls it down the pathway. As he moves down the path he can't help but marvel at the bronze and stone walls with their elaborate carvings.
After nearly 10 minutes of traveling deeper into the mountain he finally enters the city itself. He is in total awe. He can barely make out the mountainous roof of the miles and miles of city stretching out before him. How can all this be underground? How could they have carved all this? They don't even have magic! The buildings are all stone and metal yet very warm and inviting looking. All of them with elaborate carvings. He manages to gather himself together and waves his hand bringing the map back up to his side. He examines it and starts on his way down a beautiful street lined with shops. He looks at them in curiosity as he goes. Clothier. Shoe maker. Tavern. Butcher. Rifle shop. Tavern.
He rounds a corner into what the map tells him is the theater district. He has heard all his life about dwarven theater. He's always found it odd, and now that he has met some dwarves downright preposterous, that dwarves are the greatest playwrights and actors on Lumina. He's never actually seen a play put on by the dwarves but he has seen his people act one out. He has to admit the story was amazing. He is approaching elaborate doors on his right at the top of beautiful marble stairs. This must be their main theater. As he gets close people start flooding out talking excitedly. The play must have just ended. He stops to allow the crowd to pass and watches the people as he does. Mostly dwarves but he spots several other races in there. An entire group of gnomes pass by. He's never seen one of them before. A redhead in all green floats out of the door and he immediately recognizes her as a wood nymph. He's very taken aback by this as they rarely venture out of the forest. He has seen them in his village of course but his people have a unique relationship with them.
Even by wood nymph standards her flight is wobbly. As her and the young human female accompanying her get closer he sees she is openly crying. The human has a weird mix of exasperation and amusement on her face. "H..h..HE HAD TO CHOOSE!! Why did he have to choose Nyx??" She slurs at the top of her lungs, clearly drunk. Her friend, Nyx apparently, says "I know Abigail. It must have been so hard." Her tone is soothing but Peregrine can tell she's holding back laughter. As they pass out of view the wood nymph cries harder than ever and almost falls completely out of the air. The city is definitely not what he was expecting. Finally the crowd disperses and he's able to continue.
A few more turns. A few more streets. A dozen or so more taverns. He finally reaches the shop. There is quite a bit of debate among fairies in his village about who to go to for raw gems but his master swears by MacIntyre. Apparently their families have had a working arrangement for several generations. He parks his cart near the door and, wings fluttering, enters the shop. Walls. Tables. Cases. All full of gems. Despite how long he had been at this he doesn't think he has seen this many gems throughout his entire life. As he looks around a dwarven head appears in a window leading to another room. "You must be Peregrine!" The Dwarven male yells happily in a deep masculine voice. He disappears from the window and enters the room through a door nearby.. and the extremely large breasts take Peregrine by surprise. He had heard, with their beards, it was very hard to tell male and female dwarves apart but he never thought it would be this hard.
He quickly recovers from the shock. "Yes! Are you MacIntyre?" He says politely. "Mrs. MacIntyre! Normally my husband would handle this but he felt like heading to the tavern. Speaking of which! Where are my manners? Come! Come! We have everything ready for you." She says as happy as all the other dwarves have been. Peregrine flutters along behind her as they enter the room she had just left. Laid out along the extremely long table is the entire order. A years worth of raw uncut gems organized by type and size. He immediately begins flying towards the gems to begin his inspection but is cut short. "No! Where is the fun in that? Drink! Drink!" She shouts happily gesturing at the table on the far side of the room. There are six kegs on the table all together. Three of them are fairy size along with a flagon made just for his people. He knew this was coming. He does love their beer but.. not a lot of it. Hopefully he can get through this and somehow politely turn down a few drinks.
Wings beating quickly he flies over and fills his first flagon. As he drinks he does somewhat understand why the dwarves can't stop. During his 1 beer Mrs. MacIntyre drinks several herself. Finally he finishes his beer and it seems she's happy for the moment so they can get to work. He goes up and down the table, row by row, very slowly. He trusts their work but he wants to prove to his master he's really putting in the effort. He examines each gem both with his tools and magically. Every few gems she happily declares it's time for more beer. At first he's frustrated because he really doesn't want to drink but as time goes on he doesn't seem to mind anymore. As the beer starts really affecting him the conversation turns to relationships. She happily tells him about how she met her husband out in the forest when it turned out they had been tracking the same boar to hunt. He has very little relationship experience to discuss but ends up finding himself spilling his guts about the cute fairy who works in the bakery across the street.
"H..her WINGS!!!" he shouts, reminding himself of a dwarf. "So pink! S…so delicate! So SHAPELY!!" He flutters toward the kegs of his own free will this time. It takes him 5 tries to get the flagon under the tap. "D..don't get me wrong. I'm not that kind of fairy. I..I don..don't just look at a girl's wings" he adds worried about how he sounds. "Of course not! But we all notice things. You should see my husband handle a rifle.." Mrs MacIntyre says. As he goes back to work drunkenly, but still accurately, inspecting the gems he continues telling all about Rosalind. He talks about how often he goes to the window just to see if she's visible working. How he goes there everyday for lunch even though he doesn't particularly like bread. How his conversations with her are the best part of his day. "Well? Why not just tell Ms pretty wings how you feel?" she asks in the closest thing to a soft tone a dwarf seems to be capable of. "I…i…i…" and that's where things go a bit blank for Peregrine.
Next thing he knows he's waking up in a dwarvish room that's his size. He had been told to expect this. The dwarves long ago learned fairies were going to need some place to sleep off the beer and constructed these just for them. He slowly sat up, his head throbbing. "These…are not my clothes." he thinks to himself as he throws off the blanket. He decides to solve that mystery later as he looks around the room. He zeros in on a large jug of water with a set of glasses on the table against the opposite wall. He quickly gets up and attempts to fly to the jug but the beating of his own wings is just too much sound for his throbbing head. He makes his way to the jug and, ignoring the glasses, drinks the entire thing quickly. He makes his way to the door and slowly opens it and steps outside.
He sees his room was built halfway up a wall and he's now standing on a ledge. As he looks left and right he sees there are several more fairy rooms. "They really do like to be prepared.." he thinks. He walks to the railing along the edge and looks around. Judging by the normal sized doors lined up along the other wall he's in an inn. Just as he's coming to this conclusion a door opens at the end of the hall and a familiar face pokes its head into the room, sees he is awake, and smiles brightly before entering the room fully. "Well hello! You have been asleep quite some time." Mrs MacIntyre says in a voice softer than he thought dwarves were capable of. He is extremely grateful for this. "I don't remember how I got here. Or…these clothes…"
Mrs MacIntyre laughed loudly despite her attempts to keep quiet for his sake. "I myself brought you here. See those hinges on the wall? That lets us open the entire room. Your people usually need help getting in bed. As for the clothes…not long before you passed out last night you declared yourself to be lord of the gems. Your first proclamation was to outlaw clothing and then you burned yours. I have to say you are quite the dancer." Peregrine's face burns bright red in shame but he presses on. Part of him doesn't want to know but at the same time…he has to find out what else he did. "Did…I do anything else horrible?"
"Horrible?! Your dance was the highlight of my year! And besides..you seem to need to learn to loosen up anyways. Other than that we mostly talked about Rosalind. How much you love her. How scared you are to tell her. And….quite a bit about how you want to chew on her wings. You were very detailed about that." She smiled brightly as she said this as if she hadn't just said something even more terrifying than his clothing law. All he could do was lean on the railing and hide his face. "Don't be ashamed!! You opened up to me. You can with her as well. Well…maybe not about the wings just yet. But reading between the lines and speaking as a woman…from what you said of your conversations last night..it really sounds like she is interested in you as well"
Despite the shame he looks up hopefully. "You really think so?" He says quickly. She smiles and nods. "Last night we had quite the conversation about her love of the hanging bioluminescent vines along a lake near your village. She brings it up a lot you said. Silly fairy..she's been dropping hints about a date for months." His jaw drops. That…sounds very possible. The fear is still there but that has given him a lot of hope. "I…thank you.." he manages to say between his racing thoughts. "It's my pleasure Peregrine! Now..do you think you are ready to begin the trip home?" She says. This snaps him back to reality. The inspection! "Did I inspect the gems?" He asks quickly. "Inspected. Juggled. Danced with. Blew one up because it offended you somehow. Your master doesn't need to know. I already replaced it." More shame fills his tiny body but he tries to hide it. "Thank you.." he manages to say.
From there she leads him downstairs to the inns main room. They eat an amazing breakfast and she tells him more about the signs she noticed about Rosalind. By the time breakfast is over he is feeling rather confident. They make their way through the city back to her shop. His cart is still parked outside and she informs him they loaded it for him. They say their goodbyes and he thanks her from the bottom of his heart for her insight. As he is leaving the city he is barely paying attention to the journey. He's building an entire life in his head.

I recently got a job at a copy shop, today marks my 4th day working there and I'm already overwhelmed. It's extremely stressful to me, there is a million different processes and calculations for me to learn. And I need to learn how to do them fast and I need to learn how to do that while handling/juggling multiple customers with different things they want.
I'm a very anxious person with a slow brain. I get anxious and then I can't think. My coworkers are the friendliest people but I think they are starting to get annoyed with the amount of times they've explained the cash register to me. I still don't get it. My previous experience was in construction, and I was good at it when I knew what I was doing. I enjoyed the repition of certain tasks. My boss at the contruction job gave me the same criticism multiple times. He told me when I finish a task, I usually stand back and wait until there's something else I can do, and he said that was a problem and I should always be finding something to do. The only reason I always stood there waiting for something I can do is because I didn't really know what to do. Today my boss at this job gave me the same criticism but I know it's even worse here because everyone is moving and doing something and I have no idea what that something is and when I ask if I can help I get the vibe that I'm mostly slowing them down as they try to come up with something for me to do as opposed to me helping them.
I'm just worried my brain is just too slow, overwhelmed too quickly for this fast paced complicated job.
Today I got an email from a plant nursery and I think they want to hire me. It would be repetitive work in the outdoors without much customer service which is good because I hate talking to people.
Is it a better idea to stick it out here and wait for my brain synapses to grow or quit and move to a different job where I can move planters from one place to another and listen to music and do my job and not be terrified every waking minute I'm working?
If you think it's a better idea for me to quit, how should I do that? I've never quit a job before and quitting after a week of work doesn't sound like something that happens a lot. I don't want to hand in my two week notice after a week and then be there for 2 more weeks dealing with peoples eyes and words and guilt and shame.
I appreciate any opinions, thoughts or words. I'm just feeling very stressed and very lost.

The Weeknd and Selena Gomez's dating relationship was a highly publicized and talked-about topic in the entertainment industry. Rumors of their romance began to swirl in early 2017 when the two were spotted together at various events and outings. Their relationship came as a surprise to many, as both artists had previously been involved in high-profile relationships.
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The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, and Selena Gomez, known for her successful music career and acting roles, seemed to hit it off quickly. They were often seen holding hands, cuddling, and showing affection in public, sparking a frenzy among fans and media outlets. The couple made their official debut at the 2017 Met Gala, walking the red carpet together and posing for photographs.
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Their relationship appeared to be going strong, with The Weeknd even accompanying Gomez during her kidney transplant surgery in the summer of 2017. They shared sweet moments on social media, and The Weeknd even dedicated songs to Gomez during his performances. However, despite their seemingly happy moments, the couple called it quits in late 2017 after dating for about ten months.
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The reasons behind their split were not explicitly disclosed, but sources close to the couple cited conflicting schedules and the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship as contributing factors. Both artists remained relatively tight-lipped about the breakup, choosing to focus on their respective careers instead.
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Following their split, The Weeknd and Gomez moved on in their personal lives. The Weeknd went on to rekindle his relationship with model Bella Hadid, while Gomez reconnected with her on-again, off-again ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber.
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The Weeknd and Selena Gomez's dating relationship may have been short-lived, but it left a lasting impact on fans and pop culture. Their pairing generated a considerable amount of buzz and speculation, making headlines across various media platforms. Despite their breakup, both artists continued to thrive in their careers, solidifying their status as influential figures in the music industry.

"Whoa 100$? That's insane!?" This is not your typical paid per session campaign, instead we are offering a full level 3-20 experience for an upfront deposit, that may be returned under the right circumstances.
"What do you mean by "deposit"?: 100$ is a lot of money to invest into a game up front, we understand this. We are not out to make a profit on this game, the deposit will be returned on the conclusion of the campaign. There will also be other circumstances where the money may be returned. Had a major life change and just can't make time anymore, such as a baby, divorce or big move? No problem, let's talk about that. Started strong but you just aren't clicking with the party? Okay, let's talk about that, maybe put it to a vote in the party. We don't want anyone to feel trapped in a game they aren't enjoying, but we only want to attract the players who will be fully committed to play the game all the way through, be prepared every session, and are just generally a good person to play with. If you are being a jerk and get kicked, deposit forfeited. If you are missing session, constantly distracted, or frequently coming unprepared, you're getting kicked and forfeit your deposit. We don't want to kick players, and will try to fix a problem or come to a solution first, we will listen to our players' concerns as well. Any forfeited money will be used towards the campaign.
"Okay that's fair, and I'm eager to play! When do you want my money?" Your money isn't held hostage, it's a sign of commitment. We won't expect a payment until after session 0, This will give everyone a fair chance to see what they're getting into, meet the people they'll be playing with, and decide this isn't for them. We will also be much more lenient to return money in the first month after seeing how the people you're playing with act.
Disclaimer: If you are racist, bigoted, or just generally a jerk, this isn't the game for you. We didn't make this to fulfill your sick fantasies, and if you're making our players uncomfortable it will be fixed immediately, or you will be kicked. Do not make us pause our game in the middle of the session to correct your behavior. If you made it to here tell us you're a major dice goblin in the other section of the google form. That being said, we are all adults and expect everyone to act like it. There will be cussing, adult content (drinking, smoking, violence), NSFW scenes will be fade to black though, we don't want to RP sexual acts with y'all, keep that in mind for flirting as well, to a lesser extent.
Alright, with that out of the way, lets dive in!
Logistics-
Games are every other week, Beginning in July
You do not need a ready-made character before Session 0, just a concept!
We will stream on twitch. Your backstory can be whatever you want with a couple of stipulations. You are an "other-worlder", you came to this planet through a portal for whatever reason you can come up with, maybe you're on the run, maybe you were sent here as a scout, maybe you were just curious, but your backstory should always end with you entering the portal from your home planet to be transported to Oob. Keep in mind, whatever you left in your old world, can also find its way to Oob... Your ideals should also be that of which you want to go on an adventure, and preferably line up chaotically for the Chromatic kingdom, or lawful for the Metallic kingdom.
The game will be ran with 2 Dungeon masters. That is to say, 2 separate campaigns in the same world run at the same time. We are looking for 8 players, 2 groups of 4. There will be sessions that involve all of us together, but most of the time it will be the typical makeup of 4 players and your DM. You will choose whether to play through either the Metallic campaign or the Chromatic campaign.
Choices you make matter! Not only could they change your campaign, they can change the other players campaign, and the world. There can and will be consequences and rewards, we are aiming for a living world that evolves all the time. If you made it here, Tell us you're not only a major dice goblin, but a major dice goblin who bakes brownies too.
About us:
u/gogone3 : Hi! I have 8 years of experience with DnD, I've been DMing for 6, and I love the game. I'm 28 years old and am in the military. I've never had the pleasure of playing a full campaign all the way through and that's my goal here. I'm pretty laid back and lenient, my players come first, whatever you want to try, whatever homebrew you have, let me know so I can help you do that thing! I will be running the Chromatic campaign.
u/AirForce_Demon_420 : With about 2 years of experience DM-ing and 3 years total Dnd experience, I offer a serious game and am open to all types of ideas that make sense within the world. I will not tolerate arguing after I have decided on a ruling, and things may change after the "heat of the moment" ruling. I also will treat everyone as an adult and don’t sugar coat things. All that being said, the games I run have been received very well, I offer voices, streaming, custom homebrew, and a strong balance between roleplay, exploration, and combat. I to tend a little more towards RP though. I am open to ideas that you may have and will do my best to reach a balance everyone can enjoy. I hope to see you at the table!
We offer a serious game for anyone interested, players will have access to all the DnDbeyond content. We ask you base your toon concept off of official books, and no UA doesn't count. We will be playing on foundry VTT and using discord for voice, If you want to use a camera even better but not a requirement. Please keep in mind this material may be streamed so have an Avatar portrait available and understand that your voice will show up on any of the streams.
About the Setting -
The planet of Oob, a world ruled by the 3 kingdoms of dragons, Metallic, Chromatic, and Gems. The 3 kingdoms are at constant strife with each other, each believing their way of living is right. The Metallics believe that the world should be united under them, their citizens pledging allegiance to the great Bahamut. The Chromatics on the other hand believe that everyone should live freely, pledging fealty to the dragons and offering tribute to live in their land. The Gems believe everyone should live freely, but they take a more neutral approach. They focus more on bringing peace to the 3 kingdoms and allow their citizens to live in their territories unhindered by the dragons. This has led to the land outside of the Gem cities to be very dangerous as the other-worlders live without oversight. The dragons differencing beliefs have led the world to be at a constant war. To make matters more tense, the world is scattered with portals acting as doors from other worlds, a much larger portal in the center of the world is said to connect all the worlds. Through these portals, otherworldly denizens constantly stream through, making up the population of the planet, you are one of these individuals. Whatever your reason for coming to Oob, you quickly find that there's no turning back, the portal you came through is only 1 way. You start to panic, realizing your trapped here. Soon after, a friendly crystalline humanoid approaches you. The person calms you down and takes you to a hidden abode, where a magic circle on the ground whisks you away to a beautiful city made of various gemstones. Buildings, structures, monuments, and even the roads are made of gemstones of all kinds including; Amethyst, sapphire, emerald, topaz, and crystal. You marvel at the architecture for only few moments before another humanoid, this one's skin seems to be a shade of shiny blue, comes to you and leads you to a barracks-like encampment where you are allowed to be at ease, your role in this world has not yet been decided. Tomorrow you will meet with a dragon to find out where you belong.
If you've made it this far, leave a comment or send us a message, we will then send you an application link with google forms. We are very excited in the world we've built and can't wait to play with you! Link to Startplaying https://startplaying.games/adventure/clhtvm7sd004d08md5be4gzol

Usually when I get these episodes I never feel scared, I’ve gotten used to them and know they are about to happen when my hands start feeling heavy. This time I wasn’t scared at first, but that quickly changed. Everything always gets very loud sounding, but this time it was amplified so so much more. I felt frozen in place, which normally seems to happen a bit but I can usually fight that off and move a bit. This time it was almost impossible to move. When I finally was able to, the sound of my legs and blanket moving was very overwhelming and just added to my anxiety. I also usually have tunnel vision but this time it was a lot more than usual, and is still lasting very severely now even after sounds have returned mostly to normal volume. I tried to focus on my surroundings and say to myself how things felt and looked and etc, but all my mind could think, or more like scream, was that everything was LOUD. Honestly this is my first episode where I thought it would turn into a full blown panic attack, not a great feeling. :( I wish there was more info on why this happens!

"Whoa 100$? That's insane!?" This is not your typical paid per session campaign, instead we are offering a full level 3-20 experience for an upfront deposit, that may be returned under the right circumstances.
"What do you mean by "deposit"?: 100$ is a lot of money to invest into a game up front, we understand this. We are not out to make a profit on this game, the deposit will be returned on the conclusion of the campaign. There will also be other circumstances where the money may be returned. Had a major life change and just can't make time anymore, such as a baby, divorce or big move? No problem, let's talk about that. Started strong but you just aren't clicking with the party? Okay, let's talk about that, maybe put it to a vote in the party. We don't want anyone to feel trapped in a game they aren't enjoying, but we only want to attract the players who will be fully committed to play the game all the way through, be prepared every session, and are just generally a good person to play with. If you are being a jerk and get kicked, deposit forfeited. If you are missing session, constantly distracted, or frequently coming unprepared, you're getting kicked and forfeit your deposit. We don't want to kick players, and will try to fix a problem or come to a solution first, we will listen to our players' concerns as well. Any forfeited money will be used towards the campaign.
"Okay that's fair, and I'm eager to play! When do you want my money?" Your money isn't held hostage, it's a sign of commitment. We won't expect a payment until after session 0, This will give everyone a fair chance to see what they're getting into, meet the people they'll be playing with, and decide this isn't for them. We will also be much more lenient to return money in the first month after seeing how the people you're playing with act.
Disclaimer: If you are racist, bigoted, or just generally a jerk, this isn't the game for you. We didn't make this to fulfill your sick fantasies, and if you're making our players uncomfortable it will be fixed immediately, or you will be kicked. Do not make us pause our game in the middle of the session to correct your behavior. If you made it to here tell us you're a major dice goblin in the other section of the google form. That being said, we are all adults and expect everyone to act like it. There will be cussing, adult content (drinking, smoking, violence), NSFW scenes will be fade to black though, we don't want to RP sexual acts with y'all, keep that in mind for flirting as well, to a lesser extent.
Alright, with that out of the way, lets dive in!
Logistics-
Games are every other week, Beginning in July
You do not need a ready-made character before Session 0, just a concept!
We will stream on twitch. Your backstory can be whatever you want with a couple of stipulations. You are an "other-worlder", you came to this planet through a portal for whatever reason you can come up with, maybe you're on the run, maybe you were sent here as a scout, maybe you were just curious, but your backstory should always end with you entering the portal from your home planet to be transported to Oob. Keep in mind, whatever you left in your old world, can also find its way to Oob... Your ideals should also be that of which you want to go on an adventure, and preferably line up chaotically for the Chromatic kingdom, or lawful for the Metallic kingdom.
The game will be ran with 2 Dungeon masters. That is to say, 2 separate campaigns in the same world run at the same time. We are looking for 8 players, 2 groups of 4. There will be sessions that involve all of us together, but most of the time it will be the typical makeup of 4 players and your DM. You will choose whether to play through either the Metallic campaign or the Chromatic campaign.
Choices you make matter! Not only could they change your campaign, they can change the other players campaign, and the world. There can and will be consequences and rewards, we are aiming for a living world that evolves all the time. If you made it here, Tell us you're not only a major dice goblin, but a major dice goblin who bakes brownies too.
About us:
u/gogone3 : Hi! I have 8 years of experience with DnD, I've been DMing for 6, and I love the game. I'm 28 years old and am in the military. I've never had the pleasure of playing a full campaign all the way through and that's my goal here. I'm pretty laid back and lenient, my players come first, whatever you want to try, whatever homebrew you have, let me know so I can help you do that thing! I will be running the Chromatic campaign.
u/AirForce_Demon_420 : With about 2 years of experience DM-ing and 3 years total Dnd experience, I offer a serious game and am open to all types of ideas that make sense within the world. I will not tolerate arguing after I have decided on a ruling, and things may change after the "heat of the moment" ruling. I also will treat everyone as an adult and don’t sugar coat things. All that being said, the games I run have been received very well, I offer voices, streaming, custom homebrew, and a strong balance between roleplay, exploration, and combat. I to tend a little more towards RP though. I am open to ideas that you may have and will do my best to reach a balance everyone can enjoy. I hope to see you at the table!
We offer a serious game for anyone interested, players will have access to all the DnDbeyond content. We ask you base your toon concept off of official books, and no UA doesn't count. We will be playing on foundry VTT and using discord for voice, If you want to use a camera even better but not a requirement. Please keep in mind this material may be streamed so have an Avatar portrait available and understand that your voice will show up on any of the streams.
About the Setting -
The planet of Oob, a world ruled by the 3 kingdoms of dragons, Metallic, Chromatic, and Gems. The 3 kingdoms are at constant strife with each other, each believing their way of living is right. The Metallics believe that the world should be united under them, their citizens pledging allegiance to the great Bahamut. The Chromatics on the other hand believe that everyone should live freely, pledging fealty to the dragons and offering tribute to live in their land. The Gems believe everyone should live freely, but they take a more neutral approach. They focus more on bringing peace to the 3 kingdoms and allow their citizens to live in their territories unhindered by the dragons. This has led to the land outside of the Gem cities to be very dangerous as the other-worlders live without oversight. The dragons differencing beliefs have led the world to be at a constant war. To make matters more tense, the world is scattered with portals acting as doors from other worlds, a much larger portal in the center of the world is said to connect all the worlds. Through these portals, otherworldly denizens constantly stream through, making up the population of the planet, you are one of these individuals. Whatever your reason for coming to Oob, you quickly find that there's no turning back, the portal you came through is only 1 way. You start to panic, realizing your trapped here. Soon after, a friendly crystalline humanoid approaches you. The person calms you down and takes you to a hidden abode, where a magic circle on the ground whisks you away to a beautiful city made of various gemstones. Buildings, structures, monuments, and even the roads are made of gemstones of all kinds including; Amethyst, sapphire, emerald, topaz, and crystal. You marvel at the architecture for only few moments before another humanoid, this one's skin seems to be a shade of shiny blue, comes to you and leads you to a barracks-like encampment where you are allowed to be at ease, your role in this world has not yet been decided. Tomorrow you will meet with a dragon to find out where you belong.
If you've made it this far, leave a comment or send us a message, we will then send you an application link with google forms. We are very excited in the world we've built and can't wait to play with you! Link to Startplaying https://startplaying.games/adventure/clhtvm7sd004d08md5be4gzol

From pulling my hamstrings in bed to rolling my ankles playing tennis. You can name all the dumbest way to hurt yourself and id probably had have injuries you can think of. I just can’t grasp how tf did I injure my back while running. It’s fucking wild bro like from anything I’d imagine tripping on the treadmill and eating shi but of all injuries that can happen, I hurted my back from running. Right now I’m in pain and can’t move much and I feel extreme pain if I try to twist or turn my body. Idk what I should do. Can someone tell me what I can do to get better quick?

Ok so I had this idea for a Cold War scenario but I have no napping no skill to make a version of this so I’m just gonna write about it here.
The year is 1947 and the second Weltkrieg ended in some what of a draw. Even though the German Empire did not fall, the war ended its place in the sun, but not the institutions it created. Mitteleuropa rules over Central Europe politically and economically. From Stockholm to Athens, from Brussels to Kiev, all align with what has been nicknamed the “Europe Pact” headed in Vienna. The Danubian government has led in political liberalization against aggressive and repressive regimes surrounding it.
Having been secretly antagonistic to German control over Eastern Europe, the newly reformed Danubian federation became a shoe in to be the new patron of Germany’s former puppets. First in the Polish Spring of 1938, the Danubian foreign policy became to welcome and protect any European nations threatened by German authoritarianism, Socialist subjugation, and Russian conquest. The Ukrainian, Swiss, Lithuanian, Albanian, and Italian governments joined a Danubian sphere of influence but officially they were all part of the Reichspakt; led by the Militaristic wartime junta of Germany. As soon as the western half of the Reichspakt - including Germany, Flanders-Wallonia, and the Netherlands - fell under the weight of German incompetence and the International armies, Austria mustered together the remaining Reichspakt.
The French National government’s invasion of its Syndicalist counter part spelled the end of the short and chaotic rule in Western Europe. Having blundered both interventions in the German and Spanish revolutions, the Commune of France’s military capabilities were cut in half. On top of that, ideological split between the Sorelian National Revolutionary government in France and the Authoritarian Maximist state in Britain led to the Third International breaking up between the British “Atlantic Sphere” and the French “Revolutionary Front”. Needless to say, the Commune of France capitulated quickly to Petain’s forces and peace in Europe confirmed.
The only area of conflict was Eastern Europe but, to end the fighting, Danubia brokered a piece between the Russian Military government and its eastern allies. The Vilnius conference decided the border between the Moscow Accord and Mitteleuropa. It gave White Ruthenia and the Baltic states to Russia while confirming the sovereignty of Ukraine. Much like the conference in the east, the Frankfort peace deal finally gave the region of Western Europe peace after four years of total war. The treaty established a new German confederation with different member states but overall unified by the government in Frankfort. It reestablished the states of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain but most importantly it had the entirety of Europe - including the Moscow Accord - recognize Phillip Petain’s National French government which recently moved back to Paris.
With the new precedent of peace in Europe, the Danubian Federation stands at a cross roads, does it decentralize on the terms of European unity or does it federalize to keep the new era of peace protected by a strong super power. Geopolitically, Europe has began to slip again. The resurgent powers of Russia and France are beginning to flex their muscles by conquering non-treaty protected areas, and even more worryingly, the same governments are becoming more enthralled by radical ideas of reclamation. Europe is once again at a stand still.
—-
Thank you for reading this! Im most likely going to write about other parts of the world but if you have any questions please ask me! Also, do you guys have any name suggestions? I think this scenario would be great if it had a killer name.

I (M22) don't think I've ever actively tried to make new friends. All my friends were from high school and these were people I was "forced" to interact with every single day. It felt natural back then. Now that undergrad is over I realized how much my friends have grown apart. It feels like the natural progression, because of us being in different education and career paths. Now I'm starting to feel insanely lonely.
I spent the first few months of 2023 in denial that I needed social interaction/friends but it hit me really hard a month or two ago. I got extremely depressed. I decided to sign up for rec basketball as method to meet new people. I've enjoyed it, but I don't know how to make friends in these situations. With most of my teammates, interactions start and stop at within the game. Most teammates show up 5 minutes before start and leave in 5 when its over. We only play once a week so there isn't that much of an interaction in the first place. I didn't expect to come out of this with a whole new group of friends, but I haven't connected with anyone. It has me feeling insanely pessimistic about my future in social situations. We only have a couple more games together as a team, so that window is closing.
Another multiplier on top is my horrible experience making friends in high school. I moved 3 schools in the span of a semester, so every time I started creating a connection my family would move. It sounds dumb to say, but it left me kind of traumatized when it comes to social situations and platonic relationships. I feel like unless I make that connection quickly, it'll never happen which I realize isn't how creating friendly relationships work.
Any advice or resources that might help me in these situations? Am I expecting too much from this?
Also, what are some places you think are good places to make friends post college/school? I love sports, but I would like to "diversify" my options.
Thanks!

Part One: There's Something Awful Happening in Morefolk : nosleep (reddit.com)
​
You know who this is. Sorry for the long wait, and thank you for your patience. Yes, this is a new email address, though the reason for that should be obvious.
I have to hand it to the pigs. They're not as clueless as I believed. What I once thought were monkeys dressed in uniform flinging shit at the wall, are actually monkeys using rudimentary tools to fling shit at the wall. I'll admit, it's cute. Still, if Morefolk's finest thought that updating their firewalls, naming their files gibberish, and using monoalphabetic substitution ciphers for their file text was enough to throw me off, they're sorely mistaken. For one, firewalls aren't as effective when I've left a backdoor in the system for free access. Seriously, it's not that difficult to get into something once you've already been inside before. Not to mention... you seriously thought documenting stuff in some basic code would do the trick? That I wouldn't be able to convert it to plain text? At least do something a little sophisticated next time; might I recommend studying some old telegrams from wartime and seeing how they did things? Seriously, your tech department should be paying me for tutelage, your cryptography is weak. The only thing I can give you credit for, is that I haven’t found any information on the unnamed agency referenced in your files. I assume their documents are cataloged in their own, entirely separate database, which isn’t surprising. Still, the only reason another agency would be involved with you at all, would be to order you around behind the scenes like the bunch of lackeys you are.
Regardless, that has no bearing on whether YOU can keep me out of YOUR shit. I suspect you'll either throw out the system and start anew, or, the more likely approach you'll take, is to start cataloging your documents in analog style. Don't know, don't care. I've already got enough as is.
To say that I've got a lot to drop on you all would be an understatement, and a severe one at that. Not everything is going to be shown right here and now, but in time, all will be clear. I've been waiting patiently, meticulously crafting my strategy, waiting for the perfect moment to re-appear. Such is the price of truth in a world run by breaking news and hastily woven narratives. There are always dozens, hundreds, even thousands of hands intricately drawing each needle through each thread, until a net of lies and misrepresentations have been constructed and cast. Cast upon what? You all, the "helpless fish" adrift at sea, going where the tide takes you. Yet, you are not helpless. There is a hand outstretched towards you, and it is my hand. I offer you access to the one thing more valuable than the money or security they try to bribe you with.
I offer you access to reality.
Reality is, regardless of who witnesses it. Therefore, the optimal way to deny one access to reality is to remove their ability to witness, to see, to observe, and to ogle the beautiful essence of truth. Think, for a moment, about what it is that best achieves this goal of restricting your perception of reality. What is it, that is such an obfuscation, such an obstruction, and such a danger?
I'll tell you, it's the narratives. The news, the media, and the outlets, all serve as distractions. Do not be so naive as to think that the news is on your side. They actively serve the interests of the authorities and their agendas... and once you become privy to that fact, it's obvious. Still, you might find my claims to be dubious, so let's take a look together, shall we? Allow me to show you precisely what I am talking about.
---
"Ellie Singleton, 33, Found Deceased in Home"
"The body of Ellie Singleton, 33, was found unresponsive in her home on Monday, January 23rd, 2023. Authorities arrived on the scene shortly after her husband, Barry Singleton, reported an incident that occurred that Monday night, around 4:47 AM. Although emergency services were quick to the scene, she was regrettably announced dead upon arrival at Morefolk Town Hospital at 5:09 AM. Detective Clark Casper, who arrived at the scene shortly following the incident, declined to comment. So too did Barry Singleton.
Although the nature of this incident remains highly unknown, its impact on our community is not lost on anyone. Plenty of tears were shed among friends, family, and loved ones, who all shared their sympathies with Mister Singleton. Ellie Singleton was expected to deliver her first child in the summer of this year. She very much had a love for children, and it wasn't uncommon for her to work as a substitute teacher at Morefolk Elementary. Many of the young students she taught and influenced took part in laying down flowers and paying their respects at the school, which hosted a memorial assembly in her honor. Ellie stood as a pillar of this community, doing what she could to ensure that future generations had a reliable shoulder to lean on. Now, a community stands as one, hearts torn apart for the Singleton family. This will surely be a day of much mourning and prayer."
---
Innocent enough, right? Just a heartfelt news clipping in response to a horrific happening. A good old unifier of the people to get them through a trying time. Aside from that, there's not much to go off of, granted this was the first of what we now know to be murders. Let's continue.
---
"Tragedy Strikes as 25-Year-Old Sasha Baker Was Found Dead In Her Bedroom"
"Onlookers littered the streets as Sasha Baker, 25, was peacefully wheeled out of her home the other night on Saturday, January 29th, 2023. Mothers, fathers, and children held hands in solemn silence as they watched, burdened with the great loss of their friend."
"It just doesn't make sense, she was young and healthy and happy, I can't even wrap my head around it," said Chuck Rivera, a long-time friend of Sasha Baker.
"This kind of thing doesn't happen in this town... it just doesn't," commented Ashley Sanchez, who was so disturbed by the death, that she had to be comforted by those around her.
"Morefolk police released a brief statement following the occurrence, with Sheriff Tom Mackey being quoted as saying, "We want you to know that our hearts are heavy, and this loss is weighing down on us, all of us. Sasha was a great woman. From the food pantries she hosted inside the church, to all the service work she did for our town, she always served as a positive influence on our youth. To us, she was family. A bright and optimistic woman we grew up alongside. Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Baker, and to any and all who are undoubtedly hurting at this time. We will be conducting an investigation into this incident, absolutely. I cannot confirm anything to you with certainty, but we have reason to believe that, well, this incident may have been the product of foul play. The chances of that being the case are low. Still, our officers are working diligently to ensure that this was not the cause of her death, because that, well, it would be heart-wrenching for all of us. Even more than it already is. We'll do what we can to keep all of you updated. Thank you for your time, and God bless you."
"At this time it is unspecified whether this event has any relation to the death of the late Ellie Singleton, who was found deceased in her home just a week prior."
---
Would you look at that? Do you know what I see? Useless fucking platitudes. Thoughts and prayers don't mean shit to us. Not to mention how vague Sheriff Mackey was about the supposed investigation they were hosting. They "peacefully" wheeled her body out of the home? Perhaps it appeared that way with several white cloths and EMTs blocking the view of her corpse. I'm not entirely sure how the word "peaceful" could be applied to the remains of a woman who had her unborn child violently ripped out. Nor am I sure how there could be any ambiguity as to whether she was murdered or not. Now you go ahead and wonder why it is that they're using such passive and evasive language. Something tells me that you already know the answer.
---
"Homicide Investigation Launched Following the Murder of Claire Summers"
"Town officials have confirmed that Morefolk Police are investigating the untimely death of Claire Summers, 28, which occurred on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2023, as a homicide."
"We are deeply disturbed by the passing of Claire Summers. The shock and sadness we are all going through cannot be understated. This is not an easy time for anybody," stated Sheriff Tom Mackey when asked for a comment about the recent development. "Our investigator's assessment of her death indicates to us that, regrettably, this was the result of a sick individual rather than a horrible accident or medical issue," continued Mackey.
"This revelation also came with an announcement from town officials that a curfew has been set in place. All citizens are to stay indoors after 9:30 PM, and all exceptions must be pre-emptively requested. Failure to abide by this regulation will be met with detainment, and offending persons may face criminal charges.
The investigation into Claire Summer's murder will incorporate the recently deceased citizens of Morefolk (Ellie Singleton, Sasha Baker) as police suspect those incidents may be related to this one. As of this moment, Kyle Summers has declined to comment.
Claire Summers, perhaps most well-known for her bakery located on Oak Way, will be remembered as sweetly as the goods she lovingly shared with us all. Not a single person would disagree that when in Claire's shop, smiles were formed and memories were made."
---
Three people had to die for them to announce that they were being murdered. Three. Whole. People. Suppose for a moment, that you don't believe me or my leaks. That you don't believe that this was all the doing of a wretched ghoul with sadistic tendencies. Is it not still strange that it took this long for a homicide investigation to be publicly launched? Each death took place inside of the victim's home, while their husbands were sleeping in the same bed as them. Are we meant to believe that a killer did their dirty work, and the husbands just... didn't notice? Seriously? These fucking rats in blue think you're all idiots. They think that you won't connect the dots. Don't let them treat you like clueless animals. Do not allow them to be evasive about what's truly happening.
---
"Morefolk Police Patrolling the Streets in Response to Most Recent Death"
"The killing of Jackie Middleton, 37, has unsettled Morefolk to its very core. Her death is another in a series of murders, now that the deaths of Claire Summers, Sasha Baker, and Ellie Singleton have been found to be connected. Morefolk police have decided to patrol the streets at night in response to this recent development, and the town curfew has been lowered to 9 PM."
"The safety of our town is our priority. We not only need to protect those of you living here, but find and prosecute whichever twisted individual is responsible for these crimes as soon as possible. We ask that you all cooperate with our curfew, and please, if you have any information that may be helpful to this case, contact us. Thank you," Sheriff Mackey explained when asked about his plan moving forward.
"When asked to comment on this tragedy, Jackie's husband Craig Middleton was quoted as saying, "There's not much for me to say at this time. The amount of hurt and devastation I'm going through can't be articulated. All I can say is that I hope our police force brings whoever did this to my family to justice."
"Furthermore, Kyle Summers, David Baker, and Barry Singleton requested to make a joint comment. The three men had also recently lost their loving wives, likely at the hands of the suspected killer involved in Jackie Middleton's murder."
"We've gotten together to support each other as of late. Things have been unimaginably hard to get through each day, but the condolences and support of all of you wonderful people have made it more manageable for us. We know we cannot change what happened, but we can, and must, address this problem before more lives are taken. Throughout these long, sleepless weeks, we've had the unequivocal support of the Morefolk Police Department. They have shown us great attention, care, and consideration. Most importantly, we know and trust that they will bring this murderer to justice. Please, support and believe in them, because they're doing all they can to fix this mess. Once again, we thank you for all the love and kindness you've given us. You all truly exemplify what it means to be wonderful neighbors, friends, and family."
"Jackie Middleton has always been an outgoing neighbor, working with Craig out of their small ice cream parlor on the nearby boardwalk. She'd often supply ice cream to nearby businesses for office parties and other celebratory events. Though store-bought ice cream would do the trick in a pinch, there was always something special about her delicious desserts that she made with the utmost love. To Morefolk, Jackie Middleton truly was the cherry on top."
---
They aren't even trying to hide it, are they? Surely you all caught it as well. Suddenly, the husbands who have gone without comment for so long, all come together to give a statement. A statement with the takeaway message of trusting the police department.
Want to know an interesting little tidbit of information? The author of all those newspaper clippings is the same person. Guess who it was. Does the name "Phil Pratt" ring a bell? Morefolk's beloved journalist, who happens to be married to Jamie Pratt. As is common knowledge, Jamie Pratt's maiden name is Jamie Mackey... these articles were written by the Sheriff's son-in-law.
I couldn't make this shit up.
Still, I know what you're thinking. It doesn't matter who wrote those articles and what biases they have! That doesn't mean the contents of the texts themselves aren't perfectly rational. Of course the husbands took a while to comment, they've been through so much trauma! Obviously, they all came forward together because they've got something in common to commiserate over, they're serving as each other's support systems, right?
Sure, it all sounds plausible at first, but the more you think about it, the more what I'm saying adds up. Remember, the husbands weren't allowed to stay at their homes, because their houses had become a crime scene. Plenty of neighbors and family members offered them places to stay, but you know where they ended up? That's right, they ended up staying in the police station. Yeah, I know the reason given was that the police wanted to ensure the husbands were receiving attention to their mental health, but then why not have them stay at the hospital? Then there's the explanation that the police wanted them close by so they could aid the investigation. Still, is that something that would require them to eat, sleep, and drink at the station for almost all hours of the day? That doesn't add up, does it?
I'll tell you the real reason that accounts for these abnormalities. The police were keeping the husbands there to monitor them. To ensure they weren't freely spreading their stories. To prevent them from commenting on the situation until they could be fed a comment generated by the pigs themselves.
You should also consider the fact that, despite these husbands having been in close proximity to their wives at the time of the killings, they were never once considered suspects in the case. What could possibly account for that, other than the fact that the cops knew that someone else, or something else, was responsible from the very beginning?
Some of you won't ever believe me, and I acknowledge that. That doesn't take away from the fact that this whole debacle has been handled so unconventionally. We've been told that the police would keep us updated on their investigations, but what have they really given us? We've received no identifiable suspect, no autopsy reports of the deceased victims, and the newspaper is more focused on selling this bullshit "Unify and support the police!" narrative than focusing on the particulars of the deaths themselves.
Go ahead and tell me we're being kept in the dark for the sake of investigative confidentiality. Tell me I'm seeking to divide us and push some communist anti-police agenda in the midst of a community tragedy. Claim that I'm making mountains out of molehills. Here's all I have to say. Either you're with me, the people, and the truth, or you're going to be a mindless sheep, licking the boots of those keeping the real facts at bay. The time is coming to make a damn choice.
Don't worry, I've got so much more to share. I'm not done exposing the hidden truths I found in the police files I cracked. I am simply waiting for the most opportune time to release more of what I have. Be patient my friends, it will be worth it. Trust me, after you see what's coming next, you will be as angry as I am. This monster terrorizing our town isn't going to stop at pregnant women and their unborn children.
After all, it already has claimed more than just those set of victims. You all might be aware that little Dennis Bowers went missing within the last week. Guess what?
They're lying to you about what happened to him.
All of it is connected, and I know just when and where to show you. The next time you hear from me, it'll be in a... different medium. Something big is about to happen. I'm certain of it.
Signing off,
-J

I struggle with object permanence and it has made it challenging to feel connected to friends and family online , through technology unless they are in my face or talking to me on the phone. And even talking on the phone, I have to be able to prioritize the conversation since it takes a lot of attention. I get easily irritated with small things and this has been reported again to me by my husband. I tend not to notice since it's quick and then the emotional obstacle is over and I move on from it but I was rude to him and didn't consider his perspective. This is what I need the most help in. Recently, the pressure to have a baby is on my radar and i have been preparing myself for two years to not be needed at work and to gain more financial security. All that is missing is a house. I felt that he kept putting the focus that the house comes first and then the baby and it wasn't until this weekend that he said we can start trying this Fall. Instead of me feeling that things are lining up, I become upset that I have been thinking about becoming a parent longer and don't feel he is on the same page with me at the same time and that I am waiting for him to catch up. Like I tend to be more emotional and put a lot of emphasis on him to understand me. I tend to overthink when I don't feel understood..
We have been going to couples therapy for 3 years.I have been diagnosed with ADHD inattention in 2020 and have been going to individual therapy for 1 year and medication management for 6 months. I have been previously diagnosed and going to therapy for depression and anxiety since 2018.
So to return to the issue I want to address. I want to be heard without being viewed that I am having a temper tantrum or being called childish but I also want to not be rude/mean. I know my biggest obstacle is if no one outside of him confronts me then I don't see a problem. But when he brings it to my attention, I don't recall it since he doesn't bring it up and I can't address it or he does and this upsets me as if I'm not heard or I feel criticized. I feel sensitive when he brings it up and I want to work on it but it's hard. Again, I tend to overthink of why I'm not being understood and go down the rabbit hole of is it a gender thing, race thing, difference in culture, etc.
I also tend to "we" my issues to get him to help but then he doesn't see how much I need him to help with the structure. Like I want to create a Excel sheet with insurance information, nearest emergency room and restrictions on last medical appts of any kind, name of doctor and contact info, next follow up and a notes section and divide it by person and pets. Reason I want to start this is to organize now since when there is an accident i don't want to panic and i want to rely on him when we are taking care of a child so we're both responsible in taking the kid to the doctor and not me and he'll with communication and keeping track of the important things. I have the idea but also procrastinating on this and I have more things i can add to the procrastination. When I get a push back from him that it's not important then that bothers me and i still can't start on my idea because I want him to be involved.
How would you approach addressing being alert to being upset to minor inconveniences to regulate better your mood and learn from it for next time plus navigating procrastination and "we"ING the task with your partner?

I just spent nearly 2 hours filling out an application for a dog only to get an email back about 10 minutes after saying “we don’t adopt out of state” because I put down that I would be moving out of state in a few months for work.
I’m so annoyed. I checked their website and there is NOTHING on it that says they don’t adopt out of state. I’m a great dog owner- I’ve moved all over with my past and present dogs, take them on special camping and hiking trips, buy them all kinds of different enrichment toys, make sure I have the best people watching them when I leave, give them all the vet care they need- but no. How dare I move for a job.
I’m just so frustrated. My late dog and current dog were both rescues and I am trying to rescue again. I specifically want a Pomeranian, which I know is tricky to rescue, but I am actively trying to adopt over going to a breeder but man! This is the fourth rescue I’ve been turned away from. Two applications I never heard back from and the other didn’t want to adopt out to me because I have a big dog.
I’m just upset. I wouldn’t have spent two hours of my time writing a detailed report on how I knew it was time to put my last dog down if I knew I was going to be denied that quickly. There are better things I could have done with my time.
It’s just so frustrating. I think I’m going to contact a (reputable) breeder and go that route instead.
Just feeling super bummed. I thought that now, because I have owned two dogs on my own and am a childless millennial who just scored a new job I’d be a great candidate but no.

When I go shopping for my Customers I shop like it's for me.... If I won't buy it for myself I won't buy it for my Customer.....

I made a character and this sotry for star wars (i made this story for my English finals, i had a month to make it and got an A on it), the characters name is Saya Eban and is a character I have been thinking of for over a decade now (im not in my 2nd decade so since i was super young). Saya at this time is 13-14 years old and was given inspiration by almost all the other jedi and also star killer. He is human and with reliance on the force he can live up to 1000 years with hi peak being between 35, 40 ish to around 800 years of age. In terms of prime power level and potential, in my canon he is 3rd most powerful character just underneath luke and anikan Skywalkers, but could contend with them at some points. Little background: he was a prodigy in school before he became a padawan, he always had an intrest in a character named Ahsoka Tano but never became more than friends because of the Jedi teachings. He was a fast learning youngling and became a padawan earlier than most other younglings, becaming a padawan at the age of 11 - 12. He was in the first battle of Genesis but his troop transport ship was blasted out of the air, landing behind enemy lines leaving him the sole surviver, and scarring him, making him want to never see uneeded bloodshed ever again. He met Count Dooku before he had met Obi-Wan and Anikan on geonosis, he locked blades with him once... once, before he was thrown aside like a house fly, not worth his time, he was out until the retreat of the battle was initiated. This gave him night terrors and nightmares, after this day he could never sleep more than an hour, if that, before he woke up feeling the dark side creeping in. So he had learned to use sleep meditation. Sleep meditation allowed him to accelerate his trainings and connect greater to the force, he had unlocked 1/3 of his life now, the force helping his cells heal his body while he sat and meditated.
This story is of how he lived through one of the bloodiest battles and worst losses of the Republic, the battle of Sarrish, and of how he had obtained his later main star ship, a Kom'rk Mark 1 class star fightetransport, aka the Puro (i made this story before I have watched the 3rd season of the Mandalorian, as of right now i still haven't so Idk if thats in season 3 or not).
There is about 11,340 words in the story, and I don't 100% know of what I should make him look like so have your imaginations run wild.
Ok here we go:
Tales of Saya Eban's Puro
Chapter 1

 The battle of Sarrish was one of the worst battles of the Clone Wars, it was a great devastating loss to the Republic and the Jedi, and I was in the middle of it all. Before the battle I was doing some touch-ups on my A-wing Fighter. I had managed to get my hands on a hyperdrive that would fit in my small fighter, although being able to enter hyperspace without an external hyperdrive wing is very convenient, fast, and easy, it does slow my fighter and hinder some mobility, but not an uncontrollable amount of loss. Little did I know it'd save my life later that week. After I had finished my work, gotten it restocked for my next battle, I was called to the Jedi command center for a briefing by Master Yoda, saying it was an urgent mission and I was needed now, with his backwards way of speaking annoying me slightly. In a flash, I had gathered my battle ready loadout and headed off to the command center. When I entered the command center with the center planning table showing starships from both Confederate and Republic sides, One chasing another. I look and see Masters Yoda and Windu and a holoprojected Obi-Wan Kenobi surrounding the Table, with deeply serious thoughts in their eyes, fingers on their concentrating chins. When I swiftly strolled in, I was greeted with Master Windu's cheerful, but serious voice: "Ah, Padawan Eban, good you're here, come quick, we must act with persistence if we want to gain an upper hand in this war." "Master Windu, good to see you, you too Master Yoda, Master Kenobi, what's the situation?" Master Obi-Wan states, "We are currently chasing Separatist forces to the planet Sarrish and we will need some back up, could you bring your part of the 104th battalion right away, we have heavy casualties and they're going to have reinforcements when they reach the planet." "Is there not anyone closer than me, it may take a few days for me to get there, yall mabe finished by the time I get there!" I said with hope in my eyes. "I'm afraid that you're the only one that is available with the most minimal time of arrival, you'll have to be quick though, it will be anytime now they will reach the planet and have reinforcements. we need this win, it will be a great victory for the Republic if we are able to capture the planet." Stated Obi-Wan with certainty. "All other generals are on missions right as we speak, you are the only one that can provide back up at this current time." Master Windu added "Closer to Knight after this mission you will be, great padawan you are, your great swift improvements, Master Plo is pleased with, believe in you I do." Master Yoda said with a jolly old-man voice. "Now go, there's not much time to waste, gather your men and go help Obi-Wan!" Rushedly said by Master Windu. "With determination in my voice, I yell "Yes Masters, right away!" And like a flash, I was gone. As I'm running off, I catch a glimpse of a green swoosh and the sound of a bolt deflection. I stumble to a stop and put my legs in reverse to give curiosity the wheel. When I peer in, I see Master Skywalker and Ahsoka, along with roughly 8 clone troopers all in a circle around Ahsoka and her one blade ignited. Master Skywalker had her eyes welded to her as he walked around the trooper. I could see Captain Rex standing and watching as well, although he seems to be the only one who spotted me poking in my head. He motioned his finger to his lips as to tell me to shush and not interfere, so I watched with anticipation. And after a lifetime stillness ending in a second after Master Skywalker yelled "START!" And stun doughnuts fire from the blasters of the troopers, sending a volley of blue twords Ahsoka from all directions. With great flexibility I pair with, she jumps into the air, spinning like skates on a skate rink in mid air deflecting all incoming plasmic projectiles landing with swift grace ready for more, And more came, she stands in the center blade moving almost faster than what my eyes could keep up with, until that one bolt punches her right in the back, knocking her to the ground, diminishing the blade back into the hilt. I spring into the room, speaking with worry in my voice when I squeak out "Ahsoka! Master Skywalker, what was that!?" 

"She was just training deflecting blaster fire, she's going to be outmatched a lot in this war, and clones are better than droids to practice with." Anakin said with pride that she was able to last little over a minute, thats improvement.
"Well I guess you're not completely wrong, but your going to give her a brain injury at this rate! Could you not go a bit easier on her?"
"She'll never learn if I go easy on her." Master Skywalker said with little arrogance in his voice.
"W- well, here, l-let me wake her then." I stuttered as I walked up to Rex holding Ahsoka like he's a pillow.
"Rex, do you mind if I-"
"Not at all General, here." Rex said as I sat next to him holding Ahsoka's top half of her body.

 As he caringly sets Ahsoka's rhythmically beating top half in my lap, head facing the heavens, I softly lay my hand over her forehead, close my eyes, and concentrate. A few suspenseful seconds later, I take my hand off and observe Ahsoka's hand softly glide to her now curling forehead, eyes fluttering open. 

With a smile I voiced"Wakey Wakey warrior princess, have a good nap?" Smirking the whole time.
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes Nicksters." She groaned with fading pain.
"What are you doing here?" She leisurely grumbled as she started to lie propped up by her desirable, fluorescent orange arms made of flexible muscle.
"I was walking by, and saw a 'damsel in distress', I HAD to come and 'save the day'." I joked, smirking the whole time, annoying her little bit more.
"You know I have been dying to use my force heal on you since I had learned it. I bet you don't even feel bad at all right now hm?" I said leaning in
Ahsoka starts to stand as to get a feel for her own body.
"You're right, I feel better than I did before, not bad for someone named Nicks." Ahsoka said smirking right back at me.
"Oh come on, that was one time, that was even before we became patiwans!" I said with little dramatics in my vocal verberations.
"Ok Master, I'm ready to try again." Ahsoka said to Master Skywalker
"Not now Ahsoka, we have a mission from the Jedi council we have to attend to while Obi-Wan is on his own mission." Anikan said to Ahsoka, elongating his 'not' like he usually does
"I'm actually about to go give help to Obi-Wan right now… WHICH I NEED TO GET PREPARED FOR NOW!! Karabast, got to go! See yah Ahsoka, Master, Rex." And like a ship entering hyperspace, I was gone.
Chapter 2

 After 2 boring days traveling in hyperspace, me and my 5 Veneter class Cruisers are nearing our destination, this would make 12 Cruisers for the Republic side. A new commander CT'-4112 or Zerek, debriefs on the battle situation. As I had sensed, Obi-Wan was outmatched seeing as backup was on planet Sarrish for the fleeing Separatist ships, now it's 11 Munificent class Cruisers and 2 command stations blockading the planet. Kenobi was starting to be pushed back, relying on our Cruisers longer ranged cannons to hope the Sepies didn't get too close. Our Cruisers have longer ranged main canons and toms of fighter room, while the Sepies Cruisers have more fire power at closer ranges with more fighters than our Vendor class Cruisers, at closer ranges, the Sepies would completely destroy a Venetor class Cruiser, but we have strategies and will power. 

"Glad to see a friendly face Saya." Kenobi said exhaustingly.
"Well, it looked like you needed help. You know I need to be the one to save everyone. I'll move into position to fortify our defenses to push the Sepies back and for us to make a plan. What is your fleet's condition?"
"We have 2 Venetors heavily damaged and the rest either have mild to no damage. And we have lost half our fighters as of now." Urgently said by Kenobi.
"Ok, I'm sending men and supplies to you right now, let me take the front so I can take the damage if they send another attack." I calmly said to Kenobi.
"Men battle positions and set all power to front cannons and shields. Venators get into pincer position and get ready for an attack. Fighters get ready to launch." I commanded to all my Cruisers
"Master, if you could, could you add in your undamaged Venetors? " I wandered and directed with much mastery, I even made Obi-Wan himself visually impressed considering my inexperienced mind in life, and especially war. I even managed to make him smile.
"Getting in position now." Obi-Wan stated, still smiling.
"Understood, While you get everything fixed, I'll see if I can weaken their defenses, it seems as if they're in attack positions so we gotta be ready for anything." I said in deep thought.
"Ok, 10 to 13, I like those odds, makes it even, more so for the Sepies." I grinned.
"Now Saya, remember this is still a battle, don't be too cocky, you're starting to remind me of Anakin." Obi-Wan said with conviction.
"Yes Master, sorry about that." I answered to Obi-Wan, pulling back a little.

 Just then, many starfighters come from the enemy Cruisers, hundreds of them lightning fast, closing distance fast. 

"All right men, time for some fun. Obi-Wan, if you want to take command of my control center, I'll lead this fight." I said before Obi-Wan could respond.
"Ok- but Saya! Blast, maybe he's too much like Anikan." Obi-Wan said defeatedly.
As I get into the hangar I yell "Alright Wolfpack, let's get goin!" Then I hop into my modified Jedi A-wing.
We rush out from the center roof door along the Cruiser with my squadron aka The Wolfpack, with me leading my 23 fighters into battle and many more friendly's following from the hangars.
"Ok Wolfpack, let's make a break for them Cruisers, get as many of them gone as possible. 411 you ready?" I asked R2-411. R2-411 bleeps with readiness.
"Ok, time to blow them out of the sky, remember, stay in formation" I commanded.
"Yes sir!" The Clones bellowed.

 Then we hit the swarm with a mighty thundering sound of lasers flying through the emptiness of space seeing one after one of enemy fighter droids dropping all over the place. Me and my Wolfpack fly through all the 2 winged Vulture droids that look like each wing was sideways and has 2 prongs each side for wings. They were way more quick and maneuverable than us, but we had a duty to win, and we won't lose today. It's like a firework show, but you're dodging all the fireworks, and they're aiming right at you. While we are defending the Venator Cruisers, they're mostly firing at the Sepies Cruisers, slowly dwindling their energy shields down. 

"Boys, I have a plan, but I'll need yall to get back to the Cruisers." I urged
"Obi-Wan, how's the 2 heavily damaged Cruisers? We've been out for a long while. They should be good by now right?" I questioned Master Kenobi.
"They're about to come back into the fight, but one of our Cruisers is at a quarter shield, few good hits or bombing runs and it's gone, what's your plan Saya?" Obi-Wan said, perplexed.
"Just give me an opening to the left Separatist control center, that's all I need to get on that ship." I stated with confidence.
"I'll try my best, but don't be stupid Saya, we can't afford to lose you."
"Yeah yeah I know, just get me an opening please Master!" I begged.

 After the words fleeted from my mouth, all the Cruisers fired a hole through the droid fleet with friendly fighters also making way for me to get through. I blast the afterburners straight through the enemy swarm that's been lesson by the commotion, just barely being hidden by smoke from a just destroyed fighter straight into the leftmost control ship hanger landing with an explosive entry. And immediately I jump out, igniting both, my straight emerald green saber in my left, and my yellow saber with a curved hilt similar to the Count's hilt himself in my right. I'll face him again one day, it's inevitable, like me. I land and immediately cut a group of B1 battle droids heads off with my yellow saber facing out, giving me more reach, but as I start to take fire from the army that quickly form from my landing, I swiftly doge left to right almost able to doge the sight of a human eye. Left, pop goes the heads of 3, right, pop goes 5, jump through the air on an almost straight path through the thick of the army, spinning with a light show if one were to be an onlooker at this chaotic organization of flying red plasmic bolts going to a mix of yellow and green, then proceeding to fly straight back at the shooter with twice the velocity. I land on my feet with a thunderous "BOOM" with what seems like an explosion that incinerates half of the whole hanger with an electric yellow glow seeming like yellow lighting exploded from the epicenter of the explosion. When the smoke cleared, it seemed that everything within a 5 meter radius was completely incinerated, and everything within 40 meter radius was heavily damaged, and any technology within eye shot was either scrape or short-circuiting, but all B1 battle droids and super battle droids were out. 

I sighed with relief with little heavy breathing when I looked around me, but with no time to rest, 6 Vulture droid fighters came through the hanger's magnetic shield door, transforming to walk on its pronged wings like they were legs. They scanned me and started raining a flurry of red down onto me, but with my lightning fast reflexes, I raised my sabers to block the incoming hellfire from all six fighter's. Then came the flurry being deflected in any direction possible, and I could just barely see the 6 droids started to surround me by going behind my back, but I ain't done yet. As I'm blocking, jumping, spinning, twisting on a micrometer, I stomp with a mighty force, launching through the air, slowly spinning straight for a Vulture that has became the prey. Bolts whizzing by me, inches, centimeters near my skin, singeing my arm hairs to their roots. I land on top of the droid with a thunderous boom crunching where my foot had landed, driving my sabers straight through the brain of the story high droid, with a counterclockwise rotation around my back, dragging my sabers across the metal of the droid, I leap off the droid landing with the feathers and fly forward with a flashing dash slicing through 2 other droids legs, leaving gravity do its magical job. 3 down, 3 to go, but with little time left. I launch forward running on hairs dipping and dodging blots, I leap up slicing through one leg of a droid and pushing off of its gravity taken hull, coming down on another droid's leg, cutting with ease. I land like a leaf in the autumn skies, and launch with a swift leap, flying my yellow saber straight down the middle of the 6th and final droid with no time to spare.

 I land with caution, ready to fend off another foe, but none came at that second, so I took the opportunity and ran with it straight to where the main reactors should lie. I swiftly sprint with force leaps through the air to get to the reactor, the ship is 270th of a circle with a ball where the command center is, the middle is the only connected between the back of the ball and the inner back of the circle, that's where the reactor is, im at the left most side, may take me a minute to reach it, but I can get there without being seen. My plan was to quickly fix and rewrite a Vulture droid's code to go with my command, not going to be the best work but it will work, hopefully. I had to act fast because I knew there were going to be hundreds more droids to come to see the commotion, I'd say within the minute. The codes used on the droids are not the best, because of mass production, so It was an easy fix, I just needed it to fly a small bit. It comes back to life with a putt to its movement, I directed it to start flying while I'm on its back, putting the whole time with smoke, just what I needed. I start to move forward as fast as possible. As we get around the hundreds of battle droids below, I'm starting to speed up, and as I see the reactor room, I could hear B1's yell " HEY! STOP! YOUR GOING TO FAST" in their robotic voice. Before I hit the Shield covering the reactor room, I jump off to the left where the blast door is for the room. With the distraction of the droid smashing into the shield, I use this time to slowly cut through the blast doors with both sabers starting at the bottom of the door, going up and around to form a circle I can fit through. I was through within a Minute, unnoticed, or so I was led to believe. When I get into the reactor room, I throw explosives all over the reactors, with a detonation in T minus 1 minute. I fly out of the room, calling for 411 to bring my ship as fast as possible, 55. Running across the hanger, I'm spotted by the hundreds of battle droids, which immediately start firing right as they see me 50. The explosion of the fighter droid caused a chain to nearby explosive barrels, exploding more Vulture droids causing tons of smoke and fires to spread around the hangar area, 45. As I'm running, my yellow saber is blocking multiple bolts flying at me while I'm jumping, spinning, performing acrobatic movements while being shot by hundreds of droids, from B1's, to super's, to droideka's, all firing at me, adding to the smoke, 35. Running with young blood in my veins, I perform 1, 2, 3 long jumps and leap onto the side of a slanted destroyed Vulture droid, 30. I jump up, reaching for the cloudy sky just as 411 swoops in predictively shoving my hand into the side of the sharp A-wing hull, 25. I grab the side of the hull and pull myself up into the cockpit, grabbing the controls, 20. I spin to the exit with roughly 67° of the hanger I need to shoot out of, I fire the afterburners using the circumference of the circle and my fighters movment to my advantage, 15. Pushing forward, I am drifting an A-wing around the hangar of a Separatist capital ship skimming the walls centimeters away from an explosive fiery death, 10. I barely screamed out of the hanger, to be able to see a view of the capital ship flying stright for the other Sepie capital ship, 5. Im still firing the afterburners to try and attempt to get a safe distance away from the soon to be collision sight, 4. I let 411 take the control's, 3. I turn my head to look back, 2. I see the collision of the 2 270° hangers, 1. I watch as i get the view of a star being formed right infront of my eyes, and seeing many Sepie Cruisers being absolutely engulfed by the flames, and a blast wave decimating the Vulture droids… blast wave…. BLAST WAVE! Just then I'm thrown far, along with the debri. I manged to gain control of the craft and start performing advanced monuvers to avoid being hit by debrie that will demolishe me and my tiny fighter. 

"Saya, can you hear me? Saya?" Master Obi-Wan Kenobi pleaded.
"Yeah, yeah master, I'm good, I'm fine. Woo…!" I said with a sigh of relief.
Chapter 3

 The explosion had decimated the Separatist forces leaving 4 Cruisers sustaining heavy or mild damages, but with an opening, Obi-Wan and I travel to the ground along with Captain Cody to go for a large ground assault. Master Obi-Wan's plan was to drop in and gather our troops and split them between Obi-Wan and commander Cody. We were west, they were east. The Separatists had the high ground seeing as they had a cliff to their advantage. Flying in on gunships, we were taking heavy fire from their anti aircraft cannons. Commander Cody and I are debriefing the squad on the way to the rally point, seeing gunships after gunship falling to the rocky ground in a fiery explosive ball of red hot metal, and screams, with no plants in sight, just rocks, gunships, and red streaks flying by. Explosions booming right next to us with our doors right open. We have been ordered and ordering troops to stay far away from the mountain top gun fortifying the mountain top of the cliff, leaving that gun for the gunships and the best of the clone troopers, or ARC (Advanced Recon Commandos) troopers to deal with that later, seeing as a ground assault is too dangerous for us. As some of the clones have said, it's not an easy mission, but hops are high. 

"30 seconds until landing." A clone trooper yelled to me and Cody.
Cody starts with "All right, listen up! Maintain squad formations, 'A' squad, You're on me-" ZZZZZEEEROW- BOOOM!
"Where hit!" I yell "Everyone! Hold on!"
Before we hit the ground I leap out of the gunship with a backwards somersault, force pulling all the troops out of the burning fireball heading for the ground, grabbing all of the men, including the 2 pilots at the front, breaking through the windows. I land like rain from the sky, catching the troops I just pulled out with my powers and have them roughly land on the fluffy rocks next to our now downed gunship, no casualties yet. I rush over to take cover under our gunship on its left side behind enemy lines. I sit and meditate as they come up with a plan.
"What's the status lieutenant?" Cody asked
"5 injured thanks to General Saya, but that's not that bad news… Does that Rock look familiar?" The lieutenant asked.
"Yea, the mountain, right where we're not supposed to be." Said Cody
"General Kenobi ordered us not to try taking this section from the ground." The lieutenant regenerated back again with what was already established.
"That's what he said…but what would the general do if he were here?" Cody rhetorically asked.
"Saya sir, what do you think?" A trooper asked me somewhat desperately.
"I think Cody should take this one, I've got your back Cody." I answered with my legs crossed, eyes closed, slightly levitating over the rocks.
"Eight-Eight-Six-Seven through Eight-Eight-Six-Nine and Saya, fix your grapples and come with me. Everybody, prepare for covering fire." Cody ordered.
I get up, eyes still shut, ready to block anything coming our way.
"NOW!" Cody yells, sprinting across what is our no-man's-land
I open my eyes, ignite my Sabers, Green in left, yellow in right, and dash towards the now incoming blaster fire. I sense it, left side, block, right side, deflect, one for Cody, deflected. We get to some stalagmites at the bottom of the mountain, sustaining heavy fire, I pose as a distraction for all the fire, deflecting as many blots as I can back at the metal men. One troop trips and falls, pow, bolt straight through the head. Cody and the men shoot the grappling hooks up towards the top of the mountain and start climbing. I jump from my spot reigniting my sabers, driving them through the mountain side, helping me grab hold with my feet. And when I look up, I see a grapple fall behind me. I tried to grab the rope but I was too late. When I managed to obtain it, he had already hit the ground. Another tragedy, one that never had to happen, life being wasted away. I look up, a droid stairs emotionlessly down into my emotion filled eyes. A blue bolt shoots past me, impacting the droid's head, sending the body backwards.
Cody and the other clone rises from the cliff side as I leap up from the side, landing in front of the clones and immediately start deflecting with my 2 sabers having nothing pass. Cody takes this opportunity to run around my defense and attacks the droids head on, bashing one droid with the butt of his rifle and swinging his rifle at another, destroying both of them. The droid manning the anti aircraft gun turns and aims at Cody. Instinctively I jump in front of the cannon as it fires, I deflect the large bolt away with my right yellow saber, knocking my body to the right, making me stumble. But with the motion throwing me to the right, I use the momentum to throw my green saber with my left hand, impaling the droid in the metal chest. Cody then hops onto the turret, points the gun at the droids firing at our men, and lets loose, destroying all in its reticle.
"Thanks General, I owe you one, ill getcha next time." Cody said slowly getting off the turret.
"You're alright my friend, just pay it forward, let's go see how Obi-Wan did." I slightly worried, staring off to the north.

 We group up at the randevu, where we have set base camp on the planet in a small raven a bit away from where we captured the cliff with some makeshift scouting towers dotted around our position. Obi-Wan had more resistance than what he had anticipated, he was a little banged up, but he was fine in the end. This was a huge victory seeing as we have been able to set base on a planet that allows us to get resources through this hyperspace route and onto parts of the army past this point. Before, General Grievous snipped our route to where we couldn't get resources to our army on the other side from Coruscant. 

Chapter 4

 12 hours later, we have rested and have managed to build up a good base incase of a surprise attack. We are still fighting a few fronts of Separatist holdouts with a fortress a few klicks west, or about 4 miles west. 

I sit in my tent meditating, reflecting back on the weeks events, and what Ahsoka was doing back at the temple, training hard. I recite what I did with an almost overwhelming amount of blaster fire attempting to fly into me, how I was just mostly averting the blots away from me and not in a direction that would benefit me most.
'RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE'

 The ground started to shake out of nowhere, breaking my peace. I rush out of my tent, only to be met with a face full of B2 battle droid. I jump back over my tent flipping onto my feet as I see my tent being lit into flames from heavy bolt fire flying at me. Igniting both my sabers, I deflect the incoming fire away from me up into the sky as much as I physically could. I took a glance around, it was becoming more sunlit as we fought. It was a slaughter, clones dying left and right, Kenobi was on the Command ship getting patched, so it was just me, and the clones down here, being manicured. With a swift right step, I change lightsaber form, combining my form 3, (defensive form blocking anything coming way, and either making, or waiting for an opening to strike) with a combination of form 2 (saber to saber form, putting least amount or saber movement and preferring precise efficient movements) and form 4 (saber from using the force to enhance physical abilities, and heavily utilizing fast acrobatic movements to move around and disorient the opponents, using wide sweeping saber movements to block and hit targets) I use the power if the many bolts to propel my body onto my right leg, crouching down and taking a huge lead in to the air. Looking around like it is moving in stop motion, I see thousands of droids around, completely outnumbering my men. Glancing down where I had jumped from, there seems to be a super battle droid rising from the ground, looking as if it has been there for at least a few days. Time seems to start like normal again, immediately I have to block bolts coming for my body, twisting, turning, deflecting every. single. bolt. right to another droid. I can't have any more unneeded deaths in my hands. I land with an impactful explosion of yellow lighting, rendering half of the electronics on the field obsolete. Shots fire over the wall, exploding near me. 

"Everyone, Retreat!" I yelled into the comms.
I ran towards the lieutenant that I had survived the crash with, he was running for a troop transport.
"Get to the ships, return to the Venators! Get Kenobi and relay what has happened!" Urgency blowing through my voice.

 I push him into the ship as it takes off. As it's doing so, I force push it away from the field as to be in less danger of being shot down. But rockets fly through the air, I reach through the force and grab onto the hurdling death traps, I grab 1, 2, crash them into one another, 3, grab, 4, grab, 5, miss. ERRROW… BOOOM! With a hopeless explosion, the ship bursts into an explosive ball of fire, right in front of my eyes, out of my grasp. Shots fly past my head from behind me, I ignite my sunlit yellow saber to block incoming bolts. No men, only metal remains, and it wants me dead. I dash for my ship on the other side of the airstrip, luckily barely touched from this horrible surprise party that invited everyone I very much dislike. Hopping into my A-wing, I lift-off dogging left, right, up, down, roll left, roll right, barely being passed by on all sides by cannon fire. When I reach the point past the clouds, there's a whole war above. Separatist forces have surprised Kenobi with an overwhelming number of ships, putting our war torn 12 Venators against 16 Munificent class Cruisers. We were greatly out matched. But the time I was in space we had lost 3 Vectors compared to there 1 lost. Droids noticed me coming from the planet and started to verge onto my position. 

"Obi-Wan! You there? Can you hear me?" I yelled, pulling evasive maneuvers.
"Saya, is that you?" Kenobi asked.
"Yes, we got surprised on the ground, seems the same happened here." I rushingly said.
"Yes, they came out of nowh-" Kenobi is cut off by a blaring siren from my cockpit.
"Wait, my ship is damaged, it's starting up my hyperdrive, 411 can you fix it?" I said dipping left and right while trying to stop the hyperdrive activation.
With a few bleeps of fear, I understand what's happening.
"When I was thrown from the capital ship explosive wave, I must have been hit near the hyperdrive, and explosions from my escape, along with the maneuvers I have been pulling, it may have caused damage that is registering a hyperdrive activation. Master Obi-Wan, I don't know, I-I don't know what to do!" I claimed with fear in my eyes.
"Can you deactivate the hyperdrive at all 411?" Kenobi asked
411 bleeps with a sad toon.
"Blast, Saya, does it say where you're going?"
"N- No, my council just says ERROR." I stated, now with much fear in my voice.

 I managed to steer my craft into the position of the hyperspace lane. 

"Tell Ahsoka good bye if I don't-" I get cut off when the the hyperdrive powered up woth a vvvvvvvvvvvVVVVERRRRRRR PEEOW, and just like that, me, my A-wing, and R2-411, are gone.
Chapter 5

 It's been days since the battle, mabe 2 or 3 days. Luckily I always keep many ration bars in my fighter to last me a good few days, along with my extra water and my ability to go into a deep meditative state, conserving food and water. Keeping me company is my meditation and 411. We have almost hit some unknown objects, could have been planets, asteroids, other ships, but we seem to be staying in hyperspace lanes luckily, or I would have been dead a long time ago. My class 2 hyperdrive could have taken me all over the galaxy by now, I could be heading towards Coruscant right now for all I know. 

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
My hyperdrive warning kicked on, showing that there is a massive gravity force in my path. The console flashed with big red dangerous letters "Exiting Hyperdrive" on the screen.
"YES! FINALLY!" I yelled with excitement.

 I watch through the glass to see a barren looking planet, and a similar looking moon, a moon I was heading to. I was moving fast, as I entered the moon's atmosphere, Im grabbing the controls, barely anything. My craft is red hot from the rate at which I'm coming in on. I'm grabbing the stick, pulling back as much as I can, as to try and save myself and 411 from a fiery death. I scraped by a big rocky mountain dealing more damage to my A-wing. 

"HOLD ON 411!"
"Come ooooon. Pull pull pullllll…. Ahhhhhhhhh!!!-" VERRROW BOOOOSH!!! The crash landing sounded like a bomb flying through the air, then landing on its target. I try to get from my seat just to find my strap and window will not open. Using my saber I cut off my seat strap and broke the window from the hinges and leaped out, taking 411 from the craft, swiftly landing on a tall mountainous rock. The craft seemed to have pushed through the land 50 meters from the initial impact spot. The area I was in seemed to be very rocky terrain with many rocky canyons and huge rocks that are almost mountainous. The sun was close to setting down for the night but was still a good hour away from sleeping.

 With the force by my side, I felt a very uneasy sensation telling me to stay out of sight. I duck down on the tall skinny rock taking 411 down with me. 411 confusingly bleeps when I do so. "Hey, I have a feeling right now, just keep quiet real quick, there's somebody coming. Trust me." Me and 411 peer over the edge looming over my crashed ship just as a group of 6 men in full armor covering their whole body fly in with jetpacks strapped to their backs, blasters in hand. As they land, they search around my wreckage, presumably looking for survivors. One seems to be ordering the others around, pointing at one to look in one direction, another a different direction, and scanning around for the unexpected visitor. I look down at my Wrist link, my distress signal wasn't sent, I guess that was damaged from entering the planet at such high speed with no deflector shields surrounding the ship like a protective blanket. 

"Blast, 411, what's your S.O.S signal situation, did it go through?" 411 beeps with a little drama like I should know it didn't go through.
"Well sorry for busting your rusty bolts you rowdy rancor, better to try than to just give up mister sassy pants. Maybe I should wipe your memory for a change, see how you like it."
"Now shush, don't want them to find us spying on them, won't look too good." I demand. "Now here, in case we get caught, I don't want them to know I'm a Jedi, so here, take my sabers, I'm not gonna need them anyways." I said shoving my lightsabers into 411's storage compartment and looking towards the crash again.

 Just then the suit of armor that had been commanding his squad bursts up into my view right on my face out of hyperspace blue. 

"Ah, found ya trespassers, you 2 are coming with me." Demanded the Mandalorian with a snickering sound in his voice as the others rise from the portal of the abyss from down below.

 It was a good thing my ropes where in the tent back on Sarrish, or this may have been an even worse situation, Mangalorians like them hate Jedi with a passion, and it's a good thing I always have a broken blaster in 411 for any cases where I need to blend in with a crowd or pose as a normal civilian; although, the ability to become a civilian at any point is great, I've had little need to do so much. I'm quite popular with the people for being one who tries to connect with the population as a fellow citizen. So I rarely stay in the temple for too long. I love being with the people and learning skills without the force, like being a mechanic, electrician, public speaker, security guard, an all around great person to talk with about anything. I'm quite known on all levels of Coruscant for being one of the most friendly Jedi to be around. Right now though, I need to focus on not being caught, at least That's what my gut is telling me. After they searched my character for any weapons and found the broken blaster that 411 had put in my holster where my lightsaber usually is, they were satisfied and pushed us into one of their big Kom'rk Mark 1 class Mandalorian starfightetransport ship. 

(Look in comments for 6th)

“Melody,” I suppose…
Then I’ll be “Kuromi.”
“Roulette.”
…!
I’ll take my second choice, then. Call me “Zero.”
Please address me as “Kira” from now on.
T-that’s an…interesting codename. Hehe...n-not creepy at all!
Anyway, I’ll be “Mecha,” 'cuz that’s short for “mechanic”!
Guess you guys can call me “Leaf.” Despite the circumstances, it’s nice to meet you all.
“Misao” is totally better than all your terrible codenames!
“Smile” seems fitting, I suppose...
Oh, I know, I know! I’m the one and only “–”!
“Dash,” huh?
No, no, no! It’s “–”!
That’s what I said!
Nuh uh! You said “Dash,” which is way wrong and you should feel really bad about yourself. I’m “–”!
...
One by one, the fifteen came up with codenames, and introduced themselves to the group. After everyone had named themselves, Monotaro threw Monopads to each of them.
Okay, don’t forget those codenames! And don’t forget this very important fact: the mastermind’s gonna strike again!
You won’t know how, you won’t know exactly when, but some innocent sap’s blood’s gonna be on your hands tomorrow if you don’t act! Ahahahaha!
Monokuma vanished. Monotaro stayed behind, briefly, as if he’d again forgotten his cue.
Oh! Right! So long, bear-well!
And then Monotaro was gone, too. With his departure, the fifteen were seemingly left to their own devices for the day. On top of everything they’d just heard about being thrown into a killing game with a murderous mastermind, there was still the matter of what to do with the unfortunate dead boy in the Library.
Could we…bury him?
Of course we can, Melody. This building must contain tools we can use, and there’s plenty of space outside to choose a lovely spot worthy of your classmate.
Yeah, what, uh, Kira said! It’ll look…nice.
Sounds like a plan. Who wants to help me carry him out?
I was the one who found him, so I sort of feel obligated to volunteer.
Then I’ll go grab a shovel from the warehouse. I didn’t have a lot of time to check it, but I know there’s gotta be one in there!
The fifteen became a procession, as the dead boy was carried out of the Library and up the stairs. Everyone went along, and outside, though they were trapped in a domed cage under a blue sky, there was a stone set in the grass around the back of the Academy building that marked a good, picturesque place to lay someone to rest. It was a natural gravestone.
Once the hole was dug, and the dead boy lowered into the hole, Melody said a few words.
I…don’t remember his name. I don’t think I knew him very well, either. I…remember wanting to, though…
She told the group about a memory she had of the dead boy, about a time he’d cared for an injured crane. Once she’d finished, one voice piped up. It was Dash.
All those pretty vague details about this random guy…you sure you’re not just lying for attention? That’d be pretty messed up.
That caused a bit of commotion, but the impromptu funeral was soon over. The rest of the day stretched out in front of the fifteen, trapped in this strange place, with strange people, playing a strange—and already deadly—killing game.
I know what Monokuma said. But he said what he said to get us to distrust each other. Even if there is a mastermind among us, we need to stick together. So, do you guys want to get something to eat? We’ll get a chance to get to know each other better.
Good idea.
That’s an acceptable proposition.
Hmph…whatever. But I’m only going with you losers because I’m hungry!
After finding the Dining Hall stocked with food, the hungry fifteen settled down to eat and learn a little bit about the group. It was clear that everyone’s memories were hazy, about almost everything, though there were bits and pieces that people still remembered of their past lives before being trapped here. This strange collective amnesia was puzzling, to say the least. While they couldn’t do anything about that, they could try to figure out as much as they could about this “Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles.”
We’re all sticking together until we find an exit. Everyone got that?
There has to be something Monokuma and Monotaro overlooked, right?
Right! We’ll definitely find a way out of here!
Things did not go quite so swimmingly.
As a group, the fifteen spent the rest of the day exploring the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles, trying to find a way out that their captors had overlooked. They uncovered many things during their search, as every floor of the Academy was open to them, and there were several other buildings to investigate, as well. Many rooms they could get into, but a few doors were locked.
One such door was the Ultimate ??? Research Lab on the Fifth Floor of the Academy building. Another was the sixteenth dorm room in the dormitory building, the one the group presumed to be the dead boy’s. The third was a futuristic-looking door in the Courtyard. And the last, found late in the day, when they were all feeling tired and some felt discouraged, was the underground metal hatch, protected by its electric barrier. Some felt hopeful that, at last, they’d found what they’d been looking for.
It was then that Monokuma showed up for the second time.
Thinking of going somewhere?
So sorry to burst your recently-blown bubbles, but getting through here’s a no-go without the code!
But since I’m such a nice bear, I’ll give it to one person, free of charge!
Puhuhu…who wants to be the lucky one? All you’ve gotta do is stop the mastermind’s killing spree with a kill of your own! Do that, and get away with murder, and the code’s all yours! Pretty easy, right?
Monokuma’s offer left the group at another dead end.
Somehow, guys, we’ll find that code. I’m sure of it.
Even if that exit sign is the truth, this killing game won’t end so quickly, once someone decides to kill.
I mean, come on. The game’s already started. We buried what’s-his-name today. The mastermind could even be one of us!
Still, her determination, in spite of the grim reality…it really is inspiring. We shouldn’t waste that hope!
Unfortunately, you just said it yourself, did you not? That hope has no place in our reality.
There was no further debate, as everyone was too tired from the long day. However, it wasn’t as if all were determined to leave things on such a negative note. At dinner, Kuromi and Melody had a proposal for the rest.
Melody and I will be hosting a little concert after in the Ultimate Pianist Research Lab for anyone who wants to come.
Hopefully, Kuromi and I can put on a show everyone can enjoy.
Two girls offering to put on a concert just for me? Hell yeah! No way I’m gonna miss that!
I believe they said they were hosting it for everyone, Mecha. Of course I’ll attend.
No way. Listening to whatever music you wanna play sounds like a good way to die of boredom.
Wouldn’t it be safest to stay in a larger group, Misao?
Hmph…fine.
Most agreed to go to Melody and Kuromi’s concert, but a few did not.
Pass.
…No thanks.
I will return to my room instead.
Go ahead and pretend everything’s gonna be okay if you want. See ya tomorrow…or maybe not! Nee-heehee!
As those four left for the dormitory building, the rest headed up to the Ultimate Pianist Research Lab, where Kuromi’s piano playing and Melody’s singing serenaded them all. At least, until…
DING-DONG-BING-BONG!
Hiya! It’s now 10 p.m. Sleep tight and sweet dreams, you bastards!
Monotaro’s announcement marked the day’s end. And the impending arrival of a new one, when the mastermind would be free to kill again…

The next morning...

As the fifteen had previously agreed to meet for breakfast the next day, after Monotaro’s 8 a.m. announcement, most made their way to the dining hall. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the early morning’s quiet peace to be shattered, as Misao had to sit near Mecha.
Ugh, you reek!
…!
WAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!
Hey! That was really rude, Mecha!
Not cool.
…
O-okay, okay, I didn’t mean like that, all right?
Ngh…hic…hic…I-it’s not my fault!
I can’t take a shower! I…I can’t tie my kimono sash by myself…
Don’t worry, Misao. I’ll help teach you how to tie it after we eat, okay? So, you don’t have to cry anymore.
…!
…O-okay, Smile.
Look, I’m sorry.
Huh? Who said that?
Oh, you're still alive. You smell so shitty, I thought the mastermind had already killed you or something!
After all that commotion, it took some time for the group to realize that they were one person short. Dash hadn’t shown up.
I had wondered where he was. Perhaps the mastermind has already struck?
Come on, seriously? Dash’s alive, just probably being a real pain in the ass somewhere.
Well, that’s probably true, but we still have to find him.
Yeah, we can’t abandon a party member!
Shall we organize into groups?
Most of those present then organized into small groups to search. A few others had different plans of how they were going to spend their morning. However, everyone agreed to meet up again for lunch at noon.

A little before 12 pm, in the Dining Hall…

Back in the Dining Hall, a few had arrived for lunch earlier than the others.
Where the hell is that guy, anyway?
Dunno. He’s still alive, though, I just know it.
…
Suddenly, Dash strolled in, acting as if he was without a care in the world.
What’s the food situation looking like, guys? I’m starving!
Dash! It’s so nice to see you unharmed!
As Dash got some cereal ready for himself, and as the others began walking in, the conversation obviously turned to where he’d been all morning.
Hey! We’ve been searching for you all morning, asshole! We looked around outside, we tried your room…where the hell were you?!
Oh, was that racket you guys? Nee-heehee…I was too busy plotting murder to open my door. You know how it is.
H-huh?!
Acting this way is playing right into Monokuma’s hands, Dash. This is exactly what he wants!
They didn’t spend their entire lunch talking about Dash’s disappearance, however.
There’s something everyone here should know. I found a Secret Door behind a moving bookcase in the Library. There was a Card Reader next to it.
Fenrir and I tried to find a way inside pretty much all morning.
…No luck.
And there’s one more thing. Just a question I’ve got. Anyone ever heard of the “Ultimate Hunt”?
First time I’m hearing of it.
Maybe…it has something to do with the Ultimate Research Labs?
It’s definitely a possibility.
Guess no one else knows either, huh. It was just in a random book in the Library, so I didn’t have high hopes. Anyway, that’s all I had.
There was one more topic of conversation at lunch.
Since we’re all here, I’d like to host a get-together in the Ultimate Cosplayer Research Lab after lunch. Think of it as…a chance to talk about ourselves. Maybe if we all do that, we’ll start remembering more things about ourselves. It’s worth a try, right?
Of course it’s worth a try, Kanata!
…
I could take some pictures during it, too, if that’s okay.
…!
A lovely idea!
Sounds like fun.
Put me down as a maybe.
If you’re sure me joining in wouldn’t be too much…
I-I’ll go, but I don’t wanna share stuff in front of everyone! Just Smile!
Well, it’s my get-together, so I have to be there, too…but we’d have until dinner. It’s plain to see we’d have time for everyone who wants to be there.
With some plans decided, the group of fifteen went their separate ways, promising to all meet up again at dinner…

6 pm, in the Dining Hall once more...

Only fourteen people made it to dinner.
Has anyone seen Leaf?
…
…
N-not me…
He was in the building, if that helps. I saw him a couple of times.
So did I…
Well, Dash was fine before, right? Leaf must be, too.
…Crossbow parts and bolts are missing from the Ultimate Assassin Research Lab.
…!
The parts themselves are useless unless someone knows how to put them together to make the weapon, but still. It’s out there.
I…I put it together earlier. Damnit…!
…Why?
…How?
I don’t know! I didn’t know I could! I was doing inventory, when all of a sudden…it was like I was possessed, and I put it together somehow! Then I ran outta there so fast, I forgot about the crossbow…!
H-how could you be so irresponsible?
Kyahaha! Star’s such a dumbass!
Yeah, like hell I’m gonna be your friggin’ sidekick! You did something way worse than what I did!
I know, I know, but I’m gonna make it right! I’m gonna find that missing crossbow if it’s the last thing I do!
Well, okay, you do that, but we still need to find Leaf. I can search in the building here, top to bottom. Who’s coming with me, and who wants to search outside?
Search teams searching for Leaf inside the Academy, searching for Leaf outside on the grounds, and searching for the missing crossbow in the Academy were figured out. With three distinct goals in mind, the fourteen split up and searched…

Just before 9:15 pm, at the bottom of the Basement stairs...

Who…wuzzat…Nee…hee…hee…
Don’t try to move around, okay? You’re hurt.
Mecha and Star soon came down the stairs, and were shocked to see what they saw. Zero and Kuromi were tending to Dash, who was bleeding from a somewhat-bandaged head wound.
Is he okay?!
W-what the hell happened to him?
I shouldn’t complain, but I’m glad you’re the last two down here. I won’t have to repeat this horrible story anymore…
As Zero recounted what had happened, other voices could be heard in the Library, too. When the late arrivals entered the library, they were met with another shocking scene.
…!
N-no fuckin’ way…
They saw blood in the Library. Blood covered a toppled tower of books, and a trail of blood led to the moving bookcase and the Secret Door. And, everyone besides Leaf was accounted for.
Several things soon happened in quick succession: Fenrir and Zero took Dash upstairs to check his wound; Melody ran out of the room, while Kuromi followed her; and Star began pounding on the Secret Door.
Leaf! Leaf! If you’re in there, try to open the door! Come on!
Leaf! Please!
If you can hear us, say something!
The rest just stood there, as if shell-shocked. Kira called for Monokuma to explain this horrible sight. Without a body, the bear would not confirm or deny that anything had happened to anyone. However, the black-and-white bear had this to say…
I told everyone, didn’t I? The mastermind will kill another each day, unless someone else does it first.
Monotaro’s 10 pm night time announcement would play soon enough. Those who hadn’t left already would leave the bloody crime scene in the Library. They would then leave the Academy building together. Some would try to keep the group together. Most would just head to bed, and await the next day.
Tomorrow, their number would possibly shrink even further at the mastermind’s bloody hands…
…Unless someone else killed first.
Hey everyone, Tri here again with the second preview. The third should be the last.
I'll need to hold signups for Chiaki. The signup date and time will be finalized when the third preview is posted. So, look forward to that.
More to come. :)