Philippe

The relationship of Jihan with Shan is so precious, but also the subtle communication and coordination between the power couple of the Manor. Shan negotiating his family time with cousins, away from school, is as truly influenced by the merchant and yet Shan is very much following through on his negotiated Shadow Guard training too. The commander and merchant are choreographed in lock-step on parenting the young prince. His development is sheltered from the true burdens of the commander as that is beyond reasonable of the young commander in waiting, but the building blocks of strength, endurance, and close in assault will prepare him on a scale he can handle now. The merchant skills of negotiation, supply impacts, and money flows in trade and barter will make a very powerful and strategically attuned commander. Seeing the cousins starting to bond is fantastic for the future leaders of the kingdoms; and who better than prince son of the military and merchant couple to lead the more balanced relationship of these future leaders. And with the keen understanding of trade, to have the financial pulse of the kingdom, and the network of logistics in peace and conflict, the biggest threat to their success is themselves; and I don’t see that happening with Jihan inspiring mature mental growth. @lilansuithis story is so fulfilling in story development and rewarding with the character connections. I wonder if you’ve considered a type of teenaged years spin-off for the young cousins? Perhaps diplomatic terrorism that brings the discretely trained and surprisingly prepared prince cousins to the forefront of activity. 😝 Hey, these characters and the potential growth in bonding has much to offer for a leap-series. 🙃 Thank you so much for creating and sharing this world by @lilansui!

Either here or on another story thread I believe you spoke of back pain medications. Ironically, I fell 20’ compressing and crushing much of the length of my spine; fortunately the alignment kept the impingement to medium and I suffered no loss of sensation or motor function. The bad part was shrinking over 1-1/2” in height and all the severe pain involved with the compressed nerve endings. My hospitalization care and rehabilitation for release to therapy was around a month. I was mostly separated from family as they were in Florida and this happened in Alabama; nearly 550 miles away. With pain so extreme at times I would be to the point of active vomiting if not very nauseous. Two months after the accident I was able to discontinue morphine and then the OxyContin at around 5 months. When in Rehabilitaion, the Collie used for emotional therapy would come over to visit me. It was a necessary break before the pain and strain would allow another activity, but then she would observe patiently and then come back to me for the next break. Animals are a great distraction from one’s limitations, frustrations, and even the pain they must endure. Even after years my own dog understands when and how much energy she can exhibit in her interaction with me; some days it’s more, yet others she gently puts her front legs on my legs and eases up to allow me to pet her when my back otherwise doesn’t allow the flexibility to reach down to her. She looks and a simple nod let’s her know it’s her that has to come to me that day. I’m sure your mother must have gotten some comfort in some form by these community therapy pets. I’m sorry for the inevitable sunset you had to accept for her journey, but happy that your mother was able to share some more pleasant thoughts and memories as she approached her own sunset.

Interesting points that all touch on a possible twist that the Puritans themselves can’t understand. They have a sort of sex lust (likened to the mindless blood lust) but it lacks the partnership connection; perhaps too many generations of reproduction via test tubes?? So drive without logic or reason?? Ironically, they may find out, all to close to their own demise, that Sage plays an integral role in Adam’s ability to produce at levels necessary to regenerate their connection and the compassion necessary for they sustainable reproductive health. So we can only hope the Puritans figure out the interdependencies of our young human friends; keep they safe and then honor their wishes or allow an alternative solution to the Earth and few friends left behind.

I’ve heard, seen, and to some degree lived these male statistics; it’s more likely for men to also own their situation as men traditionally buck-up; we’re taught to man-up, boys don’t cry, and to solve our own problems too. I was hoping after all the begging, demanding, encouraging, Joey has given Dean, that he would call Joey for that last bit of help and support to go immediately for a rape kit and police report; they would be able to get the DNA from the spit, the shirt wipe, and obviously from the anal swabbing. Men need to understand that it is a non-sexist, unbiased, DNA test that confirms the interaction; that, in itself would be rather damning for his dear rapist uncle. But the physical evidence, beyond the semen, will easily support Dean’s claims; and then the knowledge by his confidants will bring undeniable confirmation that the uncle is a sick MoFo!

"Morels… MORELS? Brandon, that boy knows no morels; if he did, I wouldn't have caught him fornicating with that devil child from number sixty-one." Maybe the inability to properly identify mushrooms does contribute to fornication amongst young males…there was this one time, at band camp….

50 shades of gray?…or was that blush? 😛 Magnets only oppose each other until one flips to the attractive end….I mean correct polarity! @Laura S. Fox, shame on you writing that manuscript part for a straight boy; now he’s all confused,…but still very willing to “pull” his weigh! That’s just not the growler the roommates expected him to be working on. 😅 A great chapter with a good chuckle 🤭!

OMG, I never expected the cornerstone of maturity and responsibility, for his age, to lose his rational thinking and blurt silent thoughts; but then to also act on them, no Ro, no, nothing good can come of this. 🤦‍♂️ Good for Jack, though technically breaking a promise, fear for health and/or harm outweighs the partnership privacy with the high level necessary for that help. Joey and Olly Orca have rediscovered their more fundamental friendship as they set out to apologize and clear the stress of the recent event. So glad that they have re-established their bond, but the underlying problems they both face, with the betrayal by Roman and Jack to kiss and to declare attractions, is a devastating development; ironically a self fulfilling prophecy of Joey’s fears. This could forever change the relationships and trust with Joey is already needing help and the Fish may not be much stronger. 😢 The horizon has a stormy appearance…

Wow, it has been so long in the storyline development that I nearly missed that this is the “Tony”; that Adam went to in the height of his desperation; not the parents, not Sage, but Tony. It’s nice to see that character reappear as we switch between the Earth and Purity settings. Adam was saved by the Puritans no doubt but, in the ways of old, how much do you compromise your own ethics, morality, and even humanity, when an alien race values their privacy over your rights tho live. Their society is dying but their savior deserves some honesty in their act of galactic kidnapping and medical trials. Adam has been too trusting, perhaps as he was saved by them and they have been nice…to him. Sage can be an ass, but for now perhaps he is Adam’s social conscience …which gives credence to getting “Sage Advice.” @James Matthews, what a wonderful gay, coming of age, street kid, alien abduction, and parody of the different worlds societies create. Interesting 🧐 indeed!

Premature release…damn, I’m 16 again! The real post in progress!

@James Matthews, you very well deserve the comments and discussion generated; you’ve taken us through the tug-a-war of friendships and family, love and tragedy, and even given a living reminder of not only the loss in death, but the loss in life. Shuan couldn’t find comfort in his best friends, as his one best friend was his forbidden obsession and the other seen much as his family; a family he wouldn’t risk loosing, but that wouldn’t accept him as himself. He had found a love he couldn’t live without, a sad tragedy of young love without being able to see alternative futures. Jack had been living loss of family even before his tragedy; his dad made Jack’s home life a living hell and his school life wasn’t much better, but it was what he understood and then it was taken so tragically. Yet, he found his comfort and support in a control freak that loves him enough to grow past his own shortcomings; weight and counterweight for them to support each other’s growth into mature adults. Bravo in providing this adventure.

Ouch! Sorry to hear you’ve developed extra stones (pun) as I know how painful they can be. Best luck for a quick, and SMOOTH, passing of those bad boys. Mine was a simple single small stone that passed without notice or assistance, but oh so painful; it cut me up and made for few days of bloody shorts. Several tests later confirmed no other stones and no permanent damage.

Noooooo! Addicts are to be given a controlled weaning; least we induce toxic imbalances, and severe withdrawal complications. What shall we do without the potent cock-tail adventures of the shadow and the sun? Withdrawal from the still unknown Meep is even more complicated as the strengths and affects this new drug has is yet to be understood; though teased by the kaleidoscope in horticulture, the breaking of stone is definitely getting into the hard stuff. Meep of undetermined strengths, heritage and majik, of lineage(s) to be explored; yet the unknowns are intoxicating, especially when fate brought him to the mend the sun and conform the dark. The growth and command of Kalian’s powers are still too vague to recall, so that haze is obviously another drug craving to be weaned over time and with better understanding. @Demiurge, I believe perhaps 🤔 a couple dozen epilogues may help easy the pain…

Hooray, Bastion and Sage are showing I little more independent thinking. It’s nice that Bastion has made it beyond the deceit involved in his introduction to Levi. This brief life among the dragonkin has not been kind to Levi, but what a great reality check for the young dragon if he his truly destined for the crown of the clans this early in life.

Wow; so the underlying concerns Jack had after initially learning of Joey and Roman’s brotherly love history was tinged with his own story of young adult and barely legal first love; then possibly tossed and forgotten, or was it some else that changed the stars of the young lovers. But subconsciously, I believe Jack feels he was pushed while being under the influence of a love crush; so ‘Joey…were you forced or pushed’ was his question of Joey, but maybe for himself too! I believe he did good in disclosing being splash by the Orca, as it is bound to come up much like the awkward Roman/Joey deer in the headlights moment; then the small non-event turns in to a three ring circus! Besides, it means some ‘make up sex’ for couples therapy! 😝 My goodness, the make up sex is going to have Joey baited for daily confession; (Jack! Forgive me as I dreamed possible sexy thoughts of others, but I didn’t do it for real). 😮 Can you hold me, and ..my what a big stick you have, let’s do the bunny hop! I’m disappointed in Olly Orca, but hopefully this will be a growing experience and an overall chance for better group support among the boys. 🙏

Hmmm 🤔, is that a bed bug, or quiet 🤐 insect infesting their bed? Nope, not a peep from the Meep, but with the veracity of a woodpecker and the heart of a lion, the little tike is a fierce protector; from the cells of the dark damp dungeon to the posh pillows of the mansion, Meep is unrelenting. Perhaps that is the attraction that has been building the bond of the Talon “human” shadow. It is heartwarming to see the building trust and relationship between Meep and Talon, and it may be Kalian’s demand to get along, but the outer shell has been cracked and the mushy inner Talon is becoming a care bear. Anika is another paradox for Kalian and the misfits; has she been cleansed and redeemed, or is she still of “another mind?” Even is Anders is removed, does his pawns of altered minds continue to be soldiers of brainwashed training? Hanja, has that protective outer wrapper, but Tyren seems to have drawn him into a larger circle of emotional ties with the misfits; the defenses are down and he has definitely become more attached. Oh yes, the Ronco Bass-o-matic; it slices, it dices, it purees, it pours…, .Aaaaaaaaait’s the Ronco Bass-o-matic! @Demiurge, has re-invented and now introduce the newer version; the Demico Urge-o-dicer! Just imagine the size or numbers of pieces desired and voila…like instantly, the pieces all fall into place. Though I too would have liked to see Anders confined in one of Kalian’s contracting energy balls; perhaps enjoying his shocked 😮 observations as his severed digits and precious appendages swirling about, joining the pieces that “fall” to join the total towards his punitive count…as the ball shrinks and the count mounts before his remaining eye…(well, you get the point). Wow, what another exciting chapter, with Mr Cliffhanger stepping out to introduce…the next book? 😝

Oh yes another… Irony of age, In youth one hopes to contain the aroused excitement that may prevent reaching physical engagement, In maturity we hope to experience that aroused excitement that will fulfill beyond needing the physical engagement. Age of Irony. Has me wishing for another big spill to clean up

I couldn’t help but think “La vie boheme” , brothers, we’re close! - from the movie Rent 🤣 Brothers messing around a little in the exploring years, minors (Ro is only 17 now), is not like screwing your sister; it’s just not, it is mutual masturbation and harmless exploration. At that age I don’t even think it wise for people to think it gay or straight; as like this story portrays, the individuals may not even know themselves. I can actually identify with this storyline quite closely as I was there years younger than my oldest brother, and I thought is body development was very interesting 🧐 and worthy of exploring; it was after all what I expected would be happening to mine too. Much like Ro and Joey, after the brotherly exploration was completed with enough familiarity, and other friendships started to compete for interest and time, the natural progression of childhood development told us that it was a private thing that was not for discussion as we grew…sorta like not speaking of past sex partners, it is not just your business but a shared private history that requires mutual disclosure. The kiss and tell guys are the most insecure and insensitive in my mind. I think this gets awkward as the family ties make some people think that because of locational availability the isolated or occasional youthful adventures somehow becomes a routine affair into adulthood…how many of them have sustained sex with a masturbation or circle jerk partner from adolescent days? So I put this into a category more like being jealous of a love interest’s sex partner history; with a mix of I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours…and we’ll just both be mutual sex offenders due to age limit inability to consent? Huh? I can’t believe Jack will be concerned after understanding it was years before and helped develop their strong bond; but it’s kids history. Otherwise, this chapter was packed with growth in maturity and relationships; partners, family, and work associates, as the parents are bound to become more integral to some gay kids’ lives. Acceptance is grand in just providing a hate free, safe environment for work, socializing, and dare say…parental support. hmmm, Joey, Jack, Dean, Roman, Toby, Olly Orca, and Ryan; what a great mix of friends not too focused of labels as much as valuing friendships. As @James Matthewsloves to give us reality, I can only hope these characters will now be supporting others less fortunate as we go forward. 🙏 Please keep them safe James!

Yay for swimmer Jackson, yay for Tony’s swimming team, Yay for team bois! @Krista, what a great and exciting chapter. I hope the boys get their trophies polished quickly and put away for memories of tonight’s events! lol 😝

Well Olly Orca sounds like quite a hoot. Joey has a shit day delivered from hell and Olly kept his approach most respectful and compassionate; plus he’s comfortable enough with himself to stroke Roman’s ego and then speak comfortable smack. I’m already thinking Olly is a new essential group dynamic; ironic that Shaun denied himself the chance to know this shining personality. Yeah, double bed for the rabbit hutch; thanks Ro! 😝 I’m glad to see them keeping distance from Joey messages from Shaun at this point. It’s no surprise that the most probable provocateurs of Shaun’s final act would make the same continued mistakes for Shaun’s farewell; but then again, that curtain has not closed yet. @James Matthews, you’re capturing the dark recesses of the young mind all too well, but then again, the thoughts and discussions you inspire in this tale may help someone speak more freely of what is taboo with many. Thanks for the journey though it is a little tough at times…yeah, realistic I’d say.

We could always hope this is Joey’s sleep deprived nightmare to allow Shaun a second chance at life; but that’s a reset that is forever removed by far too many in emotional blindness. So, so, sad 😢. The blame game can be played on ones self and all other associates, but unfortunately the ultimate responsibility was Shaun’s; he made poor decisions and then doubled down with continued bad decisions. He was given opportunities to correct his faulty logic but he became uncharacteristically manipulative and irrational. The shame lays where the responsible adults didn’t see but one problem; their son was broken and had to be fixed. All this at the same time Shaun pushed away his friends with his irrational ultimatums; essentially isolating himself to the sole care and unholy mercy of…the blinded bigots. Yes, Joey will read the messages. But that is a damned if you do or don’t. Ironically, it would probably be wise for those messages to only be revealed to Joey in counseling. The burden of being Shaun’s guardian and protector does not belong to Joey. Far too often teen schoolers have the sympathetic wave of suicidal behavior; parents beware. To anyone ever touched by suicide, it’s an impossible path to accept, as we all want to take some level of responsibility that we singularly could have prevented the tragedy; where we might remove an opportunity but it will not have removed the thoughts of self harm. Hopefully Joey, Jack, and Dean will remember that Shaun was not himself, and any guilt implied by him is from an illogical mental existence.

In this chapter, we see the growth in Joey’s life perspective; indeed, it does support the differences between him and the likes of Jack’s dad. The habitual abusive behavior of Jack’s dad is only common with Joey’s in that unfortunately it became physical. Unlike Jack’s dad looking for people to blame for his shortcomings, and continuing to live in his own cycle of violence, Joey shows remorse for acting upon the mountain of his provoked emotions, and even demonstrates restraint when faced with escalating tensions and threats of blackmail against him. Shaun’s hiding has been forcing him to live a life other than his own. Now his emotions have finally forced him out of his own protective barriers and the destruction is most severe for himself; unfortunately, it has brought harm and doubts into the personal life of Jack and Joey, and then spilling those personal lives into the caustic high school environment. The consequences of Shaun throwing feces in to the fan is that even feeding from the backside the air about you is much the same; that situation stinks for all. Joey has to rebuild trust with an abused kid, that only through death has found the courage Joey tried so hard to encourage before. But in the wake of Shaun’s destructive behavior and Jack’s family trauma, Shaun promises more destruction, and with the undeveloped mindless allies in high school, Joey is on a journey that’s sure to test him. So sad, again, as we witness the sacrifice of a long friendship and the self-destruction of someone known to be gentle and caring; it it a shame that the home environment has pushed him to resign to all norms now that he has reached his limit. It seems unlikely that the parents will be helping the situation before it reaches a life or death decision; if then. @James Matthews, you have definitely designed yourself a rollercoaster of emotions; thanks for the open pass for the ride!

Wow, and Shaun was inviting Jack, the openly gay kid, to come live with them??? Shaun is stirring the shit into his own punch bowl. What is this mysterious letter from the school? Why/how has the school gotten involved with Shaun’s personal life and his parents? Did Maddy really stoop to the depths of the selfish and insecure fag hag? Is this another case of best friend interference with Jack and Joey’s love interest? Tommy needs to come out; as his protests do seem too strong. Maybe since Toby doesn’t like rumors but is mostly an unknown, he/they can sell Tommy’s own “gay” rumor as a truth; until Tommy learns his lesson too! 😝

OMFG, Shaun has possibly become a rabid weasel. If Jack’s theory is correct, then Shaun has betrayed his best friend in a backstabbing douce move that may forever be the legacy of their long friendship, irreparable damaged; this is an train wreck with all the casualties and then add the environment spills. The immediate carnage has been felt, and will heal with or without scars, but the environmental damage can’t be undone, can’t be unfelt, and it has already contaminated other relationships and Joey’s mental development, his soul, his self image…, it’s an unforgivable destruction disaster! Shuan should have begged, pleaded, and otherwise confessed to his parents that he played a big role in provoking Joey, and that any retribution against him would only be more destructive. Shaun may have tested the waters with the fence post note, it may have never been the Spanish boy at all, as it did seem strange that Shaun would have seen or known about the note at the distance where Joey would not have also seen him. But likewise, Shaun also had Joey pouring his heart out in total confidence at the cafe, with no admission or sympathetic declarations from him. The backstabbing is bad enough as Joey is keeping him in his confidence, as a best friend, but to backstab his relationship that already shares mental angst of love and sexuality is just lower than low, it’s playing the devil 👿! Then to prey upon Jack at a most tragic time, to tear away a critical lifeline, could in itself be a mental breakpoint for Jack. Not that violence is the answer, but Shaun fully understood his manipulative decisions as they were all premeditated, and the explosive reaction was somewhat understandable and Shaun deserved the repercussions of his deceit. As much as Shaun has been valued in their trio, his value and trust will never be the same. Should his actions result in Jack and Joey’s relationship failing, Shaun will find himself outcast and forever removed from Joey’s heart, it would be no less traumatic than stealing Jack away. So, so sad to see a trusted friend commit friendship suicide; regardless his intent and desires, I could never trust him again, and he would fade into a childhood friendship of which only past memories would survive, and group gatherings will never have the same dynamics again.

@SnowBear, @Demiurge, I can understand the possibilities for spin-offs…., BUT, we have a great story that easily supports a book two; perhaps just returning initially to the power couple, their expanded education and languages research Kalian has been longing for. Of course, while balancing new family dynamics; Meep, Talon, Talon’s King Grandpa Asshat. Kalian is such an angel. Of course many would appear so when gathered among such a family; a genocidal King grandfather-in-law, an assassin partner, an monstrous assassin brother-in-law, a demented mindless sister, and parents which sold there souls long ago…yup, Kalian is a brilliant white angel 😇. Needless to say, if the political atmosphere is anything less than a supportive one with lords doing the right thing with mutual respect, then defensive training and tactics will probably hone the four foot silent ninja into a lethal weapon of mass destruction; Kalian will have a stealthy personal guard So @Demiurge, thank you so much for the journey thus far, … but please let the epilogue introduce the series’s book two storyline of our ying, yang, Meep, monster, misfit family! 😝 SERIOUSLY 😐! Book two, please!

I’m so happy to see you’re back actively posting this story. Thanks for pointing out the edits of previous chapters too, off to re-read those now. Hopefully, your posting objectives will be our rewards, as I’m very curious to see how this develops in this magical realm.