Philippe

Oh @Clancy59, you hit so many good points in your analysis of Lee’s state of mind. He’s still saying “I’m just a whore” while he has chosen beyond that label in several cases; avoiding dipping into the kitchen till jar again, in learning to be a chef, and spending his money to care for himself for the first time ever. Avery was key to Lee learning new behavior, value, and pride. Avery covered for Lee’s huge mistake of the till jar, a test no less, but then given friendly championship, challenges, and routine, Lee found himself walking a path of his own choosing. While Avery was instrumental in establishing contact with the real Lee, no doubt, Greg was a huge enabler of drawing him out beyond his initial curiosity and dependency on Avery. With critical observations and rewards, Greg taught life skills and self worth to a broken boy, a lost and desperate man-child. So the recognition that Lee needed Greg’s support is just as likely a test by this still fragile man-child of Greg’s level of support, sincerity,...love?; of a disruptive, recovering addict, man-child. Changing from pimp to father type guidance, then accepting new perspectives, significant changes.. and more in the works. Reevaluating what happened; he left his money, he tried for honest work, he walked away from drugs and the pimp, and he did it while accepting blame but also protecting Avery. Now he believes he is still protecting Avery from the old Lee, but is the old Lee still there? On multiple occasions Lee chose the harder, longer goal choice. He has Greg showing beyond employer support, and even at his request. Now he has only to learn through coaching to see the old Lee is no longer running his life and he is capable of protecting Avery, and himself, from that old Lee; he is already doing it. Of course everyone needs support along the way, but less so when already making critical decisions for other than immediate reward for self. I’m confident that Avery and Lee will remain important in each other’s lives and their continued growth as the family and community of Camp Refuge continues to work its magic... @Wayne Grayis just the tailor of the suits required for these boys! My, what a chapter; deep wounds, bite marks, penetrating phone calls, marriage proposals, critical recoveries, redefining families and friends, settling accounts, and an invitation that takes us home to Camp Refuge. Now we just need to look into that mirror of self, enhanced by another’s perspective, to bear witness of who we have become, who we now truly are, and just how far we will go to not lose ourselves to those giving us no value. Thanks for another uplifting life tale Wayne!

Sonic Blast was Colin Weber, brother to Taran, the little brother that could always pull the heartstrings to win his way him big brother. Colin was never found and the area is still suffering from massive radiation. Most interesting is the dismissal of Taran by the thief as some whelp of little power or gift, yet they were close as he pinned Taran on the floor; “I was hoping if someone showed up it would be a real superhero.” Yet at the height of frustration he backed off as if he refused to prove his point using Taran. The warnings being that the world will soon witness something in total awe. The mysterious thief of arcane magical artifacts is hunting something specific. Meanwhile, superheroes continue to, not die, but to go missing. Curious as to the connections of these events. Is it the different powers that are needed, or the key people sought to bear witness, or something truly more sinister. Ronnie, LMAO, the newest recruit and one to blossom very late, had no reservations in defending his man; but to a potential future father-in-law, THE CRIMSON COSMONAUT, one of his hero’s and a legend! He bound him with a unique force field that leaves the surprised father listening when normally he shies from person issues and emotions; the big, strong, silent type retreats from personal feelings; but now trapped and dressed down by the newest of recruits, that has shown extreme devotion, love and respect for his son. I believe Ronnie may have not just made Taran’s point but in such fashion that it brought credibility and respect to them individually and as a young couple to be reckoned with; as the Crimson Cosmonaut offered is (good) hand in respect to the young fellow that just burned his fingers when demanding to be heard, well for Taran to be heard. Wow 😳

Hmmm 🤔 Yakob has been more open to flexibility in instruction and holds a certain level of mutual respect towards Vinnie; yet Stefan seems to have good reason to doubt his welcome and/or his challenge if he should show himself before is former teacher. Stefan’s glory has come at a significant price and yet he finds himself doubtful if judged in a fair match with either the teacher or student of the Shady Shadows School; delivering Kick-ass Morals, home delivery. Hey Vinsy, depending on which way you go for your run today, say maybe we could have a New England Clam Chowder Bread Bowl or some fresh boiled New Orleans Crawfish and Corn 🌽. Wow, the Electric Panda invites the Beta Pup to come sniff out the Panda Pad; a little horror flick and some cuddles 🥰 are on the agenda tonight, but the Panda is ready to Bear himself, in a furry way, not a trench coat. lol The Lion thinks chasing Lowe is tough but he’s starting to understand the slippery job of keeping up with his ole friend...he’s where? Enforce what, where, when??? Alpa, Alpa, daddy has a headache 🤕 again!

Things are definitely heating up. Malicious Mallex has been absent enough time now to return home and back, yet he still remains hidden to us...hmmm. Meanwhile, Talon has continued to be steadfast in his support and attentions, without being too shy about it either. Now his support rings true by showing up with Young Lord Kalian at classes. It seems impossible that this relationship is not common knowledge but then outside of friendly circles that may still be vague. Much is brewing behind scenes and this young couple is getting thrust to center stage; willing or not.

The pressure is on but so too are the possible connections; the museum, Maya’s channeling, the protest infiltration, the gifting for Ronnie, and the unexpected surge with Taran. A lot of unknowns but a surprise for all that the Teen Team will be answering the call! Hopefully, the team continues to gel for their safety and those depending on them. Thinking ahead, I hope Ronnie’s dad gets to see it, even if it’s an unspoken pride.

Oh hopefully that’s a hidden cliffhanger as Talon needs Ronnie as much as Ronnie needs to be there to support Talon. So hopefully, Talon is about to say “ no, please stay with me.”

There should always be some respect, regardless the setting. 🤦

It’s opposites day! While a conservative family teen goes feral, the laughs do come like monkeys from a barrel; The playboy Top desires to Bottom...while the Top is gagged and leashed for the fun, though the playboys are now to be married, the fun has just begun; The Cowboy normally calls out Giddy-Up but his pony wants to fly, as the others see marriage in their eyes this skittish pony lives his lie; Then while the first two couples like their leashes and toys, Bruno wants no part as his new bestie friend is also his bestie’s boi; That leaves the bestie1 jealous of his Bruno...not because he can lick his “you know” and fawn, but because bestie2 is too busy out rolling on the lawn; This chapter seems to be heading towards a wedding hosting, the only question remaining is the number it be boasting! Another great addition to the journeys of our young men, thank you @Laura S. Fox it gave a smile for the weekend!

A bit cliffhangery... Avery feels he; betrayed the fosters, acted unworthy of them, betrayed Greg (and the safe environment of camp refuge) and worst of all he hurt his boyfriend. Greg feels; he failed to keep the camp(ers) safe, he misjudged an abused youth that only now was just starting to have trust, and now he finds the safe environment is not safe...if it doesn’t protect the vulnerable, even from themselves. Lee’s reality; is confused as his old fun is not safe for new friends, well maybe it wasn’t before either but he didn’t care, caring hurts as it did his boyfriend, his mentor,...and himself, as now he does care, but that hurts so bad... Harland’s assessment was correct; but I also wonder what he did upon returning to his own privacy as to do nothing seems out of character. Beyond the cliffs... While observers, spectators, and casual acquaintances may have had lessor defined roles behind the scenes, it would detract from the personal emotions and attachments needed to bring us to this stark emotional shock of the these key characters; it’s their chapter...but now...end scene. Bring us the growing bond that Avery now shares with the fosters, with Greg, and even more so with Lee; they all have shared a guilty contribution to the end of Lee’s backslide. But the potential gains are locked in for the claims of those willing to reevaluate the present and plan for a better tomorrow. While it is easy to get wrapped in the negativity or depression of this chapter, it actually has some very good things happening in the lessons learned or hindsight 20/20 department, as for where we go from here. In the spirit of Camp Refuge 2.9, perhaps it’s time for the newest revision of...Camp Refuge 3.0. This is a powerful and thought provoking chapter @Wayne Gray, SALUTE my friend, as this deserves recognition for looking at both sides of the coin.

It appears that Kim and Giada may have similar methods of getting their men and manipulating their kids. We don’t know exactly how Kim manipulated her David and/or Audrey, but whether Jayden is or is not the biological child of David and Audrey remains muddled. The fact that David had left Audrey and their(her) son was with Kim’s knowledge and probably as a result of her manipulating David into her clutches. Hmmm 🤔, the full story of Giada, Laurel and Brice seems to have a big common thread; both from evil witch women that have turned on one another. 🤦 Now Eric has been T-boned from possibly a truck; oh the list of suspects responsible; Travis, Jayden, Giada, etc. Unlikely that it was purely coincidental, or that this is a planned ruse, but maybe he was careless and drove into the path of an ambulance or a fire truck full of EMTs and a direct radio to the police dispatcher! lol 😝 Eric deserves a break after half his lifetime has been a total cluster fuk. At least Adriana knows of the poison attack and the hospital treatment. Perhaps this opportunity for Kim to come totally clean with all the family and the police may still give her a chance to prove her on humanity and save her soul from the acid eating her from within. I can’t help but feel sorry for Brice; imperfect as he was, he did care for the kids, but unfortunately he also fell under Giada spells and manipulation, but he was trying to rescue the one from that environment and in the final act he was trying the save the life of the other. So sad that then the very son he thought he may could still rescue from the poisonous environment, had so little respect and value for his father that it was a spit on his still warm body before being removed and discarded. 😡 Brice’s absence and the fate of his company, along with the fate of the Alvarado holdings and Sergio’s interest, may soon need rescue aided by legal the vast holdings at Eric’s disposal; as well as the guidance from Eric’s business savvy (so he has to live)!

When my daughter first started her driving practices with her permit, she demanded to know why I had taken her to practice about the cemetery driveways; my reply was that you won’t be able to kill the dead. 😝 it was actually a very good place, with little traffic and lots of space to practice backing up. Excellent chapter with loads of excitement @Littlelovestories. For his age, Tyler is very smart and I still say he is a bad ass young man!

Likewise, @BerryRedBearand @Wayne Gray, my two cents says...the lack of a program to diagnose Lee leaves a lot open to cause and affect, addiction or abuser; did the drug use come as a symptom of dulling the devaluation of self and prostitution or was the prostitution supporting the drugs? We know that Lee’s story has even more history that would be part of his evolution, but his informal diagnosis for downfall was believed to have been his environment; hence Joseph putting him in an out of town and removed environment. Given Lee’s quick and non-medicated withdraw and recovery from mild dependency, and then his subsequent rapid improvements in self worth, pride, and budding ethics, it would support that the “informal program” of the refuge was successful. However, this is not a controlled environment, though Lee might have argued that. It is non-institutional, and only lightly monitored by informal observations, of a promise he could stay if clean and non-threatening to the other resident campers. Ironically, many of the formal programs being in high demand, and with little resources to waste, would be every bit as unforgiving as witnessed here, as the breakdown in “will or commitment” would mean less likely to succeed; therefore, next applicant, as the previous applicant violated the rules or pledge. Also, the converse argument of giving Avery the benefit of any doubts is somewhat supported here, in that his history is longer, more known, doesn’t involve drug abuse and his present disposition would support that he is in a better, more happy place than one would expect of someone in a spiraling rebellion or of resignation. In his naivety, and youthful excitement to show and gain affections, Avery gave Lee the encouragement to break his informal agreement; Lee’s sheltered and underdeveloped social skills left him unbridled...both are guilty, both will suffer their guilt, but when cooler heads prevail I believe the team (including the fosters) will huddle and support these boys. Hopefully, the paths will correct before any setbacks or harm comes to either.

The elaborate process had never been tried on a human, but with the donor cells, the stimuli, and the biomechanic process unleashed, I would soon know whether I would become whole again. Soon I writhed with pain, it felt as if my entire body was ripped and stretched and sown together again, to only have another wave of the same agonizing pain tear at me again. Garjah was so gracious to be a donor as I believe he felt totally responsible for my unfortunate interaction with the invasive species. His species is compatible with human geno and has excellent regeneration capabilities. As I regained consciousness I wondered why I felt so terribly exhausted and whether I would survive this process. I was lead to believe this would be a slow process and I would be uncomfortable, but not lost from my thoughts. Timok was approaching my side as Garjah was demanding to know how this had happened, how it could be. Timok appeared excited, as much as the alien had ever expressed joy? Confused by this mix of Garjah’s concern and Timok’s excitement, I tried raising my arm to see the progress but found myself unable. Garjah cautioned me to take it easy as you’ve been unconscious for days as the process had been too painful for a conscious human. He demanded Timok unstrap me. Once again I tried to raise my arms as I wanted to see the progress and to compare the hands...wait, four of them! Four was my hallucination before rejoining my unconscious dreams again. Never underestimate what @cia may discover of alien life!

Doris has the power to resist Fergus, which is beyond understanding according to Fergus; as to why or how she is blessed is yet to be seen. Yet understanding her blessing may not be as important as the fact that she remains a wealth of wolf history, tradition, and understanding of the powers granted by mother moon; she may have the power to enable beyond anything Fergus could possibly imagine. Beyond enabling, her alliance with Jimmy may be even more significant as she may be the only one truly capable of healing Jimmy from the terrible guilt he carries from his small and less formal family pack; where mom was seen as the pack leader. Jimmy may still need the kindly guidance and support of a pack matriarch to complete his journey into his full wolf powers; remembering his admission that his mom had not completed his training as he was too young, now Doris seems to be exactly that type of matriarch figure he needs to find himself and his blessing.

Mangy mutts or not, the Alpha has sometime terribly wrong going on; Doris is a champion to call him out for his misguided and abusive Alpha behavior. His coverup of Irwin’s death, the rogue problem, then admitting he had Jimmy put Irwin down weeks earlier. This is the same Jimmy that Fergus had just blamed for the rogues, for trying to create a pack within their territory; the highly dangerous wolf that Fergus would not hunt, but would send his Betas to bring in. Fergus didn’t police his own behaviors and that of his staff. He didn’t try to end the rogue problem as an Alpha, or to lead the pack to solve a pack problem. Instead he sourced his problem to an outsider and hid the problems within the pack territory. After denying the shocked and grieving widow some understanding after weeks long loss and coverup, he had to further his lies and dominance with the brutal gutting of a grieving Beta’s widow in the mist of having his remaining Betas returned as one fatality and one critically wounded; in a unknown war declared by a stay behind, irrational, undisciplined, true-blood Alpha. Doris may indeed be the key to the solution of the packs’ problem. Ironic that by delaying Jimmy’s petition he left Jimmy outside of the Alpha’s Domination Howl, as Jimmy has no sworn allegiance to Fergus or pack. Doris can likewise resist Fergus and may disregard the archaic rules against turning a human even when the desire of the human is there.

Goodness, think I’m probably flushed after that workout; the training was intense too! 😊 So Tyren can see the mark that Kalian now carries, so Talon must know that others can; what is the purpose, to ward against Verseckt? Or to Mark as protected by Verseckt? Or is it just a personal mark and protection? This has gotten complicated as carrying the mark of Talon within the Royal Palace and school of magic is not a discrete item, especially as a betrothed lord. Not only has the gift of magic given Kalian more value to others, but as the spine gets stronger, and the nads grow larger, Kalian is coming into his courage and sense of self worth. His determination and independence are now becoming a source of focus for his strength, passion, and magic. While the evil forces are at play, the growing list of allies seem to indicate Kalian is finding acceptance even if some remain skeptical. Maybe with the growing allies and indications of concern, Talon may join or contribute in training. It’s refreshing to see Talon becoming more open with the brothers; especially Kalian of course. Talon’s trust in Kalian and his more honest brotherly bond growing with Eon, has great value as a team as they see mounting concerns of Malicious Mallex and his intent. What a great and exciting chapter of suspense, action and romance @Demiurge, I’m so captivated with the story and characters you’ve created here; please keep it going and thanks again for sharing your passion.

Yup, but once he found his stones one must remember he can cut boulders like a laser beam; so cutting jewels would be so simple, especially the family type! 😃 Ole Lex could be dropping more than an arm while raising the octaves...from across the courtyard too! Zap, oh, ouch

Kim was a fool to invite Giada and Trevor to the reception; but seeing as she has chosen them as friends, her sanity is in question already. There is no question as to Giada and Trevor’s sanity as they have proven beyond a doubt that they are totally insane. Brice was foolish to announce his presence, but to then announce his plans to expose a person already discussing murder is inviting one’s own murder; unfortunately the invite was rapidly accepted by the evil witch. The irony is that Kim is now in the very hands of the same evil witch she has been helping and enabling with her scheming. Sergio is being naive and continues to be manipulated by Kim, who is being manipulated by Giada, who nearly had her son killed and personally kills her husband, all while she is being played by... hmmm 🤔. Eric’s life has perhaps gotten even more complicated now as Brice had already concluded that Laurel and Eric had been terribly mistreated. I doubt with the huge ramifications of Giada’s greed and the state of her affairs left Brice feeling anything less than urgency in taken care of his own affairs. Brice’s status in being shot and laying in blood could be staged, but the location of the event and her urgency to clean up would require a few inside sources within the house. But that could definitely draw the last straws of opportunity for Travis to see more clearly. Too many possibilities and not enough info to assume any clear victors yet. It’s most suspenseful here @vanalas but the snares seem to be set for the hungry prey.

So, Yakob is the main monk, the man. No wonder that he would be so critical of his trust in Stefan; his student gone awry. Yet the aged Yakob is still learning, even as a teacher, he has learned we are always learning; only through humbleness do we truly rise to our highest awareness and achievements. Now, the urge to bring Vinnie to the ancient temple...a temple that has attracted several Shadow Mages already, where the high monk has previously taught a promising young mage, does this hold some mysterious significance to Vinsy and his teacher? It could be more than mere desire, but rather a pull of historical significance to the shadow world. But what’s with all this anger Vinsy has? And just what heights will this booster pack bracelet propel Vinsy? But should there be a binding spell, perhaps lost in transition and history, that keeps the pairing true until released to the newly gifted? The acceptance by the bracelet to allow other than the Mage that stored the energy to use it is a bit concerning; Vinsy, make it yours, and only yours, until properly gifted or claimed by other than force or persuasion. Vinsy continues to reach more people and have everlasting impacts. Dirks a believer, and probably forever a disciple of respect to others until measured as undeserving. Ironic that grumpy bear has marshmallow filling buried within the tough outer facade. The next month will surely bring some exciting new dynamics to the rural Wolf Pack. Hmmm, what will Vinsy learn from the emails, as the big ole Alpa realizes it is not his knowledge that will reveal the secrets of the shadow world villain. The wise but giggling Panda is giddy with love for the reserved Wolf. Hold on as this Panda seems to have a need for speed; or at least his Kaplan. Kaplan doesn’t need to sleep on it, but he prefers to. 😝 @astone2292, dig deep within your magical soul...and give us another update soon! 😆

The solitude of the isolation is depressing enough for humans, but the lack of normal lighting and air exchange can add to the changes in health and depression too. Though the captors have been more considerate with his diet than most history would support, it is still far from the variety and nutrition needed for long periods. The factors working against Simba’s mental and physical health are adding up to spell trouble. Nathan needs a break quickly to avoid significant long term mental trauma for our adventurer.

Hmmm 🤔, Eric has been in a long term game plan of revenge against the ones that have taken so much from him. It’s no secret the most important person in his life has been forever his mother. Giada manipulated Brice, Eric, and even Laurel to extract maximum pain and destruction of Laurel. But even Brice has made it clear he is beyond the manipulations that Giada continues at the expense of all reason. Giada has made plenty of enemies so it is no wonder that as her ship appears to be talking on water, few are willing to help her bail. The insistence of the contract, and that it must be Giada’s choice whether to sign, speaks to the fact that this is indeed a plan with an inside knowledge of Giada’s situation, the reports Eric had of Giada’s company, the effort to ensure it is proceeding via Giada’s own greed, and the terminating phone call where Eric was asking if an unidentified “he” was ready to proceed, all seem to point towards Eric implementing his plan. The absence of Brice except to return for a last ditch effort to connect and rescue Travis, and now for Laurel to return more organized than an a mere excited mom but with the entire family; including a step dad with the voice of a deep volcano and a love for his step son and his mother, both hurt immensely at the hands of Giada. This plan to make the family safe seems to be elaborate family and friends coordinated effort that may go back to the very beginning of Giada’s appearance in Brice’s life.

Oh the words of Anna, and Bill, as interrupted by a naive teen, "Avery, it sounds like Lee likes you. When people feel that way, they want the other person to like and be impressed by them." So Avery naturally wants to impress Lee just as much. The innocence and invincibility of youth would see little harm in following the march of the youthful herd that can attest that everyone does it; much as the generations before have too gained experience from those same errors in judgement. Hopefully these two will survive the experience and the mutual benefits of their relationship may be recognized before more damage is inflicted in the wake of the poor choices leading to this event. I suspect when calmer heads retrace the events then the team will give a good tug on the rudder to correct the course of this impending shipwreck. @Wayne Gray, another great chapter of real life challenges to life, community, and society; no day is perfect, nor first reactions remain final. Thanks for the reminders in stories where we reflect.

@Demiurge, your story telling gives us much substance; even though the postings may be short they are very rewarding and have much to reflect upon. I like the scene lengths as the cadence of your story telling matches the logical flow of character interactions, contributions and significant daily events. So the short answer made long, I love the updates as you presently post them. The lengths match your style for theme and settings. The story lacks for nothing in each exciting chapter whether action, romance, suspense or mystery, you always bring it in a quick but powerful punch; then we visit the story again before the wait breaks the excitement found in continuity. Please continue as you have, as you have masterfully found your niche.

This chapter needs several emojis, so sad is Talon’s family history, anger for the parties that so callously strip people and families of their loved ones for greed of power and control. Happy that the boys are bonding on a more personal level, and loving that they are building a more intimate familiarity; beyond the linked intimacy that is. It’s most curious that Talon’s protector was of the light and a keen alchemist...hmmm.

Oh my, the coven of witches Giada and Kim will convene their war council; Sergio and Eric may both be at risk as the line has been crossed. This may lead to a new line of designer body armor! 😝