Funtime Popcorn Maker

Mikel Woke up five days before the vampire apocalypse caused by a scientist who had been experimenting on a vampire and ended up weaponizing the vampire virus. It created a world spread outbreak mutating humans and other living things turning them into supernatural beings, vampires and ghouls. The world plants, soil and even the air became contaminated with the virus making it impossible to grow food again. Ghouls are the new species from the outbreak. They are powerful and very dangerous preferring to eat humans, vampires and werewolves alike. Mikel had a dark life during this apocalyptic era in his previous life partly because of his own fault and partly due to his bad luck. This time he somehow obtained the knowledge that he was a villain character in a novel where his twin that he hadn't met was the real protagonist who had immense good luck and a group of handsome men willing to serve him. Mikel is determined to stay away from these people this time around and use his ability to make a comfortable life for himself.

This story unfolds during the later stages of World War II, where a man, scarred by the horrors of war, finally grasps the profound and harsh realities of the world. In this world, those at the top laugh and celebrate, while those at the bottom sacrifice their lives in futile conflicts driven by pride and meaningless ambition. A modern soul transmigrates and fuses with the original soul of a body, creating a unique and extraordinary existence. To some, he is a villain; to others, a madman. In a world steeped in cruelty, this man, determined to secure a place among the decision-makers, struggles to break free from the ranks of those powerless to control their fate. To achieve his goal, he resolves to shatter the chains of law, then the chains of morality, and finally the chains of mediocrity.

Dangerous Omega Series #1 After dying in a horrific hate crime, Suki, a certified Fudanshi and a covert celestial fox spirit living in the human realm undergoes a mysterious transmigration. He was unwittingly transported into the very world depicted in "Their S-Class Affairs," an intense, hardcore and smut-ty BL manhua. The story that he was reading before his untimely demise. Suki, as the legendary nine-tailed fox, would have an easy and comfortable life if he possessed a body of a nameless extra. He could watch the betrayal and messy lives of the characters in the Manhua without throwing himself into the eye of the storm. However, fate proves harsh for a demon spirit like Suki as he unexpectedly becomes the omega husband of the enigmatic alpha and wild stallion ML, Bai Tingfeng. In the panels of the manhua, Bai Tingfeng harbors no affection for his vain and irresponsible husband. Suki, who now assumes the identity of the renowned model omega, Shen Yuan, knows this all too well. There's no way in hell that he can rely on the S-Class alpha's help in consolidating his new body. Since Suki can't acquire help, he doesn't want to be affected by whatever drama that the ML's halo would attract. Who would want to get all the trouble without reaping the benefits? No one. Shen Yuan/Suki decided to stand on the sidelines while munching popcorn, ready to watch the drama. Let Bai Tingfeng unleash his beastly nature and become the notorious f*ck boy in the city. Suki/Shen Yuan doesn't care about that. All his concern was to be separated from this difficult man! Will the husband and husband fall for each other? No one knows. Only the electronic billboard asking someone's WIFE for a coffee date would do the talk. #omegaverse #alphaxomega #MPREG #dungeons #magic #transmigration #powercouple #childraising #beast #nonhumanMC #supersmutBL #misunderstanding

Lan Hengsheng was once the pride of the Lan Clan, a child prodigy with limitless potential—until his fifth birthday changed everything. Declared spirit coreless, he was abandoned by those who once praised him, dismissed as a mortal in a world ruled by cultivators. His so-called friends turned their backs on him, and the clan that once held him in high regard saw him as nothing more than a disappointment. But Hengsheng holds a secret—one that defies the natural laws of this world. Ding! [Make a wish]  He wished for everything! With the ability to create a system, he doesn’t need talent. He doesn’t need fate’s blessing. He can program his own path to immortality. Why struggle for enlightenment when he can create a Cultivation Optimization System? Why waste decades training when he can install a Time Acceleration System? Why risk his life searching for treasures when he can develop an Auto-Farming System? While other cultivators beg the heavens for guidance, Hengsheng writes his own cultivation manual. Armed with his cheat-like power, he will challenge geniuses, reshape sects, and rewrite the very foundation of cultivation itself. The strongest cultivator is a system maker! Join the Discussion & Share Ideas! Discord: https://discord.gg/T7uyfDPBvd Patreon: patreon.com/Raventan Contribute your ideas and help shape the story!

Alexios was once a modern man—until he reincarnated into a fantasy world as the fourth son of a powerful duke. But being fourth in line meant one thing: no inheritance, no title, and no future. To get rid of him, his family married him off to a distant countess's clan. But it didn’t take long for Alexios to turn the tables. His wife, the future Countess, fell madly in love with him—so much so that her obsession bordered on dangerous, like a yandere. And just when he thought life couldn’t get any more interesting… her mother joined in. One day, his mother-in-law approached him and asked, "My son-in-law, impregnate me!" Alexios smirked. Others feared yanderes, but he? “Heh! Everyone is afraid of yanderes, but why? They are fiercely loyal! And their only purpose in life is me!” And so he set out his goal? To turn every woman around him into a yandere, and he's just getting started.  TAGS: Milfs, Yanderes, Elves, Demons, Dragons, No Yuri, No NTR, Threesome

Meet Gu Yu—a college dropout and a talented incense maker, and at the same time, the rather stoic protagonist of this story. Despite his somewhat introverted manner, he has a tendency to make sarcastic remarks in his thoughts. One day, after saving a squirrel, a windfall (metaphorically and literally) dropped into his lap.Stumbling into the cultivation world with little help, he was not turned into Superman overnight (as he would like). Apparently, becoming a cultivator would not make your life easier, at least in the beginning. Somewhere along the road, he ran into Jiang Xiaozhai, a young woman who’s got the brains, the beauty, and maybe one or two secrets of her own. As it turned out, the two made a perfect team—Mulder-and-Scully style. Motivated by many unanswered questions, they had been running up and down the country, getting into all kinds of trouble, and learning more of the modern cultivation world, which is by no means the same as in the ages long past…

What once a peaceful day were changed by one message. [ Congratulations Humans of Earth has been chosen by a one trillion chance of opportunity! ] Everyone was surprised. But we were ready, we faced it head on until we were not. Suffering, Pain, Agony, Enemy, Death they're always around us, not giving us a break... This a journey of suffering, but we're determined to change it. to survive, to live and see another day we vow. death is not a choice, if destiny willed us to die. we shall break it. - Russell A. Liwanag

Fifty years ago, the world changed forever when Earth was mysteriously connected to the Primordial World, a reality that operates like a game. This world can only be entered by Awakeners—people who have awakened with special powers. However, out of fifteen billion humans, only one million have this privilege. Enzo, a poor young man with no connection to the Primordial World, should have had no chance of becoming an Awakener. However, against all odds, he awakens... and more than that, he gains an innate skill unheard of before—the ability to make skills with only his imagination. In a world where power determines everything, how will a nameless young man carve his own path?

Elyxian Nexus, an ordinary but brilliant inventor, spent centuries bringing peace to a chaotic universe filled with beings possessing extraordinary abilities. Fearing the dark force within him, he ultimately ends his life, only to awaken in a mysterious void. Given a second chance by a powerful entity, Elyxian is reborn in a fantastical realm where he can control his new world and explore other dimensions. Guided by Lumos, an ethereal being in the form of a system, he embraces his fresh start. Unbeknownst to him, his death sets in motion events of cosmic significance, leading to a destiny beyond his wildest imaginings and a path to greatness. --------------------------------------------------------------- Author Note: Due to my studies, I won't be able to follow any release schedule. It means that I won't be able to tell when a new chapter will come out. Will it be 1 day or 1 week or 1 month? Can't tell. But you can rest assured that I won't drop this novel. I will finish it. Join my Discord Server for discussion & other stuff- https://discord.gg/cTDCNc9WAr

The two men couldn't have looked more out of place on the cold afternoon streets of New Hadepee. The first was a scrawny fellow, no taller than five foot eight, wearing a white shirt marred with ugly reddish-brown stains and a pair of plain tan pants. His companion, by contrast, carried himself with an air of quiet authority—a regal-looking man with a neatly trimmed black beard, wrapped in a great black coat with a red scarf pulled snug around his neck. "I heard the man himself has come back," the one in the stained shirt said, carefully balancing on the curb with his arms outstretched. "Oh? And where did you hear that?" his companion asked, turning his head with amusement to watch the precarious balancing act. "Welp, the sergeant major told me to go down to Olker, so I figured that could only mean he's back," the man in the white shirt replied. "Vistor has close cultural and political ties with the kingdom of Olker. Don't you think it's just a protection job?" the older man in black inquired, a hint of humor in his voice. "Oh, come on, Mang, you know they'd never give someone like me a protection job," the man in the white shirt scoffed, jumping off the curb and spinning around a lamppost. The older man—now known as Mang—came to a halt, reaching into his coat and pulling out an envelope. "Well, Tai, I suppose you're wrong." Mang handed the envelope to him. Tai peeled open the envelope, sliding out the letter and studying it carefully. "Oh wow, so Marlin is marrying the queen of those people?" he asked with a shrug. "She is not a queen. Don't let anyone call her that," Mang snapped. "And if her people weren't so damn difficult, we would have annexed them already." "So we let them succeed but not Gascon? Whose idea was that? They're more like us than those humans are," Tai said, frowning. "Gascon was willing to sell to the Emperor for a small chunk of change," Mang quipped. "The Noctrous family was not." "Ok so what's that matter, all we need is a little persuasion to change their minds? We killed the chief of Gnomandale and sent his stuffed head back to them, then they sold Gnomendale to us. All we need to do to get Olker is beat the hell out of Sylvie and she will sell." Tai folds the letter and places it back into the envelope. "Tai, the people of Vistor don't have the heart to see us beat up the Eladrin people like we did the Gnomes, and plus their Chief tramp Silvye is much too pretty for us to put her head on a stick."  "Welp, it's our loss," Tai muttered, spitting onto the sidewalk. "No, it's not. Not if Chester is back…" Tai frowned. "What's Chester gonna do?" "Last I recall, his fallout with Sylvie wasn't just a petty disagreement. Before he died, he built a fleet of ships and hid them in a cove somewhere. If he wanted revenge, all he'd need is an army." "And who the hell would fight for him?" "The same people who fight for us—the poor." This is a prequel to Then Maker, another story of mine. The writing may feel somewhat outdated compared to my more recent work, but it consists of a series of scenes that occur before the main events of the novel. The description is one of my most recent pieces, which is why it differs in style from the rest of the book.

Benjamin was a simple bookstore clerk, a young dreamer lost in the pages of fantasy—until one night, fantasy became real. A quantum shift, a ripple in the unknown, and suddenly he found himself in Khial, a world unlike any he had ever imagined. A world where the very fabric of reality is shaped by Laws, not rules, but patterns of existence woven by those who can perceive them. Here, the Sages are more than scholars—they are forces of nature, bending the world to their will. And beyond the surface, in the shadows of history, a war wages unseen, where those who understand the Laws fight for power, survival, and something far older than the world itself. Benjamin, however, is different. He has no connection to the world. His soul does not resonate with its Laws, making him an anomaly—a ghost in a reality that should reject him. But he has something else. He can absorb knowledge, not just learn but internalize entire histories, combat styles, strategies, languages. It should have made him powerful. Instead, it made him a target. His journey to find his place in Khial led him to the Academy of Sages, where he trained to survive. But the more he learned, the more he saw that power was never as simple as strength. He forged bonds, crossed paths with warriors and schemers, and found himself entangled in a conflict far greater than he understood. A single mistake sent him tumbling into the depths of the Black Flame, the shadow empire controlling the world from beneath its surface. Enslaved, broken, forgotten, he is forced to claw his way back from the bottom. He will rise—not as a hero, but as something else. His path will take him beyond this world, across vast empires and ancient ruins, toward a final reckoning with Malachros, the entity that should have never existed—the first Itharim to break free from the Maker’s will. But before that, Benjamin must do the impossible: Escape. Survive. Become more than what this world allows.

Keith, a regular office worker from Earth, suddenly transmigrates to the world of the novel he had been reading for the past decade. The new world, which was also called Earth, was slightly different. People with various powers existed who were called awakeners, making this world comparatively dangerous and also mysterious. While he was thrown into the novel's world, he was also given a mystical ability to grant systems to other people. Armed with his special ability, he slowly climbs up the power ladder by taking "taxes" from the people he would give systems to. The only question that remained, was what would a realistic normal man, when faced with a similar minded protagonist, do when their goals opposed each other.

Author-san here! Well, I know you're all here for some adventure, so don't worry. I've got you covered! (^0^)  This is my original work, and I know you all will like it. So shamelessly lean back into your seats and read away!  Of course, don't forget to check out my other books: •I'm The King Of Technology. •Host, Please Be Honest! What Exactly Are You? •And finally: 'In A Cultivation World With An Entertainment Park.' You can also visit my website for more books: https://LumydeeNovels.Gumroad.com/ Well, that's enough of that. So back to the synopsis! ...... What to do? Ji Feng suddenly found himself in the body of a youngster named Wolfram Lockhart, the son of the deceased village head. Okay. So he transmigrated. That, he could live it.  But please... Can anyone tell him why he transmigrated with such a crazy system by his side? [Host, it looks like your uncle is heading your way. Hahahhahaha~... Host, you're about to get butchered. This is fun to watch!] '_' [Host, host, where are you going? So what if you're as weak as a chicken? Come on, dive into the battle. What's the worst that can happen?] '_' [Wait! Host, where are you doing? The battlefield is that way! Host! Host! Host!.. Dammit! What a waste of heavenly popcorn!] (:T^T:) .... One boy, one unbelievable system.  Ji Feng... No!... Wolfram Lockhart... now found himself in the strange world of Grandia, starting from the weakest level ever... A mortal! In this world of palladium, Sky ranking abilities, and Creatures of myths and legends, Wolfram only had one domain from it all.  With his head to the heavens and his little man out of his pants, he was quick to spray his fluid while raining uncountable curses at them.  Why? Why in God's name did they send him a Suicidal system?

The main character is Andrew Slate, and the book takes place in his freshman and sophomore years. He is known as the school's bad boy/trouble maker because he has a short temper. The story follows Andrew as he struggles with being a teenager in high school, being a Dual Shifter, and fighting for his life. Just the story of a normal teenager, right? THIS BOOK CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE VIOLENCE OR SWEARING, THEN DO NOT READ. I will update when I have enough content. Thank you for your support.

'If there's a way to undo my feelings for you I would always choose not to because loving you is the best thing I have ever done' Nicholas Slade. For Scarlet love and feelings are just a bulload of crap made up by bored helpless romantics desperately looking for someone to love them.And as such she never wanted romantic love. Nicholas a handsome and filthy rich heir finds out that his heart wants no one else but Scarlett and he goes by all means to make her his and ensures she falls for him too. will their hidden struggles allow them to be together? even so will their feelings and love be strong enough to conquer? let's find out.y'all get your popcorns, french fries, chicken and beer ready as we'll be going on a ride. Secretsy

when a uniquelly trouble maker girl who want to live her life normal like others get involved into a magic missions unknowingly by her destiny , and she was unknown about her missions and what future holds for her. everything is unexpected in her life even destined future # her love how her love chemistry happend. will she able to protect world? she will be able or not to live likr normals what happen in her life by her destiny. what she meant to be? she is in a story which end is not defined. what her future hold for her?

As an orphan, Jared Hale had no one to rely on except himself. His poor status made him the center of mockery in his circle of classmates in his Academy days. He worked in a small store to sustain himself as he attended the Academy. Even though he struggles to survive on his own, he studies hard and maintains his grades without failing, and he's able to graduate without fail. But life is not as easy as it sounds. He still struggles even after years. But just when he was about to give up, a blessing struck down on him as the System recognized him as a host. Now Jared has a generous Money-Maker System. He is out to splurge on his wealth as he pleases and gets revenge on the people from his past.

Faye wakes up in a world she doesn’t recognize, surrounded by strange men—one claiming to be her fiancé, another calling himself her savior, and a short guard offering her popcorn like she’s watching a theater play instead of living in it. The problem? She doesn’t remember anything—not her past, not her kingdom, and certainly not this so-called "future husband." Bom, an eccentric white-haired handsome doctor with a love for chicken , swears he can bring back her memories… for a price . Regis, the intense and brooding king, insists she belongs by his side. But with missing memories, strange magic, and the mystery of her unnatural pink hair, Faye isn’t sure who to trust—or even who she truly is. One thing is certain: if she wants answers, she’ll have to face the forgotten past, an adventure filled with unexpected twists, and maybe even… a dragon? Between chaos, comedy, and a little romance, Faye’s journey to uncover the truth is just beginning. And with Bom and Regis constantly at each other’s throats, one question remains: Will she reclaim her past—or carve out a new destiny?

I whimpered in pain. This is how it feels like to be cursed, right? That's me, Kaidaira Steele. Sold by mother, raised to be Ryder's little whore, rejected by best friend of nineteen years and husband of six years! It gets worse! Destined to die from a fucking severed bond from a miscreant with the weakest fucking wolf in existence! *** I pressed my ear to the door. I could hear my parents talk. “Who will take a deviant like her if she's incapable of doing the bare minimum. She's sterile! You heard Alpha Greg on national TV!" "So what are you saying Michael?" It was my mother's voice. "I'm saying it just became extremely harder to pawn her off to some poor unsuspecting beta. I'm saying she's extremely useless to us. I'm saying who could love and accept a miscreant like her. I'm saying let her be the pack whore. That way she's not entirely useless to me and my warriors will be in a good mood” *** Kaidaira is rejected by her husband because she's barren. She runs from the pack that disgraced and humiliated her and She goes back to her own pack hoping her loving parents would welcome her back but all she meets are parents who have turned cold and a pack who regard her as bed warmers, the pack public whore to be! After almost encountering an assault, Kaidaira decided to take up her brother's offer to enter in the yearly gala for a second rate mate. Reluctantly she goes but sneaks out because it reeked of desperation and she was in heat. There she meets Delta Kinnley, A Prince who was in love with his own step sister, thus they strike a deal of the century. A contract marriage. Kaidaira has one demand - prove the world wrong by getting pregnant! Cover is not mine. credit goes to the rightful owner

Thirdie the Third Generation Wine maker, studying on how to make Blue wine was going home after 3 years, here comes Jesse, one of his best friend, totally changed and now an actor, and too handsome (Let's put googly eyes on him) When Jesse accidentally knew the truth about Thirdie, things comes awkward between them, as they start to fall in love. Join Thirdie on this Anthology about Identity of various kinds, around various lives, interconnected by an event, where obligations versus reality meets.

The most loved K-pop idol, Lee Yong, had exhausted his creativity and reached a block. When he was frustrated about his inability to write music anymore, the new choreographer entered the company. The flirty perverted choreographer became his muse pretty soon. When he realised his love for the choreographer, he denied it for the sake of his career. When the adorable man confessed first, he rejected the choreographer cruelly. But later, he did not want to see his man being pursued by others, and he was determined to get his man back. Choi Haneul hid all his schemes and revenge plans under his shameless perverted behaviour as he entered the entertainment company. Taking revenge was his main job while being a choreographer was a side hustle. He was attracted to the boyband's leader, and he noticed the leader was also stealing glances filled with desire. Hence he started to crave more than the glances. Choi Haneul closed his heart long back and never wanted to be in a relationship. But he wanted to open his heart to the idol and be in a relationship. With all hope, when he confessed, the idol rejected him cruelly. So what would he do when the charming band leader tried to win him back? Or will he choose his revenge over love which comes with many terms and conditions? While the tug of war was going on between the choreographer and the band leader, band members smartly chose the choreographer’s side and ate melon seeds every day as they watched one drama after another instead of helping their leader. *************************** Choi Haneul: I wanted to try the steak from that new place. But all the tables are booked for a month. Lee Yong: Surprise! I invited the chef to cook the streak for our first date this Friday. Choi Haneul: I will come to eat, but it is not a date. Let’s invite others as well. Band members: Our choreographer is the best!!!! *************************** Choi Haneul: I wanted to watch that new movie. My free time and the movie screening time are not in sync. Too bad! Lee Yong: Surprise! I have already made arrangements. We will watch the movie in my flat for our first date. Choi Haneul: I would like to have cheese popcorn while watching the movie, but it is not a date. Let’s invite others as well. Band members: Yay!!! We are in for the movie night! *************************** Choi Haneul: I really wanted those dancing boots, but it is out of stock. Lee Yong: I knew you would like it. So I bought it for you. Choi Haneul: Thanks. Let me pay for it. Band member: Ouch, leader! Does it hurt too much???? *************************** Lee Yong: Where are you going all dressed up cutely? Choi Haneul: My first love is coming to the school reunion. I want to meet him. Lee Yong: Well, you are not going anywhere but my bed today. Band members: What?????? *Ding Dong* Choi Haneul: My first love is here to pick me up! Band members: Woooo hooo!!!!! *************************** Join the journey of the stubborn idol and the shameless choreographer to see what they would choose? Will Lee Yong choose love over his career? Will Choi Haneul choose love over his well-crafted revenge? P.s: The cover belongs to the rightful owner, and it will be removed if the original owner asks to do so. WARNING: THIS IS A GAY LOVE STORY WITH EXPLICIT CONTENT. IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH IT, SPARE THE NOVEL. Discord: https://discord.gg/jSQxjwPV5s Instagram: lazii_ladii

You may read it as standalone but, you would understand better if read TWISTED SAGA part 1 first called TROUBLE-MAKER how does it feel like when love is not returned the same way.....! when you are the 3rd character of your own love story! not every love story gets a happy ending....... especially when the love is one sided...... it was always been one sided! Rushda Rahil came in Raichand house with her grandmother and baby sister Ruthba Rahil when she was a mere toddler but still older than Raichand's elder son Rahat Raichand....... as they grew up and Rahat understood the feeling of love and his love for Rushda......as that feeling was never mutual, it wasn't returned! just like...... Ruthba's feeling for Rahat wasn't returned! it was the story of her unrequited love! PS :: This story is completely, utterly and ABSOLUTELY based on FICTION.......created by me!

Year 5001, after his death, the hero that ended the 17th world war is being called "The demon dressed as a human" why is he hated? well, here is the true story...

Now, hear me out and hear me well: my name is Barogey. I was born into a humble merchant family, and yes, I’m the guy you read about at the start—the one dying. No, I wasn’t reincarnated, and honestly, if I had been, I’d rather not have been. I’m a larger man... okay, let’s not sugarcoat it—I’m kinda chubby. Blame my parents for spoiling me rotten as a kid. I had a younger brother, Louis, who I used to bully, but, uh... I killed him. Long story. Before all that drama, I was a Doctor of Magical Engineering. Then came the prison stint—because, you know, the usual evil villain schtick: kidnapping a princess, taunting her friends, and trying to force a wedding. Before that little escapade, I lived in the human kingdom of Magder. Anyway, now I’m fresh out of prison, shipped off to Tabnoth. Apparently, Vistor thinks throwing all the world’s rejects into one place is a genius plan. But hey, I’m not complaining. As long as this place has a good deli, I’m set.

3400 years ago, a celestial ruler wore a crown forged from the jewels of eight unknown powers. There was nothing she couldn’t control,no one who dared defy her. Except one: a mage. In a battle where death was certain, the crown shattered into seven pieces, along with the mask of the mage. The pieces scattered throughout a city whose main priority was peace,but the fight for the sacred jewels sparked chaos.Some,who were able to get ahold of the jewels preserved the jewels in accessories,But not all of them were divine as they seemed. Fake ones, sold by merciless merchants, drain the life from their wearers, stealing years from those desperate enough to wear them. But the 8th power... where did it go? Some say it vanished. Others claim it was hidden away. But what if it’s been waiting all along to be awakened? In the present day, Elveria, a young woman working alongside jewel hunters, is on a mission to stop the spread of fake jewels. As she encounters other jewel holders and unravels the secrets behind the mysterious jewels, she uncovers something that could change everything. Little does she know, she is the reincarnation of a long-lost ruler, and her fate is intertwined with that of a mage whose allegiance to the jewel makers holds dark secrets. Their past connection remains a mystery one that could reshape the future.

Victor’s life is all about perfection—straight A’s, flawless manners, and a smooth routine. Enter Boe: a charming trouble maker who couldn’t care less about the rules. When their worlds collide—starting with a clash at Victor’s flower shop—they quickly become unlikely adversaries. From that moment on, they’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of teasing, bickering, and pranking. As they annoy each other more than they’d like to admit, they start to realize how much they complement each other in unexpected ways.

Follows Hakim, a brilliant puzzle maker, as he and a group of students are kidnapped and placed in a remote facility. Facing deadly challenges orchestrated by a malevolent host, Hakim must use his intellect to survive. With each victory, they edge closer to uncovering the truth behind their abduction and escaping their captor's twisted game. Tensions rise as they confront unknown penalties for failure, forging alliances and facing their fears along the way.