Askew Graffiti

"Who am I?" The question hits me like a frying pan to the face as I wake up in a dimly lit shed that reeks of mildew and regret. My memory? Wiped cleaner than a crime scene. My composure? Currently MIA. Replacing it? A delightful cocktail of terror and existential dread, shaken, not stirred. The shed is a Pinterest fail of nightmares: blood dripping from the ceiling (artsy, really), creepy symbols etched into the walls (probably cursed), and a general vibe that screams you’re not supposed to be here. And let’s not forget the cherry on top—the suffocating feeling of being watched. Lovely. Every instinct I have is shouting, Get out now! But where exactly am I supposed to go? The walls are practically breathing, humming like they know all my secrets, which is impressive considering I don’t even know them myself. No name, no memories, no idea what fresh hell this is—just me, my rising panic, and the unsettling realization that survival might not even be the point. But hey, when the alternative is becoming wall graffiti for a haunted shed, I guess I don’t have much of a choice.

The hero returns to the empire a dragon’s corpse dragged back. Armor askew. They trudge their way back body tired and broken. Home. They expect gratitude. They expect many things like a higher title. What they did not expect was to become the Royal Guard for the First Princess of the Ixmtaraza Empire. Isabella Desdemona. The hero is pulled into confusing politics and relationships within the castle walls. While without the empires converge and allies are made that could break the Ixmtaraza Empire. 18+ for excessive violence and other triggering content.

On a boundless and vast continent, countless nations rise and fall, weaving a tapestry where culture and power intertwine in a dance of prosperity and conflict. From the untamed lands of the north to the bustling harbors of the west, the solemn kingdoms of the heartlands, and the enigmatic empires of distant realms, this land teems with both opportunity and peril. Beneath the endless struggle for dominion, ancient beliefs clash with burgeoning ambition, and the clash of iron and the pursuit of glory etch eternal scars upon this earth. In the tide of destiny, kings, dukes, heroes, and envoys are drawn together, their fates entwined. The lands scorched by war are not only marked by ruin but also by the defiant cries of those who fight to reclaim their homes and uphold their ideals. As the wheels of fate turn, secrets buried deep within history will decide the future of this continent. Whether it will be consumed by fire or endure will depend on the swords in their hands and the unyielding resolve within their hearts.

Kendrick "K-Dawg" Rivers has always been the underdog. Growing up in a gritty urban neighborhood where dreams often fade faster than graffiti on abandoned walls, his only way out is basketball. But making it to the top is more than just crossing over defenders or draining three-pointers. It's about survival in a world where hustle off the court is just as important as hustle on it. Between dealing with a father caught up in gang life, a mother working three jobs, and the weight of the streets dragging him down, Kendrick's shot at the pros seems farther away every day. But when a former NBA player turned coach takes an interest in him, Kendrick gets one last chance to rewrite his story. All he has to do is survive the trials of life, the competition for the spotlight, and a bitter rivalry with his best friend turned enemy, Trenton. It's a battle for fame, freedom, and a future and Kendrick will have to shed blood, sweat, and hustle to make it.

Across the Divide is a forbidden romance between Luna, a wealthy heiress bound by family duty, and Kai, a rebellious graffiti artist with a vendetta against her family. As their worlds collide, they must choose between love and loyalty, risking everything for a chance at freedom in a city divided by wealth, power, and secrets. Will love be enough to break the divide, or will it tear them apart?

Trapped in a house with people who acted more like jailers than parents. Her true home was the library and its book her only solace. Until one day her world was fragmented. The pieces of her life, so askew, that nothing could bring them back. She was ripped from earth to a different time, yet even through the turmoil and agony, one thought prevailed: I will survive. I will be posting this story on Royal Road as well. I hope everyone finds this story enjoyable!

Prologue In the vastness of space, nestled in the Andromeda galaxy, lies the colossal planet Gigaterra Prime, known as Giga or G-1. This monstrous world, 185,000 times the size of Imperial Earth, has always been shrouded in mystery and potential. Shielded by a mysterious energy barrier and natural atmospheric quirks, Giga stayed a well-kept secret until recent breakthroughs by human explorers. Years ago, a gang of space pirates stumbled upon Giga. Their attempts to breach its formidable energy barrier failed, but they discovered a temporary gap that allowed exploratory drones, called "Pathfinders," to break through. These Pathfinders sent back data revealing Giga's breathable atmosphere, stable climate, and abundance of unique minerals, flora, and wildlife. Massive trees with glowing leaves lit up the night, and rivers rich in unknown minerals flowed through lush valleys. Exotic creatures roamed freely. The sale of this information triggered a wild era of exploration, like a cosmic gold rush. Settlers, mercenaries, and corporations scrambled to stake their claim on the untamed new world. Amid this turmoil, ancient Qilarian ruins surfaced, revealing relics of immense power and wisdom. In the uncharted expanses of Gigaterra, humanity entered a new era of colonization, driven by extraordinary advancements in bioengineering and cybernetics. The Federation and Mars spearheaded these innovations, creating hybrids like the nimble nekomimi and robust reptilians, while seamlessly integrating cybernetic implants to enhance physical and cognitive abilities. These breakthroughs paved the way for humanity to explore and settle new frontiers, transforming the fabric of human existence. The Corporate Sector, with its affluence and technological prowess, dominated the landscape. Sky-High edifices and cutting-edge facilities showcased their influence, while the Settler Sector, with its improvised habitats and struggling populace, lagged far behind. This disparity created a distinct devide between the high-tech environments of the elite and the dirty, graffiti-covered lower levels where settlers fought for survival. In this era, bioengineered hybrids and cybernetically augmented individuals became commonplace among those who could afford them. On planets like Haven, where the lines between humanity and technology blurred, extreme modifications became a mark of status and power. At the heart of this transformative period stood the Explorer Committee, led by the formidable Zhen Wu Long. Operating independently but under the oversight of the governing Council, the Committee spearheaded the exploration and colonization of Gigaterra Prime. Their mission attracted support from the Federation, Mars, and major corporations, uniting them in a relentless pursuit of discovery and expansion. This MOD Era allowed humans to become anything they desired, combining biological and cybernetic enhancements. Zhen Wu Long, a seasoned mercenary with a knack for leadership, saw the need for order. Under his guidance, the newly formed Explorer Committee stepped in to regulate the chaos, ensuring fair access to Giga's resources. The Committee aimed to harness the planet's potential while maintaining peace between organizations, guiding humanity's expansion into this new frontier. Tihan Omnach, a thirty-year-old citizen of Haven from the first settlers wave and low-level corporate worker who had resigned to start a new life as a VR player. One day, while idly scrolling through news feeds, he stumbled upon an announcement about the Explorer Committee’s establishment and recruitment. This New Explorer Era on Gigaterra marks a defining chapter inhuman history. His heart raced as he read the details. Here was a real chance for change, a tangible escape from the digital confines of his four walls and money problems. Drawn by the promise of adventure and the chance to uncover the mysteries of Giga, Tihan seized the opportunity without hesitation.

Dimulai dari Fuyuki Matsuda seorang pengguna kekuatan spiritual berbakat di Divisi Nol Rakugaki menerima wasiat dari ayahnya yang meninggal di Kantor Perusahaan Miyamoto 4 bulan lalu. Dalam wasiatnya, ia diminta untuk bersekolah di SMA Abeno dan meneruskan perusahaan yang orang tuanya tinggalkan. Tidak ada orang lain selain Fuyuki yang bisa menggantikan posisi ayahnya di perusahaan. Selain itu, Fuyuki beranggapan ayahnya meninggal karena dibunuh dan wasiat itu merupakan dying message. Kini Fuyuki menjalankan wasiat tersebut dengan bersekolah di SMA Abeno bersama Hiyori Fujisaki dan Mawaru Yoshioka, dan menjadi direktur utama perusahaan sambil menyelidiki penyebab kematian Ayahnya. Hiyori dan Mawaru merupakan pengguna spiritual yang sedang dalam mode pelatihan. Mereka berdua memanggil Fuyuki sebagai pelatihnya dengan sebutan “Master” namun karena Fuyuki menjadi ketua kelas, mereka memanggilnya dengan sebutan “Ketua”. Di samping itu mereka sebagai pengguna spiritual harus menyembunyikan identitasnya karena dikhawatirkan dapat menyebabkan kesenjangan sosial yang parah. Tetapi, rahasia mereka sempat akan terbongkar karena ada seorang gangster meminta bantuan bernama Madara Madarame yang ternyata cucu dari guru mereka bertiga, tak lama kemudian mereka menjadi sahabat. Suatu ketika pada pelajaran olahraga, Mawaru tak sengaja bertemu dengan sahabatnya bernama Kana Ayami yang baru saja memulai debutnya sebagai idol. Mawaru mengenalkan Fuyuki, Hiyori, dan Madara kepada Ayami. Karena alasan tertentu, Fuyuki terlibat lebih dalam ke kehidupan Ayami yang membuat identitasnya terbongkar. Momo yang saat ini merupakan teman dekat Ayami ternyata sekretaris muda perusahaan Miyamoto sehingga dirinya terpaksa menjelaskan semuanya terkait dengan kehidupan Fuyuki. Ayami yang tidak menyangka bahwa dirinya adalah keturunan penyihir memutuskan untuk mengunjungi Nekomichi atas saran dari Fuyuki. Nekomichi adalah peramal nasib legendaris, tak hanya urusan nasib saja ternyata malah meramalkan cinta dan katanya kini Ayami terikat takdir bersama Fuyuki. Ayami mencoba meyakini hal itu, namun melihat sikap Fuyuki yang begitu dingin membuat Ayami ingin menyerah. Ketika berada dalam satu klub “Paramistic” yang terbentuk karena faktor kesengajaan, hubungan keduanya semakin dekat semakin bisa mengungkapkan perasaan satu sama lain. Mampukah Ayami mempertahankan cintanya dengan Fuyuki? Apakah kehidupan Fuyuki akan berubah setelah bertemu Ayami?

Starting from Fuyuki Matsuda a talented spiritual power user in the Zero Rakugaki Division received a will from his father who died at the Miyamoto Company Office 4 months ago. In his will, he was asked to attend Osaka High School and continue the company his parents left. There is no one other than Fuyuki who can replace his father's position in the company. In addition, Fuyuki assumed his father died from being killed and that the will was a dying message. Now Fuyuki is carrying out the will by attending Osaka High School with Hiyori Fujisaki and Mawaru Yoshioka and becomes the company's president director while investigating the cause of his father's death. Hiyori and Mawaru are spiritual users who are in training mode. They both called Fuyuki as their trainer as "Master" but because Fuyuki was the class leader, they called him "Class Leader". Besides that, they as spiritual users must hide their identity because it is feared that it could cause severe social inequality. However, their secret was about to be revealed because a gangster asked for help named Madara Madarame, who turned out to be the grandson of their teacher, and soon they became friends. Once while studying sports, Mawaru accidentally met her best friend named Kana Ayami who had just debuted as an idol. Mawaru introduces Fuyuki, Hiyori, and Madara to Ayami. For some reason, Fuyuki is deeply involved in Ayami's life which makes her identity exposed. Momo, who is currently a close friend of Ayami, turns out to be the young company secretary of Miyamoto, so she is forced to explain everything related to Fuyuki's life. Ayami, who did not think that she was a descendant of a magician, decided to visit Nekomichi on the advice of Fuyuki. Nakamichi is a legendary fortune teller, not only a matter of fate, it turns out to predict love and Ayami is bound by destiny with Fuyuki. Ayami tries to believe it, but Fuyuki is very cold that makes Ayami wants to give up. When they are in a "Paramistic" club that is formed due to deliberate factors, the closer the two are to expressing their feelings for each other. Can Ayami maintain her love for Fuyuki? Will Fuyuki's life change after meeting Ayami? Spoiler: After the case of his father's death is revealed, Fuyuki goes to Tokyo to investigate the accident that happened to him several years ago. He intends to judge the mastermind behind it all, especially someone who wants to take his family's inheritance. After that, Fuyuki who was shocked and lost his memory was forced to live in Rakugaki World. Everything becomes clearer after knowing the figure behind the founder of the Paramistic club. Mawaru who was rejected by the man she has loved for a long time is now forced to marry an Onmyouji to continue the lineage of the temple owner of the Onmyodo experts. Everyone is asking about the future with the path of life they choose, the fact that Fuyuki can't return to the real world due to his unrecoverable memory causes deep sadness, especially for Ayami. So what method should Ayami use to bring Fuyuki back to look to the same future? There is only one sure way.

"Si vis pacem, para bellum" How many wars must a man win for a moment of peace? How much blood spilt to paint a colorful future for his daughter? Nikolai was a mystery to himself. It took him 400 years to find love, to start a family and to settle down at last. But the world could never forget his sins. In the blink of an eye, everything was over and he was back in the battlefield once more. "Is this who you want me to be?" the butcher cried to the world, feeling his broken heart filled with loss and anguish. "Is this who I am?" . (Updates are on Friday and Tuesday.) ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Home. It represents the greatest of all emotion. But what if, one day, a house, a home caused generations so much pain, all that emotion caused a stirring deep inside its shadow walls and dark corners. What if, in the storm of emotion, it simply became… alive.

The story of Marcus Castella as the vessel of the spirit and the soul of the hero to fight against the demon monarch, William.

Setelah kasus kematian ayahnya terungkap, Fuyuki pergi ke Tokyo untuk menyelidiki kasus kecelakaan yang menimpanya beberapa tahun silam. Ia bermaksud menghakimi dalang dibalik semua itu terutama seseorang yang ingin merenggut harta warisan keluarganya. Setelah itu, Fuyuki yang syok dan kehilangan ingatan terpaksa harus tinggal di Rakugaki. Bahkan segalanya makin terlihat jelas setelah mengetahui sosok dibalik pendiri klub Paramistic itu. Mawaru yang tertolak oleh lelaki yang sudah lama dicintainya kini terpaksa menikah dengan seorang Onmyouji untuk meneruskan garis keturunan pemilik kuil para ahli Onmyodo. Semua orang menanyakan masa depan dengan jalan kehidupan yang mereka pilih, fakta bahwa Fuyuki tidak bisa kembali ke dunia nyata karena ingatannya yang tak kunjung pulih malah menimbulkan kesedihan yang mendalam terutama bagi Ayami. Lantas cara seperti apa yang harus Ayami gunakan untuk mengembalikan Fuyuki demi menatap masa depan yang sama? Hanya ada satu cara pasti.

TBA

We begin with an unwilling protagonist, two brothers working undercover and the killings of the ‘advanced’ humans but by the end we are left with the broken protagonist who has disappeared, a revenge seeking brother, the misunderstood suspect and a whole load more crap than a serial killer. So what happened? And what are these so-called advanced humans?  ***DISCLAIMER: Image does not belong to me. I have no right to the image therefore, all credits should go to the rightful owner!****

"Invisible Desires: The Street Artist's Serenade" is a captivating urban romance that follows the journey of Camilla, a talented street artist who expresses her hidden desires through graffiti, and Leo, a blind musician whose music touches the soul. Their chance meeting sparks a deep connection, and together, they embark on a unique artistic journey through the city's bustling streets. As they collaborate to create a blend of art and music, they discover an extraordinary love that transcends conventional forms of expression. The story explores themes of self-discovery, creativity, and the transformative power of love in a vibrant urban setting.

You aren't really living your life, you're just watching it unfold. Grey's a teenage boy who lives by himself in a big and fancy apartment that his rich dad pays for. Sounds like the dream, doesn't it? He should be ecstatic, shouldn't he? Yet for some reason, he has a secret. At night, he heads out to spray Graffiti. Why would you do that Grey? He himself doesn't fully understand it, but as the new school year approaches, everything is about to change as a certain girl finds out his secret. *** I'll be releasing chapters biweekly on Saturdays.

In the sprawling metropolis of Star Fall, power shifts like shadows on a moonlit night. Picture it: **HAKER**, the enigmatic anti-hero collective, their masks concealing secrets darker than the city's alleys. They dance with danger, their every move a calculated rebellion against the mundane. Across the neon-lit streets, the **Association of Heroes (ASH)** glimmers like a constellation of hope. Their capes billow, and their eyes blaze with unwavering purpose. They're not just defenders; they're architects of destiny, stitching together the fragile fabric of order. But ah, the **villains**! They're the discordant notes in Star Fall's symphony. Their laughter echoes through shattered windows, graffiti etched in defiance. They wield chaos like a weapon, leaving behind a trail of shattered illusions. Their motives? As varied as the city's graffiti tags. And then there's the **police**, the arbiters of justice. They navigate the blurred lines, chasing shadows and unraveling mysteries. Their precincts hum with whispered secrets, and their coffee mugs bear witness to sleepless nights. They're the silent guardians, the bridge between law and anarchy. High above it all, the **government** perches like a watchful raven. Its bureaucracy weaves through the city's veins, pulling strings unseen. Policies shift like tides, and politicians dance a waltz of power. They're the puppeteers, their strings attached to every streetlamp and skyscraper. And so, in this urban tapestry, these five forces collide—a kaleidoscope of ambition, betrayal, and redemption. Star Fall's heartbeat thrums with their stories, each chapter etched in concrete and starlight.

This is not a fast-food novel. As I open and flip the history, there is no timeline. "Virtue and Morality" are written on all these askew pages. I cannot fall asleep, so I stare at the words. Then, I finally find something from the words and in between the sentences. This whole book is solely written with "Man-eating". ---------------------------------------------------------- I have arrived in another world and become Guanyin Boddhisattva, a guy who looks like a woman with endless passion for all. When I was still in the 21st century, I wondered if Guanyin had a dick. After I have become him, I look down and check it...... Oh, I do have a dick. I used to think I can help every living being getting out from all sufferings, until Buddha says to me: 'Now that naughty child Sun Wukong is your responsibility.' After that, my daily has become clearing up the mess done by Buddha, done by that monkey Sun, done by Jade Emperor, and done by other boddhisattvas. It is hard to earn payment as a boddhisattva these years. As the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin with tens of millions of followers, I am busy with dressing myself like a woman to get back their monk robe from the evils, transforming into a woman to test their sensations, enlightening them as a woman since then...... From Lingbo Fairy, to an eighty-ish old woman, I have transformed into every possible woman form I know. If I have one day free from Sun Wukong's bothering, I will be impressed and cry and light three insences for myself in one of my temples. PS: All Buddhists will not have a lover. ==================== Escape through "X" at the top right corner if you don't like this novel. :D

I AM A TRANSLATOR NOT THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR... "Desolate Mountain Village Stricken by Strange Disease" Modern Setting - Happy Ending (HE) - Twisted Morality - Dark During the New Year's Eve feast in Shangyang Village, Guo's daughter-in-law, A Shui, suddenly falls victim to a madness that claims three lives in a row. In the same year, multiple men in the village contract a peculiar illness, their bellies swelling as if pregnant. Shangyang Village has been sparsely populated in recent years, with only a handful of fertile women. Rumors abound that the village has become like the land of women, where even men can bear children. This legend takes a sinister turn, evolving into a spooky tale. It is said that after nightfall, a long-haired woman stands at the village entrance, holding a bowl of water with a blood moon reflected in it. She beckons passing men to drink from it. Those who drink fall ill the next day, suffering from high fever and abdominal pain. In less than half a month, their bellies swell as if carrying a small mountain. Thus, various sinister rumors spread like wildfire, causing people to avoid the villagers of Shangyang as if they were snakes and scorpions. In the spring of that year, a doctor named Fang Ji arrives in the area, claiming to be able to cure the village's strange disease, but he faces rejection from the villagers. A story of twisted revenge where values are askew - Lin Lang x Fang Ji.

Synopsis: In the quiet town of Willowbrook, a seemingly ordinary woman named Emily leads a double life. By day, she is a loving wife and a respected member of the community. But by night, she transforms into a mysterious figure known only as "The Billionaire." Emily's secret passion for street art drives her to create stunning graffiti masterpieces under the cover of darkness. Her clandestine artwork captivates the town, leaving its residents both intrigued and perplexed. No one suspects that the talented artist behind these mesmerizing creations is living right under their noses. As Emily's art gains popularity, a series of strange events begins to unfold. A local art gallery owner, Victoria, becomes obsessed with uncovering the identity of the enigmatic Billionaire. Determined to expose the secret artist, Victoria delves deeper into the world of graffiti, risking her own reputation and safety. Unbeknownst to Victoria, her relentless pursuit sets off a chain of events that threatens to unravel Emily's carefully constructed life. As the lines between reality and art blur, Emily finds herself caught in a web of deception and danger. She must confront her own demons and protect her secret at all costs. "The Hidden Canvas" is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the power of art, the complexities of identity, and the lengths one will go to protect their passion. With unexpected twists and a heart-stopping climax, this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Unit C on the 495th floor. The exterior walls were a gray-green color, covered in various graffiti. Six or seven girls entered the activity center with expressions of excitement, anticipation, or nervousness. Their clothing was simple in style and muted in color, primarily in shades of blue, black, white, and green. However, each of them had delicate features and were in the prime of their youth. As they glanced at the only LCD screen on the entire floor, the leading girl couldn't help but whisper, "I wonder what kind of husband the company will assign me?" "Mainly, it's about the personality," the girl next to her, wearing a green top and blue pants, replied, biting her lip. As the second generation of genetically enhanced individuals, they were not concerned about the appearance and height of their future husbands, as all of them were above average in those aspects.

Volume 1 An ordinary, 18-year-old girl from ancient Japan, whose mother hails from the Indus Valley, discovers the myths and legends around her father's homeland are true. With nowhere else to turn after a mysterious mountain spirit cuts down brigands trailing her, a new life begins inside the walls of his magical, mountain palace. Finding herself serving a complicated yet beautiful demon lord struggling with an internal battle, she gains unexpected friendships along the way before uncovering a scandal that risks the balance of all the realms. ********** WARNING This book contains mature and explicit content that bends the mind's perception of what it means to be human and what it means to believe in a higher power. Please be warned that if you are a highly devoted person of faith to any one religion, or are easily offended, this book may not be suitable for your enjoyment. This book contains graphic, adult content that may be triggering for some individuals, including but not limited to: the opposing forces of good and evil, murder, theft, unprovoked attacks, self-sacrifice, demonic possession, mono- and poly-theism, manipulation, sadism, abuse of power, imprisonment, servitude, inner conflict, nightmares, wrongfully accused sentence, morbid curiosity of death and dying, self-loathing, the stages of grief, de-programming from upbringing, religious differences, unrequited love, idolization, cultural differences, betrayal, casual sex, profanity, voyeurism, rape, bondage, humiliation, threats, and prostitution. This series contains mature, graphic and explicit content intended to entertain readers by opening their minds to multiple perspectives; including the massively harsh gray areas of life that have made us all victims, heroes, and villains of circumstance. Be prepared for a vacation away from your mundane reality to a fantasy world askew to the stranger-than-fiction one you're currently navigating. Filled with myth and legends that come to life across time and space, be careful not to pick up too many new kinks along the read. As an informed, 18 year old+ adult, if you get triggered or offended, please know that I wrote this from a place of compassionate understanding as a confused, God-fearing woman of mixed race, culture, and spiritual beliefs with the privilege to survive/thrive through multiple careers in a debt-filled, 1st world country built on genocide and slavery alongside loved ones plagued by prejudices and inequalities. Just like you, I have suffered and my family has suffered. I pray to spend as much peaceful time with loved ones as I am allowed, without worry of dying by war, famine, or mine own neighbor's hand. God only knows why my miserably beautiful existence is blessed enough to still rise with the sun when truly greater people have been called home sooner than I would've liked. ******** Find out where your donations go by copy & pasting: https://thisangelshine.wixsite.com/angelshine Stay connected to author's works: https://linktr.ee/thisangelshine ***** Any similarity to character(s) real or fiction throughout history or legend is purely coincidence. This is intended for entertainment purposes only and not to be taken seriously or supplement current spiritual beliefs. ***** What are you still reading down here for? Go check out the newest hit of the millennia! ~ let me dream ~ AS

Life as a teenager is already hard enough with hormones and acne and whirlwind romance but it's made even harder when you have a brain tumor. Jax's life is turned upside down when a fainting spell leads to the discovery of Jeremy. When his social status plummets and so called friends quickly jump ship, he meets Brina Montgomery, a slightly too friendly and sassy transfer student from Detroit. Through a forced friendship, the two become an unlikely pair that take on the task of completing Jax's bucket list, or in his case, Jeremy List. Jax and Brina, plus a couple rag tag volunteers, embark on a wild journey that breaks more than a few laws but who cares about the police when the weight of limited mortality is lifted off your shoulders? From streaking to graffiti, a spark slowly grows between the two and eventually a love blossoms but Jax is too caught up in his life ending to focus on living. On a wild journey that involved not only coping with his diagnosis but probing a relationship with his father, Jax learns to live in the present, not in the future or lack thereof.