Ash Stuck Costume

To the world Lucas was the perfect CEO. He led the family company to become the biggest in the country. He also had the most beautiful woman for a lover and with gorgeous looks that would make anyone fall for him, he had it all. However, it all came crashing down one day when he got that letter. A letter that made him question his very existence. A letter that unhinged him.

R18, smut, no YURI and NTR ___ Sean is no ordinary being—he’s a half-human, half-beast god, a creature with unimaginable power and dominion over entire realms. For centuries, he’s ruled with an unbothered detachment, watching the lives of mortals and gods alike unfold beneath him. Yet, as time passes, the once unshakable thrill of power fades, leaving Sean restless and disillusioned. The weight of eternity is unbearable, and a strange, almost human curiosity begins to stir within him: What happens after a god dies? Tired of his immortal existence, Sean devises a bold plan to fake his own death. With the perfect deception in place, he disappears from the world he once ruled, leaving behind only whispers and rumors of his fall. He takes on the guise of a mortal, retreating into the human world to observe life from the other side—free from his divine responsibilities and the burden of omnipotence. As Sean navigates the complexities of mortal life, he is confronted with the raw emotions and struggles that he never fully understood as a god. Friendships, betrayals, love, loss, and the fleeting nature of existence become both a source of fascination and torment. Yet, there’s an underlying question that gnaws at him: Can a being like him truly die? As he grows closer to the mortals around him, Sean is forced to face the consequences of his actions and the limitations of his godhood, all while uncovering the truth about life, death, and what it really means to be free. In a world that believes him to be dead, Sean will discover that some things are impossible to escape—even for a god. And, in the end, he must choose whether to return to the throne he abandoned or to embrace the uncertain and fragile mortality he’s come to cherish.

What is the way to the truth. This has been a question since ancient times, with many asking and few finding answers. Those who do find it each have their own path, yet all paths lead to the same destination. There are seven legends in this world worth exploring, originating from the seventh movement, sung by the ancients... Legends say the world exists in multiple dimensions, coexisting yet possibly invisible to one another. Legends say those who can transcend dimensions with their spirit are considered immortals or gods. Legends say the moon serves as a bridge for yin and also plays a crucial role in dissipating karma. In this world, existence relies on the balance between merit and karma; an excess of karma leads to annihilation, while an excess of merit results in ascension to higher dimensions. Legends say both annihilation and ascension require passing through judgment. Legends say in higher dimensions, the separation between Darkness and light(Underworld and world) no longer exists; distances can be traversed in moments, freeing one from the burdens of life. Legends say rules define boundaries, while the unpredictable serves as a test. Legends say dreams within dreams are all part of this world... Ancestor Lord Ma once said, "The Ma family has a clever little rabbit, always you...!" Thus, the world came to know of the narcoleptic patient, Ma Lang, the cold madman thrown into the nightmare world, and the story that unfolds in this peculiar, half-dimensional world that is neither here nor there!

Anir is an unemployed guy that lives with his father in A.S.O.D, the capital of Miraco, one day while he was at the cafe, he received a call that his father was hitten by car and is now in the hospital, and there, when his father was at the last moments of his life, he whispered in his ears to check his diary. After his father's funeral, he goes home and check's his diary, and discovers his secrets and the truth about his death, he then starts his journey for revenge.

Aric Valerian, the fourth prince of the Valerian Empire, bears many titles: The Forgotten Prince, The Whore's Child, The King's Bastard—names that have been spoken more than his own. Born with a crippling illness and devoid of mana or ki, Aric was a disgrace, scorned by his family and the court. But when the gods cured him and gifted him the strength to fight, Aric dared to hope. He sought glory in battle, only to be betrayed by his brother and sent to die in a hopeless war. In his final moments, as death closed in, a mysterious text appeared before him… [Would you like to change your fate?] After being given another chance, Aric embarks on a ruthless journey to claim absolute sovereignty. [Ki Circulation Mastered: Strength +10] [System Upgrade: Advanced tactical planning unlocked] [Hidden Fortress Established: Stronghold security +15%] The forgotten prince claws his way through the treacherous landscape of imperial politics, he is forced to make impossible choices, each decision pushing him further down a path soaked in blood. He learns that true power demands sacrifice, and the price of vengeance may be his soul. ------------------ This book contains dark themes and depictions. The mc is a ruthless cynic, and is closer to being a villain than he is a hero. Main themes: Politics, Kingdom building, strategy, war

Ashes of Eternity is a tale carved from the bones of a shattered world, where humanity stands at the precipice of its own rebirth. Centuries ago, the skies darkened, and the earth shuddered under the weight of humanity’s hubris. The great cities, once symbols of progress, became tombs of glass and steel. From the ashes of this apocalypse, a new kind of human emerged—scarred, powerful, and unyielding. These “Children of the Ashes” possess abilities born of the cataclysm, a gift and a curse that binds them to the fractured remnants of the world. This is a story of resilience and loss, of love found in darkness and hope that refuses to die. It unfolds in a landscape both desolate and hauntingly beautiful, where the echoes of the past clash with the fragile threads of a future yet to be written. Here, survival is a war against both the elements and the human heart. Amid this desolation stands Serin, a young woman burdened by a power she cannot fully control. Her journey begins in the ruins of Haven, a crumbling bastion of humanity. There, she discovers the remnants of an ancient prophecy, one that speaks of a chosen few destined to rekindle the light in the dying world—or extinguish it forever. Alongside Serin is Kael, a warrior haunted by the ghosts of his past, and Elyon, a mysterious wanderer whose secrets could either save or doom them all. As their paths intertwine, they face enemies born of both man and myth—creatures twisted by the cataclysm, and a shadowy council that seeks to wield the Children of the Ashes as tools of dominion. Yet the greatest battle lies within, as Serin and her companions grapple with the cost of their powers and the fragile bonds that hold them together. The ashes of eternity whisper a haunting truth: from destruction, something new must rise. But what is forged may not always be pure. In this tale of sacrifice and redemption, every choice matters, and every soul carries the weight of the world. Brace yourself for a journey into the heart of ruin, where beauty and terror walk hand in hand, and the line between salvation and damnation blurs.

What would you do if you found yourself in the body of a woman married to a prince? What's more, he isn't just any prince—he's a beast, cursed by the moon. --- Aveline, a rising actress in 2024, finds herself thrust into an unfamiliar world after a stage 'accident.' All she ever wanted was the spotlight, not a husband or a lover. But everything changes when she wakes up in the body of a woman who looks exactly like the person who caused her accident. Now, she's married to a cursed prince who's out for her blood. The only way back to her time? Make this ruthless, feared prince fall genuinely in love with her! How can someone who's never believed in love conquer the heart of a beast? Lord help her if she fails. -- Welcome, dear readers, both new and old, to my latest novel! I hope you enjoy this thrilling journey with Ave and Prince Lucian. If you haven't already, be sure to check out my other books: - Wife Of The Demon Prince - Bound To The Ice Dragon King - Loving The Temperamental Adonis Happy reading!

In the realms above, supernatural beings of unfathomable magnificence exist, far beyond mortal comprehension. These divinities wield unimaginable power, capable of obliterating worlds with a mere breath. However, what unfolds when these gods meet their demise? Set in a remote corner of the vast universe, long after the apocalyptic Thousand Millennium War of the Heavenly Beasts and Deities, this tale delves into a forgotten world. Here, the ashes of fallen gods descend upon an insignificant pebble, adrift amidst the cosmic tapestry of space and time. Their impact alters the life of a proud young man, who embraces the abrupt changes thrust upon his world. Refusing to yield to the clutches of fate and karma, he dares to defy the heavens themselves. Will he triumph over an insurmountable destiny, or succumb to fate like gods of unimaginable might did before him? The dreams of a deceased deity and the fate of a dying world hang precariously, hinged upon the future of this young man. He treads upon an endless bridge, forged from the corpses of the fallen. Unlock this epic saga of death, sorrow, war, blood, love, vengeance, and triumph with your own eyes. *** You can also reach out to: Discord:https://discord.com/invite/QQ3vybav Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=9xjl0tq1cs3e&utm_content=qx5nrdu

Jiseo is a Blasian, half Nigerian and half Korean moves to Korea and get into the most prestigious school in Seoul that only the rich can afford, the only way you can get in is if you passed the scholarship exam which is very difficult or you get in on honor. Ji Seo gets into the school on scholarship but unluckily for her, the students in that school looks down on the students who got in by scholarship or by honor. She decided to keep her head low in order for her secret to be intact but it's very difficult keeping her head low when she's the only black girl in the whole school, and she keeps getting in trouble with the big three in the school; Kim Min Ho, Min Taemin, and Kim Min Ho's fiancé, Jeon Arin.

An amazing world of cultivation. A majestic world where miracles happen. There is a warrior who defies destiny and forge his own path facing innumerable difficulties ahead. Come and join the life of the person who will go against the set destiny of the cruel world and become something extraordinary. ===== Extraordinary my foot. What is this illogical cr*p? Does it even make sense? If you are doctor, then work in a hospital. What the hell are you doing going after girls? If you are a commander in the army, then bring your army to get revenge on those who wronged you. Why go through the trouble of pretending to be a weakling. You are a useless son in law? Your wife's family thinks you are good for nothing? Then how the hell did you score her in the first place?!!! If they like money so much and you are a hidden millionaire, then why in the name of sanity would you hide this fact and be berated every day?!!! The hell is all this?!!! The more I read it, the more illogical it becomes. Like this all came straight out of someone's as-- [Host, why don't you calm down?] 'You shut up!!! You're the reason I'm stuck here in the first place!!!!' [Host, you need anger management] 'THE FU*K DID YOU SAY?!!!!!' ===== Hello everyone! This is my second novel and so far, nothing is decided. This is just an idea that has been plaguing my mind for quite a long time and I decided to let it out and let you guys decide whether or not I should work on it. Give it a proper read and let me know. You guys will decide the fate of this novel. Also, I would like you guys to come up with proper genres for this story. Bonus chapters: 150 PS for one chapter 300 PS for another chapter 20 GT for two chapters 50 GT for another two chapters 1 Review of 4 stars or above, 1 extra chapters Maximum extra chapters per week: 7 ===== The cover is A.I generated and is not mine. If the real owner would like me to remove it, let me know in any chapter comments. That's it. Enjoy!

(CONTAINS R18+ CONTENT) "Are you saying you'd let any man get this close?" "ABSOLUTELY NO!" The words burst out of me, too quick, too honest. His smirk deepens. "Tell me, if I leave you like this, all wound up and aching, will you be sneaking off to use one of your little toys?" "Yes," "Tell me, were you waiting for me to initiate something this past week?" he tugs my shorts more and kisses my navel. My heart hammers and my voice comes out shaky. "N-No." I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing he's right. He chuckles darkly. "Wrong answer. Let's try again." **** **** Mu Yiren I never imagined I'd be faking a relationship with my biggest enemy—the untamed, ridiculously charming Feng Junjie, known throughout the city as the "golden boy" of business and a billionaire playboy with a reputation for breaking hearts. But when he dangles a life-changing offer in front of me, the kind that could secure my inheritance, I find myself agreeing to be his "girlfriend." But the thing is….. What if I start seeing the real him? Pretending to be Junjie’s devoted partner is like walking on a razor's edge. He’s everything I can’t stand—sexy, cocky, and devilish, and yet a sweetheart by heart that leaves me flustered by his actions. I know better than to fall for a man like him; my mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s has convinced me to never fall in love. But Junjie isn't just any man. Beneath his easygoing charm is an intensity that leaves me breathless, and he knows exactly how to crack through the walls I have built around me, awakening a passion I never felt before. JUNJIE I need my life back. A sorry attempt at love had me question everything and forced me away from my brothers. Since my ‘ex best friend’s’ constant accusations had gotten out of control, I might as well pretend to date someone and shut her mouth. My definition of a fake date- Beautiful, sexy, tempting…..umm…. insufferable, annoying, and with a mouth that won’t stop running. The mouth with red lipstick. The mouth I want to…. This arrangement was supposed to be simple: fake dating, clear boundaries, no feelings. But the more he plays the role of her devoted partner, the more the lines between fake and real start to blur. And now, he’s no longer sure where the act ends and his true feelings begin. The catch? Mu Yiren doesn’t believe in love. And she certainly doesn’t believe a man like Feng Junjie is capable of anything but heartbreak. But Feng has never been one to follow the rules. Boundaries? He’s about to break them. Deals? They were made to be rewritten. He’s going all in, and this time, he’s not playing pretend.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMRahi This is a somewhat satiric xianxia story, mainly focusing on mystery solving, absurd humorous situations, and cultivation politics. [ Synopsis ] The universe gives some of us gifts that we may utilize to achieve our goals, reach the highest peak of our vision, holding an edge over every competitor. The universe also takes away taken-for-granted abilities from some of us, restricting us at every step we take forward, bombarding us with obstacles, and rendering us incapable of touching our aspirations in life. How would YOU lead your life, had you fallen among the latter minority? Across the vast Macrocosms of Man, the world of cultivation continues to demonstrate its brutality, its hazards, and its never-ending cycles of conflicts. One day, we find ourselves becoming conscious of the truth of our world....and that's where our story begins. As someone meant to be a weakling, you need to think of sources of power other than pure cultivation- and that's what our protagonist, Han Xuhan excels in.

Victor dies in a mugging and gets reincarnated in an alternate version of his world's past where magic and creatures of myth and legend exist. How would his knowledge affect the familiar yet unfamiliar world around him? Read and find out.

One fateful day, humanity was inexplicably blessed—or cursed—with the ability to control fire. Flames, once a force of nature, now bent to the will of men. Some saw it as a divine gift, a path to prosperity and power. Others feared it as a gateway to destruction. Entire civilizations were transformed overnight, with new rulers rising from the ashes, wielding their newfound powers like gods. But with great power comes even greater consequences. As rival factions and flame-wielding warlords clash for dominance, society teeters on the brink of collapse. Those who reject the power struggle fight to uncover the truth behind the mysterious phenomenon, wondering if there is a hidden price to pay for this dangerous gift. In the midst of this chaos, a young orphan named Takashi Ren discovers an ancient prophecy that suggests the flames may not be a gift from the gods, but a test—or worse, a trap. As Takashi Ren sets off a perilous journey to discover the secrets of the flames.

Life in the Dustlands is unforgiving, governed by the iron-fisted rule of an empire that is emboldened in power and greed. However, through a tradition called the Horkos and the people’s wavering will to fight, they maintain the control of all life in the palms of their hands with promised hope for a better life. For the past 14 years, every month, a randomly chosen number of citizens are given a choice, where a life of luxury awaits them inside the empire’s walls. However, when Kage’s father—the last of his family and the greatest forger in Dustlands’ history—disappears without a trace, Kage uncovers the dark truth behind the empire's tradition. Determined to find his father, Kage infiltrates the empire’s stronghold, nestled on the mountainside to the north. What he discovers shatters his world: the promised luxury is a facade, and the citizens taken by the Horkos are being slaughtered to create weapons of war. As the empire announces the final Horkos, Kage realizes he cannot take them down alone. With a secret of his own and the determination to gather a team of crooked souls, he vows to bring the empire to their knees and rescue his father—if he’s still alive.

Won Jin Seok, a high-achieving student from Seoul, finds himself transported into the body of Lucius Ravenhart, a disgraced noble with dark magic from his favorite game, Arcadia Magician. After unlocking a secret ending in the game, Jin Seok thought his journey was over, but now he must live out Lucius’ life in a world where power, status, and magic dictate survival. With knowledge of the game’s plot and Lucius’ tragic fate, Jin Seok is determined to change the outcome and prevent Lucius from meeting his doomed end. As he navigates the treacherous Arcadia Magic Academy, where enemies lurk and dark forces plot in the shadows, Jin Seok must master Lucius’ powerful yet difficult dark magic. Along the way, he uncovers deeper secrets that could alter the fate of the entire world. Can he outwit the forces against him and uncover the true ending, or will he be swallowed by the same fate that doomed Lucius in the original story? The game has only just begun, and this time, the stakes are real.

In Veilara, a land ruled by shadows and power, Dr. Alexander Cain awakens in a world where every secret demands sacrifice. Once a scientist obsessed with defying death, he now finds himself reborn in a realm where the strong prey on the weak, and immortality lies just beyond mortal reach. Armed with a mind built on logic and ambition sharpened by solitude, Cain will stop at nothing to conquer Veilara’s mysteries. He wields artifacts with deadly drawbacks, forms alliances bound to end in betrayal, and survives battles that test the edges of his sanity. Yet, each step toward power exacts a greater cost, as Veilara’s darkness begins to consume everything he once was. As Cain navigates deadly alliances, ancient artifacts, and mystical forces, he must face the question that drives him: Will he reach eternity, or will Veilara break him before he can rise?

In the rain-soaked depths of Iron City, former soldier and private investigator Luka Cross is a shadow among shadows, trading in secrets and survival. When a routine job pulls him into the heart of a sinister conspiracy, Luka uncovers a syndicate hell-bent on transforming citizens into bio-augmented enforcers—stripping them of humanity, turning them into tools for corporate power. Forced to ally with Juno, a fierce hacker with her own vendetta, Luka plunges into Iron City’s dark underbelly, navigating betrayal, brutal tactics, and a twisted play for control. As alliances fracture and stakes escalate, Luka must confront his own past and decide how much of his soul he's willing to sacrifice to burn down the machine from within. In a city where every neon-lit corner hides a secret, survival isn’t just luck—it’s the fight to remember who you are before the shadows swallow you whole.

In the peaceful village of Kumbhaka, Drona's heart is filled with dreams of becoming a knight. But when tragedy strikes and his home is reduced to ashes, he finds himself betrayed by the kingdom he once served. Cast out and abandoned, Drona loses the woman he loves, consumed by anger and despair as those he trusted turn their backs on him. Driven by a desire for revenge, he enters a dark world where he encounters a formidable, powerful being who awakens a hunger for power within him. As Drona embraces this new path, he sets his sights on those who wronged him, determined to reclaim what was lost. In a quest fueled by vengeance, he learns that loyalty is fleeting, and even the purest of hearts can be twisted by betrayal. Witness Drona's transformation from a hopeful boy into a master of dark magic, navigating a world where the line between hero and villain blurs.

En un oscuro mundo navega la magia y la espada en un vals de potencia y ambición. El Instituto de Ascensión se alza torre al cielo, donde se templan los elegidos en magos y guerreros extraordinarios. Ambos, nobles como plebeyos se unen para ocupar un lugar en las clases prestigiosas, sometidos a retos que ponen a prueba tanto sus talentos como esfuerzos. Nuestro personaje, muerto miserablemente despierta, reencarnando en una realidad antes escrita por el mismo. ¿El problema? Esta novela la escribió hace mas de 10 años y apenas recuerda, nada, por si fuera poco, parece que en esta historia... Los dioses no lo respaldan....

In a world abandoned by its gods, Ban, an immortal with a mysterious past, roams the desolate lands seeking revenge. The gods once enslaved humanity, but now, their neglect has left the world in chaos, ruled by dark forces. As Ban journeys, he encounters Bel, a former elven princess on a mission tied to an ancient prophecy. Together, they face an enigmatic entity—a black mist capable of destroying entire civilizations. With the lines between revenge and justice blurring, Ban must confront his past and decide the fate of a world teetering on the edge of destruction.

It all began with cryptic dreams and agonizingly realistic nightmares bleeding into Art's perception of reality. He never noticed at first, until certain events made him question everything, forcing him to seek help from a friend. But what he found was his world becoming one with a fantasy world called Ehert, governed by magic and silent Gods. Though the world wasn't the only one to merge. Because Art finds himself merged as a human, an impossible force, and the most dangerous creature of the present with hidden truths tainted by death. Following the path of pain, tragedy, and restless enemies. So will this new world drive the main character(s) to the madness and cruelty of this world all for answers? Or will they fight for themselves and forge a new name? To forever changing the world.

On Earth, she was many things, but the world knew her as a survivor—the kind willing to do whatever it took to make it through another day. In a destroyed, monster-filled wasteland, her weapon was seduction, her looks the only shield she had against death. Let them call her a slut; at least she was alive. But death never came. Instead, she finds herself in Jeper, a strange, seductive world ruled by powerful alien beings. And among them stands Caelum, an enigmatic, infuriatingly confident alien leader with a presence she can’t ignore. His dark gaze sees through her games, his every word a challenge, and for the first time, she finds herself unarmed in ways she can’t control. Now, with survival at stake and no way back to Earth, she must navigate Jeper’s dangers—and resist Caelum, even if everything in her longs to fall into his grasp. ************ She hadn’t planned on running into Caelum tonight—not here, not like this, with her heart pounding and her carefully practiced confidence crumbling under his gaze. The cold stone corridor felt smaller as he approached, his footsteps barely making a sound, yet the weight of his presence pressed down on her, making it impossible to focus on anything else. “You seem… lost,” he murmured, a wicked smile ghosting over his lips as he closed the distance between them. His voice was a rich, silken drawl, his tone unreadable, like he knew every thought swirling in her head. She fought the urge to step back, to shield herself from the effect he had on her. Caelum wasn’t just another alien ruler to charm her way past—he was dangerously perceptive, with an intensity that twisted her stomach in ways she wasn’t used to. “What makes you think I’m lost?” she replied, trying for defiance. But he just leaned in, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he tilted his head. “Because the woman I’ve heard about, the one who survived Earth’s ruins by any means necessary… she doesn’t look away.” His gaze slid down her face, lingering just enough to make her throat go dry. "And she wouldn’t let a place like Jeper scare her.” She forced herself to meet his eyes, to ignore the steady pulse of heat building between them. She was supposed to be in control; that was how she’d survived. But Caelum was close enough that his breath brushed her cheek, and the way he looked at her made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, there were parts of her she hadn’t yet discovered. “Maybe Jeper’s different,” she whispered, trying to keep the trembling out of her voice. Caelum leaned in even closer, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he murmured, “Then show me what makes you strong enough to survive it ******** This is not my cover I found it on Pinterest

The evening was thick with clouds, a somber sky casting its shadow over the world below. Rain fell in torrents, a relentless cascade that seemed to wash away the warmth of the day. Eyes, once bright, now appeared dry and vacant, reflecting a soul fragmented into countless pieces. Within Jin's mind, reality blurred with illusion, creating a landscape of uncertainty and doubt. To exist in a space where the impossible feels tangible, where every step seems to lead towards an inevitable end, yet knowing deep down that this end will not come. Life itself seems to watch and revel in this journey, for in this narrative, you are the afflicted, the one undergoing trials and tribulations. You are meant to travel this path with Jin, experiencing the highs and lows of his existence. At times, a sense of comfort may grace you, offering brief reprieves, but such moments are fleeting. The lessons of hardship will always return, for this world is vast and intricate, filled with grand schemes and hidden truths that are yet more profound than they appear. As you observe Jin from afar, take care to remain silent in your contemplation of his story. Any disturbance, any noise, might shatter the fragile peace he clings to, depriving him of rest. Consider this your cautionary note; the choice of how you proceed is yours alone. Embrace this understanding, for in the shadows of this narrative lies a journey both profound and perilous, waiting to unfold.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic cataclysm that merged the realms of technology and devastation, Sun emerges as the solitary survivor in a desolate and technologically altered world. Imbued with a mysterious system that grants him unparalleled abilities, he becomes the last flicker of hope for humanity's remnants. As Sun navigates the desolate landscapes, peeling back the layers of the cataclysm's enigma, he grapples with the weight of being the final human on Earth, a relic of a bygone era. Amidst the ruins of civilization, embark on a poignant journey alongside Sun as he battles for resilience and survival, unearths the truth, and clings to the tiniest glimmer of hope.

In a kingdom where dragons are extinct, and civil war has left the land in ruins, Eamon Valaryon, a royal bastard, is thrust into a deadly game of power after his father's brutal murder. As dark forces rise, Eamon must choose—claim a throne he never wanted or watch the kingdom burn. In a world of betrayal and bloodshed, can he rise from the ashes, or will the shadows consume him?

Like a phoenix...Lisa rose from the ashes, ready to burn down everyone that had wronged her! A forgotten heiress, brimming with vengeance must make her great comeback and take back everything that rightfully belongs to her. Lisa must navigate the vicious webs of betrayal, heartbreak and temptation to get back to the top. ***excerpt*** "Are you coming with me or not?" His oh so familiar chilled voice with an edge reached her ears and Lisa shivered. She knew she was totally screwed. Lian Que was going to take her with him, whether she wanted to come along or not. He was merely feigning the decency to ask. About a couple of months back, she could have sneered at him and turned her back but clearly, she was in no position to do that. I'd appreciate you trying out my book and offering your support and encouragement. Thank you in advance.

Tattered shrapnel rings in the distance. The ashes of man's sin cannot be washed down with alcohol nor holy water. We who murder shall live in the suffering we have caused. Indeed, it is so. Somewhere near, a man who has used up his life looks down a pile of ash. The clouds are ignorant of all that was. The man sighs. The sky blinks, to dust he becomes. And so forth is the cycle of blood. He remembers. But perhaps it does not matter. The boy picks up his backpack and leaves for his school trip.