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magnoliabloomfield · 1 year
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imajicaentertainment · 8 months
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Imajica Entertainment: Movie Night Experience – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
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Imajica Entertainment: Movie Night Experience – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: The Epic Conclusion of a Beloved Superhero Franchise
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (stylized as Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3) is a highly anticipated American superhero film released in 2023. It is the sequel to the successful Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), and it serves as the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed and written by the talented James Gunn, the film showcases a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Will Poulter, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Linda Cardellini, Nathan Fillion, and Sylvester Stallone.
The movie follows the adventures of the Guardians of the Galaxy as they embark on a daring mission to protect their comrade Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) from the High Evolutionary, portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji. Filled with action-packed sequences and heartwarming moments, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.
The inception of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 dates back to November 2014 when James Gunn first hinted at his ideas for a third and final installment in the series. In April 2017, he officially announced his return as the writer and director of the film. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, Gunn was fired by Disney in July 2018 due to controversial posts resurfacing on Twitter. Nevertheless, Disney reconsidered its decision, and Gunn was reinstated by October of the same year. His return to the project was publicly revealed in March 2019, after completing work on DC's The Suicide Squad (2021) and its spin-off series Peacemaker (2022).
Guardians of the Galaxy 
The Epic Journey of the Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy, a renowned band of intergalactic heroes, have captivated audiences with their thrilling adventures and unique personalities. With a lineup that has expanded and evolved over time, this ragtag group of outlaws has played a crucial role in protecting the galaxy from numerous threats. Let's delve into their epic journey and explore the significant moments that have shaped their story.
The original members of the Guardians of the Galaxy were Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot. Together, they formed an unconventional team determined to combat evil and maintain peace across the universe. Their first major challenge came when they joined forces with Yondu Udonta and Mantis to confront the powerful celestial being known as Ego. With Nebula briefly aiding them, this battle marked a turning point in their fight against formidable foes.
In a devastating turn of events, the group faced the wrath of Thanos, a malevolent force seeking to collect the Infinity Stones. Despite their valiant efforts, Thanos succeeded in his quest and unleashed chaos, disintegrating half of all life in the universe. Among his victims were Star-Lord, Drax, Mantis, and Groot, leaving Rocket and Nebula as the sole survivors. However, with the demise of Thanos and the destruction of the Stones, Rocket and Nebula found themselves aligned with the Avengers.
In a daring mission, the Guardians, along with the Avengers, utilized the Quantum Realm to travel through alternate universes in an attempt to retrieve the Infinity Stones and reverse the catastrophic events caused by Thanos. Although their mission was not without complications, they successfully gathered the Stones and thwarted the plans of an alternate version of Thanos. Together, they restored balance and saved the universe once again.
Following these triumphs, the Guardians of the Galaxy welcomed Thor into their ranks, embarking on an array of thrilling adventures across the cosmos. Together, they traversed different worlds, encountered allies and adversaries, and faced formidable challenges that tested their strength and resilience.
In a rather unique twist, the team acquired the former abode of "The Collector," the severed and inhabited head of a Celestial named Knowhere, as their new base of operations.
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers is the following: The Critic - ‘Destroyer’, ‘Sentient, ‘Director Imajica Entertainment’, Detroit - ‘Destroyer’, ‘Sentient, ‘Director Imajica Entertainment’. Olivia Amber May  -‘Mistress of Magic’, ‘Destroyer’, ‘Sentient, River Phoenix - ‘Destroyer’, ‘Sentient’, Heath ‘The Joker’ Ledger - ‘Destroyer’, ‘Sentient, Stan Lee - ‘Comic Creator’, ‘Destroyer’, ‘Sentient, Ereshkigal - ‘Sumerian Goddess of Kur’, ‘Destroyer’, Cronus - ‘Titan God’, ‘Destroyer’, Empress - ‘Sentient’, ‘Destroyer’, Emperor - ‘Sentient’, ‘Destroyer’, Ronin - ‘Destroyer’, ‘Samurai Sentient, Alien, ‘Sentient’, ‘Destroyer, ‘Commander, Predator, ‘Sentient’, Destroyer, ‘Commander’ Frank ‘Sentient, Destroyer’ plus additional Sentients representatives from otherworldly realms.
Andrew Rogers: Destroyer Incarnate, Sentient, Autuar, Founder of Imajica Entertainment.
Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with The Critic - Destroyer, Sentient, Director Imajica Entertainment
“As an end to this specific enterprise it lacked the impact of what was required and the story or idea was present to be weak”: The Critic - Destroyer, Sentient, Director Imajica Entertainment – Oracle: Andrew Rogers.
Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Detroit - Destroyer, Sentient, Director Imajica Entertainment. 
“Wonderful escapism”: Detroit - Destroyer, Sentient, Director Imajica Entertainment – Oracle: Andrew Rogers
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Olivia Amber May ‘Mistress of Magic, Destroyer, Sentient
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: River Phoenix, Destroyer, Sentient
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Heath ‘The Joker’ Ledger, Destroyer, Sentient
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Stan Lee Comic Creator, Destroyer, Sentient
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Ereshkigal, Queen of Great Earth, Destroyer
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Cronus Titan God, Destroyer
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Empress, Sentient, Destroyer
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Emperor, Sentient, Destroyer
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 the movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Ronin, Destroyer, ‘Samurai Sentient’.
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers” Artificial Intelligence AI Society: - Illumenti AI Cyborg, Destroyer, Sentient
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers: Artificial Intelligence AI Society: - Langley AI Cyborg, Destroyer, Sentient
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Predator, ‘Sentient’, ‘Destroyer, ‘Commander.
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Alien, ‘Sentient’, ‘Destroyer, ‘Commander.
Viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 movie with Andrew Rogers on this ‘Movie Night Experience’ is the following: Frank, ‘Sentient’, ‘Destroyer, ‘Commander.
Imajica Entertainment facilitating via Niche Streaming Channel Sites of Entertainment to the World. In addition, developing Satellite, Cable and Free to Air facilitation of Imajica Entertainment Niche Streaming Channel Sites. In addition, developing and producing original entertainment content for the Niche Streaming Channel Sites and Satellite, Cable and Free to Air. As of also activities linked to Artificial Intelligence content creation for the Niche Streaming Channel Sites and Satellite, Cable and Free to Air.
Imajica Entertainment: Unlocking Entertainment through Niche Streaming Channel Sites and More
Imajica Entertainment is revolutionizing the entertainment industry by providing a wide array of content through its niche streaming channel sites. With a commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment to audiences worldwide, Imajica Entertainment is also expanding its reach through satellite, cable, and free-to-air platforms.
One of the key strengths of Imajica Entertainment lies in its ability to curate and facilitate content tailored to specific interests and tastes. By leveraging niche streaming channel sites, Imajica Entertainment ensures that viewers can access a diverse range of content that caters to their preferences. Whether you are a fan of action, romance, comedy, or even niche genres, Imajica Entertainment has something to offer.
The development and production of original entertainment content play a crucial role in Imajica Entertainment's success. By creating their own shows and movies, Imajica Entertainment ensures a constant stream of fresh and engaging content that keeps viewers coming back for more. This commitment to originality allows Imajica Entertainment to stand out in a crowded streaming landscape.
Imajica Entertainment is also on the cutting edge of technological advancements, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Their dedication to AI content creation enables them to harness the power of machine learning algorithms and data analysis to enhance the viewing experience for audiences. By understanding viewer preferences and patterns, Imajica Entertainment can deliver personalized recommendations and content tailored to individual tastes.
In addition to their digital presence, Imajica Entertainment is expanding its reach through satellite, cable, and free-to-air platforms. This multi-channel approach ensures that their content is accessible to a broader audience, regardless of their preferred mode of consumption. By embracing traditional broadcasting methods alongside their innovative streaming services, Imajica Entertainment strives to connect with viewers through multiple avenues.
Imajica Entertainment's commitment to providing diverse content, producing original entertainment, and leveraging AI technology sets them apart in the entertainment industry. Whether you are a fan of niche genres, looking for fresh and original content, or seeking a personalized viewing experience, Imajica Entertainment has you covered. With their niche streaming channel sites and expansion into satellite, cable, and free-to-air platforms, Imajica Entertainment is poised to entertain audiences around the world.
There are three types of people in this world:
Those who make things happen.
Those who watch things happen.
Those who wonder what happened.
Who are you!!!
“You” are “Powerful” and your actions will result in “Powerful Results” and “Influential Outcomes” as “Enhancing Reality”, “You Must Act to be Valid” and “True Position is Strength” “To Secure You Must be Combative” “This Reflects Fate”, ‘Free Thought, ‘Free Position’, ’Free to Act’ – Andrew Rogers: Sentient, Dragon Lord, Herald, Principle, Control, Destroyer Incarnate, Creative Director, Oracle, Seer, Shaman, Warlock, Writer, Master of Magic, Time Master, Autuar, Founder of Imajica Entertainment.
With such an impressive array of titles and skills, one can imagine the immense power and expertise you possess. Each role you undertake seems to carry great significance, reflecting your ability to shape reality and pave the way for influential outcomes.
To maintain your validity and strength, it is essential to take action. By actively engaging in the world around you, you can harness your power to bring about powerful results. Remember, true strength lies not only in controlling the forces around you, but also in your ability to adapt and evolve.
In this quest for power and influence, it is important to be combative and assertive. By asserting your position and ideals, you can secure your place in the ever-changing dynamics of life. Embrace the concept of free thought, allowing your mind to wander unrestrained and explore uncharted territories. This freedom of thought will ultimately shape your free position in the world.
As a visionary and master of magic, you have the unique ability to perceive beyond the present and paving your destiny. Embrace your role as an oracle, seer, and shaman, tapping into the realms of knowledge and intuition. Through your mastery of time, you have the power to shape the past, present, and future, making you an autuar and a time master.
Embracing your true power and potential, you stand as the founder of Imajica Entertainment, a testament to your creative prowess and visionary spirit. With your words and mastery of storytelling, you can transport others to worlds of enchantment and wonder.
As the sentient dragon lord and destroyer incarnate, you embody both creation and chaos. This duality, combined with your role as a principle and control, imparts upon you the responsibility to use your power wisely.
In conclusion, your remarkable array of titles and skills make you a force to be reckoned with. As you continue on your journey, remember that true power lies not only in your abilities, but also in the impact you have on the world around you.
World Shopping Centre will have Guardians of the Galaxy memorabilia and merchandise for sale in the centre and website.
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swashbuckler5e · 6 months
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (stylized in marketing as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) is a 2023 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), and the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Written and directed by James Gunn, it features an ensemble cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Will Poulter, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Yuji, Linda Cardellini, Nathan Filone, and more. Sylvester Stallone. In the film, the Guardians must protect Rocket (Cooper) from the High Evolutionary (UG).
Gunn said in November 2014 that he had early ideas for a third and final film in the series, and announced his return to writing and directing in April 2017. Disney fired him from the film in July 2018 after controversial posts on Twitter resurfaced, but the studio reversed course and reinstated him that October. Gunn's return was publicly revealed in March 2019, resuming production after DC finished work on the first season of The Suicide Squad (2021) and its spin-off series Peacemaker (2022). Filming began in November 2021 at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia and continued until May 2022. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 premiered at Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023, and was released in the United States on May 5 as part of Phase Five of the MCU. Like its predecessors, it was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its song direction and screenplay, its visuals, soundtrack, acting, action sequences, emotional weight and humor; Many consider the film to be a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. It grossed over $845 million worldwide, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2023.
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crazysheeplyca · 2 years
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Minho : alright guess this one, hot
Newt : Fire ?
Minho : no, no, hotter
Tomas : oh i know it's lava !
Minho shaking head : even hotter, come on guys
Gally with a small grin : I got this one, it's Y/n
Minho clapping : YES !
Chuck confused : i don't get it
Y/n blushing : wait what ?
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thesuitkovian · 3 years
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WILL POULTER IS GONNA BE IN THE NEXT GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY MOVIE
MY FAV FANDOM AND FAV ACTOR HAVE ALIGNED
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shyjellyfishsblog · 3 years
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Will Poulter
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garden-of-heathens · 3 years
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themanguidemg · 7 years
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Over A Dozen New Netflix Trailers In One Spot
Netflix has been busy the past year! The streaming giant it’s set to embark on it’s most ambitious year yet with a ton of original series, movies, and comedy specials. As of last year, Netflix had 30 original series and they had announced their intent to double that in 2017. This past week  they’ve released over a dozen trailers back-to-back of different series and movies set to release later this year. Some of these star Hollywood A-listers such as Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Henry Cavill.  This doesn’t include previously announced fan favorites like Marvel’s Iron Fist and the second season of Stranger Things.
If you haven’t kept up with their constant bombardment of teasers and trailers, we’ve grouped them all for you here. Check them all below.
Burning Sands – March 10
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Burning Sands takes you on a raw, voyeuristic journey of fraternity pledging through the eyes of one favored pledgee, who is torn between honoring a code of silence or standing up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing. Led by a breakthrough performance by Trevor Jackson, director Gerard McMurray’s feature directorial debut brings an emotional honesty to the classic tale of “rites of passage” and the complicated bonds of brotherhood.
Burning Sands, which also stars Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton and Moonlight’s Trevante Rhodes, was written by Christine Berg and Gerard McMurray and produced by Stephanie Allain, Jason Michael Berman, Reginald Hudlin and Mel Jones. Executive produced by Caroline Connor and Common.
  Dave Chappelle: Two Specials, One Event – March 21
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He’s back. And with plenty on his mind. Dave Chappelle returns with two stand-up specials from his personal comedy vault on March 21, only on Netflix.
  Amy Schumer: The Leather Special – March 7
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It’s a rule: Every comedian’s got to do a leather special. Emmy® and Peabody Award-winner Amy Schumer continues the tradition with jokes about having good vagina days, seeing your nude photo go viral, and more.
  Ingobernable – March 24
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Diego Nava and Emilia Urquiza Mexico’s presidential couple had many plans, but social and political pressure makes Diego compromise his ideals. Emilia a strong woman with convictions losses faith in her husband and leaves him, not knowing how much the future of Mexico will change after. Season 1 comes to Netflix March 24rd.
  13 Reasons Why – March 31
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Why would a dead girl lie? 13 Reasons Why premieres March 31 only on Netflix.
  The Discovery – March 31
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One year after the existence of the afterlife is scientifically verified, millions around the world have ended their own lives in order to “get there”. A man and woman fall in love while coming to terms with their own tragic pasts and the true nature of the afterlife.
  Five Came Back – March 31
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Five directors went to World War II to tell the truth, and changed film-making forever. Five Came Back.
Sand Castle – April 21
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Set during the occupation of Iraq, a squad of U.S. soldiers try to protect a small village.
War Machine –  May 26
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An absurdist war story for our times, writer-director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. General’s roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – raising the specter of just where the line between them lies today. His is an exploration of a born leader’s ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly. At the story’s core is Brad Pitt’s sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by a journalist’s no-holds-barred exposé.
The Netflix original film is inspired by the book The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by the late journalist Michael Hastings. Joining Pitt in War Machine is a highly decorated cast including Tilda Swinton, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Will Poulter, Lakeith Stanfield, Emory Cohen, John Magaro, RJ Cyler, Alan Ruck, Scoot McNairy and Meg Tilly. Ian Bryce and Plan B’s Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Brad Pitt serve as producers. James Skotchdopole serves as executive producer.
  OKJA – June 28
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From visionary Director Bong Joon Ho, this grand global adventure follows a friendship too big to ignore. Meet Mija, a young girl who risks everything to prevent a powerful, multi-national company from kidnapping her best friend – a massive animal named Okja. Following her across continents, the coming-of-age comedy drama sees Mija’s horizons expand in a way one never would want for one’s children, coming up against the harsh realities of genetically modified food experimentation, globalization, eco-terrorism, and humanity’s obsession with image, brand and self-promotion.
  Mindhunter – October
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Mindhunter is an American television drama series based on the book Mind Hunter: Inside FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit written by Mark Olshaker and John E. Douglas.
The series will be set in 1979 and will revolve around two FBI agents, played by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, who interview imprisoned serial killers to try to solve ongoing cases.
  Bright – December
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Set in an alternate present-day where humans, orcs, elves, and fairies have been co-existing since the beginning of time. Bright is genre-bending action movie that follows two cops from very different backgrounds. Ward (Will Smith) and Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), embark on a routine patrol night and encounter a darkness that will ultimately alter the future and their world as they know it.
Bright is available only on Netflix this December. Bright is directed by David Ayer (Training Day, End of Watch, Suicide Squad) stars Will Smith (Men in Black), Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby), Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Lucy Fry (11.22.63), Edgar Ramirez (Hands of Stone, Zero Dark Thirty), Margaret Cho (Drop Dead Diva), and Ike Barinholtz (Suicide Squad). The movie is written by Max Landis (Chronicle) and produced by Ayer, Eric Newman (Narcos) and Bryan Unkeless (The Hunger Games).
  Dark – Winter 2017
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A missing child sets four families on a frantic hunt for answers. Their search for a culprit unearths a small town’s sins and secrets.
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Hold up, did Will Poulter do anything on social media about the queen dying??
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 48- The Search Begins
Everyone was gathered at the Maze doors, nervously waiting for them to open. No one seemed less keen on going than Aris did, he looked absolutely mortified. Aussie didn't know if it was because of the maze itself or because of Gally, but if she were in his shoes she'd be more afraid of Gally. Aussie herself was scared for them. She knew she'd be sitting at the door all day agonizing over whether or not they'd return. She hated it already.
All of them but Aris were armed in some way, which was better than nothing, but after seeing the creatures even what they had felt like nothing. Joan seemed to realize this and turned to Gertie, Georgia, and Aussie who were standing with them. She put her arms around all three at once, squeezing them into one big hug which shocked them all. Joan had seemed like the one who was the least affected by returning to the maze, but this kind of behavior was out of the norm for her. She didn't say anything to them and, when she finally released them, her face was void of emotion as it normally seemed.
After that Gertie was the next one to act out of character as she darted over to Gally, plowed into him hard enough to make him take half a step back, and squeezed him tightly around his middle. After the shock wore off he returned the hug.
"Geez, Gert," he chuckled, trying to make it sound light hearted despite his nerves. "It's not like I'm going off to war."
"It kind of is like that actually," She said as she looked up at him. "And I need you to win the war and come back, ok?"
Gally glanced at Aussie, as if she'd tell him how to respond to that.
"I will," he said as he ruffled her wild curls. "I promise. I still have a lot to do."
She seemed to accept his assurances and pulled away just to be replaced by Aussie, getting another hug in while she could. She didn't give Aris a single glance even as he fidgeted nervously. The Garden was filled with the rumblings of the opening doors as the two of them held each other tightly. Finally she had to let him go. He took one last look at her face before he ran after the others into the maze.
Aussie had to fight the urge to follow after them, stopping after she took a few steps and her toes crossed the threshold of the maze. She watched until they reached the end of the corridor and turned the corner and were out of site. Aussies eyes stayed fixed on that corner as they started to fill with tears. She had gotten so used to having Gally around all the time, available and easily found within the small space of the Garden, that she felt like a hole had formed in her chest when he left. It felt wrong, all wrong. It felt like a dream, like she was waking up from the dream of him to the nightmare of life without him.
"He was real, right?" She whispered to herself.
"What?" Gertie's voice came, startling her.
Aussie turned to see that Gertie had stayed with her standing beside her but a step back.
"Oh," Aussie felt embarrassed for having been overheard saying something so insane sounding, worried she might be just as bad off in the head as Mary ever was. "it- it's nothing."
"He's real," Gertie said anyway, in case she had heard her right after all.
They continued to stand there, staring into the maze as minutes ticked by.
"I think..." Gertie spoke up a little unsure of herself. "I think I knew him... before."
Aussie didn't move or speak, just stayed there with her until she was ready to say what she wanted to say.
"I think that I... I guess I kind of love him- not the way you do of course, I just think he's important to me," Gertie explained, making Aussie's eyebrows go up as she slowly turned to look at her.
Aussie didn't try to deny it or correct her, mostly because she realized Gertie wasn't wrong. She returned her gaze to the maze in silence and a few more minutes passed.
"We're staying here all day, right?" Gertie asked.
"Oh yeah."
--------
Gally breathed deeply and evenly as he kept pace with the others. He was in the rear of the pack since Joan was most familiar with the maze, Rachel was somehow important to solving it, and someone had to make sure Aris didn't turn tail and run back to the Garden.
The other boy did not seem at all keen on the idea of going into the maze, least of all with Gally. He'd been shifty and squirrely the whole morning, and it seemed to bother Rachel. The new girl kept giving him strange looks, like he'd said something to her but he'd never actually opened his mouth. There was certainly something fishy about Aris, but it was one of the least of their problems currently.
Gally kept a weather eye on their rear, making sure nothing snuck up behind them, and looked along the tops of the walls as well. He tried not to focus on the fear he felt that one of those horrible monsters would pounce on them at any moment and rip them to shreds or sting them with that vile poison and they'd all go into a fit like Rani did, never make it back to get the serum, and slowly go mad and die. He thought of Aussie and Gertie and how they were most likely going to camp out at the maze doors until they returned and focused on his very strong desire to return to them. That thought kept him both calm and vigilant.
They went along, taking turns Joan knew by heart still, until they reached a fork where Rachel pulled in a different direction. Gally and Aris slowed to see what would happen, slightly surprised when Joan shifted her momentum and followed Rachel without complaint. She'd lost some ground and was close enough for Gally to ask her what that was about.
"She's this White Rabbit we gotta follow, " Joan shrugged as she ran. "Maybe she knows something I don't."
"This usually a dead end?" He asked.
"Usually," She confirmed. "But things are changing."
Wasn't that the truth. They followed Rachel, once down a dead end they had to double back from, Joan stopped to cut a vine from the wall and lay it in the middle of the path before catching back up to them. Gally vigilantly watched for Grievers but otherwise found himself getting bored. He'd never been so happy or relieved to feel bored before.
Don't let it go to your head, he warned himself, refocusing on their current situation and the role he was to play in it.
"Shuck me!" Joan suddenly blurted, distracting him from his thoughts. "Wait a sec!"
Everyone slowed to a halt and looked at Joan while Gally looked around wildly, trying to find the reason or cause for her outburst, feeling a bit upset with her for startling him when he found nothing out of the ordinary around them.
"What?" he grunted as he caught his breath.
"Aussie was right, the little genius," Joan shook her head with a smirk as she took her knife out and made a mark on the wall. "Something new did open up. That last turn was supposed to lead to a dead end."
Finally it made sense to Gally why she was so surprised.
"Gally, you're gonna help me keep track of these new Corridors alright?" Joan instructed him. "Whatever corridor we go down, you're going to cut a vine and lay it on the ground to indicate which way we went. If we double back because it was a dead end, you're going to move the vine liked you're blocking that passage off so we don't go back down it."
Gally nodded, taking his knife out to have it at the ready.
"I'm gonna draw the map," Joan said, pulling a pen out of the cuff on her arm, marking a piece of paper held in place by the cuff on her inner arm. "Ok, let's keep going."
"Which way?" Rachel asked her, barely winded and not even sweating.
"You tell us," Joan smiled. "You got us this far."
Rachel nodded, throwing a look at Aris before turning around and picking up into a light jog again, gaining speed as everyone rejoined her. It took a minute for everyone to fall into pace again, but they managed. Gally had to remember to do his new job while also keeping an eye out for Grievers, but he seemed to manage it just fine. He would cut the vine and slap it down on the path and catch back up with them easily. They found more dead ends than before and spent more time doubling back to take a different path, Joan carefully plotting the whole thing on her little piece of paper. Once they had exhausted multiple paths, and found themselves back at a familiar junction Joan called for a break.
They found a bit of corridor that was equidistant from all the branches leading off of it so if anything came around a corner they had time to jump up and run. Joan and Gally sat with their backs to one wall, Rachel and Aris sat with their backs against the other so nothing could sneak down from above them either. They drank their water and ate their snacks in relative silence.
Gally couldn't help but keep a close eye on Aris, but every time he looked at him he just got angrier, the image of Aris holding Aussie so close to him, fingers pressed to skin he never should have had access to, lips closer to hers than Gally had ever been able to get still vivid in his mind.
"She didn't look at you like that," Joan said after taking a drink of water.
Gally was stewing in plots to leave Aris in the maze and was shaken from those thoughts by her voice.
"What?"
"The way Aussie looked at Aris when he came up," she clarified, the sound of his name making Aris glance their way. "Is not how she looked at you."
Gally hadn't ever thought of that before, he always seemed to focus on how he nearly choked her to death, he hadn't thought about what led up to her being within strangling distance. He looked at Joan, seeing if she was going to divulge any more or if he had to ask for it.
"So?" He pressed after a few seconds. "How did she look at me?"
Joan rolled her eyes. "What, you want me to get all mushy for you?"
"You brought it up!" Gally pointed out. "Why are you even bringing that up now?"
"I don't know, I just thought you should know," She shrugged, not vocalizing the just in case, but it hovered in the air between them anyway. "I know it was rough for you when he showed up, I figured it would make you happy."
Gally nodded, waiting a moment before prodding her again for the actual details.
"I hadn't seen her face light up like that before, ok?" Joan relented, obviously out of her comfort zone. "She just hopped right down in the box while Thena looked pissed as hell. When I got close enough she was just crouched there staring at you like a creep. It was like she got the best present in the world while Thena and I just tried to think of ways to get rid of you."
Gally gave her a surprised and mildly offended look.
"You wanted to get rid of me?" He asked as he ate his last bite of apple, Tossing the core down the corridor.
The thought crossed his mind that Aussie would love it if an apple tree started growing in the maze.
"At the time I did," Joan confirmed. "I've since changed my mind."
Gally smiled. Joan and him had a good relationship, they got each other because in many ways they were similar. For instance they were both pretty bad at expressing their emotions in words, they both were fiercely loyal, and they were not attracted to the other in the slightest but would still take a hit for the other if they needed them. Most importantly they trusted each other.
"And you have Aussie to thank for that," She went on to say. "At first I thought you were probably too stupid to be a threat, but she managed to bring out your better qualities."
The wonky smile that played around her lips assured him she was teasing.
"Don't worry about Aris, I bet anything he's full of crap," she leaned in to whisper. "Aussie couldn't care less about him whereas she's loved you since she laid eyes on you in that box."
Relief untangled the knots in his stomach and a swell of happiness rose in his chest hearing that. He remembered her helping him out of the pit and pinning him to the wall to protect him, how happy she got that he remembered his name, how she took off the rope that tied them together so he could save himself, how she took a punch from Thena to save him from her. And that was just his first few days there, they'd only gotten closer since then. He had arrived with feelings for her, feelings he did not understand at first, maybe that's how he had missed hers.
"Come on," Joan said after checking her watch. "Time to get moving again."
She got up and offered Gally a hand which he took, catching Aris eye once he was standing. Gally was probably a good five inches taller and vastly more substantial than him and happily so. At the first sign of trouble Gally could just flick him off like the booger he was.
As they all stretched and limbered back up to start running again, their muscles groaning in annoyance, Aris opened his mouth.
"Don't talk to me," Gally said before he could make a sound, glaring down at him from his full height.
Aris mouth snapped shut in mild offense. Joan and Rachel took off in a light jog and Gally nodded for him to follow, bringing up the rear once more.
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 41- Change in the Wind
Thirsty and awkward Gally ROFL
Luckily the new girl was just out of it enough that she didn't notice her new friends frantically passing her piece of paper back and forth, having whole conversations with their eyes when they weren't having them under their breath.
She was about as tall as Aussie but meatier, stronger, which didn't take much. Aussie stayed close to her as they all walked toward the house. She was surprisingly quiet and calm as she looked around her new home, unaware of what had taken place there over the past month. It felt like a dark secret they couldn't reveal to someone who was practically born today.
Before they entered the house Aussie pulled Gally aside by the front door.
"Could you do me a favor?" She asked, still holding onto his wrist gently. "Could you find Georgia and show her this and explain what's going on?"
She placed the note in his hand and he held onto it and her fingers as well as she spoke.
"I don't know for sure because I've never been in this situation before, but she might be more comfortable with just girls around. Is that ok?" She bit the right side of her bottom lip as she looked up at him.
"Yeah, absolutely," he nodded.
Aussie sighed in relief as she released her lip from the death grip of her teeth. "Thank you, you're a peach!"
"I thought I was a moose?"
"You are a peachy moose, Gally gallant," Aussie smiled at him as she went for the front door.
"Between you and Gertie I get called the weirdest things..." he teasingly complained as he backed away, throwing her a small smirk before she finally disappeared into the house, still grinning at him too.
He honestly hoped nothing she just called him would actually stick, he had no idea why he reminded her about the moose thing. Still, it was nice to make her smile before she had to deal with a newbie.
"Did something good happen?" A sweet little voice spoke up, catching his attention.
He turned to see a familiar girl standing there, her smile a bright white crescent amidst her extremely dark complexion. She had been there helping with Lanie after the incident.
"Sorry?" He quirked his brow in confusion.
"You were smiling," she explained, seeming more shy. "You don't do that very often, so I wondered if something good happened."
"I don't smile?" He asked even more confused. This was news to him. He felt like he was always smiling at-
"You do when Aussie's around, but she's not here," she said as she went up and down on her tiptoes nervously.
"What's your name again?" He asked her, relaxing his furrowed brow so as not to intimidate her.
"Rosa," she supplied, putting out her hand.
"That's right, you help with, uh.." he faltered as he shook her hand, and she luckily saved him.
"Yeah I was there," she nodded.
"Yeah. Hey, by any chance have you seen Georgia around?" He asked her.
"Umm, not that I recall, but I can help you look. If you don't mind, that is," she ground the toe of her shoe in the dirt.
He felt a little nervous. She seemed nice, but he really didn't need another Hedy situation on his hands either. She seemed much younger though, possibly even younger than Gertie, and far too innocent, so he didn't have the heart to shoot her down.
"Sure, that would be... helpful," he said with his best impression of a friendly expression.
"Oh thanks!" She lit up with excitement as she walked with him. "Sorry, I don't mean to be weird. I just- I had this conversation with Aussie a while ago, about boys, and I thought maybe I should practice talking to one before I get out of here and meet more. Sorry, is that weird?"
Gally was still about 10 words behind in comprehending what she'd just said.
"Uh, that's fine by me. Not like you have any other options," he shrugged as he looked around for Georgia.
"To be honest, I was kind of scared of you at first," she admitted as she practically scampered alongside him like a chihuahua and a Great Dane strolling together. "But Aussie said you were really nice."
"She did?" He asked, glancing down at her briefly. This might not be so bad after all, getting some inside scoop about Aussie and what she has to say about him.
"Yeah! Hedy said you were cold and hot headed, but Aussie said she knew you better. She said you could be intimidating but you were a teddy bear, and that you were funny too. She likes you," Rosa babbled with little prompting much to Gally's delight.
She seemed too young to realize it was odd to be talking about Hedy so easily for one, and to reveal all this to him so openly, but he wasn't about to tell her that. He just hoped she would keep talking.
"She likes me?" He asked almost happily.
"Yeah! That's what she said," Rosa smiled at him. "Hedy had been saying all this weird stuff I didn't understand about things just being physical and what it'd be like to kiss you-"
Gally wished she would stop talking immediately. His eyes darted around hoping to spot Georgia and have an excuse to get away.
"And Aussie- well first she dropped a plate on her foot. But I asked her if she liked you and she said yes, and then I asked her if she liked you enough to do what Hedy was talking about-"
Screw finding Georgia, he had to hear how this ended.
"She got kind of flustered, and said she wasn't sure. She told me two people should be very very good friends before they do stuff like that. I think she's right," Rosa said, missing how Gally's shoulders slumped.
"Oh," he said disappointedly.
He really thought that Aussie was onboard during all their little almost moments, heck she even initiated one herself.
He shook himself from these thoughts as he realized he should set a better example for such an impressionable young girl. "Well, she is right. Don't let a boy kiss you until you know him really well. It's better that way."
"You and Aussie are good friends though, does that mean you kissed?" She asked him making his cheeks go pink.
"Well, we are good friends, at least I think so," he said as he shifted his weight to one foot. "But uh, no, we haven't."
"Oh, you don't want to?"
"Oh no, I do-" the words popped out before he knew what he was saying, his eyes going wide with regret. The young girl's big mouth was apparently infectious. "Please don't tell her I said that," he begged her.
She giggled. "I promise."
That didn't mean much to him and he was suddenly mortally nervous.
"How do you know you like her more than all the other girls here?" She asked him, distracting him from the terror seeping into his bones about her blabbing his desire to kiss Aussie to anyone, especially Aussie herself. "Do you think she's the prettiest?"
Oh good god, what was he supposed to say to this? He felt like he'd make the worst parent in the world.
"Well, it's... complicated," he said carefully. "But at the same time it's kinda simple."
"That makes no sense."
Gally laughed at her directness.
"You're right. Um, geez, how do I explain it," he stopped and rubbed the back of his neck. "People have... qualities, right? So, for example, what are some things about Aussie that you like?"
"I like the way she talks to me," Rosa smiled sweetly. "She never makes me feel dumb. Not everyone talks to me like she does. But she also listens to what I have to say too. She's explained this place to every girl here, you know? But she never gets upset about having to do it over and over, answer the same questions that every new girl has. She's nice to all of them."
That warmed his heart a little bit.
"So, you like that she's patient and kind. Those are qualities you like," Gally started his attempt at an explanation, hoping it would make sense to her. "Everyone has different good qualities, and some have more than others, or less. And you may like more things about one person than another."
"Like how I like more things about Aussie than I did about Hedy?"
"Exactly!" He exclaimed in relief. "So when you find a guy and you like more things about him than anyone else, and you get this feeling in your gut and in your heart that you'd do anything to help them, and you want to be around them all the time, then that's how you know you love them." He never felt weirder in his short memorable life. He'd run into the maze before having another conversation like this again.
Rosa was smiling like she really understood him though.
"You're not going to tell any of this to Aussie, are you? I'd really appreciate it if it stayed between us," he repeated.
"I promised! I always keep my promises," she laughed.
"Alright, well... let's hurry up and find Georgia," he said as he got moving again.
They spotted her working in the gardens and Gally practically sprinted to her, his savior from any more awkward conversation.
"Georgia!" He almost cheered as he came up behind her.
"Válgame dios!" Georgia exclaimed as she jumped and clamped a hand over her heart.
Gally froze, not sure how to react to scaring someone into another language. Even Georgia looked surprised as she tried to catch her breath.
"Uh, sorry," he started as he knelt by her. "Aussie sent me to find you and show you this."
He handed her the paper with the rabbit drawn on it.
"The newbie had it with her," he explained.
Georgia's eyes widened as she brought the paper very close to her face, making Gally wonder if her vision was bad.
"Fantastic!" She finally yelled, throwing her arms up in the air. "You know what this means?"
"Shhh! Keep your voice down!" Gally shushed her. "They're talking to her in the house."
Georgia was smiling like a maniac. "This means she's the white rabbit!" She exclaimed quietly as she squeezed his arms, her eyes bright and actually happy? Is that what happy looked like on Georgia? "She's gonna solve the maze!"
Gally furrowed his brows and pried her dirty paws off his biceps.
"What now?" He asked and received a much more in character eye roll from her.
"White Rabbit! Follow the white rabbit when it arrives. I bet you every inch of this shuckin' place she's gonna want to be a runner and she's gonna get us out of here," Georgia explained.
"She just got here, how is she supposed to solve what no ones been able to in 3 years?" Gally asked doubtfully.
"Things are about to change," Georgia repeated the words from the note with a broad smile.
Masterlist
@a-ravenclaw-into-tardis-221b @sweetseunghyun-poulter @mrbillymontgomery @crazysheeplyca @frequentlychangingfandoms @massivechaos @rllych
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 46- Forget Me Not
"Gally, what is i- What did you do to her?!" Gertie heard him before she saw him and, when her eyes landed on the unconscious half dressed Aussie in his arms, she went a bit nuclear on him.
"Let's get her inside first," he said as he kept moving toward the house, girls coming out of the trees where they hung hammocks and slept at night.
Joan and Georgia fell in step with him while Gertie ran ahead to open the door. He took her to the back room, laying her gently on the bed. Joan and Georgia came in the room as well and girls started to come into the house to see what was happening.
"Shut the door," Gally told Gertie.
She hesitated, giving him a look of worry and confusion.
"Gally, you're scaring me," she told him honestly.
"I'm scared too," he almost snapped at her and tried to calm himself down a bit. "Please, just shut the door and I'll tell you everything."
She got up and kicked the door closed before returning to the bed side.
"Start talking," she told him as she put a hand on Aussie's forehead.
Aussie seemed to be asleep, but her eyes were moving rapidly behind her lids, her lips moving in almost inaudible mutterings.
"I walked her to her house because we were both worried about Aris, and she- ah, she asked me if I wanted to stay," he admitted, her limp hand clasped in both of his as he knelt by the bed.
Gertie's eyes darted to him across the bed, a narrow, accusing glare.
"Were you guys-"
"No, shut up, I'm telling you," he interrupted, feeling there wasn't time to waste. "I left to get the mat from the tent to sleep on the floor, she must have been changing- I don't know, but I got back and found her... and Aris on her bed... and she was dressed like this."
"Oh god! What?!" Gertie exclaimed, her face contorting in shock and disgust.
"He did something to her?" Joan asked.
"I don't know," Gally almost broke down in tears. "She wasn't trying to stop him. He held her and he was about to kiss her-"
"No, she wouldn't do that," Gertie firmly shook her head.
"What did he do? Where is he?" Joan asked pointedly.
"I pulled him off her... I might have shoved him down the stairs-"
"Good!" Gertie commented.
"- and he fell into the pit as he tried to get away from me, so I turned back to check on her. She was curled up in a ball with her hands over her ears, and her hand looked like this."
Joan tore out of the room real fast, closing the door behind her again as Gally showed her the hand he was holding, revealing a small puncture and some black veins near it, the top layer of skin slightly peeled near the wound.
"What the..." Gertie muttered as she looked at it.
"I saw one of those things in her room, the little shucking robots," he told her. "I think it did this to her, but I don't know what this is!"
"I think you're right, this is like... she was electrocuted or something. But..." Gertie trailed off as she looked at the rest of Aussie.
"But what?" He pressed her.
"I don't doubt that thing could electrocute her somehow, but electrocution has an entry and exit point," Georgia informed him.
"Help me look for another wound or mark- and try not to enjoy it too much either," Gertie told him, still giving him an untrusting look.
Gally rolled his eyes, but the comment itself made him suddenly self conscious about it.
"Usually it's the feet, electricity wants to get to the ground," Georgia said as Gertie shuffled on her knees to the end of the bed.
They each took a foot and checked it. Nothing.
"Maybe she was on her knees?" Gertie suggested as she pushed up her pant leg and checked her knee, Gally doing the same.
"Ok, that's all the logical places, let's get crazy I guess," Gertie shrugged.
They checked her arms, Gertie checked if the bra she had on had any metal and found nothing, Gally politely averting his eyes. He wasn't finding any pleasure in it since he was worried about her and that trumped everything, and besides, she hadn't consented to being seen this way. It was purely an emergency situation.
"Let's check her back, help me flip her over," Gerti instructed.
She rolled Aussie toward him and he gently eased her over, turning her face so it wasn't mashed into the pillow. Part of him did acknowledge that her skin was exceptionally soft, but he tried to stay on topic.
"I don't see anything," Gertie sighed.
"Wait!" Georgia said with a start. "Look at her neck."
Gertie reacted first, pulling her hair out of the way. Gally was still apprehensive about her neck considering what he'd done to it.
"Oh my god," Gertie gasped.
Small blackened veins descended just past her hairline, a reddish purple mark on her scalp visible through her hair.
"Why would it go there?" Gertie asked Georgia as she looked up at her.
"I dunno," Georgia shrugged. "Maybe they microchipped us like dogs or something. Maybe that's how they took our memories. I don't know."
"Well, is she going to be ok? Will she wake up?" Gally asked, tears brimming in his eyes now as he looked down at Aussie.
Gertie gave him a sad look, her heart breaking, unable to bring herself to say she didn't know. Instead she shot to her feet and turned to the door. Girls were crowded in the hall and Gertie yelled at them to move. They scattered like roaches and Gertie disappeared, leaving behind very confused friends. She came back a few seconds later, a pitcher of cold water from the refrigerator in her hand. With out warning or explanation she dumped it on Aussie.
Aussie gave a huge gasp and pushed herself up off the bed as the water dripped off her and soaked into the blankets. Gally couldn't really complain about her methods because he was too relieved it had actually worked.
Aussie was gasping for air as one does when they have freezing water dumped on their bare skin. She was confused to say the least, the last thing she could recall was the robot crawling out of her drawer. She looked at her hand and saw the mark it left, then she saw another hand take hers, a large and familiar one. The ringing in her ears was finally subsiding and she heard people talking, saying her name.
"Aussie, are you ok?"
She looked up and saw Gally. Yes! Gally! He did come save her! She threw her arms around his neck awkwardly from her position on the bed, having to move her legs to a more comfortable position after she'd grabbed him. He had no idea what to do with his hands.
"Oh I'm so glad I asked you to stay!" She sighed in relief. "Do you see it anywhere? The creepy critter?"
She pulled away from him just a little bit to have a look around and was surprised to see Georgia standing at the end of the bed, Gertie on her knees by the bedside, head resting on her folded arms like she'd been through something. And finally Aussie noticed she wasn't in her room.
"W-what happened? How did I get here?" She asked Gally as she turned back to him, her hands still on his shoulders.
"You don't... you don't remember what happened?" He asked her, his eyes searching hers. He had hoped she would so they could throw Aris in the maze, but for her sake it might be better for her not to remember.
She shivered as her brows furrowed. Georgia was wearing a hoodie over her T-shirt, she stripped it off and handed it over to Aussie.
"Oh!" Aussie gasped as she finally realized how underdressed she was. She took the hoodie gratefully and put it on, wrapping it tightly around herself.
"Ok, what do I remember..." Aussie said to herself as she rubbed her head with one hand. "I was putting on my pajamas..." she said with her eyes shut tightly, trying to visualize it all. "I was grabbing my shirt when something poked my hand. It hurt really bad and I couldn't move for a moment, but then I fell on the floor and saw one of those robots crawl out of my drawer... And I felt really funny, I couldn't see straight and I was dizzy. I just kept thinking you'd be back soon and you'd help me."
Gally felt a twinge of guilt. So much had happened in just the few minutes he was gone, it was ridiculous. He felt he could have prevented it all if he'd just kissed her sooner.
"And then you showed up... but it wasn't you... but it was?" Aussie's brows scrunched in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Gally asked, equally as confused.
"You came and helped me off the floor and Aris said he-" Aussie's eyes widened in realization and horror as she slapped a hand over her mouth briefly. "It wasn't you, it was Aris! He was in my room! He touched me!"
She wrapped her arms tightly around herself and Gally put his arms around her as well, her head resting on his shoulder as she leaned into him.
"Shh, it's ok now," he whispered to her.
"Aussie, what were you about say?" Georgia asked her. "You were saying Aris said something to you?"
"Right, uh, gosh what was it...?" Aussie spoke from within Gally's hold on her. "He was saying something about a rooftop and how we used to meet there, but it didn't feel right. I could see the roof top, and the little red maple tree, the stars and the fireflies, but I don't think it was him. There was someone. But it wasn't Aris."
"Who was it?" Gertie asked her while she stared at the expression that just took over Gally's face.
"I don't know, he was wearing a mask."
Gally could have jumped up and yelled because he knew from his dreams that it was him. Thanks to that piece of garbage, Aris, Aussie was starting to remember him. He squeezed her a little tighter because he just couldn't help it. Despite all the crap going on in their lives he finally felt a bit of happiness. It grew when he felt her shift in his embrace, put an arm around him as well, and settle against him.
"Who was the guy on the roof?" She muttered to herself before wincing, wriggling an arm free to touch the base of her skull, a weird pain throbbing there.
"What is it?" Gertie perked up.
"My head hurt," Aussie told her and couldn't help but wonder if it hurt because she was trying to remember.
She tried to conjure up the image of the roof top and the guy in the mask again. A distorted vision of Aris came to mind at first but when she rejected that image and tried to correct it the pain came back.
"It hurts when I try to remember," she said in a hollow voice.
Masterlist (It's in my pinned post, sorry I'm so tired and lazy at the moment lol.
@a-ravenclaw-into-tardis-221b @sweetseunghyun-poulter @mrbillymontgomery Ah I can't remember everyone and I need to go to sleep, I just wanted to put up another chapter here since I just updated the sequel too.
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 45- Strangers In the Night
The one where Gally gets c*ck blocked by someone other than Gertie for a change.
They spent hours with Rachel explaining the history of the maze to her, Aussie patiently answering all her questions that she'd heard almost 40 times before. They were still there when the maze doors rumbled closed and Moo came sniffing around for Aussie. They'd taken the tarp off the model maze and Rachel was staring at it, her fingers laced in her hair as she cradled her head in frustration.
"I think we need to call it a night," Joan spoke up, taking her feet off the table and letting the front legs of her chair hit the floor again. "This will probably look different after you sleep on it."
"It's no good," Rachel shook her head. "I have to go in there. I know I have to do it."
Aussie and Joan shared a look.
"Well, I guess it's about time we started running again," Aussie shrugged.
She saw Gally lean forward. "And by 'we' you mean anyone but you, right?" He asked her.
Aussie turned and gave him a look, not liking being reminded how unqualified she was to run, but still kind of liking his concern.
"Right," she finally agreed, watching him relax. "'We' doesn't include me because I'm a sucky runner."
"You know who is a good runner?" Joan asked, her eyes darting to Gally.
"No," Aussie blurted quickly, her heart clenching at the thought.
"I think it's up to him," Joan raised her brow. "Besides, he's the fastest and strongest one of us all."
Gally also hated the idea of going in there, but couldn't argue with the logic. Besides, much like Rachel, he felt like solving this place was something he was supposed to do.
"I'll do it."
Aussie snapped her head around to look at him. He couldn't bear to look at her face and see her expression, he already felt the hurt radiating from her. His own chest hurt at the very idea of leaving her alone there with Aris trolling around, but the sooner they got out of there the sooner they could be rid of him.
Dreams of living free in an actual home... with Aussie... drove him to swallow the knot of fear in his throat and really commit to the escape.
"Alright, sounds like we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow," Joan said as she got up. "Better rest up for it."
"Wait, you're going too?" Georgia perked up.
"I am the most experienced runner."
"Yeah but your eye!"
"That's what I got these two for. She's the eyes, he's the muscle, I'm the brains," Joan grinned. "Besides, if there's one thing I've learned from Aussie, it's that you can't ask someone to do something you're not willing to do yourself."
Aussie's gaze left Gally to look at her instead in mild surprise. She didn't realize Joan had noticed that about her.
"Seriously, we need to get to bed, come on," Joan repeated as she took a step toward the door, wrapping the meeting up before things got too mushy.
As they got up and filed out Gally wasn't all that surprised to feel Aussie slip her hand in his and stop him from going out the door. He took a deep breath before turning and looking down at her. She glared up through her eyelashes at him, her neutral brows and mouth looked absurdly unamused but in a cute way. She was mad at him.
"What?" He finally asked her when she stayed silent for a bit too long.
"Gally... why?" She finally shrugged in confusion, still holding his hand.
He reached out and took her other hand as well.
"Because you and... my sister need me to," he said, running his thumbs over the backs of her hands.
Her eyes went wide at that, her lips parting as her jaw dropped slightly.
"You think so?" She asked him.
"I feel it," he nodded.
"Did you tell her?" Aussie took a step closer.
"Not yet," he shook his head. "I don't want to freak her out on top of everything already going on. Besides, I don't think she'd be too happy about being related to me. She'll demand a DNA test for sure."
Aussie laughed at that, a real, genuine laugh because she knew he was right.
"Come on, let me walk you to your place so I know you got there safe, I better get to bed or Joan will be, I dunno, disappointed in me or something," he said as he tried to pull her toward the door.
He didn't want this to end, but he knew how important it was that he be at his best tomorrow.
Aussie's brows furrowed unhappily again once he reminded her of the impending doom tomorrow carried with it now.
"Stupid Joan," she mumbled under her breath, kicking a rock as they began to walk across the clearing, still holding hands.
Gally chuckled. "Oh, come on, don't be mad at her."
"You're right. I should be mad at you."
"Or you could just not be mad at all," he suggested, trying not to laugh at her. "You could be glad that we're getting closer to getting out of here. And once we do that you can get away from Aris."
"Hmm, when you put it like that- ugh no, nope. Still not worth it."
Gally laughed, his cheeks felt warm from the way she acted. He felt like she really cared about him, especially since he wasn't the only guy around now and she seemed to hate the other one, made it seem more special. In that moment he made up his mind.
He was going to kiss her goodnight.
At least he hoped it would just be a kiss goodnight, but he'd been thinking about it so long and had tried at least twice before to no avail, if he actually got his lips on her finally he might not be able to take them off her again. And he had to get some sleep before tomorrow.
They got to her little house, her letting go of his hand to go over and light her lamp.
"Can you make sure Aris isn't under my bed?" She asked him as the match light danced on her smirking face.
With a grin of his own he obliged her.
"Monster free," he informed her as he straightened back up.
"Thanks she giggled as she followed him to the door.
He turned and placed his hands on the door frame, leaning on it as he looked down at her, eyes traveling down to her lips. His heart raced thinking this was it, this was it! No meddling Gertie and no... wait, scratch that, it was always Gertie ruining things. That was the clearest evidence she was his little sister. He pushed thoughts of her out of his head as he leaned a little further.
"Ugh, ok so I know I'm gonna sound as paranoid as Gertie says I am," Aussie was suddenly rambling, bringing him out of his daze. "But, like, d-do you maybe, like, want to-"
"Yeah."
"-stay here tonight?"
"Yeah," Gally repeated, nodding.
Aussie giggled when she finally comprehended how eager he was to accept an invitation she wasn't done offering.
"Ok. Well, you want to go grab the mat from the tent and bring it back?" She asked him.
He gave her a slightly confused look as his eyes went from her eyes to her mouth and back again, which made her giggle again.
"My bed is a twin and, according to Gertie, I'm a queen so that mattress is past max capacity with just me in it, there's not room for a Moose too," she teased.
She could call him a moose or a dog or whatever she wanted if she kept looking at him that way.
"Ok. Ok, I'll be right back," he said before going down the stairs so fast she thought he'd slip and kill himself before he reached the bottom.
She quickly turned and went to change her clothes before he got back, the smile not leaving her face despite how upset she still was about him going into the maze. She slipped her jeans off and kicked them into the corner before grabbing her soft, comfy pajama pants she sewed from an old ripped sheet. She kept her pajamas in the drawer of her bedside table. She slipped her shirt off and tossed it in the corner too, taking her bun down before going to grab her clean shirt.
When she reached in the drawer something pricked her hand and an electric current shot through her limbs. For a few seconds she couldn't even move, but once the current stopped she yanked her hand away, falling to her floor as a creepy critter crawled out of her drawer. She breathed heavily as she scooted herself away from the thing, her vision going wobbly like she were looking at her room under water. She felt dizzy, like the floor was rocking side to side.
"Aussie?" A voice called, sounding oddly distorted as well.
A wave of relief washed over her. Gally. Gally would help her. She turned and saw a figure in her doorway, the wobbly waves of her vision obscuring him until he came closer. Her heart sank.
Aris crouched by her side, possibly a concerned look on his face, she couldn't tell. She felt weird. She felt weirder when his hands were on her skin. She was still in just her bra as he tried to help her up off the floor and onto the bed. His arm wrapped around her waist, his fingers pressing into her side, another hand gripping her upper arm before lifting her up.
'Hurry, Gally, hurry,' she thought as she felt the bed beneath her, grateful for just knowing he would come at all. He'd come and save her.
Aris had taken his hands off her body, much to her relief, but still held onto her hand as she scooted herself against her headboard to get farther from him. He squeezed her palm three times.
"Wicked is good," he said.
Aussie suddenly felt calmer as she leaned against her head board. Her vision seemed to float in a calming way now, a sleepy way, as her breathing evened out.
"You remember me," Aris spoke firmly, his tone not that of a forgotten lover trying to stir up fond memories, but someone telling a story. "We used to meet up on the roof so we wouldn't get caught. You looked so beautiful in the moonlight under the Japanese maple tree."
Aussie could see it, she saw the railing around the rooftop, city lights shining up from below but still not enough to drown out all the stars in the sky. The red, pointed leaves of the tree tickled her ear as the breeze moved them. A small twinge of happiness went off in her chest.
"You loved the fireflies," Aris went on, and she saw them too, floating like stars fallen from the sky. "And I loved you. I'd meet you on the roof so we could be together."
Aussie saw a figure on the roof with her, maybe he was tall, it was hard to tell since she was sitting. He was dressed in a dark uniform, a mask or helmet covering his whole face. He came closer and sat next to her, his hand taking hers. All she saw was him holding her hand, but she felt other hands on her. They brushed the hair back from her neck and grazed her collar bones. They pulled her closer.
"And we would kiss," Aris' voice reached her, but it felt wrong.
What she saw felt right, but what she felt and what she heard was wrong. There was a pain in the back of her head as she tried to think of who was behind the mask, refusing to believe it was Aris. A hand pressed to her lower back as another cradled the back of her neck, something brushed against her nose and warm air hit her lips. The man in the mask just sat there, holding her hand. She wished he'd do more to help her.
"It's you and me, Aussie. It's me, Ari-"
The hands were suddenly gone and so was the roof top and everything else she'd seen. She fell back onto the bed and shut her eyes tightly at the pain in her head as loud thumps gradually grew more distant.
Gally had come back to a sight he never thought he'd ever see. Aris was looming over Aussie on the bed, hands on her bare skin, lips a hairs breadth away from hers, and she was doing nothing to stop it.
An ungodly amount of rage filled his body as he dropped the mat over his shoulder, it toppled over the railing and down to the ground, but not before Gally had crossed the room and grabbed Aris by the shoulders, tearing him away from Aussie. He didn't look at her too closely, a pain beneath his anger, a feeling of betrayal.
Aris was protesting and fighting, but Gally towed him to the door almost effortlessly, his pulse pounding in his ears and drowning out most of what he was saying. He got him outside to the top of the stairs, set him down, and gave him a push.
Aris' limbs flailed as he tried to catch himself on the railing. He slowed himself down a little and turned a definite broken neck scenario into a few bruised ribs instead. He lay in the dirt, coughing and holding sore parts. Then he saw Gally coming down the stairs. His face was red even in the dark, his furrowed brows looked like the devil himself.
"Gally wait," Aris begged as he scrambled away from him in the dirt, not having time to get to his feet or knowing if he even could.
Gally bore down on him, no remorse or reasonableness to be found on his face. Aris swallowed hard and kept wriggling away from him.
"I know what this looks like, but you don't understand! This is-"
His words were cut short as the ground disappeared behind him and he toppled down head first with a scream. He'd backed himself up right into the pit.
There was so much more Gally wanted to do to him. Pushing him down the stairs was not enough. He wanted to land a punch, hear a bone crack. But now Aris was contained and maybe had a broken neck or back, hopefully, which would allow him to check on Aussie. He was worried that he hadn't heard her say one word and she didn't follow them out.
Gally turned and went up stairs, not in a hurry, not ready to look at her yet, but also worried to death about her. He came in and saw her curled up on the bed, curled so tightly her knees were almost to her eyebrows. Her hands clamped over her ears, and her hand was bleeding and blackened.
Feeling like something was very wrong he rushed to her side.
"Aussie?!" He cried as he gently touched her arm, looking at the mark on her hand. "Aussie, what happened?"
He heard a whirring noise and a series of clicks. He spotted the little robot as it crawled out her window and his stomach dropped.
Bellow them Aris was screaming for help as Gally scooped Aussie up and carried her out and down the stairs. He tried not to panic as he carefully went as fast as he could to the house.
"Gertie!" He yelled when he was close enough, his voice choked as Aussie now went limp and barely conscious in his arms. "Help!"
Masterlist
@a-ravenclaw-into-tardis-221b @sweetseunghyun-poulter @mrbillymontgomery @crazysheeplyca @frequentlychangingfandoms @massivechaos @rllych
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 44- Trauma Central
The one where Gally wants to yeet a b*tch and drinks his respect women juice
Love? LOVE? Did he just shucking say Love? Aussie felt like stabbing him with a fork just to change the subject. She didn't want to hear those words from him, she didn't want to be near him, she didn't even want to share the Garden with him.
The fact that everything he did that was nice and sweet turned her stomach instead of making her feel closer to him was a bad sign. He could be straight up lying to her. Now, if Gally had told her he knew her from before the maze, she'd believe him. And even if he told her he'd been madly in love with her before hand, she didn't think she'd freak out the way she was now. Heck, if she'd been in love with him before the maze then a lot of things would start making some shucking sense!
"Aris," she finally spoke up carefully, avoiding his gaze. "I am sorry, this must be hard for you too, but I don't remember you. I have none of these memories you talk about, and I don't have any of the feelings either. So can we just not talk about it?"
"But if I don't talk about it how will you ever remember?" He asked, his dark eyes becoming glassy. "I can't just let go of a second chance with you."
Gally bent his fork. And if he knew that Aris touched her knee under the table he would have found a new home for that fork.
Aussie sprang up and away from his touch, knocking her chair over. She just stood there for a second, everyone looking up at her except for Gally who'd stood up half a second after, ready to chuck this guy in the maze as soon as she gave the word. She didn't bother to say anything, she just turned and walked away as fast as she could toward the house.
"Aussie!" Aris called after her as he stood up as well, frozen by her outburst at first.
A heavy hand fell on his shoulder and pushed him back down into his seat. Gally leaned down so only Aris could hear him, squeezing his shoulder painfully.
"If you go near her, I'll break every rule in this place as far as you're concerned," he whispered threateningly in his ear, pulling back to give him a hard stare to make sure he understood before going after Aussie.
Gertie was halfway to the house, also following after her, so Aris was left with Joan, Georgia and Rachel.
"I am sorry for you, dude," Georgia said around a mouthful. "But you need to rethink your technique."
"What do you mean?" Aris asked.
"Well, think about it. If you were in her shoes how would you react to someone you don't remember, therefore you don't know, coming and trying to tell you who you are?" Georgia clarified for him.
"Also, you need to be careful of Gally," Joan added quickly since Georgia forgot the most important point. "They've grown quite close and he is fiercely protective of her."
"Yeah, I noticed," Aris mumbled unhappily as he rubbed his neck. "So, what do you think I should do?"
Georgia and Joan shared a glance. They really didn't want to advise this guy on how to get between Aussie and Gally.
"Aussie told you what she wanted," Joan reminded him. "Listen to her."
Aussie hugged a pillow as she curled up on the bed, sitting up still in case that psycho followed her in there, she didn't want to be vulnerable. The anxiety was making her stomach roil and she wanted to stay close to the bathroom just in case. Gertie came in just behind her, crashing next to her on the bed.
"Aussie are you alright?" She asked as she touched her arm.
"No, I'm not alright," Aussie almost groaned. "I just want him to stay away from me!"
"Given the fact that Gally isn't here yet, I don't think you're going to have to worry about that now," Gertie pointed out.
"Oh, bless him!" Aussie sighed.
They heard the door open and close and unmistakably heavy footfalls.
"Back here!" Gertie called with a small smile.
Gally came through the door looking concerned and ready to murder, which only made Gertie smile wider.
Gally was surprised to find Aussie in the room where she discovered her second dead body in three short years. Given how she was so freaked out by the basement for so long he didn't think he'd find her in this room either. That seemed like a sign something was really wrong. He slowed down and tried to move softly, not wanting to set her off anymore. She seemed jumpy.
"Hey," he said as he came over, sitting at the foot of the bed to give her some space.
He didn't dare ask if she was alright, she wasn't, or what was going on, he knew, but he had to check on her.
"Did you put the fear of God in him?" Gertie asked. "Or better yet, the fear of Gally?"
"If he has a functioning brain cell, yes," he said, earning a small smile from Aussie.
"Thanks Gally, I appreciate it," she said, uncurling a little bit.
"Yeah?" He asked, fishing for clues as to what he should do.
"Yeah," Aussie nodded. "I don't want him near me for a while."
"I can manage that," Gally nodded.
"Hey, while you guys are here and the newbies aren't, should we talk about the big problem?" Gertie asked, looking between them.
The big problem was that, when the box came up with Aris, it didn't go back down. Usually it retracted by now, but it stayed hours after Aris came out of it.
"Maybe the whole "last one ever" was more about the box than the boy," Gertie pointed out.
"That's probably why the note Gally came with said we'd have to get out once the white rabbit showed up," Aussie concluded. "If we have no more supplies coming we will definitely have problems sustaining ourselves here."
"Any clue how we're going to do that yet?" Gertie asked with forced hope.
"Not yet," Aussie sighed after she shared a look with Gally. "We'll have to work with Rachel a little more I think. She's gotta have some kind of important or else she wouldn't have had the rabbit clue."
Aussie shrugged and Gally thought it was cute how she did it, blowing a lock of hair out of her face from her sloppy bun.
"Alright," Gertie nodded. "Well, we're burning daylight on that then. What if I distract the new guy, tell him he's dehydrated or something and keep him laid up in the house while you guys, Joan and Gertie take Rachel to the map room?"
"That's not a bad idea," Aussie pulled a face as she nodded. "But! I don't want you alone with him either, get some one to help you- get two other girls to help you."
Gertie snickered. "Shouldn't be hard, the chuckleheads all seem to think he's gorgeous, they'll jump at the opportunity to hang around him."
Gally's brows furrowed in a slightly sad way at that. Oh, what was he thinking, after his experience with Hedy this guy could have all their attention. Still, it stung a little though.
"Ok, maybe Gally and I can sneak around him so he doesn't know what we're up to," Aussie suggested.
"You're just trying to avoid him," Gertie deduced correctly.
"So what if I am?" Aussie shot back.
"Aussie, you're practically the Queen here, don't let the first jerky guy you meet control you like that," Gertie gently grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake.
"Hey, I think you just complimented me," Gally observed.
"Well, of course you're not a jerk. You're an idiot," Gertie clarified for him, making his expression go flat.
Aussie rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile as she got up from the bed.
"He's neither," she told Gertie sternly as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to ruin a girls life."
Gally was just thankful that he still had touch privileges.
"I'll come and collect the bozo as well," Gertie sighed, and they all left the house.
Gally felt a sense of relief finally as he watched Gertie and two other eager girls lead Aris back to the house, his furtive glances over his shoulder directed at Aussie being completely ignored by her. Aussie couldn't stand him and Gertie couldn't stand him either, as long as those two were on his side shuck the rest. He stood with his arms crossed, his body blocking Aussie from his sight as she talked to the other girls. He was not ignoring Aris and the attention was not favorable.
Even with Aris holed up in the house, Gally still walked close to Aussie, shoulders squared, being the best bodyguard he could be. Even when they got to the map room he gently put his hand on Aussie's waist to lead her to the other side of the table, that way he could sit next to her and also watch the door. He may even have moved his chair closer to hers, who's to say.
"I want to be a runner," Rachel informed them as soon as her cheeks hit the seat.
Aussie paused in the middle of pulling her chair in closer to the table, brows raised high as she stared at the new girl across the tarp covered table.
"Ok... and why is that?" She asked her, finally settling in to her seat.
"I know this is gonna sound strange, but I really feel like I'm supposed to be one," Rachel explained, her hand going to her chest to emphasize the depth of that feeling.
"You understand that there's things in there that attack people, right? We went over that, do you remember?" Georgia questioned her as if she possibly caught a second case of amnesia.
"I know, I know," Rachel assured her, the expression on her face plainly saying she couldn't believe it either. "But that obviously means we can't stay here, right?"
"And you believe you can solve what we haven't been able to in three years?" Joan spoke up from her other side.
"I think my time is best spent at least trying-"
"Do you believe you can solve it?" Joan repeated, her tone and volume slightly antagonizing.
"Yes," Rachel blurted, her hands lightly coming down on the tables edge as she admitted it. "Yes, I do."
Joan looked looked to Aussie after that. Aussie was not the calculating type, she could read emotions on someone's face but she could not fathom what Joan was trying to telepathically convey to her in that look. Forget wavelengths, they had different oceans.
So Aussie did what she'd never recommend anyone do. She winged it.
"Listen," Aussie said, leaning forward with her elbows on the table, fingers clasped in front of her. "I know how traumatic it is to come up in that box, not remembering anything, so my inclination- naturally, is to be as kind and gentle as I can with everyone who comes here. The last thing I want to do is further traumatize anyone unnecessarily."
Rachel sat there listening intently but also looking confused.
"So my question for you is basically..." Aussie trailed off with a sigh as her gaze floated and shifted, searching for the right words. "If I assure you it's necessary, how much can you take? I mean, in terms of outlandish and crazy information that may or may not make any sense to you, and could in fact put a heck of a lot of pressure on you. Can you handle more trauma?"
Rachel looked at each face that was now staring at her, waiting for the answer. Finally her eyes landed on Aussie again. This girl looked like the maze had chewed her up but she would not let it swallow her. She was a tender, loving force that would not be destroyed, and she would get as many people out of here as she could. Whatever she had to say, Rachel could take.
"Yes, I can take it."
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 43- Blind Jealousy
The one where Gally has "Sis, you ain't gonna believe this" moment with a ghost.
Aussie sat there, looking down as she picked at her nails, one leg bouncing like a crazed jackhammer. Joan and Georgia sat staring at her but Gally couldn't keep still, he paced the room with his arms crossed. He didn't know it but his face and his ears were red. Not the same red as when Aussie had to help undress and redress him, no, this was an angry red. And that's partly why Aussie felt so nervous.
"So..." Georgia awkwardly spoke up. "Things are definitely changing huh?"
"Do you know that guy?" Gally suddenly asked, his tone so flat it barely sounded like a question at all.
Aussie shook her head, still not meeting anyone's eyes. "You guys realize I could know a lot of people, I just don't remember them?"
"It seems like this guy knows you," Joan raised her brows a bit.
"Yeah, it's a nice change of pace," Aussie neurotically chuckled. "Someone comes up in the box actually remembering something."
"Aussie, why are you acting so weird if you don't remember him?" Georgia finally asked, looking at her bouncing leg that suddenly went still with that comment.
"Why am I- out of everyone here why does he know me?" She questioned after her eyes snapped sharply over to Georgia. "Do you know how weird it feels to have a- a stranger know you when you've been living in a hole for three years?"
"Is that... your only reason?" Georgia asked carefully.
Aussie got up and started a small pacing of her own, careful not to cross paths with Gally. She bit her thumb nail, her other arm crossed her body as if holding herself together.
"I don't know, I don't know," she sighed irritably. "I don't remember him, but I just have a weird feeling about him."
Gally stopped pacing, his arms going to his sides. He had experienced weird feelings too, feelings that led him to openly admitting to a nosey little girl with a motor mouth that he did in fact want to kiss Aussie. If her weird feelings were anything like his-
He had to get out of there. Without a word he turned and left, closing the front door hard behind him. He wasn't about to step foot in the Maze corridor to use the Anger Resolution Station, so he began to jog the usual path. Then he got angry that jogging wasn't making him feel better so he started sprinting. His feet pounded the ground as his pulse pounded his ears, every impact setting off a twinge in his bad shoulder.
He'd gotten into the woods and finally had to stop, palms braced on his knees as he sucked wind. He was still mad, but extra mad since he didn't know why he was so mad. He couldn't punch a tree because he'd break his hand and Gertie would ask him a thousand times why he punched a tree, and he couldn't scream because someone would absolutely hear him. He had nothing to do for release and that also upset him.
He pried a rock up out of the dirt and just hurled it as hard as he could, hearing a thunk as it hit a tree, then a clack as it bounced and hit the wall. Well, that was something. He found another one and chucked it blindly once again, this time hearing a strange clatter. His shoulders drooped as he sighed. What was it now?
He shuffled over toward the noise and saw the graves, Lanie's marker knocked over.
"Geez, the one girl here that didn't make Aussie or I miserable and I mess her grave up," he groaned under his breath as he began to fix it. "You wouldn't believe what's happening now."
Somehow it was easy to talk to a dead person so he kept going.
"Another guy showed up today and he recognized Aussie. Yup. You heard me, he recognized Aussie. And even worse, he 'gives her a funny feeling'," he said in a mocking tone. "You know who else had a funny feeling? Me. But now I know what it turns into."
Something on the marker caught his eye, something he hadn't noticed before. The letters were impossibly tiny for a wood carving, but he could read it plain as day.
Lanie. 17th to arrive. 4th to pass away. She kept the gardens. If the 10 foot tomato plant is still here, she grew that herself. She never complained, and she made the best soup I ever had. She was a good friend, and impossibly brave. If you can take her out of this place, please do. She deserves to be free.
He looked at the marker next to hers, older and faded, but there were small words on it too.
Helen. 14th to arrive. 2nd to pass away. She is not buried here, she was lost to the maze. Part of me hopes she is free. Whatever the case may be, we won't forget her and I hope she'll be remembered when we're all gone too, wherever and however we may go.
He read every grave marker, even Hedy's which was just as heartfelt as the rest. He spent the most time with Mary. Aussie was brand new when she wrote that one, just a month old for all she could remember.
Mary. 1st to arrive. 1st to pass away. I didn't get to know her very well, but I hope one day someone takes her out of this place. She wanted to go home more than anything. I guess she couldn't wait. I hope she's at peace now, and I really hope she'll never be alone again.
He looked at the graves beside hers and remarked that she was not alone, but in the worst way possible. He wasn't angry anymore, just sad. He wiped his face and got up, dusting off his pants.
The woods were getting darker and he could smell dinner cooking, so he ambled that way. As the trees gave way to the clearing he heard voices and... giggling?
Oh great, the new guy was up and about and drawing quite a crowd. Girls were smiling, covering their mouths as they giggled, whispering to each other. Some actually talked with him.
Huh. So it was personal.
He spotted Aussie just as far from him as could be, looking glum. Gertie, Joan, Georgia and Rachel were hanging around her, watching the show as well. He made his way over almost entirely unnoticed.
"Where the heck did you go?" Gertie asked him when he got closer, one hand going to her hip.
"To clear my head," he shrugged.
Aussie perked up slightly at his voice. But didn't say anything.
"Hey, I'm Rachel," the new girl gave him a handshake. "Aussie has told me a lot about you. Nice to meet you."
He just nodded to her. Joan caught his eye as she gave him a strange look.
"So what's going on?" Gally asked no one in particular.
"The new guy woke up, obviously," Georgia began. "His name is Aris, and if we had a stack of Bibles he'd swear on them that he knows Aussie, but he either doesn't know how, or he's just not telling us."
Gally looked over at him chatting up the girls around him, flashing smiles. He ran his hand over his hair and looked Aussie's way. Gally saw her duck her head in his peripheral vision. He didn't like any of this one bit.
Aussie wasn't a fan of the situation either. When she said this guy gave her a weird feeling, she meant she didn't like him a bit. Something deep inside her told her she couldn't trust him and she wanted as much distance between them as she could get. Unfortunately he just seemed to want to get as close to her as possible.
When he'd woken up again he only wanted to talk to her. She sat alone with him awkwardly as he tried to convince her he knew her. By the way he reached for her hands several times she could only guess what kind of relationship he was trying to convince her they had. Still her gut told her no, and she'd pull away from him, act like she had to retie her pony tail or scratch her nose.
All the girls who had gotten a good look at him seemed smitten. That made Aussie glad, they might distract him from her. He wasn't horrible looking if she was being objective, she got why the other girls would be taken with him. Still, he was just a little taller than her and very slender, or maybe he seemed that way because she was used to Gally. Gally who was tall and broad with a fist the size of her head. Gally with the freckles on his Cupid's bow. Gally with the eyebrows and the full bottom lip and the smile that made her forget her problems. That Gally sat sulkily across from her at the table avoiding her gaze and not saying much at all.
She sighed as she poked at her food, wishing she knew what was going on in his head. He'd just stormed out for god knows why and didn't come back. She was scared she'd done something wrong.
"Hey there!" Aris appeared suddenly and startled Aussie so bad she kneed the underside of the table.
He set his food down and added his chair to the head of their table right there between Aussie and Gally. Aris was looking at her happily and a bit hopefully while Gally stared at him like he should be 6 feet under and pushing up daisies.
"These carrots are really good," Aris chimed, trying to make conversation. "I bet you made them Aussie."
"Oh gosh, no," she said nervously. "I haven't been in the kitchen in ages."
"But we always follow your recipe for carrots," Gertie pointed out, confused, and earned a glare from Aussie.
"Aha, I knew it," Aris smiled.
He then turned to Gally with the same bright smile and offered his hand.
"Hi, I'm Aris. We haven't met yet but I've heard a lot about you," he said just as friendly as could be.
Gally found it way too suspicious. No one who shows up here is ever this happy about it. He wordlessly shook his hand, taking great pleasure in the slight falter of his smile when Gally squeezed his smaller hand.
"So you've been here about a month now?" Aris asked as he lightly shook his hand out and flexed it a few times.
Gally didn't answer him, just furrowed his brows in a 'why are you asking?' kind of way.
"A month is a long time, especially in such close quarters. You must know everyone pretty well by now," Aris went on undeterred by Gally's rudeness.
"You ask a lot of questions," Gally stated as he eyed him, not sure if he was older or younger, but definitely smaller and lighter. Very... throwable.
"Don't most people?" Aris chuckled. "From what I understand at least."
"Yeah, but it's usually stuff like 'where am I?' 'What's with the walls?' 'Why can't I remember anything but my name?' You know, important shuck like that," Gally explained with a critical gaze.
Aussie for one was terrified of ever getting grilled by Gally like this, but couldn't take her eyes off him for another. Relief settled in her bones that he too didn't trust this guy as far as he could throw him, which she guessed would be pretty far.
"Oh, well, I do remember more than my name," Aris chimed happily, apparently impervious to Gally's brand of intimidation which was a bit disappointing. He turned a soft gaze toward Aussie. "I remember her."
Aussie felt sick. She dropped her fork as her appetite left her and nervously touched her face.
"I know she doesn't remember me, not yet at least, and she's freaking out a little bit- which is understandable, but I'm sure she'll warm back up to me eventually," Aris said as he reached for her hand.
She pulled it away so quickly it was astonishing.
"Please, don't..." Aussie quietly requested.
"Right, sorry," Aris pressed his lips together, embarrassed. "I'm just so used to doing it, it's like a reflex."
Gally could barely stop himself from standing up and giving this guy an uppercut so bad he'd go flying over the maze walls. But he managed.
"How are you still used to doing anything with her when she's been here three years?" Gally asked with narrowed eyes.
Aris shrugged with a lopsided smile. "Well, I don't think you can really forget anything when you're in love."
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magnoliabloomfield · 2 years
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Garden of Heathen 39- Water Works
More Fluffstration! SO MUCH
Aussie felt exhausted as she glared at the beaming little girl, happily stirring her pot of soup as Aussie slumped on the counter with the tube of ointment.
"How are you doing?" Aussie asked after a few minutes, her serious question throwing off the playful vibes.
"Me? I'm fine," Gertie brushed her off.
Aussie worried about her, naturally. She'd been in the room when Hedy killed Lanie after Gertie did her best to patch up her double leg amputation. That could mess up even a nutcase like Gertie, but pressing her about it wouldn't do any good though. They were both saved in a way by Gally calling for Aussie again.
"That was fast," Aussie mumbled as she hopped off the counter.
"No hair," Gertie pointed out.
"Ah yeah, that would do it."
Aussie walked to the bathroom.
"How'd the sling do? Did it give you ample support?" Aussie started to ask with a wry smile, giggling at her own joke as she walked down the hall toward the bathroom.
She came into the door way to see Gally glaring down at her. She would have laughed at his reaction if she weren't distracted by the little beads of water on his bafflingly flawless skin.
"Too soon?" She asked earning a small smile and head shake from him before he turned to take a seat again.
"Um, Gertie gave me some medicine to put on your shoulder, do you mind?" She asked him. "Promise I'll be gentle."
"Alright," he gave a half shrug with his good shoulder.
Aussie grabbed his towel and sat on the tub edge again, patting his shoulder dry before putting the medication on. She applied it as delicately as possible which meant it was kind of slow going. She had to distract herself from the cute freckles and shoulder muscles somehow.
"H-how're you feeling? Is it really sore?" She asked him, hoping talking would make this less awkward.
"Gertie keeps me drugged so it's not too bad. I'm still mostly ahead of the pain I guess," he said.
"I hope they send more before we run out then. Where is the soreness at? So I don't miss any spots," she asked him.
He gave her a bashful sideways glance, the medication she'd applied so far warming his skin and the underlying muscles already. He told the truth, though, and let her put it everywhere that hurt, his neck, around his shoulder blade, part of his chest, and down his arm, her little fingers went there without complaint. He almost felt guilty, as if he were taking advantage of her kindness just to feel her touch, but also embarrassed since he had two soggy bras strangling him at the moment. He looked over at her to try and gauge how she was feeling about it all.
"One day you're gonna bite that lip off," he said when he noticed her sucking up her bottom lip, gently tapping her chin.
She gave a nervous laugh as she released the reddened, swollen lip, teeth marks and all, and he wondered what made her bite it. Was it nervousness?
"Relax," he told her, his voice and his gaze were soft. "You're not hurting me, I promise."
Aussie felt very warm, all those weird feelings came flooding back and she was afraid she'd get so self conscious it would make her clumsy.
"Good, good," she muttered as her cheeks turned more pink from the way he looked at her.
"Soup's ready!" Gertie yelled, making Aussie jump slightly.
"Ok, how's that feel? Did I cover it all?" She asked after clearing her throat.
He just nodded.
"Ok, let's get this off."
She helped him get the wet sling off and tossed it into the tub to deal with later. She helped dry him off, trying so hard to respect him and whatever trauma Hedy had given him by not downright ogling his well toned everything. She nervously pushed her hair back before kneeling in front of him and carefully slipping the sleeve of his new shirt up his sore arm. She recalled how she had admired his large hands when she'd first found him in the box and felt a smirk tug her mouth. His arms were probably thicker than her legs. She supported his sore arm as he put the other through its sleeve, then helped him get it over his head.
"Ah, we did it," she said happily as she pulled the shirt down his body, her knuckles grazing his sides as she did so.
When she straightened up to put his regular sling back on, his face was so red his freckles were spots of light by comparison. Her long hair hung in curtains as she leaned over him to adjust the sling around his neck.
"How's that? Feel ok?" She asked, her fingertips resting gingerly on his shoulders.
"Yeah, feels good," he said without really thinking as he looked up at her.
A small, lopsided smile lit her face before her hand ruffled his short hair.
"Poor Gally," she sighed. "I'm so sorry for everything that happened."
He still couldn't quite comprehend how she had the room to care so much about him when she'd been through even worse. He felt like a comfortable intimacy had built up and he might have a chance to add to it, but he for sure wasn't going to do it from a toilet. He began to stand up, getting very close to Aussie before she reacted with a step backwards. Just one step.
"It hasn't been all bad" he said as he gently tucked her hair behind her ear, finger tips brushing her jaw.
Her brows started to rise and her chin tilted upwards as she looked up at him, she seemed to be waiting for whatever he was going to do next.
"What is taking so long?" Gertie complained as she barged into the bathroom, the door smacking into Aussie. "Aren't you hungry?"
She came in far enough to get the daggers Gally glared at her and the dazed look on Aussie's face.
"Oh, I interrupted something," she whispered apologetically as she winced. "Well, can't help it now. Come on."
Aussie gave a nervous chuckle as she rubbed the back of her head. "Well, I guess we- we better.." she said awkwardly as she jerked her thumb toward the door.
Gally just nodded, making a mental note to shove Gertie in the pit before he tried anything again. He followed Aussie out of the bathroom and they found Gertie in the kitchen, three bowls of soup steaming on the table.
The smell hit Aussie, so delicious and comforting. It brought back memories of helping Lanie make it which lead to thinking of Lanie in general.
Gally sat down and poked around his bowl, wondering if it would be as good as the soup Aussie had made for him a few days ago. He was not expecting to look up and see Aussie crying into her soup. There was no build up, she was fine and then she was not and it was startling.
Aussie noticed both of them looking at her, their clattering spoons alerting her to the attention.
"I'm sorry, I don't know why..." she tried to wipe her eyes and laugh it off but she just ended up trailing off in a sob. "I don't know why..."
Gertie got up and grabbed her around the shoulders knowing exactly why she was crying, because Gertie was thinking it too. Lanie wouldn't be making this soup anymore. She wouldn't be doing anything anymore.  The taste and the smell would always remind them of that now, and yet it was the only thing Lanie had to leave behind.
Gally felt dumb for not expecting this. She hadn't done a good cry yet and she was the kind of person who really needed a good cry to get over something. He reached over and held her hand, feeling her squeeze tightly as his own eyes stung, not liking the fact that either of the girls were crying.
They stayed like that for quite a while. Eventually the waterworks were slowed to a dribble and Gertie suggested they go to the couch and she'd join them after she put the soup away.
Gally lead Aussie by the hand and sat on the couch with her, his good arm holding her tightly to his side. She didn't protest a bit, just rested her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest as she sniffled.
"Can you forgive me?" She asked, her voice was congested and raw.
"Of course," he said with his lips against her hair.
"You don't know what for yet," she pointed out.
"I already know I can."
"I know she killed Lanie, and she was trying to kill you, and she tried to kill me... but I feel so bad for killing Hedy," Aussie began to explain. "It doesn't matter if it was an accident, or if it was... justified or not. I'm responsible for a person not being alive anymore. I don't know how I'm supposed to live with that."
Gally wished he had both arms to hold her with. He had to make due with one as he tried to hold her even closer.
"I'm so sorry," emotion strained his voice. "It-well, it just sucks and I am so sorry it happened that way. But I think, and I hope, that you will go on living like you always have, loving everyone and fighting like crazy for them. I think you deserve to live a good life."
"Me too," Gertie said as she plopped on the couch and draped herself over Aussie. "We all deserve a life after this place."
"And we'll all get there," Gally assured them. "I promise."
They all drifted off to sleep, Gally being the last to go as he stroked Aussie's hair, loving it every time her hand would move against his chest. He'd get her out of there. He'd get her to freedom and safety and then, if he kept that promise, if he really could do that, he'd promise to keep her safe for the rest of her life.
Masterlist
@a-ravenclaw-into-tardis-221b @sweetseunghyun-poulter @mrbillymontgomery @crazysheeplyca @frequentlychangingfandoms @massivechaos @rllych
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