#cause that’s what happened to her brother and that’s why he went off the grid ✨🤧 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

unlikecoffee · 2 years

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Tubbo watched Tommy fall to the ground, a sword impaling his chest. The blond laid there, eyes wide with shock, but then he blinked and his eyes turned to Tubbo, a smile on his face.

"I don't regret it one bit," Tommy choked out, blood spilling from his lips as he stared at Tubbo while the light died in his eyes.

Dream had killed Tommy. The love and hate in his chest slowly swirled together, working together, merging as it turned into the form of revenge. Tubbo's concealed power as a Forest Spirit that only Tommy knew of was finally released. Tubbo's eyes gleamed gold, and his small, hiding ram horns suddenly sprouted larger from his head. Air picked up and swirled around him as his hair seemed to grow longer and grow flowers.

Vines, grass, and flowers seemed to come alive. They rose from the ground, growing in size as they moved and attacked Dream. Tubbo lost all reason, vines destroying everything on its way.

Sapnao tried to cut through the vines, but it just tore through his body, immediately turning him into preserved plant food as it kept him alive and slowly took his energy and nutrients.

George tried to block with a shield, but it also went through. Karl's eyes widened, but he disappeared in a flash of gold, golden sand left on the ground where he stood.

Phil and Technoblade's eyes widened as they watched a Demigod awaken his power. All of a sudden, the voices in Technoblade's head went silent.

Slowly, branches rose from the ground and began to wrap around him. Among all of Puffy's children, Phil didn't think that Tubbo would be the most dangerous of them all.

The branches formed into a large tree ent, a monster that gleamed gold from inside. The pure energy that Tubbo emitted as he went after Dream was intoxicating like poison.

Tubbo's foster brother, Foolish, walked up to Tommy's body. He moved the mouth of the shark he once killed and now wore on his head away from his face, watching Tubbo destroy everything in his path as Sapnap and George were turned into tree statues. Badboyhalo felt the influence of the Egg shudder as Tubbo's energy neared him, so he backed up and fled from the scene.

"Keep them distracted, Tubs," Foolish said, crouching down and pulling the sword off of Tommy's chest. "Tommy's got a meeting with Death, and we can't have any interruptions."

The wound gleamed and closed. The blood on Tommy's lips started moving back as if his body's time was rewind. Tommy's blue eyes gained color again and he began to Twitch.

Niki came running over to Foolish. "Foolish, he's destroying everything!" She exclaimed. "What do we do?"

"Do some damage control," Foolish explained. "Keep his focus on Dream. Tommy is almost awake."

His eyes sparkled gold as on Tommy's forehead, a golden glow in the form of wings formed. Niki nodded and she turned and ran towards Tubbo.

Niki raised her sleeves as a blue water tattoo gleamed blue on her wrist. Colors of blue, green and pink began to wrap around her wrists and scales appeared on her fingers. Gills appeared on her neck and her fingers and sandaled toes gained webs. Water rose like it was alive from the lakes in L'Manberg and encased Niki into a giant water bullet. It carried her to the skies as she darted around Tubbo, her legs merging together to form a pink and blue dolphin tail with scales.

Jack Manifold saw Niki from a distance and frowned. Why was Niki using her demigod powers? There must be a good reason.

Then he noticed the walking giant tree going on a rampage. It destroyed part of the obsidian grid floating over L'Manberg.

Jack sighed and took off his headphones. He folded them and placed them on his pockets. He raised his sleeves to reveal orange and red square tattoos on his arms, and they gleamed and came off his skin. They began sprouting embers as they spun around Jack, causing him to hover off the ground. He floated towards Niki.

"Ayup, Niki!" He greeted almost politely. "What's happening?"

"Dream killed Tommy so Tubbo's going on a rampage," Niki explained. "He awakened his powers completely. Foolish is with Tommy and we have to do damage control. Keep Tubbo focused on Dream." Jack saluted the woman before floating towards Tubbo.

Quackity stared at Sapnap being inside the tree statue. He was slowly turning green as moss covered his skin. His hair turned to grass as mushrooms grew on his arms. "What the f—!" Quackity cussed.

"Phil, what's happening?" Techno asked, turning to Phil.

"Tubbo unlocked his full power," Phil told Techno. "It's best not to get his attention when he's just unlocked it. He's at his most emotional and dangerous stage."

The walking tree monster exhaled flying flower bombs that exploded toxic gas that destroyed solids towards Dream. "Phil, he's gonna kill everyone!" Fundy exclaimed.

"He won't," Phil said. "He's awake enough not to kill George and Sapnap. Those two are doing damage control right now."

"Wait, you knew they had powers?" Techno questioned, turning to Phil with a look of shock.

"Well, yeah," Phil snorted. "I dated Death. She dumped those kids on me."

He turned to look at Ranboo who was staring at Tubbo and standing rigid like a statue. His green eye was flickering to purple, so Phil walked over and blindfolded Ranboo as well as gave him earplugs.

"Don't need one to go on a rampage, too," Phil stated.

Jack jumped onto Tubbo's shoulder. "Tubbo!" He yelled.

"Ayup, Tubs!" Jack greeted Tubbo. He could see the branches of the tree connected to Tubbo's extended brown hair. "You don't have to listen to me, but I just wanna tell you something." Tubbo still didn't react. Jack sighed as he got up on the monster's shoulder. "I know you're upset, that you're angry. I know what you've lost." The Beast roared louder as it let out more explosives. "We need you, Tubbo." Tubbo's ears twitched. "Tommy was also close to us, but so are you. We need you to wake up, Tubbo. I know you're angry, but this won't bring Tommy back."

Niki landed on the beast's other shoulder. "Tubbo, listen to him," Niki said. "You are our friend like Tommy was. We don't want to lose you." Tubbo's ears lowered. "Tubbo, Ranboo's lost Tommy. Don't let him lose you too."

Tubbo's eyes widened, and the golden glow vanished from his eyes. The Beast blinked, and it turned around to see Ranboo kneeling beside Phil, shaking with his eyes blindfolded and his ears covered. Tubbo's eyes brimmed with tears.

Dream, who had climbed a higher platform, shot his enchanted trident at Tubbo, but Niki noticed and she threw the water out and redirected it to the branches beside Tubbo. The boy then noticed the attack, so he turned and glared at Dream again.

"You hurt George and Sapnap," Dream growled.

Foolish, who was kneeling beside Tommy, looked up as his eyes stopped glowing. "He's back," he said.

Behind him, Bad threw a trident and it threw Foolish against a rock. His gold arms thankfully blocked the trident from piercing his arm. Bad stood over Tommy, his red eyes gleaming as he stared at Tommy. His shadowed face revealed a fanged smile as he reached down to grab Tommy. There were red vines wrapped around his arm, and it extended to latch onto Tommy, but his eyes opened to reveal saphire blue glow.

A bright blue light lined his skin with tattoos as he grabbed onto Bad's arm. Bad screamed as the glow burned the red vines coiled all over him, burning the egg's control.

A circlet of light formed on Tommy's forehead, and he looked up at the Tree Beast where Tubbo currently resided. His eyes narrowed as glowing white wings formed on his back. Phil finally noticed him, as did Techno, and they gaped when white feathers sprouted from his back. Tommy could feel something dark igniting in Tubbo's direction, and he knew that it didn't come from his friend.

Dream's mask had cracked from Tubbo smacking him around. He laid on Eret's tower where Tubbo smashed him into. However, something trailed out from the cracks of the mask. Some kind of dark energy fizzing and popping as Dream slowly got up. The dark energy slowly stitched the mask together, and the mask slowly moved into a grin. The smile on the mask went from ) to D, and the eyes turned into X. DreamXD had awoken.

DreamXD, the Evil God of Chaos, banished into mortal flesh by the Goddess of Death. With a mission of killing demigods, stealing their power little by little using the Book of Necromancy by breaking their will to regain his original power. He made it his mission to go after Death's children. He already broke Wilbur and took his power, he was so close to breaking Tommy and was on his way to break Tubbo. However, he accidentally killed Tommy during the fight, causing Tubbo to awaken his power and learn to use it.

DreamXD's mask moved as he grinned. Black tendrils covered his body as he began to grow in size, an ink black monster as he reformed into a giant.

Tubbo stepped back, and Niki narrowed her eyes. She readied her water as Jack summoned more flames from the campfires and lamps of the land.

"Quackity, make explosions!" Phil exclaimed. "Jack needs more fire!"

Quackity immediately ran off to look for more explosives.

"I gotta say," Dream's voice had warped into something strange. "You hit hard."

The mask stayed small, but the black tendrils successfully formed a black, humanoid body with a head, and it's one eye being the mask. It towered to the same height as Tubbo's Tree Beast, which was the same height as Eret's tower.

"F— you!" Tubbo growled as he went to punch XD, but the man only caught his fist.

"All this time, you thought Dream and I were separate?" XD asked. "Did it ever occur to you to ask why we look so similar?"

XD began to crush the Tree Beast's fist, and Tubbo cried in pain. Suddenly, they heard explosions, and Niki and Jack turned to see Quackity setting off explosives on some of the unneeded houses. Fire erupted from the wooden houses, and Jack grinned. He began to draw the flames towards himself as they swirled around him like a tornado, floating off of Tubbo. The trees beside Jack incinerated as a giant red fist came out of the tornado of flames. It grabbed onto XD's arm, and Jack's face came out of the tornado with a wicked grin on his face.

"Ayup, bitch!"

Jack sent a punch across XD's face, sending the black figure stumbling back. The black beast fell back against Eret's tower, successfully crushing the tower. Eret watched from the sidelines with wide eyes.

"Hey, man!" Eret exclaimed. "That's my tower!"

"Ay, sorry, Eret!" Jack apologized before turning to XD again. "Now, who the f— are you? If you were this great God, why are you posing around as a mortal?"

"Ah, that," XD chuckled as he got back up. He picked up the broken top of the tower and turned to Jack and Tubbo. "Well, you can thank Death for that."

Dream ran up to Jack and rammed the pointy end of the tower towards Jack, but Jack evaded the attack. Tubbo whipped his vines at XD's neck, cutting through some strands of his neck as it tore through. However, XD's neck simply reattached itself together.

"What the f—?!" Tubbo cussed.

"You see, Death and I are old acquaintances," XD added. "Before you can become a God, you must become a champion of a God. Fulfill their requests, accept their challenges, and gain power through them. I was Death's first champion."

Phil narrowed his eyes at XD as he hid Ranboo with his wings. He felt a hand on his shoulder, so he looked up with wide eyes. Tommy stood there before Phil, a black stone in his hands. A winged circlet of light still on his forehead. Behind him, Bad was passed out on the ground steaming. His tail had disappeared and the red halo over his head turned back to gold.

"Death wants a champion," Tommy said, and he pressed the ball into Phil's forehead. The man's eyes widened in shock as a black mark etched itself into his forehead. Suddenly, his wings began to snap and rebreak, reshaping and healing, drawing a cry from him.

Tommy walked past Phil, and he walked towards Technoblade. "I would like to speak with the Blood God," he said.

Techno's eyes widened as red suddenly covered his vision. "Speak, boy," an echoey, deep voice spoke.

"I wish to call upon the help of all the gods," Tommy said. "DreamXD has awoken, and he wishes to kill all demigods to regain his full power."

The Blood God narrowed his eyes. "Whom has he killed?" He asked.

"Death's firstborn," Tommy replied, a serious look in his eyes.

The Blood God narrowed his eyes. "That won't do," he said. "He's been banished, and it is against our laws to harm each other's children." He crossed his arms.

"What would happen if he succeeds?" Tommy asked.

"It's been his intention from the beginning," The Blood God replied. "To kill all Gods and take over. That is the reason Death has banished him. As soon as he became a God, he turned on us."

The Blood God turned to the shivering Ranboo. "Ender," he called.

The boy straightened and took off his blindfold. Both eyes had turned purple, and he smirked. "Blood God, how pleasant," he said.

"XD is back," The Blood God explained. "He intends to kill all our children. I need you to call everyone. We need to lend our champions their power."

Ranboo's face lost its amusement as he looked dumbfounded. "Oh sh—!"

It startled Tommy to see someone with Ranboo's face cussing. Ranboo disappeared, and the Blood God turned to Tommy. "We cannot directly interfere," he explained. "If we do, we might destroy everything in our path. If XD has murdered one child, he shouldn't be as strong. I will return your brother to you, but for now, my power is his own."

Technoblade's eyes closed, and they opened again to reveal his normal eyes. However, instead of his entire eyeball being shrouded in red, it was simply his irises while red tattoos appeared on his body.

"The Blood God has spoken," Techno growled, grinning as he turned to Tommy. "Tommy, you have just upped my game."

Tubbo fought hard with XD the best he could without clashing with Jack. After all, trees were very flammable. Eret, from watching the group in the sidelines, felt a specific kind of warmth envelop their body.

*Apollo, God of all Arts and Healing, has chosen you as his champion.*

A golden tattoo formed on their forehead like a crown, and their hands gleamed gold. A cloud appeared by Eret's feet as he stepped onto it, and when it moved, rainbow hues tailed behind it.

Puffy, who was watching the fight from the sidelines, felt warmth shelter her body.

*Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, has chosen you as her champion.*

Puffy's eyes widened as a tattoo formed on her forehead. A bow made of light formed in her hands as well as a quiver of arrows on her back.

*Your children are in danger, protect them.*Tubbo fought hard with XD the best he could without clashing with Jack. After all, trees were very flammable. Eret, from watching the group in the sidelines, felt a specific kind of warmth envelop their body.

*Apollo, God of all Arts and Healing, has chosen you as his champion.*

A golden tattoo formed on their forehead like a crown, and their hands gleamed gold. A cloud appeared by Eret's feet as he stepped onto it, and when it moved, rainbow hues tailed behind it.

Puffy, who was watching the fight from the sidelines, felt warmth shelter her body.

*Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, has chosen you as her champion.*

Puffy's eyes widened as a tattoo formed on her forehead. A bow made of light formed in her hands as well as a quiver of arrows on her back.

*Your children are in danger, protect them.*

Eret used their power to move massive items at will. They grabbed boulders or giant pieces of rubble before throwing it at Dream. Puffy had grown ram feet and was now jumping from tree to tree, shooting explosive light arrows at Dream's head.

However, Dream grabbed the tree statues that Tubbo created for George and Sapnap. He ripped the tree statue, and a bit of the black energy seeped into Sapnap's and George's bodies. The holes that Tubbo made on their bodies stitched itself close as their bodies began to react differently to the energies. Sapnap's surroundings heated up and melted under him, causing him to sink into it. George started to twitch as clouds descended down towards him. The ground melted and the clouds came as a body made of molten lava and a tornado of clouds rose from the mess. They stood beside Dream whose mouth opened to reveal fanged teeth.

"Boo."

"Sh—!" Tubbo cussed as Sapnap's lava form went after him first. George engaged into a fight with Jack, thunder erupting from the clouds that made up George's body.

DreamXD fought with Tubbo and Niki head on and once more, the duo struggled. How did DreamXD give George and Sapnap power without lessening his own?

Suddenly, a pink, red and white figure dropped down from the sky and landed on DreamXD's head.

Technoblade, with smoke that looks like red eyes rising from his back, stood on XD's shoulder and stabbed a blood-red sword into DreamXD's shoulder. An inhumane screech erupted from XD. Over the monster, Phil flew with steel-tipped wings, flying around while throwing wind blades at XD made from the sharp points of his feathers.

In L'Manberg, every resident that was on the side of Tommy and Tubbo gleamed and gained tattoos. Quackity, champion of Hermes, was confused about why everyone was becoming a champion.

*XD is the God of Chaos. Wherever Chaos is, he is most powerful. He absorbs attacks like a sponge unless you kill him off with one blow. Every God is choosing a champion to help defeat XD together.*

"Is everyone getting advice like I am, then?" Quackity questioned.

*Yes, they are.*

"Then who is Tubbo the champion of?" He asked. "I don't see any mark on him."

*He does not need to be marked. He is the son of Gaia, he has enough power to be the new King of Nature.*

"What about Tommy?" Quackity questioned.

*He is a special case.*

"What do you mean?" Quackity asked.

*Tommy is the child of Death, but because of her power, he must beat XD with something that negates XD's power. So Phanes has chosen Tommy as his champion.*

Puffy assisted Tubbo while Eret assisted Jack. Quackity continued to feed the flames to feed Jack's power. He darted between places quickly while staying out of sight, almost as if he was teleporting.

Ranboo had finally woken and his eyes were both green and purple. Purple particles exuded from his body as he teleported here and there to assist the others with things they might need. He provided water and snacks to the ones who were tiring. Niki assisted everyone with her water taking the shape of a kraken, her being the head. After the splurge of demigods becoming champions, Niki gained a power up from her father, Poseidon. Her crown suddenly extended as her tail grew larger with thin little fins that looked like spikes.

Tommy was flying with Phil, assisting everyone in the fight. Tubbo was shocked when he saw Tommy flying around with wings on his back. His power was a pulsing light that seemed to incinerate everything it touched. However, DreamXD was not tiring nor was he letting up.

Then Quackity realized something. He stopped at a mountain and projected his voice with Hermes's power as a messenger.

"Guys!" He yelled. "DreamXD absorbs everything you throw at him! You can only defeat him with overwhelming shots! You have to one-shot him to win!"

"It's kind of hard to do that right now!" Tommy exclaimed. "This dude isn't letting up!"

Then they noticed that DreamXD and the other two were getting bigger. "How do we stop them?" Eret asked.

"A merged attack," Tommy said, turning to Tubbo. "Tubbo, can you make a spot for me? Do you have anything that'll help me lend you power?"

Tubbo nodded and moved over in his seat. Tommy entered the beast's face and sat down beside Tubbo. Tubbo took his arm and vines started wrapping around them. Tommy's eyes began to glow as did Tubbo's. Particles around them seemed go vibrate as Tubbo held out his arm and a beautiful, yellow flower sprouted.

It blasted out a concentrated, blue and gold light that completely covered George.

"Ah, so you figured it out," DreamXD didn't sound disappointed, but he sounded mocking when George wasn't there after that blast. "Well, I was gonna save this for later, but.....you see, I have allies too."

Skeppy walked out from behind a building and towards XD. He was also encased in red vines, and those vines started growing and moving as well until Skeppy was the same size as them. Antfrost, Punz, Hannah, and Ponk came out of the Innit Hotel and headed towards DreamXD, Skeppy and Sapnap. They were emotionless when they approached, and when they spoke, they spoke in united, distorted voices.

"We are the Egg."

"Sh—!" Tubbo cursed when he saw Hannah transform with the kthers.

Hannah was his half-sister, they were both children of Gaia. However, he only knew that she was his half-sister, but not that they were children of Gaia. He didn't know when she had been infected. Guess that was one of the downsides of being president, he got too busy to check in on everyone.

"Everyone, get ready!" Phil barked as he swooped overhead.

"Oh, I'm not done!" DreamXD grinned as another eyeball appeared beside his mask eye. It was an orb encasing a black old book.

The book opened and flipped through pages before it stopped on one and glew. Suddenly, they heard cackling.

"Oh man!" A voice exclaimed. "I've never felt so powerful in my life!"

Schlatt had dug himself out from under the community house, clothes torn and tattered but not enough to fall apart, and bottle in hand.

"What have you done?" Tommy breathed, staring at Schlatt with wide eyes.

Suddenly, a rocket shot itself into the side of DreamXD's head. Except this one had a strange fluid on it, and it burned XD and caused him to scramble to get away while screaming.

"Ayo!" A familiar voice exclaimed.

The others turned to see a familiar sight of Wilbur Soot, alive and kicking, and realized that everyone who had died had been revived. Meaning Ghostbur was gone and Wilbur was back. "Suck it, Green Boy!!"

Techno's eyes widened. "Wilbur?" He asked.

Phil paused, staring at Wilbur in shock. "Just in time, Wilbur!" Quackity exclaimed. "Hermes, get someone to claim him before DreamXD does!"

*Loki, God of Mischief and Manipulation, has chosen you as his champion.*

Suddenly, a gold mark appeared on his forehead with horns on it. Wilbur's eyes gleamed gold as well as golden tattoos appeared on the back of his hands and daggers appeared in his grasp. Wilbur grinned, and all of a sudden, he seemed to multiply. Whenever he took a turn, he would split into two, and each clone would split into two. Techno also somehow shapeshifted into Wilbur, and they somehow started tag-teaming each other, taking turns to attack as the whole land went into war.

Schlatt replaced George when he grew into a humongous being as well. Eret created floating gold hands and used them to grab trees, turn them into spikes, and stab Schlatt with them.

"Tubbo, try again!" Tommy exclaimed.

"Push them towards the water!" Niki yelled at the others.

Tubbo grabbed Eret's fallen tower and smashed it at XD's head. Fundy was chosen by a shapeshifting God, so he gained the ability to shapeshift. He had also turned into Wilbur and was jumping around like a ninja while attacking each beast.

Jack clashed with his former president. "Jack, you've grown!" Schlatt chuckled. "Why are we fighting?"

"Well, Dream wants to destroy L'Manberg and kill everyone," Jack explained.

".....that's nice," Schlatt nodded. "Well, I have to fight or he's gonna kill me again."

"B—!" Tommy shouted at him. "You're already dead!"

The group was slowly moving away from the land and headed towards the ocean. However, on the edge, they stopped right before the beach as Dream grabbed hold of Tubbo and his arms started absorbing Tubbo's Tree Beast. Tommy tried to burn through the black strings but it didn't do much.

Niki flew into the ocean using the water that encased her mermaid form. Jack watched her jump in.

"Wha— Niki?!" He exclaimed.

Tubbo growled as he tried to break through the black inky strings. However, he could feel his energy being drained.

"Pray to Gaia!" Tommy exclaimed.

"What?" Tubbo asked, turning to Tommy incredulously.

"Pray, bitch!" Tommy screamed.

Tubbo put his hands together and started praying hesitantly. "Gaia, big guy, I need your help stopping XD!" He exclaimed.

"Call her mom!" Tommy shouted.

"What?"

"CALL HER MOM!" Tommy screamed.

"Mom!" Tubbo yelled right as the black strings reached them both.

Suddenly, a surge of energy went through Tubbo, and his horns got bigger. His hair turned to roots as they connected to the Tree Beast. It's form got better and became more humanly accurate with big horns on either side of it's head. It looked like a giant Tubbo.

Jack picked up Sapnap and threw him into the sea while Eret stabbed Schlatt with a tree.

Sapnap turned into stone as he smoked in the sea. However, from Tommy's view, he could see something dark stirring in the water.

DreamXD noticed that Sapnap had fallen into the water, so he took Schlatt and began to absorb the man.

"Egg, help me!" XD grabbed the veiny figure of Punz and they started to merge into one.

Suddenly, the black monster had turned into something bigger, growing larger and far more terrifying. The face split open as a grinder for a mouth was revealed, and the beast roared. Skeppy joined XD, followed by Hannah, then Antfrost, then Ponk. The more bodies that joined them, the more heads grew on XD's back, and he was now less of a string monster and looked more like a buff version of a demogorgon(ref) with many heads.

The one humanoid face with the mask eye cackled. "Now this is what I'm talking about," XD said.

Wilbur cringed when he saw DreamXD. "Eugh, he looks gross," Wilbur stated.

Techno paused beside him and snorted. "That's just a lot of blind spots," he said, rolling his eyes.

"Boys, focus!" Phil shouted.

DreamXD cackled as his arms began to extend like moving vines, reaching up to grab Tubbo. However, the face of the Tree Beast closed to shield the boys. "Hey, Dream, why am I the *ss?" Schlatt's voice asked from DreamXD's lower back.

"There weren't anymore spaces," XD explained as he tried to grab the flying Eret.

"F— you, f—ing p–ss baby!" Schlatt cussed as his face was smashed into the ground when Tubbo punched Dream back. "Ah! F—!"

"Oh Schlatt, that's embarrassing," Skeppy, Ponk's and Punz's voices cackled.

"Shut up, sh—heads!" Hannah's voice exclaimed.

"Wow, Hannah's gotten violent," Phil commented before diving down from above, sharp steel sings covering himself as he spun fast like a drill.

Phil drilled into Dream's shoulder, tearing off DreamXD's arm. However, the arm just reattached together better. Tommy gained an idea.

"Tubs, how many people can fit here?" Tommy asked Tubbo.

"Like five," Tubbo replied. "Why?"

"Think we can have more people lend you powers?" Tommy asked.

"Let's see," Tubbo replied. "Call Eret and Puffy!"

Tommy used telekinetic abilities to grab Puffy and Eret and bring them into the Tree Beast's head. Tubbo created spots for them behind him.

"Guys, will you lend us your power?" Tubbo asked.

Although they were caught off-guard, Eret agreed to help. "Of course, King!"

"Let's kick his a—," Puffy said, smirking.

"Everyone else spread out," Tommy explained. "Since there's a lot of us, most of us can cause distractions."

Roots connected to their backs as four consciousness controlled the Tree Beast. They struggled, but they managed. DreamXD finally realized that his opponents were slowly winning. Perhaps merging wasn't such a good idea.

Something grabbed onto his arm. Something large and dark, and he turned to see that it was a long tentacle coming from the sea. The ocean was moving as a giant sea monster rose from the sea. A kraken surrounded by Elder Guardians.

Niki rode on the head of the Kraken as the tattoos on her person gleamed blue. A beautiful, teal and blue trident glew on her side as a magic stone sparkled in the sun. Her eyes gleamed the same color as the stone and tattoos and the Kraken roared as it continued dragging DreamXD to the water.

"Wait!" XD exclaimed, clearly panicking as he was dragged into the water.

"Tubbo, I'm gonna teach you a spell we can do to defeat him," Tommy explained. "It's how Death turned him human!"

Tubbo turned to Tommy in shock. "Do we have the manpower?" He asked.

Tommy looked at Tubbo and smiled. "The Gods granted us this power," he said. "We should."

Tubbo nodded and looked back ahead. "Is everyone ready?" He asked.

Tommy, Eret and Puffy narrowed their eyes as they moved their arms in unison, minds linked.

"Keep him distracted but steer clear of Tubbo's way!" Phil told everyone as he flew towards them with the message. He could see that the Tree beast was going to cast a spell.

The Tree Beast moved it's arms in a circle, making a magic, glowing circle in front of itself as ancient writing appeared in it.

"Niki, keep him still!" Wilbur exclaimed.

"Wait, we can talk about this!" DreamXD got nervous. He had seen this spell before, and he had only ever seen the Gods do it. If they were able to accomplish it, that meant that the Gods are helping them.

The Kraken tightened it's grip while the Elder Guardians kept blasting beams at XD.

The magic circle gleamed brighter, the Beast had completed the magic circle. The magic circle grew wings, and it flew towards XD, incinerating the black ink and the other things that Dream brought out that day. XD had turned back to Dream's human form.

Wilbur turned to Technoblade and Phil, who had landed on a giant boulder. He smiled at them. "I missed you, Kings," he said. Then he saluted them as he slowly turned back into earth and crumbled into pieces.

Phil went to catch the rubble that was formerly Wilbur Soot, falling onto his knees as Techno watched Phil sadly. "No, not again," he breathed. Then he remembered Tommy was slain by Dream before all this, so he stood up and looked around frantically. "Tommy?!"

Tommy picked up the book of Necromancy and closed his eyes. A black tattoo formed on his forehead, and the book faded. "I've returned it to it's rightful owner," he said as he looked back up and turned to Tubbo.

Ranboo ran up to them and hugged the two of them tightly. "I am so glad you are safe," he sighed in relief.

"About that..." Tommy trailed off.

Ranboo's eyes widened and he pulled back to look at Tommy.

The others watched Tommy as purple veins appeared on his skin. He stumbled so Ranboo and Tubbo caught him, falling onto their knees as Tommy laid on their bodies.

"Tommy!" Tubbo exclaimed.

Niki and Jack saw them and gasped. Jack shrunk while Niki sent her sea monsters away and turned back to human. Everyone ran to gather in a crowd around Tommy, shocked that the boy who lived to fight was now dying all of a sudden.

Phil kneeled beside the boy as Ranboo and Tubbo turned Tommy to let him lay on his back on the grass. "Tommy, why?" Phil asked, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"I saw mom," Tommy smiled at Phil. "I asked her for more time, to borrow power so I could help you. She took me to meet the creator, and we made a deal. To help everyone defeat XD, and I would join mom by her side."

Tommy looked at Tubbo, grabbed his hand, and Phil's as well. "Ranboo, hold my hand," Tommy said. Ranboo did as he was asked. "Don't be scared, don't be sad. I'm not going anywhere." He looked at Niki, Eret, Puffy, Foolish, and the others. "You're my family. I'll always be in the stars watching you all."

And Tommy closed his eyes and finally let himself rest.

#sbi au #sleepy bois inc #dream smp #mcyt #tommyinnit #dreamsmp #sleepy bois fanfic #wilbur mcyt #tommy and tubbo #tubbo

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conradscrime · 3 years

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The Keddie Cabin Murders

April 30, 2021

In July 1979 a woman named Glenna Susan Sharp (known to everyone as “Sue”) left her Connecticut home with her 5 children after separating from her abusive husband, James Sharp. Sue and her children decided to move to California, where Sue’s brother Don was living.

Sue first began renting a small trailer but then moved to house #28 in the community of Keddie. The previous occupant was a Plumas County sheriff, Sylvester Douglas Thomas, but when he moved out Sue and her 5 children, John age 15, Sheila age 14, Tina age 12, Rick age 10 and Greg age 5, moved in.

Sue was a single mother of 5, struggling to make ends meet. She got $250 from her abusive ex, was on welfare and used food stamps. She also enrolled in a federal education program that allowed her to take business classes. Her classmates said she was a good student who got excellent grades, however they described her as a loner.

A lot of people in the community didn’t like Sue. They gossiped about her being on welfare and they claimed she dated a lot of men. There was rumours that she slept with men for money or was dealing drugs. Most of the gossip about Sue was the fact that she kept to herself and didn’t have many friends, though Sue didn’t mind this. She didn’t care what people thought of her and she was only looking to improve her life, with dreams of opening her own business to be able to provide for her children.

On April 11, 1981 at 11:30 am Sue and her children Sheila and Greg drove from their friends’ house to pick up her other son Rick who was at baseball tryouts at Gansner Field. On their drive Sue came across her eldest son John and his friend, Dana Wingate, who were hitchhiking from Quincy, California to Keddie. Sue picked the boys up and around 3:30 pm John and Dana hitchhiked back to Quincy where some believe that had plans to visit some of their friends.

The evening of April 11, 1981 Sheila, Sue’s eldest daughter had plans to spend the night at her friends house, at the Seabolt family home, who happened to live adjacent to the Sharp’s home. Sheila left the home after 8pm and Sue was left with Rick, Greg and their friend Justin Eason (some sources call him Smartt) who was staying the night. Tina, Sue’s other daughter, was already at the Seabolt’s watching tv, but she returned home around 9:30 pm.

Greg went to bed around 8:30 pm that night, and Tina at 9:30. Rick and Justin joined Sue to watch tv before they also went to bed around 10 pm. Sue stayed on the couch and was dozing off, but it was believed she didn’t want to fully go to bed until John and Dana returned. Allegedly people noticed some “odd” things that night. People heard a dog barking by Cabin #28 as well as noticing the back porch light was on at 4 am.

At 7 or 8 am on the morning of April 12, 1981 Sheila arrived home from her sleepover at the Seabolt’s to change her clothes as she was planning to go to church with them, when she discovered the dead bodies of her mother Sue, her brother John, and John’s friend, Dana Wingate in the living room. All three had been bound with tape and wire. Tina was not found to be anywhere in the house, and the three younger children, Rick, Greg and their friend Justin were still alive, unharmed in a bedroom. Numerous sources say that the three boys must of slept through the murders though this claim has been contradicted.

When Sheila discovered what had happened she ran back to the Seabolt’s home where Jamie Seabolt got Rick, Greg and Justin out of the house through the window. Jamie admitted he did enter the house through the backdoor at one point, to see if he could find anyone else alive, thus possibly contaminating the crime scene.

Two bloodied knives and one hammer were found at the scene, and one of the knives which was a steak knife had been bent at 30 degrees, clearly showing the brutality of the attack. The blood spatter evidence indicated that Sue, John and Dana had all been murdered in the living room where they were found.

Sue was found laying on her side near the sofa and nude from the waist down. She had been gagged with a blue bandana and her own panties which had been secured with tape. She had been stabbed in the chest and her throat was stabbed horizontally, the wound went through her larynx and nicking her spine. On the side of her head was an imprint matching the butt of a Daisy 880 Powerline BB/pellet rifle. Sheila claimed that the Sharp’s did not have any medical tape in the house so it was believed one of the killers brought it with them.

John’s throat had also been slashed and Dana had multiple head injuries and had been strangled to death. Both John and Dana had suffered blunt-force trauma to their heads caused by a hammer. The autopsies determined that Sue and John both died from knife wounds and blunt-force trauma but Dana had died from asphyxiation.

Sheila and the Seabolt family both claimed they had not heard any commotion during the night however, a couple who lived nearby in house #16 were awakened at 1:15 am by what sounded like muffled screaming. Keddie cabin #28 showed no signs of forced entry but the telephone had been taken off the hook with the cord cut from the outlet and all the drapes were closed.

Tina, her shoes, jacket and a tool box were missing from the house. A man named Martin Smartt, who was a neighbour to the Sharp family and the step-father of Justin Eason, one of the boys found alive from the attack claimed that a claw hammer had gone missing from his home. The police interviewed Martin Smartt and determined that he gave “endless clues” in the case and seemed to want to throw suspicion away from himself.

The police interviewed the Smartt family along with other locals and neighbours, including the Seabolt family who recalled seeing a green van parked at the Sharp’s house around 9pm.

A composite sketch of two suspects was drawn up based off testimony from Justin, who claims he witnessed the crimes. Justin gave lots of conflicting stories though, saying he had dreamt details of the murders but later claiming that he actually did witness them. Under hypnosis, Justin stated that he woke up to sounds coming from the living room while he was asleep in the bedroom with Rick and Greg. He went to see what the sounds were and saw Sue with two men, one with a moustache and short hair and the other was clean shaven with long hair. Both men were wearing gold framed glasses.

Justin said John and Dana then entered the house and began to argue with the men. A fight broke out and Tina then entered the room and was taken out the cabin’s back door by one of the men. Because Justin’s story changed numerous times and his stepfather, Martin, was one of the main suspects, many believe Justin was threatened somehow, and that’s why his story changed a few times, to cover up for his stepfather. It also explains why Justin and the two younger boys were unharmed during the attack -- if Martin was involved why would he kill his stepson? Martin would of had to leave the two younger Sharp boys, Greg and Rick alone because they were sleeping in the same room as Justin.

These composite sketches were drawn by a man named Harlan Embry who had no artistic abilities and was not trained in forensic sketching. There has never been an explanation as to why the police did not hire an actual forensic sketcher. The suspects were described as being in their late 20′s or early 30′s, one was between 5′11 to 6′2 tall with dark blonde hair and the other was between 5′6 to 5′10 with black greased hair.

Rumours began to start and some believed the murders had been ritualistic or had a drug trafficking motive. The Plumas County Sheriff, Doug Thomas, dismissed all of these stating that there was no drug paraphernalia or illegal drugs found in the home. A family acquaintance claimed that Dana Wingate had recently stolen LSD from local drug dealers but there was no proof of this.

The police spent a lot of time trying to figure out what happened at Keddie Cabin #28 that night and the case was described as “frustrating.” In December 1983 detectives ruled out serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole has suspects.

The FBI thought Tina’s disappearance was a possible abduction. A grid pattern search of the area was done around the house with police canines but they found nothing.

On April 22, 1984, 3 years after the murders, a bottle collector found a portion of a human skull at Camp Eighteen near Feather Falls in Butte County, around 100 miles from Keddie. Shortly after the discovery, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous phone call with the person on the other end claiming those remains were Tina Sharp’s. This call was not documented in the case and a recording of it wasn’t found until 2013, at the bottom of an evidence box. The remains were positively identified as that of Tina Sharp in June 1984. Near Tina’s remains they found a blue nylon jacket, a blanket, a pair of Levi Strauss jeans with a missing back pocket and an empty surgical tape dispenser.

Keddie Cabin #28 was demolished in 2004 and in 2008 a documentary on the murders came out, with Marilyn Smartt, mother of Justin and wife of Martin Smartt, claiming that her husband and his friend John “Bo” Boubede who was living with the Smartt’s at the time, were responsible for the murders of the Sharp’s and Dana. Martin Smartt allegedly met John “Bo” a few weeks earlier in a Veteran’s hospital where he was being treated for PTSD after serving in the Vietnam war. Supposedly Martin was angry at Sue Sharp, claiming that she was interfering with his marriage as she allegedly would give Marilyn advice on how to leave his abuse. Martin was known to cheat on his wife, have violent outbursts and was even accused of selling drugs. Martin was working as a cook but had been fired a few weeks before the murders.

Marilyn Smartt claimed that on the night of the murders she left Martin and John “Bo” at a local bar around 11 pm and went home to go to sleep herself. Other sources say Marilyn went to the bar with the men herself and invited Sue to join them, but she declined. Supposedly all three came back home and when Marilyn went to bed at 11 the two men went back out to the bar. Around 2am she woke up to find the two men burning an unknown item in the wood stove. Marilyn also claimed that her husband Martin hated John Sharp with a passion. Other sources claim it was actually John “Bo” that didn’t like John Sharp and referred to him as a “punk.”

However in the documentary, Sheriff Doug Thomas said he had interviewed Martin Smartt himself and that he had passed a polygraph test. Martin Smartt died of cancer in June 2000 (other sources say 2006). John “Bo” Boubede died in 1988 and apparently had ties to organized crime in Chicago.

On March 24, 2016, almost 35 years after the murders, a hammer that was matching the description of the hammer Martin Smartt claimed had gone missing was found in a local pond and taken into evidence. Sheriff Hagwood who knew the Sharp family personally believes that this hammer was intentionally placed there.

In a 2016 article published in the Sacramento Bee, it was stated that Martin Smartt left Keddie and drove to Reno, Nevada and while there sent Marilyn a letter that said, “I’ve paid the price of your love and now I’ve bought it with four people’s lives.” Marilyn, who has since been remarried, says she doesn’t recall ever receiving that letter but she did recognize the writing as being Martin’s.

Plumas County Special Investigator Mike Gamberg stated that this letter was never taken into evidence and that the initial investigation of the murder’s in the 1980′s was done poorly.

Martin Smartt’s counsellor also admitted that Martin told him about the murders of Sue and Tina, but claimed he didn’t have anything to do with the murders of John and Dana. He told the counsellor that Tina had to die because she had witnessed the whole thing and would be able to identify him.

In April 2018, 37 years after the murders Mike Gamberg stated that there was DNA evidence found from a piece of tape at the crime scene and it was a match to a known living suspect. The investigation is still opened, with a $5000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and prosecution in the case.

The police say they know some of the living suspects who were involved in this case and are convinced that they are closer than ever to solving the Keddie Cabin murders.

#unsolved #unsolved mysteries #unsolved true crime #true crime #crime #murder #suspect #evidence

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ajbwasntwriting · 3 years

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Daughter!Reader X Negan, Reader x Daryl: Chapter 12. Shots Fired

First | Previous | Next

I’ll only post more chapters if previous chapters get a good reaction so if you enjoy this please heart it, reblog it, and/or reply to it. Interaction inspires.

if you wish to be added to the tag list please dm me. All chapters can be found under the tag AJ’s Negan’s Daughter AU

Everything had started so perfect.

You slept in the tent next to the infirmary in Daryl’s arms through the night and in the morning you helped the crew make breakfast. Rick had rode home to Alexandria and there was news on the walkie that food was coming from the hilltop. You grabbed food for yourself and Aaron and headed back to the infirmary.

Aaron was sitting up and talking with Daryl.

“Morning” You announced as you strode into the tent.

“Morning” Daryl said with a smile.

“I’m not looking,” Aaron joked, covering his eyes with his hand.

“Very funny,” You shoved the plate against Aaron and he took it, setting it down on his lap. “So what’s got you bothering my patient, Mr Dixon.”

“Wanted to see how he was doing before I head out for the day” Daryl spoke.

“You get breakfast yet?” You asked

“I don’t need-” Before he could finish you thrust your plate into his hands.

“Eat up. You’ll need it” You said turning back and leaving the tent to get yourself a new plate.

“You sure know how to pick ‘em” Aaron said through a mouthful of food.

“Yeah” Daryl said, getting into his food.

“How’d you meet?” Aaron pressed. Daryl glanced at him in question. “C’mon everyone’s heard how she appeared from thin air and you jumped to her defence.”

“Ya make it sound like a fairy tale” Daryl commented.

“It is.” Aaron replied. Aaron took a bite of some bread and kept staring at Daryl “C’mon you can tell me.”

Daryl thought back on it for a moment. ‘I tried to kill her’ he thought. Now he couldn’t think of hurting you. “Before the winter, me, Tara, and Rick went into DC. I got hurt. We had to camp for the night in this bank.” Daryl spoke through his food. “She walked in, started pulling the place apart. We said stop. She seen I was hurt and offered to help me.” He lost interest in his food for a moment, thinking back to that little apartment in DC that you had fixed up and made a home for yourself. “She was starving. I couldn’t sit by and do nothing, not after she helped me. At first I just brought her the surplus but she insisted on giving me stuff in return. ‘Not gonna leave you short’ she said.” Daryl stopped when he realised how long he had been talking about you, and the soft look Aaron had listening to him. Daryl went back to his food “Can’t let good people suffer”

“She is good.” Aaron spoke, “You should have brought her home sooner.”

“I tried. She wouldn’t come.” Daryl put down his now empty plate. “She don’t like camps or nothin’”

“So she was somewhere bad before” Aaron mused

“She deserves something good.” Daryl spoke “We all do.”

A sudden unrest erupted outside the tent. Daryl got onto his feet and went to investigate, finding the camp filled with angry saviours

“Guess they're gonna execute every last one of us!” a man yelled out “Just like Justin!”

“Not if we have guns, too.” a women called out

“Hey, hey, you guys!” Laura was in the middle of the crowd trying to calm people. “No no no no! No!”

“Come on guys!” Arat yelled trying to make herself heard.

“Hey knock it off!” You yelled from the front of the group trying to calm them down.

All the calls fell on deaf ears and you found yourself trying to push saviours and members of the other community away from each other. Aldin quickly made a dent in the condensing crowd.

“Hey! Hey! Stop this shit! Stop it! Stop it!” He yelled, the two sides coming apart around him “We're gonna find out who did this, and we're gonna make sure it never happens to us again, all right?”

“Us?” Jed stood out from the crowd of saviours. “You're not one of us anymore.”

“‘Us’ means all of us” Aldin spoke, turning his back on the saviours to speak to the rest. Jed immediately grabbed Aldin, spinned him around and punched”

“Go shovel that horse shit to whoever killed Justin!” He pulled back his fist to go for another hit when Carol stepped in front of him, hand on his chest to stop him and the other on her gun ready to pull it out. You felt yourself hold your breath. “I thought you were supposed to be our leader.” he remarked.

“Enough” Carol spoke firm. “Turn around, all of you.”

“No can do, Cee.” He replied, “Why don't you go ahead and yank that roscoe, pop me right here? It's better than worrying about getting it in the back.”

At that Carol pulled out her gun, as did the others standing behind her. You stepped forward and put yourself between the man and Carol.

“There’s no need for that.” You said, hands up defensively.

“We don't want this.” Laura spoke, rallying to your side. “Hey, we just need to protect ourselves.”

“No guns!” Dary yelled. Everyone turned to look at him standing on top of a hill looking over everything that was happening.

“That 'cause you're the one took out Justin?” DJ yelled out. He was a saviour with long hair and a beard.

“Nah.” Another saviour said lower, eyeing up a woman near the front of the opposing crowd. “My money's on garbage lady.”

“Revenge for Simon's play, sure.” Regina said, stirring more trouble.

“No.” DJ replied, not taking his eyes off Daryl. “It's him. Finishing what he started.” He stepped past you and towards a tree, picking up the axe that sat there. Another man followed after him. A woman went to walk past you to them but you put your hand against her chest, whispering “Don’t” in the most intimidating voice you could muster, making her fall back into line.

Arat ran up and step in front of DJ “Hey, stop. It's gonna go too far.”

“Nah.” Daryl spoke “It won't.” He raised his crossbow and pointed it at DJ. You felt your breath catch in your lungs. You had seen how dangerous Daryl was with that bow and weren’t interested in being at it’s business end.

“Maybe it's both of them. Come on.” The long haired man rallied the saviours around him. You tried to hold them back but you were quickly pushed to the back of the group and landed on the ground. The saviours moved forward with only the priest meeting them halfway, ready for the fight. In the last moment Rick came riding in on horseback and the crowd divided.

“Everyone back off! Right now!” He yelled from atop the animal, waving his revolver over the crowd. Arat moved to disarm one of the saviours and Laura took to the martyr.

“All right, we are not doing this.” She spoke firm to Jed then brought her attention to the wider crowd. “Let it go.”

“I'll talk to Rick.” You heard Aldin speak “I'll try and find a way to make everybody feel safe, all right?” The crowd slowly dispersed.

“Start the redirect.” Rick ordered. “Pair off to work the grid.”

In the moments past you pulled yourself off the ground and started dusting yourself off. Laura came to you and pat your back.

“Thanks for trying to hold them back.” She said, Arat arriving behind her shortly after.

“Didn’t help much.” You replied

“No, it helped.” Arat insisted. “These hot heads need to see more of us working with the others.” Arat let out a sigh, then leaned in close to you “If they knew who you were-” she spoke low.

“No.” You interrupted. “They won’t trust me. Someone needs to be on good terms.”

“They got Aldin for that,” Laura commented. “He’s been playing goodie two shoes since the war.”

“Enough gossip,” Arat said. “Boss says the grid needs work. Later.” She patted your back as she took off.

“What’s on your plate?” Laura asked you.

“Get Aaron on the first trip back to Alexandria. He’s just filling a bed here. You?”

Laura looked around at the grumbling saviours, waving to a small group. “Keeping the peace.” You nodded in acknowledgement and you two parted silently.

After setting Aaron up with a small group that would be journeying back and his bed had been cleared you set out looking for Daryl. He had gotten riled up and you wanted to see how he was. A hilltop man pointed you in the direction he’d taken off in.

When you found him he was talking to Rick. Or rather Rick was talking to him.

“Daryl, I know you don't agree with everything we're doing here. All I ask is that you try. Do it. Let people see it. And maybe everyone moves past what's happened to what could happen and maybe, just maybe, it'd be one of the best decisions you ever made.”

“Like not killing a guy who left your brother on a rooftop to die.” Rick walked past you with a nod. He looked so tired yet determined. You walked up to Daryl, who seemed to be caught a little off guard.

“How much of that did you hear?” He asked nervously.

“About the tail end of what seemed like a speech, if I’m honest.” You stood in front of him, gently placing your hands to his face to make him look at you. “How are you?”

“I didn’t do it,” he uttered, resting a hand atop of yours.

“I know you didn’t.” You reassured him. His arms came around you so naturally and your hands rested on his shoulders.

“I’m sorry you were in the middle of all that.” he continued, low enough that only you heard. “This crap ain’t your problem.”

“It is now.” you said. “‘Sides, your not the first boyfriend to hold a weapon on me.” You chuckled. He paled drastically.

“I am so sor-” you cut him off with a kiss. He held you as close as he could as he kissed you back. You pulled back and smiled at him sweetly.

“We’ll have plenty of time for sorry later. You have grid work to do”

“Wish I didn’t” he said pulling you into him, making you giggle at the implications.

“Go,” you laughed, punctuating it with a kiss and coming away. “I’ll be here”

Daryl left with the group to check the grid and you returned to camp. Being the doctor everyone wanted you nearby at all times. You mainly cleaned up the areas, helped with food, tended to the occasional cut or burn. You found it all delightfully mundane. It was nearing sunset when Enid showed her face.

“You’re late for work.” You said mockingly.

“Sorry” Enid apologised with a yawning, appearing from the tent next to the infirmary. It was promoted from ‘Saddiq’s Tent’ to ‘Doctor’s Tent’ as you and Enid started working in shifts. “I’m not used to the night shifts yet.”

That made you smirk “Hopefully you never have too” You teased with a laugh. She looked away embarrassed. You patted the spot next to you on the boards the infirmary was built on. “Sit down. We’re not exactly burdened with work.”

“What’re ya doing?” Enid sat down next to you, her leg tucked under her.

“People watching.” You explained. “Me and my old man used to do it all the time.”

Enid looked out at the campsite, “Seems kinda dull,”

“You’re doing it wrong then.” You said then pointed to Regina, a female saviour helping unload a recent delivery. “What do you think her deal is?”

“She’s a saviour” Enid spoke plainly. “Who’s unloading tomatoes”

“Nah, nah.” You leaned back on your elbows “You’re not meant to think about the truth. You’re meant to come up with a story of some kind.”

“A story?” Enid questioned. “Sounds childish”

“That’s what makes it fun.” You reply. You pointed at a table of people playing cards. “What about them. What’s their deal?”

“They’re playing cards.” Enid spoke plainly. So it was up to you to make things interesting.

“Ya see the girl with short hair and the tank top?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s Madam De Tank.” You spoke in a theatrical voice, “She owns most of the land and she’s put it on the table against the guy in the chequer.”

“What’s his name?” Enid pressed

“You tell me.” You shot back

She thought for a moment “Joey...Banks”

“Okay.” you said tongue in cheek. “What’s he put on the table?” Enid sat in silence a moment, then turned to you with a childish smile.

“His first born child!” She announced, equally theatrical. You both chuckled at the absurdity. Laura appeared, dirty from work.

“What’s all the fun?” She asked, taking a seat next to Enid.

“People watching.” Enid replied. “The third guy?”

“That’s Joey Banks’ assistant. He does all the things Joey doesn’t want to do. Like open doors or hold his cup.” You jested

“I hate to break this up but we need to talk.” Laura said to you. Enid went to excuse herself but you sat up and beckoned her to stay.

“Anything you gotta say to me, you can say to Enid.” You said. ‘Because you approached me in front of here and we need to keep a low profile’ you thought.

Laura looked from you to Enid and backed to you, a little unsure. “It’s the saviours,” she ultimately said. “We can’t find Arat.”

You sat forward and turned your body to face Laura, tucking your leg in, “What do you mean? She’s out checking the grids”

“The grid team came back.-”

“Where are they?” You interrupted. Afterall, Daryl and Arat were with the grid team.

“They left again, all quiet like.” Laura explained.

“They’re probably doing the night watch.” Enid interjected. You backed her up, saying it would be logical.

“That’s what I was saying but,” Laura explained then went quiet for a moment. “They think something might have happened. There’s talk of abandoning camp.”

“You can’t do that!” Enid panicked.

“They’re scared, Enid.” You said, her attention flicking back to you. “We have no guns and saviours have been going missing for a month now. At least at sanctuary there’s walls and they know each other.” You looked to Laura seriously “But that’s all we have. There’s no food. No real security and most of the building has been abandoned. It’s a prison.” The last sentence rolled off your tongue before you realised it, but it was no less the truth. “We need this bridge”

“I know,” Laura sighed. “I’m tryna talk to them but…”

The tension hung tight in the air among the three of you. “Sunset’s beautiful” Enid finally broke the silence. You looked over the trees seeing the warm hues sink behind them.

As the last few rays dimmed you stood up. “Guess we just gotta hope.” You said, sounding helpless. You turned to Enid in that moment. “Enid, umm...maybe”

“Not a word,” Enid stood up as the dinner bell rang. “I know.”

“Let’s eat!” Laura announced as she stood up. “I heard we got fresh tomatoes tonight.”

Later that evening Carol and Rick brought back a stabbed man who you stitched up. When questioned how it happened the man gave no reply. You stitched him up in silence then Rick took him out. You stopped Carol before she could leave, pressing for what had happened.

Carol turned back to you. It was just the two of you in the tent and you’d already developed a history together. She sighed through her nose before speaking. “We got jumped. They wanted our guns and were ready to kill us to get them,”

“Maybe if you gave them a couple-” you began

“That’s not happening now.” Carol replied. She turned to leave again and you grabbed her by the arm to stop her.

“Why were you out there?” you questioned. You released her arm once she stopped. “You’re not on night watch and checking the grid doesn’t take all day.”

“Why do you care?” Carol questioned, seeming already tired of the conversation. This did little but anger you.

“Cause these are our people!” You bit back “Remember?”

Carol nodded solemnly. “You know?”

“There’s suspicion.” You explained. “I just wanna know whether or not it’s founded.”

“Arat is missing” Carol finally said. You stepped back, struggling to process this information. You turned away and leaned on a nearby table, your head reeling. “She and Beatrice got jumped and we’re looking for her.”

This was it. The saviours were going to abandon camp. A few weeks ago you wouldn’t have cared but between working in the sanctuary and working out here you’re heart broke. If they left then the deal would be broken and everyone would suffer. But something didn’t sit right though

“Who’s Beatrice?” You asked.

“She’s from Oceanside.” Carol replied.

“And she was fine? When you found her” You asked.

“Yes. Why?” Carol asked, stepping closer to you.

“It’s weird.” You admit, facing Carol. “All the other saviours went missing all together. The first one who isn’t a saviour is left perfectly fine?”

“A lot happened before you showed up, Y/N.” Carol explained. Sounded like pure excuses to you. Through out the entire conversation she had been staring at you with feigned worry, making your blood boil.

“Get out.” You snapped. “I need you out.” Your voice trembled, showing your upset.

That night you could hardly sleep, your mind was reeling. ‘How did dad deal with this bullshit’ you thought to yourself. You quickly stopped that train of thought when you remembered ‘murder’ was the answer.

That morning you were woken by one of the saviours. “C’mon Doc, we’re leaving!” She shook you. You groggily got out of your bed and went to investigate. Outside was the saviours, with half the camp packed up. You locked eyes with Laura across the camp who just shook her head with defeat.

Jed walked up to you and handed you an empty rucksack. “Grab your shit we’re leaving” he said.

“No,” You replied, pushing the bag back. “I’m not.”

Jed looked at you incredulously, then threw the bag to the ground with temper. “You’re gonna stand by these fucking murderers!”

‘Look who’s talking’ you thought to yourself. “We need this deal, Jed!” You yelled back. “We need the food that the other settlements can provide!” Your yelling caught the attention of a couple of saviours. “I ain’t going back to The Sanctuary until that bridge is done!”

Jed pulled a face then spat at your feet. “Suit yourself.” He retorted then left. In about twenty minutes they had all packed up and were marching out.

~Tag List~

@felicismor @bodeckersbitch @lauren-novak @aestthete

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wicked-mind · 3 years

Text

Spark: Chapter Three

Summary: Y/N and Damon were apart of a Hydra experiment for over a decade until they escaped. When power outages through towns along with bodies of murdered Hydra agents start popping up across the country, Y/N becomes Bucky’s mission.

Word Count: 2.4k

Warnings: Bits of violence, memories of torture

Series Masterlist

All Writings Masterlist

*gifs not mine

Chapter Three - We all need to talk

Bucky managed to watch the rest of the movie unmoving, not wanting to disturb Y/N who was still sleeping on his shoulder. He watched the credits roll along the TV screen, reading each line as they passed. He didn’t want to move, he didn’t want to ruin the moment he was stuck in. Bucky felt almost normal for the first time in his long life as he sat there on the couch with Y/N asleep on his shoulder and a dog on the other side of him. But he quickly snapped out of his daydream when Sarge perked his big fluffy head up, “What’s up, boy?” Bucky asked the dog in a hushed tone as to not disturb Y/N.

Sarge stood on the couch, looking at the curtain covered window behind Bucky for a moment before jumping off the couch and going to the door. Bucky quickly noted that the hair on Sarge had stood up, making his brow furrow. He scooted himself up and away from his spot on the couch, gently shifting Y/N into a laying position without disturbing her sleep. Bucky walks to the window and moved the curtain to peak out, seeing a black van sitting outside. The owner of the van must’ve seen him peaking out the curtain as well because the van sped away down the road. It was at that moment Bucky decided he would be spending the night at Y/N’s house, concerned about who was in the van and what could’ve happened to Y/N if he wasn’t here. He walked over to Y/N’s DVD collection, finding the second movie of the Alien series and popping it into the DVD player as quietly as he could. He pushed play on the remote before taking Sarge’s spot on the couch, looking over at Y/N as she slept soundly before returning his focus to the TV knowing he wouldn’t be able to get much sleep tonight.

It was early morning hours, about 4:30 AM, when Y/N woke up with a gasp. Even the presence of Bucky couldn’t keep her nightmares away. She sat up, staring wide-eyed at Bucky as if she didn’t recognize him. She fell off the couch in an attempt to get away from him, scooting herself into the corner of the living room and curled up into as much as a ball as she could facing away from him. Sarge, knowing what was happening, kept his distance as to not be shocked but close enough that he could whine gently at Y/N to calm down.

The sudden jolt of Y/N waking up made Bucky jump as well, he wasn’t expecting her to be awake so suddenly. He watched her as she looked at him with terrified eyes, standing quickly when she fell off the couch and scooted away, “Hey, Y/N.” He said gently with his hands up to show he was non threatening, “It’s me… Bucky.” He said as he slowly walked towards her curled up figure.

Y/N looked up at Bucky still wide-eyed, shaking her head quickly, “Please…” She whimpers out, “Don’t take me back… Don’t hurt me…” Tears had started to form in her eyes and started to slowly drip down her red cheeks.

Bucky had never seen someone look so terrified as Y/N was curled up in the corner. It made him angry that something had happened to make her go into a frantic state like this, it was the total opposite of what she was usually like. He kneeled down in front of her, “Nobody is taking you anywhere,” He said, reaching a hand out to touch her, “I promi-“ As soon as he touched her, he felt a jolt of electricity go through his body that made him back away quickly from her. Yup, she was definitely an enhanced human with the ability to create strong currents of electricity. Bucky quickly realized touching her wasn’t going to work to snap her out of it and he would have to try something else, “Okay, no touching.” He muttered, “Hey, Y/N, remember last night? I brought you some soup and we had some drinks together. Then you showed me your favorite movie, Alien. I watched the second one without you, I hope that’s alright.”

Y/N was breathing hard as she looked at Bucky, her finger tips crackling with streaks of blue electricity. She tilted her head slightly at him as he spoke, then looks back to the TV to see the main menu for Aliens on the screen. It slowly started to come back to her where she was and what was going on, but then she snapped her gaze back to Bucky as the electricity from her fingers sizzled away, “Oh my god, Bucky! I’m so so sorry!” She said softly, uncurling herself from the wall and leaned towards him a little, “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

Bucky sighs in relief as Y/N seemed back to normal, not knowing what else he could try if that didn’t work, “I’m alright, just a little shocked literally and figuratively.” He told her, holding his hand out to help her up from the floor and guided her back to the couch where Y/N took a seat. Bucky sat down by her, watching her curiously. At least now he could ask her questions about being an enhanced human and maybe more about how she was tangled with Hydra, “You literally electrocuted me, how is that possible?”

Y/N bit her lip, knowing questions were coming. She sat still on the couch, her eyes flickering between Bucky and her hands, “I don’t know.. It started when I was about ten years old…” She began, watching him for his reactions, “My parents got rid of me after they found out, sent me to a psychiatric facility when I was thirteen because they thought I was a witch or possessed. I got discharged and put into foster care and eventually adopted… It all went downhill from there.” She muttered out the last part, not really wanting to get into it unless he asked her. She didn’t know what she would say. How could she tell Bucky, a guy she was currently having a crush on, that she had been given up by her adoptive family to be tortured for an organization that seemed made up? Y/N didn’t want to sound crazy and scare him away. She chewed on her lip persistently, waiting for him to speak.

Bucky nodded, knowing the story already from the briefing he had before he came into Y/N’s life but it was good to hear her version, “You said don’t take me back… you looked traumatized saying don’t hurt me. What happened, Y/N?” He asks, curious to hear what really happened while she was gone after she fell off the grid. He needed to know more about her and especially more about Damon. He needed to understand how Y/N got mixed up with Damon and why he was murdering Hydra agents.

Y/N sighs, that was the question she didn’t want asked and hoped with just the small amount of information would be enough to suffice Bucky’s curiosity but somewhere inside her she knew it wouldn’t, “When the adoption was finalized and social workers didn’t need to come check up on me anymore, these men with accents took me to Washington. They put me in a cell in a bunker with a silver collar around my neck to steal the electricity I could produce… When they needed electricity to power the facility and their experiments, the collar would have sharp prongs that’d dig into my neck and cause me to create electricity….” She gently touched the scars on her neck from the prongs as she talked about them before continuing, “I was there alone for a long time until Damon and Stefan were put in the cells across from mine, they were brothers. The people who brought me there would take Damon and Stefan away sometimes… One day Stefan didn’t come back and we were told he died as part of an experiment. We were there for ten years together, isolated and alone.” She looked down at the floor where Sarge had came to lay below her, “Damon said they injected him with something that enhanced every ability he had including speed and strength and then he told me they were talking about brainwashing him… I panicked and released a large surge of electricity until the power blew in the facility and Damon and I escaped…” She slowly turned her gaze to Bucky, knowing she must sound insane to him, “That’s why Damon is in Washington, he goes to look for Stefan’s body every year. And ever since we escaped, the people who took me have been trying to get Damon and I back.”

Bucky slowly nodded at the story. He finally had answers as to what happened to Y/N and from the sound of it, Damon was a super soldier like him. He couldn’t help but feel anger and sadness for both Y/N and Damon. He had been in a similar situation before when he was taken by Hydra, turned into a brainwashed super soldier experiment and forced to kill but at least Y/N didn’t have the guilt of murder on her hands, “I’m so sorry that happened to you, Y/N. I’ve been through some similar things…” He thought about his next words carefully before deciding he had to say something true about himself, “I was also a Hydra experiment, Y/N. That’s the people who did those awful things to you.”

Y/N narrowed and her brow pulled together at his words, tilting her head, “You… You were an experiment too?” She repeats his words before her eyes widened slightly, “Is-is that why you’ve been hanging out with me? Pretending to enjoy my presence?” She stood suddenly, taking a few steps away from Bucky, “Are you here to take me back to them or for your own use? Because I’m not a battery! And I won’t ever be a prisoner again!” She shouted towards him, her finger tips starting to spark electricity again.

Bucky quickly threw his hands up in a non threatening manner again at her sudden hostility but he understood where it came from. During the most important years of Y/N’s life, she was taken prisoner, kept isolated away from other people and taught not to trust anybody besides Damon, something nobody should have to go through but yet Y/N came out alive and kind which fascinated Bucky even more, “No, Y/N!” He told her in a stern voice, “I honestly like hanging out with you. I definitely do not work with Hydra in any aspect. I was sent here because somebody has been ripping out Hydra agent’s hearts and snapping their necks which I figure is Damon’s doing. I had to come see if there was a problem and why Hydra was snooping around.” Y/N clenched her jaw a little, her teeth gritting together slightly as she listened to him. But something about the way Bucky was looking at her made her trust him. He had pain in his eyes as well and it reflected the own pain that was inside of her, “Damon was just trying to protect me… They don’t stop, they never do. They’re always waiting around every corner and find me anywhere I go.” She told him, the electricity in her fingers disappearing as she calmed down. She moved back to sit on the couch beside Bucky but continued to watch him carefully.

Bucky felt relief again as Y/N seemed to calm down and her hostility towards him seemed to fade. The last thing he wanted to do was become an enemy towards her and someone she couldn’t trust in her life, “I know, I was chased for a long time too and Hydra made me do awful things.” He sighed, feeling like he had to share his story now to show she could trust him, “In the 19040’s, I was taken by Hydra. They had already turned me into a super soldier, like your friend Damon, but they brainwashed me successfully and used me as a weapon for decades until 2014. I’m 106 years old, doll.”

Y/N’s jaw dropped at Bucky’s words, “Oh my god..” She managed to say before giving him an apologetic look, “I’m so sorry, Bucky. That’s awful. I’m sorry.” She said, reaching out a hand to squeeze his arm without realizing what she was doing. It was just instinct for Y/N to try and be there for others, be kind and Bucky Barnes was no different.

Bucky’s lips curved into a small smile, he couldn’t help it. The way Y/N was instinctively kind made him feel some sort of hope inside him for something better for him. If she could live through the trauma she went through, maybe he could too and come out a better person like Y/N had. Just as Bucky was about to speak, the moment was ruined as Damon strolled on in through the door.

Damon’s eyes flickered between the two, narrowing at the sight. He wasn’t expecting this, he had expected to see Y/N alone curled up with her dog. Then he noticed the dry tear trails on Y/N’s face, causing him to frown and in an instant he grabbed Bucky by the collar of his shirt and slammed him against a wall, “What did you do?!” He growled out at Bucky.

Y/N’s eyes widened as Damon slammed Bucky into the wall, “Damon, stop!” She yelled at him but Damon didn’t back off. She quickly stood, watching it unfold. Bucky used his vibranium arm to grab onto Damon’s wrist, twisting it and pushing him away. That didn’t stop Damon from coming at Bucky again which caused Bucky to land a punch to Damon’s cheek causing him to fall backwards onto the floor.

“Bucky!” Y/N yelled this time, watching as Damon got back up and walked towards Bucky with anger all over his complexion. Y/N got between the two dark haired men before they could make contact with each other again, placing her palms on each of their chests to stop them from getting any closer to each other, “Hey, knock it off or I swear to god I’m going to shock both of you to the point you see tweety birds around your heads.” She turned to Damon, “I’m fine, Damon.” Y/N turned to look at Bucky, taking a deep breath, “I think we all need to talk.”

__________________________________________________________

TAGLIST: @wooya1224 @big-galaxy-chaos @buckys2thicc @allidoiswritewritewrite

#bucky x you #bucky x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #buckybarnes x reader #buckybarnes x you #buckybarnes x y/n #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fanfiction #buckybarnes fanfic #buckybarnes fanfiction #buckybarnes #bucky barnes #bucky barnes series #buckybarnes series

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thedivinedemom · 3 years

Text

An AU of DC with a mass crossover of PS4 properties.

Provisional name: Players Searching for Detectable Changes (Get the pun?)

The setup:

This is the future of DC, a world where the old guard has slowly withdrawn and the newer generations have risen to the occasion. The original Titans in particular, most of which have formed the new Justice League while many other, very similar teams had started to form across the world. One of which was a resurgence of the Teen Titans, led by an older and purified Raven. She wanted to make the Teen Titans something akin as it was for her, a place to belong and learn to use one's powers.

The first 'class' of such individuals include:

Stargirl (of the now-disbanded JSA and still getting used to the Starrod)

Blue Beetle III (Freshly attached to his alien symbiote and freaking out a bit)

Robin V (to work on his anger issues, mostly at the new Batman's request)

Kaldur (a half Atlantean half metahuman who is struggling with his identity and the surface world, Aquaman feels a kinship for the boy seeing their similarities)

Static Shock (a promising new hero but little experience working outside his city or in groups)

Mary Marvel (she's... she's going through alot. Fresh from a coma, her brother is distant as he acts as the new Wizard, and she may be, sorta kinda, being corrupted by Black Adam's gifted power)

The team was rough and there was plenty of head butting (Mostly between Stargirl and Robin/Damian as one is almost the unanimous leader while the other thinks he should be) but they were getting there. They were more of a clean up crew for the Justice League, they did more than the "kiddie missions" that the Outsiders didn't do, and they meant more than the PR grab that was the International team. Though they didn't seem to amount to more than that. They still did their best, pushing past the silent ridicule, as they went about their missions.

This may be why tempers were so high that day.

One day, outside a little city by the name of Weller's Point, the prisoner transport for the villain Plasmus had an "accident". Released and awakened the creature went on a rampage, heading ever closer to the populated area. Luckily, the mentor of the New Teen Titans could teleport. The new team did fairly well in the fight, though they did struggle a bit as Plasmus was not a being where simple brute force would work. It made the fight tricky and more than a bit... messy.

Messy enough that juvenile and emotionally compromised Mary Marvel lashed out against the downed villain but was stopped by her teammates... things escalated from there. Restraint turned blows and the whole team struggled to stop their powerhouse without hurting her. The ones who do the best are Raven, Stargirl, Blue Beetle, and oddly Static.

While both of the former could use their abilities to restrain her to a very effective degree Static was actively draining her of strength, or at least of the electic aura she was radiating and blasting with. Frustrated, done with the situation, and a bit petty Mary launched her largest attack yet by saying her magical word.

SHAZAM.

Virgil did what he did best, he handled that lightning as it came crashing down towards Mary and the Titans restraining her. Well, he tried. The bolt was just too powerful, too unlike anything he had ever encountered. He could not handle it and it was dissipating, if anything it clung to him or tried to jump towards the girl. He had to get rid of it and he had to get rid of it quickly, safely too if he could help it.

He shoved it into the ground, into the power lines. He did it as carefully as he could, trying to prevent overload or flashover as guided the charge into the power grid.

What happened next was a combination of a few things. 1. The Mystic and transformative properties of the Lightning, 2. It is effectively being filtered through a bang baby, 3. The kryptonite power plant owned by, provided by, and operated by Lexcorp.

This interaction, this new charge, cycling through the power grid interacted strangely with a number of devices but none more so than PlayStation 4s and the devices connected to them. This new electricity changed things, literally. It brought fantasy into reality.

Whatever game was loaded into became a part of our reality in a small way. Sometimes TVs, Controllers, and even the system changed to reflect items from the game but the bigger change came with the Players. If a person was playing their console during the surge then they would become a metahuman with abilities based on the playable character they were playing.

The city, the county even, was now flooded by an abundance of metahumans and items of varying power of devastation. Static felt horrible.

He couldn't help but compare what has happened here to what happened in Dakota City but on a wider scale. And this time it was his fault. His sense of responsibility wouldn't, couldn't, let that stand. He had to fix his mistake and his team was dragged along for the ride.

The story to follow is a mix of Final Crisis and Kingdom Come with a bit of the Young Justice cartoon in events and themes, a few twists and likely a bit lighter in tone but to the DC geeks this should give a rough idea… Maybe a bit of Marvel's Civil War but hopefully not the rushed knee-jerk mess that that ended up being.

But it's here that I start having issues with my planning. One part in worry as outside the set up we start to follow the perspective of OCs (something rarely smiled upon) and another part in wondering which OC to focus on.

Now, one thing I love in fiction is progressive powers and the conflict escalating from the different paths people take in said progression. In that vein, I have a pair of protags in mind as well.

The main two/co-protagonists:

The Lawkeeper- a cop before the change and now a member of a task force made up largely of those affected by the surge. A gamer, a man of color, and a believer of the spirit of the law. He doesn't always get along with his fellow officers but he believes in what the blue does. He believes that an organized response is what is best.

His abilities are based on those of Jesse Fades of Control. Meaning he has tremendous psychic potential but he needs 3 things to reach his full potential.

1.Items to bond to so he can generate these psychic abilities. Jesse's used altered items of her universe to get thematic abilities from them (ex: a safe to generate a shield, a carousel horse for a dash ability, ect). Here he can use items generated by the surge.

2. A patron/partner entity to help guide, give insights, and empower. It also let's the user enforce reality, basically becoming an anti reality warper.

3. A bonded morph weapon or a weapon to come to his hand when called.

The knight- a recent college graduate who instantly decided to go the route of the caped hero. She, after figuring out how to get her powers to work, instantly went the route of a caped crusader. Going out to the streets, saving lives, stopping instances of surge item abuse, and (in the humble opinion of the local Police Department) getting in the way of operations. In her opinion they were taking too long to get things done.

Her abilities are based on those of Prince Noctis of Final Fantasy XV. This means she has tremendous physical and magical potential but like the above she has a number of check marks needed to gain access to the character's full power.

1. A gem/crystal to draw power from.

2. 13 magical weapons to boost strength. The generated game weapons will do and I have most picked out in a way that likely would help the plot progress.

3. The blessing of 5-6 gods.

4. A power ring of some king to channel all this power.

I keep debating the two above as I do like the idea of both of them climbing in power and clashing over conflicting ideals of what to do with their power. At the same time, I think that just smooshing aspects of both into one (which is actually where they started, a single character) and play off the different ideologies of how best to help people from within her friend group and precinct along with internal conflict. Maybe have the one be a fellow officer they butt heads with because of the... precarious nature

Another OC I was thinking on, keeping with the theme of what to do when you have power, is a thief who played Persona 5. Like both of the above they would be crippled in their ability to use their abilities without a way to fake the connection to. In this case, without the Mementos App, they would need an item that could affect or enter the hearts of others. Luckily, more unlucky really, there are plenty of items floating around that can do just that. Namely Keyblades.

Most other Players are an odd mix but most are variations of the Shooter build. Peak physical humans who heal quickly and often have bullet time. But there are enough other variations to cause trouble. Demigods of unreal strength, men and women who can easily tap into a patron for powers from the outside, 2 variations of spider powers, cat eyed men and women who can cast magic with simple gestures, and so much more. But the real issue was the first two, the demigods without a parent to protect them and those easily connected to a divine source.

The disembodied New Gods of Apocalypse were very happy with those groups. For how bad this can be please look at what happened to Mary Marvel in canon Final Crisis.

Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

#dc community #fanfiction #dc fanfic #dc fandom #playstation #mass crossover #orginal character #dc fanfiction #dc fanfiction idea #outline

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treasure-hwa · 3 years

Text

sparkling wine and cake

pairing: seonghwa x g.neutral reader

genre: fluff

synopsis: Seonghwa could not ask for a better way of spending new year's eve.

word count: 1755

author's note: is it good, you ask me. It's better than nothing, I answer. I should have posted it on January 1st, but I didn't, so enjoy it now, 14 days into the new year.

Winter felt way colder and sadder when there was not a cozy place full of cheerful people to spend new year’s eve. The place Seonghwa lived in felt emotionless and chilly, even though the heater was on.

He focused on baking the chocolate cake he decided to bake just so he could distract himself from the sting burning on his chest. Not being able to spend new year’s eve with his family was painful and the man cursed his boss for demanding, in the last minute, he worked on December 30th and the afternoon of the first day of the year. Seonghwa had booked a flight to his hometown, but, due to work, he had to call it off, and booking a flight on new year's eve was impossible.

His friends were also already busy, and Seonghwa didn't want to bother them, so, that night, it would be only him, the chocolate cake and maybe a glass of sparkling wine toasted with the wind the moment the clock hit 00:00.

It's how it's gonna be, he thought to himself while cleaning the kitchen's counter, it will be fine, I can video call my parents later. But when you least expect, things happen, don't they?

Around 10:30pm, the doorbell rang, and Seonghwa, without hurry, went to the door, getting a big surprise when he opened it.

— Hey, happy new year.

— Y/N?

— I know, it's not 2021 yet, but whatever. Can I come in? I brought some… snacks. — You showed him a convenience store white plastic bag you had on your hand.

— Sure, come in. What did you bring? — You shared a quick hug before the boy took the bag from you, taking it to the kitchen.

You left your shoes and coat, full of little white dots of snow, on the specific places and came into the house, sighing when the warm air welcomed you.

— Sparkling wine, Pringles and chocolate. — You sat on the couch, stretching your legs and your red and green striped sock clad feet.

— Nice. Why are you here? Not trying to be rude, of course — He hurried to correct himself in case you misunderstood him.

— I came here to spend new year's eve with you, Hwa, obviously.

— But why? What about your family? — the man questioned, putting the sparkling wine bottle on the refrigerator and taking out the one he already had, pouring the golden liquid on two glasses.

— Split up. My sister is with her boyfriend, my brother with his friends and mom and dad are with their respective new partners.

— I am sorry, I guess. — Seonghwa came to the living room, sat beside you and handed you the glass, pouting and touching your arm gently with his free hand.

— It's okay. — You smiled and, even though it was kind of a broken one, you seemed content enough, more content when you sipped on the sparkling wine. — At least we are together.

He smiled with the ending words, finally realizing he would start 2021 near someone really important to him.

You and the man met on the train station two years ago. The place was crowded and both were moving to the big city because of great job offers, something they couldn't find in their respective hometowns. Everybody was waiting for cabs and, when one stopped in front of you and you opened the car's door, you saw a breathless guy running towards you.

"Please, let me take this one. I am already so late to meet my new landlord."

"Well, me too, but… we can share the cab, what do you think? I go first, then you go."

He agreed, thanked your gentleness and got into the cab, rearranging his luggage on the available space. Two days later, you met at the local bakery and discovered you lived next to each other. The rest was story.

— Is there cake? Your house smells like cake.

— Yep, I’m just waiting for it to cold down.

A moment of silence.

— What are your plans?

— Watching a movie, eating cake and drinking sparkling wine during the whole night, maybe getting a little drunk. — He shrugged his shoulders. — Sounds good or do you want to do anything else?

— Anything sounds good with you, Hwa.

Maybe Seonghwa had melted and his heart lost a beat. If he was totally honest, he would say he has a crush on you, and what had just been said wasn't exactly healthy for his situation.

Giving a shy smile, he turned the TV on and handed you the remote control to choose something worthy enough of watching during that time of the year. A Christmas themed romcom was just starting, so you decided on watching it, focusing completely. Or it seemed like you were: the man was trying so hard not to wrap his arm around you, who wanted to lay your head on his shoulder so bad.

And why don’t they just do it? Because they do not know the other reciprocates their feelings. Dumb? Yes. What if they get rejected and lose the other’s friendship? It is a no no.

You felt like you were building the courage to rest your body on him, but he got up in the wrong moment, asking if you wanted cake, talking about all the process he went to make it. Externally, you smiled and said “sure”. Mentally, you cursed.

When he came back to the living room, his hands were full with two plates of chocolate cake and a bottle of sparkling wine. After helping him, you were again seated beside each other, trying to fill your minds with something other than the warmth the other was giving away, which was proved incredibly hard for him, since he could not not pay attention on her giggles every time the main couple on the TV did something cute, she kept biting her lips to fight the urge to smile wide, and he did the same because she was so cute while watching romance things — there was a reason why he never got tired of watching k-dramas along with her.

— Hwa… Hwa! — he got out of his own in-love trance after hearing the cause of it calling him. — It’s almost midnight already!

— Is it? What time is it?

— Three minutes to midnight. Come with me.

— What? Where?

You smiled and took his hands. It was now or never. I don’t care if he rejects me, I need him to know my feelings, it’s my new year resolution. You opened the glass door that gave way to the balcony and pushed Seonghwa gently on the side grid.

— Y/N, what are you doing?

— Just wait, okay?

He nodded, hugging you and rubbing your back when he saw you shivering because of the cold. Maybe skinship was not that strong on your relationship, however both of you were okay with it, you kind of wished it would happen often, so every time you touched hands or shared a hug felt like you had ascended to heaven. Your heart felt lighter and you could not help your big smile.

— Too cold? — Seonghwa questioned in a low voice, still rubbing your back with his delicate, big hands. — Should we go back inside.

— A little, but no. I have something to say.

From the TV inside the apartment, you heard a commercial initiating the countdown.

“10, 9, 8…”

You took the man’s hands, holding and caressing them like they were made of crystal. He smiled, not thinking too much of it, just appreciating the physical contact his crush was giving him.

Now or never. Now or never. Now or never!

— I like you, Hwa! Please, accept my feelings.

“7, 6, 5…”

He said nothing, too shocked to form words. Nevertheless, you kept going:

— I’m going to kiss you now. You can push me away if you want.

“4, 3…”

— Would never dare. — He breathed out the three words and cupped your face.

“2, 1… Happy new year!”

You took a step forward, gently tugging on his neck so your lips could meet in the most desired kiss in the past months. Your lips fit his plump and pinkish ones perfectly, as it was meant to be. His mouth tasted sweet, both from the cake and the sparkling wine. His hands held your face fearing it was a dream. Fireworks exploded in the sky, as it did in your stomachs.

However, you broke the kiss to hide your face on Seonghwa’s shoulder, and not knowing what happened, he hugged and asked loud enough to be heard:

— What’s wrong? Did I do something you didn’t like?

— I don’t like fireworks. Too loud!

Without wasting more time, he took you back inside and closed the balcony door. Leaving you on the couch, Seonghwa went to the kitchen and got the other bottle of sparkling wine, opening it without making a mess, and the Pringles and chocolate you had brought. He put those things on top of the center table and filled your glasses, proposing a toast in the name of the new year.

— It brought me love already, so I just want peace, health and success for the world.

— Cheers! — You lifted your glass happily, but got scared by another loud firework.

Chuckling, he sat beside you and finally cuddled your body on his.

— No need to be scared, I’m here to protect you now.

— My hero — you joked, sipping your gold alcoholic drink to hide your nervousness. He kissed me because he likes me too, right? He said he would never dare to push me away, so it is reciprocated, right?

Interrupting your thoughts, Seonghwa pecked your lips, cupping your face and pulling away before you could even notice.

— I didn’t say it outside, but I like you too, and if you want the first change of the year… I can be it for you.

Was it really happening?

— Pinch me first. — Giggling, he pinched and kissed your cheek. — Definitely real. I want it.

— Happy new year, Hwa.

— Happy new year, dear.

And this was how they spent the night: drinking sparkling wine and mixing Pringles, chocolate and cake, stealing quick shy salty and sweet pecks from each other. Finally, two lonely hearts met and began to beat in sync.

- [happy new year] -

#kpop imagines #ateez imagines #ateez fluff #ateez scenarios #seonghwa fluff #seonghwa fanfic #ateez x reader #seonghwa x reader #hongjoong #yeosang #yunho #mingi #san #wooyoung #jongho

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mallowstep · 3 years

Text

(hand games on the playground court)

"Bubblegum, bubblegum in a dish, how many pieces do you wish?"

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11-

"Alright, Featherpaw, you take my place."

* * *

"Where are we going?"

Mistyfoot glances back over her shoulder. "We're going on a little walk."

"But it's dark."

Stonefur meets her eyes. If they get caught taking the kids out, they'll be separated, and then they have no hope of protecting them.

"I know," Mistyfoot says. "It'll be fun. A little adventure."

She squeezes Featherpaw's hand a little tighter, and they cross over the road, making it deeper into the woods. Stonefur fiddles with the cellphone he picked up last time he was in town. They've waited months for a chance to use it.

Stormpaw grabs a twig, dragging it through the dirt, and Featherpaw twists a finger through her hair.

"Hey," Stonefur says. "Yeah, yeah it's me. We're alright, I've got the kids."

Stonefur crouches down, smiling at Featherpaw and Stormpaw. "I've got your dad on the phone," he says, pressing a few buttons. "Okay, Greystripe, you're on speaker."

"Hey, kiddos," Greystripe says. "How are you doing?"

Stonefur passes the phone to Stormpaw, and the kids chatter on about their days. Stonefur stands next to Mistyfoot, and she rests her head on his shoulder.

"I'm running out of cash," he says, his voice low to avoid the kids' attention. "This might be their last call."

"I'll see what I can find," Mistyfoot says. "We should..."

What should they do? Leopardstar has custody of the kids. They can't take them to Greystripe without getting dragged back here.

Stonefur puts his arm around her shoulders. "We'll figure it out," he says.

On the way back, Mistyfoot reminds the kids that this has to be their secret. They don't ask why.

* * *

Stormpaw hits the ball away from him, watching it bounce twice in the square next to him.

"You're out!" he calls, and they all rotate squares.

"Your serve," someone says. Stormpaw smiles. He doubts he'll be knocked out before recess is over.

* * *

Stonefur taps on the window to the kids' room. Stormpaw opens the window, looking confused.

"Stonefur?"

"Shh," Stonefur hushes. "Quiet, okay?"

"What are you doing here? Tigerstar said you went missing."

"Yeah, I know." Stonefur takes a deep breath. "Where's your sister?"

"I dunno. Mistyfoot took her somewhere."

Fuck. He doesn't know what his sister has planned, but he can't wait for them to get back. He's sure he's already tripped an alarm, and it's only a matter of time before someone finds him.

"Okay," he says, "You and me are going to go on an adventure, okay?"

Stormpaw looks hesitant.

"It'll be fun," Stonefur soothes. "Come on, you get to climb out a window. Isn't that fun?"

Stormpaw clambers out, and Stonefur grabs him. He's too big to carry comfortably, but too young to walk fast enough to make it out. "Piggy back ride, okay?"

"I can walk."

"I know." Stonefur shifts Stormpaw, and closes the window as best he can as Stormpaw wraps his legs and arms around him. His heel kicks into the gouge in his side, but Stonefur does his best not to react.

"Where are we going?" Stormpaw asks, as he treks towards town, turning back over his shoulder every couple of minutes.

"We're going to live with your dad," Stonefur says.

"What about Featherpaw?"

Stonefur adjusts Stormpaw, wrapping his arms under Stormpaw's knees. "I'll go back for her once we get to Greystripe," Stonefur says.

He walks until noon of the next day. They're in a new town, and he forks up enough cash to get them a motel room. Stormpaw's head is resting on his shoulder, and he slides the kid into the bed as gently as he can. Hopefully, he can run to a gas station and back before Stormpaw wakes.

The attendant examines his purchases. Stonefur doesn't have cash to waste on hiding what he's doing. A bottle of rubbing alcohol, sewing kit, and a new burner phone. He's lucky he's wearing a jacket, because he's sure his shirt has been soaked with blood.

Stormpaw wakes when Stonefur opens the door.

"Hey, buddy," he says. "Sleep well?"

"I'm hungry," Stormpaw says.

"I know. I need a minute, and then we'll see if we can't scrounge up something for you to eat."

Stonefur shuts the bathroom door and starts the sink. His side is angry and red, and this is going to hurt like hell.

He doubles numbers in his head, high as he can keep track of, as he cleans it out and stitches it shut. It's not a good job, but he can't afford a doctor.

Stormpaw is fiddling with the TV when he opens the door. He looks at the shoddy stitches. "You should see a doctor."

"I'll be fine," Stonefur says. "Just a second, and then we'll find some food." He dials Greystripe's number. It's been nearly six months since they last called him. "Greystripe, it's me."

"Stonefur?"

"Yeah. Listen, I can't talk for long, but me and Stormpaw are on our way to you."

"What happened? What about Featherpaw?"

Stormpaw hangs upside down off the bed, mouthing along to the theme song of some children's cartoon. Stonefur is surprised he remembers seeing it.

"I didn't have time to get her. It was one or none." Stonefur runs his hand through his hair. He must look half wild. He'll have to clean them both up before they leave, if they want any hope of not attracting attention. "We won't be there for a while. Maybe a few months."

"I can come to you," Greystripe says. "Where are you? Do you need anything?"

"I don't have an ID, I don't have a bank account, and we've gotta keep moving," Stonefur says. "We'll be fine. You're at the same address?"

"Yeah. Can I talk to Stormpaw?"

"Yeah. But listen -- Mistyfoot will take care of Featherpaw. I wouldn't have left her if she would be alone."

"I know." Greystripe is frustrated, angry, even, and Stonefur can't blame him. "Keep in contact, okay?"

"Yeah. Don't talk for too long. I only have so many minutes."

* * *

Tawnypaw is jumping.

"For all have sinned and fall short in the glory of God," they chant, Tawnypaw jumping on every other syllable.

It's fall, and they're not back in school. Tigerstar says it's a bad influence and probably why Stormpaw left and he won't risk any more children being corrupted.

* * *

Maybe Mistyfoot should be more surprised when she's moved into a new room with Featherpaw. But it feels par for the course. Tigerstar has been livid ever since Stormpaw and Stonefur ran (or since Stonefur died, he keeps changing the story and Mistyfoot isn't sure which one is true), and cramming them in a windowless barely-more-than-a-closet feels about right.

Featherpaw is seemingly unbothered.

"He's isolating us," she explains. ""Cause our brothers were bad so we're probably bad so he doesn't want it to spread."

Mistyfoot cradles Featherpaw against her. "We're not bad," she says. "Our brothers aren't either." She runs her hand through Featherpaw's hair. It's tangled, but she doesn't have a brush.

"Tigerstar says we are," Featherpaw says. "Says we need to do a penance-" she slows down over that word, like she is making sure she has the right pronunciation "-so that our souls will be clean again."

Mistyfoot kisses the top of Featherpaw's head. "We don't need to do anything," she says. "Tigerstar doesn't know what he's talking about."

Featherpaw shrugs, like she doesn't want to argue but still thinks Mistyfoot is wrong. "He didn't let me bring my book," she says, her nose scrunching. "I was in the middle of a chapter."

* * *

"Last piece of cake," Stonefur says. "Who gets it?"

It's Stormpaw's tenth birthday. He hasn't celebrated his birthday since he was five, but Stonefur brought a cake back to their room and said they were celebrating this year.

"We should...thumb wrestle over it."

Stonefur smiles, but Stormpaw is pretty sure Stonefur lets him win. But Stormpaw doesn't touch the piece of cake.

"You won," Stonefur says, "don't you want it?"

"It's Featherpaw's birthday too," Stormpaw says.

Stonefur's jaw tightens, and his eyes crinkle at the corners. He rubs Stormpaw's shoulder.

* * *

Stonefur steals a car in late December. It's too cold to walk, and they're both exhausted, and he doesn't have the money he needs to buy one.

He'd be ashamed, but he doesn't have another choice. Stormpaw sits in the passenger seat, even though he's definitely too young for that, and Stonefur passes him a map.

"Ready, navigator?"

"Ready."

* * *

"Concentration!" Featherpaw says, "sixty-four!"

Mistyfoot doesn't know any games, so Featherpaw is teaching her all the ones she knows. Tigerstar hasn't let her go back for her book, or let her take any of the worksheets they've been doing back to their room, and Featherpaw doesn't have a long enough piece of string to do a cat's cradle. "I go first, you follow." Mistyfoot is watching Featherpaw carefully, but she's doing the motion fine. This is an easy game, anyway. There's nothing going on. It's mostly about the words.

"Category is...animals."

Mistyfoot smiles.

"Sheep."

"Mouse."

"Cow."

"Dog."

"Cat."

Someone bangs on the door. "Will the two of you shut up?"

* * *

Tigerstar places his hand on the small of her back.

"I hope you're doing well, Mistyfoot. I'm sure it's been hard, losing your brother like that."

Tigerstar sighs, using his other hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ears. "It just goes to show you, you never can be sure about who's loyal."

* * *

That summer, Stormpaw draws a hopscotch grid on the driveway. Greystripe has bought him chalk, and markers, and a new backpack and more than the two sets of clothes he had been washing out in bathroom sinks.

"There aren't really any neighbourhood kids to play with," Greystripe says, "but if you're okay with winning all the time, I'll play."

#mine #human misty au #stonefur #mistystar #feathertail #stormfur #misty au #this is the most literal title #and was also very fun to write #i did have to review a lot of childhood games tho #i didn't jump rope #and my singular memory of playing four square #was being terrible at it #i do know a lot of hand games tho

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carryonmywaywardwriters · 4 years

Text

Knot In Love - Alpha!Dean x Omega! Reader

A/N: Part Sixteen is back. Again, where it’s a daily thing? I am not tagging anyone new. 3pm is the magical time, usually. As always, feedback is incredible. And, I hope you all enjoy one of my favorites <3

PSA: I am NOT a minor friendly blog. If you are below 18, please come back when you’re older. I don’t want to lose my blog because you were too eager to grow up. If I discover you, I WILL block.

Series Masterlist

Series Warnings: Forced mating. Knotting. Alpha/Omega dynamics. Witchcraft (more based on real craft than Hollywood). Angst. Etc. Read at your own discretion.

Word Count: Roughly 2,400

“How're you holdin' up?” Jody asked, cornering you in the empty room once the blood test was off to be processed.

“I'm not.” The deadened tone only caused more worry. Only, you were past caring. There was no point in hiding it. Your eyes were shadowed enough to give away the sleepless nights. “I need to find him. This?” You motioned between yourself and the door. “This doesn't matter right now.”

“It does.” Jody stated simply. Watching the way your eyes rolled. Not caring in the slightest. She'd insisted on the visit. You were only there to get her off your back. “You can try again-”

“I don't want to,” Came the low hiss. Snapping your head up. “All I want is Jack back.”

The moon would be your excuse. Or whatever planet was in retrograde. However, neither was the root of your problem. No, the attitude came from the amount of loss you'd experienced. All of it smothering the good.

“What about Dean?” That was the one question you didn't want. Ever.

“What about him?” It was almost as if she could physically see your hackles raise. Crankily, you yanked a magazine off the stand on the wall.

“Have you talked to him?” She pressed on. Too concerned to allow the way you attempted to block each question. “Even tried?”

“I've talked to Sam,” The careless shrug was so forced that she couldn't let it go. Immediately she asked for more. Wanting to understand why you'd reach out to one brother and not the other. “Dean...he doesn't want to talk to me, Jody. Likely wants to forget that part of his life ever existed.” The magazine pages were flipped too fast to actually be read. “I destroyed everything...Now? I'm not welcome back until Jack is there... If then.”

“I don't think that's true,” Her voice was soft enough that it made you pause. Wistfully hanging onto the words. “Dean...he's complicated.”

“That's the understatement of the year.” A sad frown tugged at your lips. It wasn't the first time the word had been used to describe the older Winchester. It wouldn't be the last.

“Maybe he didn't fall in love with you.” You flinched at that one visibly, unaware of the action. “Or maybe he did. We won't know until he's ready to say something.” Not a single glance upwards followed, earning a sigh. “But... if I had to guess? There was some serious puppy love started up in that bunker.” Her hand cupped yours, “You should've seen his face when you walked out with that last bag.” Your mind trailed back to that day. His emerald gaze radiated nothing but pain. You weren't blind to it. But, it was so much more than just that. She didn't understand. “You were more wanted than you realize.”

“He almost killed me,” Your teeth clenched angrily. Latching onto that with everything you had in you. “He forced this thing on me. Then, he killed himself.” A settling breath did nothing, “What was I supposed to do? Pretend it never happened?”

“You were scared-”

“Fucking terrified,” Your eyes slammed shut. You'd told yourself that the crying was done. Unfortunately, your body disagreed. Leaking onto your cheek. “Everything said only bad was coming, Jody... The mating? It wasn't going to end happily. For either of us.”

“Maybe he'll understand, Y/N-”

“He won't.” The certainty in your voice made her pause. “For all his talk? He wasn't going to go through with it.” Trying to swallow past the lump in your throat wasn't going so well. “He didn't want to destroy it. Take away any more of my life than he already had.” At least, that's what you told yourself it was. “By forcing it? I ruined that. I turned him into the ultimate bad guy.”

“Maybe he really wanted-”

“That wasn't what he wanted,” You had to believe that. Otherwise, you couldn't understand it. The lines all became too blurred. “He didn't want me, Jody. He never did. It was just his body...”

“Good news,” The doctor walked back in, derailing the conversation effectively. “Your body is functioning perfectly fine. I don't see any reason why you can't be mated in the future.”

“You're sure?” Jody asked, perking up. You simply slumped further down in your chair. Feeling even more depressed.

“I ran it three times,” She answered back. Flipping through the paperwork. “It's rare, but a bond can dissolve with an alpha that isn't compatible with the omega's genetic makeup. If I had to guess, that's what happened here.”

“How rare, exactly?” Your aunt continued, even though you were long past listening. That wasn't what had happened. Not even close.

“Let's just say that I haven't seen a case like it in my life,” Was the response. “And I likely won't see another before I die.”

–

“You're sure?” Dean asked, leaning back in his seat. Rubbing his jaw as he processed. It wasn't what he'd expected to hear when he called the familiar number. “No signs of it ever existing?”

“Not a trace,” Jody reported back. “I went over the results twice, myself.” Tapping her toes beneath her table. “That's some powerful stuff right there.”

“No kidding,” He lifted the glass of whiskey to his lips. “What she did seemed awfully simple to be that effective. I was looking at spells that date back centuries, but nothing that promised anything that... thorough.” His fingers tapped against the wood. It didn't match together nice and neat. Your answer? Intention was everything. Apparently your goal had been to get every piece of yourself as far away from that bond as you could. “She must be ecstatic.”

“Not really,” Her eyes glanced back to the entryway to the basement you were back residing in. “I think she was hoping that it wouldn't be that clean of a cut.”

“And why would she want that?” He didn't buy it. Not for a second. Otherwise, it wouldn't have happened. “She didn't want to be glued to me, Jody.” The glass was set down, then. His fingers tugging at the amethyst you'd never taken back. “She's better off as far away from this as she can get.”

“I think she knows that, too.” Jody's fingers came out to rub her forehead. “That doesn't mean its stopping her from looking.”

Sam hadn't mentioned you hunting. Dean would have remembered if he had. He couldn't help but to wonder if his brother was hiding it from him for you. If he was, he certainly hadn't counted on Jody spilling the beans.

“What'd ya mean?” He sat up at that, taking his feet off of the table. Eyes squinting in displeasure.

“She's digging for Jack, still, Dean... she's not giving up.” You were worrying her with the intensity of it. “Location spells. Protection spells. Opening communications...you name it, and she's been trying it.” A deep sigh sounded, then. “Apparently, she's picked up a few tricks from you two. She's been trying to track him through the FBI database, too.”

“Yeah?” He realized that he sounded almost proud at that, and changed his tactic with a throat clearing. “I don't get where you're goin' with this one. I gotta be honest with ya.”

“She's human, Dean...she panicked. And when Jack left, she didn't have that same reasoning to stick around with two alphas. An unmarked Omega-”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Was his gruff reply. “I get it. It's scary. Especially given the previous circumstances.” He hated that he was the reason. That you didn't trust the bunker because he'd been careless with you right from the beginning. The all too familiar self loathing saturated him. “I'm gonna let ya go, alright? Just...keep an eye out for her. Let us know if anything crazy happens.”

“Dean...why'd you call, exactly?”

“Bye, Jody.” With that, the line went dead. She twisted her lips as she looked back towards your doorway. Wondering just what she could do to try and salvage the situation.

–

“Anything?” Dean walked up to Sam, coffee in hand.

“No... Thanks,” Sam stated in acknowledgment without leaving the laptop screen as his brother delivered the caffiene. “Not yet. I put out an APB to every single hunter we know.” Every avenue was being explored. Sam leaned backwards, popping his back as he straightened his spine. “But...Jack's off the grid.” Sam's screen was shut as Dean frowned at his own.

“Kid was pretty spun out.” Dean explained it away. Hating the look on his brother's face. The worried eyes that wouldn't quite face him. “We'll find him. I mean, there's gotta be a sign at some point, right?”

“Yeah.” Sam whispered, moving his eyes downwards.

“Kid can cause a tsunami with a hiccup.” The older brother lifted his coffee to his lips. An attempt to shake off the hangover he'd developed the night before. As if that'd shake away the thoughts of every way he'd gone wrong in life.

“I don't know,” The larger of the two ran his fingers through his hair. “Maybe he's covering his tracks.” That would explain why you couldn't get a read on him.

The hand went down to scratch beneath his collar. Dean had to physically bite back the urge to mutter another cheap shot about cutting the locks. Luckily, Castiel entered the room before he could.

“Or, this apparent dearth of evidence is, in fact, the evidence,” He had commanded the attention in the room to him with his thick voice.

“The evidence of...”

“Of some horrific misadventure that's befallen him,” Castiel responded to Sam. Sounding exactly like a father that had lost his teenage son. Just a little more old school. “Like being dragged down to hell by Asmodeus.” The angel hadn't been able to prevent the fear from being spoken. “Or,” The second option was even less pleasant, “I don't know...Possibly worse...being hijacked to heaven by angels.”

“Yeah, but isn't he too fast and furious for angels?” The older brother couldn't quite see that as being the answer.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Cause that cleared things up. “That's what I'm going to find out.” Castiel's hands found his pockets on the trench coat. A move he'd picked up from the very men he was speaking to.

“Find out from who?” Sam leaned on his one arm to better look at his friend. “From...From the angels?”

“Yes.” Sam's worried gaze immediately met Dean's.

The older man didn't hesitate. He started getting up to his feet, “All right. Well, let's go.”

“Dean, you can't accompany me.” Castiel stated, as if the Winchester had lost his mind. “My contact is already anxious about meeting, and won't speak in the presence of a stranger.”

That was even less trustworthy, “So introduce me. Then I'm not a stranger. I'll bring a six pack.” The sass was getting him nowhere.

“Dean, I swore I'd protect this boy,” It was eating Cas alive that he couldn't do that. “Let me do this.” With that, he started walking away.

“Don't do anything stupid.” Dean called out, simply turning his head a little in the general direction. He didn't get an answer. He rotated back to see the angel's form retreating towards the bunker's door. Adding worry to his ever growing list. “All right,” With that, he moved back to his seat. “I guess we're stuck in idle,” He scooted it inwards, getting comfy.

“So...” The door opened as Castiel let himself out. “What do we do?” The later was accompanied with a scoff. Sam was starting to feel pretty useless himself. His arms came out as he questioned his brother, “Just...just sit around here and wait?” He hated that plan. His hands thudded against the wood of the table.

“Well, we could work a case,” Was the following suggestion. Dean had found one that was rubbing him the wrong way. “We got three murders here, a couple hundred miles apart. Same M.O.” He looked back at the pictures he'd been staring at for too long. “They were all horribly tortured before having their throats slit.” The laptop was spun around. “Look at the body. Next to it.” Dean's hand rubbed at his face. All he could picture was a different face attached to the corpse.

“She's a witch.” Sam zoomed in on the alter. His own stomach sinking. A small noise at the back of his brother's throat was his answer as the remaining coffee was chugged. “Were they all witches?”

“Looking like.” Dean stated easily, turning the laptop back. “These aren't hunter kills.” A sigh leaving him. Heavy in almost relief. A hunter was more of a threat to you than anything else. “They're....they're more ritualistic. Like a sacrament or something.” Sam chewed at his lip. “Plus, all of their places were ransacked. Which means somebody was looking for something.”

“Dean...” Sam cleared his throat. Going after the elephant in the room with gusto. “This...this isn't because of Y/N...is it?”

“Sure, Sam.” The sarcasm was heavy. “I personally went out. Asked a monster to kill a bunch of witches. Just so I could think 'bout the mate that left me.”

“That's not what I meant,” Was the returning grumble. “Have you tried to talk to her?”

“No,” Dean went back to clicking away at his keyboard. “But, I hear you have.”

“I was just checking in to see if Jack-”

“Right,” The lid was shut sharply. “Do me a favor...when you end up bringing her back here? Make sure it's a room away from mine. I don't wanna have to hear ya claim her.”

“It's not like that!” Sam yelled out as he watched the older man walk away with a click of his tongue.

At least, he didn't think it was. He let out a hefty, other worldly sigh. His fingers yanking through his hair.

He couldn't completely deny it to himself. He was attracted. You were smart, self reliant, and had a scent that could punch right through him.

Sam hadn't had been around an Omega in years. That's all it was. With that final thought, he got to his feet. Preparing to pack. It was going to be a long trip...

Forever: @dean-winchesters-bacon @supernaturalginger @lilulo-12 @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @michaelneedssomemilk @lemondropirwin @fanfictionismydeath @neii3n @surmya1907

Dean/Jensen: @akshi8278 @screechingartisancashbailiff @woodworthti666 @coldmuffinbanditshoe

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auroras-blend · 3 years

Text

Reflection

SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 31

Summary: Leo's POV following the events of the attempted kidnapping where he deals with the trauma of losing his son and nearly losing his daughter.

TW: Mention of child death, grief, & trauma

Leonardo softly unwound himself from his slumbering daughter. Her face looked peaceful, a miracle considering all she had been through. She was so young yet her face had matured since coming to Italy, a toll taken by what she had seen. Leaving the bed was the hardest thing he had to do, having to command himself to get up and walk towards the bathroom. I never want her out of my sight again.

Nevertheless, he told his body to move and it did. He softly shut the bathroom door, taking special care to make sure the latch didn’t loudly click and wake Vittoria up. The light turned on, illuminating the room and causing him to squint for a moment as his eyes adjusted. Leonardo numbly stood in front of the mirror and his body did the rest, heaving whatever was in his stomach out into the sink. It wasn’t much, but the sensation still burned his throat. I suppose she gets it from me.

The contents rinsed away as quickly as they came out, and the burning irritated his throat but dissipated soon after he cupped water into his mouth, swished it, and spat it out. His hands were shaky and that in of itself unnerved him. You're better than this. Memories of his father flashed through his head, being forced to eat burnt food until he threw up and then being forced to eat it. Men don't throw up. And he hadn't since he was young, in fact, he almost forgot that he even could until now. He almost sneered at his weakness as his blue eyes met their reflection, seeming as if they belonged to a different person than himself.

Leonardo combed his hair back and examined his face. There were some lines, but that came with aging and he firmly believed he was doing that with grace. He didn’t look that much different if he were being honest with himself, but his face looked unfamiliar to him. Leonardo couldn’t bring himself to recognize the man in the mirror, who at the moment was actually wearing his past clear as day, unhidden by his carefully sculpted and well-practiced mask. There were sometimes he wondered if he were fooling himself along with the people he smiled at. No, you’re better than them.

A shaky breath escaped him. You are not weak. But he supposed a shaky breath was better than tears, not that he felt the need to shed any. The day had turned out fine in the end, his daughter was safe in his bed and she would meet the age of nine. She’s okay. She’s alive. Unable to take the brief flicker of weakness he saw in his reflection’s eyes, he covered his face with his large hands that hadn’t met a lifetime of any labor unless you considered pulling a trigger.

Closing his eyes was perhaps the worst thing he could do because suddenly there was the image of that...day...on the bridge. In horror, he opened them again and took a deep breath. Leonardo’s hands met the cold marble sink, steadying him in place. Mi dispiace Andrea. Mi dispiace di non aver potuto proteggerti come ho protetto lei. My poor boy. My poor baby. Every time he saw Vittoria reach a milestone, laugh, or play he thought your brother should be next to you.

Vittoria was a lonely child. He could see that much and he knew she had felt alone all of her life. She could’ve had her brother. Andrea was in his thoughts, every day. My son. A small part of him that was capable of feeling felt a trace, barely there, but a trace of guilt for being disappointed when he found out he had a son and not a daughter. As he looked back in the mirror, he wondered how much closer Andrea would’ve grown to look like him. It was always a thought because there’s no way I’ll ever know.

For the past seven years, before he met his Vittoria, he had worried for her life. He felt powerless and unable to protect her while he sat in his cell. Most of his contacts were off the grid so he had to reluctantly leave her safety in the hands of God. Before Andrea, he had been religious out of obligation, because that was what was done. If he were being honest with himself, he considered himself the higher power because he could only trust himself to not be weak and to take control of everything and everyone around him. In his mind, praying was begging. Weak people beg. And faith was hope. And hope is for fools. I'm neither.

No, Leonardo Borghese didn't like leaving anything up to anyone, even the Lord. He went to church religiously, but he never could be actually considered religious until his son died. The need to believe he'd see him again, that the mother of their children and his father were burning in hell for all they had done. Their misery in life and painful deaths weren't enough. An eternal punishment was needed. He thought also that maybe in death, his mother was well enough to love him again. So until a time came where he could protect her himself and never play the fool again, he had prayed for his daughter, desperate for God to keep her safe in that bitch’s hands.

He wouldn’t put it past her to spite him one more time and take Vittoria away, snuffing out her innocent life. Even now, the thought of the mother of his child ignited a fury and unmatched hatred in him. Leonardo was hateful, but he didn’t know how much hate he could contain until that day.

Entertaining Vittoria’s love of her mother physically repulsed him, but she wasn’t ready yet to know the exact details of her parent’s relationship. She’ll never be ready. And he'd keep it from her for as long as he could. Focusing on hating Patience was easier than grieving and missing his son because despair was too human of an emotion for him. It’d make him weak but hate kept him on his toes.

I won. I have her. Everything you did had no purpose but pain in the end. The words sounded unsophisticated in his head, raw and cartoonish, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. His daughter was with him, sleeping in the next room and for now, he had to put everything that happened in the past aside. Focus on the future.

Leonardo, so deep into his thoughts, hadn’t heard the door creak open but he did hear the small voice call out, “Papa?”

So much for alone time. With a shaky breath, he opened his eyes again and put on his smile before he turned around. “Did I wake you?” he asked.

Vittoria looked at him sadly, her lip wobbling in a pout. Here I thought I’d have a few hours before I had to comfort her. “Are you okay?” she whispered, clutching her grey bunny close to her chest.

“I have you and you’re okay, so yes I’m fine,” he said, moving closer to her and kneeling down to her level.

Why does she have to be so short? His knees ached. He sincerely hoped she grew to be several inches taller than her mother because leaning down so much was taking its toll. “You can cry if you want to,” she said, “It’s okay to cry.”

It isn’t. “Vittoria-,” he began.

“I was really scared and I cried. It’s okay to cry when you’re scared,” she said, taking his hand, “I won’t tell anyone.”

As bitter as her mother was, as ruthless as he was, Vittoria still held kindness and gentleness in her heart. He let his fake smile dissolve into a soft gentle one that held a foreign genuineness. “That’s very sweet,” he cooed, “But I’m alright. You don’t have to comfort me.”

“I want to,” she said.

He pulled her hand and took her in close to his chest, wrapping his arms around her and held her tight. Her small arms wrapped around his neck and he gave her a kiss on her head. “You’re safe. It’s over,” he whispered, unable to tell if it was more for her or himself, “We’re going to be fine, Vittoria. We have each other.”

“I love you, Papa,” she said in a watery voice.

“I love you too, Vittoria,” he said clearly, I love you, Andrea, “So much.”

#andrea borghese #marilyn winslow #vittoria borghese #leonardo borghese #chapter 31 really messed him up #he'd be DAMNED before he lost another child #costa got off easily #as much of a monster he is #leonardo is still human #which i think is what makes him terrifying

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truamatized-kids-writes · 3 years

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A New Home

Prologue This has been uploaded on a03 and yes we are the original writers Dec. 13. 2021

“Well then, Tubbo, do you have everything we need?”

"I think? I've got food, beehive's nukes and a few other things we'll probably need"

“Yeah yeah, you and your goddamn Bee’s, where the hell is “Ranboo?”

"Last I'd seen he was on his way here? Maybe he got distracted or something?"

“Probably, fuckers distracted by anything and everything, we should probably go look for him if he doesn't show up in the next 12 minutes or something, god knows what could happen to him around here”

"That's true things have gone to shit at this point, besides we need to leave as soon as possible"

“Yeah no shit, all of L’manburg is gone at this point, Dream’s beyond insane, Ghostbur want’s to bring back fucking Wilbur, it’s a mystery what happens next”

"Yeah yeah I get it Cut the existential dread let's go look for Ranboo, and grab the jukebox and whatever things we've got left"

“Yeah yeah, shut it Bee boy I’m going, still can’t believe we’re actually going through with this though. Though it is to be expected at this point, we all know what happened last time we thought about this and didn’t actually do it”

"Then we still had something to actually work towards now let's go"

◦╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌𓂂꒰𖥸꒱𓂂╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌◦◦╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌𓂂꒰𖥸꒱𓂂╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌◦

Tommyinnit has died from lightning

Tubbo_ went out with a bang

Ranboo drowned trying to escape Elder Guardian

◦╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌𓂂꒰𖥸꒱𓂂╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌◦◦╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌𓂂꒰𖥸꒱𓂂╌╌≺ ೃ≻╌╌◦

The death of the three shook many and gave a slight moment of clarity for those taken by surprise. One of the first reactions was from Sam he seemed so lost and confused by the events that had taken place , he tried messaging the three Individually and with no answer he panicked looking into what's now L'mancrater ever so shook and lost, he was just getting to know the kids, what a week ago and now they're gone?

Silence ran through the air the second the death messages were sent out, a lone father, if you could even call him that anymore, stood on an obsidian grid, re-reading the message over and over again. Philza Minecraft, a man who once had Three sons, now left with one, now left to face the consequences of his actions. Phil knew none of the kids would be happy after what he had done, but he though it had to be done, he thought that the Smp could go back to being just an Smp without L’manburg, he didn’t think he’d be left to mourn with only one son left out of the three he once knew and loved.

Things were hushed as the large demi-god sheltered his father/mother from the explorations. When the chaos finished he frantically checked his communicator to see what damage had been done, the once was god of death(?) And reincarnation (?) was in tears. This wasn't meant to happen , he wasn't meant to lose them this soon. The messages of the three deaths sent anger, greif, and sadness throughout the demi-god causing him to shout out in frustration. The three boys he'd gotten so used to talking to, giving gifts, and seeing them sneak around his builds, gone all so suddenly with out a chance to say anything, it pissed him off, he'd lost a sibling and two close friends this day and he didn't intend to let their names go down in vain.

The mother, being protected by her son saw the messages, one among the first to see them just the look fo them brought her to tears. They couldn't be real, they just couldn't she thought as she read over the messages herself over and over frantically before it finally set in and brought her to hysterical sobs.They were gone.. She couldn't help them now, her bee loving son, his rowdy swearing friend, and the quiet forgetful boy they'd drag along with them. This small ragtag group of friends gone, she hoped begged even for her son Foolish to tell her it wasn't true, but she could see it the grief in his eyes, yet somehow she felt it her fault. She should've been there for the three, she should be been the one. Defending then this entire time, looking around this crater she knew what had come of the smp. With the three gone there would be no more scolding them to leave the kitchen as she made dinner or telling the three about the pirate adventures she remembered, there would be none of it. No more laughter from the kids. It broke her but she knew someone had to step up and at least be some sort of light or joy in this time of need, and that would be her, no matter how broken she was she'd do it.

Then, there was one person who could never seem to remember what had occurred on that day. The day of Doomsday, the ghost of the server known as Ghostbur had lost two brothers, and someone he was still getting to know. Once he received the news, blue started pouring from the poor ghost’s eyes, instantly becoming a dark royal blue the second it touched his ‘skin’.

Ghostbur may not be able to remember a lot about Tommy, but he and Alivebur really cared about him, the same goes for Tubbo and Ranboo. The ghost just held blue and cried for as long as he could before melting in the rain and waking up back in the sewer, forgetting everything that happened the day prior, along with the fact that the three youngest on the server were forever gone.

The girl with the flowers , when she saw the death messages she wasn't sure what to feel, glee, anger, sadness? She felt this odd moment of clarity, it was foggy but before she knew it she was crying , there weren't any words as she looked up to the rain, the tears and water mixing as she grinned, a look of both sadness and madness on her face as she choked on non-existent words. The thought of wanting to laugh and cackle at the three deaths crossed her, but so did the thought of standing there rain the rain grieving a shouting to the sky in anger and sadness crossed too. She felt so many mixed emotions that she didn't know what to do. While she wanted to grieve and hurt like everyone else she had left to care about, she just couldn’t, no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t shed a single tear that would mean anything, she was upset, so why couldn’t she show it?

The piglin up on the obsidian grid noticed his fathers sudden look of despair and checked his communicator, the deaths only two had a lasting impact on the piglin. Tommy , dead, it shook him, he expected something a little more dignified for the boy he called Thesus. His stone heart nearly split in two reading the message, why him? Sure he was annoying as all hell but the boy deserved greatness , glory, to be on the winning side of the battle for once. He wished to give it to him , but he couldn't any more. Tubbo's message hardly affected him , sure he was a kid but he also at one point was a government and had tried to execute him as well, there's no reason in worrying over someone you don't care about. Though the same couldn't be said for Ranboo. Ranboos death caught him off guard. He didn't know them too well but he was getting to know him, this kid despite how cold he was and how often he pushed them away came back, happily and even gave him a gift. A life lost is a life lost but this one he'd mourn just like Tommy's the two would most certainly get a memorial at the house of the blade,

Then, you had the one behind the chaos, the one who caused everything, the man, the myth, the legend, Dream. The one person left who felt nothing but pure glee, the one who wanted those damn kids gone from the beginning, Tommy being gone would be a bit of a setback, but it could be dealt with. Dream didn’t care as long as the other two were gone, However, Dream isn’t as naive, he isn’t one to believe so quickly. Dream knew those kids were not dead, they would never die, even if they did, Dream could just bring them back, there was no escaping him, no escaping the DreamSMP. Dream would make sure of it. Even if it hurt the people he, deep deep down, cared about.

#dream smp #wilbur soot #tubbo #sbi family dynamic #sbi fanfic #tommy mcyt #mcyt fanfiction #dream mcyt #dsmp tubbo #ranboo #philza #fanfic #sbi #dsmp niki #captian puffy #ghostbur #dream smp foolish #awesamdad

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notbigondoors · 4 years

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Conflict and Consequence || closed with murder-popsicle

@murder-popsicle

Vision suddenly flinched, and the mind stone’s energy and glow flared sharply. Moving to sit more forward, he winced in pain and lifted his hand to touch his fingertips to the stone. He didn’t know how he knew, but it flooded his mind as clearly as he knew the headache he was feeling was not entirely his alone. Wherever Wanda is, she is in pain.

To say that he remained composed would have been a lie. Vision’s fists clenched and his lips formed a snarl. Rising from the chair, he sought out the man who had been reassuring him for days and days now that no harm would come to Wanda or any of the others arrested in that airport in Germany the day the Avengers turned on each other. The synthezoid found him predictably at the bar, still visibly bruised from his fight with Steve and Bucky, but that would garner no sympathy from Vision. Not anymore.

"Stark," Vision said loudly, approaching him.

"Hey, Junior!" Tony said condescendingly, pouring himself a drink.

"Where is she?" Vision asked, getting right to the point. "Where is Wanda? Where are the others?"

"Don't worry about it," Tony said dismissively, taking a sip.

"My worry festered into sharp and pointed concern and discontent ages ago. Answer the question,” Vision said with careful focus.

"I don't know," he said, shrugging and laying his hands on the bar.

"Do not test my patience,” Vision insisted.

"Are you... Did you just threaten me?" Tony asked, recoiling a bit in disbelief.

"I am indicating to you how serious I am, so that there will be no misunderstanding. No more lies,” Vision clarified.

"I'm sorry, when... did I ever lie to you?" Tony asked.

"You said she would not be harmed,” Vision replied.

"Look," Tony said with a sigh, "I didn't know any of this was going to happen, okay? And frankly, I don't like it any more than you do. But it’s out of our hands now."

"I have been inquiring for days, and you have been lying to me," Vision pressed, his even tone sounding rather ominous.

"Again, when... exactly... did I lie to you?"

"I felt her pain. Just now. Whether it is the mind stone's connection to her or her own magic reaching out to me, I do not know, but.. she is suffering. Now... what has been done to her? No lies."

"She's dangerous, Vision. Okay? They needed to ensure she wouldn't be able to hurt herself or anyone else,” Tony admitted.

"Tell me!" Vision said, raising his voice in a rare display of both concern and annoyance. His usually serene eyes showed a brief but explosive burst of golden-electric energy emanating out from their center pupils.

Tony heard the anger in Vision’s tone and it gave him pause. This had been enough to cause even the mild-mannered synthezoid to become emotionally effected. There was no way around this. He wasn’t going to let up and Tony knew he was stuck. "They had to make sure she couldn't use her abilities, so... they restrained her with... a straightjacket-like... brace... and a high-frequency-emitting collar... and... tranqs." He mumbled the last word, hoping to slip it by unnoticed.

"Tranqs," Vision repeated, focusing the most on that.

"Yes," Tony confirmed with a nod.

"Tranquilizers," Vision said, just for absolute clarification purposes.

"Yes," Tony repeated with the exact same nod.

"Where is she? Where are the others?" he asked angrily.

"I don't know. I don’t. That wasn't a lie. Steve busted everyone out days ago and they’re gone. They went off the grid. If they don't wanna be found, they won't be. Best to just leave it alone," Tony said, wishing the synthezoid would just drop it.

"Busted... everyone out... from where?" Vision asked carefully, his eyes narrowing.

Tony sighed again and slumped against the bar a little as he answered, knowing Vision wouldn't let it go. "The Raft. It's a maximum security prison off the New York coast meant for those... in need of... special accommodations." That was the nicest way he could have put that. Not that his careful wording did anything to keep the synthezoid from reacting negatively to it.

"After all that Wanda has been through at the hands of Hydra and the distrust it has sown in her, you authorized her to be drugged and forcibly restrained without legal counsel or fair trial in a maximum security facility?" Vision said bluntly.

"Come on, no I didn't,” Tony said, his guilt starting to get to him. “You think I was consulted on this? You think I did this?"

"Yes. I do," Vision said almost sadly. “I do now.”

"Well, I wasn't. I didn’t. You think I wanted them to send that poor traumatized kid to a heartless, sterile place guarded by specially-trained tactical military meant for psychopaths and serial killers?!" He stared for a moment, an oops expression coming over his face instantly. "Probably should’na said all that..."

Vision turned and walked away. He had heard enough.

"Where’re you goin'?" Tony called after him.

"To locate Wanda," he said with solid determination, stopping and turning so he could be sure to make eye contact. "And when I locate her, I will not be informing you of her location." With that he turned again and left.

Tony waited until he was out of earshot, taking a big gulp of his drink. "That's what trackers are for, Junior," he muttered under his breath. He was so confident in that, that he didn’t even jump up right away to try to track Vision the moment he left the compound. That would prove to be a mistake...

Once outside the facility, Vision disabled his internal trackers, already one step ahead of Tony. He needed time and privacy to form his own opinions, and he was not going to get that being tailed by the tech giant. He had trusted Tony to give him truthful and up-to-date information and he had been deceived. That stung Vision, if he was being honest with himself, especially since Wanda’s well-being had obviously been affected by decisions made without the rest of the team being consulted. This was not what had been outlined in the Accords, not what was right or just or even legal, not what Secretary Ross or Tony Stark had promised him would happen. Vision was angry, sad, worried, confused, and betrayed enough to want to be on his own right now. He would seek out the truth on his own and see it with his own eyes instead of trust an obviously unreliable filter of other human minds to do so for him.

For some time now, Vision had been working idly on changing his appearance for the purpose of camouflaging himself when out on missions. Realizing that this was now something of the utmost urgency and importance that he would need if he was going to go after Wanda, he worked even harder at it. If she and the others had gone off the grid as Tony stated, then they would not appreciate Vision’s conspicuous and highly recognizable self showing up at their doorstep, wherever they might be. Thus he took some time to perfect this shift in appearance as best he could, much in the same way he changed his density to either phase through walls or harden himself against attack. To accomplish that, he changed the arrangement of the atoms in his organic cells and their vibranium sheathes to achieve a more dense or more diffuse effect. The concept for his human disguise was similar and yet even more elaborate than that...

Vision not only altered the density of the atoms in the outer layers of his body, he also increased the ratio of organic tissue to vibranium, giving the outer layers the look and feel of either cloth or flesh. By altering the instance of other trace elements in his tissue he was able to alter color. So the flesh would look and feel like flesh, the sweater like a sweater, etc. Well, he had already mastered clothing in that regard. He didn’t wear real clothing, it was all part of his body, made in the image and feel of real human clothing. He now made human skin and hair in the same manner. The atoms that presented themselves first to the human eye or held up to the scrutiny of touch were a smokescreen for the rest of his body, hiding his true appearance. That combined with an imaging overlay of his entire body, a neuroelectronic grid of chameleon-like cells activated by power drawn from the mind stone, he was able to achieve a very realistic illusory and sensory effect.

Now... what he chose to look like had a lot to do with personal preference. His natural skin was dark colored, so for something different he chose a pale skin tone. For eye color, he chose the rarest among humans, blue. Perhaps that would help him keep some of his uniqueness, he reasoned. He didn’t have any hair naturally, so he chose to give himself some, and he liked the way blonde hair looked with blue eyes and pale skin. The result was something that looked decidedly human, but very far from his own natural appearance.

Once he was satisfied that he could move about in public and pass well enough for a human being, Vision searched for Wanda. It took him almost a day’s worth of flying, but he let the mind stone draw him to where Wanda’s energy was lingering. It was the same sort of gentle pull towards her that he felt that day in Sokovia, when she’d made the decision to die with her brother and Vision intervened. He didn’t know what emotional state he would find Wanda in this time, but as he honed in on an apartment building in Scotland, he was sure that she was there. Rather than just phase through the wall and look for himself, causing a stir and potentially alarming those inside who might at first misunderstand why he was here, Vision pressed the call button near the door. The voice that came through was a familiar one, saying that they were uninterested in anything anyone was selling and did not want visitors...

“Captain Rogers,” Vision said simply, calmly. Respectfully, too, since he imagined Steve was no longer captain of anything at this point, and yet Vision still honored his former title. “May I please have a word?” Only that, and then he backed up a few paces from the door and patiently waited. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but he knew Steve would recognize his voice, since he had been the first to comment on it immediately following Vision’s birth. He hoped for a peaceful encounter, and truly he was not there to hurt anyone, but he imagined that tensions and fears might cause some of those who might be inside the building to resent that he was there. Nevertheless, Vision assumed the best until the worst presented itself...

#murder-popsicle #vision rp #guest muse: tony stark #{feel free to bypass Steve or do whatever you want}#{i just figured he'd be the one to answer first heh}

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melodyalanaroster · 3 years

Photo

What Do I Do?

Disclaimer: This is a sequel to Study Session.

Alana opened the door to the Gym and immediately zeroed in on the punching bags. Nathaniel looked at her and smiled. “That was quick.” She set her bag down, walked over to him and hugged him. Nathaniel looked concerned. “What’s wrong?” Alana looked around. “You have the Gym to yourself today?” Nathaniel nodded. “Kim is taking a personal day, so she lent me the key again.” “Good. Because I don’t want any eavesdroppers. I’m still not in a position for outsiders to see me weak.” “Alana, what happened?”

Alana proceeded to tell Nathaniel what had happened with Morgan, and everything that Morgan had told her. Nathaniel looked shocked at the news of what had happened with Rosalaya. Alana looked down. “I was so hell bent on being mad at them for abandoning us. For trying to turn me against you when I got back. For trying to get me to do stuff that I wasn’t comfortable doing. For making everything about them and refusing to listen to me. Now… Now, I just feel selfish.” “There is nothing wrong with you being selfish. You know that, right?” Nathaniel cooed as he held her. “Everyone keeps telling me that, but then, why do I feel guilty for not helping them?” Alana buried her face in his chest. “Because you have always been the helpful type. You always put others first and when you do take time for what you want, you feel guilty because you’re not helping someone else. And now, you’re in a position where you’re being told by all the people you believe have power in your life to take charge and be selfish. The thing is, now, not only is your helpful nature making you feel guilty, but certain people who are so used to you always being there are now having to deal with the fact that you are now only providing your help to those who are there for you.” Alana looked at Nathaniel, shocked. “I forgave Amber! I forgave her and am there for her… Why can’t I do the same for Alexy and Rosalaya?” She asked. “Love, you’ve already answered that question for yourself. Amber came to you, proved to you that she’s changed and grown up and then she apologized for her juvenile actions. Rosalaya and Alexy have committed acts that you cannot forgive. What makes things worse is that, while Leigh has left you alone on the subject, Alexy’s boyfriend has now called you into question.” Nathaniel explained.

Alana sat down on a bench and sighed. “This was not how my final year of college was supposed to be… I was supposed to come back to town, get back with you, finish college, then have us start our real adventure. My reputation is supposed to be so damn fearsome that no one would dare question me or my motives! For fucks’ sake! I spent the better part of the last five years becoming one of the most deadly people on the planet! I come home and Alexy and Rosa just expected me to be the same, sweet, little Alana!” She cried. Nathaniel sat down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I can sympathize with them on that… When I first saw you in that Alley with those guys, I couldn’t comprehend that you, you, had become a monster of the Black Tower… That they were afraid of you… And that the fear and respect you command was rightfully earned. I didn’t want to believe it. How could I? The kind, caring, sweet, woman I fell in love with ultimately embracing her dark side and becoming a sadistic, cruel, beast that the monsters of this world fear? It was unheard of.” he explained. “Everyone has a dark side. You know that.” Alana commented. “Still. It was definitely more of a shock to see your transformation. You left to care for your mother, then you went off the grid, then you came back as this. Love, I’m not justifying their actions, but I can see why they can’t wrap their heads around it.” Nathaniel had a point. She hadn’t been as honest with Alex and Rosa as she had been with him, Amber and even Castiel. However, she had stuck with her convictions and decided that they weren’t worth the truth. “I get that it’s a shock for everyone who knew me from before to see that… I never really showed you guys how much I love those cool, long coat wearing, boot stomping, weapon wielding, badasses like in Aeon Flux, Resident Evil and Underworld.” Alana sighed. “No, I knew how much you love them… You showed everyone that by dressing up as Black Widow at that Marvel Exhibition in High School… It just never occurred to me that you would actually turn into one of them.” Nathaniel grinned. “My transformation didn’t shock Viktor and Rini… Then again, they ARE my best friends and have known me the longest….” She commented. “Did they expect it?” Nathaniel asked. “No, but it was a bit easier for them to accept.” She replied. He kissed her forehead. “I can probably guarantee that they had trouble accepting it. They probably talked to your family and had a better support system than the rest of us.”

After a few minutes of Nathaniel holding her, Alana sighed. “I still don’t want to forgive them.” “You don’t have to. Alana, you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do. You told me that Armin has even stopped trying to get you to talk to his brother, so the fact that Alexy’s boyfriend has done this only proves his naivety.” He cooed. “I’m still upset…. They claimed to be my best friends, and yet they did all this, all while my ACTUAL best friends are genuinely helpful. The only problems that I have with Viktor and Severina are their fathers, and Viktor’s jealousy towards you.” She stated. “Why do you hate their fathers? And why, after all this time, is Viktor still jealous of me?” He asked. Alana went on to explain the events pertaining to the Chevalier incident, her suspicions that Achille Mekina had something to do with inciting it and the fact that Viktor still loves her, despite knowing full well that he will never be with her again. Nathaniel sat there, shocked. “He really waved a gun at you?!” He blurted out, angrily. “Calm down. He didn’t shoot…. As it is, I’m starting to wonder if his mentality was caused my another factor…” She pondered. “What do you mean?” He asked. “It’s a lot of bullshit… Achille has been acting like more of an entitled asshole lately. Viktor and Edgard have been developing a sickness that is quite odd… So, whenever I’ve been visiting Rini, I’ve been investigating her father.” She explained. “You think he’s behind this?” Nathaniel asked. “I think it’s a good possibility.” She replied. “Are you gonna get the organization involved?” He asked. She shook her head. “Only for resources and if I need to wield my power. Other than that, Severina, Verity, Viktor and Edgard will have to deal with him in their own way.” She sighed. “You’re really not going to handle it for them?” He raised an eyebrow. “I want to. Trust me, I do. But you and I both know that if I do everything for them, they won’t learn to take care of themselves. Not to mention how they’ll thank me for doing it, then give me those big “sad eyes” and tell me how I need to save myself and stop saving the world. It’s best to just do as much as I can while I allow myself to rest on that front….” She explained.

After several more minutes of talking, Nathaniel changed into his normal clothes. “Are you making progress with your situation?” Alana asked. “Its slow, but the officer I’m working with is doing everything he can to help me.” He replied. “I hope you know, I’ve already put my backup plan in to place. The Red Death has approved of it, and should anything happen to you, we will take over your situation.” She asserted. He looked at her shocked. “Already?” He asked. “Yes. It wasn’t that hard. It was simply a contingency that could be added to Protocol 216.” She stated. “Are you ever going to tell me what Protocol 216 is?” He asked. “Only after its been implemented. Until then, it’s best if you just know that it involves you, and gives you access to the Black Tower.” She explained. “Alana, why can’t I know now?” He asked. “Because you’re still involved with that cartel. Technically speaking, you’re a loose end. You may be important to me, which makes you important to the organization, but, if the cartel finds out the gravity of that fact before we’re ready for them to know, then it will make things more complicated for all of us… So, its best to wait until you’ve either gotten yourself out of it, or until we take over.” She admitted. “Oh.” He looked down. “Look, love, there are a lot of things that its best if you don’t know for now. As it is, you already have sensitive information inside your head.” She added. “Are you really threatened by them?” Nathaniel asked. “Not really. But, I have to think of every possibility of what could happen. One of those possibilities is that they could use you to get to me. We don’t need that happening.” She replied. Nathaniel looked down, a wave of shame crossing his face. “So, I’m putting you at risk.” He muttered. Alana shook her head. “Don’t think of it like that. There are plenty of things put into place for what happens if people come after me. They typically don’t survive long…” She assured. “Really?” He asked. “You think I got to where I am without making a few enemies? A bunch of people have tried to kill me. They were swiftly dealt with.” She explained.

About an hour of discussion and explanation later, they decided to go out to eat. As they waited for their food, Alana couldn’t help but think about what was going on with Alexy and Rosalaya. Her brain refused to truly leave the matter alone. It was eating away at her. “Nath, I can’t get over it. They were supposed to be my friends… Yet, they abandon me, pour drinks down my throat, negate Lysander and Armin, try to coerce me to be with that waiter from the Cozy Bear, leave you without a support system, and try to turn me against you.” She rambled. “Alana, it is okay if you don’t want to be their friend anymore. The only ones who will judge you will be them, and clearly Alexy’s boyfriend.” Nathaniel took her hand and held it, gently as he spoke. She looked at him and thought for a bit. She knew that he knew what was going through her head… The same thing that she had talked to him at the gym about. She thought to what her other friends had said about the situation. “What cunts! Kick those sad little bitches to the curb! You know who your real friends are!” Derek had boomed. “After all they’ve done and refused to do? Yeah, they’re not your friends.” Lyra had remarked. “Don’t give them the time of day, Mels. They’re not worth it.” Severina had huffed. “They don’t deserve you.” Viktor had shot. Armin was disappointed but not surprised when she had told him of his brother’s conduct. “If you really feel like it’s detrimental that you remain friends with him, then maybe you should cut ties. I can’t deny that they abandoned you.” He had said. Of course, Priya wanted her to give them another chance, and was fully intent on scolding her, until Castiel stopped it. “Do you really expect her forgive them? Do you not remember her telling us that they weren’t talking to her when she was in Toronto? Do you not remember how she was asking us what she did wrong?” He had asked Priya. “I remember. But…” Priya had begun. “No “buts” Priya. This is her choice. If she doesn’t want to forgive them, then we shouldn’t judge her for it.” He had cut her off. Alana knew she was still upset with Castiel for what he had done in his apartment, but she was grateful that he was defending her. Even her mother and sister were disgusted. “If they’re not worth your time, then they’re not worth ours. I hated how Alexy wouldn’t leave Ken’s ass alone anyway.” Sam had remarked. Most everyone she loved and cared about were all saying the same thing. She knew they were right, and that this was her choice. No matter how it made her feel in the short term, she knew it would make her feel better in the long run. Her mind then turned to what had happened at the beach. She remembered the fury she felt as she slapped Rosalaya. The hatred she felt in that moment. It all came rushing back to her in a wave of resentment. Alana looked up at Nathaniel and noticed the plates of food in front of them. “Nath! I’m so sorry!” she blurted out. “It’s fine. It’s a good thing I know what you like… The waitress was worried when I ordered for you.” He smiled. “I love you.” She beamed.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Nathaniel asked as they got up from the table, and dumped their trash. “Yes please, but keep a safe distance. I don’t want them pulling you into something that they should know is my choice.” She replied. “Okay.” He smiled. As they walked towards Leigh’s shop, she explained what she was so focused on at the restaurant. Nathaniel clenched his fists when Castiel’s name came up, but she reassured him that she was still mad at him for what he had been pulling, although, she was happy for his defense. “Priya, always so self righteous.” He commented. “It’s okay. She’s easy to handle.” She sighed. He laughed when she brought up what her family had said. “I knew Sam didn’t like what Alexy was pulling, but I didn’t know she hated it to this extent!” he chuckled. “Yeah, even mom is upset with them.” She replied. When they got to Leigh’s shop, the sign was turned to “CLOSED” and they noticed that Leigh, Rosalaya, Alexy, Morgan and Rayan were talking casually. “Was not expecting this level of audience.” Alana muttered. “You can do this.” Nathaniel whispered in her ear.

“I’m sorry, but the shop is closed.” Leigh called as the door opened. “I’d say I’m sorry for barging in, Leigh, but that would be a lie. This is important and needs to be taken care of immediately.” Alana announced as she walked up to them. Nathaniel leaned against the doorway. Morgan looked at her and smiled, hopefully. “You might wanna go ahead and wipe that smile off of your face.” She shot at him. “Alana? What’s the meaning of this?” Rayan asked. “I see you’ve had time to think about what we discussed.” Morgan commented. Alexy and Rosalaya looked at her, a flicker of hope flashing over them. Alana stood firm in a position facing Alexy and Rosalaya. She looked at them solemnly. “What I am about to begin saying is a monologue, not a dialogue. So, no one will speak until I am done. Is that clear?” She started. “But, Alana…” Alexy began. “I SAID, IS THAT CLEAR?!” Her voice boomed. “Crystal.” Rosalaya began to shake. Alexy nodded. “I was not expecting a lecture and pleas for me to forgive you from Morgan. Perhaps my perception has deteriorated a bit since my return. I thought that, when he asked me to study, the conversation would be a lot more simplistic. Go figure, someone who is connected to you that actually asks for my attention wants me to do something for you. At least Armin and Leigh have gotten the hints. Then again, they know the biggest reasons why you two are recipients of my ire. They may not like it, but they understand it. Hell, even Lysander understands it. The past few months, I’ve wracked my brain over this situation. I begged and pleaded for your attention when mom and I were in Toronto. I contacted Leigh and Armin, asking them what I did wrong to make you two stop talking to me and they came up empty handed. I called, texted, tried to video chat, and got nothing. I even asked Lysander, Castiel, and Priya and they came up short. I had just lost Sylvester, I was in a constant state of fear of losing my mom, I had pressure from mom’s doctors and Carol, and I was alone in a foreign country half way around the world. Yes, I had everyone else, but I wanted to talk to you two. And what did you do? You abandoned me. You know? At least Castiel did his damnedest to try to keep up with me when mom had to relay information between the rest of the world and me. At least Lysander knew I still cared when I had the family get flowers and food to his and Leigh’s parents’ funeral. Sure, I couldn’t be there, but I did my best to make sure they knew I was there for them in some way. What did you two do? Essentially, you acted as if I had already died and you forgot about me… That is, until I returned. When it was made known that I was coming back here, you two popped up and acted like nothing had changed… Despite everything having changed. I get home and you two started pouring drinks down my throat, trying to set me up with Hyun, wanted me to get in on your crazy schemes and let me know that you completely disregarded the ONE THING that I had asked you to do when I first left! You not only abandoned me, you turned your backs on Nathaniel! Then you had the AUDACITY to try to turn me against him! You told me “he’s dangerous”, and to not worry about him. Even AFTER I told you that he’s a primary reason why I even came back in the first place! I made it very clear that I am one of the most dangerous things in this world, and you two still treated me like I’m some frail little princess. I KNOW what Nathaniel is a part of! And trust me, it wouldn’t take much for me to extinguish it! Literally, just a handful of orders! I thought I was done with this decision when I bitch slapped Rosalaya at the beach… But, apparently not. Between Morgan judging me and trying to guilt trip me into reconciling with you two, and my own brain trying to get to me, it’s eaten me alive. However, every time I talk to someone about it, they all say the same thing… That I don’t have to be friends with you two. Almost everyone else I care about agrees that you’ve been shit excuses for friends and that what you’ve done shouldn’t be forgiven. And it’s been solidified in my head and heart that I agree with that. You don’t deserve my forgiveness, and you sure as hell don’t deserve my friendship. After this, there will be no more confusion. You two are not my friends anymore.” Alana spoke with absolute conviction.

Alexy, Rosalaya, and Morgan looked at Alana, shocked. Rayan looked a bit surprised and Leigh looked disappointed but not surprised. “Alana! We’re supposed to be friends!” Alexy bleated. Anger flashed over Alana’s face. “That’s right! We’re SUPPOSED to be friends! But, when I was doing everything in my power to reach out when I was at my weakest points, you two turned your backs on me! When I was crying out and trying to get to you, you ignored me! When I came home, you rejected my requests and treated me like a pawn! THAT IS NOT HOW FRIENDS ACT!” She boomed. “But Alana we…” Rosalaya started. Alana turned to Rosalaya. “Don’t get me started on YOU! You go around acting like you’re everyone’s “mommy” all the time, telling them what to do with their lives, yet the only thing you’ve ever truly done to get what you have is be with Leigh all this time… And guess what? Did you forget that, not long after I enrolled in Sweet Amoris, you begged me to help you with him because you two were on the rocks? Yes, I feel sorry for the reason why you were in the hospital recently. I would only wish that on someone as a mercy for the innocent child who shouldn’t have to put up with shit parents. But that’s no excuse for how you’ve acted! You know what I’ve done to get everything I have? I’ve bled, sweated, cried, nearly died multiple times and have worked extremely hard. I have put in the effort! Hell, I’m still putting in the effort to get what I want! I train, go to therapy, work on documents and my “peacetime job”, try to hang out with friends, work on my connections, go to school, and give Nathaniel my attention. I MAKE AN EFFORT! Hell, I even make sure to keep in contact with Lysander and Armin! Which is more than what either of you do!” Alana cut Rosalaya off. “Then why did you ask me about Lysander when you got back?” Rosalaya asked. “We all know he’d lose his own head if it wasn’t attached. He hadn’t responded to my letters and texts in a couple of weeks and I figured that, since you’re gonna be his sister-in-law, you’d know something. But, no! You only ever told me to “forget about him”! Wow, you must REALLY love Leigh if you’re willing to disregard his little brother like that! The guy got into a car accident, got temporary amnesia, lost his parents, and took over his family’s farm and you just go out and tell people to forget about him? Then again, that’s how you are. You claim to be this “kind, sensible, compassionate, woman”, but in all actuality, you’re none of those things… You act that way to the outside world, but its easy to tell that you’re only, truly, like that to Leigh. What makes this even sadder is that, when I first knew you, you really were a “kind, sensible, compassionate, woman”. You were more mature than me at the time. You really were the “mom” of the group. But, between then and now, something has turned off. You’re more preachy, more hypocritical, more insufferable.” She then turned to Morgan. “You say that I’m a “good person”, but what you haven’t really gotten through your thick skull is that even good people have their limits. Please, take what I told you in your dorm to heart.” She sighed.

As she began to walk away, both Alexy and Rosalaya stepped forward. “Alana, please don’t do this.” Alexy’s voice cracked. “Please.” Rosalaya pleaded as she reached for Alana’s hand. “I judged people guilty and watched Derek execute them for much greater crimes who have pleaded for forgiveness much more convincingly than you. They offered me money, power, and other items in an effort to save their own skin. I have watched them bleed, sweat and cry as they even began to ask their gods for forgiveness and to be spared. Your lives may not be on the line, but you are still not begging me to forgive you in any way that sounds like you’re remotely sorry for what you’ve done. You show no remorse. And that makes this much easier… I will never forgive you. I will never be your friend again. Your existence in my life these past few months is a stain that only time will wash out.” Alana jerked away and looked at them, angrily. Alexy and Rosalaya stood back, their hands still slightly reaching out. Alana turned away and walked towards the door. “Let’s go Nathaniel, we’re done here.”

As the shop doors closed behind them, Alana felt a wave of relief wash over her. “You really shouldn’t have done that.” her subconscious tried to tell her. She looked at Nathaniel. “I did the right thing.” She stated. “How do you feel?” He asked. “Do you remember how, when I found you on the stairs at the beach, I said that I had performed “small surgery”? Well, this feels like I just cut out two tumors out of me. And, honestly, even though part of my subconscious is upset that I did that, I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off of me.” She explained. “I never thought I’d see the day where you’d do this.” He sighed. She looked at him and sighed. “There’s a lot of things I’ve done and am doing that you never thought you’d see. But here’s the thing… For years, everyone has made expectations for what I should do, how I should act, and who I keep in contact with… At this point, I’m ready to throw those expectations out the window. I need to. Not doing so will be detrimental to me. I need to start doing what I want, when I want, and with who I want. While I have been working towards that for nearly a year now, I’m not to where I need to be. Formally cutting ties with Alexy and Rosalaya is a big step in the right direction.”

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I was actually quite torn about writing this one... I was torn simply between having her go to the Gym and confide in Nathaniel or go to the Break Room and having her confide in Rayan. But, as Nathaniel is one of the only people outside the Tower that she is the most open with, I thought it would be best to have her talk to her one true love.

This also closes the door that is opened in Study Session. I was going to give Alexy and Rosalaya a chance to reenter Alana’s life, but then I decided that it would be better for her to completely shut that down.

Timeline wise, I’ve decided that this takes place in between Episode 10 and Episode 14. I know, this is a lot of dialogue and little actual action.... But, I had a lot to cover here.

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halfgclden · 3 years

Audio

EPISODE 32: A MAJOR OCCURANCE

The sound of spooky intro music plays and fades out. As the microphone clicks on, faint sounds of water and traffic can be heard in the background.

JADE: Hello cryptwizzlers, cryptrackers, but never cryptormentors because we’re all friends here. Welcome to a very special episode of Cryptwins in which we are not actually researching a cryptid. But! Before you shut this off and call us hacks, we are instead researching the recent disappearance of social media fitness guru; Edison Major.

More spooky music plays. There is also the sound of fingers tapping a rhythm. It's typical Joel, unable to contain his energy as he taps the dashboard in time with their intro music.

JOEL: Weeeeeeeell...Maybe we are hacks. —a pause as he laughs— Nah, just kidding. This is the real deal. I'm not sure you're ready for this. This is some spooky, and excuse my French, spooky shit. Tell us more about this Major disappearance? —another laugh— Get it?

JADE: [A short laugh-sigh is let out at Joel’s joke.] Okay, before we begin, two things. One, get ready for the barrage of major and minor jokes, courtesy of Joel here.

JOEL: Got a whole list, be ready! He lets Jade finish, but listeners can still hear the tapping sound while she speaks.

JADE: Secondly, we’re still on the road here, so if the audio is bad or choppy... deal with it? —another small laugh— Anyyyyway. Spooky is right. This all began in September of last year, when @majored posted a picture of himself in a dark basement wearing a weird costume and then immediately went off the grid. And, you know, I’m all for a social media cleanse, people do it all the time. Buuut, what really brought this to our attention was a month later, on Halloween Eve of all nights, when a video popped up of him getting his ass kicked by someone in a Kakashi Hatake costume.

JOEL: Now, I know y'all are asking yourselves "Isn't he a fitness guru? Why was some weeb kickin' his ass?" And to that I say hey! Some weebs are strong, some are Super Saiyan, and others are Kakashi Hatake, the most talented ninja in Konohagukure.

JADE: lets out a laughing wheeze.

JOEL: We don't endorse fighting here. But I digress —a laugh— back on topic. So this guy just up and disappears out of nowhere? And there's not a peep of him until we see Kakashi givin’ him the business. What does this all mean?

JADE: Okay, so, let’s get the full story. @majored goes off the grid, comes back to get his ass kicked by a Naruto character, disappears again, comes back to spit on someone and call them a see you next Tuesday, and then disappears again. And he hasn’t come back online. So what’s up with that? Well... we did a little digging.

Another spooky noise plays over the sound of Jade organizing a stack of papers.

JOEL: Daaaaaaang. I’d say those are some fightin' words, especially from someone who keeps pulling a vanishing act, don’t ya think?

JADE: They really are! I mean, he is from New Zealand, but even so, I think you don’t use that word unless you want to attract some attention. -She clicks her tongue as she gets back on topic- The video was originally posted the night before Halloween of last year, by @ime.are on Twitter. Obviously they got a lot of hate and questions after posting this, but all of them were left unanswered. The only person in the video that was tagged was Major, but upon further examination, this Ime seems to follow and have pictures with someone who happened to be dressed as Kakashi that same night, which has led many to speculate that these ninjas are the same person.

JOEL: So we all know Halloween's a spooooky season. Perfect for parties and all that jazz. But all those costumes make it a perfect time for disguises. Was that even the real Major? Was the person who spit the real Major? Who is this Ime and how do they fit into the story? And who— a pause for dramatic effect and muffled laughter as he tries to stay serious— is this mystery ninja? Tell us more!

JADE: Alright, alright. So this mystery ninja goes by Abel, or @_kllledbycain on the Gram. At first glance, they look pretty much like every other TikTok e-boy; black and white photos, pet snake, the insinuation that they’re dead, whole nine yards.

JOEL: snorts when Jade announces their handle, and again at her eboy comment, wheezing. It's true, it's true!

JADE: And this stuff is so common right now, so nothing really raises any eyebrows, right? Right? Well, tell me, why would a Tik Tok goth go around beating the crap out of a random influencer? Stay tuned for the theory. First, we’re gonna take a step back and look at the whole situation, because, of course, it doesn’t end there.

JOEL: Ohhhh snap! I'm on the edge of my seat, and I bet our listeners are too.

JADE: [clears her throat] So if we go back to the original poster of the video, @ime.are, and we take a look at their Insta, who is on it but... @devinitely? Okay, so @devinitely is in the same place as @majored, clearly, and, for anyone that doesn’t know, she’s been doing a bunch of collabs with @loganvance. This places not one, not two, but three influencers all together in this place where weebs are running around assaulting people.

JOEL: Okay. Okay, I need to know! Where are they? What's bringing all these influencers together? Are @devinitely and @loganvance part of something much more sinister than it seems? [He makes a funny face at Jade and wiggles his fingers, before dropping his voice to a stage-whisper.] Is it some kind of twisted influencer cult?

JADE: Shhhh, Joel, spoilers.

JOEL: [He laughs.] Sorry, sorry!

JADE: [muffled laughter over the sound of more papers rustling.] So, any skeptics out there might say, oh, well, this Ime Are is just a lucky person who happens to be in the presence of more than one social media personality. However, Devin follows the weeb that may or may not have kicked Major's ass. And, according to a cast photo of Rocky Horror, on her boyfriend's Instagram, both the weeb in question and the hot man that tore the two apart were part of the cast. This would be a great time to mention that a link to the video is in the description, as are all the pictures from social media that I'm referencing.

JOEL: [to Jade but loud enough for the mic to pick it up at regular volume] Oh snap, you got everything together in a link? Like, I could click the link to check it out right now? — A pause as he does just that.— Woah, cryptwizzlers, she's not kidding. Click the link in bio, you won't be disappointed. Okay, Jade...hear me out. Given that it was Halloween, the night of nights. Do you think that...maybe it was all an elaborate event? Was it staged? Is any of this real?

JADE: Oh, my dear brother, always the skeptic. Don’t you think that it’s a bit much for him to stop posting entirely in order to get publicity? And we mustn’t forget the spitting on someone in South Dakota, that’s not exactly his brand. Unless he’s trying out something like Taylor Swift and Reputation but... I digress. No, I don’t think any of this is staged, and I’ll tell you why. Let’s go back to the weird cow print basement post. You know who also happened to post something about some cowboy party? Oh, um, Devin’s boyfriend? A picture of him, Devin, and Logan? Which... puts them and Major in the same place on the night that he disappeared.

JOEL: Not a skeptic! Just trying to get all these questions answered. —A laugh— You're right, that's 180 from the online presence he used to have. All theories aside, —a pause— I'd love to go to a cowboy party. Get me a glow-in-the-dark cowboy hat. You know they make 'em. —He laughs again, mouthing 'what?' to Jade.—

JADE: Oh, def. We're getting matching hats. Check out our merch in a few weeks —she laughs— Glow in the dark mothman themed cowboy hats, talk about a niche.

JOEL: Snap, we have to do that now, 'cause I want one real bad. But okay, back on track. This cowboy party. The origin of this theory, yeah? Oh snap...what were those three doing in the same place as Major? And all in cow print too? That's....majorly suspicious! [He trails off into laughter, his voice doing that wheezy thing when someone's trying to finish their sentence before cracking up. Recovering, he adds the following.] Wait, wait, wait. What about—

JADE: Yes, yes, yes. —she cuts Joel off as though he's finished his sentence, chuckling at his joke— Patience, my dear twin, we will get there. —the smile is evident in her voice—

JOEL: I feel like somehow, I ended up as your Padawan for this episode. — he laughs—

JADE: You heard it here, I'm absolutely schooling Joel this episode. — she laughs— First, we're going to backtrack all the way to the original poster again. You know we snooped their whole page, and they're pretty regularly posting pictures with this person, @rengaaay, who isn't an influencer but she makes some of those sick ass roller skating videos... this isn't sus, just cool, link in the description. —a slight pause as she tries to get back to her train of thought— Anyway, what is sus is that she tags two people in her photos all the time... But no joke guys check out their Insta profiles they look different in like every other picture. Which, uh, could just be editing but also could be something.... more sinister? Hold onto that thought.

JOEL: That's such a good handle, dang! Better than @lumberjoel, honestly. I have to say I'm jelly. We should get branded rollerskates, maybe @rengaaay can advertise for us if we ship them. JK...unless? —more laughter as he waits for Jade to get back on the train and pulls up the profiles in question to take a look for himself— Huh...is it editing? Are they masters of disguise? Makeup professionals? —He starts to say something else but is pretty sure he's figured out where Jade's going with this.— What could be more sinister than human chameleons?

JADE: [The sound of papers shuffling can be heard] Oh, yeah, so, it's weird but I think every time the siblings are in a pic together they look more like each other? I dunno if this really makes sense but seriously dudes check the post with this episode because it has a bunch of photos side by side and... yeah. You pull a photo of them by themself and it's like okay, I know what this dude looks like and then you put them side by side and... I dunno, makeup? Contacts? Cloning, mayhaps? And, just so that I'm not just holding on to one thing too much... check their post from August 12th, linked below. Their brother... doesn't have a shadow. Why would you edit that out of a photo? No way are they going that hard to be memelords.

JOEL: Okay, let me look at this. Wha— That's weird as hell. How much hair dye do these two use? Hm. Could be clones? —snaps his fingers—Definitely clones. —he snorts loudly, laughing before clearing his throat— Ahem, uh. No shadow? That's dedication! I dunno, maybe it's some new challenge for the 'gram. Oh...but wait. I found a video. Look, Jade. No shadow. In a video. What the—

JADE: A video, guys. —A moment of muffled laughter before her mic cuts out, but the sound of it clicking on again is followed almost immediately— This is a big family, guys, and a big weird one because their other brother @sleepyfinch... Okay, wait, he himself is pretty normal, super cute, shout out, but guys, ghouls, you know who he has tagged in a recent post? Yet another influencer. Except this one is from Italy? @gaborealis; essentially, he’s a medium, so if you didn’t believe that the supernatural were at play beforehand... buckle up.

JOEL: Wait, wait, I'm still on the video thing. Who has time to edit a video? —his voice cracks when he says video and he covers his laughter as he focuses—

JADE: [wheezing] Shut up —there is no malice in her voice, and she’s laughing too.—

JOEL: So weird, I love it. Oh snap— the @gaborealis? It's time to get ghosty! —echoes "ghosty" and hums the Cha Cha Slide tune for a couple seconds— Okay, so wait. Does this mean everyone's favorite medium is also in the same place as...three? Three other influencers and this weird family of....maybe shapeshifters? No? Too crazy a theory?

JADE: You know what they say, cryptoddlers; no theory is too crazy. Everything Einstein came up with? Theory.

JOEL: Bringing Einstein into it, huh?

JADE: Oh you know it. —a snort— Anyway, according to Devin’s boyfriend’s Instagram, it doesn’t end there. @spencerkeahi, a youtuber and disability rights advocate who comes from Hawaii is also there with that gaggle. Shout out to @elidrising for tagging people and location. So what are these influencers from all corners of the globe gathering together for? Well, let’s take a look at the original poster again. You go on their Twitter, and a few months back it’s all just videos of people... fighting? In some sort of underground place. Mayhaps... the same creepy basement that Major posted his last photo? —a small gasp, as though she’s surprised by this— No, that must be a coincidence... or is it?

Another spooky sound plays

JOEL: @elidrising is the man, dang! Are you tellin' me there's a...—he lowers his voice to a whisper— secret influencers-only Fight Club? I wouldn't put it past @devinitely TBH. Honestly, I'd join one...even though I guess I've broken the first rule but talking about it, huh? Actually— Jay, do you think we'd even be allowed to join? Are podcasters influencers? Poll in my story right now, let us know what y'all think.

JADE: Right now? Joel, this isn’t going up for another week, at least. —She’s obviously trying to sound less amused than she’s coming off— Once we get the blue check we’re influencers, so we’ve got a few million followers to go, I think.

JOEL: Yeah, right now! They'll hear that when the episode goes up and respond in real ti— Oh, no. You're right. Oops. No poll in my story, y'all. False alarm. Blue check, huh? You heard it here, cryptwizzlers, we're gonna get that blue check. Tell your friends, tell your family. Heck, tell that cute barista at your coffee shop to listen to our podcast! We might just do a giveaway when we get that lil' blue swoosh.

JADE: [clears her throat.] You know what’s a great way to get us that blue check, though?

A different, light sort of spooky music begins playing in the background, meaning that it’s time for the ad break

JOEL: Take it away!

JADE: Checking out a little app called Creature Comforts. Alright guys, not that this show isn’t one hundred percent real as it is, but for real, I love this app. A dating sim that features everyone’s favorite... for lack of a better term, monsters. Did you watch the Shape of Water and go, “Damn, I’d tap that”? Do you want to snuggle with a Sasquatch? Do you just wish you could find yourself a GF with more eyes? Well, have we got the app for you. Creature Comforts lets you do all this and more. A choose-your-own-adventure game where you can smooch beasts, marry Mothman, and ignore the outside world. It’s seriously all I want. And, if you enter the code cryptwins— that’s the name of the podcast you’re listening to, no capital letters, when you download the app, then it’s only 99 cents to play without ads. Which, trust me ghouls, is worth it. I don’t want anything interrupting my cut scene with the most stunning eyes in West Virginia.

JOEL: Don't forget that scuba diving date with Nessie! Or, or...that half-day hike with Bigfoot. —he's laughing again smh— There's a reason Jade does the ad reads and not me. But, I can tell you that Mothman is sure to sweep you off your feet. And it's not just because he can fly.

JADE: It’s the —a pause for finger snapping— alliteration for me. But that’s Creature Comforts, exactly how you think you’d spell it, don’t ask us ‘cause we’re dyslexic, and cryptwins, like the name of this podcast. Tweet us @cryptwins to let us know how far along you are, who you’re pursuing, and what mysteries you unlock about their backstories. Now... I think it’s time for a timeline, just to get us sorted out, what do you think, Joel?

JOEL: Personally, I'm still tryin' to land a date with the Creature from the Black Lagoon. I guess we'll see what happens. Aw heck yeah! Give us a timeline, give us the dirt. — a laugh — Give the people what they want!

JADE: Okay — the shuffling of paper is heard once more — We start in September: @majored goes off the grid after posting a creepy picture of himself in a weird outfit in a spooky basement. This is around the same time that the Scarlet Surfer was in NYC for fashion week, which @majored accompanied him to, meaning that it isn’t entirely out of the question for him to still be in New York. Also on social media at this time is @devinitely and @loganvance also both is cowboy outfits, though the creepy basement is absent from both of them.

JOEL: I guess September isn't too early for weird Halloween stuff to start? What with the spooky basement and everything. Right? And everyone loves a cowboy moment— or have cowboys become the new clown? I heard there was a clown renaissance and people like them now? I don't really know where we stand on the whole clown— what?

JADE: I see our next hot debate. Cowboys: Hot or not? Personally, I liked cow print, but I can see cowboys going out soon. Once they reach killer clown status is when it’ll be ideal for me.

JOEL: Personally, I vote hot. And uhhh, not to kinkshame you Jay, but killer clowns are a no from me.

JADE: [tsks] Kinkshamed, by my own brother no less.

JOEL: [a loud laugh] You know I'm just kidding. No kinkshaking, ya heard? I'd literally let the Jersey Devil step on me so. To each their own.

JADE: [snorting] Um, gross.

JADE: Now to October: There is a production of Rocky Horror, a cast photo is uploaded to @elidrising, the account of @devinitely’s boyfriend. This places not only @devinitely and @loganvance in Montauk, but it also places @crispyboiz and @_kllledbycain in Montauk too. These are two of the people that are suspected to belong in the video by @ime.are, in which (suspected) @_kllledbycain, dressed as Kakashi Hatake attacked @majored, only to be torn apart by good citizen @crispyboiz. This video is the first that we’ve seen of @majored since his last post, and he offers nothing in response to it.

JOEL: Okay. Okay. Now, you know I love a good shadow-cast of Rocky Horror. I've always wanted to play Frank. I would rock that part. Am I wrong? —he laughs— But okay, that's - count 'em - three influencers in one place? If @elidrising is there, we can assume @devinitely is too because she was in the same location as, uh, whatshername? Logan? And that's the same location as @ime.are. Who took the video of Kakashi kicking @majored's ass. @_kllledbycain— more like killedbyKakashi, eh? Seriously why are all these people together?

JOEL: [as an afterthought] It's gotta be a cult.

JADE: November to December: Nothing happens with @majored, @ime.are also offers nothing except for quote unquote “#teamkakashi”, which is funny because they never tagged Kakashi, but anyways. Upon deeper inspection, there are videos on their Twitter from last May, of people in a fighting ring. And then people fighting on a lake? But the fighting ring looks super dangerous and I dunno, like you said, cult-y? Fight-club-y? Call it what you will. In any case, we are led to believe that this fighting has been going on for some time in the background.

JOEL: Okay, come on. That’s definitely a cult. I’ve seen the movie, can confirm. — he groans— Literally what is an Italian astrologer doing there? Wait, wait, wait. Montauk? You said Montauk. Montauk, as in on Long Island. As in like —he drops his voice to a stage-whisper— the part of Long Island that peeps believe to be the site of a government cover-up involving kidnapping, mind control, and time travel? The part that inspired Stranger Things? That Montauk? Snap. I can’t believe I didn’t put two and two together sooner. Jade, Jade. What if this is, I don’t know, like, MKUltra 2.0?

JADE: Yes, yes that Montauk, I’m glad you picked up on that. Look, I’m not saying that it’s an influencer’s-only thing, but I am saying that some might be in the area, and maybe involved. At the same time throughout all of this, we have a culmination of more influencers seeming to know this network of people. @gaborealis, an Italian astrologer, is seen in pictures of @sleepyfinch, who was also in the production of Rocky Horror, and has pictures with @crispyboiz and, god, this name is a freaking nightmare, @_kllledbycain. Not to mention this guy has many pictures of weird… family members? Who sometimes look alike? Okay, but seriously, @kodakola and @sonofpeter, how is your hair not straw at this point? Is it wigs? I think my hair would simply fall out. And y’all using Insta filters or what, cause… I’m not gonna get into it, let’s keep going.

JOEL: Maybe they're makeup vloggers or something. Gotta change up the look for views, right? Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe and uhhhh, smash that follow button— or whatever YouTubers say. —he laughs— Okay but seriously, yeah. @sonofpeter, @kodakola, whatever you two are doing to your hair, let me know because I'm trying to bleach my hair and dye it bright purple without it falling out. And since we're doing it at our next stop, well, your advice will probably be too late. But still, what are your secrets? Is it...clones?

JADE: Joel! —she’s laughing again.— Timeline and then theories. —she clears her throat— After that long silence, a Tweet emerges. January 8th. "Can’t believe @majored SPAT on me and called me a C-Blank-Blank-T when he checked into @SDFamilyMotel last night”. This places Major across the country from where we believed him to be, but acting so strangely that one must wonder… was that really him? Or was it someone that just looked like him? Or was it a cry for help? Nothing’s been heard since from @majored, which I guess… leads us to our theories. —a pause— You were saying… clones, Joel?

JOEL: Sheeeeesh, this is not @majored's year. I gotta say, this sounds totally different from the vibe that this guy used to put out on his social media. Obviously Instagram is fake blah blah blah, you know the spiel, but like. Damn. He spit on them? —a pause as he considers what his sibling has said— You know....I think that's a really good point. Was that even the real him? Will the real Ed Major please stand up?

JADE: I know. It just seems out of character, and terrible for a reputation, but it also would make sense if... One, this is a fake @majored, meant to stir up controversy before he goes underground again. And with an action like spitting on someone and calling them a name like that? Who cares what the dude does after that? Unfollowed, cancelled, whatever. And why would this guy want to go underground, well, I'm glad you're so interested. Well, the official Cryptwins theory is that maybe... just maybe, the crazy, government cover-up Montauk that we all know and love isn't that far from truth. We see that they have means of covering up shadows —she lets out a laugh— and people whose faces just change? And who else is there, @spencerkeahi, someone who explains rehabilitation, maybe someone who has experience helping people get used to being a clone? @ime.are, a nurse who enjoys taking videos of people fighting? It all adds up, people!

JOEL: Yeah, seriously. With the real @majored MIA, there would be no one to combat the backlash from this supposed...clone? Imposter? And maybe that’s what they want. Looks like Montauk isn’t the ideal vacation spot anymore, huh? Even if their seaside cabins are super chill and homey. But I digress. Something sinister is going on. Something bigger than we can even imagine. A secret underground facility that’s...cloning influencers? Training them? Your guess is as good as mine. And that’s why we’re on this road trip, isn’t that right Jade? To get some answers?

JADE: Exactly. —it sounds as though she is holding back a laugh or a cough.— Cross country roadtrip in which we explore different topics like this one, and on the way, we'll document our progress and any spooky encounters. Check out our insta, @cryptwins to get all the updates, and consider hitting us up on Patreon if you want us to be able to afford the gas to get all the way to the east coast.

JOEL: I’ll be posting behind the scenes content in the “ROADTRIP” highlight on my Insta throughout the trip so be sure to check my stories. You might get lucky and find some special codes for Creature Comforts but, hey. You didn’t hear it from me. -he laughs and there’s the distinct sound of a bag of chips being opened- What Jade meant to say is gas and snack money. So yeah, go go go! Check out the Patreon! We might even do a giveaway at the end of our trip, get you guys some cool souvenirs we pick up on our travels. Not a bad idea, eh?

JADE: Joel, my ears are literally bleeding right now. Thanks. Anyway, our second theory will also be exclusive to our Patrons, so be sure to get the full video there. Cryptwins... out...

Her voice fades out and the music from the beginning fades in, takes over, and plays until the end of the track.

#c: jade #c: jadejoel #a major occurance

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haljordamnit · 4 years

Text

Jason’s birthday is coming up. His relationship with Bruce is finally improving, they’ve been communicating and he frequents the manor now. Bruce wants to throw him a little something for his birthday and a gift, he’s keen on being a better batdad.

It’s the day before Jason’s birthday and he’s nowhere to be found. Not in his safehouses, not in the manor, not with his other super friends, not with Dick... zilch. His phone can’t be reached, the tracker that Bruce (helicopter parenting 101) “installed” in him can’t be traced. Bruce is all ???? “not me losing my son the second time! fuck” he’s now worried, frustrated and angry— the family looks for Jason.

Dick comes up empty, and Tim doesn’t understand how Jason could disappear from the grid that easily... for fuck’s sake, he was just with them yesterday! Cass searched everywhere twice, no sign of Jason. Damian is calm. Tim notices. “You know something, Damian, spill it.”

Damian really tries... but can’t really lie to his family, especially since Bruce is looking scarier by the minute. “Mother took him.” ~deafening silence~ She wanted to celebrate Jason’s birthday with the League. The–“

Bruce stands up from where he was seated infront of the Batcomputer. He is apoplectic, he’s ready to throw hands. “What?!? Why would Ja—“

Damian continues, “Father please, I’m sure Mother meant no harm. Jason spent time with the League, he made friends there, while he was... you know... recovering. They saw him become better, helped him... in a way.” Damian’s voice remained steady and calm. Fingers crossed his Father would would be appeased even just for a little bit.

“Well, that would make sense.” Older brother Dick Grayson contributes.

“Explains why we can’t track him, the League has their own protective measures. I’ll get us in and hack it.” Tim adds and starts to type away in his laptop.

“His birthday’s tomorrow. Why take him today?” Cass, the ever brilliant, inquires.

“Mother plans to return him tomorrow. She doesn’t want to hijack him from us on his actual birthday.” Damian replies.

Bruce is a little relieved... he is now sulking. He must see his son, make sure he’s fine. “You all stay right here. Tell Alfred about this. I will be back later.”

————————

The Batplane descends on a tarmac, he got in easily. He’s expected. Bruce is lead to a room. Talia is there waiting for him.

“Hello, Bruce.” She greets him, not surprised at all.

“Where is he? I’m taking him home, Talia.” He regrets being impolite but is feeling quite turbulent at the moment.

“He’s in the training room with some friends, they wanted to spar with him, like old times.”

Bruce opens his mouth to say something but Talia isn’t finished yet. She crosses her arms, sighs and says, “You’re early, I atleast expected to keep him here for a few more hours.”

“You can’t just take him away like this, Talia.” Bruce is tempered but his voice reeks of ...

“I didn’t. He’s old enough to decide for himself and I asked him if it’s okay to have him back just for today so we can celebrate his birthday. He said yes, Bruce. A part of his life was spent here, he met people who cared for him, it wasn’t all bad.”

“Talia, just... with all that’s happened before... I am...” scared to lose him again!! But Bruce’s still emotionally stunted so he didn’t say the last part and instead just sighed and reinforced that fact that “He is my son.”

“He is my son too, Bruce. I–” Jason enters the room, head down and typing at his phone. His in his casual clothes, a bit sweaty, towel draped in his neck.

“Mom, guess who easily went down when I kic—“ He looks up and is stunned. Bruce is here. And Talia. Fuck, he just called her “mom” in front of his dad. His. Dad. Is. Here. Not as Batman. As Bruce Wayne. Here. They’re both staring at him. Were they arguing? Because of him? Fuccckkk. “Dad is everything okay?” Calling Bruce “dad” is the equivalent of doing the puppy dog face, works every time. Also, it comes naturally to him now to call him that. Not always, but more often than before.

Bruce’s face soften and his shoulder relaxes. “Everything is fine, Jay. We were just talking. Are you all right?” He can’t not ask.

Jason nods slowly, eyes darting between Bruce and Talia and ultimately turning to answer Bruce. “Yes. I wanted to come here...it’s safe and...” He’s not really sure what to say next. Why does he have to explain himself anyway? “Did I anger him? Maybe I worried the family” Jason thinks.

Talia moved to where Jason is standing, puts a comforting hand on his shoulder, “It’s all right, Jason. I was very happy to have you. I hope you had a good time.” Her voice is soothing, and she looks at Jason with genuine care.

“I did, thank you. Everything was lovely, and the food was perfect! I’m bringing Damian some of it.” Jason smiles at Talia.

Bruce suddenly feels warm looking at the exchange infront of him. He misunderstood the situation. Maybe overreacted. “You can stay the night if you want, Jay.” Sudden change of mood. Trying to rectify the situation.

Before Jason can answer though, Talia says, “It’s all right, your siblings are probably looking for you. We’ll have next time.” She engulfs Jason in a hug, he feels cherished. They pull away and he nods to Talia as if to say “next time again, mom”

“I’d appreciate a note next time.” Bruce interjects in a light, almost playful tone. Talia just rolls her eyes. “Thank you, Talia. I apologize if I...” trails off. Like father, like son. Don’t know what to say. Talia gives him a knowing smile.

————————

The autopilot was just switched on. Bruce looks to see Jason say beside him typing away on his phone. He sighs. Jason looks up at him.

“I was worried, Jay. We couldn’t find you.” Protective Batdad mode commence.

Jason sighs, feeling a bit bad. “Sorry, didn’t mean to cause trouble. I thought you wouldn’t notice. I would’ve been back in Gotham by nighttime. It happened so fast. Talia showed up at my door and the jet was waiting.”

“It’s all right. You don’t have to explain yourself. I was just being...”

“Overprotective? Paranoid?”

“Yes.”

“I get it. Don’t work yourself up too much, old man.” A smug smile appears on the son’s face.

“So, Talia’s “mom” now?” The question was innocently posed. The son turned red. The father just smiled.

————————

Bruce and Jason enter the manor. His siblings are on the couch, all of them focused on whatever is on Tim’s laptop. Dick looks up first.

“Not funny, Jason.” Expression? Stern. Tone? Dead serious.

“It looks like your standing so close too it! That’s pretty meta.” Tim exclaims. How is he energenetic but also sleep deprived?

“Don’t do again.” Cass reprimands.

“Aww come on! It’s funny!” Jason insists, he’s standing in front of them, hands on his hips, waiting for someone to back him up.

“It’s distasteful, ahki.” Damian says, crossing his arms.

“What is?” Bruce asks. Tim turns his laptop around to show Bruce... it’s a selfie of Jason clearly taken just hours ago, he’s doing a peace sign and in the background, clear as day... it’s the Lazarus Pit.

Batdad sighs.

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