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whumpily-ever-after · 2 months

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Whumpy Book List #3

Hello! As requested, here is another book list. Some of these books will contain a list of whump tropes and others will not. I did not take notes while reading, and I don't remember the exact tropes. There is at least a little bit of whump in each book.

Happy reading!

List below the cut

The Last Sun (The Tarot Sequence #1) by K.D. Edwards

Summary: Rune Saint John, last child of the fallen Sun Court, is hired to search for Lady Judgment's missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home. With his companion and bodyguard, Brand, he questions Addam's relatives and business contacts through the highest ranks of the nobles of New Atlantis. But as they investigate, they uncover more than a missing man: a legendary creature connected to the secret of the massacre of Rune's Court. In looking for Addam, can Rune find the truth behind his family's death and the torments of his past?

Genre: Fantasy, urban fantasy, magic, MM romance, Mystery, adult

Whump tropes: Past trauma

Liar City by Allie Therin

Summary: A murder has Seattle on edge, and it falls to a pacifist empath—and a notorious empath hunter—to find the killer before it's too late It’s the middle of the night when part-time police consultant and full-time empath Reece gets an anonymous call warning him that his detective sister needs his help. At an out-of-the-way Seattle marina, he discovers that three people have been butchered—including the author of the country’s strictest anti-empathy bill, which is just days from being passed into law. Soon, Reece’s caller a shadowy government agent known as The Dead Man, who is rumored to deal exclusively in cases involving empathy. He immediately takes over the investigation, locking out both local PD and the FBI, but, strangely, keeps Reece by his side. As the two track an ever-growing trail of violence and destruction across Seattle, Reece must navigate a scared and angry city, an irritating attraction to his mysterious agent companion, and a rising fear that perhaps empaths like him aren’t all flight and no fight after all…

Genre: Fantasy, mystery, paranormal, MM romance, urban fantasy

Magic in Manhattan Series (Spellbound, Starcrossed, and Wonderstruck) by Allie Therin

Summary: To save Manhattan, they’ll have to save each other first… New York, 1925 Arthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric…and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether. Rory Brodigan’s gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he’s become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city’s fate hanging in the balance, he can’t force himself to say no. Being with Arthur is dangerous, but Rory’s ever-growing attraction to him begins to make him brave. And as Arthur coaxes him out of seclusion, a magical and emotional bond begins to form. One that proves impossible to break—even when Arthur sacrifices himself to keep Rory safe and Rory must risk everything to save him.

Genre: Fantasy, historical fiction, MM romance, paranormal, magic, urban fantasy

Spell Bound by F. T. Lukens

Summary: Edison Rooker isn’t sure what to expect when he enters the office of Antonia Hex, the powerful sorceress who runs a call center for magical emergencies. He doesn’t have much experience with hexes or curses. Heck, he doesn’t even have magic. But he does have a plan—to regain the access to the magical world he lost when his grandmother passed. Antonia is…intimidating, but she gives him a job and a new name—Rook—both of which he’s happy to accept. Now all Rook has to do is keep his Spell Binder, an illegal magical detection device, hidden from the Magical Consortium. And contend with Sun, the grumpy and annoyingly cute apprentice to Antonia’s rival colleague, Fable. But dealing with competition isn’t so bad; as Sun seems to pop up more and more, and Rook minds less and less. But when the Consortium gets wind of Rook’s Spell Binder, they come for Antonia. All alone, Rook runs to the only other magical person he knows: Sun. Except Fable has also been attacked, and now Rook and Sun have no choice but to work together to get their mentors back…or face losing their magic forever.

Genre: Fantasy, young adult, MM romance, urban fantasy, magic

A Market of Dreams and Destiny by Trip Galey

Summary: Below Covent Garden lies the Untermarkt, where anything and everything has a price: a lover’s first blush, a month of honesty, a wisp of fortune. As a child, Deri was sold to one of the Market’s most powerful merchants. Now, after years of watchful servitude, Deri finally spots a chance to buy not only his freedom but also his place amongst the Market’s elite when he stumbles into the path of a runaway princess desperate to sell her royal destiny. But news of the missing princess and her wayward destiny spreads. Royal enforcers and Master Merchants alike are after it. Outmanoeuvring them all would all be hard enough had Deri not just also met the love of his life, a young man called Owain, whose employers are using the Market for their own nefarious schemes. Deri soon finds that the price of selling the royal destiny, making a name for himself, and saving the man he loves is dear. The cost of it all might just change the destiny of London forever.

Genre: Fantasy, MM romance, historical fiction, urban fantasy

Saint of Steel Series by T. Kingfisher

Summary: Stephen's god died on the longest day of the year… Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind…

Genre: Fantasy, mystery, romance

Silver Under Nightfall and Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco

Summary: Remy Pendergast is many things: the only son of the Duke of Valenbonne (though his father might wish otherwise), an elite bounty hunter of rogue vampires, and an outcast among his fellow Reapers. His mother was the subject of gossip even before she eloped with a vampire, giving rise to the rumors that Remy is half-vampire himself. Though the kingdom of Aluria barely tolerates him, Remy’s father has been shaping him into a weapon to fight for the kingdom at any cost. When a terrifying new breed of vampire is sighted outside of the city, Remy prepares to investigate alone. But then he encounters the shockingly warmhearted vampire heiress Xiaodan Song and her infuriatingly arrogant fiancé, vampire lord Zidan Malekh, who may hold the key to defeating the creatures—though he knows associating with them won’t do his reputation any favors. When he’s offered a spot alongside them to find the truth about the mutating virus Rot that’s plaguing the kingdom, Remy faces a choice. It’s one he’s certain he’ll regret. But as the three face dangerous hardships during their journey, Remy develops fond and complicated feelings for the couple. He begins to question what he holds true about vampires, as well as the story behind his own family legacy. As the Rot continues to spread across the kingdom, Remy must decide where his loyalties lie: with his father and the kingdom he’s been trained all his life to defend or the vampires who might just be the death of him.

Genre: Fantasy, vampires, LGBTQIA+, gothic

The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau

Summary: Sean never asked to be an O'Hara, and he didn't ask to be cursed by one either. After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man's torture and death...every single night. And only one person can help. Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn't have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth...and not because Sean's the first man he's felt anything for in a long time. The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean's case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland's violent history—and their own dark pasts—they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

Genre: Fantasy, time travel, MM romance, contemporary

Whump tropes: Curses, sent through time, torture

Whisper into the Night by Jay Leigh

Summary: Theo Moreau never wanted to be involved with politics, but when his mother wins the presidential election, he reluctantly agrees to tag along for his younger siblings. Nothing could have prepared him to juggle his anxiety, complex family dynamics, and the complicated world of the White House. Lacking supportive friends and family, he leans on his steadfast Secret Service agent as tensions rise across the divisive political landscape and the dangers of being close to the president come to the surface. Agent Connor O’Brien always wanted to be a hero, so working on the protective detail for the First Family seems like the perfect opportunity. What he isn’t expecting is to fall head over heels for the man under his protection. As their relationship blossoms, the foundation of the administration grows more unstable and the chatter from America’s right-wing demographic rises to a fever pitch. But when Theo becomes the target of their campaign, the stakes get even higher. Unsure of who to trust, and with little help from the President, Theo and Connor join forces with their motley group of friends to unravel the mystery of who is working against them from inside the White House before the situation turns explosive. As the sinister reach of this masked shadow spreads, Theo and Connor grow even closer and the magnitude of everything they risk losing propels them into a race against the nefarious mastermind, desperately clinging to the hope they’ve found in one another before their dream come true turns into a nightmare.

Genre: Contemporary, MM romance, suspense

Whump tropes: Anxiety, asthma, kidnapping, bad parents, bodyguard

Adonis by L Sherleen

Summary: Accused of a hate crime and expelled from school in his final year, Connor returns home to his seaside town to let everything blow over. There, not only does he have to learn to deal with the addition of two new stepbrothers and a new stepdad, but he also has to grapple with a world set against him. It’s not all bad though. Within his dad’s underwater lab, he discovers something in the deep. Something exciting. Something that calls to him. Something that doesn't shy away from the ugly in him as the world does. And Connor could use the distraction…even if it endangers his life.

Genre: Fantasy, MM romance, mermaids, science fiction, mystery

Whump tropes: Found family (kind of), bad parents, kidnapping, false accusations

A Rake of His Own by A.J. Lancaster

Summary: Marius Valstar doesn’t know which is worse: the dead body in his greenhouse or the naked fae prince on his desk. The only rakes of interest to Marius are garden tools. Not fae princes. Certainly not the arrogant, selfish fae prince he has the misfortune to have a history with. But when Prince Rakken turns up naked and bleeding in Marius’s college the same day a body appears in his greenhouse, scruples must take second place to solving a murder that could unravel the delicate balance between humans and fae. Marius’s own developing magical powers are more hindrance than help – as is Rakken’s bloodied past. Forced to work together, they must forge an uneasy alliance if they are to track down the killer. But how can Marius trust the man who represents everything he’s trying to avoid?

Genre: Fantasy, fae, MM romance, mystery

Whump tropes: Pain from telepathy, attempted murder, bodyguard

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

Summary: Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt. But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process. Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He's drawn to her anyway. With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.

Genre: Fantasy, young adult, mythology, romance

#whumpy book #whump books #whumpy book list

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seareefer · 2 years

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Apple of My Eye

Hi! This was a request someone left in the comments of one of my other posts. Also I’m sorry this took so long I was kinda having trouble thinking about how I wanted to write this and what way to tell it. But I hope you like this!

Vil x Fem!LeBlanche!MC

It was rare anything ever actually got past Rook. The few times in his life things did, he was quick to fix his error. Just like how he was now waiting patiently in a tree above a spot his Roi du Poison had oddly begun frequenting as of recently. After a good hour a waiting he heard footsteps and watched a girl come into view below him.

If her cheery steps didn’t give her away her light humming would. Rook watched as she spread a blanket on the ground, placed pillows from a basket she’d brought then sat and waited. Well...Rook could wait for the petite pomme to leave...

It wasn’t long however till he heard familiar steps approaching his tree and the girl beneath him. What an interesting turn of events this would be he supposed. With a smirk he perched himself forward ready to witness whatever was about to occur before him.

Down on the ground, you stopped humming and smiled at Vil when he cleared his throat to catch your attention. Scooting over you gently patted the spot near the pillows you’d brought for him, “Vil! I’m so happy you were able to make it again, I missed you!” Gracefully taking a seat next to you he smirked, “Yes well that’s to be expected dove”.

With a soft giggle you began digging through the basket you’d brought. “I’d tried doing what you said last time and tried making those new dishes you suggested. Neige wanted to help out with some of the desserts but I wanted to try and make them for you myself!” Vil kept himself from grimacing at the mention of your brother, the thought you took in what he said at your last meeting and worked to impress him now kept the frown of his face though.

“You didn’t bring too big of portions did you? Not only would it be bad to waste food but overeating can be absolutely devastating to your complexion and skin dear...”. While the two of you continued with your conversations and picnic, Rook was in utter heaven. The Vil Schoenheit was having a secret date.... with the sister of his arch nemesis Neige LeBlanche! Oh what a beautiful romance he was witnessing!

As the date came to an end and you two packed up and said your goodbyes, Rook made his way back to the dorm filled with glee. Coming into his room he checked to make sure everything was in place for when Vil would come to check on all the students. Shortly after a dignified knock sounded through his room. Entering, Vil looked everything over before nodding and heading to the next. “How was your date today, Roi du Poison?”

The tension in the room skyrocketed as Vil stopped before closing the door and turning to Rook, “Now... Whatever do you mean Rook?” Keeping himself from jumping out of his seated position Rook quickly responded, “Why... You’re little picnic under the tree with the Petite Pomme of course!” Vil rubbed his brow, hoping the stress wouldn’t disturb his skin later, “Whatever you saw there, was not a date. She and I are just friends Rook... Even then you are not to go around telling people you saw us together. Period!”

With a dramatic sigh Rook stood up, “But the sparks between the two of you oh I could sense it even from so far away! Think of the story the love between you two could write, it would be remembered for centuries! Encased in it’s beauty for all to see forever!” After taking a moment to understand what he’d just said Vil sighed and threw his head back. “Of course... that’s what you’re on about...”

How could he have thought his Vice Dormleader would try to use what he saw against Vil or his... “friend” for anything other than some way to unlock a way of beauty for him to observe. Leaving Rook to his rambling Vil quietly left the room and retired to his own. Even if their close relationship was safe for now he didn’t want to put her in harm’s way with his career and fans, despite his hatred for her brother. But... that love story Rook went on about didn’t sound too bad when he thought about it.

I hope this came out well! I don’t write for Vil or Rook often so this was fun! I’m trying to get through some more requests and then get some ideas I had down so those should hopefully be coming soon, have a good day/night!

Taglist: @lazywrites @vanrougemoons @c3lestialstars @kaiyoschaos @a-mossball-with-a-pen @xoxowritingclub

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #vil schoenheit x reader #vil schoenheit #rook hunt

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adrianasunderworld · 11 months

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Imagine Twisted Princess AU with Headmistress Rosehearts AU.

Princesses have to suffer from the headmistress but the one who has to deal with her the most is Alice because she finds her annoying as she talks back without thinking of the consequences.

Rapunzel can see the signs of abuse that it made her reflect about her own mother.

From all the previous posts about Miss Yuu and how she is treated by the headmistress, all of that applies to the princesses and then some.

The strict dress code, the curfew, the slut shaming, the separation from everyone else and more, all apply here.

They're made to have a strict dress code. No more making their own uniforms or any of those other loopholes of theirs.

The lounge got shut down, so that means Ariel is out of work and that is one less income for Ramshackle. Because of the strict food rules in place, Tiana can no longer sell her lunches, so that's another loss of money for them. No internet, so Rapunzel can't take art commissions anymore either. They are just as bad off financially now as they were when they first came, Nothing but the bare bones necessities is provided for them and nothing extra.

Elsa is devastated when Crewel gets fired. She was the closest to him and she misses him a lot. Snow White wonders if Crowley is alright. Despite what everyone thought of the crow man, he had always been genuinely kind to her. Cinderella and Jasmine go to Trein for comfort. Because they don't know who else to turn to. One day Cinderella starts sobbing because living the headmistresses reign reminds her of her step mother.

Alice as the youngest and not technically a student, is often reprimanded by the headmistress, in lessons all day, and deliberately kept separate from everyone as much as possible. Because clearly everyone else is giving her a "bad impression that is showing in her studies and behavior."

Meg, Esmeralda, and Merida are the one though that mouth off the her the most. They have no qualms about talking back when something is unfair. Especially when she picks in underprivileged students.

All the one that she knows are close to any boys, she goes out of her way to keep separated as much as possible. Belle cannot see Leona. Tiana cannot see Azul. Merida and Ariel cannot see Floyd and Rook. Etc. Citing that it is a distraction and that some of the relationships were inappropriate.

Snow White came back to the dorm one day, bawling her eyes out, because a few of her admirers classmates, was helping her carry some stuff, and Mrs. Rosehearts kept bombarding her questions as if she had done something wrong and insinuated Snow was "easy".

And that's some of the stuff to be expected. Now this is all generic "Mrs. Rosehearts" horrible-ness. Not really anything @mangacupcake oc Felicity specific.

#twisted wonderland #twisted princess au #headmistress rosehearts au

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hamartia-grander · 1 year

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Cool so @itsybitsybatsyspider had the genius idea that is a D:BH Star Wars AU, and I was so excited for theirs I couldn’t stop thinking about it so now I’ve formulated my own DBH star wars AU but it’s set on Mandalore and everyone is Mandalorian rather than Jedi/Sith/Rebellion/Stormtroopers etc. because I am obsessed with Mandalore/Mandalorian culture. (it ofc has simarkus and reed900 and chloenorth because. I’m a whore.) but I can’t keep doing this. I am so busy I cannot be writing all this.

So anyways here’s about 8.6k words I wrote of what I’m thinking:

Mand'alor Carl, Clan Manfred, House Kryze, is the current Duke of Mandalore, and his son, Leo Manfred, is next in line for the throne when one day he goes missing. Carl sends the Mandalorian Royal Guard to find Leo, but they come back with nothing. No sign of where he’s disappeared to or why. Carl is devastated, depressed, and his health is declining, leaving him almost bedridden in his grief.

Elijah, Clan Kamski, House Kryze, comes from a wealthy family who was close friends with Carl Manfred. When Elijah was a teenager, it was revealed that his father had had an affair with a working class Mandalorian - Maria, Clan Reed, House Kast - and Elijah’s father was cast out of the family, with his mother taking control of the wealth and Clan Kamski. Elijah never met the child of his father’s mistress, but he heard it was a boy just a few months younger than him.

Markus, Clan unknown, House Kast, is an orphan foundling who attended the Mandalore Royal Academy and is a remarkable artist. Elijah Kamski is also a rising pioneer in advancements of Mandalorian armour and technology; he graduated the academy early due to his achievements, and ended up teaching a class at the Academy despite his young age. Markus takes this class, and is surprised to see someone around his age teaching it. Kamski notices Markus and his skills, knows he’s an orphan, and is all “Let me introduce you to my old friend, Carl. Who also happens to be the ruler of Mandalore but that’s not important.” Carl adopts Markus almost immediately. It starts as an ageing ruler’s last attempt at an heir, but then Carl grows to love the boy, and Markus takes care of him the best he can, while also learning his new responsibilities as the future possible ruler of Mandalore (it’s a voting system that chooses the ruler, but having an heir gives them an advantage because yknow nepotism and whatnot).

Simon, Clan Phillips, House Vizsla, is the son of the Mandalorian Prime Minister, Caroline Phillips. His twin brother, Daniel, had a fight with their mother after their father John Phillips died in a planned assassination meant for Caroline, as Daniel blamed her for their father’s death. Daniel shunned the Noble life, leaving home to explore other planets in the galaxy. Daniel was favoured by their younger sister, Emma, who was sad when he left and decided to join the Academy rather than train to become Nobility. Simon, while not necessarily trying to follow in his mother’s footsteps, did so anyway, out of familial obligation. In his training, he met Josh, also House Vizsla, Clan Eldar, who was interested in the history and politics of Mandalore. Simon thought maybe Josh would make a better future Prime Minister than himself, but Josh wanted to pursue teaching, not actual politics. Simon spent a lot of time in the Sundari Royal Palace, both in shadowing his mother, and in performing his own duties. He became close friends with Markus, who wasn’t used to the royal lifestyle, and spent every moment he could either painting or hanging out with Simon, or both.

North, Clan Rook, House Kast, is a fiery and passionate Mandalorian who left her abusive family and joined the Mandalorian Royal Guard - the Mandalorian Protectors - when she was a teenager. Through the years she worked her way up the rank and became Head of the Protectors, and Carl Manfred’s personal Guard. North likes the old man, for he’s kind to her and took her in, but she grows disenchanted with Carl Manfred’s Mandalore, and longs for the stories of when there was real progress through action. She feels Carl has grown stagnant and is failing as a ruler meant to ensure prosperity in his reign. She stays loyal, however, and simply waits for the day Markus will become Mand’alor. While some of her tactics are more traditionally Mandalorian, as in aggressive, Markus sees her perspective as well as his father’s, and pledges to rule with a balanced mind.

North and Simon grow close after they find they both don’t agree with the way Carl rules, and wish for more progress. Simon jokes that he’s not strong enough to be a warrior like her, and North teases that she’s not boring enough to be a politician like him. Josh appreciates Carl’s rule and sees no need to change it, but he doesn’t mind diplomatic advancements. He and North disagree over this frequently, and North believes Josh isn’t a true Mandalorian due to his pacifism.

Once Markus is of age, Carl steps down and Markus is voted Mand’alor. He has the full support of his people, who are happy to see a fresh face on the throne.

Simon and Markus grow closer, and fall in love, but once Markus becomes the ruler of Mandalore and Simon his prime minister, Simon worries they cannot be together because of their positions. Markus doesn’t care if it’s unorthodox, and begins to court Simon anyways. Carl of course approves, and often gives both Markus and Simon advice on how to make their relationship last despite their responsibilities.

I need to note that every Mandalorian's iron heart - the hexagonal piece that rests at the end of their sternums on their outfits/armours - is different, whether it’s because of size, colour, shear, or position. However, Markus and Simon's are exactly the same in shape, size, and position. Their only difference is their colour - they both used to be the same colour, green, but once Simon noted that his was green like Markus's eyes, Markus changed his to be blue like Simon's eyes. Consider it an early step in Markus's courting of Simon. So to say, their iron hearts are compatible, wink wink.

But before Carl stepped down, Elijah, taking progress into his own hands, decides to form a new sort of political faction he dubs “Kyber Life”, with the goal of inventing and producing technology, weapons, and armour that will spur Mandalorian advancements as well as offer new age protection in Mandalorian wars and battles, especially against the Jedi. Carl gives his permission, curious to see what Elijah has in mind, and trusting his vision. Elijah takes up residence on Mandalore’s moon, Concordia, and sets his base of operation there, because he doesn’t want anyone to think he means to undermine Carl’s rule. He hires working class Mandalorians to work for him, for good pay and free housing, and convinces his Academy mentor, Amanda, Clan Stern, House Vizsla, to join him and continue to guide him in his efforts. Kyber Life grows, and after spending years studying the Darksaber, Elijah invents the first Mandalorian Kyber Blaster. It’s revolutionary in design and is at first only introduced to the Royal Guard and Noble Mandalorians, but will be a very powerful weapon against the Jedi.

However, another mentee of Amanda’s named Perkins - Clan Vizsla and House Vizsla - grows ambitious and greedy for power, as well as jealous of Amanda’s favouritism for Kamski, and decides to join Elijah’s operation in an attempt to overthrow him. Elijah trusts him, unsuspecting of his intentions, and Perkins plays the role of loyal subordinate well. Then, Amanda uncovers Perkins’s plans, and threatens to send him to Mandalore to face trial for his illegal activities. It's believed that Perkins murdered Amanda. He then forces Kamski to resign or else Perkins will kill him too. Elijah doesn’t want to leave his faction under Perkins’s control, but Perkins has grown in following and Elijah knows he wouldn’t survive. So he flees back to Mandalore, to find Markus now ruling, and tells him everything that happened. As it stands, they cannot make a move against Kyber Life without more substantial evidence they could use to sway the public into seeing Kyber Life for what it has become, rather than what it was meant to be, lest they start a full blown war that they aren’t ready for. Despite Markus believing Kamski, he can’t do much without his people’s support, and so they all start a campaign against Kyber Life.

Once Kyber Life was first founded by Elijah, and he began hiring working class Mandalorians to work for him, he met Kara, Clan Saxon, House Vizsla. Kara was trying to escape a distant member of her Clan, Todd, who was a member of the Black Sun crime syndicate and had tried to murder her. Kamski saw Kara’s wit and determination, and she became one of his leading developers of Kyber Life technology. But when Kamski was forced to leave, he told Kara of what happened and she left with him, unwilling to work for Perkins and loyal to Kamski’s vision. Kara returned to Mandalore to find that Todd had been killed by the Black Sun Syndicate’s leader, leaving his daughter Alice all alone. Kara didn’t hesitate to adopt the young foundling, and enrolled Alice in the Royal Academy so she could have a better future.

Luther, Clan Andronikov, House Kast, had shunned his clan after escaping his adoptive father Zlatko who’d held Luther captive. Luther became a professor at the Royal Academy, and grew fond of Alice. He met Kara and they became quick friends, Luther promising to look after Alice during her schooling. Kara and Luther grew inseparable and decided to raise Alice together, as friends, and form their own new clan, which they dubbed Clan Jericho, vowing to take in any other Mandalorians who had also left their clans. (just as a note, the Kara and Luther ship is cute but I don’t personally ship it. I headcanon Kara as aroace! And I like her and Luther as best friends better. Also because men and women can be friends too.)

Hank, Clan Anderson, House Kryze, was a member of the Mandalorian Guard, which were local protectors rather than the Royal Mandalorian Protectors (basically, the Mandalorian police, but I refuse to call them that because fuck the police). Hank had a son, Cole, with another Guard member, but they remained friends and simply shared responsibility over Cole rather than get married. Hank had planned on joining Kyber Life before Kamski left, but then Cole’s mother died in a street riot and Hank had to raise Cole on his own. He didn’t step down from the Mandalorian Guard, but he did take on less responsibility, and was tasked with menial work, avoiding anything dangerous that could risk Cole losing his father too. Jeffrey, Clan Fowler, House Kast, was Hank’s closest friend and the head of the Mandalorian Guard, and looked out for him and Cole.

Connor, Clan unknown, House unknown, was an orphan boy who lived with his older brothers in an abandoned house in the outskirts of Sundari City. He was too young to remember their parents, or much of their childhood. His eldest brother called himself Nines, and the other brother called himself Sixty, but Connor wasn’t old enough to have remembered their real names either. They changed their names to hide, so they couldn’t be traced to their clan, and tried to convince Connor to change his name too. But Connor didn’t want to change his name, he didn’t understand the danger, so they relented. To protect him though, Nines and Sixty only called Connor “Vod’ika” (little sibling) while they were in public, and “Connor” only in private. Connor didn’t know the word had a meaning, just that it was what his brothers called him, so Connor misunderstood and thought that their Clan name (last name) was “Vod’ika”. Neither Nines nor Sixty had the heart to correct him. Only Nines knew the trouble their parents had been in, only he knew they had been part of the Black Sun syndicate as well but had been killed trying to escape for a better life. They died saving the three brothers, and Nines took the blame for it. Sixty didn’t care about guilt and was full of anger for the Mandalorian royalty that let things like this happen to the Mandalorian people without caring to help them. Nines resented them too, though not as much, and Connor just did whatever his older brothers did. (Connor is the youngest, Nines the oldest, and Sixty middle child, because that's just their vibes, and as an eldest child myself I can say with full confidence that Connor most definitely is not.)

When they were all adults, they heard about Kyber Life, and all decided to work there on Concordia both for extra protection and the money. When Kamski left, they stayed, believing Perkins Vizsla’s lies that the Mandalorian Royalty was corrupt and greedy, and wanted to eradicate Kyber Life for daring to advance. Connor was the first to realise the true ways of Kyber Life, and he left without telling Nines or Sixty, because even after revealing his findings to them, they were too loyal to Kyber Life. Connor instead joined Markus’s side, becoming his advisor against Kyber Life. It was the first thing Connor ever did without his brothers, and he was scared, but he wanted to take Kyber Life down, and his brothers didn’t believe him.

Gavin, Clan Reed, House Kast, was raised by Maria Reed in a poor home in Sundari city. (I headcanon his mom’s name being Maria, idk why.) Maria had been part of the Mandalorian Guard, and she knew Hank and Fowler, but she left after sustaining a debilitating injury to her leg due to a bomb that exploded in the town square where she had been standing guard. Because of this, she encouraged Gavin to attend the Academy rather than join the Guard because she cares about his safety. Gavin tries to go to the Academy, he really tries, but he’s not doing the best, he has the Mandalorian equivalent of undiagnosed ADHD. And then Maria’s health starts to decline, and she can no longer do her mid pay job, so Gavin quits the Academy and joins the Guard so he can get paid and take care of her.

Gavin quit the Academy just a few days before Kamski first began teaching there.

Gavin met his father all of two times, and neither of them were good times. Maria told Gavin that his father was the head of Clan Kamski, and Gavin knew who Elijah was, but they’ve never met. When his father is outcast from Clan Kamski, Gavin doesn’t ever see him again. He has no interest in meeting Elijah and he’s jealous of Elijah’s wealth and stability when he’s struggling to support himself and his mom. He doesn’t resent his mother though and he doesn’t regret it. Mandalorians have a strong sense of family, and he’s bitter that Elijah doesn’t seem to care about his family.

Gavin manages to help his mom back to health, but by then he’s been in the Guard for too long and doesn’t bother going back to the Academy. Maria feels like it’s her fault but Gavin doesn’t blame her. He’s also made friends with Hank and Fowler and enjoys his work.

Once Kamski returns to Mandalore after leaving Kyber Life, he meets Chloe - Clan Wren, House Vizsla - who took his place as the professor of science at Mandalore Royal Academy. He doesn’t mind, and they become friends and Kamski respects her. Kamski decides to run for president of the Academy and he wins that election. This is how he starts his attempt to raise support against Kyber Life: he does lectures at the Academy on how he started Kyber Life, how he wanted it to be, and what it has become now that Perkins Vizsla has taken over. He basically starts a highschool revolution.

Chloe was very sweet and compassionate, but she at times had a very traditional Mandalorian mindset about progressing through more action-based means. On one of the few times she was able to visit the Palace, she began a conversation with North, who was surprised to find that someone as innocent looking as Chloe was so on the side of violence. North… fell in love with her pretty quickly, and Chloe took every chance she could get to visit the Palace and see North. Markus and Simon both saw how the two women acted around each other and would tease North relentlessly about not acting on her crush. Simon even offered to tell Chloe for her, and North threatened to kill him if he did.

A while later, after Connor has left Kyber Life, Nines is sent on a mission to eradicate a noble family of Mandalorians whom Kyber Life claims stole from them. Kyber Life says this noble family is going to try to attack KL with their stolen gear, and Nines must go and assassinate them before they attack. Nines goes in the night to assassinate them, but Connor tipped off Markus’s Protectors with the condition that they don’t hurt Nines, and Markus agrees and sends them to ambush Nines. Nines fights them all off, but Gavin overhears the commotion on one of his rounds and shows up, sees Nines beating up the Royal Guard, and he gets in on the fight. While Nines is busy fighting North, the only one left standing, Gavin takes advantage of his distractedness and takes him on. Gavin is the only one who manages to take Nines down, mostly because Nines isn’t expecting it and is busy fighting North, and Gavin helps the Protectors shackle Nines. Gavin goes to leave but North stops him, asks him to come with them because he helped take down Nines and deserves to be rewarded. Gavin doesn’t want to, he doesn’t care, but North insists, and Gavin gets the idea that he can’t say no to this. So he goes with them, and helps report to Markus what happened.

Connor asks Nines if he realises what he’d actually been sent to do. Nines relays what Kyber Life had told him, and Connor and Markus reveal that the family he’d been sent to assassinate was actually two noble women and their two small children; they hadn’t stolen anything from KL, and they weren’t planning on attacking Kyber Life either. Kyber Life wanted them dead because they were working with Kamski to spread the word about Kyber Life’s true nature, and KL wanted them silenced due to their money and influence. Nines is horrified, he didn’t know, and he hadn’t realised how bad Kyber Life had become. He says he would gladly join Markus, but he understands if Markus chooses not to trust him and chooses to execute him for attempted murder. Markus pardons him, trusting Connor’s judgement of his brother and giving Nines the second chance Markus feels he deserves. Nines wants to go back for Sixty but Connor fears Sixty still won’t leave, because he’s more intensely loyal to Kyber Life than either of them ever were. Connor suggests Nines goes back as a double agent instead, and they’ll give him fake proof that he “killed” the family, while Markus sends the family into hiding. Nines agrees, and leaves.

After Gavin took him down, Nines kept his eyes on him, and as Nines is leaving, he pauses before Gavin, looks at him, and turns back to Markus. Nines informs Markus that Gavin was the one to take him down and that perhaps his skill was being wasted on the regular Guard. Then Nines winks at Gavin, and leaves. Gavin is already drooling over him but tries to play it cool.

Markus decides to promote Gavin to the Mandalorian Protectors due to his service, and Gavin is honoured and accepts the offer. This also means that he and his mother now get to live in the palace, and they get a room that’s bigger than their entire home. Maria is proud of him and he's grateful she finally gets the life of comfort and stability she deserves.

One day, while Gavin is training with North on his new duties as a Protector, Elijah comes to the Palace with news on their efforts against Kyber Life. He passes Gavin and North, and pauses. He’d heard, of course, that a “Gavin Reed” had joined the Mandalorian Protectors, but he hadn’t expected it to be his half-brother - but upon seeing Gavin for the first time, Elijah knew it was him. He introduces himself, acknowledging how they’re related, and Gavin is a little abrasive, but Elijah doesn’t care. He’s fascinated by how different they are. North tells him to fuck off in a friendly way, because he’s clearly making Gavin uncomfortable, and Elijah leaves. Later, when Gavin tells his mother that he met Elijah, she insists that Gavin invite him over because she has to meet him. Gavin speaks to Elijah the next day and begrudgingly asks him to come over and meet his mom, and Elijah agrees. Gavin dreads it but Maria is very excited to meet Elijah. Gavin and Kamski don’t get along at first; Gavin still holds resentment that Elijah never seemed to care about him or his well being, and Elijah doesn’t understand why he should have because they didn’t know about each other’s existence until they were teenagers, and Elijah was already getting busy with his early teaching career and technological advancements. They’ll eventually start to get along, but they’re going to clash for a bit at first.

Finally getting into his new role as Royal Protector, Gavin makes friends with North surprisingly quickly; they both have the same sense of crude humour, and get along well. Then Gavin meets another one of the Protectors, Tina - Clan Chen, House Kast - and finds she’s very similar to them as well. They become their own little friend group within the Protectors. Tina had a crush on North for the longest time, but claims that she’s over it now and is just waiting for the right woman to come along. Gavin still teases her about it though.

Nines returns to Concordia with his fake evidence of having killed the family, and Perkins believes it. Nines goes to Sixty and brainstorms how he could possibly try to convince his brother that Kyber Life is the enemy, and they were wrong. Nines presents his evidence to Sixty, who does believe him, but he just isn’t ready to believe that Kyber Life is in the wrong yet. He thinks that, while KL’s methods are pretty violent, the royal family doesn’t care about them and would rather see them all killed than help them, so he is going to keep following Kyber Life’s mission. He doesn’t rat out Nines, but they grow tense. Nines is only hanging out at Kyber Life to keep looking out for Sixty, but Sixty seems entirely committed.

On Mandalore, Hank gets word that Gavin has joined the Royal Protectors and wants to bring Cole to see the Palace. Gavin manages to get them a visit, and as they’re walking the halls, they run into Connor. Cole likes him immediately; he thinks Connor is super cool and smart and tall, and he wants Connor to give him piggyback rides around the Palace, to which Connor happily agrees. As Connor talks with Hank, he reveals that he doesn’t know his real Clan, or his House, as his parents had died when he was too young to remember, and he’d been raised by his older brothers. Hank starts to have a soft spot for this kid who lost everything and was now doing everything he could to help others. Hank is around more often after that, and he takes Connor under his wing, treating him like a son.

Back to Kara and Luther, their new Clan Jericho has gained many new members, adult and child alike, and they’ve reached the ears of the Mand’alor. At first they’re worried Markus might be mad at them for doing something untraditional, but Markus is nothing like that, and he is happy about what they’re doing. He makes Clan Jericho an honorary Royal Clan, meaning it now has the full protection of the throne and House Kryze, like a legitimate Clan. Kara and Luther are beyond joyful. Simon falls in love with him even more. Alice makes friends with some other foundlings at the Academy and invites them to join her clan. Connor hears about Jericho and, while he’s sad there wasn’t anything like that for him and his brothers when they were young, he’s happy that so many Mandalorian children are being adopted and dubbed “Foundlings” now. Kara asked Connor if he’d like to join Clan Jericho, because he doesn’t have a Clan either, but he holds off. He feels like the only Clan he’d want to belong to was Anderson, thinking of Hank like a father. Hank knows Connor is already an adult, but Mandalorians are committed to their families and belonging to a Clan, regardless of age; so when Hank asks Connor if he’d like to join Clan Anderson as his adopted son, Connor wholeheartedly agrees. He only hopes Nines and Sixty will want to join him when they return to Mandalore.

On Concordia, Nines keeps in secret contact with Connor, who was named an enemy of Kyber Life. Connor tells him about Hank adopting him, and that Hank would be more than happy to adopt him and Sixty into his Clan as well if they wanted. Nines wants to - Connor has talked a lot about Hank, and Nines appreciates him beyond words for taking care of his youngest brother for him - but he just can’t leave Sixty behind. Nothing seems to be working though and he’s not sure what to do. He just hopes that Sixty will see the truth before it’s too late.

Sixty’s loyalty and devotion to Kyber Life doesn’t go unnoticed, and Perkins decides to name Sixty his acting General. Perkins sends him on solo missions, with the intent of spying and retrieving information that would benefit KL, as well as assassinating rival faction/syndicate members and disrupting trade. Perkins suspects Nines, and is trying to use Sixty to have leverage over Nines in case he tries anything.

One day, Sixty is sent to take a small ship and plant bombs on some trading ships set to arrive on Mandalore the following morning. He’s told the ships are actually carrying war supplies that the Mand’alor intends to use to weaponise more Mandalorians to help attack Kyber Life. Before Sixty manages to complete his mission, he’s caught and captured by the Captain of one of the ships. When he wakes up, he’s being held in the ship’s brig, and the Captain begins to question him. Sixty angrily tells the Captain everything, saying he has nothing to hide, because he thinks his cause is just. The Captain reveals that, yes, there are weapons and other such supplies on this ship, including datapads and school supplies, because they’re being delivered to Elijah Kamski, not the Mand’alor, and they’re for the Academy, not the Royal Protectors. Sixty is confused, doesn’t believe the Captain, but the Captain decides that if Sixty doesn’t cause trouble, he’ll drop him back off on Concordia and be on his way. Sixty asks for the Captain’s name, and the Captain tells Sixty to call him Allen.

Rather than take him to Concordia, Captain Allen goes directly to Kamski on Mandalore and informs him ahead of time about who’s on board. Kamski knows from Connor who Sixty is, and promises to keep him contained so Allen can leave Mandalore safely.

David, Clan Allen, House Rau and Captain of the Concord Dawn Protectors, was old friends with Kamski when they attended school together prior to the Academy. Elijah had informed him both of Kyber Life’s founding and subsequent corruption, and of Elijah’s campaign to bring them down, being aided by the Mand’alor himself. Captain Allen, as well as those of his House on Concord Dawn, pledged to help bring down Kyber Life before they took over all of Mandalore. Kamski informs Allen of the state of things on Concordia, and Allen gets the idea to contact an old friend who could help him wreak havoc in Kyber Life’s headquarters. They won’t manage to stop KL entirely, but they could at least fuck em up and leave em bleeding. Kamski agrees and informs Markus, who gives his permission so long as Allen and his men act on behalf of Concord Dawn, rather than the throne. Allen happily agrees.

Sixty is of course furious at being lied to about being taken back to Concordia, but while in captivity, Kamski gets Connor to come talk to him. Connor tries everything. Sixty simply thinks he’s been fooled as well, and refuses to do the same. Connor is at a loss for what to do, but then Markus joins him and speaks to Sixty himself. He listens to Sixty’s story about the Mandalorian Royals not caring about him and his brothers, their Clan, and leaving them to die. Markus answers his questions, explains his perspective, and manages to get Sixty to relent, and finally see that where Kyber Life once had a vision of growth, they now have a vision of greed, tyrannical dominion, and control. (Basically Markus uses his knee-weakening Leader Voice and Pretty Words to convince Sixty to “deviate” from his loyalty to Kyber Life, lol.) Sixty is broken down from everything he once believed in, but Connor takes care of him, and so does Hank.

Nines didn’t know any of this was going on, just that Sixty had gone on a mission and hadn’t returned. He became worried, and tried contacting Connor, but was caught by Perkins. Perkins and two of his men overpower Nines and hold him down, but just before Perkins manages to execute Nines, blaster fire from elsewhere causes Perkins and his men to flee. Nines gets up to see unfamiliar figures approaching him. They reveal themselves to be Captain Allen, two of Captain Allen’s fellow Concord Dawn Protectors, and a fourth man who says his name is Daniel. Nines mistakes Daniel for Prime Minister Simon at first, and Daniel admits they’re twins. But that’s besides the point. They all tell Nines their plans to just fuck up Kyber Life best they can before they get caught, and Nines agrees to help, using his insider knowledge. They have to be quick though, because Perkins already knows they’re there, and that Nines is now set free and Pissed Off. They blow up a bunch of shit, steal some tech, Nines gets a whole new set of armour, and then they leave, chased away by the returning blaster fire from Kyber Life, but all safe and alive.

They land back on Mandalore, near Kamski’s place so they’re not associated with the Mand’alor, and they all make the journey to the Palace. There’s a happy, teary reunion between the three brothers, as well as between Daniel and Simon, as the latter had genuinely believed he’d never get to see Daniel again. They catch up, and Daniel tells stories of all the planets he visited, how he met a Jedi and didn’t just attack them, how there’s word of a galactic war starting with droids and clones but who cares about that lol. Daniel also reunites with his mother and sister - Emma is more than happy to have him back and won't let him out of a hug, and he and Caroline have a silent mutual understanding before they embrace too.

A year after all of this first went down, Markus feels they finally have enough support against Kyber Life to take them down. He doesn't want a war, but he will lead one if they force his hand. (North approves.)

Amidst all of this, everyone's been working together very closely and have grown closer as a result.

Hank has finalised his adoption of Nines, Sixty, and Connor into his Clan. They are all now Clan Anderson, and they couldn't be more happy or grateful. Cole, too, is overjoyed to now have three new older brothers.

Chloe and North got together, and it was actually Chloe who began courting North first. North is just a simp and Chloe is such a supportive girlfriend (which is a canon word in star wars lmao).

Gavin and Nines aren't together yet, but there's lots of tension and it's only a matter of time.

Markus has plans to propose to Simon - he was going to wait until after Kyber Life was taken down, but when he talked to North about it she told him to cut the shit and ask him before, give them both something else to look forward to after. So Markus takes Simon to the Palace garden, alone, and proposes, and of course Simon says yes. They agree to hold off getting married until after Kyber Life has fallen. And Simon has learned by now that no matter how many times he brings up his concern that they shouldn't be together because of their positions, Markus won't hear it, and now Simon doesn't care either.

Kara and Luther become more involved with the royal business, especially with the Academy's collaboration. Kara and Luther, with help from Kamski and Chloe, were able to trace lots of corruption - both within the Academy, and on Mandalore itself - back to Kyber Life, and have gathered it as evidence to help Markus.

Markus confronts Perkins Vizsla and tells him that if he doesn't shut down Kyber Life immediately and cede all of Kyber Life's property to the Mand'alor and his people, they will go to war. Of course Perkins refuses, because he cannot be negotiated with, and so Markus as Mand’alor leads the Mandalorians into battle against Kyber Life.

Kara and Luther stay on Mandalore to provide backup and protect the children of Mandalore, the new foundlings of Jericho, and the Palace. Nines, Connor, and Sixty join Markus's Protectors to fight alongside them. Markus leads front and centre. Josh stayed behind with Kara and Luther, unwilling to fight unless absolutely necessary. North of course is more than willing. Markus tried to get Simon to stay behind, but Simon refused to not be by Markus's side through any fight. Markus lost that argument, so Simon came and fought right at Markus's side, North on his other side. Connor and his brothers used their previous knowledge of Kyber Life to help infiltrate it, and Sixty admitted that he knew of others who had wanted to leave KL but didn't feel safe to, but they would join Markus if he called to them, so he does, and they join.

A huge battle ensues on Concordia. Markus even got any Concord Dawn Protectors who could join him, to join. Captain Allen took his place alongside Connor, Nines, and Sixty, the latter being slightly fascinated by this mysterious Captain who had lied to him and thus saved his life. Daniel joined too, as did Chloe, but Kamski - not much of a fighter - stayed back to provide technical support. Gavin of course is with Markus's Protectors. He and Nines had a moment before the battle started, and Gavin almost kissed him, but held back. He could wait.

During the battle, Markus gets shot by a Kyber blaster in his iron heart in just the right way that it flies off. It protected him, of course, but it's damaged and won't protect him again if he gets hit there. Simon pulls him away from the fray to tend to him, and begins to replace Markus's broken iron heart with his own. "Our iron hearts are compatible. You have to take mine." Markus refuses, and tries to push Simon away, but Simon once again wins the argument and gives Markus his iron heart. Markus makes him promise not to get hit, and Simon says he'll try.

They manage to infiltrate Kyber Life successfully, and move to apprehend Perkins and take him in to face justice. But when they get there, Perkins has a very much alive Amanda held at blaster point. Turns out Perkins had simply imprisoned her within KL to use as leverage when needed, which was now. Markus wasn't going to risk Amanda's life if he could help it, so he tries to stop and reason with Perkins. North insists he just kill him. Simon says nothing. Perkins demands they leave and allow KL to continue operating as usual, or he'll kill Amanda, and then everyone else. Markus can't let that happen, and tries to appeal to any compassion Perkins may have left for the people of Mandalore. But he has none. Then Amanda tells Perkins to kill her - she means nothing, she can do nothing more, and she won't let herself be what keeps Markus from acting for the betterment of his people. She won't be used as a tool against her Mand’alor. Perkins agrees with her, but before Markus can react, Perkins aims his blaster at Simon instead of Amanda, and shoots. He hits Simon square in the chest, and Simon flies back, unconscious.

Markus absolutely loses his shit. He yells and ignites his jetpack, flying directly into Perkins before the latter can ready his blaster again. He takes out Perkins and they begin fighting. Markus bests him, and continues hitting him. He probably would have killed Perkins, but North steps in and pulls him away. She orders Gavin to cuff Perkins, and he does. Markus snaps out of it and runs to Simon. He's still breathing, but it's shallow, and he's unresponsive. Markus leaves immediately, Captain Allen flying him back, so he can get Simon to the Palace's medbay ASAP. Connor bros help the Protectors cleanup and round up the last of Kyber Life's supporters, loading them all onto the other ships to take back to Mandalore.

In the Palace medbay, Markus is told that Simon is alive, but fading. They'll do everything they can, but they can't promise anything. They tell Markus that the blaster bolt didn't fully enter Simon's chest and the wound was cauterised before he could bleed out, so there's hope, but they still can't be sure. Markus doesn't leave his side for a second. He doesn't eat, or sleep, and only leaves briefly for the restroom, but eventually stops doing even that. He's there for three whole days and nights. Everyone's worried for him, and his absence is causing the trial against Perkins and Kyber Life to be postponed. North voices her concern that the longer they wait, the more they risk Perkins trying to escape before his trial. But Markus is incorrigible. He's a mess, and everyone is concerned. North tells Chloe that she's worried that if they lose Simon, they may lose Markus as well.

After the third day, Simon becomes stabilised, but he still hasn't woken up. Markus finally manages to leave, but he's distracted the whole time. He begins the trial against Perkins, but he's especially cold. No one - besides Josh - really disagrees with how Markus is treating Perkins, because everyone hates Perkins, but it's definitely not right of him to do. Nines offers to help him, legally, as he's had the most experience with and knowledge of Kyber Life and all of its proceedings. Nines becomes something of Markus's lawyer, and Josh represents Perkins - not because he wants to, but because he's the only one who can do so in a fair and just way (as in, without just killing Perkins then and there). Kara helps with the legal proceedings as well, and brings the Academy students and foundlings of Jericho to act as the jury alongside the people of Mandalore, saying that their future generations have been greatly impacted by Kyber Life and Perkins's actions, and thus must be included in bringing them to justice. Markus agrees, and only steps in when necessary. Simon's Council takes their place too, but without Simon they appear a little lost. Markus relates.

Kamski attends a bit of the proceedings, but he's too angry with Perkins as well to hear him out. He also hears of Simon's state, and goes to try to help him. He gets the help of Amanda too, and together they work with the medics to try to heal Simon completely. They work on him for another day, but despite Kamski's improvised gadgets, Simon doesn't seem to be getting any better. On the fifth day, Hank visits the Palace with Cole in tow, meaning to check up on his now adopted sons. Alice tags along, as she's been bored in the Palace since Kara began working with the legal proceedings, and she's friends with Cole now. They go to see Simon as they'd also heard of his injury, and that he hadn't woken up yet. The medics let them come up to his bed. They both like Simon, as he's always been nice to them and has even played with them before when he wasn't busy, so they're sad to see him this way.

The medics, Kamski, Amanda, and Hank watch as the two children look at each other and seem to have a silent conversation, before they both place a hand over Simon's chest. Hank goes to stop them, but Amanda stops him, and tells him to wait. There's a slight glow at their hands - not a real light, but something of an essence, an energy. After a minute, both children pull away. They glance at each other and laugh. Then Simon jolts up, wide awake and panting. Everyone except for the kids and Amanda are shocked about what happened. Once the medics get Simon calmed down, and confirm that he's been completely healed, Amanda explains to everyone that Cole and Alice are force sensitive children. She says she sensed it as soon as she met them, but said nothing. She also tells everyone they must be protected, and kept away from the Jedi, at all costs. Hank more than agrees, and promises to relay the information to Kara.

That afternoon, Markus is leaving the court to visit Simon again, and sees him sitting up in his bed. Markus runs to him, holding him as tight as he can without hurting him, and he cries. It's the first time Simon has seen him cry, and his heart breaks at Markus's state.

Once he finally calms down, and after he's finished kissing all over Simon's face, he is called back to the court to finish his ruling against Perkins. He manages to give a final, fair ruling, and tells Perkins that he is only being shown mercy because he failed to kill Simon. Markus promises him that if he had killed Simon, he would spend the rest of his life rotting in hell. Perkins, for once, has nothing to say. He's taken away and thrown in a special jail aboard one of Concord Dawn's ships. Simon is proud of Markus's ruling, but a little concerned with how everyone's acting towards him.

Later that day, North tells Simon everything that happened while he was out: mostly how Markus behaved as a result of Simon's state. Simon is entirely understanding, because he knows if they had been reversed, he would've acted the same. In fact, he doesn't believe he would have shown Perkins mercy regardless, had he harmed Markus. And so he's proud of Markus. But North insists they talk about it, because she is disappointed with Markus lmao. Simon agrees.

He confronts Markus about it. Markus admits that he couldn't act as Mand’alor while Simon was hurt, that he was constantly scared and spiralling and couldn't focus. Simon reiterates his fear that they shouldn't have gotten together because of their positions. Markus tells him it would be worse if he couldn't have Simon by his side in every way.

For the first time since being made the ruler of Mandalore, Markus is unsure of his place. He tells Simon he thinks he should step down, pass the title to someone else. He says he feels weak - that if Simon had been lost, then he would have been lost too. He can't rule without Simon, he can't BE without Simon. Markus says that no matter how hard he tried to keep this from happening, Simon has become his priority. And Markus knows that isn't fair to his people. But he can't help it. Simon feels guilty of course, though Markus tells him not to be. That if he didn't have Simon now, he would truly be lost.

They start to discuss who might take Markus's place as Mand'alor. Then they hear a scuffle break out down the hall, and they rush to see. It's a conflict between two foundlings, no older than 15, but they are almost immediately broken up by Kara. She separates them and chastises them, and she is as strict as she is caring. Markus and Simon meet eyes, and share a nod and a smile. She's perfect.

Markus asks Kara to run as Mand'alor elect against him, and at first she refuses. She says she'd vote for Markus over herself any day. Markus says that's exactly why she's perfect for the role. She finally agrees to run, only under the condition that Markus agrees to run Jericho for her in her place, becoming Jericho's honorary leader. Markus graciously accepts. Kara still thinks she won't win against him, but she doesn't know that Markus plans to reach out to the people on her behalf. Markus tells the Mandalorians exactly why he wishes to step down, and the majority believes his decision to be honourable, and so they do not hold it against him. Likewise, Kara had made quite a name for herself on Mandalore, both through the Academy, and through Jericho. The people are more than happy to accept her as their new ruler, and she wins the vote.

Kara takes her new place as Mand'alor, with Alice and Luther living in the Palace with her. Everyone who had lived in the Palace stays too, as she refuses to let Markus leave his home just because he's no longer their ruler. She also seeks his council, and makes him her Advisor as well. Simon remains as her Prime Minister, North the head Protector, etc etc basically everyone keeps their same positions except for Markus.

Markus meets a Mandalorian woman named Rose who had been responsible for most of the foundlings reaching Jericho safely, and her son Adam, who was wary of the foundlings at first but now considers them family. Rose is honoured by Kara as well, and she and Adam are granted permission to grow Jericho’s reach outside of Sundari City.

Alice and Cole take up training with Amanda, who is also force sensitive and has evaded the Jedi her whole life. She shows them how to wield the force as Mandalorians, not as Jedi. To value love, and connections with other living beings, more than politics and control. To value family above toxic individualism or needless separation. To be better than any Jedi in the Order could hope to be. (Is it obvious yet that I despise the Order? Anyways.) Amanda enlists the help of Lucy, an old friend of hers who she says is the wisest force user she's ever known. Lucy is another Mandalorian, and she's very strong in the force and wise beyond her years (think Rebels epilogue Ahsoka - that's who she reminds me of). Lucy has the force gift of Precognition, meaning she can see visions into the future. Cole and Alice both have force healing, which Alice picked up learning about in the Academy library and told Cole all about it. Amanda has psychometry, so she can sense the past through the force's echo (inspired by @itsybitsybatsyspider <3)

During all of this, Nines spending more time at the Palace for the trial meant he and Gavin had even more time together. As soon as he sees Gavin again, Nines kisses him without hesitation, saying he's making up for Gavin's indecisiveness before the battle. Gavin kisses him back. They finally start dating. Connor, Sixty, and Hank are all fucking relieved.

Tina gets over her crush on North and meets a cute Mandalorian woman during one of her rounds. They start meeting up and eventually start going out as well. Gavin thought he'd get to stop hearing Tina go on and on about pining over a pretty girl once she finally got a girlfriend, but alas, now she's worse about it. Only fair, as Tina had to listen to him pine over Nines for a whole year.

Simon and Markus finally get married, and it is glorious. Kara oversees it as the new Mand'alor, and Carl officiates. North is Markus's best man, and Daniel is Simon's. Josh is the ring bearer.

A few weeks after the wedding, a stranger appears in a strange ship and in strange armour. He looks almost like a bounty hunter, not a single Mandalorian look to him. However, once he removes his helmet, he reveals himself to be none other than the missing and thought dead Leo Manfred. Carl is both ecstatic that he's alive and absolutely furious that he left allowing Carl to believe he was dead for so long. Markus is happy to finally meet his brother. Leo is jealous of him at first, but eventually warms up to him. Leo never wanted to be Mand'alor, and he's glad someone as capable as Markus took his spot, and now Kara. He also gets along surprisingly well with North, and they become a dynamic duo who play pranks on everyone.

North one-ups Chloe by proposing to her first. Chloe is surprised North really wants to marry as she'd seemed adverse to it before, but North says she decides she wants to marry as long as it's Chloe. Even more surprisingly, when Chloe says she wants to start a family and have a Clan of their own, North wholeheartedly agrees, and they immediately set out to take in Foundlings of Jericho.

Markus and Simon are taking it slow in the adopting kids aspect, unsure of whether or not they will, but they spend enough time looking after Emma as she and Simon have grown closer recently. Mandalorians are very reverent of their families, of family units and clans, and Markus and Simon know that if a child in need crosses their path, they'll rise to the challenge together.

Kara rules with a firm yet gentle hand; she is patient and kind, passionate and bold, wise and strong willed (think Duchess Satine with the same fire, but Kara is not a pacifist coward oops). Alice doesn't plan on taking her place someday, and Kara isn't going to take away her childhood to raise her as the next Mand'alor. Alice and Cole have become best buds and they have so much fun learning from Amanda and Lucy about the force. Emma watches in too, and likes to play with them, but she's not force sensitive like they are. They don't care though, they're just happy to have another friend.

That’s kinda all I’ve got now. Maybe, someday, I will write this as a whole fic. But definitely no time soon. I just had to get all my thoughts out.

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ask-fantasy-sanders-sides · 2 years

Note

Would you explain the rules, please? I like to hear them interpreted by each party participating - 🌫

Horace thinks for a minute about his last statement, then smirks,

"It's more like sava than chess in that way, I suppose. Have you ever played the game, or seen it played?” He nods, “You should ask someone to show you. A delightful game. A bit too advanced for my children, but I digress.

“My disciples play chess in a specific way. You see, Janus isn't playing to win as much as to preserve. He does not want to lose a single piece. Meanwhile, the more ruthless Szuihsa wants to win by leaving him with nothing.

“Therefore, mostly for Janus's sake, I have added two rules to our game. One handicap for each of my children.

“To keep Szuihsa playing fair, I implemented the rule of Equivalence:

“Each of them can only make a move that they are certain the other can counter, and each move must be not too much stronger than the last. They may steadily increase or decrease, but only steadily.

“This is where the strength of strategy becomes most important,” Horace chuckles, “Because Szuihsa wants to send her more dangerous pieces. She wants Janus’s friends to die or leave him, remember? But she can only send the minions that he could reasonably survive, and barely up the ante each move she makes. Janus wants his friends to be strong enough to survive anything she throws at them, but if he allows them to become too strong, then she might send something devastating their way.

“And I must be fair,” Horace sighs, “So Janus got a handicap as well. To keep him playing fair, I implemented the rule of Honor:

“Either player might propose a deal to the other at any time. A conditional truce. I must be aware of all deals when they're struck, so I might make sure they're being followed, but if a deal has been betrayed the burden of proof relies on the party that was wronged.

“This is where the strength of charisma becomes most important,” He laughs, “For these deals can be worded very specifically, allowing or preventing loopholes. Janus is more manipulative then the Sister, so he has many times convinced her to take a deal that he never intended to keep his end on, tricking her into believing he would. That is no longer allowed, thanks to our rule of Honor.”

Horace preens a little in pride.

“They are both smart, though each is smarter than the other in different ways. Janus has my silver tongue and charm, while Szuihsa the Dragon Witch shares my passion for Dragons and talent in the sciences. What I did not expect, watching them play, is their pride. I am by no means innocent myself, but those two...”

He shakes his head fondly,

“Now, Janus has informed me that Szuihsa has broken both rules.

“While it was tough to convince me she had broken Honor — She promised she would leave "Virgil" unharmed if Janus were to steal things for her from the capital, and she went back on this — she has definitely broken Equivalence.

“Jisiri would be a match for Virgil and Remus in their original states, but with Virgil the way he is now, that is no longer true. She has stepped out of bounds in sending a ‘rook’ for two ‘pawns,’ so to speak.

“Because of this, as referee, it is time for me to balance the scales once more.”

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Ask 134.1 (Interlude 8)

Game Start

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Rules

Most Recent Recap, in case you feel like you missed something!

PCs available: Patton, Roman, Virgil, Janus?, and Annie!

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Horace explains the “game” being played by Janus and the Dragon Witch!

#character horace #lets roll #ask fantasy sanders sides #game mechanics #ttrpgau art #rpgau dragon witch #long post #🌫#please tell me if i need to tag anything else!

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mpfuro-station · 2 years

Text

Ronald Karus

“Don’t blink, or else you’ll miss me becoming the apex predator!”

Based on Ronno from Bambi

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Name: Ronald Karus

Other Names:

Ron

Ronny

Buck (Leona)

Manatee (Floyd)

Monsieur Cerf (Rook)

Age: 16

Birthday: June 26

Sign: Cancer

Height: 177 cm

Eye Color: Hazel

Hair: Red-Brown

Homeland: Pyroxene

Family:

Unnamed Mother

Deceased Father

School Year: First

Class: 1D no. 11

Best Subject: Practical Magic

Club: Spelldrive

Dominant Hand: Left

Likes: Gardening, senior citizens, racing

Dislikes: turtles, fuzzy things, video games

Favorite Food: Cauliflower Lemon Pasta

Least Favorite Food: Yams

Hobby: Model Building

Talents: Scrapbooking

Unique Magic: None

Trivia:

His last name, Karus, is from the character of Ronno’s friend in the original book Bambi is based on

He hates admitting that he is good at “old people” hobbies

Ron will always leave a room last because he tends to get his horns caught in doorways. He doesn’t want to keep people, plus it’s embarrassing.

Father used to be a Magic Wheel Racer

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Backstory:

Ronald had an average family in a moderate town. Up until his dad died, that is. Ronald was seven when he passed. His mother was devastated, and their average world was thrown for a loop. His mother already worked hard, she had been the primary bread winner, but now she had to add homemaker to her list.

Thankfully, some of the older neighbors lent a hand to help raise the young Ronny. They were keen on spoiling the deer beastman with praise and caused him to grow quite the ego because of it. Ronald thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread. He wants to be known as the greatest, just like his dad was.

He sucks at a lot of things though. Fake it till you make it is what they always say! Ronny may say the wrong thing, or mess up greatly, but he is going to do it with the confidence of a pro! Ronald Karus will be a household name!

#twisted_wonderland #twisted wonderland oc #twisted oc #bio #ronald lore

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missvifdor · 3 years

Text

My MC /OC /YUU, in the doorframe of the entrance to Ramshackle:

My MC /OC /YUU: W -Why ..? Grimm, I'm not crazy, it's not my birthday. Or yours yet?

Grimm: No but I'm not going to complain, it smells so good! * Dive into the assembly of packages and gift packages in pink and red *

* The First Year Gang arrives to look for MC for classes like every morning *

Deuce: Eh! I didn't know you were so popular MC!

My MC /OC /YUU: Me? Popular? I reassure you right away, in my world I was considered as the weird and silent child of the class. So popular I have never been very popular.

Ace: Do you know at least what day we have?

My MC /OC /YUU: No ...?

Jack: It's Valentine's Day * Sniff the air * Ugh! All this sugar gives me stomach ache and toothache ...

Grimm: It's so good MC! * Eyes that glow * Free chocolate! I'm going to be happy to eat it all!

Epel: Easy, Grimm, they're at MC you should ask her before you binge without permission.

Grimm: * Touching eyes and adorable gaze *

My MC /OC /YUU: * Sigh * Isn't that risking your health at least? I mean .. you really look like a cat and chocolate is poison to them.

Grimm: Who do you take me for? A vulgar animal? I'm a monster, obviously I can eat anything!

My MC /OC /YUU: Alright. You can take it but out of the question that you abuse it and fall ill afterwards, understand?

Grimm: You are the best Dorm Leader! Yahoou! * Plunges back among the packages happily *

Sebek: IF WE DON'T HURRY, WE WILL BE LATE FOR CLASSES!

My MC /OC /YUU: Sorry, Sebek, I'm making you late ... Go ahead I'll take the packages inside and I'll join you!

Jack: Do not be ridiculous, we will help you it will go faster.

* Our happy group of friends are going to their first class of the day *

* My MC /OC /YUU going to sit in his usual place *

My MC /OC /YUU: Is it really happening ...? * Turns all red * I even get flowers, now.

Ace: * Smirk * You look so shocked, like this is the first time this has happened to you, Hehe!

My MC /OC /YUU: ....

Deuce: Is this the first time this has happened to you ?!

My MC /OC /YUU: I told you before, I was not very popular and not very pretty. Boys and girls aren't really used to looking around in my path and neither am I.

Ace and Deuce: * Mumbles * His world must be filled with blind people ...

* Later that day they pass Cater, Trey and Riddle *

Cater: * Put his arm around MC's shoulders * Hello lovely young lady! What are you planning to give me for Valentine's Day? Although, you know I prefer the salty.

Riddle: Cater! This is inappropriate!

My MC /OC /YUU: Don't worry, Riddle. Well Cater, I completely forgot that it was today and I don't have a present for you, I'm sorry. Besides, why do I have to offer you one, we are not in a relationship?

Trey: Tradition has it that girls give chocolates to their friends and loved one. Doesn't that work in your world?

My MC /OC /YUU: Actually, no. Valentine's Day is only a day for couples, at least that's how it is in my country but I know that in Japan, another country, it works the same as Twisted Wonderland. But if you really want chocolates, I can make some for you, that makes me happy! I'm only sorry I didn't give them to you on the right date ...

Riddle: Don't bother if you don't want to, MC!

My MC /OC /YUU: I really don't mind, I would only need to borrow the kitchens from Heatslabyul. That of Ramshackle is not sufficiently equipped or even in good condition to work in good conditions. Dust is falling from the ceiling all the time, I wouldn't want that to end up in the preparation.

Trey: It works, come see me after class when you finish I'll give you the keys to the kitchen.

* Later that day, in Heatslabyul's kitchen *

My MC /OC /YUU: Well let's see ... Rose and violet chocolates are for Riddle. The orange and blood citrus ones are for Trey. The spicy beef and chicken mini skewers are for Cater. Ace has his pastry cream strawberries. Deuce to his red berry and chocolate pancakes. Leona ... Her filet mignon meal basket with sweet and salty honey. Ruggie his donuts and donuts are ready, all they need to do is garnish and fill them. Jack doesn't like things that are too sweet or unhealthy ... so a mango and coconut sorbet. Azul pays close attention to her figure, so poached pears in honey. Jade un Canteloupe and blueberries with green tea and lime. Floyd strawberry chocolates in the shape of shrimp and sea animals. Kalim and Jamil hot chili chocolates and rhubarb and date jam that they can put on homemade brioche toast. Vil, Rook and Epel fresh fruit salad, French pancakes with rum and apple clafoutis. Idia ... chocolate and peanut butter pop cake with a Bubble Tea with tapioca pearls and mango and candies for Ortho. Malleus popsicles in the shape of a gargoyle and a bouquet of chocolate in the shape of roses, Lilia macaroons with mint and vanilla in the shape of a bat, Sebek ... A mini figurine of Malleus in dark chocolate and food coloring, for Silver it will be passion fruit Pasteis De Nata. And Grimm ... Squid with seafood and vegetables. Lord! I've never cooked for so many people! I'll put it all in the fridge and go home!

* My MC /OC /YUU coming home exhausted *

My MC /OC /YUU collapsing on Ramshackle's living room couch: Lord! I am so tired!

Grimm: Your hands smell full of delicious smells! Am I going to have some too?

My MC /OC /YUU: * Smells his hands and grimaces * Ugh! It especially smells like chocolate fish! It makes me sick ... I'm coming back I'll try to make this smell available, by all the gods ...

* Grimm who decides to wait for him while eating another packet of chocolate intended for MC *

Grimm: * Starts at coughed, disgusted * Yuck! These taste too weird !!

My MC /OC /YUU who comes back with his hands washed aggressively: You make a funny face, what's happening to you?

Grimm: These chocolates are too weird, I don't like them.

My MC /OC /YUU : Let me see? * Frowns and takes a chocolate to eat it * * Chew gently * Hmm ... it's true they have a weird aftertaste ... I feel weird ... M-My head spinning ... I can't feel my legs anymore ... * Fainted on the ground *

Grimm: Nyah! MC! Don't move, I'll get help!

* A few hours after taking MC to the infirmary, the strange chocolates were analyzed and an emergency meeting of the leaders and vice-dormitory leaders be given *

Professor Crewel: The results are clear ... The chocolates contained a love potion prepared in the most mediocre manner I have ever seen. So this has the effect on the Prefect of Ramshackle that she is falling into a deep sleep.

Kalim, with tears in his eyes: Is there no cure ?!

Crewel: Yes.

Leona, hiding her concern with aggression: And ?!

Crowley: The only solution for my dear MC to wake up is the ... The kiss of true love ...

Azul: I thought it only existed in children's books .. What if it doesn't work? How is it supposed to work?

Trein: That's the problem. The person kissing MC must be the person they love.

Ace who holds Grimm in his arms because the poor thing is absolutely devastated: Does MC at least love someone ?!

Jade: You are his closest friends, you should know that.

Deuce: MC never talks to us about that kind of thing and neither do we, she says all the time that it's her private life and that it's none of our business .... Oh MC ...

Jamil: Grimm, do you know?

Grimm who sniffs and holds back his tears: NOOooOoo ...!

Ace: Don't worry Grimm, we'll find the person who did this to her and she better be sorry for even entering this school.

Azul: Floyd will certainly be happy to help you find him, he has a special affection for MC.

Riddle: You can count on us too! We will make him regret acting in a manner so disrespectful and dangerous towards MC and the school rules!

Crowley: Come on gentlemen, let's try to act in a neutral and professional manner * Whisper to himself * If I find this little fool I'll be happy to kick him out of this school forever!

Malleus: If you let me deal with this man's case personally, I can assure you that he will never return to this school. Because he won't have any legs at all.

Idia: I'm still going to do some research approach to find out if there are no other solutions with MC!

Ortho: Big Bro, you'll have to come and try to wake MC up with a kiss first.

Idia panics immediately: I- I don't think it will work w-with me! How could MC love a geek like m-me ?!

Ortho, happily: Don't devalue yourself, Big Bro ! You have all your chances!

Rook: Oui, Mon cher, you have every chance! MC must obviously have noticed your unique charm!

Ruggie: * Whispers mockingly * Ah that, to be unique, he is! Shishishishi!

Lilia: * Laugh slightly * Let's see if our dear Idia has the courage to come out of his den.

Vil: That's enough you two, what we're talking about is serious. It is not time for jokes!

Trey, whispering sadly to himself: And to think that a few hours ago MC and I were talking in the kitchen and cooking like nothing had happened ... She had put so much heart into her preparations...

* Everyone is gathered in the infirmary plus the rest of the boys *

Riddle who blushes a lot: So uh ... how do we do it? Are we in line?

Crewel: The best is if you all wait outside and come one by one to Miss MC. If either of you ever wakes her up, I think you both need to discuss it.

The boys went by one by one and finally ....

Twisted boy: Okay ... It's my turn. * Enter the infirmary and approach MC * Hi MC. I'm sorry to kiss you without your consent but ... we have no other solutions at this time. Please forgive me .. * Kiss her *

My MC /OC YUU: * Wakes up coughing very hard until spitting out a piece of half-melted chocolate * WHAT THE HELL ?!

Twisted boy: You're awake! * Hugs her *

My MC /OC /YUU: * hugs him back * What's going on ?!

Twisted boy: * Explain everything to her * That's why I kissed you. Aren't you angry?

My MC /OC /YUU: No, no! I understand that was the only solution, thank you for freeing me from the negligence of the fool who gave me these cursed chocolates!

* My MC /OC /YUU finally realizes what it means *

My MC /OC /YUU: So uh .. Yeah I love you I guess ... But if you don't feel anything for me I totally understand and we can stay like we are now! I promise not to make this awkward or weird!

Twisted boy: Actually, it's good because ... I also feel the same way but I didn't know how to tell you.

My MC /OC /YUU: ... So ... you wanna go on a date with me?

Twisted boy: I would love that!

* Grimm who goes into the infirmary like a cannonball *

Grimm: MC! YOU ARE ALIVE ! MY HANDMAN, YOU WON'T EAT ANY MORE WITHOUT I TASTING IT FIRST! * Hopped into MC's arms to give her a hug *

#Twisted Wonderland MC #Twisted Wonderland Yuu #Twisted Wonderland Grimm #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland imagines #disney twisted wonderland imagine #Disney twisted wonderland #Twisted Wonderland #Twst #twst x reader #Heatslabyul #Savanaclaw #Octavinelle #Scarabia #Pomefiore #Ignihyde #Diasomnia #Ramshackle #Night Raven College

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pollylynn · 2 years

Photo

Title: Valuation WC: 2100 Episode: Hollander’s Woods (7 x 23)

He is properly full of himself. He knows it. He works it, and he works their tolerance for him even when he’s likely this—even when he’s properly insufferable. There’s no reason to have his giant heads delivered to the loft instead of to Black Pawn, no reason at all except he is working this situation, and they’re letting him.

Kate professes her love for accessible, ruggedly handsome Richard Castle, and with that profession, there’s the slightest hint of a salaciously quirked eyebrow. Alexis is almost entirely successful in keeping a straight face as she expresses her appreciation for his serious, brooding self. His mother even pauses in the steady march into her future to let him know she adores his big head in all its many glories.

It’s something of a smokescreen all around. It’s certainly a smokescreen for him. He’s properly full of himself, but it’s not lost on him that he was in need of a fill-up. He’s been playing the role of egotistical playboy for so long that it’s only in moments like these—moments when someone he admires lays a hand on his shoulder, looks him in the eye, and tells him he’s a success—that he feels any kind of certainty about his value. And as he looks at each of them in turn, indulging him in this, but rolling their eyes, shaking their heads, exchanging glances that are fond, but a little bit fed up, he’s pretty sure everyone is in on the smokescreen and exactly why it’s necessary.

He’d feel bad about that, or at least mildly sheepish about it, if they weren’t all aware that the smokescreen has been getting steadily less smokey over these last few years—more than a few now. Things have been getting steadily less smokey since Nikki Heat, since Kate, since the work they do together. In her, in all of that, he has truly found his passion and his purpose.

And yet, he worries that had somehow lost sight of that all too recently. He’s still dying a thousand deaths an hour over Bilal and his missing time. He’s still dying a thousand deaths an hour at the idea that it was some sudden crisis of his sense of his own value that carved a swath of devastation through the lives of those he loves. He has not yet entirely banished the sense that as Brooke the hack morning show host had theorized, his missing time was nothing but a bizarre adventure he’d hopped on to because he had somehow managed to slip off his own best-seller list.

So maybe the smoke has thickened around this award, around his big head, around this timely infusion of the certainty that he is worth something, but it’s temporary. It’s all of them hitting the reset button, all of them moving forward—his mother, up and out of the loft; Alexis holding steady on; he and Kate sallying forth into their well-deserved power couple status.

**************************

The memory does not come to him all at once. Out on the state highway with a scene a hundred times more open than their usual huddle in an alley, in one of New York’s thousand, narrow, canyon-like streets, he doesn’t even notice the body at first. It’s not on the ground, half zipped in a body bag. It’s up on a gurney, but haphazardly covered with a white sheet, splattered with blood. He’s thinking through the details that got them here—a Jane Doe with no record, a bill in an unusual denomination, a keycard, and a cafe receipt.

It’s a convenient convergence that his writer’s mind—his lifetime-achievement-award-winning writer’s mind—likes. He’s filing it away as a plausible path to change of scenery for Nikki, Rook, and the boys when his gaze finally alights on the victim, on the curious mixture of brutal injuries to her body from the collision, and a face that would have been remarkably pretty right until the moment someone carved into it.

And still, the memory does not come to him all at once. It’s a tug from the gravel to the asphalt, it grows sharper and his tone along with it as Trooper Collins shudders at the creep factor of not just the wounds, but the sight reported by the traumatized driver of the truck. It’s dragging him along by the time they get to Woodbury. He is borderline hostile to Walters as he interrogates him about the mask, about its markings. Then it comes to him. Then it crushes him under the weight of it.

He tells her the story flatly, meekly. He tells her the story in fits and starts that are not at all worthy of either of Richard Castle’s big heads. She listens as intently as if he were teasing her with the latest Nikki snippets, though. She listens to him in the way she has that makes him feel like she’d be content to listen to nothing but his words until the sun burns out.

When she speaks, it’s to ask a quiet question, a logical question, an obvious question. When she speaks, it’s to ask a question that has somehow never occurred to him—not in more than the thirty years.

Why do you think he let you live?

To say he is disgusted with himself is gross understatement. This man—this monster—could have not let him live, as he had not let the woman in the woods live, as he had not intended to let their Jane Doe live. But he has been full of himself since childhood, it seems. He has assumed, all this time, that he is simply too important not to have lived.

And the stomach-churning truth is the world and all its monsters seem to think that, too. He was never Zoey Addison who would have gone un-missed by anyone, were it not for the reckless heart of Emma Malloy. He was never Rosalita Cambeau, assumed by even a reasonably sympathetic employer to have been flighty, undependable, so easily replaced that her disappearance was hardly worth thinking about once his truck was recovered.

He was a child, a boy, white and apparently, if not actually, affluent.His life simply seemed too valuable for even a monster high on a fresh kill to take the risk in ending. The resonance with Bilal’s story—with that fucking literally unbelievable story—is too much. He collapses in on himself.

His life, in this moment, seems utterly without value, whatever the monsters and the Mission: Impossible wannabes think.

****************************

His profound sense of smallness, of powerlessness, of unworthiness, hardly lasts the hour. He swings wildly the other way. Of course he does. It’s what every big-headed version of Richard Castle would do upon realizing how he fits into the calculus of psychopaths.

He is convinced he should have stopped this man. At eleven, at twenty-one, at any point when he had actual connections, the actual means to make a difference. He, Richard Castle, should certainly have gotten farther than the lowly, eminently killable Emma Malloy, a cashier on a leave of absence, had managed to get. His ego tells him that it is up to him to get farther—to make that difference—now.

It’s beyond full of himself. It’s well into grandiose, and still she is gentle with him. She is good to him. She stares down the boys and wishes them a happy manniversary, with the unspoken hope they enjoy spending it in quality time on the phone with local PDs in several different states. She’s hurt that he never told her the story. She is worried—entirely appropriately worried—that he has simply decided that he deserves closure and he’s inventing connections and elaborate frame-ups to get what he’s damned well sure he deserves. But she is good to him, despite the unsettling summons she has received, the real-world worries she has on her plate.

She is good to him through the rise and fall of Noah Lewis as a suspect. She bites her tongue—she must be biting her tongue—when he is dissatisfied with the man’s level of menace and would like to speak to a manager about a replacement suspect. She must be drawing blood when, the next second, he is losing his shit and lashing out at anyone and everyone over the possibility that their not-formidable-enough Norman Bates stand-in might actually walk, because there’s nothing to connect him to one almost certainly dead and two very certainly dead and women.

She hears him out about Holtzman—about his voice line-up of one. He plays the indelible memory of near-death experience card, and she doesn’t blink at the gall of it. She weathers his bizarre behavior in the man’s office, his erratic quasi-interrogation, which is undeniably jeopardizing her investigation of Noah Lewis. She stands quietly by as he harangues the boys over their skepticism, and when he himself backs her into a corner, when he—who has done nothing in these last hours to earn any good will from anyone—demands that she back up his wild accusations, she lets him down as gently as humanly possible.

And he, worthless as he is, lashes out. He cuts her down. He stalks out on the most hurtful exit line possible—I expected this from these guys. Just . . . not from you.

He does not deserve her. He does not deserve anything. He knows this in his heart of hearts, and still she comes to him, hat in hand. She comes to him with information she should not have gone looking for, a plan she should not have conceived and should have no part of, because she is valuable.

Little Katie Beckett, who wanted to grow up to be her mom. Little Katie Beckett, all grown up, who has caught the eye of those who know her value, who want to help her realize her full potential to make a difference, and here she is, playing lookout just outside the property line of a man—a probable monster—who can unmake them both in an instant.

******************************

A man’s value—his value—is not in what he has accomplished or what he has earned. It is not measured in the linear feet of bookshelves filled with hardbacks that sport his name on their spines or the square footage his dubiously-gotten gains afford him. He is humbled to know this. He is slow to realize it. And she, of course, is the one who is tasked with teaching him the lesson.

But he learns it. Just in time, he learns it. While he’s tying his tie and she is hissing between her teeth with a deep furrow between her brows as she blots the blood trickling from the cut beneath his chin before it can stain the white of his collar, he is learning.

When his mother, his daughter descend the stairs, laughing and telling one another how beautiful each of them looks, he joins in the game. He gushes over Alexis and pretends to be grudging with his mother, and he is learning.

When she emerges, all the more breathtaking for how shy and uncertain she is, because these events—full of people, every one of them full of themselves—will never be her thing, when she sidles over to him and whispers Really? under her breath when he tells her how stunning she is, he learning.

When he sees his table up front with Jenny and Lanie and the Captain and Tory and the boys already there, chattering and excited and nervous, and the second table filled in with Velazquez and LT, Karpowski and Julian and all the others, when he sees all these faces that matter—that have, themselves, immeasurable value for all the difference they make, day in and day out—he is learning.

As he mounts the steps, takes the stage, feigns deference to a man he knows full well is a hundred times more famous than he will every be, as he handles the silly paperweight that he knows he’ll secretly beam over every time he sees it on the shelf with all the other meaningless dust collectors he cherishes, he is learning this: That the value of a man is nothing he earns. It is the sum of the people he surrounds himself with, the calculus of those who allow him into their meaning-filled lives. It is the grace extended to him.

It’s because of you, because of us.

A/N: So. Self-worth? I mean. Is there anything with less morphousness? There is not. Also, how is 151 * 4 equal to 604 stories? That seems bananas. I thank you all for reading and for being overwhelmingly kind. Your value has infinite morphousness.

images via homeofthenutty

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intothewickedwood · 2 years

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Once Upon A Time Rewatch: 7x06 Wake Up Call

How would he know that was meant to be a scene from his book? It just looks like a regular photo. It’s not like the Storybrooke sign was behind them.

DO YOU CARRY A LUNCHBOX?

If you get that reference, I will give you so many cookies.

Ivy definitely put the wrong sugar in her mother’s coffee on purpose.

Tilly! Omg I missed her so much! I wish she’d been in every episode this season!

Hang on a minute! Since Rumple was shot in the land without magic, shouldn’t he have died? Like how Hook stabbed him with the dreamshade in the lwom. Or maybe the dreamshade would have been deadly to him even if he was stabbed in Storybrooke. It’s pretty dangerous stuff. 

I remember when everyone thought Tilly was stealing Weaver’s prescribed drugs here and thought she had a drug addiction but nope, it’s just a mini jar of marmalade lol. 

That one awesome fanart where Rogers wheels tilly down a hill super-fast. They looked like they were having so much fun. It’s definitely canon that happened.

I see you with that Lady and the Tramp reference! Recently saw the live action movie. It was pretty cool, but I still prefer the original. Can’t wait to watch all the classic Disney animated movies over the holidays!

Yeah, continuity error, I think. The tower is in good condition in 7x14 after Robin arrives in the NEF. But actually, that’s a problem with 7x14 because the tower should have been destroyed when Alice and Robin visited it, because the Troll destroyed it to free Alice. Maybe the troll put it back together, idk lol. Or, you know, after the rubble almost fell on Regina (despite her causing it to on purpose), maybe she fixed it after training Drizella that day. 

Flower monster! 

How were Drizella and Anastasia born with magic? I guess Marcus and Rapunzel were true love. I mean, Zelena killed her true love, and that relationship was pretty toxic, so such true love relationships aren’t unheard of. 

Regina is making such a huge mistake teaching Drizella to harness her magic but it’s understandable. She saw herself in Drizella, a girl trapped and controlled by her ruthless mother.

Who was Drizella stealing the magic from? Was it some of Gothel’s magic or that of another long-dead tree nymphs, considering a big plant was guarding it? 

Ha! Okay, I get it, nymph magic is powerful enough to transcend the land without magic’s limitations. That’s why Alice had to be given pills to keep her under the curse, because she’s half tree nymph. It all makes sense now! And Nymphs can do this because the tree nymphs were the beings supplying the lwom with magic before it lost its magic. Wow! How did I not figure this out before?! That’s actually quite clever of the show. 

Don’t tell her about the dark curse, Regina!

Regina is straight up ready to adopt Drizella here. That would have been a really sweet story, her saving someone with a similar life to her own from making the same mistakes she did.

Rogers (about Eloise Gardener): “Well, up until she disappeared a few years ago she was a normal kid.” How did he manage to get her age so wrong??

It’s so cruel. Gothel made it so that he’d be desperately searching for someone during the curse, misplacing his longing for his daughter on Gothel, of all people. Poor Rogers.

She changed the board around to the right side! 

Tilly holding his black rook: “What pieces do you have that you’re not paying attention to. Answer that and you might find yourself on a very different path.” The piece he has is right in front of him. It’s Alice. He’s just not paying attention to her. He’s on a whole different path.

Hey, Ella rhymes with Drizella hehe.

God, gotta feel for Drizella here, finding out her own mother wants to rip her heart out and give it to her sister, like she means nothing. That must be devastating.

Probably wasn't the best idea to tell her that, Regina.

Regina wants to help her so much.

Who killed that guy?

Omg, wait, it looks like Regina has a middle name on that adoption certificate, but I can’t make it out. I need to know so bad! Looked like maybe 5 letters at the most. Guesses, anyone?

Prince Gregor’s pretty hot, actually. It’s a shame she killed him. 

Poor Gregor.

Omg, wait a minute! Another sibling duo in ouat! The actor who plays Prince Gregor, Julian Haig is the younger brother of Georgina Haig, who plays Elsa!

Drizella: “...until everything you see, you breathe, you feel is pain.” It sounds like she’s talking about how she feels. Girl’s in a lot of pain. 

Regina should have grabbed her right there.

How comes true loves kiss didn’t work so many times this season? You’d think you’d need a Savior to break dark curses. I guess there were a lot of kisses in s1 that were from true love couples so it’s the belief that does it. I would have been so upset if Curious Archer had kissed and it didn’t break the curse though.

Regina’s heart is breaking over Henry’s cursed memories. She hates that her son has had these traumatic memories forced upon him.

#ouat #once upon a time #regina mills #ivy belfrey #alice jones #the evil queen #drizella tremaine #ouat s7 #ouat 7x06 #7x06 wake up call #ouat rewatch #ouat rewatch 2019

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the-atrocity-archives · 4 years

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TAA6 - OAKLEY CROVEN BANISHMENT NEWSPAPER

Hello everyone. In the following pages, I have inserted the transcript of a newspaper article I wrote in regards to the banishment of Oakley Croven. I understand that I haven’t been able to formally introduce him to all of you, but I will be telling you about what he did for the Rebellion in the following weeks.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

CROW-MERGE ATTACKS GENI-CORP PRESIDENT

By: Simone Petit, Rebellion Gazette lead author

Layla Croven, a girl who has been missing for just over 5 years recently has had rumors surfacing about her whereabouts. Her brother, Oakley Croven, was banished today for attacking Geni-Corp President, Fovian Daraquartes, to find answers.

This morning, May 2, 2272, Oakley Croven was woken up by a broad-shouldered stranger knocking at his door. The man gave him a photograph of his long-missing younger sister, Layla, alive but without her former rook-merge. Oakley was in disbelief and upon following the stranger back to a Geni-Corp facility, he found Fovian Daraquartes and begged for answers. Of course, this got out of hand as Oakley’s desperate state led him to violently assault Fovian. Or so the Geni-Corp president claims.

Oakley is well known for his protective nature, as he plays a fatherly role for abandoned children in the slums in the western part of Central Windtmüre. Of course, his protective nature extends to his sisters, Eira and Layla as well. As I mentioned previously, Layla was abducted and no one has heard anything from her in the past 5 years, so of course, this was going to spark something in Oakley.

I was able to talk to Eira about what happened to Oakley and like any sibling would be she was devastated when she saw her brother pass through the gates into the Banishment Lands. I asked her if she thinks her brother would be okay despite the odds: ⏵ “I have faith that he’ll find a way to survive, but no one really knows what’s out there.”

She’s right, no one knows what’s outside of the walls and force fields that surround the majority of the island. There have been hundreds of banishments in Windtmüre’s two hundred year history. For all we know the outside world could be safer for the deviated minds of the Rebellion than here within the borders of the city, but this is unlikely, as the radiation is higher outside of the force fields, so it is probable that there are beasts beyond our knowledge out there.

Another question I had for Eira was about the children her brother watched over. More specifically what would happen to them: ⏵ “I’m going to try to keep an eye on them, but they’re skittish and I haven’t been around them very much. I just hope that I’m able to keep them safe.”

In relation to this, there is a law in Windtmüre that allows Geni-Corp to take children not born in hospitals for the safety of the children so they do not merge as babies outside of a controlled area like a hospital. This is important as Eira later expressed worry that Fovian would take Oakley’s kids in now that they are without a guardian, legal or not.

One of my last questions for Eira was in regards to her missing sister, whom Oakley was searching for when he was banished. I asked Eira if she thought that Layla was alive at all. ⏵ “I don’t know, I hope she is, but I’d rather have a dead sister than have a sister who has been put through torture by the hands of a monster like Fovian Daraquartes. I’m just glad that it seems Oakley won’t suffer the same fate.”

I also asked Eira if the Rebellion planned to do anything in retaliation to the banishment as it was something that was directly triggered by a Geni-Corp member. ⏵ “We can do nothing,” She started “All we can do is pray.”

All members of the Rebellion must keep Oakley and Eira in our thoughts. This can’t be easy for either of them.

I managed to get an interview with the Geni-Corp president himself, Fovian Daraquartes though I worry that he has motivations other than goodwill in doing this interview.

I asked him if he was attempting to undermine the Rebellion by bothering and banishing prominent members, as he has banished members in the past upon them getting caught being double agents (namely Aris and Newt Dottsman who were banished a few years ago). ⏵ “Simone, that sounds like an accusation Peter would make. Oakley attempted to attack me. My bodyguard, Sandor Kovacs was hardly able to get him away in time. You should see the bruises he has. Oakley wasn’t banished for being a part of your minuscule group, he was banished because he got violent.”

Fovian’s answer drug an unplanned question from me in regards to who gave Oakley the note. I asked Fovian why Oakley pointed his

blame to Kovacs when he was asked to tell his story in regards to why he attacked. ⏵ “I don’t know, all I can tell you is that I wasn’t the one who ordered that note and photograph to be sent to Oakley.”

I asked him what Kovac’s answer to that question would be. ⏵ “There’s no need to do that, Kovacs isn’t as quick in the mind as you or I, he probably wouldn’t be able to answer.”

I felt my blood boil at that answer. Even if Kovacs isn’t all there, that answer was hardly fair. And as I began to speak again, Fovian stopped me and asked if I had any more important questions to ask or if he could get back to his research.

I told him that there was something else I wanted to ask about and questioned the whereabouts of Layla Croven. ⏵ “If you recall, she was abducted, Simone, if I had her in my care, she would have come to her own accord, as all of my patients do.”

In response to this answer, I asked a question about an accusation Peter made just a few weeks ago. I asked Fovian who 233-LYCR really was. ⏵ “233-LYCR is nothing but a made-up code from Peter as he plays pretend with all of you deviants. 233-LYCR doesn’t exist, Simone. You may ask any of my best scientists if she exists, but I assure you that you’ll only be disappointed when your mystery search comes up dry. Now is that all? I have actual work to do that’s more substantial than your fake newspaper.”

I stopped there, stunned by his response. I felt anger bubble up in my systems, and as Fovian turned to leave with a smug smirk on his face, I blurted, “Peter was right about you, he always has been! Peter was right about Kovacs being your hunter and he’s right about a woman named 233-LYCR, I’m sure of it.”

Fovian only paused his walk away from me for a moment, but he did turn his head to face me in part. ⏵ “Prove it then, Miss Petit. If you can prove it, I’ll show myself out of the very gates our ancestors built two hundred years ago.” I could see the corners of his lips curl up in a freakishly broad grin, twisted by his years of freedom and control, by his ego and his arrogance. Fovian is the one who should be banished, and one of these days, he’ll slip up, I just know it.

I let Fovian go now, feeling that the interview, while it gave me more answers, also caused more trouble for us rebellion members.

Now Windtmüre, please do your best to stay safe, both tonight and in the future. Things seem to be heating up between the Rebellion and Geni-Corp and I will be here, waiting to see what will happen.

-Simone Petit

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26147320

Note: Reblogs are appreciated! (Actually everything is appreciated, I’ve put a lot of work into this story, seeing people enjoy it is all I want) -ricky

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kiruuuuu · 5 years

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Bandit/Jäger oneshot in which they’re on holiday, and maybe, just maybe, Bandit is up to something. Includes Sledge/Maestro, Smoke/Mute, Blitz/Rook and my recruits!! (Rating T/M, chaos, shenanigans + fluff, ~9.3k words) - written for @grasshopper643! This was an absolute blast, thank you so so much for commissioning me, and also for including the recruits 💖💖

Bandit awakens to birdsong, crickets chirping up a storm, bright sunlight falling into the comfy room smelling of old wood, and another body draped over his. Mind blissfully blank, he takes advantage of the marvellous situation he finds himself in: a deep breath fills his lungs with warm, fragrant summer air, and when he tilts his head to feel the soothing rays on his cheeks, he just happens to snuggle closer to the man atop him. Hands wander over exposed skin, travel down the dip of the lower waist, climb the gentle rise a bit further down, fingertips digging into inviting flesh.

Jäger stirs, not much, just enough so Bandit knows he’s awake, and wraps even tighter around him with a contented sigh. Normally, an embrace this snug would feel suffocating, and normally, the start of a new day would be met with unwilling groans and mutual shoving, but they’re on holiday. Bandit’s mind is at peace here, aided by the floral scent of all the flowers thriving not only outside the small house but scattered inside, too, inhabiting vases everywhere and mixing with the building’s own organic smell. Jäger’s personal one is merely the cherry on top.

Lazily, Bandit mouths at his lover’s shoulder while continuing the really quite lovely groping, massaging plump cheeks in preparation of early morning sex, something for which they rarely have the time. But they’re on holiday. They can do what they want. If he was any more awake, he might endeavour to take Jäger apart with his tongue until his moans turn into these hoarse pleas which never fail to drive Bandit insane, yet he’s afraid they’ll have to make do with languid humping amid deep kisses – travelling to their destination yesterday was surprisingly exhausting and they needed the sleep.

Nibbling at Jäger’s nape of the neck earns him his first moan for the day, so he uses more teeth, continues down that vein and grins to himself when Jäger stretches into his ministrations, sees a shadow move by the window and looks up, over Jäger’s shoulder, to -

- to be faced with five pairs of eyes. Very wide, and very curious.

His gaze must’ve turned murderous as all five idiots drop out of view immediately and, from the quiet sounds of it, scramble to get away. Vague regret befalls Bandit not for the first time: this half-baked plan might come to bite him in the arse eventually.

Oblivious to this distraction, Jäger curls into him and captures his lips in a sloppy kiss, and just for a moment, Bandit considers not getting up at all. Give ‘em a show, who cares – part of him wants to show off his boyfriend with his long limbs, the adorable little smiles, confident movements so unusual for him. And Jesus fucking Christ, not even twenty-four hours in Italy, and he’s already let its sappy atmosphere seep into his thoughts.

“Off”, he orders and slaps Jäger’s backside hard enough to leave a bright red mark. With a dissatisfied grumble, Jäger obliges and rolls off him, but not without reaching between Bandit’s legs and hell, he really doesn’t make anything easy, does he? There’s a brief scuffle accompanied by sleepy giggling on Jäger’s part and vanishing resistance on Bandit’s, and when he ends up pinning the other man down by the wrists, he still hasn’t won. Because Jäger beams up at him so unguardedly that it feels like a stab to the heart. He’s just, he’s just so -

Out of the corner of his eye, he spots movement once more and that’s it.

“I’ll be right back”, he promises and, despite being incredibly pissed, briefly sucks on Jäger’s neck for good measure just so his smile doesn’t fade before untangling their limbs and getting up. On the way out, he pulls on a t-shirt and underwear since he doesn’t feel like digging through their luggage for his sweatpants, takes one set of keys and leaves the house to face his delegation of idiots.

The five recruits have piled up outside the door, the majority visibly uncomfortable.

“Sorry for interrupting, chief”, the Irish lad, Shay, brightly addresses him and gets shushed by the others immediately before continuing much more quietly: “We just wanted to report back.”

“Did anything happen?”, Bandit asks and looks to the only competent one of the bunch, the Russian lurking in the back, always seeming uninterested yet no doubt watching like a hawk out of the corner of his eyes. Bandit probably likes Ivan Ivanovic the most as he has him largely figured out – he’s familiar with the cool façade of nonchalance hiding a sharp mind, while he never has any clue what’s going on in Shay’s, Jojo’s or Gian’s heads. Nor is he particularly curious. And Valenti reminds him too much of Blitz sometimes: an overachiever, someone who fancies himself a leader.

“They had romantic breakfast, so Gian called cops on them”, Ivan Ivanovic replies levelly.

Bandit waits a second to see if they’re joking, but Shay merely nods encouragingly and since he can’t lie for shit, they must be serious. He massages his temples and, to buy time in order to process this revelation, barks at Valenti and Jojo: “If either of you glances at my cock one more time, I’m going to shove it up your ass.”

Both gazes snap up in instant terror and both faces flush a satisfying crimson. Well. He could’ve phrased this better.

“To be quite frank, we were in a state of non-negligible panic”, Gian points out calmly. “An interruption seemed the necessary course of action, yet revealing our presence unwise, so I acted swiftly.”

“It wasn’t that big of a deal anyway”, Jojo cuts in, sensing Bandit’s disbelief, “they turned out to know some of Maestro’s relatives, we think, so they had a pleasant chat and left and were none the wiser.”

“So let me get this straight – you made a false emergency call and are patting yourselves on the back now?”

Valenti opens his mouth to protest yet realises much too late that this is exactly what happened. His sheepish expression soothes some of Bandit’s anger, though it does nothing to improve the situation. “You did say we could use whatever means necessary”, Shay chimes in good-naturedly and Bandit belatedly understands how in the world these five usually land in these kinds of situations.

“Not only did you fucking violate the law, but you also ogled my boyfriend in order to tell me that ultimately nothing happened?”

They exchange uncertain glances until Valenti of all people attempts to appease him: “Well, we figured -”

“Fuck off. Don’t talk to me again unless it’s urgent, and if you miss me so much that you can’t bear living without me yelling at you, text me. Got it?” His razor sharp tone has them all nod and flee into different directions, leaving him to consider just aborting the entire mission.

But no. He has to get revenge.

The infuriating incompetence at least does have a positive side effect – he’s not only awake but also riled up enough to tongue punch Jäger into never-never land, and when he returns to a long body prettily stretched out on the bed, one hand wrapped around a very interested member, he only needs to grit out a turn around to spark a smile full of anticipation.

He still closes the curtains for good measure.

When it comes down to it, it’s Jäger’s fault. He fed Bandit genuine laughs, secretive grins and all the attention he could ever ask for whenever he let the other German in on a joke, and over time Bandit got used to it: shenanigans mean admiration, a few stolen kisses here and there, a re-telling both excited and exaggerated, and even pride. Jäger used to be proud of his innovations, all the creative ways in which he terrorised those around him. Therefore, when Bandit changes all of Blitz’ personalised ring tones to – as he finds – fitting alternatives and merely garners a crushing, accusing look together with a devastating sigh, his world view crumbles.

Admittedly, it did take Blitz an entire weekend to set up the system Bandit single-handed destroyed during two afternoons. Admittedly, most of the song choices were in poor taste and some of them genuinely offensive, but that doesn’t make them any less funny, does it? And admittedly, maybe, just maybe choosing Weird Al’s ‘Fat’ for Rook when the Frenchie only recently voiced wanting to lose a few pounds was a tad misguided. Especially when Blitz hadn’t noticed Bandit’s stunt and asked Rook to call him to locate his misplaced phone.

Well. Alright. Maybe he did deserve the tired look Jäger gave him.

But after that? No matter how hard he tried to impress him, how much of a menace he was, he never managed to regain Jäger’s favour. Instead, he got a talk.

Please stop, was the baseline. Don’t play pranks anymore. Focus on other, more constructive activities. Stop wasting all these resources on messing with people.

And so Bandit stopped. Not because Jäger told him, obviously, but without his partner in crime it just wasn’t fun anymore. It took most of his self-discipline not to tamper with Rook’s new shoes – heelies, of all things, it would’ve been child’s play to make him eat shit – and leave Mute’s new jammer prototype alone, despite him forgetting to lock it away one day. God, it could’ve been glorious. Bandit could’ve strapped it onto Diana and declare her a denial of service dog.

But no, he didn’t even want to mess around anymore anyway, and if he stretched towards Jäger’s resulting affection like a sunflower, it merely was a pleasant side effect. If only the others didn’t notice.

Smoke was the first. Out of boredom, he taped the kitchen door shut and texted Bandit about Monika having baked fresh brownies, then recorded him enthusiastically giving himself a black eye, and Bandit couldn’t retaliate. Because that night was going to be the fourth night in a row on which Jäger would pet his hair until he’s asleep which he’d never really done before, and Bandit wasn’t going to let anything get in the way.

Then Mute hacked his phone and literally every link led to fucking Rick Astley and every time Bandit typed ‘I’, his keyboard replaced it with the entire lyrics to the song, and Bandit still couldn’t take revenge because Jäger was in the middle of watching a series together with Bandit despite not being super into it, and he didn’t want to finish it alone.

And when a handful of others got wind of being immune to his wrath, it turned into hell. People openly approached him to criticise the way he led his team during a training exercise, and sure, he did a shite job due to acute laziness, but who does that? Others let him know they appreciated all the extra care he put in during their most recent mission and fucking Christ, if they don’t even stop shy of compliments, he might as well quit because what’s even left of him in that case? Horrifying.

Obviously, he keeps track of every misdeed. Just in case Jäger gets deployed for a few weeks, allowing him to punish all the wrongdoers. Even if he has the feeling he’d be too distracted to really make it count in that case.

But Sledge puts the cherry on top. One day, he pulls Bandit aside and says a few things which are inexcusable. Unforgivable. And thus, Bandit hatches a plan.

They have breakfast in a small café together with Smoke and Mute, both of whom immediately expressed the wish to tag along when Bandit mentioned his plans to go on a short holiday to the beautiful Western coast of Italy and who is he to turn down their company (especially when they potentially distract Jäger, allowing him some breathing room)? The Brits share the vacation house next to theirs and Bandit just hopes they didn’t notice the early morning commotion, but then again it seems as if Mute ensured they haven’t noticed much since their arrival.

“I’m going to eat fucking ten of these overpriced cardboard pastries”, he announces mid-chew and chases down the second half of Smoke’s cornetto with a sip of Jäger’s coffee before anyone can stop him.

“Babe”, Smoke tries to gently reason with him and earns a wild glare.

“Don’t ‘babe’ me, not my fault they fold up the footpaths at night, I’m starving.” He gestures to the vaguely horrified-looking waiter to bring more sustenance and finishes Jäger’s latte in one go.

“If I’d stayed up all bloody night high on energy drinks I’d be starving too”, Smoke mutters with a helpless shake of the head which alright, that explains both Mute’s manic restlessness as well as the bags under Smoke’s eyes.

“Are you sure you should be getting more caffeine?”, Bandit wants to know dubiously and realises too late that the young lad’s gaze is worryingly unfocused.

“Huh?”, he makes and it’s obvious he hasn’t been following anyone’s conversation but his own so far. “Bloody hell, if this horrifically sweet stuff is all they eat for breakfast it’s no wonder Seamus is getting fat. I’ll ask whether they have bacon. They must have bacon. Right? Everyone has bacon. Or sausages at least. Fucking cold cuts, anything. Maybe there’s a salt shortage going on in Italy, though the people definitely had more than enough. Bacon.”

The other three stare after him as he makes a beeline towards the poor guy stuck serving them. “I would be salty, too, if some asshole insisted on New York style pizza being better than the original”, Smoke points out drily.

“Is he gonna be alright?” So far, Bandit has witnessed Mute on caffeine overdose (result: the attention span of a squirrel), sleep deprivation (result: endless ideas better suited for a mad scientist, particularly terrifying coming from someone who can actually implement most of them), and excessive hunger (result: an exceedingly sharp tongue plus an infinite supply of irritation), yet never all three together. He has to admit, it’s a sight to behold.

Smoke shrugs. “The crash is gonna be hilarious, no lie. He did tell me he hates energy drinks but didn’t specify why. Had I known, I would’ve put up more of a fight.”

Just as Mute returns triumphantly with an entire plate of fried eggs probably meant for all of them despite him making no move to share, Bandit notices that Jäger has been unusually quiet ever since they’ve left the house – and it’s even odder that he’s just watching Bandit with a small smile. Does he… does he know about his plan? Is he suspecting something? “What?”, Bandit asks defensively.

The smile widens. Uh oh. “Nothing. I’m just happy we’re here.”

Abort mission, abort mission. “Yeah, me too, and isn’t it a shame Elias and Julien have to rot at base without -”

“I was really surprised when you made the suggestion to come here, I would never have expected anything like this from you.”

“Well, we’re here now and we should make a list of everything that’s bad so we can annoy Maestro when we’re -”

“But it’s wonderful. The house is pretty, the beach is gorgeous and the town picturesque. It’s really romantic and I like it here. A lot.”

Bandit just laughs nervously. His face is on fire and he has to get out of this as soon as possible. Maybe he should split up the dumb recruits and have two of them watch him so he can give them a secret signal whenever a situation like this happens because holy shit, this is -

“Even so, you could’ve chosen any place and it would’ve been great, just because you’d be there. Thank you, Dom.”

He’s scarlet. Across the table, Mute is still stuck in the motion of salting his eggs while gaping at the two of them, unaware he’s created a veritable heap crowning one of the yolks by now. Jäger continues to smile at him and there’s no way he can bear another second of this. “I have to take a piss”, he declares loudly before fleeing to the men’s where he sits down on the lid, trying to will away the blood from his cheeks. Maybe coming here was a mistake after all.

To distract himself from the odd sensation in his stomach, he checks his phone and finds a message from Valenti: two lovebirds heading to the water, unsure how to interfere.

Alright. At least he can do something on this front. Once he’s cooled off a little, he returns to Mute nearly dunking half an egg into Smoke’s glass and Jäger observing them with a shit eating grin. “We should go to the beach afterwards”, he suggests and tries his best not to react to the hand straying to his thigh as soon as he’s sat down.

It wasn’t pickpocketing per se. Not really, because the odd object was half sticking out of Sledge’s trousers anyway, screaming to be taken. A rectangular box, while not too bulky, definitely not made for being carried around in front pockets for an entire day, and so Bandit merely… relieved the Scotsman of this burden. After all, he might’ve lost it otherwise and who knows how valuable it is. Better keep it safe for him than fill him with panic when he can’t find it and has to retrace his steps.

Bandit can’t deny it came at a pretty fucking opportune time seeing as he’d been obsessing about vengeance for Sledge’s uncalled-for insults, and so he nicked the velvety item without thinking and, as he hopes, without anyone noticing. For once, having to sit next to Sledge during meetings paid off. He’s patient for the rest of the day, carries his prize around without taking a proper look in case anyone catches him, yet when he opens it at home, he blanches.

Oh the possibilities.

For a few seconds, his mind is filled with delicious scenarios, one better than the other: replace the ring with one from a bubblegum dispenser. Replace it with bees. Add a noisemaker which produces a fart sound whenever the box is opened. Superglue it so it can’t be taken out. The more he thinks, the more absurd his ideas become: have it reduced in size. Engrave it with a random name. Coat it in a substance which dyes skin for weeks.

It’s a really tasteful ring. If he’s honest, it’s gorgeous. At the same time, he knows Maestro will flip the fuck out no matter what it looks like because it’s the act that counts, the intention.

Not only that, but Sledge is certain to inspect the entire box with extreme prejudice once he gets it back, and if he identifies any tampering, Bandit is dead meat.

“You dropped this yesterday”, he says the day after and hands the box back.

Sledge, as expected, examines it thoroughly before nodding – he doesn’t even hide it and alright, that’s fair. Given Bandit’s history of messing with him, he wouldn’t even bat an eye at Sledge sending it in to some lab. “Thanks”, he replies, and Bandit isn’t even offended at the astonishment in his voice. “What do you think? Do you like it?”

Relationships really do turn most people into utter fools if Sledge deems it a fruitful idea to ask Bandit for his opinion. Fortunately, he’s very different. He’d never change himself just because of Jäger or fall into the trap of hopeless, helpless infatuation. He’s always in control. “It’d be way too small for me”, he shoots back, unimpressed, “but hey, you measured it, so I’m sure Maestro will love his new cock ring.”

The genuine laugh he gets in return tells him that Sledge really has it bad. “I’m planning to propose to him on our trip to Italy next month”, he foolishly divulges and Bandit’s eyebrows shoot up.

“Oh?”, he prompts politely. “Tell me more.”

If looks could kill, Bandit would’ve dropped dead the instant Sledge catches sight of him. He would’ve spontaneously combusted and his ashes been blown away by the wind, because the Scotsman must know instantly that he’s up to something, judging by how the sun itself darkens along with his mood. He’s stretched out on a towel on the beautiful fine-grained white sand, shielded from the harsh sunlight by a large parasol and ready to wring Bandit’s neck.

“What? How?”, Mute is still going on, not having recovered from this remarkable coincidence. “It’s impossible that we end up in the same vacation spot by pure chance!”

“Yes”, Sledge grits out. “Impossible.”

“Adriano recommended this place to us”, Smoke jumps in and Bandit owes him so many drinks, “and I thought you were gonna visit his family?” Some of Sledge’s suspicion fades, even if Jäger throws Bandit a curious glance. He still needs to be careful, so he keeps quiet.

“This… isn’t a set-up? You’re not up to anything?”, Sledge wants to know accusingly and Bandit just snorts.

“Of course not, as if I didn’t have anything better to do in my free time. Are you getting paranoid?”

Sledge looks like he has a few choice words to say, but when Maestro joins them, his attention snaps to him like metal to a magnet – not like Bandit could blame him, not with the Italian’s tan skin glistening all over and his dangerously short swimming trunks clinging to his body. Bandit takes note of this: should he ever need to divert the Scot’s attention, he merely needs to dump some water over his boyfriend.

“Amici miei! What a wonderful surprise, how great to see you!”, Maestro greets them warmly and smooches their cheeks, in the process getting all of them wet, and then turns to where Mute is chasing seagulls while screeching along with them. “What, uh, what happened with my cucciolo?”

“He’ll tire himself out”, Smoke assures him with a sigh.

“How do you like it here? I will show you everything! Isn’t it such a fortunate coincidence, cioccolatino?”

“Marvellous”, says Sledge.

“We can spend all our time together and I will teach you the most important phrases!”

And while the Scotsman looks like he bit into a lemon, Mute rushes over to detail all the sand castles he’ll build.

No more than five minutes later, the youngest Brit is already conked out and snoring softly on the very towel Sledge had occupied previously, and when he seems to be wholly unperturbed by the others talking around him, they set up their own beach equipment and share their experiences and impressions of Maestro’s home country. He seems genuinely delighted over their presence, unlike Sledge, and generously shares anecdotes about this particular holiday favourite. Normally, Bandit would rather chew off his own leg than allow the Italian to chew off his ear, but Jäger’s holding his hand and so he really has no other choice. Besides, his lover seems stoked over the opportunity to ask about everything local and his enthusiasm is contagious. At least a little bit.

Eventually, the group breaks up a little, with Sledge announcing his intention to go for a walk along the beach with Maestro, and Jäger urging Bandit to go swimming as well. He shoots Ivan Ivanovic a message about keeping an eye on the unlikely couple and interrupting them should the atmosphere become a little too amorous, and notices a text from Rook: the Frenchman seems to be making the most out of being stuck in Hereford and challenges the holidaymakers in a group chat to snap the best ‘out of context’ selfie they can. Attached is a peace-signing Rook in the foreground, with a half-naked Buck getting his chest hair shaved behind him, looking not at all amused with a doubled-over Valkyrie.

Half a minute later, Blitz contributes by sending a photo of him giving a cheery thumbs-up, while Rook in the background is apparently getting yelled at by a half-shaven Buck. Days since the last superglue accident: 0, Blitz adds.

Bandit, despite being highly entertained, silently vows to upstage him, upstage all of them really, even if he hasn’t figured out how yet.

“At least he’s prepared if he wants to compete with Meghan in the pool again”, Jäger comments good-naturedly, following the chat on his own phone. He turns around to photograph himself grinning while also capturing Smoke drawing a dick on his boyfriend’s unconscious body with sun cream. “You guys are cute”, he adds inexplicably.

Smoke takes one look at the drooling man haphazardly flung onto the fabric, shirt riding up enough to expose a canvas for him to abuse, and nods. “I’ve never loved another human being more”, he responds gravely and adds a few cum spurts shooting from the tip.

“Give the balls some hair too”, Jäger suggests sweetly before dragging Bandit off towards the splashing waves.

The hot sand burns their soles, so they awkwardly skip towards the sea, tackling each other once they’re largely submerged and nearly lose the beach ball they brought. Bandit supposes it’s a bad time to mention how he never really liked going on holiday, figures it’s usually more effort than it’s worth, and hanging around at the beach all day not having anything to do seems like a massive waste of time – but since his presence here has purpose and the cogs in his head never stop turning, it’s actually not that bad. He keeps one eye on the couple strolling along the beautiful shore, almost far enough away that he can’t see them anymore, and focuses the rest of his attention on Jäger.

Because dear God.

He belatedly understands Sledge’s distraction upon seeing his boyfriend emerge from the sea, cheeks rosy, rivulets running down exposed skin, playful smile plastered on his face and -

- and there’s an entire pack of dogs swarming Sledge and Maestro in the distance.

Bandit stares because what else is there to do? It looks as if all stray dogs from the region had assembled to circle the two, jump up and apparently try to slobber all over them, and while his brain is still trying to process the view, he gets thwacked in the head full force by the beach ball, losing his footing in the process.

He’s still coughing up salt water as Jäger drags him towards the sand, unsuccessfully trying to stifle his laughter and apologising simultaneously. He should be more upset, seeing as not only did the recruits choose one of the flashiest ways of bothering Sledge again, but also he’s got a headache now and his lungs are burning, he will probably end up with a nasty sunburn on his scalp as he refuses to wear any kind of hat, keeps stepping on sharp seashells, hates the way sun lotion feels on his skin and despises the taste of tangy water – but when they trip and fall, and his field of vision is filled with nothing but Jäger, and his lover smiles and quietly asks whether he needs CPR, and when there’s warm lips on his own cool ones, none of it really seems that dramatic.

Mute is awake and has aged by ten years as they return, but at least he seems to have mellowed out considerably – even though he doesn’t look at all amused with the jellyfish Smoke keeps lining up next to their shadowy spot. “Can someone tell him that sleeping for sixteen hours is a worthwhile activity?”, Mute sighs, massaging his temples.

“If I hadn’t sent you out to get some food, you wouldn’t have let me sleep last night either, babe. Stay up till evening and reset your sleep schedule.”

“I’ll reset your fucking schedule if you don’t stop with these stupid gelatine blobs. We’re not taking one home and that’s final.”

“Glad to see everyone else also enjoying their holiday!”, Jäger pipes up cheerfully while towelling himself dry. “But what happened to you two?”

Sledge, sipping what looks suspiciously like coffee instead of his usual tea, glances down at his scratched up legs, at Maestro’s paw print covered loafers as well as the general dirt smeared over them, and replies flatly: “We’ve gone to the dogs.”

“This has been a really odd trip so far”, Maestro adds, “the first evening we couldn’t turn off any of the lights in our house though they switched off by themselves some time during the night. Just this morning, we were approached by policemen about allegedly causing a disturbance even though I’m fairly sure we had the curtains closed the entire time -”

“He’s referring to the fact that he likes to sleep naked”, Sledge hastens to explain due to several pairs of eyebrows shooting up at this comment.

“Then someone threw a few Playboy magazines through the letter slot, and just now we became an irresistible attraction for the local wildlife.”

“It’s almost as if someone was up to something.”

And while the others continue discussing these odd and unfortunate turns of events, Bandit pretends he missed Sledge’s meaningful comment.

“I think I’ve got sunburn on my hands”, Smoke mutters to himself as Jäger and Maestro encourage each other to come up with the most complicated conspiracy theory which would explain all that’s happened to the happy couple, with Sledge merely shaking his head. “They’re pretty red.”

“Why don’t you tell me about your collection”, Mute prompts tiredly and indicates the shrivelling, dead creatures by Smoke’s feet.

“You see, most of them are just see-through slime, but this one is real pretty. Looks like an omelette almost, don’t you think, babe?”

Mute blinks slowly. “Go and buy some vinegar with Adriano, will you? Doesn’t matter what kind, and don’t ask.”

The suggestion makes most of them spring into action as Jäger was considering heading out for lunch anyway, yet he lingers when everyone but Mute and Bandit trail after a happily bubbling Maestro. “Don’t you think it’s weird that all these things happen to the two of them?”, he asks and it takes all of Bandit’s willpower and focus not to smirk. “You’re not up to anything, are you?”

“Of course not”, he promises as sincerely as decades of professional lying allow it, and sends his boyfriend off with a kiss to his nose.

Once he’s out of earshot, Mute mumbles: “You’re absolutely up to something, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am”, he scoffs and blames it on the energy drinks that it took Mute this long to realise.

“It’s a fucking fried egg jellyfish”, Mute explains without being prompted. “Nothing serious, but the bloody idiot is probably gonna feel it for a few days.”

“Why didn’t you tell him?”

“And have him start early with asking me to piss on his hands? No thank you.”

~*~

“To be fair”, Valenti, the little fucker, tries to justify himself, “you didn’t say not to use perfume bombs.”

The effects of just 24 hours of Italian air are noticeable on the five recruits: Valenti has gotten even cockier than usual and revels in the warm weather, Shay has turned a lovely shade of lobster red, Jojo has bought a new wardrobe and, remarkably, looks just as fashionable as Maestro, Gian is distracted by everything and anything around him, visibly enjoying himself and writing novellas into his notebook, and even Ivan Ivanovic is smiling. If only Bandit himself felt the soothing touch of the country, he probably wouldn’t be this close to shaking some sense into the confident tiny Frenchman.

“You’re extremely lucky Seamus isn’t into crossdressing or any of that shite, because his soon-to-be fiancé smelling of several whorehouses at once caters pretty well to these fantasies and would’ve set him off, and then you’d have to keep two randy lovebirds apart and not just two sappy ones.”

“How do you know that’d happen?”, Jojo chimes up curiously.

The five of them are eating ice cream while sitting on the stone balustrade separating the promenade from the beach below and Bandit develops the sudden urge to toss the other German off it. “Look”, he starts and immediately gets interrupted by Shay smushing his face into his chocolate ice and Gian starting to giggle uncontrollably.

“The hell are you doing?”, Valenti wants to know, aghast, and rolls his eyes at Ivan’s reply: “I told him milk good for sunburn. Takes off heat.”

“I do feel much better already!”

Jojo grabs the cone out of the Irishman’s hand and sticks it against Shay’s forehead. “Shame you’re not called Shaun because now you’d be a uni-shaun.” Without any hesitation, he leans in and starts licking the ice cream off of Shay’s cheek, causing him to squeal and wield his damaged cone like a weapon and mere seconds later, they’re having a lightsaber fight in the middle of the fortunately empty street, with Valenti acting as referee.

Bandit’s earlier headache is starting to come back, and this time he’s sure it’s not related to heat stroke.

“Like children”, Ivan comments. He’s still got that smile on his face.

“Regardless of how we might achieve the goal you set for us”, Gian addresses Bandit, “our reward remains unclaimed. You’re confident you can procure it?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you what you want, provided you guys keep your end of the -” And then he’s cut off by a screaming Shay colliding with him full force, sending him stumbling and dangerously close to the low banister but not yet over – though when he tries to turn and yell, Jojo joins the dogpile and sends them flying.

Jäger looks fucking gorgeous when Bandit returns to their cottage, shorts and boots really hitting the spot and if he complains about having forgotten lighter shoes one more time, Bandit is going to show him just what he thinks of his outfit by having him keep it on as he blows both him and his mind. Thoughts like this one have become second nature and he’s still not entirely sure how.

“Don’t touch me, I need a shower”, he warns his lover before he can wrap around Bandit the way he usually does, no matter how long he’s been gone, “I’ve got sand everywhere, even up my arse crack.”

“What did you do?”

“Slipped and fell on the beach. And other people might’ve also slipped and fallen on me.”

“Odd. Seamus had ice cream tossed at him from inside a bush.”

“Huh. Did he find out by whom?”

“It was a thorn bush, so he stayed away from it.” Yikes. Bandit feels like his conscience shouldn’t be as clear as it is, but on the other hand he’s largely paying for their trip. So if he gets free entertainment out of it, he’s not going to complain. “Look, Elias and Julien sent another selfie.”

On screen, the happy couple is smooching in front of Echo sleeping on one of the workshop tables, with a variety of objects stacked on top of him in an impressive display of balancing skills. Next to him, Dokkaebi is showcasing a veritably demonic grin, much to Hibana’s concern. “Cute”, Bandit comments sarcastically yet it seems Jäger takes him at face value.

“Right? I still don’t understand why you kept gagging next to them when they were freshly together. They’re so good for each other.”

And he’s never understood how Jäger can support kitsch on four legs this openly. “This might come as a shock to you, but I’m not really the romantic type.”

The knowing smirk following his statement is what drives him away, ears burning, and it’s still adorning soft lips when Jäger joins him in the shower a few minutes later.

~*~

“Mutiny”, Bandit repeats after a grave-looking Jojo. “Are you taking the fucking piss?”

“We’ve spent almost three days of constant surveillance, spontaneous action, consistent communication as well as doing a remarkably good job, if I may say so”, Valenti jumps in, eager to support his mate, “and you’ve not met your end of the deal.”

They’re huddled behind the very stone balustrade which has painted Bandit’s back a hideous shade of yellowish-green due to an acute case of getting bodychecked over it, and he’s beginning to feel like a repeat performance is preferable over dealing with these numbskulls. “My end of the deal?”, he parrots in disbelief. “I’ve paid for your fucking vacation, you ungrateful little shits, and all you’ve done is ruin their holiday.”

“I wouldn’t go that far -”

“Well I fucking would. You nearly gave Seamus food poisoning, caused him to fall into the sea, harassed him with prank calls which weren’t even remotely funny -”

“Billy’s roadkill diner – you kill ‘em, we grill ‘em”, Shay interjects cheerily, earning a snort and an addition from Jojo: “You frag ‘em, we bag ‘em!”

“- and you even egged Maestro’s favourite shirt.”

“That was little funny”, Ivan Ivanovic butts in, and alright, the string of expletives exploding out of the hot-blooded Italian was admittedly hilarious, especially when even Sledge seemed genuinely scandalised over some of them.

Still, he’s understood by now that engaging any of the clowns leads to madness, so he simply keeps talking. “Besides, what the fuck do you want me to do about a Scot who flat out refuses to take off his shirt at the beach? I can hardly go and undress him, can I?”

“You could show creativity, like we have. Aren’t you supposed to be resourceful?”

If this had come from anyone but the Russian, Bandit might’ve slapped some sense into them, yet this gives him pause. “I mean – I tried, but he wouldn’t budge. Why is this so fucking important to you anyway, are you that bloody horny?”

Jojo looks ready to hold an entire speech as to why it’s crucial for mankind’s survival that they witness the buff Scotsman shed his shirt, but fortunately it’s Gian who speaks up instead: “I cannot help but feel your heart is not in this endeavour.” How fucking dare he. “You informed us of your wish to exert revenge, yet your glee has been muted, your undertakings half-hearted and your satisfaction with our actions astonishingly low.”

Bullshit. Bandit enjoyed watching the one guy suffer who usually throws wrenches into his plans, who reprimands him constantly and sabotages his pranks – it was extremely satisfying, he enjoyed it so much that he’d say it was the best part of his holiday so far.

…he would say that, wouldn’t he? And simultaneously know he’d be wrong.

Because his focus really wasn’t on Sledge, and with passed time it’s gotten harder and harder for Bandit to remind himself of why Sledge’s words stung so much. Why what he said sent Bandit into a white hot fit of rage.

Five pairs of eyes are staring at him expectantly. They might’ve gone about it arseways, but they did indeed accomplish what he asked of them, to the best of their capabilities. They even managed not to get caught, and while there’s no doubt someone is up to something, no one has been able to prove it was Bandit, even if Sledge, Smoke and Mute continuously side-eye him.

Maybe he should call the whole thing off after all and enjoy what’s left of his holiday.

“Give me a minute”, he asks and thankfully, all of them nod. When it comes down to it, they’ve proven reliable in the way a thunderstorm is – no way of telling when the next lightning strikes, but thunder always follows. Besides, now that they’ve overcome their terror of speaking with him, their natural banter reminds him of the familial atmosphere of his own team. Fuck. He’s starting not to mind them, even if they look like vaguely reverent meerkats staring up at him for any kind of signal as he paces back and forth next to them.

This is when he spots Sledge and Maestro, a short distance away from where Jäger, Smoke and Mute are building a proper sand fort: they’re holding hands, facing each other and seem to be deeply moved and fucking shite, it’s the perfect atmosphere with the gentle sea retreating in low tide behind them, the sun sliding lower and lower and flooding the beach in a warm, orange light. Sledge is gonna go down on one knee any second now and Bandit has no way of stopping them.

Shay must’ve noticed the horror in his expression as he peeks over the banister and immediately rips open Valenti’s backpack. “Code red”, he announces more professionally than he’s ever sounded in his entire career, stands up and -

And lobs a water balloon at the two lovebirds. A water balloon which bursts upon impact with Sledge’s broad chest, no doubt interrupting their little moment. A water balloon filled with neon yellow paint.

There’s a second of perfect silence.

Then Shay throws a second one.

In an impressive demonstration of his skills, Sledge catches it without it detonating in his hands and hurls it back full force, a detail the other four recruits quite obviously missed as they rise to get a better look, and when the second paint bomb explodes on the balustrade in front of them, literally all five end up coated in hot pink, with Bandit only suffering a light dose.

Well. That could’ve gone better. For another brief moment, the spattered recruits, Bandit, and the eye-wateringly yellow couple stare at each other.

“You fuckers”, Maestro then screams, and Sledge yells: “Dom, you little prick!” And the recruits and Bandit exchange a single glance before individually coming to the conclusion that an escape is in order. Especially when the two star-crossed lovers start running.

Shay shrieks like a little girl, Ivan takes a brief moment to wipe some of the paint off Valenti’s eyes with the inside of his shirt, and Jojo is already halfway down the street. Bandit is in great company. Gian nearly gets run over by a scooter and apologises in fluid Italian, Bandit slides over the hood of an expensive-looking car and leaves behind frankly hideous pink streaks, and Ivan seems to consider scaling the nearest building while Valenti is still coughing up paint. Shay trips and gets dragged along by Gian, and together the six of them scramble their way through the picturesque seaside town, garnering more than a few odd looks from the locals.

“Whose fucking idea was this?!”, Bandit wants to know and struggles to make it up the steep stairs to another busy road, though he does appreciate Ivan lending him a hand eventually.

“I didn’t think he’d catch it”, Valenti admits between breaths.

“He played fucking rugby, you moron!”

“May I suggest postponing this argument and instead focusing on the task at hand?”

“This colour actually suits you, Jojo, did you know?”

“Let us make left here, come on.”

“Jesus fucking Christ”, Bandit mumbles to himself though he can’t curse away the rush of endorphins in his system – he’s started to become complacent, and though Jäger will no doubt be disappointed in him, he’s missed this, the chaos, the knowledge of doing something forbidden, the guilty laughter bursting out of them now and then as they weave their way through alleys and between cars. He wastes no thought on what’s going to happen once they’ve successfully evaded their pursuers, right now he’s preoccupied with feeling the wind in his hair, jumping obstacles, running with the pack, rushing around corners and -

And apparently colliding with what feels like a brick wall. Something that doesn’t look like one though. Because it’s neon yellow.

“I will fucking castrate you and shove your own balls so far up your ass you’ll be able to taste them”, Maestro growls while Sledge causes another pile-up next to him by letting the recruits bounce off him easily.

It seems like this is it.

“How on earth are you so fast?”, Shay wants to know with wide eyes as the five of them take turns shoving each other to the front to face the Scotsman glaring daggers.

“Shouldn’t have let the one guy among you with no sense of direction lead”, Sledge explains. All eyes slide over to Jojo whose face starts matching the paint he’s covered in.

“Who’s the ringleader here?”, Maestro demands to know. All eyes slide back over to Bandit.

“It was a group effort?”, he tries.

“Will you let us live if we tell you?” Hell, he really should’ve gotten rid of this French gremlin sooner. A single nod from Sledge, and now five fingers are pointing at Bandit.

“Look”, he begins and gets interrupted by being slammed into the wall next to him, and it’ll be a miracle if the furious Italian lets him get away with mere bruises, though fortunately a hand on Maestro’s arm stops him.

“Adrianito. Let him go.” Sledge’s intervention is welcome yet Bandit’s relief short-lived when the two of them part to reveal the rest of their group: Mute and Smoke who are only missing popcorn, judging by the unadulterated amusement in their expressions – and Jäger.

A very unimpressed-looking Jäger. This is worse than a few bruises. He pushes to the front, brow raised and demeanour so calm it instils paralysing fear. For the first time ever since they came here, there’s not even a hint of a smile on his lips and it does unpleasant things to Bandit’s insides. He wasn’t meant to prank anyone, let alone follow Sledge and Maestro like this just to terrorise them. Whatever will come out of his lover’s mouth next is sure to be devastating.

“What were you doing?”, Jäger asks quietly. So far, so good. Around them, everyone seems to be holding their breath.

It’s the perfect opportunity. Seeing as Bandit won’t be able to interfere anymore after this, he could mention his plan off-handedly, complete his revenge by spoiling the surprise waiting in Sledge’s pocket. He can see it in Sledge’s eyes that he knows it too: a few words, and he’d be forced to show the ring, do it all on Bandit’s terms. He holds power over the Scot he never thought possible, and even if he doesn’t ruin his proposal right now, he could use it as an excellent source of blackmail later. The idea of Sledge having to do whatever he wants is more than enticing. “Annoying the hell out of him”, he replies, buying himself time. Sledge’s hazel eyes are boring into his.

Jäger just shakes his head a little. “And, what, were you planning on following them to his parent’s place too?”

Maestro senses his hesitation and though he hasn’t overcome his animosity, he doesn’t leave Bandit in the dark: “My mamma invited us for a family reunion. We’re leaving tomorrow morning and spending the rest of the week with my family.”

Oh. He didn’t know this, their plans must’ve changed since he talked to Sledge about their vacation. It’d be lovely. He pictures it, Sledge kneeling down, surrounded by Maestro’s relatives, all of them freaking out and cooing over them. It sounds heart-warming. And he could destroy it with a single sentence. If he doesn’t do it now, the two will be gone tomorrow and he’ll have missed his chance.

“Well”, he says. Jäger looks ready to cross his arms. “I hope you two have a great time.”

And Sledge gets it. His smile speaks volumes, he relaxes and even graces Bandit with a slight nod. Despite how much they clash the rest of the time, Bandit doesn’t want to do this to him, not like this. There are other methods he can employ without messing with Sledge’s love life and potentially ruin what could’ve been a wonderful memory.

Even so, he’s not out of the shite yet, there are still five recruits looking like they’re going to be gutted any second now, a seething Italian just waiting for his signal to rip them apart, and Jäger. So far, he’s not done one of his sighs. There is hope.

“Why did you do all this?”, he wants to know and Bandit realises something belatedly: namely just how truly fucked he is. Conveniently forgetting about this little detail, he pushed it to the back of his mind, merely holding on to his rage about Sledge’s words yet ignoring their content. His gaze snaps to Sledge and oh boy, how the tables have turned.

You’ve been behaving well recently, Sledge said to him that fateful day Bandit swore revenge at all costs. It’s Marius’ influence, isn’t it?

Bandit grumbled a little, waved him off, tried to change the topic but Sledge wasn’t having any of it: Have you told him you love him?

And fucking Christ, how presumptuous could any one person be? Not only wasn’t it his business, but also was he plain wrong. One fact Bandit had accepted long ago was that he cared about no one but himself. His life was littered with selfish decisions, no matter how much he tried to care, tried to hold on. Ultimately, the only one he ever protected was himself. He said something along those lines, unusually earnest with his nemesis, and felt more than just irritation rise in him when he received the response: Stop running from him and ask him to move in with you.

Preposterous. Frankly insulting. And Bandit silently vowed to have Sledge’s head for this.

“Oh well, who cares, just yell at me and let’s move on, alright?”, he hastens to change the topic and doesn’t miss Sledge’s grin amid everyone’s bewilderment.

Jäger doesn’t seem happy with this answer. “What do you mean? You can’t tell me there was no reason for you to pull this shite.”

“He pissed me off, I wanted revenge, here we are, now let’s stop dwelling on the past and -”

“What did you do?”, his boyfriend turns to the Scotsman in question, fuelling Bandit’s panic.

“Don’t ask him, he probably doesn’t even -”

“Be quiet. If you won’t give me an answer, Dom, let him.”

This is bad. Bandit’s and Sledge’s eyes meet and he’s well aware to be completely at his mercy – and he doesn’t harbour much hope, not after the past three days of constant torment, not after he very nearly spoiled their holiday. The recruits are holding their breath, neither of them fully aware of what’s going on but Bandit knows they treat the members of Rainbow like celebrities, so it must be exciting for them to witness drama like this up close. Smoke and Mute are following the conversation silently, gazes darting back and forth like in a tennis match, and Bandit wouldn’t be surprised if they’d placed bets on the outcome. Maestro has postponed his fury, though he’s clearly waiting for his time to lay into pretty much anyone involved.

Sledge seems to have made a decision and there’s no way in hell he’s not disclosing Bandit’s innermost thoughts to the world. He simply has to take this opportunity to humiliate him, uncover the secret he carries in his heart, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal it. He fixes Bandit with a level stare and says: “I insulted his bike.”

A beat.

Oh, thinks Bandit.

“You did what?!” And suddenly, Jäger’s composure has vanished. “How dare you! It’s a piece of art!”

Like a real trooper, Sledge keeps it up. “I called it a death trap waiting to happen and the decals juvenile.”

“Luce dei miei occhi, you can’t be serious!” Unbelievably, even Maestro looks offended. “It has fire, spirit, passion – that motorcycle has a soul, who are you to call it names!”

“I bet you’ve never even ridden it, it sounds like a large cat purring”, Smoke chimes in as well now, and all of a sudden, nearly everyone is directing their ire at Sledge who admittedly takes it like a champ. It’s a miracle. And Bandit instantly forgives him everything he’s ever done, from uncovering his candy related Ponzi scheme which not only involved Rainbow’s recruits but even spread to the SAS ones, to winning against him in hand to hand literally every time. He can’t believe it, merely gapes at the outrage directed at Sledge of all people and vows to try and never cross the Scot again.

Even so, there’s something he still has to do. “We need to talk”, he quietly informs the very upset Jäger and gently drags him a few steps away from the loudly arguing group, ignoring Mute’s encouraging about time! and Smoke’s meaningful wink. For some reason it seems that pretty much all people present know more about Bandit’s emotions than he does, and though he should find this fact concerning, his mind is currently trying to wrap around what he’s about to say. It’s been a while since this particular phrase has left his mouth, indubitably much too long. He doesn’t use it nearly enough and is painfully aware, so now’s his chance.

He takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

Jäger simply blinks at him. “What for?”

Now it’s Bandit’s turn to be gobsmacked. “Wha – for doing all this behind your back. For not listening to you. For almost ruining this holiday.”

His lover softens and shakes his head with a smile. “Dom. I knew you were up to something. I may be horribly in love, but that doesn’t mean I’m blind.” Bandit almost chokes on nothing. He what. “It was never about the stupid pranks, it was about them getting so elaborate that we spent less and less time together. I’m fine with you doing whatever as long as you pay enough attention to me. Which you have in the past days. I’m really happy with this vacation – and besides, you’re adorable when you’re shifty.”

Closing his mouth seems impossible at this point. “You – I’m -”

“We’re staying here for the rest of the week, right? So let’s make the most of it.”

The friendly, unguarded smile is killing him. Killing him. How can Jäger say – how can he stand there and just – it’s impossible, and his face is on fire yet again, and maybe, just maybe Sledge was spot on with what he said. He should stop running. For now, he merely nods, disarmed, and avoids Jäger’s much too intense gaze. There’s so much he still has to tell him, but it can wait. He doesn’t think there’ll be a shortage of romantic moments any time soon.

Looking towards the others, there’s at least one battle he can win. Maestro has switched to yelling at the poor recruits and doesn’t seem to notice anything else, so Bandit calls: “Seamus! Could you take your shirt off for me?”

The selfie Bandit posts in the group a minute later has him and Jäger in the foreground, lips touching and both ears crimson, but the background is pandemonium. A neon yellow Maestro is giving the splattered recruits a well-deserved bollocking, though neither of the five seems to be listening – instead, they’re staring over Maestro’s shoulder, eyes wide and transfixed on a shirtless Sledge who seems ready to humour anyone (probably courtesy of the fact that Bandit will leave him alone from now on) and is flexing for their benefit as well as showing off suspicious scratch marks and bruises all over his chiselled torso. Next to him, Mute has donned Sledge’s paint-soaked shirt and dragged his fingers through the viscous liquid to write TWAT on the bandages around Smoke’s hands, both of them beaming into the camera while making obscene gestures.

Blitz’ reply summarises the scene quite aptly: wtf, he writes and adds a row of appropriately dumbstruck emoji. Are those our recruits??

You guys are cute, is Rook’s contribution and for once, Bandit wholeheartedly agrees. And while he holds on to Jäger’s slim form, ignoring the chaos next to them and grinning at his lover’s suggestion of involving him in future plans so they can kill two birds with one stone, he decides to let the recruits enjoy the rest of their holiday unbothered.

After all, everyone deserves a bit of peace and quiet now and then. And it just so happens that he’s currently embracing his own.

#rainbow six siege #bandit #jäger #bandit/jäger #sledge/maestro #smoke/mute #blitz/rook #recruitverse #fanfic #oneshot #commissions #boy it wasn't easy fitting all of them in here #sledge and bandit make the best frenemies #next to everyone is a disaster in this #thank you again!!!! I really enjoyed myself :)

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darkelfshadow · 4 years

Text

Session Summary - 84

AKA “The Port Of Phlan”

Adventures in Taggriell

Session 84 (Date: 1st May 2020) - Online Session

Players Present:

- Rob (Known as “Varis”) Elf Male.

- Bob (Known as “Sir Krondor) Dwarf Male.

- Paul (Known as “Labarett”) Elf Male.

- Travis (Known as “Trenchant”) Human Male.

- John (Known as “Ragnar”) Dwarf Male.

- Arthur (Known as “Gim”) Dwarf Male.

Absent Players

Nil

NPC

- (Known as “Naillae”) Elf Female. <Controlled by Travis>

Summary

- Wealday, 10th Gozran in the year 815 (Second Era). Early Summer.

- The party begin this session, in the port city of Phlan. Most of the party decide to disguise themselves, except for Sir Krondor, Gim and Labarett who hide in a goods cart drawn by two of the ship’s crew.

- Heading into the port, which is under Cult control, things go immediately awry when Varis gets his coin pouch stolen. Cursing his luck and having no time to find the culprits, the party head over to the far side of the port, being careful to avoid wandering patrols of Cult forces.

- The party arrive at a Manor, marked on the map that Captain Lerustah gave them, as the head quarters of the Order Of The Gauntlet. The Manor is damaged, looking like a large battle occurred here within the last few weeks. Varis, Ragnar, and Labarett enter the Manor and begin searching it but it appears that the manor has been looted.

- Naillae climbs to the rook keeping look out for Cult forces from the streets whilst Sir Krondor and Gim guard the inner courtyard. Gim is expertly forced to the ground in a sudden and skilled manoeuvre, and finds himself looking up into the eyes of an armoured Half-Orc in plate armour, the tip of a long sword pressed into his throat.

- Sir Krondor recognises the tabard over the Half-Orc’s armour as that of the Order Of The Gauntlet, and the Dwarf Knight pulls out his pendant of The Order Of Gauntlet. They learn this skilled knight is Sir Zern Xerkstil, Knight Of The Order Of The Gauntlet, Paladin Of Helm.

- He is the only survivor of the Cult’s attack on the Gauntlet Manor, all the other Knights have been killed. He informs them about what has been happening in the city. Three and half weeks ago the Cult entered and attacked the city, with little actual fighting as most of the Knights Of The Black Fist and Red Plumes Mercenaries, the defenders of the city, immediately turned sides in an apparent pre planned operation. The Knights now call themselves the Knights Of The Tears Of Virulence and have pledged themselves to Vorgansharax (“The Maimed Virulence”), the Ancient Green Dragon that now rules the city in the name of the Cult. Those members of the Knights or Mercenaries that did not join the Cult were killed. The Lord Regent of the city, Knight Commander Ector Brahms was killed as he refused to join the Cult and he and his personal guard died fighting. The Knights are now lead by Sir Cron Bolver, the former Lieutenant to the Field Commander of the Knights, Captain Jhessail Greycastle, who is now missing and presumed dead. The port is now under control of the Cult, who has patrols arresting any armed people or obvious adventures or spell casters.

- Sir Zern also informs the party that there are two resistance groups trying to push the Cult back but so far their separate efforts have been ineffective. One is lead by someone called the Black Knight and the other is lead by someone unknown. He has been unable to contact either of the resistance leaders, as they are conducting quick hit and fade skirmishes to disrupt Cult forces. Sir Zern is not sure what the Cult’s plan are at this stage or why they have taken over Phlan, a remote port with little military value. Sir Zern then gives Sir Krondor a mission to locate and recover an escaped prisoner, a female Drow Assassin called Yustena Karas, who is hiding in the Twilight Marsh. Sir Zern also fills the party in on who might assist them, and gives them information about other contacts within the city.

- Trenchant uses one of his more powerful spells to weave an illusion around each member of the party making them appear as simple locals, in plain clothes. With this new disguise it is unlikely the party will attract the attention of the Cult patrols now. Splitting up, Trenchant, Labarett and Naillae head off to the harbour side of the city whilst the rest of the party head over to the Velvet Doublet Feasthall to meet their local contact.

- Within the Feasthall they meet Rolk, a richly dressed Dwarf, who is the Head of the Merchant’s Guild of Phlan and one of the members of the Lord’s Alliance within the city. Rolk is not initially impressed with the party, especially Gim who insults him, but eventually agrees to deal with them. The merchant businesses within the city are operating as normal, with the Cult simply taking extra taxes, with the only unusual occurrence being that all the gem dealers within town have gone missing and all their gems stolen. Rolk does not believe this is the work of the Cult, nor the local Thieve’s Guild (“The Welcomers”).

- Rolk also tells the party that he can give them horses to ride out of town for the four hour ride to go to the Crossing Inn, located on the edge of the Twilight Marsh, and meet one of his contacts, Rhomsan Kal. Rhomsan is the inn keeper, and has boats waiting for the party to head into the Twilight Marsh. He gives them a map to one of the Lizardfolk villages within the Marsh and tells them to meet Bogclaw, the Chieftain of this village, whom he does trade with, and whom Rolk has paid to assist the party in finding the Lair of Throstulgrael (“Velvet”).

- After speaking to Rolk they leave and head back to the boat to wait for the rest of the party.

- Meanwhile on the harbour side of the port, the rest of the party has entered the Cracked Crown Inn and after a strange meeting with a talking crow, enter into a side room, where the crow turns into a small female Gnome. The party meet Seranolla The Whisperer, Priest of Mielikki and high ranking member of the Emerald Enclave. They learn from her that there is something wrong happening with the land around Phlan, she can feel something is wrong and the land feels it too. There have been reports of weird increases in Will-O-Wisps and she asks Labarett to investigate this for the Emerald Enclave and retrieve a sample of one of the creatures, giving him a Wisp Catcher to do so. She also tells them that Velvet was very visibly sick when the Dragon entered the city recently to meet with Vorgansharax.

- Next they head over to Madame Freona’s Tea & Kettle where they soon discover that all the patrons inside are Harpers. They speak to Olisara Lightsong, a female Moon Elf, and a high ranking member of the Harpers. She tells them about the situation in Phlan and confirms that there is something strange going on with the Cult being here, Phlan has no military significance. She is trying to organise the two separate resistance groups into one under the Harpers, and also find out what the Cult’s plan for being here is. Olisara then gives Trenchant a mission to retrieve the Spell Book, Harper Pin and encrypted code book of a dead Harper that was killed by Velvet. She believes the items must be in the Lair of the Dragon and asks Trenchant to return these items to her.

- Eventually all the party, still disguised as simple locals, reunite back at the Frostskimmr. With only a few hours left of daylight and wishing to take advantage of the powerful illusion spell that disguises the party before the spell ends, they decide to leave immediately. Farewelling Captain Lerustah, they confirm the instructions to the Captain, that if the party do not return in two days then he is to take the ship out of port and head north to the closest river and wait there for two weeks, moving the ship around the bay occasionally to avoid detection.

- The party head back to the Velvet Doublet to see Rolk. As arranged, Rolk gives a horse to each of the party for the ride over to the Crossing Inn. Thanks to Labarett’s gift, the party make the four hour journey in half the time and as the sun sets they arrive at the Crossing Inn.

- Within the Inn they meet Rhomsan and he arranges rooms, food and drink for the party, all of which he puts on Rolk’s tab. He tells them that he has four canoes waiting in the rear shed for them when they are ready to go.

- Sir Krondor asks Rhomsan if he has seen a female Drow and the inn keeper tells the Dwarf Knight he has. About three weeks ago, a female Drow came in during the evening. She bought a meal and a lot of dry food rations then left. Rhomsan didn’t see which direction she travelled once she exited the inn.

- The party get to sleep, readying themselves for the hard day tomorrow.

- Oathday, 11th Gozran in the year 815 (Second Era). Early Summer.

- The party arise early and after a hearty breakfast given by Rhoman, he leads them to the rear shed. Rhomsan looks up to the sky, “Athair will be in full moon tonight.” (Athair is the large blue moon).

- Labarett looks up, “Yes and tomorrow his sister Harell will be in full light too.” (Harell is the small grey moon).

- One of the canoes has been stolen leaving only three.

- Sir Trenchant speaks, “Looks like your missing Drow helped herself to some transport Sir Krondor.”

- The party wave goodbye to Rhomsan and then head off into waters of the Twilight Marsh on the three remaining canoes greeted by black rain clouds that hide the sun and light rains. Again thanks to Labarett, a four hour journey is done in half that time.

- Arriving at the village just as the rains have stopped, the air is filled with large flying glow bugs, the party bear witness to devastation on an immense scale.

- Most of the huts on the island have been destroyed by acid. Dead Lizardfolk - ravaged by acid, claw and teeth - lay scattered all about. It is clear these Lizardfolk have been dead only a few days. Only two lone figures, one large Lizardfolk warrior and a smaller one dressed as a Shaman, move about slowly gathering the bodies in a pile. Both the large warrior and Shaman have savage wounds which look a few days old, and are still healing.

- The party discover that this is Bogclaw. His village was attacked a few days ago by Throstulgrael (“Velvet”) and she killed most of the village. She was angered to learn that Bogclaw had been trading with the humans in Phlan. Bogclaw seeks vengeance for his people and wants the Dragon killed. He directs and instructs the party on how to find the lair of Velvet, set within the ruins of an ancient Temple that once stood as a place of gathering for the Cult Of Dragon Queen.

- The party offer to help tend to the dead of his village, Bogclaw is taken back by this generous offer by “the dry skins” as he refers to humans. Sir Krondor asks the Chieftain if he has seen a female Drow, and he says he has. She snuck into their village during the evening and stole food, tools, and hunting gear two weeks ago. Four of his warriors attempted to track and kill her but they did not return. They found their dead bodies the next morning, each struck with a poisoned crossbow bolt.

- Whilst the party are talking and helping move the dead bodies, one of the trees starts to lurch towards Naillae. The smell of death has attracted one of the marshes more loathsome creatures. As the “tree” moves forward, seemingly come to life, the once motionless form of a Shambling Mound lurches forward. It’s large bulk towers over the party, limbs wider than a man threaten to crush and pull victims towards an open mouth filled with teeth.

- To complicate matters, Will-O-Wisps also descend upon the party, their approach disguised by the many flying glow bugs. The party scatter about now dealing with many threats at once. Labarett pulls out his Wisp Catcher and attempts to catch one of the sly creatures.

- Trenchant animates two large fallen tree trunks and commands them to move over to the Shambling Mound and start attacking it. The rest of the party move around, as the Will-O-Wisps start to appear in greater and greater numbers, arcs of lightning shooting outwards to strike at the party.

- Labarett is struggling to capture the willy creatures. After the party manage to dispatch the Shambling Mound, Trenchant sends his animated tree trunks to try and corner in some of the Will-O-Wisps but this has no effect on the ethereal creatures who can move through solid objects like air.

- The battle is a struggle, until the party take note that Bogclaw and his Shaman are standing perfectly still, making no sounds, and not attacking or provoking the Will-O-Wisps. Following their lead the party quickly dispatch the Will-O-Wisps remaining and then stop moving about and remain silent, no more of the creatures appear.

- Labarett finally captures two of the creatures, after one managed to escape, the Wisp Catcher attuned now to lock away his prize.

XP Allocation

Group - Combined (This is equally divided by the number of players who were involved)

Quests (Only quests that are completed or rendered undoable, during this session, are shown here)

- Avoid Detection by Cult Patrols = 500 XP

- Locate Contact (Order Of Gauntlet) Sir Zern = 100 XP

- Locate Contact (Merchant’s Guild) Rolk = 100 XP

- Locate Contact (Emerald Enclave) Seranolla = 100 XP

- Locate Contact (Harpers) Olisara = 100 XP

Creatures Overcome

- Shambling Mound = 1800 XP

- Will-O-Wisps = 4500 XP

Individual (This is only given to that person and is not divided amongst all players)

Special Bonus (Outstanding Role Playing)

Nil

XP Levels and Player Allocations

Player : Start + Received = Total (Notes)

Rob : 105450 +1028 = 106475

Arthur : 84004 +1028 = 85032 (Level up to Level 11)

John : 78284 +1028 = 79312

Travis : 96398 +1028 = 97426

Paul : 85274 +1028 = 86302

Bob : 94141 +1028 = 95169

NPC (Naillae) : + (514)

#D&D #DnD #5th #5e #ROT

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