#yeah she was already crazy before but now she’s worse cause the remnant messed with her head. yeahh..

[milstrim]

You’re My Kid Too

Day 2: "Pick Who Dies"| Collars| Kidnapped

Mr. Stark was going to be so pissed. She was sure of it. Getting kidnapped was one thing, but allowing for Morgan to be taken too was a whole other level. She'd been babysitting for the day, taking Morgan out for a day at the Central Park Zoo as she tried to adjust to the newly repopulated world and Mr. Stark's new family. But something had happened when they'd been looking at the penguins, and she couldn't exactly remember what it was other than the hissing of gas and the whoosh! of doors clanging closed.

But then she'd woken up, cold except for a small and warm body clinging onto her desperately as it cried. She'd realized quickly that it was Morgan, and that they definitely weren't in the zoon anymore.

"Morgan?" she'd whispered in the dark, and the girl had frozen before gripping onto harder.

"Penny, Penny!" she'd cried, and Penny had sat up, wincing at the soreness in her side, and scooping Morgan into her lap, "I thought--I thought you were gone again and I didn't wanna be alone!"

She shushed the girl placatingly, "It's okay, it's okay. We're gonna be alright, okay? You just gotta be the strong girl you always are, right?" Morgan had nodded, "Good, okay, do you know how long we've been here?" She'd shrugged, "Okay, that's alright. Have you seen anyone?"

"No."

"Okay, if someone comes in you get behind me, alright? Just sit behind me and stay quiet, can you do that?"

"Yeah," Morgan had affirmed. The girl had struck true to her word when a woman had entered the room a few hours later, hiding behind her legs as the girl stood up to face their kidnapper.

The woman smiled at the two of them, and honestly, this wasn't who Penny had been expecting. She was small, barely taller than Penny herself, middle-aged, and slightly overweight. She dressed like a high school English teacher, with a short pixie cut that had turned gray, the only remnants of her original hair color being the few strands of black.

She'd gone on about revenge and the Avengers causing the loss of her own child, and really, Penny felt for her, but kidnapping a five year-old wasn't the way to go. Then the woman had left, leaving behind a small brown bag that ended up being two water bottles and ham and cheese sandwiches that she nibbled on before handing one to Morgan.

That had been two days ago, and while protecting Morgan was on the top of her to-do list, she hadn't been quite prepared for how hard it would be to entertain her, especially when she would randomly go into fits crying for her parents and Penny could do nothing but hold her. She must've played patty cake a thousand times, struggling to remember the rhyme and having to force herself to be gentle with the preschooler in front of her.

Three meals were delivered a day, and there was a toilet in the corner of the room that she thought must be an old prison room, so overall it could be worse conditions. They weren't being tortured, they were being fed, and were at least together, though they probably both smelled since they hadn't had a shower since they'd arrived.

Penny kept telling herself to wait, to lay low like Mr. Stark had always told her to do if she got kidnapped, to let him come and rescue them, and at first she had been prepared to do that, to hunker down and wait while she was with Morgan, but two days turned to six, and then nine, each night growing colder and all she could do was hug Morgan tighter.

But then she couldn't hug Morgan.

On the ninth day the woman returned, this time with two other people with solemn expressions, and Penny had immediately pressed Morgan behind her at the tingle running up and down her spine.

"Step away," the woman ordered, the bars of the cage opening with a clang!

"No," Penny said, putting steel into her voice.

"You don't have to be more involved than you already are dear," the woman said gently, as though a doting mother to her, and Penny scowled, "I don't know who you are. A nanny or a babysitter, some poor intern who got dragged into this, but I don't want to hurt you."

"And why not? You seem fine with hurting a five year-old. She hasn't even gone to kindergarten yet! If you think she has any part of the Avengers then you're either insane or stupid. I'm leaning towards the latter."

"Step aside," she said again, a little more sternness in her voice.

"No."

"Step aside."

"She's a kid!"

"She's the daughter of a murderer, and he will feel the same pain I did."

Penny's eyes shifted to the ground, hesitant but sure, she sighed, "Fine."

"What?" The woman sounded beyond surprised.

"Fine! He can feel that pain, but not through Morgan."

"How do you--"

"You think he trusts just anybody with his daughter? Some random nanny after how many people have tried to kill him? And why do you think a teenager would be nannying her? You don't think he'd hire some really professional lady?" Penny ranted, and she could feel Morgan's arms wrap around her leg, squeezing her as she cried. She wished she could comfort her, but if she wanted Morgan to be safe, she had to put all her attention into this.

"What do you mean?" the woman asked, readjusting her glasses and giving her a once over.

"I mean Tony Stark likes me. We've known each other for years and he takes care of me and him and my aunt basically share custody of me. If you--" she swallowed, "If you hurt me, then he'll feel the same pain, but you won't have to hurt Morgan."

"And how do we know this is true?" the man behind the still nameless woman asked. For the first time since they'd arrived, she turned to Morgan.

"Morgan, what are we?" she asked gently, and Morgan sniffed.

"Sisters."

Penny turned back around, point-fucking-proven (even if it was technically a lie), to look at the shocked and calculating faces. After a tense minute, the woman finally reached a conclusion, smiling a little as she looked at her.

"Okay, works for me. We'll send it to Stark, and if what you're saying is true--and you don't fight back--then the kid will be safe. Deal?"

"Deal," Penny agreed without hesitation. They beckoned for her to leave the cell, and she began to move forward, but Morgan continued to clutch onto her harder.

"No! NO! PENNY!! DON'T GO!!" the girl cried, sobbing hysterically, but Penny had to go, she had to keep Morgan safe. Glancing between the impatient faces and Morgan's snot-covered and crying one, she kneeled down, prying the little hands away from her leg as gently as she possibly could.

"It's okay. It's okay, Morggie. Remember what I said about being brave?" A nod, "Good. Just, try and be calm, and it'll be okay. I'll make it okay."

"Promise?"

Penny hesitated, but Morgan's eyes were too wide and too smart and too much exactly like Mr. Stark's, "I promise. Pinky promise."

She held out her pinky, and Morgan accepted, tears still leaking out of her eyes as Penny stood up and stepped out of the small cell, allowing for her hands to be cuffed behind her back. She kept eye contact with Morgan the entire time, trying for a smile and not looking away until she was moving and down the hallway.

She was right about it being an old prison, the walls crumbling stone and covered in frost. She knew it was winter, but wherever they were it was cold. And every step away from Morgan became colder and colder until she was finally led into a room with a singular metal chair and a camera pointed at it.

The next few hours were some of the worst of her life.

  Penny was dumped back into her and Morgan's cell the next day, barely aware of the world around her. After their little homemade video in which Penny had done her very best assuring Mr. Stark that Morgan was okay and that she was keeping her safe, she'd been left chained to the chair in the room while they sent it or whatever. She guessed they were just being extra careful about not being found, but it had sucked.

Nothing in this place was particularly comfortable, but that chair and that freezing empty room with the knowledge of Morgan alone barely a hallway over was the worst part of all of it. Yet she didn't want Morgan to see her the way she was right now.

Her arms and hands were coated in red that was dried and sticky, her lips blue and the hair atop her head--so thick and desperately in need of a cut--was still damp and clung to her skin. There were cuts and burns littering her body, and she knew she must look a mess, a true horror to the girl once again crying and pulling at her hair to try and get her to move.

"Penny? Penny, please. Wake up! If-If I have to be brave, you do too!" Morgan practically begged, and she began to stir, forcing herself onto her arms and knees, collapsing onto the barred wall instead. Morgan stared at her, scared and timid.

"It's okay, Morggie. I'm okay, see, I'm right here," Penny tried to assure, "You're doing so good. So good. Just--just be brave for a little longer, okay?"

"How much longer?"

"Not long."

And it wouldn't be. They couldn't stay here. Penny had held them off with the promise of torturing her instead, but these people were crazy, and she knew it was only a matter of time before they moved onto Morgan. The couldn't wait any longer.

  The teen didn't even wait a day. She waited until the next morning when they were afforded their stupid sandwiches and water that she would throw out the stupid window if it weren't for the hunger that clawed at her chest.

The woman, different than the short and stout ringleader, approached with their bags of food. Penny was still sitting on the bars, waiting, limp and unsuspecting, until they were close enough. She struck out, grabbing their foot and easily unbalancing them. Quick as a shot, she stood up and punched them through the bars, letting her drop to the floor unconscious.

Morgan yelped in surprise, staring at the woman crumpled on the ground. But then she clapped, "Are we leaving?"

"Yep. We're going home, Mongoose," she affirmed.

"Back to Mommy and Daddy?"

"Back to Mommy and Daddy."

Morgan smiled, and then they were walking down the hallways. Morgan carried the little brown bags of food as they stalked through the hallway, Penny on edge as she escorted them to the door. They managed to not come across anyone, which was good, because Penny doubted she could fight at this point. She was limping and tired to the bone, her right arm swollen and her eye still black. If it came down to it, she'd take someone down, but they needed to get out as quick as possible.

But when they finally found the door, she hesitated. It was freezing, beyond cold. Now don't get her wrong, she knew what cold was like, New York was plenty freezing during the winter, but now she wore nothing but a shirt and jeans, as well as a hoodie wrapped around her waist. And it wasn't just cold, Penny didn't do well in the cold, it was a storm. Penny did doubley worse in a storm.

It wasn't snow that rained down, but freezing sleet and pouring rain that thundered against the slick pavement outside. She gulped. This was bad, but they couldn't stay here. Maybe...maybe she could find a way to contact Tony, but then she'd be caught, and then Morgan would be tortured. And if this was an old prison, then, well, there had to be some kind of society around.

She weighed her chances, and then she weighed Morgan's chances. Outside was better for Morgan but worse for her, so outside it was.

"Are we going out there? It looks scary," Morgan mumbled. Penny knelt down at eye level with her sister.

"I know it does, but we have to go out, okay? We'll find Daddy and Mommy out there."

"Uncle Rhodey too?"

"Especially Uncle Rhodey," Penny affirmed, taking her hoodie and putting it on Morgan, "I'm gonna carry you, can you keep the food safe for me?"

"Yeah!" Morgan said, brightening at the thought of helping.

"Great," she said, picking the girl up with a pained grunt, "Let's go."

  The cold, to put it simply, stinked.

It tore at her cuts, burning and freezing. It soaked her to the bone, wrapped her in nothing but frost and ice, making her feel as though she were trapped at the bottom of a lake during winter. And Penny's inability to keep herself warm certainly didn't help. She couldn't shiver and she couldn't warm up, the most she could do was hold Morgan close to her and hope to God that she was as dry and warm as she could possibly be.

Morgan was a trooper though. Barely complaining, only ever asking how long until they were home twice, which was considerable constraint for a five year-old. Apparently the answer to when they'd get home--or at least at a town--was four hours. Four hours of trudging over wet, slushy ground. Four hours of wandering until she found railroad tracks to follow. Four hours until a house finally appeared through the gray storm.

"Morgan, look. A house!" she choked out in relief at the sight of it. She heard Morgan let out a pitiful cry in response, and Penny could do nothing but continue to stumble forward. There were a few more houses surrounding it, but she stuck with the nearest one, ducking between the cars and stumbling onto the porch.

Her vision was hazy as she rang the doorbell, hugging Morgan tighter to her. Due to the late hour it took a few minutes for someone to answer, the door finally being flung open by an old woman, who gaped at them in shock.

"Please..." Penny begged, "2-1-2. 6-5-5. 9-0-0-8. 2-1-2. 6-5-5. 9-0-0-8. 2-1-2. 6-5-5. 9-0-0-8. 2-1-2..."

When Penny passed out, making sure to land on her back and not Morgan, she was still repeating those numbers, mumbling as the woman screamed in surprise. She really hoped she remembered the number.

  Tony stared intently at the girl in front of him. She was still pale, even after being in the Medbay for two days, though her cuts and burns had thankfully healed. Hypothermia was the kicker, but he knew she'd push through. She had too.

Morgan had managed to full recover, which made sense. She hadn't been blue when he'd found her, well, when he'd gotten a call in the middle of the night from some lady in Canada saying that two girls had shown up on her doorstep repeating his number. His heart had leapt in joy, in relief. He'd gotten the video of Penny being tortured barely a few hours earlier, and it had been the worst experience of his life.

He'd thrown up, unable to take Penny's cries telling him that Morgan was safe all the while she hadn't been.

His kids being taken had been a truly crippling experience, especially with no contact. He'd begun to break by day five of no contact, and when he'd gotten that video of Penny, he'd almost been relieved, and it made him sick. Whoever had taken Penny, well, he'd been playing right into their hands.

But Penny had escaped, had taken Morgan and run at the first sign of real danger, and he couldn't be more grateful to have one kid in his lap and the other laying in front of him. Though he'd prefer Penny be awake.

Like his thoughts had summoned her, she blinked awake within the next few minutes. Her heart rate picked up as she looked around the room, then calmed down as she caught sight of him. She smiled sleepily.

"Hey, Mr. Stark," she greeted, "Is she okay?"

"She's great. What about you? How are you feeling?"

"Fine. Morgan's safe. She's safe, Mr. Stark."

"I know, Penny. I know," he assured, moving to grip her hand, "And now you're safe too, okay? Even though you walked through -20 degree weather knowing you can't keep warm."

"I thought the cold would get me," she admitted, "But they were going to go for Morgan next. They were going to hurt her."

His hand shook, "They hurt you. And you're my kid too, Penny." She looked at him with wide eyes, so he carried on, "You're my kid, just like Morgan. So please know you gave me a heart attack."

"Oh, I already knew that, Mr. Stark. Not the--not the kid part. But the uh, heart part."

He smiled, shaking his head. Sniffing in disdain, he pressed a kiss to her head, cupping Morgan closer to himself so as to keep her from waking up, "Whatever, kid. Just know that I love you and go back to sleep."

She smiled, and blinking tiredly, she drifted once more.

#iron man #spiderman #female peter parker #tony stark #peter parker #spiderdaughter #irondad #irondad fanfiction

[teddybear-yn]

[all night - the vamps]

nct. jung jaehyun

last night’s craziness was just too much that some of it spilled onto the next morning

It was 3:16 am, and I was still wide awake. Outside, it was dark and foggy. Typical winter weather. In my mind, it was a mess of disorganized haywires - the type you wouldn't even bother yourself to fix anymore.

I try to convince myself that I couldn't fall asleep because of the stupid red bull and jet black cup of coffee I drank earlier.

But in reality, I knew I couldn't because of a new number sitting in my phone of a new guy that was waiting for me to text him first.

It all happened last night.

My group of friends and I normally were the bunch of quiet weirdos in the corner that you swore could talk to each other telepathically.

We were always laughing though, sometimes got in trouble, and went way back. All the way in middle school is where we all met and decided 'hey you're kinda cool, I'll stick with you'.

So when we were blasting music and singing obnoxiously last night? It came off as a bit of a shock to the kids that lived in the college street we raided.

It was just a whim honestly, I swear none of us were drunk or high then. In fact, we were all completely sober. Some crazy remnants still made me giggle.

We started the music at around 9pm, at first we just wanted to drive around, admiring the pretty buildings. The stereo's volume was on 26.

But then by our 6th round around the block, I was sitting on the window with my phone's flashlight on, singing obnoxiously to whatever song came on.

My friend, with her window down, conveniently had one of those echo mics and was singing to the top of her lungs despite not knowing half the lyrics.

The stereo's volume was on 99 and the bass boosters were switched on.

There were college kids playing tennis by the park then. It was almost 12am.

When the attractive group of guys came up to us, laughing, inviting us to a club party, we thought 'hey we're already getting crazy, why not go the extra mile and get drunk on a Tuesday night?’

Little did I know that that night would be a rollercoaster of emotions.

We got to the club around 1:30. All dressed up, I was feeling pretty and confident. That didn't normally happen. I wasn't the pretty one of the group.

Everything was a blur, How I was sick of dancing in the heels my friend lent me, so after a few minutes, I was the first in our group to trudge towards the bar barefoot.

I sat there watching them dance with a goofy smile on my face. We always talked about how we would all go completely crazy someday. Guess that was today. But then again maybe there were more and crazier days to come with them.

"You made it. So can I offer you a drink?" One of the guys that came up to us earlier in that attractive bunch? He was right next to me, looking more attractive as he was dressed up too.

"I'm Jaehyun. You and your friends are being hunted down by the police for the ruckus you guys made earlier, did you know that?" 

Shit. I always thought how it was odd that nobody came out and screamed at us earlier for being a driving teen concert.

Guess they didn't bother and went straight to the police.

"There aren't any cameras around there, right?" I ask nervously. After a chuckle, Jaehyun merely shrugged innocently. He should know he lives there. I glared at him, knowing that he should know.

"Okay, fine. There are cameras. But the most you'll get is a night in jail." That rang in my ears, threatening to spill out in vomit. A night in jail? My parents will kill me.

Jaehyun seems to notice my distraught as he asks me again if I wanted a drink. "A cup of coffee will be fine. Black. And some red bull."

Now that doesn't sound at all appealing, but I figured if I was spending a night in jail, there was no way in hell I would fall asleep.

"You were quite interesting earlier, almost hanging out of the car window and flailing." He chuckles again, not really helping with my stress really.

"In Psychology you were like a mouse, spoke little next to nothing and there you were, all crazy." Did he say Psychology? So I had a class with him?

Great, so some of my other classmates recognize me too then. The quiet chick that went crazy that one night. They'll think I went high on PCP.

Really this information did nothing but add to my stress. Now I was on the verge of tears as I held my head in my hands, roughly scratching my hair. “Shit.”

Remember how I said it was gonna be a rollercoaster? And I haven’t even had any alcohol yet.

My mental breakdown seemed to catch Jaehyun's attention.

"Look if you're that stressed. My uncle's the head of this district's police..." He starts off.

"I can only ask him a few times, but I can ask him to waive you guys off." Sniffling, I looked up to him in broken hope. "Can you really?"

Next thing I know Jaehyun kisses my cheek and makes a call on his phone. As he was talking on the phone, I sat there like statue, mortified by the kiss. Did he normally kiss people he just met?

"I know, this'll be my last. At least for this semester. I know one of them, the one hanging off the window, yeah. Thanks, don't tell mom." After that, Jaehyun just looks back at me with a dimpled smile on his face.

"Now you won't have to worry about that anymore." He beamed. He was right, I didn't have to worry about that cause now, I had to worry about how much I owe him. And that kiss on my cheek, Jesus Christ.

I know how this worked, his favor wasn't for free.

"Your number." The phrase 'this'll be my last' particularly rang in my head, drowning me in guilt.

I was the only one whose face was caught outside the car, I could've turned myself in and not bother anyone, especially my friends.

"I said your number would make it up." Only then was I snapped out, when Jaehyun put a hand on my thigh. I flinched away from it. And he took the signal.

"If you give me your number we'll be even." Why did he want my number? Reluctantly, I gave it to him and he gave his. Not knowing where this was going I started to look for my friends in the crowd, to leave.

But before I stood up and actually leave, Jaehyun grabbed my wrist, the same dimpled smile on his face.

"I won't force you to talk to me, so I'll wait for your text first, okay? Just don't leave me hanging." He said and with that I walked away, grabbing all 3 of my drunk friends and driving us home.

His smile softened me a bit, with the two dimples that added an extra cuteness to his face. Darn he was cute.

When we got home, it was 2:48am. I got all the girls out of their clothes, forced them to shower and drink a full glass of water before doing so myself.

As I got out of the shower, I saw them giggling amongst themselves like teenagers, stopping when they saw me.

"What is it?" I walked up to them, drying my hair with my towel.

"When are you texting Jaehyun?" My best friend asked me excitedly as if she couldn't hold it in anymore. But her question honestly just reminded me about that incident. With Jaehyun.

"How do you know about that?" Brushing it off, it seems my attempt at changing the topic only made it worse. Now they started squealing while my best friend kept saying 'i told you so'.

"I told you he was into her! Why else would he go all the way around the car to ask us to his party. And through her! He was even leaning to her earlier." She said all in one breath, but not without emphasizing some specific parts.

It took me a while to realize what on earth she was talking about. And without my other friend's help, I wouldn't have.

"She's talking about how earlier Jaehyun and his friends were closer to the right side of the car and could've asked her if we wanted to go to the party because she had her window down. We all did.." I see my best friend nodding triumphantly.

"But he went all the way around the car to ask you on the other side and he was leaning in too. So we figured he liked you."

That's it? They were basing these assumptions out of that one small detail. Pssh.

"It's the small things that matter." They all tell me. Great, now I'm starting to believe it.

Just as I was about to delete his number and forget it ever happened too.

"Oh, let's all just go to sleep. We still have class tomorrow." I hurriedly downed a glass of water (but then remembering I didn't really drink tonight) and usher the girls into their rooms.

Now it was 3:16am and I was still wide awake. The past few hours felt like a dream. I held my heart and still felt the adrenaline of the party and us driving around college street with our volume maxed.

I held my phone in my hands, switched on and on Jaehyuns contact. Something in me wanted to see if he really wouldn't text me first like he said, but a bigger part was telling me to go and not leave the guy hanging.

Who am I kidding? He probably has a bunch of girls' numbers that's why he didn't want to text me first. Cause he was too busy with the others. I wouldn't be leaving him hanging.

But here I was, typing and erasing words in my phone repeatedly. A never-ending cycle. Again, a rollercoaster.

sent

would you really not text me first even if you had my number?

My heart felt like it was stuck in my throat as I threw my phone to other side of my room. Only to stand up and pick it up as I hear the familiar ding of a new message.

received

honestly, I would have. but now I'm just glad you didn't leave me hanging.

A blush was creeping up my face as I read his text. He was glad I texted him.

sent

I never really said thank you for getting your uncle to waive us. so, thank you.

God, I felt so cringey and strange.

received

you're welcome. just don't do it again because that was my last favor from him probably and you could've gotten hurt hanging off the car window like that.

Now, I really felt strange. It was something I couldn't explain, like I felt lured so much into this Jaehyun I just met. I didn't even notice the smile on my face that came up since his first text.

sent

I'm sorry I took your last :( I'll make it up however I can.

received

you can make it up by eating out with me tomorrow after classes?

sent

sure, I'll pay for wherever you want to eat

received

as a date and I'll pay. it's only right that I should

There it was again, the feeling where it felt like my heart was stuck in my throat. Anyone seeing me would think I was a maniac with how I was smiling so weirdly into my phone.

sent

alright but you choose where to eat

I texted Jaehyun so that I could fall asleep, but now it was 5:12am and the sun was starting to rise. We basically texted each other for 2 hours straight.

I knew all these stupid facts about Jaehyun now too. About how he's a music major, he had a lot of friends - 17 of them and some were still in highschool, he lived in California for 4 years - or was that Connecticut, and how he actually legally changed his name to Yoonoh but just didn't use it cause it sounded like someone else's.

received

it's 5:30 already. when's your first class?

sent

7...

received

you should go to sleep now. wouldn't want you falling asleep in class, babe.

sent

alright. goodnight, Jae.

received 

goodnight, darling. 

Babe and darling. I just met this man last night, technically, this morning. But already, Jung Jaehyun was becoming the death of me.

A/N. so my friends and i did this crazy thing where we drove around a college district at 9pm on a tuesday night, with our windows down, volume on max, and bass boosters switched on. we got in trouble but it felt so...

#jung jaehyun #jung jaehyun nct #jung jaehyun imagines #jung jaehyun scenarios #jung jaehyun fluff #jung jaehyun drabbles #nct #nct imagines #nct scenarios #nct fluff #nct drabbles #nct 127 #nct 127 imagines #nct 127 scenarios #nct 127 fluff #nct 127 drabbles #nct u #nct u imagines #nct u scenarios #nct u fluff #nct u drabbles #kpop imagines #kpop scenarios #kpop fluff #kpop drabbles

[lilacmoon83]

Finding You Always

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 144: Powerful Magic

Angela and Nick arrived in Boston to find the person they had been tasked to find. The drive there had been almost completely silent and as they hit the Boston City Limits, she couldn't take it anymore.

"Will you stop brooding already? I did what I had to in order to save our butts!" she hissed.

"She still has our hearts. Even if we do everything she asks, she doesn't really strike me as the type that won't just crush them and be done with us," he snapped back. She sighed.

"Listen to us...how the hell is this our lives now? We're walking and talking while our hearts are back in that insane little town in wooden boxes!" she exclaimed. He snorted.

"Yeah, it's straight up crazy for sure," he agreed. She sighed.

"Let's just find this woman and hope for the best. It's all we've got," she replied.

"Fine," he agreed, as he opened the file.

"What do you think this fairy could want with a social worker?" he wondered.

"I don't know, but it has something to do with Emma Swan Nolan. She and her parents are the reason we're even in this mess to begin with," Angela replied. He scoffed.

"You know that's not completely true, right? We're in this, because we didn't heed Snow White's warning to stay out of this. But you just couldn't let it go and we went storming into that building," he chided. She clenched her teeth.

"You didn't have to follow me," she snapped in return.

"Whatever, let's just find this woman and get this over with," he muttered.

"That fairy said that this woman once almost destroyed belief in Emma. What do you think that could have to do with anything?" he wondered.

"I don't know that either, but she also said this woman isn't what she seems. Maybe this woman can elaborate," Angela replied, as they continued to drive.

~*~

Snow found herself surrounded by billowy clouds and blue sky, as she walked through the corridor of giant white pillars that extended to the heavens. She looked down, finding herself in an airy, flowing white gown and her raven hair cascaded down her back again. Her head was also adorned by a crown made of snowdrops. Before her was a Temple, similar to the one she and Charming had once visited when they received the chalice. Was that where she was? Aphrodite's temple again? She was expecting the red room again, but perhaps since this sleeping curse was more of a gift from the silver crystal, it had brought her here instead. She raised her hand to the door to reach for the handle, but it opened for her, before she even touched it. She walked into the temple and looked around. It was definitely like Aphrodite's temple, but the statue before her was not the Goddess.

"Welcome to the Temple of Morpheus," a voice said. Snow turned and saw a young man standing there. He had very fair skin like her and a head full of ebony hair, as well. Despite her obvious features in him, he was strikingly handsome and she gasped, as she would know his blue eyes anywhere. Despite having a feeling she knew exactly who he was, she voiced the question.

"Who are you?" she asked. He smiled and she recognized that smile instantly too.

"I think you know…" he replied.

"But you can't be...you're a baby back in Storybrooke. That wouldn't make sense," Snow replied.

"When in the realm of dreams, anything is possible...Mom," he said. She swallowed and approached him slowly.

"Bobby?" she asked in amazement. He grinned, showing her again that he had his father's smile and she cupped his face in her hands.

"How can this be?" she asked in wonder.

"Morpheus can take any form in dreams," he replied.

"So you're really Morpheus?" she asked, as she frowned.

"Not exactly...I am your son or I will be someday. Morpheus brought me or baby me here to be your guide. Like I said, dreams can be anything he wants so I'm the future adult version of myself here," he explained, wincing a bit.

"I know, it's strange," he replied, as he offered his arm to her and she hooked her hand on his elbow.

"A bit, but your father and I have seen plenty of strange in our time," she said.

"Very true," he agreed.

"So...you are my guide? Through the dream world?" she asked. He smiled.

"Morpheus didn't think you deserved to face the red room again, especially since you took another sleeping curse to save everyone again. So he intervened and brought you here instead," he explained.

"I gained favor with Morpheus?" she asked in shock. He smiled.

"It's more that he is hoping that you and Dad will right a serious grievance that he feels was committed against him," Bobby replied. Her brow furrowed.

"I'm not sure I understand," Snow said.

"It's Jekyll...I'm afraid he has seriously offended the God of Dreams with his perversion," Bobby replied. Realization dawned in her eyes.

"The dream technology he was using to invade my dreams," she guessed. He nodded.

"Only Morpheus has power in the dream realm. So when Jekyll found a way to wield power in the dream realm, Morpheus was highly offended. Unfortunately, he only has power in this realm and not the physical world," Bobby explained.

"So he cannot punish him physically," Snow realized.

"No, though I doubt the doctor is enjoying restful sleep. He probably has his brother, the God of Nightmares, doing quite a number on the doctor, if he even sleeps at all. But I believe he is counting on you and Dad to defeat him in the physical realm," Bobby said. Snow sighed.

"He has beaten us at every turn though. So far, your sister's magic has been the only thing that has thwarted anything we've tried and you probably know that we do not like our children fighting our battles for us," she replied.

"I know, though any of us would do anything to protect you and Dad," he reminded and she smiled at that.

"But you and Dad are the champions of love and light. You can and will defeat him," he assured.

"I just wish I knew how," she lamented. Bobby smiled and hugged her.

"You'll know when it happens exactly what you have to do," he said cryptically.

"That's not very helpful, sweetie," she chided playfully. He chuckled.

"I know, but unfortunately, there are limits as to what I can tell you here, including anything that will come to be the physical realm," he said. She nodded.

"Well...I'm sure it won't be long. If I know your father, he's already on his way to find me," she said with certainty. Bobby nodded.

"He will always find you," he agreed.

~*~

King John lounged in his new Throne, as servants milled about around him, serving his every whim. Since escaping to this new Enchanted Forest, he had enjoyed the lap of luxury, once he established his rule. Of course, that was fairly easy to do when it seemed that this and several Kingdoms in this realm had been abandoned. That suited him just fine, especially after his treacherous niece, Rose Red and her Asgardian brute had ejected him from power in their land.

After happening upon a pirate named Blackbeard, he had made a deal with him. In exchange for treasure and a way to a new land, the newly minted King John had given Blackbeard full control of the seas. He brought the remnants of his army and quickly recruited survivors of this land under him. From what he had learned, the rulers of these two abandoned Kingdoms had been ripped away from the land by an evil curse. Their loss and his gain. There was a small resistance to his tyrannical rule, most notably, King Phillip in the Kingdom east of them, but so far he hadn't invaded King John's borders. Such would be an act of war. Phillip's army had numbers on his for now, but being in league with Blackbeard was slowly changing that. The pirate was causing a lot of problems in the Maritime Kingdom to the east and Phillip had already sent soldiers to assist Prince Eric. He knew Phillip wouldn't risk the rest of his army in a war against him in this state, giving John more than enough time to build on his army. Yes, being back on top certainly felt good.

"Sire...we have news of a peculiar occurrence," his loyal Duke, Sir Myron Hiss, informed him. He usually just referred to him as Hiss, since the man had a severe lisp.

"And what occurrence is this, Hiss?" he questioned.

"It seems that two of our solders found something in the woods on patrol. It's your niece," he announced.

"Rose Red is here?!" he exclaimed, as the Duke cowered before him.

"They believe so, Sire," Hiss answered.

"Bring her and lock her in the dungeon! She'll finally pay for everything she and her husband did to me," he spat.

"It's not that simple, Sire. They found her in a glass coffin," Hiss reported. The evil King smirked deviously.

"Rose Red is dead?" he questioned.

"They aren't sure, Sire," Hiss answered.

"What do you meant they aren't sure?! You said she is in a coffin. Is she dead or not?!" he demanded to know.

"She appears to be, but a couple of our soldiers native to this land tell of a legend. The Princess that once ruled these two Kingdoms that are now yours was once put under a sleeping curse. She lay in state in a glass coffin in the very place that Rose Red now lays," he explained.

"A sleeping curse? So if Fandral were to come along, he could wake her?" the King asked. Hiss nodded.

"Yes, but there is more, Sire," Hiss continued.

"Then spit it out already? And hurry up...it's time for my nap," the King complained. Hiss sighed. His King was so childish sometimes and prone to throwing tantrums. It was the last thing Sir Hiss wanted, but if he didn't tell him the whole story, it would just result in a worse fit later.

"The soldiers claim that the Princess of this land, who was called Snow White, was identical to our Rose Red. In fact, they are insisting that this woman might not be Rose Red at all. She could be this Snow White," he explained. The King scoffed.

"Of all the preposterous stories...I do not care if she is Rose Red or Snow White! If she is Princess of this land, I will not have anyone else trying to usurp me!" he growled.

"Of course not, Sire...what do you wish to do? The soldiers claim that this Snow White has a Prince Charming that awakened her the first time. They are certain he will come for her," Hiss informed.

"Take me to see this...Princess. I will not have some stupid girl stealing my power again! Whether this princess is Rose Red or Snow White, we're having a funeral pyre for her," he announced evilly. Hiss gulped at the savagery of that.

"Yes Sire...we shall leave at once," he agreed.

~*~

The four of them appeared on the beach, not far from Maleficent's former castle. It was the exact place that Rumpelstiltskin had given him his mother's enchanted ring back and he began his journey to find Snow.

This time, he found himself in the exact clothes he had been given on that day, thanks to genie magic this time and instead of his mother's ring, which was still on Snow's finger, the chalice glowed in his hand. Without being asked, four horses appeared and they mounted them.

"We'll follow you," Cassim said. David nodded, as he led the way, riding fiercely to find her again, through the forest and then along the smooth road he had once traversed thirty years ago.

"Hang on Snow…I'm coming," he silently willed to her. And even though she was in a sleeping curse, he somehow knew she would be able to sense when he was near, thanks to their shared heart.

~*~

Snow smiled, as she trekked through Morpheus' gardens with her son behind his Temple.

"It certainly beats the red room, that's for sure," she mentioned.

"There was no way I was going to let you face that again if I could help it, Mom," Bobby said. She cocked her head to the side.

"Then you're going to have powers too, like your brother and sisters," Snow inquired. He smiled.

"You know I can't tell you that," he chided. But she smiled coyly.

"But it's true. Your father and I have wondered what yours will be like. Your sisters and brother all have their own gifts, so it makes us curious as to what yours will be," she mentioned.

"But we're okay with waiting to find out, because we are very reluctant for our last baby to grow up," she said wistfully. He smiled and hugged her.

"I love you, Mom," he said. She smiled.

"I love you too...and you are so handsome. It's like looking at your father and brother, except with all my coloring," she said, sniffing and swiping her tears away. He chuckled and then watched her look away, off into the distance.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I...I think it's your father. I think he's close! I can feel him again!" she exclaimed, as a grin spread across her face. He smiled and then she frowned.

"I almost don't want to leave you though...I wish he could see you," she said. Bobby smiled.

"He will...I'm waiting for you both, back in Storybrooke," he promised. She nodded and kissed his forehead. Her son held her, while she waited for Charming's true love's kiss to awaken her once more…

~*~

The spoiled, childish King John arrived at the site in his carriage and stepped out. He approached the glass coffin and felt rage, as he stared at the woman that he believed had ruined him.

"Rose Red…" he growled.

"Or Snow White…" Sir Hiss reminded.

"I don't care who she is...Snow White or Rose Red, this little witch is nothing but a problem and one I intend to rectify!" the King announced.

"And how do you plan to do that, Sire?" Hiss asked.

"I told you that, Hiss!" he snapped.

"Yes Sire...but isn't making a bonfire out of a Princess a little dark, even for you?" Hiss inquired.

"Well...she is a little witch, after all. And you know what is done to witches," he replied deviously.

"Excuse me...but perhaps I can offer a different proposal," a cultured voice spoke, as a short, bespectacled man emerged from the trees.

"And who, pray tell, are you?" the King inquired, as his Knights blocked his path to their ruler.

"Oh, you need not fear me, Your Majesty. My name is Dr. Henry Jekyll and I can offer you a solution to your Snow White problem," he stated.

"Then this isn't Rose Red?" the King asked.

"No...this is indeed Snow White, rightful Queen of your two Kingdoms and I know for a fact that her Prince Charming is on his way to awaken her. I can, however, offer you a satisfying solution that will allow you to keep your Throne," Jekyll replied.

"So can I...a funeral pyre," the King stated.

"Ah...or you can deny her Prince the satisfaction of awakening her and allow me to take her with me to a far away land where she will never escape. In exchange, I can ensure no one will ever usurp your rule," Jekyll offered. The King looked intrigued.

"And how will you do that?" he inquired. The doctor smirked.

"This weapon...it holds a powerful magic that can thwart all your enemies. I can demonstrate it if you like," Jekyll replied.

"Hiss…" the King said and the Duke looked absolutely terrified. He gulped.

"Me Sire?" Hiss asked. The King chuckled.

"No...I just like to see you squirm," John said, as he motioned to any of his soldiers. Jekyll used it on one of them and the poor man was struck with the purple energy, causing him to fall to the ground, writhing in pain. The evil gleam in John's eyes intensified and he approached the doctor.

"Do we have a deal?" Jekyll asked.

"Take her...do whatever you want with her. I want that weapon," he said, as he prepared to take it from the doctor when they heard the sound of thundering hooves pounding toward them. Jekyll seethed, as a white horse emerged carrying Charming with it.

"You!" the King cried, as David looked at him strangely. He had never seen this man before and dismounted his horse.

"You are part of the reason Rose Red was able to defeat me!" the King shouted, as his men all drew their swords. Realization dawned in David's eyes and he rolled them.

"He thinks you're Fandral," Aladdin said, as he, Cassim, and Jasmine arrived too.

"I told you...this is Snow White, which means he's not Fandral. But he's just as much of a thorn in my side as Fandral was in yours," Jekyll hissed.

"Save it, you sick bastard, and get the hell away from my wife," David demanded. Jekyll growled and fired the weapon at David, but the Prince caught the attack with the Chalice, as they dueled in a deadlock. All bystanders were forced to dodge the power of the device, as it ricocheted off the chalice. Aladdin used his new found magic to deflect one headed straight toward him. It bounced back and struck Jekyll head on. The doctor cried out and trembled in pain, as the device snapped in two from the blast, rendering it useless. David smirked and put the Chalice down, as he made purposeful strides toward Snow. The King foolishly stood in his way and he drew his sword.

"I either go around you or through you...it's your choice, Your Majesty," David growled. Sir Hiss scrambled away like a coward and the King stepped aside fearfully as well. He looked so terrified of David that they all wondered if he'd might start sucking his thumb and crying for his mommy.

David looked at her through the glass and lifted the cover away, before tossing it aside. He was having Deja Vu, as he gazed down at her with reverence. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. A wave of rainbow light washed over all of them and the entire land, as their powerful love returned light to the darkness.

Snow took a starved breath of air and he beamed down at her, as she reached up and put her hand to his handsome face. He took her hand and helped her sit up with his hand on her back, as they stared at each other passionately.

"You found me…" she said. He smiled and lifted her into his arms off the coffin bed and put her on her feet, but kept her pressed flush against him.

"Did you ever doubt I would?" he asked.

"Never...I will never doubt our love," she purred, as she nuzzled her nose against his. He smiled and kissed her again. Snow mewled into his kiss, letting herself be lost in him again.

"How long has it been?" she asked curiously, as he brushed a hand through her long hair.

"Not long...less than a day. There was no way I was letting anything separate us again for long," he replied.

"Yes, he even went as far as to use a genie to get here," Jekyll interjected, as he approached. Charming held his sword out to keep him back.

"Because you stole the only bean we had ready," he countered, as he hooked his arm protectively around her waist.

"Aladdin...you're the genie now?" Snow asked. He nodded.

"When your husband rubbed the lamp, there was no genie inside. He needed to get here and we need to find Agrabah. It seemed like the best solution and it won't be permanent. Once we find it, I can be wished free," Aladdin replied. Snow nodded.

"I know you didn't want me using a wish, but I wasn't about to let this psycho get to you again," David said and she put her hand to his mouth.

"I would have done the same for you. And it makes me feel a lot better that it's Aladdin granting your wish and not some random genie we don't know if we can trust," she said, as she smiled at Aladdin.

"With Aladdin, we know we can trust him," she added, as she glared at the doctor.

"Not that my husband has to explain anything to you, because I know that everything he does is for me and our family," she said, as she looked up at him fondly.

"If you think you've won, then I encourage you to think again, my dear Snow. I encourage you save your beloved a lot of pain and come with me now," Jekyll growled.

"Oh bloody hell, you irritating wanker...give it up already! Have you forgotten that they have a genie on their side now?" Aladdin interjected.

"David...we have enough wishes to go around when Jasmine and my father take the lamp. Say the word...and this idiot is done," he said. Snow and David exchanged a glance, knowing the wish had to be worded carefully.

"Taking the easy way out? I'd expect more, even from you, Charming," Jekyll goaded. Snow rolled her eyes and cuddled close to David, as he smiled down at her. They were both having a lot of trouble keeping their attention on this situation and off each other.

"I wouldn't be so smug, Dr. Jerkyll. I happen to have it on very good authority that a certain God of Dreams is very upset with you. How have you been sleeping?" she questioned. He frowned and was silent. She smirked.

"I thought so...Morpheus is seeing to it that you're plagued by nightmares for meddling in the dream realm like you have," Snow said.

"Really?" David whispered to her. She nodded.

"Mmm...Morpheus is highly offended by the doctor and his entire existence," Snow explained. David smirked.

"That doesn't bode well for your future," the prince commented.

"Save your feeble attempts to alarm me. It won't work...I've bested you at every turn. This time shall be no different," the doctor said.

"Yes...you may not be my insolent niece, but you look just like her! And I refuse to be defeated by such again!" the King bellowed.

"Who are you again?" Snow asked and the childish man stomped his feet.

"I am King John...and this is my Kingdom now! You can't have it back!" he shouted.

"Rose Red's uncle," David whispered to her and realization dawned on her.

"Poor Rose," she commented, as the irate King stomped around making demands to his soldiers. But they seemed reluctant to make any move in the presence of a genie. At the moment, all she wanted was to be rid of the doctor for good and help their friends, before going home. Enough was enough. Aladdin was offering them an out and she decided it was worth the risk. After all, she basically had sanctioned permission from Morpheus to do whatever necessary to rid all the realms of Dr. Jekyll's existence.

"Okay...you know what, make the wish. Morpheus is counting on us to get rid of him since he can't and if anyone deserves easy right now...it's us," she said. He grinned and kissed her.

"Genie...my second wish is give Dr. Jekyll exactly what he deserves," David said. Aladdin smirked and his hand glowed, as he outstretched toward the doctor. But when nothing happened, they were all puzzled. The doctor smirked smugly and chuckled.

"Well, that was certainly a waste of a wish," he goaded. Snow's brow furrowed.

"I don't understand…" she uttered, as she looked at Aladdin. But the newly minted Genie also looked at a loss.

"I think the answer is simple enough. I'm still here, because I deserve to finally get what I want," he growled, as he grabbed her arm.

"Like hell…" David growled back, as he watched his wife punch him and then knee him in the groin. He groaned in pain and started to advance on her, but she swiped him with David's sword, drawing blood on his face. The doctor dabbed his hand against the cut and glowered at her.

"Oh, I cannot wait to teach you your place, dear Snow…" he growled, as he reached out toward her. Charming moved to intercept him, but Snow gasped and he realized he wouldn't have to. The doctor looked perplexed, as he seemed to be suddenly slowly disintegrating into particles.

"What...what is this?!" Jekyll hissed, as he looked at the Genie, but Aladdin only offered him a smug smirk.

"Look!" Jasmine called, as they witnessed the chalice now aglow with whitish green light. In the place where Snow's glass coffin was stood their sapling, whole once again.

"But how?" David asked in awe.

"It was never really destroyed. The Chalice absorbed the dust from it," Aladdin replied.

"How do you know that, son?" Cassim inquired. Aladdin shrugged.

"I'm not sure I understand it either. I just...know. Phenomenal cosmic powers, I guess," he retorted.

"Charming...look!" Snow called, as they watched their sapling grow into a beautiful, giant tree in the spot where he had now awakened her from a sleeping curse twice. The greenery sprouted to life and beautiful, luscious flowers in multiple colors bloomed brilliantly. They looked at each other and then back up at the tree in awe.

"In all my years...never have I seen anything like this," Cassim mentioned. Aladdin smirked and nodded.

"From what I'm getting, no genies have either," he replied.

"It's incredible," Jasmine uttered, as she gazed up at it.

"And the wish didn't do this?" she asked him. He shook his head.

"No...the Chalice is doing this. The wish just activated all of it. When David asked for Jekyll to basically face justice, the wish chose to use the Chalice to do it," he replied.

"No...NO…" Jekyll cried, as his legs disintegrated and his particles floated toward the tree and disappeared at the base of it.

"What's...happening to me?" he cried.

"Justice," David said sternly.

"You're getting exactly what you deserve," Snow added, as he held her close.

"No...NO!" he cried again.

"You still don't get it...you never really had actually had a chance. Good always wins," David stated.

"He's right...you were always going to lose, because you tried to defeat true love. But that's not possible," Snow added, as she looked at her husband.

"Because love is the most powerful magic of all," they said together, as the doctor slowly disintegrated.

"This...can't be happening?!" he screamed, as he disintegrated entirely and became apart of the dirt around the tree.

"He didn't become part of our tree, did he?" David asked wearily. Aladdin was silent for a moment, like he was listening to something only he could hear, and then laughed.

"No...he's not part of the tree. He's actually not exactly dead either, technically," he replied.

"What does that mean?" Snow asked nervously.

"He's sort of like food for the tree now," Aladdin replied, as he broke down into snickers. David looked at him.

"Hold on...are you saying he's like fertilizer now?" the prince asked. Aladdin chuckled.

"More or less," the genie confirmed. Snow grinned, as she looked at the contagious grin on his face.

"Oh, I love that!" he exclaimed and she yelped, as he picked her up and spun her around. She giggled, as he planted kisses on her lips and cheek.

"He's gone, my darling...he will never haunt us again," he told her. She was so happy that she was at a loss for words. So instead, she just tugged him by the collar and his lips crashed against hers.

"This isn't fair! This is my Kingdom now! And no stupid girl, especially not one that looks like my traitorous niece, is going to usurp me this time!" John cried, as he stomped around like a child. David rolled his eyes and handled the hilt of his sword to her.

"Go on...it will be more fun if you're the one to make him cry," he said. She grinned and took his sword.

"Hey!" Charming called, pausing the King mid tantrum, as Snow leveled his sword at him.

"First all...I am a woman," she corrected.

"And if you know what's good for you, King John, you'll find a nice hole to crawl into. Your tyrannical rule will not be tolerated in this Enchanted Forest either," she added. He growled.

"And what will prevent me from regaining the Throne when you two abandon this land again?" John questioned.

"They may be leaving, but as Princess of Agrabah, once I find my Kingdom, I will personally send the entire Agraban army to arrest you for your crimes. And I don't think I have to tell you how swift my Kingdom's justice is," Jasmine interjected, as she approached the cowardly King. He looked close to either a crying fit or a tantrum, no one could really tell and he threw up his arms.

"This isn't over! You haven't seen the last of me!" he promised, as he scurried off with his tail between his legs.

"Sire...wait for me!" Hiss called, as he chased after him.

"Wow…" Aladdin deadpanned and Cassim chuckled.

"Damn...I was really hoping he'd cry," David joked, as they all shared a laugh. It felt really good to laugh and relax again now that the dark cloud that had been Jekyll was lifted from above them.

"Perhaps we should make camp for the evening and then make our wish to locate Agrabah in the morning," Cassim suggested, as they noticed the sun was setting.

"That sounds good," Snow agreed. They managed to scare up some game and build a fire. Once night had fallen, the need to be alone could be pushed away no longer.

Aladdin had poofed them three tents, one for him and his father, one for Jasmine, and one for Snow and Charming. And no one was surprised when Snow and Charming decided to retire shortly after dinner.

"Well...I'm kind of tired. I think I'm going to retire for the night," Snow mentioned, as she feigned a stretch and she held Charming in her smoldering gaze.

"Yeah...me too," he said, as he stood up and joined her.

"You two aren't subtle, you know," Aladdin teased. Snow looked back, feigning innocence.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, as they all grinned at her.

"Your tent is soundproofed, because none of us want to hear what's about to happen," he added. Snow blushed and David grinned and she yelped, as he scooped her into his arms.

"That's a good thing, because this is probably going to get loud," he said.

"Charming…" she chided, as she playfully swatted him on the chest.

"It's true," he said. She grinned.

"I know, but you could have a little more tact," she scolded playfully.

"You know tact of any amount is lost on me," he joked, as they disappeared into their tent.

#Snowing #SnowxCharming #Charming Family #OC Charmings #Once retelling AU #season 6 AU #Jekyll and Hyde #bye bye Jekyll #Rose Red #Fandral the Dashing #Dashing Rose #Aladdin #Jasmine #Cassim #romance #adventure #sleeping curse #true love's kiss

[homogrimoire-archive]

11 Nighmares

Grimmlord's Castle / Iron Soliton

General Ironwood, man of an Iron Will, will see that Atlas remains alive, even at the cost of his own life.

(A continuation to Ironwood's chapter, the sixth chapter, from my other series "The Remnant Branches." But if you didn't read that, I certainly wouldn't blame you if you didn't b/c it's niche, this will be kinda batsh*t crazy. But, if you can put up with that and want some canon-divergent Ironwood content, then here you go.)

AO3 Link

Salem was here. And she would destroy them all very soon if he did not act. He tried to ensure they would be safe, by soaring high into the planet’s atmosphere. But, that wonderful plan was made obsolete, thanks to Ruby and her team swaying Penny. He desperately wished she would have listened to him. But, the past is absolute. There is no changing what was.

After learning that the Ace Ops were bested by team RWBY and that Winter lost the Maiden powers unto Penny, he issued that he wanted them and their friends captured and brought to Atlas. They were no doubt already in Mantle by then.

Despite everything, he still wanted them alive and on Atlas for when Penny helped it arise, whether or not any of them liked it. They were strong people, people who needed to live. He wasn’t going to let them throw away their lives. But, they had strong wills of their own, desires that opposed his.

In a sense, he could respect their fortitude. Well, he had to respect it. Not accounting for it would only lead to undesirable results. Aside from them being powerful assets, he still could not fully explain why he wanted them so badly. Atlas would certainly live on without them, and there was no shortage of capable fighters. There was no use dwelling on that though. A new plan was in motion, one that occurred to him after killing Oz, one that that he wasn’t exactly sure would work, but had great faith in nonetheless.

And then came the news that Qrow and Robyn were en route, along with body of the deceased Ace Ops leader. Murdered by Qrow no less. On top of that, there was an escaped member of Salem’s Circle roaming around. It was unfortunate, but the fact that Qrow killed him struck him as odd. Ironwood knew he wasn’t that kind of man. He didn’t give it too much thought, for he was sure the issue would be resolved in time.

To prepare for his new plan, he had a new of weapon made: a large sword made from a melted down Due Process. That, and a small aircraft, was all he needed. He issued the finding of Penny to be of the highest priority. If he failed, if his will and soul were not strong enough, she had to lift Atlas into the air, lest it an Mantle both fall

Next, he needed to speak with Winter to inform her. In a short time, she would become an important part of Atlas, more so than before. He knew that she would live up to her duty. At first, she rejected it. But, she was soon convinced. She understood who the General is, and what he has promised to do. She knows she can’t stop him, even if she might want to.

After that, Qrow. He is brought to an interrogation room from his cell. He seemed sad, almost the saddest he had ever seen Qrow. He looked so defeated. That was until he saw who was interrogating him, and his expression changed. It was one of pure hatred. He’d seen that type of look quite a few times in his life, but on Qrow… it was truly disheartening.

“What do you want?” he spat out.

“To say goodbye.” he plainly told Qrow.

“What? You really think it’ll be that easy to kill me?”

“I’m not sending you to your execution.” James sighed.

“Well thaaank you for your generosity, General.” Qrow replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

“I never told you my semblance, have I?” James questioned him.

“I think you know the answer to that, General.” Again, general. It seemed strange to find that odd. He always requested for Qrow to refer to him properly. And here he did it not once, but twice in a row.

“My semblance is Willpower. It—”

“An iron will for the General with an iron fist. What a surprised.” Qrow deadpanned.

“… It, is a semblance that can make my will a reality. Ever wonder how I survived in the first place? Now you know.”

“Yeah. Good for you.” He said in a rushed manner.

“But all power comes at a cost, and sometimes, my power cost more than just replenishable aura.” Ironwood elaborated. Qrow looked surprised, likely imagining the implications of what Ironwood just said. But, his uncaring facade soon replaced the shock.

“And why, are you telling me this? I could care less. A lot of people are dead because of you.” Qrow told him, his voice wavering, building up with hatred and despair. “And so many more are going to die because of you. Clover, is dead because of you.”

“And that, I am sorry for. I truly am… Qrow, you—”

Ironwood was cut off by a screaming Qrow who launched himself at him, having somehow broken free of his handcuffs. He expected nothing less of Qrow, honestly. There were no guards at the door, since James requested the utmost privacy, and were unlikely to notice the commotion anyways since the room was soundproof. No one would be coming either since the utmost privacy he requested involved no video feed to be online.

“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t kill you right now you sorry excuse of a man!” he yelled as he pinned Ironwood down, holding a small but sharp knife to his throat.

It was likely something he managed to keep hidden thanks to the all to quick prisoner processing that had to occur. Additionally, it was not as easy as it looked to resist Qrow. He was much stronger than he seemed. So, he stopped resisting. He knew he would be fine, and he knew why.

“You’re a good man, Qrow. You’re a good man. One in a bad world. You know what you’re doing, so if this will soothe your soul, then go ahead and kill me.”

Ironwood knew that much about Qrow. Even when he was a terrible alcoholic, it was evident he was a good man. Just ask his real family, and they’ll attest to that. Even now, when rage-induced, grief filled his eyes, James could still see that he was a good man. Qrow was someone who couldn’t bring himself to take a life and live with it so easily, even a life such as his. James could see the surprise in his eyes

“Put your hands in the air!” a soldier ordered Qrow as he burst through the door. Qrow paid no mind to the soldier, and leaned in closer to James, whispering one final thing to him.

“I hate you.” Qrow leaned in and whispered. In a flurry of feathers, Qrow flew past the guards and into the hall. The guard rushed to the general, notifying others of the escapee on with his scroll.

“Sir, are you alright? Did you receive any injuries?” he asked, kneeling down beside the general.

“…” James wasn’t sure why, but to hear Qrow say that in such a way hurt him more than anything.

“Sir?” the soldier repeated in a more concerned tone.

“I’m fine,” he assured, snapping himself out his his daze, “and let him go.” he ordered the guard. James knew he was a fool to think he could try to keep a Branwen contained. Qrow would be fine. He was sure of that. “Any status updates for me?”

“Yes!” he enthusiastically answered. “Penny and her entourage have been captured.”

“Good. Make sure they cannot escape and that Penny is at Winter’s side. Now, report back to your post.”

“Understood, sir!” he saluted, and did as ordered.

Thankfully, that had gone as plan. All things were in now in place. A new weapon, an iron will unmatched. If that failed. Atlas and Qrow’s kids would be safe high in the sky, closer to the stars than anyone had previously been.

“Goodbye Qrow.” he said to the empty room. He felt warm tears running down his face. Why am I crying? he wondered as he wiped them away. Why does this hurt? He had though he had forsaken humanity.

-

After finally shaving and retrieving his new weapon, James left for the hangar, all alone, to enact his plan. He believed it would work, for it had to work. He didn’t want to leave the people of Mantle to die, but if worse came to worse, then it would be so. But, he was the General, and would be a hero unto many, a solitary hero who believes he knows no love, and believes it is too late for him.

-

Salem could sense that her Grimm were being killed by something. Someone. They were just barely noticeable. Just barely human. It was intriguing, to say the least. It was in no way concerning though. Within the whale beast, there lied someone whose efforts would be for naught. They were only coming to meet their demise.

It was unfortunate her underlings weren’t there to take care of them for her. But, it would be a nice warm up to her up and coming victory. Oh how much fear would spread from the fall of Atlas, the pinnacle of humanity. It brought a warm smile to her face, out of joy and the sheer irony of it. Pinnacle of all that is terrible in humanity wrapped in it’s grandest creations. In all her years of life, she had come to enjoy the little things such as this.

Ahh, her visitor had arrived. To her delight, it was the dear General Ironwood himself. Truly a wonderful way to begin the coming days. Already, parts of his clothes were torn, and blood dripped from a few cuts and scrapes. His hair was messy, dripping with sweat. He honestly looked like a mess.

“A pinnacle of humanity: denial. The pleasure to meet you is all mine, General Ironwood.” she greeted with a bow.

“Die!” he greeted back, lunging at her with great speed. Effortlessly, she dodged the first strike, and the next, and the next.

“Tell me, should I keep you alive so you can watch all your efforts burn to the ground? Or should I just kill you?” she asked him all while nonchalantly avoiding the strike of the sword.

“Die! Die! Die!”

“I think I’ll keep you alive. I am intrigued as to why you seem… different.” she told him.

Salem had seen practically all facets the of humanity that have existed. She recognized that the general was someone who believed they had given up their humanity, and focused all their might to a single cause. This berserker state was indeed powerful, but a mere child’s tantrum to her. Still, she respected that he managed to actually shed most of his humanity, most of his soul. For what?

Still, that fact was concerning. Was it instead that humanity found a viable way to masks their souls from Grimm? Was this some one off, freak incident brought on by his cybernetic state? Or was this just his semblance. That trait of the new humans often proved to be most annoying. Regardless, she knew she would find out the nature of this soon enough..

“Kill! Kill! Kill!” he shouted at her after she flung him away. At his command, the weapon moved, as if by magic. That was a genuine surprise. There was no gravity dust on him that would allow him to preform the feat. She could see that.

“Well, aren’t you interesting? This has been nice, but I think it’s time to end this, James. I do have plans to see through” she announced. She rushed towards him, and grabbed him by his throat, floating to lift him off the gound.

This close, she could see that his eyes were like that of a dead man: soulless. Yet, he was very much alive. He thrashed about. The sword flung itself towards her from behind. It missed, embedding itself in an artificial leg. Still, he showed no pain. Not particularly surprising.

“So foolish. What could have possibly possessed you to believe you could win? Let me tell you something.” she said as she brought him in closer. But, before she could tell him, the sword swiftly removed itself from the leg and went straight through her chest, jutting out of her back.

BloodBloodBloodBlood went through her mind. It was not a thought of her own. Black blood covered the large weapon, and it looked as if it were soaking it in.

MeatMeatMeatMeat Again, another thought not her own. This time, she could hear the general whispering it as her hand still gripped him by his throat. His voice was not the source of the thought. He alone was its source. His weapon, extension of the self, was the source.

She could feel her body weakening. This was not good. For the first time in a very long time she felt fear. Quickly, she regained her senses and tore the wretched thing from her body. Pain was something she had mostly lost long ago. It wasn’t easy to make her feel pain.

Unwittingly, she dropped the general. He fell to the floor, and then picked himself up as he gasped for breath.

“IronIronIronIron.” she could hear the insane and wretched man whisper in-between breaths.

Swiftly, she summoned spikes from the whale Grimm’s skin and used them to impale the man. Like her, pain did not seem to matter to him. Once she recovered, she picked up the wretched, and now, respected weapon. She could feel its desire to move at his will. But it was weak now, negligible, like the force of a small magnet.

“Any last words?” she asked him, raising the sword to his chest. He did not resist, nor try to escape. He accepted his fate. That was always an interesting sight, to see the despair of someone who admitted ultimate defeat.

He looked up to the sky, and noticed it’s breathtaking hues. In the distance, he could see Atlas and Mantle, picturesque despite the looming danger. And the white snow, it created a landscape he never really took the time to appreciate.

“The world. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked her, and smiled. “I should have appreciated it more.” Overhead, a flock of Nevermore cawed. “Loved it more…” he finished with a remorseful look on his face as he lowered his head. If only he hadn’t deluded himself with dreams of grandeur, to be a incomparable hero and exist in a world that didn’t exist. Reality is a beautiful place full of love, more so than any dream. One only has to look and hope.

With a wicked smile on her face, she thrusted the sword through his heart. Through the Grimm spikes, she felt his body go limp, felt the release of death take him. She released the spikes, and let the empty vessel fall to the floor. With her back now turned away from his body and facing the city, she studied the wretched weapon. A long, long time ago, she would have used it on herself in hopes of true death. She thinks it might have worked. But now, she has a goal that is not just her death, but the death of everything, even if her attempts might be futile.

Salem could hear a rumbling from beneath. It was not something of her creation. She heard the ice below break, and something pierced Monstra, causing it to groan out in pain. It knocked her off balance, making her fall to her feet. She looked to the sides, and saw pillars of iron rising up and into the sky. They met high up in the air, and coalesced into the form of a flower. She understood that this was the power of a soul unrestrained, one of the most powerful and difficult forms of magic to achieve control of and harness. She had barely even tapped into it with her SEW experiments.

The flower morphed into a wall, and slammed downwards. She attempted to block it with a barrier, but it was shattered as if were a hammer to thin glass. The wall pushed Monstra down, sending it to the icy ground beneath. The iron reformed itself once more, breaking up into many claws to drag Monstra and Salem to freeze beneath the ice. The whale groaned and struggled, but was no match for the willed iron.

She knew she was no match for this thing, yet. So, all she could do was save the power stored within the whale. It was filled with resources she would simply rather not lose. She began an incantation, a large-scale teleportation spell. She hated that she was forced to retreat, but, the opportunity to obtain the relic of creation would arise again.

However, she was interrupted by a bar of cold iron piercing her. Again, she could feel it weakening her. She screamed and cursed the wretched iron. Swiftly, she preformed a lesser version of the spell so that she could escape.

She fell to her knees when she was back at her Citadel, her breathing heavy. She yelled, slamming her fist on the ground over and over again. Still, how could she have let such a loss happen? Only a miniscule portion of Monstra remained… and the dead body of the General. Rage filled every part of her body, a rage that paralleled that kind she felt so long ago. She wanted to pummel the body to an indistinguishable pulp of blood, flesh, bone, and metal. But, she stopped herself from doing that.

“This is an opportunity!” she laughed. This was the opportunity to create something so wretched, something that could rival even the Hound! Surpass it even! And now, she had that wretched iron in Atlas that she could harness someday!

She joyfully laughed as she imagined the possibilities. With a material such as that, perhaps she could really kill the brother gods. Once they were gone, then there wasn’t anything that would stand in her way. She’ll admit it might be wishful thinking, but it would still prove an invaluable resource regardless if she could control it. And there was so much of it, that she could make whatever to her heart’s content. She also realized that if the metal could make her feel that way, it could perhaps put a stop to Ozma for good too.

Suddenly, the loss of Monstra didn’t seem so bad. Yes, she had put a lot of resources into the thing, but it was merely frozen beneath the ice. It could always be retrieved, or perhaps used for a surprise attack on Atlas in the future. And now, she would have an invaluable and shiny new metal in due time, and a wonderful little toy soldier to play with meanwhile. She grabbed the body by its shirt collar and dragged it beside her as she walked back to the castle where she and her direct underlings resided.

She would be sure to let Watts play with the dear General if he returned. He deserved it for his loyalty, and for surviving if he did. Besides, he was probably one of the few people who could help her with such an endeavor. She did not have a knack for the technologies of the new humans, nor did she like how prideful and arrogant he was. It reminded her of her father, may he rot in hell. But, at least he was useful to her, and obedient.

Tyrian would be sure to return in due time. She knew that. He would honestly only die if she allowed it. Truthfully, she did like him the most of her current followers. He was among her favorites of all time too. He was just so eager to please her, and he loved what he did too. It wasn’t often she had such a devout follower. If the world was full of Tyrians and the like, she might actually not want to destroy everything and die. Might. She wondered how she would reward him when he returned. Even if her plan failed, he, and Watts performed wonderfully.

Cinder was Cinder. Annoying at times, but predictable and and rather easy to manipulate. Salem detested her insubordinate tendencies, but she had drive. Salem could respect that. She was, unfortunately, also very necessary to her plans, currently. She was sure the girl would return eventually, one way or another, presumably with a gift in hand and probably with a new “asset” or two in tow.

Then there was Hazel. She found that she liked him to. They shared many of the same hatreds, well, mostly Ozma. Still, it was nice to talk with someone about how much they hated Ozma. He did as he was told, and hardly acted out of line. His only real weakness was his soft spot for children, which had proved infuriating only a few times. It was another thing she could relate to though. She too wanted a world where they would not suffer and be the playthings of immortals or gods.

Sometimes, she wished to tell him the truth. She felt that he deserved to know. That was because the last shred of humanity within her that held mercy, regret, and sorrow. She hated it. That same humanity wanted to tell him and see him break just so it could finally rest. Yet, she never did tell him.

-

Mantle and its shining younger sibling Atlas watched in horror and awe as the Grimm of incomparable size was dragged down to a watery grave by the unknown force. They saw the iron rise up into the sky and form a flowering star, watched as it morphed into a wall in attempt to cleave the giant whale Grimm. Even though it was their savior, they watched it in fear.

Qrow observed it from far away while in the sky. He had a feeling Ironwood was somehow behind it He wondered how a semblance, a single soul, could be so powerful.

Winter, Penny, and the Ace Ops watched it from the General’s office. Winter lamented the loss of Ironwood. She wanted to hope he wasn’t gone, but to hope for that would be a waste. She knew she there were far greater things to worry about now. Until she could confirm that the whale Grimm was decommissioned, the people of Mantle were still in danger.

Winter considered that they could perhaps be saved now, in case the whale Grimm and Salem could still attack. It was worth a shot now. With no time to waste, she got to work.

-

A month had passed. There was no sign of the whale or Salem despite the extensive search. Ozpin, however, was sure that Salem escaped. He had apologized to them, for having hidden the truth for so long. They had gotten nationwide comms back online. All that was left was to tell the world. So they did.

All knew of Salem, unkillable, but not undefeatable. She was cursed by the brother gods for uniting humanity against them, and forced to live until she learned the meaning and purpose of death. They knew of Oz, born again and again, and fallible. He was blessed by the brother gods, his only order was to help steer humanity down the right path. He wondered why they believed in him so.

The citizens of Mantle had returned to their homes and began to rebuild. The boarders were opened now, so that helped. In Mantle, a faceless statue with divine horns was erected, to symbolize all the lives that were lost to the war against Salem, against the injustices they had faced. It held the world in one of its palms. Robyn, now co-general and co-headmaster with Winter, was the one to unveil it.

In Atlas, a statue was erected as well, one of the late general who sacrificed himself. It was in the main hall of the academy, and unveiled by Winter on the same day as the other statue. It was a simple thing constructed of iron that captured his image perfectly. With his hands formally clasped behind his back, he sternly gazed forward.

It was that day the thing that took down the whale Grimm returned. This time, Team RWBY and company were able to witness it. In the distance, it arose from the ice. However, it was not the color many remembered seeing. It was now the color of sorrowful and pitiful rust. It soared through the sky in the form of a wave, eventually swirling around the base of Atlas to form a pedestal for the floating city to rest, the support penetrating the ground and ice below. Though, it was more akin to a cradle for a globe. Regardless, Atlesian and Mantlean alike found it fitting.

However, this was an opportunity to do something great. Winter expected nothing less of Ironwood. Robyn was still just surprised. Well, everyone was. Still, once Winter explained her idea to her, it was only a short matter of time before the issue made its way to the council. Only one disagreed with the plan, echoing a notable number of outraged Atlesians who felt the same way.

Resting atop a pedestal-cradle in the sky was the city of Atlas. Down below was the city of Mantle, with the statue of a god in its center. That statue held the world in one hand, and the Staff of Creation in the other. The staff now powered the city, and was protected by the dutiful Protector of Mantle.

The iron cradle was named Defense System Cherry, for its unique coloring, and for the tests that proved it to be a more than adequate defense system. This quelled the complaints of many Atlesians, who felt more comfortable with a mysterious yet powerful creation of their late general, rather than with something from the gods, gifted by the immortal Ozpin. Though, greed still influenced many, making them still desire the staff to be in their city.

Even though the defense system had no means of communication, any who touched it could hear its single message. When this was first discovered, many rushed to hear what was perhaps their late leader’s last message unto them. However, they were all met with disappointment. Its meaning eluded all but a few: Qrow, Oz, and Glynda. As Winter and Robyn looked to the ceiling of their office, once Ironwood’s, they could see that they were most likely right.

The Wretched Iron cried out its last plea, a plea that had been remorsefully cried time and time again. If it could look to the sky and join it, it would. If it could finally rest peacefully, it would. But it will never join the stars. It will never sleep. It was born with a plea to live and a prayer to be strong. The gods answered his prayer, and he was given a mighty will unmatched. However, the gods are cruel.

With his mighty will unmatched, came the weight of countless sins. The weight of those sins was more, far more, than the weight of all his metal. He will never join the stars. He will never feel the darkness of sleep. Let him sacrifice countless lives once more! Let him protect what is wrong in the world! Let him be the hero! Let him do all this and more again and again and again as atonement for his sins!

I dream, a deep, unfulfilled dream!

#James Ironwood #rwby #11 nightmares #the remnant branches #salem (rwby) #if you read CH. 6 aka ironwood's chapter then you will want to read this #i love writing him #he's such an interesting character #4.6k words

[allyinthekeyofx]

Dreamcatcher - Chapters 14 & 15

#dreamcatcher #my fic

[mistralrunner]

Running Reads Oathbringer: Part III.III

This part was a lot. I’m kind of drained. In a good way?

Spoilers for pages 686-751 below.

Free food is a good thing.

So stuff in the tower was failing before the Radiants left hmm

"The storm was a primal dance, an ancient song"

I really love these hints at music being deeply rooted in the magic of the world

Oh dear lashing is detectable not good

Same Kaladin same re: appreciating the long spear

Seriously the floating Voidbringer aesthetic

Oh no

Not a party

Sanderson needed an excuse for his fancy party scenes

I guess this is where Adolin will wear something other than a Kholin uniform

Adolin is freeee

Adolin calls him Kal?

Oh right Skar and Drehy saved Adolin after the battle with Eshonai glad to see they're friends now

Heh Kaladin's uncomfortable with false faces

Kaladin's feelings are relatable. I'm glad he is having more good days though. But it is hard to think that on the bad days.

Punchy guys pfft

I support Adolin and Kaladin being friends

Ah Kaladin being uncomfortable with being lighteyed

Oh no Kaladin you're ditching the plan already?

Is the Identity tied to Kaladin's brands so strong that the illusion failed or did he take in the Stormlight? Or something else took it? Or do you simply have to want the illusion for it to work.

Well, Kaladin actually may accomplish his mission but no one knows where he is oops. Oh wait Syl's around.

The Sibling? Division among the Radiants that was more significant than before? Perceived worthiness? Give me all the Radiant backstory.

Now will the Highmarshal actually be cool or is Kaladin going to be horribly disappointed

Well that's uncomfortable. “I'm going to avoid the lighteyes tent cause “ don't feel comfy there but hey this place is nice...and is also full of lighteyes”

It was said that the cities had a lot of low nahn lighteyes

It does make me more suspicious of this group though

Ooh the Cult of Moments tried to seize the gates

Hmm Radiant or something else odd about Azure

If he's not even from around here

Ugh I want to believe he's good but suspicion is healthy

Highmarshal Azure is female?

I LOVE HER ALREADY

Silver basket sword?

A Herald? Or a Radiant? Or a Worldhopper?

Well I'm glad Lyn and co got armed

So Azure knows her stuff about the Alethi wars prior to the Everstorm

Aaaa Kaladin thinking of Sah and co

He's going to be hurt so much if/when he finds out what happened

I'm guessing she's a Stoneward? I mean it’s not like the orders beyond Windrunners and Stonewards didn’t fight but those two are the best candidates

Woah did we actually skip a party scene? Or will there be more

“A Sign of Humanity” is a promising chapter title but I don't trust it

Nuuu Evi crying

Well at least Dalinar feels bad but still

Evi. Deserves. Better.

I keep forgetting that rockbuds can grow that large

Dalinar it's not about Evi admiring you. It's about her crying and being miserable because of your choices and deserving better

Go Evi for being the one with a conscience and praying for the rebels

Ugh rule by the sword cause clearly the Almighty favors battles ugh

"If they don't want to fight, they should give in to our rule"

Ughhhhhhh

How much does she notice of the Thrill

How much does the Thrill really have a grip on Dalinar

"Do not feed it."

She understands his duty but knows there's something deep soul wise at stake

The Thrill is not natural

Well at least he's talking first. It's been implied an atrocity happens here so probably not going to work.

"He builds. I destroy."

Oh dear

This is peak Blackthorn threatening

But he's trying!

A duel?

Wait

Oh that's why Sadeas was part of this memory

What game is he playing 

What game is Tanalan playing I'm confused

Well good for Edgedancers focusing on the displaced workers

Kholinar has a heartbeat? I mean it is ancient

Oh. Veil. Bleh.

Ooh Rockfall is pretty

Lightning should not do that yikes

"Veil took a deep breath, then let Shallan bleed back into existence"

That phrasing isn't worrying

Even with impersonating people she just met Shallan is going too deep this isn't good

Oh no even NPC is replacing her name pov this is aaaaaa not good

Ah food acquisition for the Cult infiltrating

Oh god she got tempted to entirely impersonate 

Shallan this is not good not good

Chulls aren't the best getaway vehicle

Well this is creepy and messed up if creative. 

I do find the voice impediment and the imperfect healing interesting cause I’m fond of fantasy healing that requires some degree of thought to work properly in certain cases

Aww Shallan is caring about people and not just greater good. I mean Veil. Ugh. Shallan.

Yay Wit is still in contact!

Aww the urchin she's in contact with also draws

Evernight is what they're calling Everstorms in the evening?

So the tower used to be protected from the Unmade? That does seem to be an important feature.

Yeah it is concerning that the protagonists are working so hard just to repel Unmade but they’ll probably just go somewhere else important

I like Beard

Kaladin joins yet another party but not as leader this time

So he has to periodically keep summoning Syl to keep the eye color?

Pfft disguised Adolin

Chouta!

Ah nuances of social stratification

Pfft Kaladin “It sure is nice being lighteyed as I, of course, have light eyes-like you, my eyes are lighter than the dark eyes of darkeyes”

Ah yes he does do the multiple summoning thing

And yet despite Kaladin not being great at lying he’s somehow pulling it off?

They're just all "you sweet summer child" to Kal

I feel like this is the book of Kaladin learning more perspectives and perhaps the next Windrunner ideal has to do with reconciliation cause protection isn't just fighting

Yeah the guard is disconnected from the people they supposedly protect

Yikes the cultists are self flagellating

They talked to the spren of the night?

Spren of changes and a new storm trying to supplant?

Yeah, really feel like Odium’s trying to replace all spren with his own

Would fit with his whole stance that he can’t leave the remnants of Honor around even though he already killed Honor

Ah Azure’s blade could still be an Honorblade

So is the Highmarshal just hiding identity or does Azure identify as a he?

Is there something deeper going on with Beard?

Oh god when you get close to the palace you hear voices beckoning you to join them and they can't take you unless you listen this is creepy

Pfft Kaladin's commander instincts

"Keep your head, and I suspect you'll end up as a squad leader before too long." He said it like a proud parent.

If only you knew Noro

Swiftspren? I like that name

Ooh are the gem colors related to the orders speaking cause sapphire is Windrunner that’s the only corresponding gem I know

Need to go back and look

Oh dear Shallan got a reputation

And of course it's attributed to a spren with the spren cult

I did not expect Shallan to become Robin Hood

Hey Pattern helping a few people is still good even if it's wrapped in a lie would be better if it wasn’t a lie of course

Although that does raise some concerns again about how the spren aren’t really about morality but about following oaths and how those limits can pose dangers even if they’re generally good guidelines

Shallan no what are you doing becoming Swiftspren in a city where things are already going weird with spren aaaaaaa

Like okay the costume is pretty cool

“A broken girl who lies” Who achieves so much and is so much more but only thinks it’s due to her not being herself.

Revel but of giving up and lethargy? That’s weird.

It's possibly anti Identity definitely anti fight against it

Oh no she's letting the voices in isn't she

Oh good she snapped out of it

I do think she's going to be vulnerable to this guy

But it knows her name not good

Oh nice one Shallan

Shallannnn "sometimes she felt like a thing wearing a human skin"

Aww Wit's leading cheerful songs

Why is he here though

Bad Veil no. No love triangle

There are different kinds of chouta?

Heh Elhokar finds Pattern familiar so it was Cryptics lurking around him in WoK

Aww giving Elhokar an inspiration drawing

“Only Red” does not bode well as a chapter title

Long distance runner elite archers are pretty cool

I want to know more about the Shin invasion

I'm concerned but I'm too happy and distracted about the description of these distance runners

30 miles a day is crazy. I mean I don’t know how different a Rosharan mile is from an Earth mile but still. That’s 210 miles/week. 100 mile weeks are crazy mileage. I’ve never crossed 50 miles/week without getting injured. But there are ultra runners around who I suspect do similar high mileage so it’s probably not unrealistic.

Anyways back to plot

Yeah about the trap I suspected

Well, that’s about the only way to make Dalinar's resolve to give into the Thrill worse

Nuuu not the distance runner elites

You were so cool even if your appearance was only for a few pages

But this took planning how did Tanalan know Dalinar would talk instead of fight

Is Evi involved? It doesn’t feel like she would do something like that.

Oh no Tanalan's men's eyes seemed to glow?

Thrill everywhere

Oh if the gemstone is cracked the Blade can't be dismissed?

Oh god he's going to go battlefrenzy with stab wounds and only a neck brace

Oh god the visions of armies of red mist

Like this is kind of cool cause any dramatic scene that has to do with traveling, walking, or running I have a weakness for but it’s so wrong and twisted

Oh scouts traitors

Oh shoot men, women, and children at the site of his great mercy yikes

l....

This is so horrible

I guess this is why we haven't heard of anyone from this place

Massacre

Just….

I should have known it was the logical

Conclusion of extreme after all

Boo Sadeas for encouraging it

Gavilar may not be the type of cruel to massacre a city of Alethi but he wanted to bring back a Desolation interesting how there are different kinds of evil

*hisses at Amaram being present here*

They're doing the bridgem-I mean ladder men here too really Dalinar

It really comes full circle from the Teleb scene and it's fitting Teleb is the one questioning this plan

The flamespren are altered? Not good.

Glad to know Dalinar had some shred of a conscience

The Thrill will never be satisfied

....

He actually did I suspected that was why he but I wasn't sure and aaaaa

You are nothing to the monster you unleash

Dalinar please take responsibility

He can hear screams

Like Szeth?

It's so poetic though

The warning signs when Dalinar slew some of his own men by accident

The fact that it shows how each person he slaughtered had meaning and weren't just faceless

I had suspected Dalinar killed Evi and that’s what messed him up so much about he death but I couldn't see Dalinar killing her by intent but couldn't think of how it would come accidentally on the battlefield

Dalinar killed his wife in the very place where he spared Tanalan and seized Oathbringer wtf

We haven't had a present day Dalinar pov since those memories came back and all of this came back didn't it ouch just as he was about to talk to his new wife

Yep I'm done for the night

Kind of just feel this deserves a pause in reading.

Wait one more thing

EVI. DESERVED. BETTER.

Okay now I’m done.

#running liveblogs #oathbringer spoilers #running reads oathbringer #and we still have so much more #before the climax #aaaaaaaa