#Shadow Kid

[sprockyeahlegion]

Highest Paid

[a-crash-in-time-collection]

Chapter 64: Fire and Ice Spreads

It had only been two days since the attack on Mafia Town. Two days Ezra spent thinking of his next move. By now, going over everything he and Vanessa were capable of, his confidence in taking down the Moonjumper had grown. Especially with the weakened state the deity was currently in. He thought about sneaking to where the Moonjumper was staying and launching the attack now, but held back. He tried to get an exact location, but some sort of magical shield prevented him from tracking the Moonjumper.

He knew Moonjumper had to be somewhere near Subcon, if not in it. Oh well, it didn't matter much, annoyingly. Even if he could get the exact location, he knew that was asking for death. Moonjumper would know the area better then them, and with the little army he seemed to have built since his return, it was a lost cause. They needed to drag the Moonjumper somewhere else to fight. Somewhere Ezra and Vanessa knew better than him. Keep them at the very least on equal ground. The real question was where.

It seemed this version of the Moonjumper wasn't too familiar with Subcon, but he seemed to know it well enough. God, why did this whole thing have to be so confusing?! Why couldn't Ezra have come back to a world without Moonjumper so he didn't have to do all of this?! Ezra had to force himself to take a breath as he pulled himself out of his thoughts, even if just for a second. He didn't want to light up like a bonfire while near some of Vanessa's test sculptures. Her using a mix of her ice magic and some 'minion' magic she had been working on for awhile...

Ezra glanced ahead of him, reaching for a snowflake that came from the sky, setting it ablaze with a faint tap. The steam floated into the air like a ghost... ghost... That was another issue. He almost cursed himself for not thinking of the ghost sooner. They would try to fight Moonjumper, and they could die. And if 'Snatcher' or whatever the phantom prince's name was came clean to Vanessa to get her to stop, the plan would fail. He couldn't risk that. Not after he spent so long making her his perfect partner in crime...

The issue was he didn't know much about the ghosts of Subcon forest. Hadn't had time to study them with everything going on. The only encounter he had was when he was first revived, meeting that purple phantom. He managed to do damage but.. he paused that thought. He remembered the wounds on the ghost's spectral flesh from his flame... The magic from the Fire Spirits. He had some from when they sacrificed themselves so he could return. The magic used to kill Moonjumper must have the same effect on ghosts...

"How could I have forgotten? Was I that focused on a plan?" Ezra stated as he held his hand in front of him, letting it burn. He watched the fire shift and sway in the wind. Even the way it moved reminded him of the fiery creations. The ghost must have been harmed by them before. It was the only thing he could think of. He gave a smirked. This might be a bit easier then he thought. "Vanessa." He called as he glanced up. "May I have a word with you?"

"Depends on the words." Vanessa would hum, gesturing to him with one hand to come closer. He looked over the sculpture she had made. It was sharp and jagged, as well as bulky. It vaguely resembled the knights that used to guard the manor. It was coated in black and red magic, going up to a block of ice Vanessa had summoned and slashing at it. The ice cracked. Vanessa turned to Ezra. "I made it with the fire resistance spell." She took a step back. "May you set the guard ablaze."

"Don't blame me if it spreads fire to the garden." Ezra stated, before he walked closer to the guard. He pointed his hand at it before snapping as the sculpture was set ablaze. It stood there, didn't even react. Vanessa snapped her fingers and the guard would slash at the block again, slicing through like it was a piece of paper. Steam rose in the air as Ezra clapped. "Well done. Although, you might wanna imporce its walking speed."

"Oh, I already have smaller sculptures in the work to help in that regard." Vanessa gave a chuckle. Still, Ezra could see a hint of worry in her eyes, even as she looked over her own creation. Ezra had heard how the last day of Subcon went. The last sight of her prince before he perished was him being dragged away by those guards. And now they were going out for him again... "They just can't harm him..." She quickly took a breath before she turn to Ezra. "So, what did you wish to speak on."

"Well, it's about the capture of your prince." Ezra stated. "We need to throw him off his guard when we encounter him. We also have those pesky ghosts to worry about, you've seen them before." He said, Vanessa letting out a groan as she nodded. He gave a smirk as she looked to the side, walking into the getaway manor so he could go look over the rest of the forest. "Well, there's one thing that can help with both of those." He said as he turned back to see her following him. "Set the forest ablaze. With your ice protecting it, of course."

Vanessa seemed to pause. "It's not that I'm against the idea." She stated as she walked alongside him. "It's just... When I casted that spell to freeze over the kingdom before, I did it to protect my prince. He had no way of knowing... If he sees me do it again." She shook her head. "I just worry he will be difficult. He loves to be... Don't know why. It's not like we have much of a Kingdom to rule over in the first place." She mumbled, making a small fist. Ezra had to hold in an eye roll at her nonsense.

"You will have your kingdom back, trust me. If I didn't care, I would have set the place ablaze long ago." Ezra said as they stepped out into the front of the getaway manor, Ezra sitting on the steps as he looked out over the forest. It needed to be torn down anyway. Replaced by something greater. The only reason he wanted the ice to protect it was to make sure things didn't get out of hand. "But if we want your prince back, we'll have to fight. And to do that, we need to disorient him. Put him in an environment he can't manage alone."

"I suppose I hurt him before, and he's hurt me more." Vanessa said as she stared down at the ground, at her shadow. Ezra just watched. He just felt so... odd about Vanessa. It was at the point he was starting to wonder if she had truly been cursed, she seemed to slip between genuinely caring to only thinking she cared. Like clockwork. She was just crazy, but it felt so... real at times it almost fooled him. He watched her take a breath. "Just, promise me if something happens, we'll stop it."

"Of course, I wouldn't bring harm to your lover on purpose now, would I?" He asked as he lifted his head, looking up at her. She glanced down at him, and gave a small nod before she walked further out to the edge of the cliff the getaway manor was built on. The forest was already coated in a thin layer of frost from the winter season. It would make her job easier. "Well... I suppose we should be heading down." Ezra stated as he picked himself up. "I believe we are more than ready."

"...Let me grab something first." Vanessa said as she turned to a grave nearby, walking over to it.

"Hmm, alright. To be honest I have always been curious about the grave. It just seems like an odd spot-" Ezra spoke as he followed her, getting caught up when it opened, Vanessa climbing inside. Ezra glanced down before hopping in behind her, pausing as he saw her take a painting off of the wall. A painting of a girl with a basket of flowers. Her appearance reminded him of Moonjumper's human caretakers. "Is that... the Florist your prince cheated on you with? Why do you have a painting of her?"

"It's not a painting of her, it is her." Vanessa said as she glared at the painting. "It's been centuries, can't remember that exact spell. Freezing to death was too kind of a punishment. Death was too kind of a punishment." She claim as she looked back at Ezra. She saw his eyes light up before dimming, a passing thought. She put the painting under her arms as she came over. "We are not doing the same to my prince. The only reason I am bringing this is so I can guarantee to get rid of her once and for all, should it be necessary."

Ezra gave a nod and faint bow. "Of course my Queen, of course."

Wish he knew about that spell sooner but, oh well. He'd have time to try and find it later. Right now they had more important things to do.

They both headed out of the grave, and Vanessa waved her hand so the sculptures she made so far would come to follow. Then began the trip back down to the core of the forest. To begin setting up the trap for the foolish Moonjumper to stumble into...

-------

Snatcher mumbled as he rubbed his eyes, looking over the book he was reading. Some sci-fi based story about some underwater research site, something about a lockdown, a crystal, some sassy fishman. He was only paying half attention, and even with that half attention he wasn't getting much. He was tired but he couldn't go back to sleep. Every time he tried he found himself back in one of those nightmares. The one where it seemed like nothing went wrong, only for it all to be taken away...

Snatcher mumbled as he took a sip of his coffee, looking upstairs. The room was quiet, empty. Shadow Kid was staying with the Toppats now. As with Ivy, and most of the Subcon's inhabitants. Only a few minions and a couple Dwellers were with him in the forest now. He didn't want to risk anymore then that. He had to stand his ground here, in case Ezra or Vanessa decided to show their ugly mugs. The sooner he got them dealt with, the sooner this would all be over and things could go back to normal...

So why did he have this feeling of dread resting where his heart would be? That any second now things were going to become worse. Why wouldn't he just go back to the sarcastic ghost he’d always been?

"Why can't I go back to not caring?" He mumbled as he looked back at the book... only to pause as he reached for the side of his head. It was faint, but he was starting to sweat. The air was feeling warmer than before... he jolted up in his seat, throwing the book to the side as he dashed to the exit of his home. In the faint distance there was the glow of flames... near the village. "No... No NO!" He shouted as he plummeted into the ground, letting himself appear near the village. He froze at the sight.

"Run! Run if you know what's best for you!" Ezra's voice called as some minions ran away from one of the houses, Vanessa coming from behind. Her hand touched the building, and it was coated in a layer of ice faster than Snatcher could blink. He then saw Ezra rush over, a fireball coming from his hand to hit it. The fire latched onto the ice, making the house coated in flames yet unburning... Ezra turned over and gave a smirk. "Oh, if it isn't the annoying serpent. Fancy seeing you here."

Snatcher had to shake himself free from the haze. "GET OUT!"

His words fell on deaf ears, as Vanessa came up beside Ezra, hands held together. "Oh, annoying pest. I should be the one telling you that. It's my kingdom after all." She told him. Snatcher hated how he could feel himself shake, even if it was just the tip of his tail. He was better than this. He could handle it. He was stronger than her.. and yet he still hesitated to do anything. "I cannot have you ruining everything for when my Prince returns. You and your little runts."

Ezra took a step forward. "Well, it's time to move on, old foe." Ezra smirked, before slamming his foot against the ground. A glowing crack formed in the ground, fire rising from it. The smoke of the fire dashed to Snatcher, he barely had the time to start casting a spell, waving his hand just as the smoke reached him. A magical wave was sent through the area. The fire remained but it felt... dimmer than before. "What?" Ezra said, feeling the drain magic.

"Little gift from Victor." Snatcher said as he began to float over. "You really think I would stay here if I needed to risk my existence?" He asked. Ezra let out a growl at the prince's name. Of course Victor would be appointed to godhood while he was sent to burn. No matter. He was going to win in the end. Just a little set back. Snatcher floated over. "I'm going to be a generous ruler and give you one more chance. Put all this out, and leave my kingdom. Or I'm dragging you-"

He didn't get to finish, he barely caught sight of the glow under him, him pulling away just in time to avoid the pillar of fire that shot from the earth. "It's you who will find himself in their clutches." Ezra hissed before he raced forward to try and go for another hit. Snatcher quickly shrouded the area in darkness, before disappearing. Two versions of himself appearing along Ezra's side. "Not again-" He quickly shot both, but the fire just phased through. He felt ghostly claws dig into his back as he was thrown out of the void.

Snatcher would summon a potion and throw it at the demon. While he watched the blue crash with a smirk, he heard Vanessa clap her hands a little. "Guard!" She called. Snatcher turned to her, and growled. He went to summon another potion, but was suddenly slammed into something, his body both feeling the blaze of fire and the chill of ice. He looked down at the sculpture and paused. "We have our own little helpers." Vanessa stated as she walked over to Ezra. "I thought you would stand your ground better."

"I was caught off guard once." Ezra mumbled, before rushing in to start attacking again, Vanessa occasionally summoning a wall of spikes to try and pierce the ghost. Snatcher tried his best to counter all their attacks at once. But even with the spells he got from the tower of flame, it wasn't enough. Vanessa and Ezra were already a nightmare on their own, throwing in this random sculpture just threw him off. Ezra gave a smirk. "It's over." He said as he sent out a wave of smoke.

"Not yet." Snatcher said as he dashed into the ground, reaching out from it to garb Vanessa and tried to pull her down.

Vanessa felt the faint pull on her dress and quickly froze the ground under her, Snatcher retreating. "At least try and not be a coward you wraith!" She shouted tauntingly. It almost sounded like she was starting to have fun... His heart was racing. It felt like his heart was racing. The edges of his vision became blurry. He heard Vanessa hum above him. "Well, where are the little pest that roam around... I want my new puppets nice and ready." His ghostly flesh paled at that.

He couldn't risk it. The Dwellers and Minions... oh god. He had no choice. Snatcher burst through the ground nearby, and started to scan around, hearing the coughing near one of the trees. He looked at the Minion hiding there, a Dweller resting in their lap. "B-Boss." They called, their voice weak. Snatcher quickly grabbed them before he snapped his fingers, a bell being summoned and chiming. Instantly all the ghostly children raced over, some having to pull the others with them. "W-We didn't see her, we swear. I-It just... happened.."

"I know, I know. It's not your fault..." He told the minion, before he looked back at Vanessa and Ezra. Glaring at the smug looks they gave him. "THIS ISN'T OVER! I'll be back!" He screamed with as much energy as he could spare, before he started to dash through the forest, quickly garbing the minions and making sure they all had a place to cling onto him, letting the dwellers rest in his mane. "They can't win, not like this... Just one battle... not a war... A war..." He bit his tongue.

Ezra watched as the ghost retreated, smirking a bit. "That will show him what happens." Ezra stated as he looked around the poor excuse for a village, walking up and examining one of the fires. He stuck his hand inside, letting him sense the details of how Snatcher's spell affected it. "Whatever he did will ware in time. Although that won't stop him from casting it again..."

Vanessa crossed her arms. "Let him try." She stated. "We'll make him regret even existing."

Ezra looked at her with a knowing smirk, before looking at the path from the village. He supposed Snatcher wasn't going to be using whatever he used as a house anymore. Why let it go to waste?

Ezra bowed before the Queen, before he gestured for her to lead the way. She began to move forward, her hand outstretched as ice and frost came from her mere presence. Only to be set ablaze moments later. A simple action causing the forest to take an unfamiliar shape...

-------

Macbeth was thankfully awake when the attack on Subcon had happened. He had been on the roof of the greenhouse with Randy, both unable to fall or stay asleep, trying to keep each other company. Talking about the past and what needed to be done soon. And even if Snatcher never outright said what was happening or that he was coming back to the station, Macbeth was able to piece together the context clues and got the rocket's storage area cleared out a bit more before he had got there.

He didn't expect how much of a mess Snatcher would look like when he got back. While it looked like he took less outright damage from whatever had happened, the eyes told it all. Randy ended up waking Shelia to double check the ghost's wounds despite Snatcher's protest. The simple action did cause some others to wake up enough to get a gist of the situation, heading down to the area. Shadow Kid raced up once she saw her Dad, quickly hugging his side while he looked at her.

"Papa..." She said as she looked at him. He made sure to visit but insisted they didn't follow him back to the forest. In case something went wrong... She watched Snatcher lay his head on the pillow Macbeth placed down. He was breathing, slowly. Like an unconscious part of his mind was trying to keep him alive despite that no longer being needed. She sat beside him, reaching over and taking his hand. "You should have stayed here Papa... You didn't have to get hurt..." Snatcher could only nod a little in response.

"I'm assuming Ezra is behind this?" Randy already knew the answer, but needed the nod of confirmation. He looked out the opened door, at the forest. As he squinted his eyes, he could see a faint orange warmth on the horizon... It was far too early to be the sun.. He shook his head and made a fist, magic beginning to form. He quickly shook his head clear. He... still needed to rest his magic after the battle with the beast. "We'll get the forest back for you soon, I promise."

"I'm assumin' they jumped you." Macbeth questioned as he looked over Snacther's wounds, the ghost letting out a groan.

"Wish I could say so..." He was trying to keep up his normal persona, he really was. But.. it felt hard to. "I just…let it happen. Didn't even notice until they already set half the village ablaze... At least when that one part of the forest was burning before it was counterable... not like this..." He tried to wipe the tears that started to fall from his eyes, especially when he saw the minions nearby, resting near some boxes. "I'm so sorry... I should've stopped them, I.."

"It's ok Boss, you didn't know!" One of the minions said as he went up to Snatcher, before turning to Randy and Macbeth. "I mean, there is some good news! Looks like the smelly demon and queen are doing some friendly, frost covering before setting things ablaze. No idea why they're doing it but it should mean we don't have to rebuild much!" Macbeth bit his tongue at the 'much'. The children shouldn't have to rebuild at all. Snatcher shouldn't even have too. This is all wrong.

"They're probably doing it to preserve the kingdom Ezra no doubt wants to make." Snatcher mumbled, before letting out a cough that sounded more like a whine. "God... why am I like this. I was untouchable for years..."

"It's not your fault Papa.." Shadow Kid tried to hold in a sniffle that made Snatcher sigh. He didn't mean to scare her. Maybe he was stubborn, but he was sure he could stand his ground against Ezra even if Vanessa showed up... He forgot how much of a coward he was when he didn't have control. He gently pulled her in as he sat up a bit, letting her rest by his chest. "Everything will be ok in the end, it has to be.." Snatcher gently wiped her eyes as she began to tear up a bit more.

"It's nobody’s fault but Vanessa's and Ezra's." Right's voice called from the corner of the room. He had been so quiet no one realized he was there. He walked a little closer to give the ghost a lookover himself. It was the first time genuine concern wasn't hidden in his eyes. Concern for Snatcher, at least. He looked out over the forest, crossing his arms as he walked by the rocket's exit. "Guess t'ose Bush Cat numbers are goin' to be goin' down again, if we don't do somethin' soon."

"Is now really the time for that?" Ivy mumbled as she rubbed her eyes. Truth be told, she didn't fully hear or understand what was going on. "The only thing I'm hearing is I'm being kept from the swamp longer."

"...Legends." Macbeth stated, before cursing under his breath. Right tilted his head at the name, but the others froze. They had forgotten about the living statue. A fraction of what was once the original Moonjumper. If Ezra learnt he existed... Snatcher started to pick himself up more but Shadow Kid quickly hugged him, shaking her head as she quickly whispered a string of pleas. "We can't go right now, but we need to go find him before those two do. Who knows, maybe he'll also have somethin' of use for us."

"Even if he doesn't..." Randy shook his head. He may have only spoken to the statue once, but he couldn't dare to think of what might happen if Ezra and Vanessa learnt of him. They were already hellbent on capturing and killing him, even if Vanessa was unaware of that second part... Randy couldn't go in himself however. He wasn't the brightest star, but he knew a trap when he saw one. Especially after what happened with Wilford... "The only question is who. Snatcher can't, and I doubt any of the toppats would be willing to risk themselves."

Right let out a faint chuckle. "It's less 'willin'' and more 'will Reg let me'." He stated, the group looking over. Randy began to shake his head, but paused. Well, when he thought about it, Right did seem to be the best case. He only heard a fraction of what the cyborg was capable of and it made the man sound like a god. The only issue would be the overheating. "You all need to rest for when you have to face them head on. 'ave T'e time to spare. Doubt t'ey even know I exist."

"I mean, you did get your eye frozen by Vanessa." Snatcher commented, before letting out a tiny nod. Right just look at the ghost, pity in his eyes. Even now, he was so desperate to have some form of an act up... Not like Right couldn't understand that. It just didn't feel like the time. Snatcher began to rest his head on the pillow again, gently pushing Shadow Kid back to his side. "We can talk more when the sun comes up... I just... Need to rest my eyes a bit... If I'm allowed too.." His voice got quiet with each word.

"Of course..." Randy looked over the minions and dwellers. "You all be quiet for Snatcher, ok?" He asked, getting some nods before he sighed and began to head out of the room, Macbeth and Right following. Randy rubbed his head with a sigh, looking down at his hand. He traced over the faint lines of it, Macbeth placing a hand on his shoulder. Randy let out a sigh. "I know it's not my fault either but... It's hard to feel like it's not. Ever since I came back, things seem to have gone downhill."

"Would've gone t'e same no matter w'o would 'ave been revived as Moonjumper." Right Hand Man sighed as he rubbed his eyes, adjusting the sleeves of the coat he wore over his nightshirt. Randy knew that as well. He was capable of thinking logically... which made the fact he felt the guilt feel worse, somehow. Emotions had to be weird, didn't they. "May not be able to go first t'ing tomorrow, but I'll try to get to t'is, Legends guy as quick as possible."

"Please, just be careful when you do..." Randy asked.

Right didn't answer, just gave a nod as he turned down the hall that led back to his and Reginld's bedroom. Leaving the Moonjumper and his prophet alone.

Macbeth walked ahead and gestured for Randy to come with. They needed to at least try and get sleep. Randy was never going to stand a chance if they just stayed up.

-------

Victor watched the fire spread over the forest, his hands shaking against the window sill. He wanted to be calm. He wanted to be collected. He believed deep down it would all turn out ok... But that didn't stop him from being terrified and angry in the moment.

The flames spread over the forest, creating an ocean of orange to the eyes of any above. It should be contained. Even Ezra wouldn't risk it getting out of hand... By morning the ghostly purple hue of the forest may be impossible to see. Victor always liked how the forest looked, despite the poor condition it had fallen into. Despite the horrors and decay, he still saw it as his home... And now Vanessa and Ezra were going to take it away if not stopped. All on a fool's yearning for power and love...

Victor had to bite his tongue, resist the urge to scream into the heavens. Why was the most he could do to help was offer some scrolls. All fire magic was supposed to be under his control, right? Why couldn't he just, wave his hand and put all of this out!? Banish Ezra back to hell and make sure he stays there!

Save Snatcher the trouble... save them all the trouble...

His people had gone through far too much... This whole planet has... They didn't need to go through more... Ezra wasn't going to be satisfied with just Subcon.

He was going to take any inch of magic, any control from every corner of this planet. And then, what? He would have no subjects. Nothing would remain. And he wouldn't have been satisfied, a man like him could never be...

Like his own blood couldn't just accept she was in the wrong. Even if Snatcher had cheated, that wasn't worth anyone's life...

'Are you ok?' Aspen's words appear on the pages of the book laid beside him. 'I feel your words are shaky...'

Victor looked down at the text and sighed as he grabbed his pen to write, forcing himself to pull away from the window. Away from the sight that was tearing away at his soul...

They had to win. They were going too. Because if they didn't, everything that had ever happened.

The joys, the sorrows. The laughter, the anger. Every moment from the small and meaningless to the grand and meaningful.

"It will all have been for nothing."

[comicnate]

Legion Academy by Phil Jimenez

[kaiju-wolfdragon]

Little nightmare OC?

Sure do! Here he is

His name is shadow kid and his moth friend name is moonie

[stardella]

More doodles of my fanbaby Astra and her plethora of besties/dads/future son

[starrspice]

Ew, they're Flirting fighting again

[charvos]

You look just like him now... Truthless, comforting him afterwards.

[prlssprfctn]

Tried to fall asleep and got bamboozled by the image of little Jason Todd having no friends or toys to play, stuck in his house, worried for his mom, who entertains himself by sitting in the corner and doing an awkward shadow theatres and reciting his own scenarios. And then instantly thought of older Jason, still quite lonely, who doesn't necessarily do little plays, but who sometimes still plays with shadows quietly, maybe a tad sadly. Always alone, always having nothing but himself.

[rooniearts]

I really, really wanted Shadow to have a kid in the Pitayaverse, but having it be Silver causes a time-space paradox that hurts my brain. So I just cloned him and called it a day. Enjoy Wodahs (aka Echo) <3

Bonus:

[bottle-of-harpoons]

I can't believe Sega went woke and gave Silver two dads /j

(ignore my ugly hand writing and typos. Am lazy)

[nova-rpv]

death leech shadoo.....

design by @galaxylover06

[sprockyeahlegion]

Students

[a-crash-in-time-collection]

Chapter 62: The Towers

The forest air was cold... colder than other parts of the forest during this winter season. It didn't fade away as Snatcher let out occasional spells of flame to clear the path. He was more hesitant to now, his hand pulling away from the flames every time. He knew his fire was safe... But he still felt the fear. Not that he would ever admit it aloud. He was tried but he had tried resting, nothing seem to fully cure his state. No matter. He could rest when the demon he allowed free was sent back.

He glanced behind him at the small group following him. Hat Girl was in the back, on lookout. Cat ears and mask on as a pile of explosive cash was held in her hand. Randy was in the middle of the group, holding a book close to him. He hadn't said anything the whole day... Saving his breath for the spells, Macbeth had told them. He did seem the slightest more confident in his abilities, but his eyes still were dim in doubt. Snatcher could have made a comment, but he bit his tongue.

He threw another fire spell at a large pile of snow that was blocking the group's way, and paused as he saw something in the faint distance. An old tower. Standing there abandoned, secrets never told. He glanced down at the group, moving aside so they could see. Badge Seller took one look at it and gave a nod of confirmation to what they were thinking. Good, they were almost there... At least in theory. It was just the gateway. They still had to open the actual doorway. Or portal, they didn't know for sure how this was going to turn out.

They needed Randy to do this spell. It was their only hope of getting the information they needed to how to deal with Ezra's flames, and send him back to Hell. Or find some other way to contain him, since Hell couldn't... It was still wild for the phantom to think about it. He knew the Afterlife existed but to have even had a glance into a tiny speck of the darker side of it... Maybe that's why he was tired. Maybe part of his mortal mind was still trying to wrap around the

concept.

Hat Girl did a scan around the area as they slowly approached the stone tower. They had been hesitant on letting her come but she insisted on it. She could stand guard and fight back if something happened to come their way. She watched everyone head into the tower before heading to the entrance arch, leaning against it with her eyes turn to the land outside. Despite that, she couldn't see nor sense the two beings nearby. The ones reflective of the darker sides of the magic the towers were made to reflect.

"Of course it's her." Vanessa would hiss at the sight, before being shushed by Ezra. "The little rat has broken into my manor twice and left alive despite my best efforts. She's untouchable. Of course my prince would go to her for mid-guided 'protection'-" Ezra garbed her hand and shushed her again. "Right, of course... Wait till they open it."

"Exactly." Ezra whispered as he lowered himself closer to the ground, peeking out from the cluster of bushes and trees. "I know how upset you are, but if we jump him now, he'll just get away. We need to be prepared... At least he's safe for now." He tried to quietly reassure her. He was able to keep the venom out of his voice. Seeing the Moonjumper alive and well... It drove him mad. It was a mockery to the countless nights he worked to get rid of him... No matter... Moonjumper would be gone again soon....

Inside the tower, Randy looked at the spellbook he laid out on the ground. He traced over some of the writing with one hand, his other lighting up as he made a blob of light appear, it dashing about at his command. He had gotten better the past few days, he had to after all... and yet doubt still crept at his soul. Why couldn't he just be carefree about it, like he used to be with everything. "Maybe we should have seen if Anamund could have come with us. They'd be able to open it."

"We don't even know if they have that type of magic." Snatcher mumbled as he got Shadow Kid off his back.

Badge Seller gave a small hum as he looked at Randy. "Moonjumper had to trust what his magic could do as well." He spoke up as he rested in the corner of the tower's base. The walls only had faint, almost nonsense markings carved into them, despite that, it looked like nothing special... Randy snapped his fingers to make the light disappear. Badge saw him glanced down at his own hand. "He had no guide to teach him other than his own instincts... If he could learn to do it, I know you can."

"I know it should be possible... I just don't want to hurt anyone if I mess up." Randy sighed as he looked down, flipping to the page that had the supposed spell they needed. It was old, torn, the words were faded. He was going to need to channel what he wanted through his magic rather than relying on the words alone. He took a breath and glanced around, looking over at Macbeth. "Java?" He called, the man stepping over. "You'll be able to help them if something happens-"

"Nothin' bad will Rand." Macbeth said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Just go on... we're here."

Randy took a breath. "Stay back just in case." He spoke as he closed his eyes, getting ready. Trying to channel every atom that was capable of magic within him. He heard some footsteps back away, and he slowly opened his eyes, glancing at the book below. He raised one hand to the air, the hand glowing in a lunar aura as he began to recite the words to the spell, or at least the few he could read. He had to do this. He had to learn about Ezra's magic so they could stop this. So Snatcher could have his home back.

At first nothing much seemed to happen, but slowly the faint markings on the stones began to glow. Snatcher made sure Shadow Kid stayed close and Macbeth quickly got Alexsandera out of his hat, making them stay by Hat Girl as he went back to Randy's side. He looked at the toppat that had been placed in the lunar body, seeing both his eyes glowing one color. "Dad?" He whispered. Randy seemed mostly out of it, like he was just focusing on the spell. But he turned his head slightly in Macbeth's way. "It's ok, I'm here. It's ok."

"He knows." Badge Seller spoke as he watched. Hat Girl stepped into the tower to be safe, keeping Alexsandera close. The ground began to shake slightly under them. Something seemed to change in the air. It felt like a rush of cold and a rush of heat all at once. Macbeth grabbed Randy's hand as he scanned around, reaching into his pocket as if in fear something was going to lunge at them. Badge Seller gave a small chuckle. "Do you think opening a gateway to a different part of reality would be calm?"

"No, of course not. But I can still be on alert!" Macbeth called before suddenly covering his eyes as light suddenly seemed to blast brighter. It felt like the space around them grew instantly.. He felt Randy's hand lower a bit and turned around in time to grab him before he fell to the ground, taking some breaths. He got on his knees, trying to apply some of his own magic. "Dad? Dad, are you ok?" He got a small nod after a moment, Randy rubbing his head as he slowly picked himself up.

"Woah." Shadow Kid spoke up. It almost frightened Macbeth with how sudden it was. "Look!"

Randy rubbed his eyes a bit as he looked up. "Wha.." He started, before he paused. The Tower's ground was still there, but in front of them were two gates of light. One more of ice that looked more like crystals, and one with flames that seemed to calmly dance. "I.. I did it." Randy said as he slowly got up, leaning against Macbeth for support for his balance. "Don't worry... It just…took a lot." He gave a small chuckle. "And here I thought there was nothing more tiring than a night on the dancefloor."

"Really?" Snatcher asked as he looked at Randy. He could make comments now, Randy got his job done. He went over to the gates. Each had a vortex-like portal behind them, and both were unlocked. Each had a tiny set of stairs to the actual gates, but the number was so small it might as well not be there. He paused as he noticed the royal look of the fire gate. "The towers have guardians, don't they?"

"I think that was what the book said... But I'm sure the fire tower's one will understand." Hat Girl said as she came over, her guard dropped since they got what they wanted. Alex floated over to Randy, resting on his shoulder and poking at his face in worry. She looked at the gate to the tower of ice for a moment, before she shook her head and focused on the gate to the tower of flames. "Well... I don't think we have anything else holding us back. We should go before Dad and Pop realize I'm gone."

"You didn't tell them?" Macbeth asked, Hat Girl giving a nod. He rolled his eyes but watched as she walked up, opening the gate and stepping through the portal. Slowly, the group would follow in one by one until they all crossed, and the second the light from the portal faded they would find themself right outside of the tower's entrance. The tower standing tall above them, taller than they have ever thought it looked from a distance. And it felt so.. shockingly real. Randy was the first to head in after staring in awe. They had work to do.

It was almost odd, the heat. It was hot as you would expect. But even if it was warmer then what most would be comfortable with, it didn't feel overbearing. It felt comforting, welcoming. The light that seemed to emit from the walls was similar, feeling like it should be blinding to their eyes and yet it wasn't. The room they had stepped into was calm. It had a few soft chairs and a bookcase nearby. A pot was being heated over a fire along the side of the room. There were a few candles with purple flames, seemingly for decoration.

It felt... odd in that way too. It felt less like they stepped into a place of secrets and more like they walked into someone's home. Shadow Kid broke free from her father's grasp to look around, trying to see all the details in everything. Randy floated near the shelf, not taking anything outright but scanning the titles for anything of use, Macbeth staying by his side. Badge Seller reached for his mask and hood. He normally liked to keep them on but... he didn't like the heat. It wasn't overbearing, but the memories it stirred...

"It would be best not to go through everything." He gently reminded them as he leant against a wall, slowly taking his mask off as well as his hood. Randy gave him a sorrowful look as he glanced over briefly, but nodded and turned his attention back to the shelf. The titles didn't seem to have much to do with fire however... he paused briefly when he thought he heard footsteps from the staircase nearby. "We don't want to make a bad impression. I'm sure the guardian here will help once they understand our situations."

As if he spoke of the devil, a voice came from the staircase. "Moonjumper?" A voice called, a hint of disbelief in it. The group glanced up, to see a figure just barely hidden in the shadows of the stairs. He looked... surprisingly human. His clothing matched the royals of subcon with flame patterns sewn into it. His eyes were locked to Badge Seller. "Is that you, old friend?"

"Old friend?" Badge Seller spoke in confusion, before the figure stepped closer, letting his face be more clearly seen. His hair was a familiar blonde shade, and his eyes with Orange had blended into a familiar shade of green. "Young Victor?" He asked, those in the room locking eyes with each other at the familiar name. The guardian nodded as Badge Seller stood up, a confused smile forming on his face as he looked at the man. "You've grown... I don't understand. I thought you had died like everyone else."

"I did." Victor spoke as he walked over, his hands close to him. "But apparently the tower of flame was never given a guardian, and when the gods saw my effort to ensure the rightful use of fire magic in my life, they thought I'd be the perfect fit. So my soul was reborn here after my death and it's where I have been ever since..." He reached over, carefully tracing the edge of Badge Seller's face. "It looks like time hasn't treated you well. I knew there would be another.."

"Speaking of which." Snatcher coughed from nearby, going up to the two. Victor glanced at him and seemed to have a look of pity in his eyes. The phantom gestured to Randy nearby. "The soul who's now using the Moonjumper body needs your help with something, Victor." Snatcher paused as he glanced at Macbeth who had given him a glare. "What, I wasn't about to sit by listening to idle conversation when we have important things to be done, like containing a demon on the loose! One cable of harming my subjects!"

"You see, Victor, Ezra-" Hat Girl started but Victor sighed, giving a small nod. "Oh, I take it you already know?" He nodded again, his hand was now a fist at the mere mention of the name. Badge Seller placed a hand on Victor's shoulder, the former king looking at it, examining the way it bent and glitched. He had a look of guilt in his eyes. She gave a small cough. "He's back, and we think he's planning to get Randy. We need to know how to go against his magic."

"Of course. I am more than willing to provide you with the knowledge and magic necessary... Follow me..." Victor gestured for them to follow him up the stairs, only to pause and make a brief gesture motion, the pot floating over to him. "Almost forgot about this." He said, earning a few quiet chuckle from the youngest among them as they began to head up the tower. "...You know, it is nice to have someone to speak face to face with after all these years. Aspen is nice but, words on paper can only do so much."

"Yes. Supposedly they were made directly by the gods for the purpose of watching over the tower. They've never been outside of it... I pity them sometimes but, they seem cheerful." He picked up a book on a stand as they passed it, its icy blue color contrasting with the warm colors of the flames about. "This book lets us communicate. What one person writes shows up in the others. And it clears itself if we run out of room..." He gave a small chuckle. "I would've gone crazy by now if it wasn't for them."

"Aspen?" Macbeth asked, tilting his head as he looked around at the mention of the name. Victor would point out a window as they passed it, Macbeth glancing out to see the tower of ice in the far distance. Barely viewable from where he was... He glanced down and almost stumbled back at how far Subcon was below. Even thought he was already dead, he feared

of falling... He shook his head and glanced away. "I'm assuming they're the guardian of the Tower of Ice?"

"Can't say I would've blamed you." Randy said as he glanced around. He could barely stand being a captive for about two weeks. He couldn't understand centuries, likely more of being all by yourself in a tower because some gods prompted your soul... At least Victor seemed to be handling his responsibility well enough, but then again, the time of experience... He blinked. "Wait, did they not make one for the fire tower?" He asked, getting a shake. "Why not if they made one for the tower of ice?"

"Maybe they wanted someone with more experience? We don't know the conditions of Aspen's creation." Hat Girl stated aloud. Victor nodded before opening a door nearby, showing a large library-like area that felt like it was bigger than the tower's width. Maybe it was, it was a magical tower after all. Hat Girl began to look around, looking at the bookcases. "So, which of these has the stuff we need to deal with Ezra?" She asked, looking over at Victor, who glanced at the shelves.

"Forgive me, this might take some time. You think I would have the placements memorized by now." He said as he made a gesture to the bookcase, books started to fly out and he started to quickly scan through them. However, he stopped when the icey blue book suddenly shook, as if it picked up something. He glanced at it, a hint of worry in his eyes as he snap his fingers. "Give me a second." He said as he grabbed the pen he summoned, speaking as he wrote. "Aspen, what's wrong?"

There was nothing for about a minute, and then the words appeared on the page. 'I think I messed up.' they read.

Shadow Kid climbed up onto her father's back so she could read the words. "Messed up? What do they mean?" Shadow Kid asked as Victor began to write down a message of faint reassurance but also prodding the ice guardian for more answers. The words don't appear right away, and Shadow Kid looked at Victor, and paused. He seemed worried... more worried than he seemed to feel in a long time if what he was saying was true. "I'm guessing they aren't like this normally? Maybe they just spilt paint."

Soon the words would appear under Victor's, the ink a cold blue in contrast to Victor's dark red. 'I don't know what happened, Victor, I really don't. I sensed something was in the tower and went to go find out what was going on. It all happened so fast.' Aspen's words said. The way it was written was shaky, but oddly not in a way someone who was writing in a panic would. It felt more like it was the words themselves. 'The one scroll is gone, the enchanted one. I can't feel it.'

Snatcher tilted his head at that. "Feel it? What, is it invisible?"

"They're blind." Victor said, Snatcher's face blanking along with some others. Snatcher wasn't about to say it, but why purposely make a guardian for magic but make them blind? Victor began to write down. "Aspen, tell me what happened. As much as you can."

-------

Moments before, when the group had stepped into the gates to the tower of flame, the two hiding had taken the chance to dash in, going for the gate to the tower of ice. It didn't put up a fight, it seemed to have no guard in case someone was around when the spell was cast. A good thing in Ezra's and Vanessa's case. Ezra wasn't sure what he would do if the gate had refused to budge and the portal refused to let them in. But they soon stood in front of the tower of ice, Ezra going in without a second thought.

It was cold... shockingly so for Ezra. He had to grab at his shoulders and apply a faint spell to even keep a bit of warmth up. He glanced over at Vanessa who seemed relatively unbothered. The two would look around the place and would pause. It was... a lot clearer than they would have expected.No artifacts out on display. Not even a bookshelf nearby to hold spell books. Just a few furniture pieces carefully placed. In such a way where they were easy to remember. Impossible to bump into.

Just as Ezra was about to comment on it, they heard a voice. "Is someone there?" Ezra turned, his hand bursting into flame as a threat, but paused at the sight of the figure. They looked... relatively simple compared to what you would have expected. They wore an icey blue sweater and their appearance didn't seem threatening... They had a blindfold on over their eyes. "I don't mean any harm." They added as Vanessa began to walk over. "It's just... I never had someone inside the tower before."

"Oh, you must be so lonely then, great spirit." Vanessa spoke kindly as she placed her hands together, turning to Ezra and giving him a quick wink. At least he wasn't the only one who had to worry about putting on an act now. Vanessa lowered herself a bit, looking at the ice guardian with a pleading look in her eyes. "Oh guardian," She said. "We wouldn't have come if we didn't need your help."

"Oh, of course! And please, call me Aspen, that's my name!" The ice guardian said. Ezra rose a brow as he walked over. They just smiled at them... He knew they were wearing a blindfold but they should be able to see... Aspen gestured them over to what looked like a magic lift, and Ezra glanced down, pausing. The environment lit up ever so slightly wherever Aspen walked. "Forgive me if there's any dust. I cast spells to clean but I never take note until it gets really bad, usually."

"Oh, it's not worry... Vanessa, come here a second." Ezra stated as he gestured for the queen to come over. "I don't think their wearing the blindfold for show, I think they're actually blind... Get ready to take advantage of that." That sounded wrong, even to him, but it was what needed to be done. Aspen waited for them at the lift as they stepped on, Ezra trying to keep his distance from Aspen just in case. "Apologies for the warmth. My kind are naturally more... warm blooded."

"Oh, it's no worry, none of the ice here can melt!" Aspen smiled. "So, what exactly do you need help with?"

Ezra reached for his ears as Vanessa let out a sob. "It's my love, he's in clueless danger." Vanessa said as she glanced to the side, Aspen's smiling fading to a frown. "Some curse has him stuck away from us, and we need to save him. But we will only be able to get to him if we can prevent ice from melting from fire... we were hoping you would have something for that." Vanessa claimed as she looked down at Aspen. Ezra let out a tiny whine, he hated the way Vanessa's voice echoed.

"I know it's an odd request but, we figured the tower of ice would have something more of use then the tower of flame." Ezra stated, before humming. "Or is it the tower of fire... do the towers even have proper names." He mused aloud, getting a small glare from Vaneesa as he looked back at her, him tilting his head as he crossed his arms a bit. He leaned against the wall a bit, his horn scraping the side faintly as the lift moved up. "It's just a quick question, not a distraction from our goal."

"Forgive me if I see it like one." Vanessa state, before signing as she held her hands close. "He's my everything. I need to get to him... that's the only way I can..."

"I... Do have a scroll that can offer that magic... It's just.." Aspen looked to the side, taking a breath. "Ice and fire mixed together is something deadly. It's why the towers weren't made as one... At least that's what I believe." Ezra and Vanessa looked at each other as the lift stopped, Aspen stepping out after a moment. They glanced forward, their hands touching the tips of each other. "But... I suppose I can lend you some of it. As long as you promise to bring it back once your love is safe."

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Vanessa said as she walked alongside Aspen, Aspen gaining a smile as they walked through an empty space, a few pedestales with tiny sculptures dotted about. Ezra kept an eye on Aspen, mainly the glowing bits of the environment around. That must be how Aspen 'sees'. Able to walk through this place without tripping... Although they probably had the layout memorized after all this time.

"We promise, we'll be very careful with it." Ezra spoke as he tried to glance ahead. He could faintly see the scroll now. In a room across the area they were walking to. He could sense the magic from where he was standing... it was an odd sense to have. He shook his head, no Ezra, focus. He kept a hand behind his back, beginning to form a small flame within it. "You are a kind spirit Aspen. It's no wonder you were designed to do such a good job protecting this place."

"We could not be more thankful." Vanessa said as they stepped into the room. Aspen walked over, the pedstole the scroll was on had a few enchanted locks from the looks of it. Typically. Something to delay them just a bit more... Ezra sighed as he began tapping his foot against the floor, still keeping his attack ready if need be. Although it had went well. Maybe he didn't need to fire it. "Oh, Ezra. We'll be able to bring my prince home soon!" Vanessa called. Then Aspen paused.

"Wait... Ezra... warmth... warmth like fire." Aspen glanced back in their direction as raised their hand, a small wall of ice forming around them as they took some steps back. Ezra began to step forward, a growl in his breath as he approached the wall, placing his hand against it. The ice resisted the warmth, only a faint marking appeared around in fingers. "You're the one Victor told me about, aren't you?" Aspen questioned. "The one who changed how fire magic was viewed for centuries."

"The annoying prince is still kicking somewhere? Perfect." Ezra growled as Aspen stayed near the pedstole, more ice forming around it with a protective glow. Ezra was about to throw his fire when suddenly Vanessa raised her hand, a large spike of ice coming from the ground and stabbing at the wall, cracking it. Aspen paused, as if the sound confused them. Ezra couldn't help but smirk. "Guess you never thought you would have to come across someone who actually knows."

"Apsen. You are a good soul, we can tell. We really do need the scroll.. Please, my Prince really is in danger." Vanessa spoke in a sickeningly sweet voice. Aspen took some breaths as they reached for the wall, feeling the cracks in it. They shook their head, making the cracks seal. Vanessa just sighed as she rose her hand again, a series of spikes rasing and crashing into the wall. "It's such a shame it had to be like that. Ezra? Why don't we use this as a bit of practice."

"I was wondering when you were going to drop that act." Ezra stated as he tossed the fire at the wall. The resistant magic was still there, but with the ice itself cracked it barely did anything, and the wall crumbled. Aspen started to throw magic their way to attack, but Ezra responded by snapping his fingers, summoning a bit of fire around them. Aspen began to cough and seemed to struggle. Not from the fire itself, but the more blurred sense of direction it brought. "We're taking it now. Unless you want to lose a limb, little snowflake?"

The rest would happen pretty quickly...

-------

The group was quiet as the event was recounted to them through the words that appeared on the page. Aspen thought something was wrong with the guest but was so excited to have someone else in the tower they didn't pay as much attention as they should've. Plus Vanessa had sounded truly desperate, talking about the love of her life being in trouble, how was Aspen supposed to know? It hadn't taken the two long to knock Aspen out, just long enough to break the protective case and get the whole scroll.

Snatcher was especially quiet as he read the words. Vanessa, working with Ezra. He should have known it wouldn't be that easy. At first he was a little confused, was Ezra set for revenge that badly so soon? But then he took note of Randy nearby, whose skin seemed paler. It quickly clicked. Ezra must be using Vanessa to get to Randy. She did think Randy was him because of his body being used after all... Of course things couldn't be that easy. They weren't even easy in the first place.

The fact they now had two psychopaths to go up against instead of one was already giving him a headache.

'I'm sorry. I should've known. It's my job but... literally my whole life there wasn't anyone I met face to face. I thought I could trust them.' Aspen's words appeared in the book. Snatcher shook his head, but he couldn't fully blame the guardian. He might've made the same mistake if he was in their shoes. Victor wrote down quick reassurances before Aspen slowly responded. '...I should get things picked up, I'm sure they left a mess... I'll talk to you later.. I'm sorry.’

Victor quickly wrote something down, before signing as he closed the book. "It's not fair... At least when I was placed here, I had knowledge of the outside world and what people are like... Aspen's told me they just remembered coming into existence... and that's it. No real training, no knowledge, nothing..." He sighed as he placed the book down, before blinking and looking at the books floating nearby. "Oh, I had almost forgotten. You're going to need those spells more than ever." He said as he began to scan through them again.

"Of course Vanessa is helping Ezra, of course." Snatcher mumbled as he began to pace back and forth, Shadow Kid glanced up at him in worry. Victor kept his attention on the books, but he seemed to frown at the mention of the name. Snatcher rose a brow at that. Did the man feel guilt... Why... It wasn't his fault his descendant turned out to be a cold hearted psychopath. "Randy, you're gonna have a lot more on your plate, I hope you're ready for it." The ghost signed as he sat down.

"Well, at least with Vanessa I know I can get away from her." Randy said, taking a breath. He was looking at his hand, watching as strings formed from them... He needed to be enough for the clan, for the forest. Take care of Ezra and keep Vanessa locked in her manor... It was a lot to ask of anyone. Hat Girl gave him a worried glance as she walked over, Randy giving a sigh as he shook his head. "We always win in the end. It's just how it is."

"You toppats do seem to have that luck, especially you, Hat Girl." Shadow Kid said, Hat Girl giving a small nod in reply to the comment. Snatcher sighed as he leaned against the wall. His little shadow did have a point. It felt like whatever mess the toppats were in, they got out of. But facing a demon from hell? That didn't seem to be an easy task for anyone. "I'm sure you will be fine. And if you need help, I can be there! I've been practicing my spells!" She threw her hands in the air.

"I wouldn't recommend that, young one." Victor said as he glanced over. "Even with the study of fire magic, who knows what magic from the inferno is like... speaking of which." He snapped his fingers and some scrolls appeared, words slowly writing to match the pages of the books he had opened, each glowing with an amber aura. He collected them all once they had finish, bringing them over to Randy. "There's some restraintance, some protection, some manipulation. There's many ways to fight against Ezra's magic. You'll just have to learn it."

"Actually, let me see one of those." Snatcher said as he went over and grabbed one of the scrolls, reading it over. Even just holding it in his hand, he could feel the power it held, the secrets that could be unlocked with this... He paused as he glanced at Randy, who was giving him a bit of an odd lock. Snatcher crossed his arms as he leaned against the glowing wall. "Look, it's my forest we're trying to protect here. It's better for me to know them in the long run, in case this somehow happens again."

"I doubt that would..." Victor said as he stepped forward. Snatcher glanced down at the king, giving him a small glare. Victor glanced at Snatcher's hand, a thought coming to mind as he shook his head, giving a sigh. He walked to a window seal that was nearby, staring out at Subcon. Mainly the part of subcon that was forever locked in snow... He turned back to the ghost. "I'm... sorry what you and your subjects had to go through, your highness. No one should ever have had to suffer so much." He glanced at his hand. "Especially by my own blood..." He sighed.

"Please, do not blame yourself Victor." Badge Seller spoke up from nearby. "Her actions are her own. You couldn't have she would have done this..."

Victor sighed. "Logically, I know that, old friend. I do... It's just.. Seeing the state she put things in... Words can't describe it..." He looked up at Snatcher. "Once you safely take care of Ezra and put Vanessa back in her place, please, come back here. I would like to try and help the forest."

Snatcher didn't answer, just gave a small nod as he looked over the scroll. Shadow Kid tilted her head, garbing Victor's hand and beginning to pull him to the stairs slightly. "Why don't you come with?"

Victor gently pulled his hand free from her grasp. "I would love to, young Shadow. But even with the portal open, I doubt I will be able to leave.." He glanced out the window again. "I was assigned to watch this tower, and so it is what I must do for the rest of my time... Perhaps the rest of time."

Shadow Kid gave a small nod of understanding. "...You should get break days." She said, earning a small bit of chuckling from those around.

Randy smiled before letting out a sigh as he floated in front of Victor. "Thank you for all this, but we do need to go. Now that we know Vanessa is helping Ezra, we need to plan. And we don't want to risk them getting into this tower as well."

"Of course." Victor said. There was a hint of sorrow and longing in his voice, but he had already accepted the time he got was short. He picked the Icey blue book back up. "You get home safe... I need to make sure Aspen will be alright... Be careful, friends." He said as he watched them head to the stairs.

Badge Seller would turn back to the king, offering a sad smile as he nodded. "Of course, your highness."

The group left the towers quickly, the getaway closing with a wave of Randy's hand... Randy would stare at it. He hadn't even thought, he just did... Maybe there was some hope to all this... He looked at the scrolls he needed to learn. He needed to get ready.

You never knew when the two were going to strike.

Or where.

[starry-bi-sky]

I am loudly pushing the batdad agenda i am loudly pushing the— DPxDC Prompt

“Woah. You look like shit."

Granted, that’s probably not the first thing Danny should be saying to the guy that just bit the curb, but in his defense; he’s not running on 100% right now either.

The man -- tall, towering, and broader than Danny is tall -- whips around on his heel, black frayed cape flaring out impressively. Danny would've whistled in appreciation, but he takes the time instead to wipe the back of his hand across his mouth, smearing the blood running from his nose across his cheek.

"Sorry." He blinks widely, not even flinching as the man with the horns zeroes in on him. "That was rude of me. I have a really bad brain-to-mouth filter; Sam says its what always gets me into trouble."

And she's not wrong either, per say. His smart mouth is what landed him in this situation -- with blood blossom extract running through his veins and cannibalizing the ectoplasm in his bloodstream. Thanks Vlad.

The man grunts at him; a short, curt "hm" that shouldn't make Danny smile, but he does because he's somewhat delirious and probably concussed. The man keeps some kind of distance, sinking towards the shadows of Gotham's alleyway like he dares to melt right into it.

If it's supposed to scare Danny, it doesn't work. Danny's never been afraid of the dark; he's always been able to hide himself in it. He blinks slowly at the mass of shadows.

"You look hurt." The shadows says, blurring together around the edges. Danny squints, and licks his lips to get the blood dripping down his chin off. Ugh, he hates the taste of blood.

"I am." He says, "My godfather poisoned me. M'dying." The agony of the blood blossom eating him from the inside out looped back around to numbing a while ago, so all he feels is half-awake and dazed.

"Hey," Danny stumbles forward towards the man, a bloodied hand reaching out to him. "You-- you're a hero, right? You're not attacking me; which is more than I can say for most costumed people I've met." Maybe it's a poor bar to judge someone at, but he's already established that Danny's not in his right mind.

The man makes no change in expression, but Danny realizes blearily that it's hard to tell with the shadows on his face. He stays still long enough for Danny to latch onto the cape -- stretchy, but almost soft under his fingers.

He looks up blearily into the whites of the man's eyes. "Can you help me? I don't-- I don't wanna die." Again. He doesn't wanna die again. He blinks slow and lizard-like. "I mean- I'll probably get to see mom and dad again, but I told them I'd at least try and make it to adulthood."

There's a clatter down the street, and Danny's ghost sense chills up his spine and leaves a bitter, ashy taste in his mouth. He immediately knows who it belongs to even before the deceptively gentle; "Daniel?" echoes down the way.

"Daniel? Quit your games, badger, Gotham is dangerous for children."

Danny's mouth pulls back, and blood spills against his tongue. "Please." He rasps, and grabs onto the shadow's cape with both hands. "Please. He's going to kill me. Please--"

"Daniel? Is that you?"

His lips part, dragging in air to plead with the darkness again. He doesn't need to, the whites of his eyes narrow, and the cape whirls around him before Danny can blink. Soon swaddled in shadows, the Night lifts him up, and steals him away.

[salparadiselost]

People need to draw the bats vigilanting in the snow more. They live in friggin’ New Jersey. I know their asses are frozen. I wanna see Bruce slip on black ice and break one of his old man hips.

[stardella]

Does Eggman know about the kid yet?

Well NOW he does..