#jeanine fiddler

[nacho02219]

Not my usual anymore but I missed them and I really like this piece

[endless-vall]

For the rest of our lives - Jake x MC fanfic

Summary: Right in the middle of the lion’s den, Taylor asks for backup and disappears. Jake covers for her, while Taylor gets them out of trouble.

Just then, without words, Jake puts his past behind him, and steps forward towards his new future. 

Author’s note: Requested by @princesstopgun & @lazychic28 😄

This doesn’t exactly work timeline-wise, since right after getting hand-fasted they head to the Celestial, but imagine this is set between getting handfasted & the events on the rooftop of the Celestial 😊

Jake and Taylor has hit a dead end. Tetra, along with Fiddler and some other unnamed and probably low-rank Arachnids soldiers had finally caught them.

“Lower your weapon or your pretty girlfriend here takes the bullet.” Tetra threatened, holding a gun to Taylor’s head.

Reluctantly, Jake did as he was told.

But Taylor? Was a completely different story.

“Girlfriend?!” She stuck her elbow deep into Tetra’s armor, deep enough to feel herself hitting with some ribs.

“Try wife.” She doesn’t stop there, kicking him in his chin and pushing him to the ground, gasping for air and unable to move.

Other soldiers were quick to surround both Jake and Taylor, and the couple danced back to back.

“Looks like we'll be stuck here for a while,” Jake smirked, fists ready to fight.

“Nuh-uh.” Taylor was already set on a plan. “Cover for me, will ya’?” She doesn’t wait for a response, and immediately launches herself at the ground. She slides across the room, avoiding the soldiers perfectly, and runs out of the facility.

Jake tackles one of the soldiers, stealing his gun, and starts taking down soldiers, focusing on those who plan to run after his wife.

He has to admit he has no idea what is she up to, but he trusts her. With his life.

With his eyes closed and in the middle of danger, right inside the lion’s den.

He trusts her.

“Looks like your little wifey has just called the marriage off.” Fiddler, who was the only real threat here, has stepped in front of him.

All the low-rank soldiers ceased their doings, letting her take the lead.

Fiddler had a bitter smirk smeared over her face.

Jeanine really did never got over herself, did she? 

“No, she didn’t.” Jake didn’t waver.

“She’ll come back for me. I’m just buying her some time.” He winked at her, scattering another wave of bullets at the surroundings.

Fiddler has managed to turn on her suit and avoid the shots fired at her, but she reappeared once again when Jake stopped shooting. He’d have to change cartridge, and that’ll be too risky for him to do right now.

But then... Fiddler took her mask off.

She was looking at him with a melancholic expression on her face.

Before she had the time to do something, a shock wave has passed throughout the building, neutralizing everyone but Jake.

“Take that, HA!” Taylor was standing in the entrance of the room, holding some sort of portal-gun Jake can swear he saw Craig wielding before.

Jake’s eyes immediately light up when he spotted his wife. His badass wife who just happened to save him.

“How is my wife more badass than me?” Jake asked, rhetorically. Taylor rolled her eyes and flipped her hair backwards.

“It’s only because she has such an amazing, kick-ass husband.” She has a grin written all over herself.

Jake can’t help but smile.

“Did I tell you how much I love you lately?” He made his way towards her, stepping around Fiddle- Jeanine.

Herself wasn’t the only thing Jeanine never got over, was it? A thought passed through his head.

A thought that immediately faded away, since he was standing next to the love of his life.

This was how love was supposed to feel. This was true love.

He felt his heart growing a size in his chest, warm and content.

“Only, all the time.” Taylor winked back at her husband, and Jake beamed at her.

They got out of there, hand in hand, not looking back.

Not at Fiddler, not at Tetra... Not at any of the Arachnids soldiers.

“I don’t mind reminding you,” He said, planting his lips over his. “Every day... For the rest of our lives.” He whispered a promise, kissing her temple, his hands lost somewhere in her hair.

A promise he intended to keep.

[writemarcus]

Savion Glover, Jason Robert Brown, Priscilla Lopez, More Join NYPL I'm Still Here Benefit

BY ANDREW GANS

JUN 16, 2021

The upcoming benefit, celebrating the New York Public Library's Billy Rose Theatre Division, honors George C. Wolfe and the late Harold Prince.

Additional artists have joined the upcoming I'm Still Here benefit, celebrating the 90th anniversary of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Billy Rose Theatre Division and the 50th anniversary of its Theatre on Film and Tape Archive.

Honoring Tony-winning directors George C. Wolfe and the late Harold Prince, I’m Still Here will stream on Broadway on Demand June 23 at 8 PM ET.

Jason Robert Brown, Savion Glover, Priscilla Lopez, Susan Stroman, Marisha Wallace, and Christopher Wheeldon have joined the starry roster of participants. The evening, as previously announced, will also feature archival content of several Broadway productions preserved in the archive, including the newly announced Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson in The Mountaintop; Bette Midler in I'll Eat You Last; Brian Stokes Mitchell in Ragtime; Kelli O'Hara and Paulo Szot in South Pacific; Christian Borle and Tim Curry in Spamalot; and Craig Bierko and Rebecca Luker in The Music Man.

Viewers can expect to see Glover, Jimmy Tate, Choclattjared, and Raymond King in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk; Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden, and Larry Pine in The Seagull; Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robin de Jesús, Christopher Jackson, Karen Olivo, Andréa Burns, Janet Dacal, Eliseo Román, and Seth Stewart in In the Heights; and Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard.

Watch Stephanie J. Block Belt Out She Loves Me's 'A Trip to the Library' for NYPL I'm Still Here Benefit

Also taking part: Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George), Alexander Bello (Caroline, or Change), Laura Benanti (She Loves Me), Malik Bilbrew, Alexandra Billings (Wicked), Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam), Shay Bland, Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice), Matthew Broderick (Plaza Suite), Krystal Joy Brown (Hamilton), David Burtka (Gypsy), Sammi Cannold (Endlings), Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza), Max Clayton (Moulin Rouge!), Calvin L. Cooper (Mrs. Doubtfire), DeMarius Copes (Mean Girls), Trip Cullman (Choir Boy), Taeler Elyse Cyrus (Hello, Dolly!), Quentin Earl Darrington (Once on This Island), Robin de Jesús (In the Heights), André De Shields (Hadestown), Frank DiLella (NY1), Derek Ege, Amina Faye, Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), Leslie Donna Flesner (Tootsie), Chelsea P. Freeman, Joel Grey (Cabaret), Ryan J. Haddad (The Politician), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud), Marcy Harriell (Company), Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Mark Harris (Mike Nichols: A Life), David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), Cassondra James (Once on This Island), Marcus Paul James (Rent), Taylor Iman Jones (Hamilton), Maya Kazzaz, Tom Kirdahy (The Inheritance), Hilary Knight, Michael John LaChiusa (The Wild Party), Norman Lear (Good Times), Baayork Lee (A Chorus Line), Sondra Lee (Hello, Dolly!), Telly Leung (Aladdin), Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge!), Allen René Louis, Brittney Mack (Six), Taylor Mac (Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus), Morgan Marcell, Aaron Marcellus, Joan Marcus, Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), Sarah Meahl, Joanna Merlin (Fiddler on the Roof), Ruthie Ann Miles (Sunday in the Park with George), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Leilani Patao (Garden Girl), Nova Payton (Dreamgirls), Joel Perez (Kiss My Aztec), Bernadette Peters (Into the Woods), Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam), Jacoby Pruitt, Sam Quinn, Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud), Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Beetlejuice), George Salazar (Be More Chill), Marilyn Saunders (Company), Marcus Scott (Fidelio), Rashidra Scott (Company), Rona Siddiqui (Tales of a Halfghan), Ahmad Simmons, Rebecca Taichman (Indecent), Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), Bobby Conte Thornton (Company), Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet), Kei Tsuruharatani (Jagged Little Pill), Ben Vereen (Pippin), Jack Viertel, Christopher Vo, Paula Vogel (Indecent), Nik Walker (Ain’t Too Proud), Shannon Fiona Weir, Helen Marla White (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Natasha Yvette Williams (Orange Is the New Black), and Ricardo Zayas (Hamilton).

The program will also feature interviews with Broadway artists plus the re-conception of classic musical theatre songs, including "A Trip to the Library," “Wheels of a Dream,” “Another Hundred People,” “Love Will Find a Way,” and, fittingly, “I’m Still Here.”

READ: The Woman Who Fought to Record and Preserve Broadway Shows

The virtual benefit is produced and conceived by Boardman and Doran and features direction by Steve Broadnax, Sammi Cannold, Nick Corley, Ty Defoe, Lorin Latarro, Mia Walker, and Jason Michael Webb, choreography by Ayodele Casel, Latarro, and Ray Mercer, with new music arranged by Rachel Dean and Annastasia Victory, arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer, and casting by Peter Van Dam at Tara Rubin Casting.

Tickets are donate-what-you-can, with a recommendation of at least $19.31 in honor of the year the division was founded. Visit StillHereat90.com.

[aliveandfullofjoy]

100 Artists Who Shaped My Year: 2019

It’s been a few years since I’ve done this, and I’m technically two days late, but here we are all the same! A list of 100 different artists whose work made an impact on me in 2019. Some are local, but most are not. One has to remain anonymous for now, because life is silly. 

In alphabetical order.

Pedro Almodóvar, for writing and directing Pain and Glory (2019, film) and Bad Education (2004, film);

Anonymous Playwright, for a play title whose name I can’t mention yet;

Will Arbery, for writing Heroes of the Fourth Turning (2019, play);

Frédéric Back, for making The Man Who Planted Trees (1987, animated short);

Antonio Banderas, for his performance in Pain and Glory (2019, film);

Ingmar Bergman, for writing and directing Scenes from a Marriage (1973, film) and Summer Interlude (1951, film);

Caty Bergmark, for directing Baby (2019, musical) and life;

Eli Bolin, for writing the music for Documentary Now: Co-Op (2019, television) and John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch (2019, television);

Bong Joon-ho, for writing and directing Parasite (2019, film) and Snowpiercer (2013, film);

Nicholas Britell, for his score for If Beale Street Could Talk (2018, film);

Bo Burnham, for writing and directing Eighth Grade (2018, film);

D’Arcy Carden, for her performance(s) in The Good Place (2018-19, television);

Carol Channing, for being a light in the dark;

Benjamin Christiensen, for directing Häxan (1922, film);

Toby Chu, for his score for Bao (2018, animated short);

Olivia Colman, for her performances in The Favourite (2018, film), Broadchurch (2013-17, television), and Fleabag (2018, television);

Willem Dafoe, for his performances in The Lighthouse (2019, film) and The Florida Project (2017, film);

Ana de Armas, for her performance in Knives Out (2019, film);

Donna Deitch, for directing Desert Hearts (1985, film);

Kaitlyn Dever, for her performance in Booksmart (2019, film);

Eugene Fedorenko, for directing Every Child (1979, animated short);

Beanie Feldstein, for her performance in Booksmart (2019, film);

Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish (2019, musical);

Elsie Fisher, for her performance in Eighth Grade (2018, film);

Jennifer Garner, for her performances in Love, Simon (2018, film) and 13 Going on 30 (2004, film);

Greta Gerwig, for writing and directing Little Women (2019, film);

Brian David Gilbert, for Unraveled (2019, webseries);

Daniel Glenn, for Sixteenth Night (2019, play);

The Great British Bake Off (2019, television);

Adèle Haenel, for her performance in Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019, film);

Regina Hall, for her performance in Support the Girls (2018, film);

William Jackson Harper, for his performance in The Good Place (2018-19, television);

Jerry Herman, for his tremendous career;

Marin Hinkle, for her performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-18, television);

Tom Hooper, for directing Cats (2019, film), the most fun I’ve had in the movies in forever;

Peter Jackson, for directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03, film);

Barry Jenkins, for writing and directing If Beale Street Could Talk (2018, film);

Carly Rae Jepsen, for a damn good concert;

Erland Josephson, for his performance in Scenes from a Marriage (1973, film);

Kunio Kato, for directing La Maison en Petits Cubes (2008, animated short);

Val Kilmer, for his performance in Tombstone (1992, film);

Tim Kov and Anna Hulkower, for My Little Tonys (2018-19 podcast);

Yayoi Kusama, for her Infinity Mirrors exhibit;

The Lemonheads, for their cover of “Frank Mills” (1992);

Dan Levy, for his performance in and producing Schitt’s Creek (2015-19, television);

Eugene Levy, for his performances in Schitt’s Creek (2015-19, television) and Waiting for Guffman (1996, film);

Lizzo, for Cuz I Love You (2019, album);

Billie Lourd, for her performance in Booksmart (2019, film);

Jonathan Majors, for his performance in The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019, film);

Dave Malloy, for writing Octet (2019, musical);

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire, for writing Baby (1983, musical);

Djibril Diop Mambéty, for directing The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun (1999, film) and Touki Bouki (1973, film);

Corinne Marchand, for her performance in Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962, film);

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, for writing Six (2018, musical);

Mike Marshall, for his performance of “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” in The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019, film);

Elaine May, for writing, starring in, and directing A New Leaf (1971, film);

Noémie Merlant, for her performance in Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019, film);

Anaïs Mitchell, for writing Hadestown (2019, musical);

Hayao Miyazaki, for his entire body of work, but especially the films of his I watched for the first time this year: Porco Rosso (1992), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1988), The Castle of Cagliostro (1979), Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), and Castle in the Sky (1986); 

Elisabeth Moss, for her performance in Us (2019, film);

John Mulaney, for writing and starring in Documentary Now: Co-Op (2019, television) and John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch (2019, television);

Annie Murphy, for her performance in Schitt’s Creek (2015-19, television);

Bill Nelson and Joseph Trefler, for writing Men with Money (2019, musical);

Tim Blake Nelson, for his performance in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018, film);

Rosemary Newcott, for directing The Wizard of Oz (2019, musical) and A Christmas Carol (2019, play) at the Alliance Theatre; 

Griffin Newman, David Sims, and Ben Hosley, for Blank Check with Griffin and David (2015-2019, podcast); 

Yuri Norstein, for directing Hedgehog in the Fog (1975, animated short) and Tale of Tales (1979, animated short);

Lupita Nyong’o, for her performance in Us (2019, film);

Catherine O’Hara, for her performances in Schitt’s Creek (2015-19, television), Waiting for Guffman (1996, film), and Home Alone (1990, film);

ozello, for pronouns, but especially “caleb” (2019, album and song);

Nick Park, for writing and directing Creature Comforts (1989, animated short), A Grand Day Out (1989, animated short), The Wrong Trousers (1993, animated short), and A Close Shave (1995, animated short);

Dolly Parton, for her body of work;

Robert Pattinson, for his performance in The Lighthouse (2019, film);

Paula Pell, for her performance in Documentary Now: Co-Op (2019, television); 

Joe Pesci, for his performance in The Irishman (2019, film);

Christopher Plummer, for his performances in Knives Out (2019, film) and The Man Who Planted Trees (1987, animated short);

Hal Prince, for everything; 

Florence Pugh, for her performance in Little Women (2019, film);

Marjane Satrapi, for writing and directing Persepolis (2007, film);

Céline Sciamma, for writing and directing Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019, film);

Andrew Scott, for his performance in Fleabag (2018, television);

William Shakespeare, for his body of work, but especially Macbeth; 

Domee Shi, for directing Bao (2018, animated short);

Stephen Sondheim, for everything; 

Emma Stone, for her performance in The Favourite (2018, film);

Jan Svankmajer, for directing Alice (1988, film);

Jeanine Tesori, for writing Fun Home (2015, musical), Shrek (2009, musical), and Caroline, or Change (2003, musical);

Alfred Uhry, for writing The Last Night of Ballyhoo (1997, play);

Liv Ullmann, for her performance in Scenes from a Marriage (1973, film);

Agnès Varda, for directing Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962, film) and Faces Places (2017, film);

Vernal & Sere Theatre Co., for their production of Spirits to Enforce (2019, play);

Alicia Vikander, for her performance in I Am Easy to Find (2019, film);

Paula Vogel, for writing Indecent (2017, play);

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, for writing and starring in Fleabag (2017-18, television);

Lulu Wang, for writing and directing The Farewell (2019, film);

Rachel Weisz, for her performances in The Favourite (2018, film) and Disobedience (2017, film);

Orson Welles, for directing The Other Side of the Wind (2018, film) and Macbeth (1948, film);

Lina Wertmüller, for directing Seven Beauties (1975, film);

Chloé Zhao, for directing The Rider (2017, film);

and Zhao Shuzhen, for her performance in The Farewell (2019, film).

[jgroffdaily]

Jonathan Groff, Miriam Shor, and a roster of stage veterans are set to perform at the Drama League's 36th annual benefit gala, to be held October 28 at the Plaza.

As previously reported, the gala will honor two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster, who is returning to Broadway opposite fellow Tony winner Hugh Jackman in the 2020 revival of The Music Man.

The star-studded lineup also includes Foster's Anything Goes co-stars Joel Grey (director of Off-Broadway's current Yiddish-language Fiddler on the Roof) and Laura Osnes (Bandstand), The Drowsy Chaperone co-star Beth Leavel (The Prom), The Wild Party co-star Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton), Jelani Alladin (Hercules, Frozen), friend and frequent collaborator Megan McGinnis (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Leigh Silverman (who directed Foster in Violet), and Jeanine Tesori (the Foster-led Shrek, Fun Home), along with Foster's Younger co-stars Shor and Peter Hermann.

Laura Brandel will direct this year’s gala program, with music direction by David Evans and choreography by Leah Hofmann.

[indiacater]

Girl Next Door

Disclaimer: All characters are the rights of Pixelberry. I do not own or claim to own.

Summary: This is a JakexMC story. Slight mature themes as the story progresses. The story has a world next door theme. Jake has "dreams" of the island, the gang and the events of the books. The story start three years prior to the events. The colored dialogue indicates the dream version of Jake.

Notes: Shout out to @pilitella for again the accompanying artwork for this chapter. Thanks to @mysteli for hosting #esapw. Thanks to all the readers. Hope you enjoy it.

Tags: @drakewalkerwhipped @drivenbyfantasy @hopefulmoonobject @mysteli @mrsnazario1223 @zaffrenotes @xo-endlessmayhem-xo @elles-choices @bobasheebaby @boneandfur @brightpinkpeppercorn @likethetailofacomet @darley1101 @ladynonsense @lovelanique @choicesbyjade

It was a dream, wasn't it?

Ever since joining the navy, nothing excited Jake McKenzie than when both he and his bunkmate and best friend, Mike Darwin were selected to the elite Arachnid unit. After a short trial run their C.O., Cmdr Lundgren had then working on top ranking missions, and even earning Jake the codename: Wolf. As far as Jake knew things were looking up for him. He was serving his country, he was with his best friend and part of a team that was making a real difference in the world. He didn’t think anything could change what he thought of it until he began having the weirdest dreams.

After a night of drinking and playing cards with rest of the team Jake decided to turn in early, mainly due to light headaches, and the drinks weren’t helping. Jeanine, who went by Fiddler, offered to help relieve it, but they have been on again and off again so much that he didn't need the drama. Finally making it back to his bunk, he stripped down to his boxers and laid in his bed as he drifted off to sleep, oblivious to the adventures that awaits him.

Jake awoke to the annoyance of light jostling. He would have ignored it if the position he was in didn't feel weird to him. Becoming alert, he opened his eyes and saw that he wasn't laying in his bed, but sitting in a co-pilot chair of a small cockpit. As he panics he looks over to see the pilot. He tried to nudge him, but he attempts were ignored as the pilot as he then kicked his feet up on the control panel. “What the hell?, you jackass!” he muttered. Seconds later he hears a knock, the door open and walked in a very attractive woman wearing fitting shorts and a simple red top. If Jake wasn't freaking out over his current predicament he would definitely be flirting with her. “Hey!” Jake shouted as he tried to get her attention, but she looked like she didn't hear him.

“Excuse me.” She exclaimed. “You're the pilot? Shouldn't we have landed by now?” She takes notice of the pilot. “What the hell?!, are you asleep?!” she exclaimed again. Finally the pilot stirred to address the girl, as he did Jake was finally able to get a look at the ungrateful asshole. Then Jake's world was thrown upside down as he saw himself.

As much as Jake wanted to deny it, there was no mistaken what he was seeing but he was looking at himself. This version of him looked slightly older and his face look like he's been through more than his fair share of hell. He finally turns to face the girl. He seemed slightly taken aback as just like Jake, he seemed also attracted to her as well.

“Listen, Princess, dont'cha know it’s rude to wake someone up from a nap?” he said rather agitated. The girl looked at him with matching agitation.

“Princess?!” she said offended. With a slight smirk he answered “What can I say I give nicknames to people who annoy me.” Feeling like he won, he turn back around to monitor the controls. Jake just sits there watching this unfold in front of him, trying to make sense. “What the hell was with the nicknames? That was always Mike's thing. Why the hell would I be using it?” As he panics he hears the girl speak.

“Well. Then I’ll just call you Top Gun.” She smiles back. Jake saw his older self immediately freeze upon hearing that. Then after composing himself he continues to bust himself with the controls, keeping his back to her as he begins to talk again.

“Nicknames are my thing. You ain’t clever enough to keep ‘em coming. Takes work to be as good as me.” He said, smugly. The girl was about to speak again until the plane was rocked by unexpected turbulence, causing her to fall forward instinctively Jake tried to reach out for her. His older self, however had the same idea and immediately caught her. Jake couldn't explain why he was feeling jealous of this version holding her, he didn't even know who this girl was, but jealous is what he was feeling.

“What the hell was that?!” The girl asked, still in shock. After making sure she was okay he spoke. “Relax Princess. It’s just some turbulence. It’s all normal.” The her eyes grew wide as she pointed out of the cockpit. “And is that also normal?!” She exclaimed. Both Jake and his older counterpart turned to see the sky suddenly turned dark, followed by orbs of lightning that was causing more turbulence. “Better head back to your seat and buckle in. This is going to get tricky.” He said, switching the controls to manual. Without another word the girl bolted out. “I'm definitely not getting paid enough for this” He muttered as he prepared to drop into a nosedive in hopes to avoid the weird orbs of lightning. Try as he might the plane continued to shake as the orbs struck the plane.

As Jake watched everything unfold. He silently prayed to whoever was listening, for them to survive this. “Please don't let me die this way. My spirit will never live it down.” As he continues to pray the plane began to shake more violently until it didn't anymore. As Jake opened his eyes he sees the clear blue waters and clear skies.

He was feeling thankful that he's not dead, but he still couldn't comprehend what the hell is going on. As he looked around he noticed on the upper control panel, the date, June 1st, 2017. As he tried to compose himself he began to mutter to himself. “That date can't be right. That's three years from now.” He knew that it was pointless to try to get his counterparts attention. As he turns his attention back to the view he sees an island on the horizon as the plane begins to descend. As the plane is landing his counterpart activates a comm to signal the tower. Watching him grow frustrated when he gets no response.

Once the plane landed, Jake watched as he watched himself to announce that they had safely landed to a relived group of what looked like an array of college kids. He then spotted the girl, comforting perky redhead, who seemed to have vice like grip on her. Jake watched as she helps her from her seat and leave the plane. As he follows everyone out, he's taken in the island splendor as he hears hisself yell out “Alright folks. Welcome to La Huerta!” Jake tried looking for the girl again, but again he felt himself being shaken and his vision darken. As he began to panic, the shaking became rougher. As he finally opened his eyes he is surprised to see Mike, standing over him.

“Finally!” He said as he threw in the air and walked to the door. “I've been spending the last five minutes trying to wake you. You must have had some dream, or it could have been those drinks you had last night.” Mike looked with concern at his friend. “Anyway, commander wants us to do a sweep of the engines, so hurry up and get to the hangers." He said as he left.

Jake laid back down and stared at the ceiling. “A dream!” he said, out loud. “It was all a dream. No way any of that could've been real.” As he thought about it more the funnier he thought it was. As he got on his clothes, and began to leave, he looked back at his bunk. “It was a dream, wasn't it?” he questioned as he walked out.

It was a dream, for him. One of many he will have.

Chapter 2 coming soon…

[endlessly-searching-for-you]

23, 118, 106, 99, 97, 59 please? For the sarcasm ask? 😄 I'm so sorry if it's too much!

Since you didn’t specify characters, I went with the Endless Summer in general :) I swapped 23 for 24 (I already wrote 23 for @darley1101 in the previous round), but I think you’re going to like this one ;)

#24

Taylor woke up with a raging headache. Last night’s party was really great, but how did it end? She tried to remember, but her memories were hazy. She remembered leaving with someone, but who was it and what happened after they left?

“Morning, Sleeping Beauty.” She heard the familiar gruff voice and let out a sigh of relief. Jake slid between the sheets and pulled her close. “How you feelin’?”

She closed her eyes and buried her face in the pillows. “Shut up.”

“Somebody’s cranky.”

“Somebody needs to shut up.”

His grin widened.

“That’s what I told you last night, but you wouldn’t listen.”

#118

“Ohhh! Do you guys see the river? I’m jumping in, who’s with me?” Quinn squealed happily and dropped her bag on the ground, already unbuttoning her blouse.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Grace whispered and looked around to see Jake and Craig already stripped to their shorts. “Who knows what may be lurking in the water?”

Michelle seemed horrified. “We are in the middle of a jungle, surrounded by predators and hostile blue aliens. Are you crazy?!”

Quinn winked at her and slipped her blouse off her shoulders. “I’m not crazy. I’m just… interesting.”

#106

“So, tell me about you and the Fiddler girl.” Taylor pursed her lips.

Jake stared at her blankly, blinking with confusion.

“Oh, come on. I saw how you looked at each other. Were you two together? Tell me everything.”

“Me and Jeanine? There’s not much to talk about—”

“Don’t lie to me. She was clearly into you. Perhaps you would like to hit on her, too?”

He sighed and ruffled his hair.

“Yeah, I’d still hit that. Except this time it would be with a car or baseball bat.”

#99

“You damn traitor!”

Alistair’s shoulders slumped.

“I’m sorry. He’s my father, and I always wanted to be like him. I will always be on his side.”

Someone spat in his face.

“I know you dislike me, but hear me out—”

Taylor looked at Alistair with disdain.

“I don’t dislike you, I nothing you.”

#97

Estela sat at the edge of the cliff, watching the party by the pool. Taylor walked up to her.

“Hi. It’s Estela, right?” She reached out her hand. “I’m Taylor. Mind if I join you?”

Estela shrugged and didn’t say anything.

“It’s getting cold. Do you want a blanket?”

She studied Taylor for a while before wrapping the blanket around her shoulders.

“Why don’t you join us? There is no need to be shy.”

“I’m not shy.” Her smile was almost predatory. “I’m just examining my prey.”

#59

Jake opened the locker and whistled with admiration.

“What is it?”

“It’s a gun…” He cocked his head. “At least I think so.”

Taylor touched the shiny, white plastic. “I have never seen something like that in my entire life.”

“Me neither, and I’ve seen my share of guns.”

“Is it a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Good, bad, I’m the one with the gun.” Jake grinned and tucked the weapon into his waistband.

She rolled her eyes. “Just don’t come to me crying if this thing goes off by accident.”

[itsagoodluckkiss]

Fiddler: I could kill you if I wanted to, Jacob.

Jake: Yeah? So could another human being.

Fiddler:

Jake: So could a dog.

Fiddler:

Jake: So could a dedicated duck.

Fiddler:

Jake: You aren't special, Jeanine.

[ladyseaheart1668]

Endless Summer Fan Novel (Book 3, Chapter 12)

Damn, this chapter was hard to write up! But I’ve included a lead in and a little preview of the fanfic I’m working on, which I will begin posting tomorrow. Stay tuned! 

Rourke. The Endless. Vaanu. Their voices echo in my mind, terrible and inescapable.

You don't understand, do you. Of course not. But you will. In time.

In the end, it's up to you to decide who you truly are.

To be alive is to never know what will happen next.

Choose. I must choose. Rourke. The Endless. Vaanu. The world. My friends. Or both, at the cost of myself...

… As quickly as I vanished, I find myself back on the rooftop of The Celestial. Above me, the vortex whirls faster than ever, a malevolent clock counting down the last fleeting moments before the end of everything. The crystal pillar shimmers serenely beside me. My husband is at my other side, tenderly stroking the back of my head.

“Still with us, Alodia?”

“Y-yeah. I'm...here...” I doubt I was ever really gone. Not in a way that he could see. Sean and Kele still have Rourke pinned firmly down. He struggles against them.

“If – I – may...just--”

“Let him up,” I say flatly.

Sean and Kele exchange a glance before reluctantly releasing their grip. Rourke stands and brushes himself off. He clears his throat pointedly.

“Thank you. Now. Project Janus was designed to purge the Earth of time anomalies. It can fix all of this. Estela has given us the chance we needed. All that remains is to allow the process to bring the Earth to an optimal state.”

Anger and disgust bubble up in my gut. “You're a liar!” I spit the words, seething. “You've almost killed my friends. You've left others heartbroken and despairing. Go on, I want to hear you try to talk your way into this so I can spit in your face when I refuse!”

“And when Alodia is done, I'll carve out your lying tongue!” Estela adds.

“We're gonna need his help to get out of here, guys,” Sean cautions.

“We can help each other,” Rourke declares. “And thereby help the world. Whether or not you respect me is inconsequential. I always knew you were different, Alodia. You have a connection to the Island's Heart. You can drain its remaining energy into the Omega Mech and finish this. The world will be restored, save for ignorance, suffering, and death. Qualities that have limited mankind for eons. It's all a matter of strategically revising Earth's history.”

“That sounds bad, guys,” Raj says shakily. “Real bad.”

“You can't just tamper with history!” Grace agrees. “Countless carefully balanced equations have made the world the way it is!”

“There will be differences, yes, but you will remain together. And those you've lost will be returned to you.”

I feel Jake freeze beside me. “...You mean...”

“Your friend Mike will be alive.”

A stunned silence grips him for a moment, broken by a ragged gasp. His hand finds mine. “Alodia...if that's true...it would mean everything to me.”

Rourke's gaze passes to Aleister. “Imogen, too, would be as she once was.” Aleister hesitates, his jaw tightening.

“Guys, we can't do what Rourke wants!” Diego cries. “What about Varyyn?!”

Varyyn shakes his head. “Do not be concerned with me, my love. The Vaanti have prepared for this moment for generations.”

“I'm not talking about the Vaanti!” Diego cries angrily. “I'm talking about you! I'm talking about us!”

Varyyn draws Diego into a tender embrace, cradling his head against his chest. “We are joined as one. If our bond is meant to last, what happens here will not change that.”

“I can ensure that you all survive,” Rourk declares. “That's a promise.”

“The promise of a snake,” Estela growls.

“I suppose skepticism is...understandable. Iris, confirm setting's regarding Alodia's friends.”

“Only if that is what Alodia wishes,” Iris answers firmly. I nod.

“Go ahead, Iris.”

“Project Janus will return the Selected to the beginning of their freshman year at Hartfeld University. La Huerta will not exist, nor any trace of its impact remain. Further, Alodia's past will be altered, giving her a family and also placing her at Hartfeld.”

“Huh? That's how Alodia's past already is, though.” Zahra looks at me questioningly. “...Isn't it...?”

“But...” Diego protests, “If we go back, won't we lose everything that's happened here?”

“You'll be alive. You'll have your families. And you'll all be together.” He pins me with a gaze that makes me shrink. “No one is offering you a better deal than that.”

He is a clever bastard, I will give him that. I do not know how long he has known what I really am, but it is clear he does. He knows what I am and he knows what that means for him. He needs me to complete his vision, and this is how he plans to tempt me. With the promise of an existence of my own. A past. A place in my friends' lives. And he will tempt my friends with their own losses to push me toward it. ...Of course it's my Diego who is the first to be the angel on my shoulder...

Aleister looks achingly at Iris, exhaling slowly. “...If the Mech's energy is returned to the Heart, it should reverse the vortex, allowing us to stay on La Huerta,” he says softly.

“Then I say we stay,” Raj replies. “The world's gone anyway. Maybe it's okay in another timeline, but in ours we just gotta accept that we lost it.”

“Yeah,” Craig sighs. “And I don't wanna try to go home only to have it blow up in our faces again.”

“We can make a life for ourselves here,” Grace agrees. “We have everything we need.”

“But...what about the people we've lost?” I ask uncertainly.

“I'd...really like to see my family again,” Jake concedes. “And Mike...”

“I promised my ma and sis I'd come back from the war one day,” Kele adds. “I'd hate for my last words to them to be a lie.”

“There were so many things I wanted to do,” Quinn murmurs. “To see the world, and go on new adventures...”

Zahra nods. “I already gave up on all of that once, back when I holed myself up in the ruins. Kinda hard to do it all over again.”

“I can understand,” Estela assures her. “But isn't this what the Endless wanted for us? To be safe here forever?”

“She spent decades trying to give us that,” I say softly. “...And now she's gone.”

I find my thoughts drifting back to her. To the last moment I saw her, underneath Mount Atropo, her last words to me:

“Alodia, please...wait! Rourke will promise everything...then take away the very thing we've fought so hard to protect...”

It's all impossibly vivid. I can see the rock walls around us, the gleaming red magma reflecting off the joints of her spacesuit as she crawls desperately toward me. I can feel the heat coming off the lava, hear every scrape of her metal arm against jagged stone. It hits me like a lightning bolt.

...This is real. Whether she or her suit on my body has done it, I'm here. I'm back at that moment underneath Mount Atropo.

“Endless, are you doing this?”

“Let me show you, Alodia. All that I've seen. All that I've lived. Every variation of our lives on La Huerta over my two-thousand one-hundred thirty-nine attempts to save everyone.”

She struggles to pull herself upright, reaching toward me with her intact hand. I can already see images starting to flicker to life in my mind. Swallowing, I approach, kneeling before her. Her hand brushes my forehead, and I experience the familiar brilliant flash that heralds the beginning of a vision...

… I find myself deep in the jungle. Laughter and the sound of splashing trickles through the foliage. I follow the sound, brushing back leaves and branches as I go.

“No way!” Sean protests. “That was totally out!”

“If it hits the water, it counts!” Quinn retorts.

I see my friends, playing volleyball in The Celestial's pool, sending a colorful beach ball back and forth over the net. And I am among them.

“Yes!” I crow. “That's another point!”

I stagger back, dazed by the sight. For the first time, I look properly down at my hands. One is gloved in red. The other is skeletal steel. I raise my flesh and blood hand to my face. The glove is thick, but I can still feel the wrinkles on my skin, the sparse hair on top of my head. It's an unnerving feeling, to be in the body of the Endless, but the laughter of my friends is soothing. At that moment, Sean spikes the ball a little too hard. It bounces over to the edge of the jungle, nearly at my feet.

“My bad! I'll get it.” Sean pulls himself out of the pool and jogs over to the treeline, chuckling to himself as he picks up the ball. As he straightens, his eyes find me among the trees. He gasps, retreating a few steps, his easy smile giving way to shock. “Who are you?”

I swallow. “Sean...it's me.”

He stares at me for a moment, his eyes going wide as he starts to place my features. “...Alodia...?”

I step toward him. But as I do, reality shimmers and ripples around me. I'm on a snowswept mountain now. A bellowing roar shakes the pine trees. Grace and my younger self come barreling down the slope on skis, Murphy clinging to my shoulder.

“Come on!” I shout. “She's gaining!”

“Oh god, oh god!”

The Yeti burst through the treeline after us, thundering after us with a furious howl...

… Under the volcano, Michelle makes her way toward the observatory, struggling to keep her balance as she tiptoes across the narrow catwalk. The metal groans beneath her feet, buckling and bending towards the magma beneath her. She screams, and I can't hold back a cry.

“I've got you!”

Out of nowhere, Fiddler appears, diving toward Michelle and tackling her to safety as the catwalk crumples into the gleaming pool of magma.

“Jeanine...you saved me...”

“Yeah, well, we're even now,” Fiddler snaps. “So don't expect it to happen again.” …

… In Quarr'tel's workshop, Uqzhaal addresses a small crowd of Anachronists. “It is a joyous day, brothers and sisters. We finally have a new Clockmaker!” The shaman kneels in front of the chair in the center of the workshop. The Anachronists follow suit. “We are yours to command, Clockmaker.”

Zahra grins, leaning back in the chair. “Dope.” …

… A sharp clang brings me to the edge of a roof on top of a burning building, where Rourke and Aleister face off, fencing sabers singing in their hands.

“Not bad at all,” Rourke purrs. “Perhaps I underestimated you.”

“Your observations regarding me have been summarily wrong, Father,” Aleister snarls. “But I'll afford you no time to regret your errors! En guarde!” …

… A battle rages at the base of Elyys'tel's tree. Arachnid soldiers are struggling to defend the city from hoards of furious Vaanti, led by Varyyn's mother Ximaedra.

“To me, warriors!” the queen roars. “Let us slay the Hydra and the Spider and reclaim our home!”

The Omega Mech strides across the beach, charging its weapons. Estela glares out from the cockpit. “Let's do this.”

A thousand feet above the fray, Tetra tosses Rourke's lifeless body from the branches. He watches it pinwheel for a moment, sneering, before he turns and strides back toward the audience hall.

“They're getting close, boss,” he says nervously. The red glow on the end of a smoldering cigar illuminates the face of the man on the throne.

“Let 'em come,” Lundgren growls. “And when they do, we'll burn this damned tree to the ground with them inside it.” …

… My friends are gathered in the LHO laboratory. Gurgi is on the table, pinned down by mechanical restraints.

“Help! You must help Gurgi!”

Raj's eyes scan the computer terminal. “There's gotta be a way to—”

“I'm sorry, Raj,” Iris intones, flickering to life. “I can't let you do that.”

Raj whirls to face her, his expression registering shock and alarm, but no recognition. Perhaps we never found Iris in this timeline. “Woah! Who the hell are you?!”...

… In the jungle, Quinn walks with Taari, who fiddles with a charm hanging around his neck.

“Taari, where did you get that necklace?”

“Oh, this?” Taari holds up the golden key. “I found it! Do you like it?”

Quinn kneels to get a closer look, and her eyes fall on the dolphin-shaped rune engraved on the side...

… Lila stands outside the hangar where Jake's plane was stored, inserting her key into the padlock. She gives it a twist and it drops open obligingly.

“I hate to mess with private property,” she mutters to herself. “But I have a job to do.”

Checking over her shoulder, she hastily douses the plane with gasoline, splashing a trail leading outside the hangar. Tossing the empty can into the hangar, she bends and flicks open a lighter, setting the flame to the shining puddle at her feet. The flames race along the gasoline trail as she drags the hangar doors shut.

“That should keep them from leaving...”

She hurries away, forgetting the padlock in her haste...

… In The Celestial's ballroom, Estela flips open a pocket knife and slashes at a painting of a sailboat, reaching behind the torn canvas. She withdraws a folded piece of paper, pinched between her first two fingers. Carefully, she opens it, her eyes scanning the page.

L,

There's a second Omega Specimen. Whatever it takes, we have to make sure Rourke doesn't get his hands on her.

--O

O. Oliva. Olivia Montoya. And clipped to the note is a photo of me.

“He won't, Mom,” Estela murmurs. “I promise.”...

… A rusty taco truck rumbles down ruined jungle roads with Jake at the wheel.

“I've got it! I've got it!”

“You're gonna get us killed!” Mike protests from the passenger seat. “Again!”

“We'll be fine!” Jake replies blithely. He adds, turning to call over his shoulder at the back of the truck, “Ain't that right, Sebastian?”

The Shore Guardian clicks his claws in what sounds like a reply...

… At MASADA, I stand in a laboratory beside a complex machine, staring at Michelle and Aleister.

“Hold on. You're telling me that--”

Michelle groans. “For the love of...Alodia, we've discussed this protractedly. I'm Aleister!”

My gaze shifts warily to Aleister. “And you're--”

“Michelle,” he sighs. “Can you please just get us out of this nightmare?”

“What surprises me most,” Grace says, studying the machine, “is that Rourke literally labeled this machine 'Freaky Friday Device'.”

The Michelle body with Aleister inside winces. “It's his favorite movie.”...

… Outside the remains of Rosencraft Manor, we all stand staring at the little creature before us.

“Uh, guys?” Raj finally breaks the silence. “...WHY IS MURPHY PURPLE?!”

Murphy trills curiously at us, apparently unconcerned that he has suddenly shifted from icy blue to bright violet...

… On the deck of The Dorado, struggling to stay on our feet as the storm rages around us, we stare out at the angry waves.

“How did he even get up there?!” Sean cries.

“Is he gonna be okay?” Diego asks.

“Just like Malatesta,” Yvonne grumbles. “The fool never understands when it's time to let go!”

Cetus breaches the surface again, Malatesta riding atop his head like a cowboy on a bull.

“Will one of you bloody fools do something?!” he bellows. Cetus roars, lightning blooming in his teeth...

… A figure levitates over the frozen, rapidly cracking surface of Lake Tethys, blazing with time energy.

“Run!” Tetra yelps. “That freak's gonna kill us all!”

Emerald light blazes in Craig's eyes. He laughs dazedly, and the sound rings with the power of Vaanu.

“Chyeah-heh-heh boi!” …

… In Rourke's barren marble office, Lundgren smirks, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction in the light of his cigar. “I knew you'd come around eventually. Welcome back...Wolf.”

Jake stares hollowly back at him. There is something haunted in his gaze, something broken. “What can I do for you, Commander?” …

… Aleister steps through the Lernaean Gate, Grace's lifeless body cradled in his arms. He falls to his knees, clutching her to him as tears trickle from his eyes.

“...This is your fault.”

“Aleister,” Quinn whimpers. “I'm so sorry...it was an accident...”

“Oh, Grace...” Diego murmurs, his voice soft and heavy with grief.

“Her blood is on all of you!” Aleister snarls. “And soon yours will be, too!” He lays her body down and draws a snake-hilted knife...

… Varyyn sits alone on the moonlit shore, cradling a florescent-colored seashell to his ear. Sobs bubble up in his chest as tears leave tracks on his cheeks. A voice echoes faintly in the shell, a voice from long ago.

I'll always love you, Varyyn... Diego's voice whispers. I'll always love you, Varyyn...I'll always love...

And then the echo is gone forever...

… Craig dangles over the edge of a sheer cliff, gripping Sean's hand. Sean strains to keep his grip, sweating with the effort.

“I got you, Craig! I can pull you up!”

“Bro...I'll just pull you over with me!”

“Craig, no! Don't!”

“Face it, Sean,” Craig answers mournfully, wearily, “I've been dragging you down my whole life. I'm done.” He releases his grasp and drops like a stone into the empty air, plummeting toward the rocky ground below. Sean's wordless scream of anguish follows him...

… In The Celestial's restaurant, Rourke cuts a slice off a thick steak, twirling the tender, juicy morsel on his fork.

“I must say, it's lovely to finally have a family dinner together.” Across the table, Estela sits perfectly still, her eyes blank. At her temple, a vicious device pulses with light. Rourke pins her with a steely gaze. “Wouldn't you agree, my dear?”

Estela blinks, but she does not move any more than that. “Yes. Father.” …

… Back on the moonlit beach, Taari skips over to Aleister, throwing his arms around his legs.

“I love you, Uncle Al!”

Aleister stiffens uncertainly, but softens after a moment, laying a hand on the back of the child's head.

“I...love you, too, Taari.” …

… In The Celestial's game room, an arcade machine flashes a message: HIGH SCORE! Craig whoops with delight, hoisting Diego onto his shoulders.

“Chyeeah! My boy Diego just crushed the all-time leaderboard!”

“Aw, yes!” Zahra pumps her fists. “Billy Mitchell who?”

“Hey, I couldn't have done it without you guys,” Diego replies, grinning...

… On the rooftop of Elysian Lodge, Grace sits beside the hot tub with her knees drawn to her chest, sniffling. Michelle sits beside her. She reaches out, gently brushing away a tear as it rolls down Grace's dark cheek.

“I don't think you're timid at all. You're probably the bravest person I've ever met.”

Grace turns a watery gaze on Michelle. “R-Really...?”

Michelle smiles tenderly, her fingers lingering on Grace's cheek. “Really.”...

… Outside The Celestial, Jake pulls the slide on a pistol.

“You seriously think I'd let you go it alone? I told you, I've got your back. For life.”

“I know, Jake,” Sean answers solemnly. “And you know I've got yours.” The men embrace like brothers, clapping each other on the back. Jake pulls back, smirking.

“But if you tell anyone I said that, I'll kill you myself.” …

… I watch myself raise a glass, my friends surrounding me.

“So this toast is to all of you,” I say, an impossibly happy grin splitting my face. “You're like family to me. And more than that, you're the best family I could ever hope for.” …

… On the glistening beach, Sean lifts Michelle into his arms, dancing in circles across the sand.

“I can't believe I ever let you slip away.”

“I can't believe I ever watched you go,” she whispers, beaming.

“Never again. I'm yours, Michelle. And you're mine.”

Framed by the sunset, their lips meet in a fierce kiss...

… In a bedroom at Elysian Lodge, Estela sits up sharply. Her breath shudders with anxiety. She pushes back the covers, but before she can rise, a hand grasps her wrist.

“Where do you think you're going?” Zahra mumbles.

“Just...got stuff on my mind.”

“Then talk to me about it. That's what I'm here for.”

“I know.” Estela settles back in bed, drawing Zahra into her arms...

… “Like this?” Outside the temple in the jungle, Quinn frets a chord on Kele's guitar. Kele grins.

“You're a natural. So what makes you wanna learn guitar anyway?”

“Well, because...” Quinn's cheeks flare with color. “I want to write a song for you.”

Kele smiles, leaning forward to brush her mouth with his...

… The visions come on me all at once, wild and chaotic; images, colors, and sounds. Sometimes smells and tastes. Then, amid the chaos and the countless possibilities, one moment repeats itself over and over. Jake, clear blue eyes shimmering with emotion behind strands of shaggy brown hair, smiles softly at me, speaking words that echo across every timeline: I love you, Alodia...I love you, Alodia...I love you, Alodia...

And my answer: ...And I love you, Jake...

In the space of a single moment, I watch myself fall in love with Jake more than two-thousand times. When the light fades, I am back in the cavern with the Endless' hand still pressed to my forehead. My body spasms with helpless sobs.

“Are you...sad?” the Endless asks me.

“No. I've just...never been so happy...”

“You've seen everything now, Alodia. You know everything you can know. But this is where my sight ends.”

I am quiet a moment. “...Those false memories were very convincing.”

She nods. “You had many lifetimes to develop them. And I allowed you to believe them because I could not let you or the others discover the truth before you were ready.”

“...Am I ready, though? Am I ready to know what I am?”

“You were ready the moment you passed my test at the Threshold. If you think about it, you'll realize that's when the illusion started to break down. When your memory of life before La Huerta started to become clouded. And now that you know exactly what you are, you can...see the wires, so to speak. See how your memories were just like scenes from a play or a movie.”

“...Rourke won't give me that past, will he. The one I dreamt for myself. A childhood with Diego, being there for him every time he needed me...”

“It is hard to say exactly. I expect not. ...He certainly won't give Diego his lover. You know what sort of a man he is. Do you think you can trust what he is offering you?”

“But...if I reverse the vortex...”

“You'll all have each other. You'll have the Vaanti. You will have your family, Alodia, and your existence.”

I am quiet a long moment. I could have my family. All could be as it is now, except we would be safe. Jake and I would have our little cottage by the sea, Varyyn and Diego would reign over Elyys'tel...but while I would have my family, they would lose theirs. Craig's little brother, Quinn's parents, Raj's grandmother, Sean's mother...can I do that to them? To the people who love me and trust me above anyone else in existence? Can I look my own Jake in the eye and deny him his best friend's life? Can I look at my own best friend and deny him his lover? ...Can I look at any of them and deny them anything? ...What about myself? Can I deny them my presence? ...Can I deny myself existence?

“...They are worth it,” I hear myself murmuring. “...Aren't they.”

“You know the answer to that as well as I do, Alodia. They are worth everything.”

I draw in a shuddering breath and nod, wiping away the tears. And I feel myself wrenched back to the present. My friends are still arguing, weighing the merits of going or staying. Rourke scoffs at them.

“I can't believe some of you would simply wall yourselves up and consign the world to its fate! Think for a moment of those—”

Estela whips around, sending her fist into his jaw. He grunts in surprise, staggering back.

“You have nothing to tell anyone about selfishness!” Estela snarls, fury snapping in her eyes. “In my family, we don't tolerate hypocrites!”

Sean shakes his head. “It's almost impossible to decide this...but it sounds like Rourke's way is for the best...”

“I guess so far, we're evenly split,” Diego remarks fretfully, clutching Varyyn's hand. “Half of us want to stay, and half of us want to go home. ...What about you, Allie?”

I shrink under the question. A moment ago, I swear I knew what to do. But now I'm the tiebreaker. It's bad enough knowing that no matter what happens, it's going to be my decision, but when I have to be the tiebreaker...? I'm sure my terror shows on my face.

“...I...” My chest feels tight. Too tight to take in enough air. “I...need a moment to think about this.”

I turn away, taking a few steps away to grip the railing as I look out a the cosmos whirling around the rooftop. How can I choose? How could I ever choose? ...Somewhere in that swirling chaos is the world I saw in Vaanu's past. I wish it wasn't true. But it all makes too much sense. Vaanu brought me into being. It is my mother and my father. And if I give myself back to it, if I play the dutiful daughter and complete the Heart, it may be able to leave Earth. I'll be gone...but they'll be safe. And all of the timelines will finally merge. I picture my friends, and their frightened, weary faces.

I could save them. ...I could save them all...

Murphy trills at my feet. I look down at him to see him eyeing me worriedly.

“Don't worry, fella,” I murmur. “We're gonna figure this out.”

I feel a hand slip into mine, and look up to see Jake beside me. He cups my cheek in his other hand, brushing gently at the wetness under my eye with his thumb.

“Hey. I know you'll make the best choice. Whichever way you decide to go with this.” He frowns, and I can see fear nipping at the edges of his features. “But that look in your eyes has got me worried. Because it's telling me that I might lose you.”

I startle, staring at him like a deer in headlights. “Uh, no, I just--”

“Alodia, please.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Something's going on. I need to know what it is. Don't try to spare me. Just tell me the truth.”

I close my eyes, letting out a shuddering breath. “...There's another way.” The words well up in me, sticking in my throat. I gulp, fighting past the block. “I c-can complete the Island's Heart. By gi...giving myself back to it. The world will go back to normal...but Vaanu and I will be gone forever.”

Jake's head pulls back sharply. I open my eyes and look up at him, my heart sinking as I meet his anguished gaze.

“Dammit, Alodia...don't you know I'd come after you? I'd find a way! Cross every mile of space to get you back!” He chokes. “My heart is where you belong, not Vaanu's!”

A sob bubbles up in my chest and I can't hold it back. I fall into Jake's arms, pressing my face into his chest as I cling to him.

“I know...” I whimper. “I know...”

Jake clutches me, cradling my head and kissing my hair. He holds just a little too tight, but I won't tell him to loosen his grip for anything in the world. I hear footsteps, crossing the roof toward us.

“Alodia,” Rourke says almost gently. “I know what you are. I know you were cheated out of a normal life. If you see Project Janus through, you'll be able to make real memories with those you care about.”

I don't look at him, but I can't help snarling, “I have made real—”

“Whatever you may feel about my methods,” he interjects, ignoring me, “draining the Heart is the only means of staying with your friends and restoring the world.”

I don't answer, tightening my grip on Jake. ...Whatever else he would do, I cannot deny that Rourke is right. His way is the only way I keep my existence and save the world. I slowly turn my face to glare at Rourke. ...In spite of everything, I feel myself weakening. The carrot he's dangling in front of me is unfathomably tempting. A full existence...separate from Vaanu...everyone I love alive...everyone they love restored...

Aleister shakes his head. “A gamble at best. We know what we're getting if we reverse the energy and stay on La Huerta, Alodia. We've done well for ourselves here, and can do better still. I believe this is where we're meant to be.”

...Or I could fix everything. Give myself to the Heart and allow Vaanu to leave, taking away all the anomalies it created. ...Including me.

Reluctantly, I pull away from Jake, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision. I approach the shimmering crystal pillar, and clarity floods through my mind.

“...Time is inevitability,” I murmur. “It always wins in the end.”

“...Allie...? ...What's with that face you're making?”

I almost laugh. So Diego's picked up on it now, too. Now that I have made my choice. I turn back to smile at him. “Diego, can I borrow your phone?”

“My...phone?” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls it out, looking at it as if he's surprised to find it there. “Uh...sure. I'm still not getting a signal, though.”

“That's okay.” I take the phone in one hand, and stretch out my other toward my surroundings, willing a change into effect. It works. Time stops. The vortex, my friends, Rourke, even the plants and decorations writhing in the wind are frozen in place. But already, I can feel time slipping out of my control. I can only hope I bought myself enough time...

I draw in a deep breath, pressing the record button...

… When time resumes again, I hand Diego his phone and pull him into a tight embrace. “...Thank you.”

“...You're welcome, Allie. ...But...what's going on?”

I sigh, stepping back and turning toward the pillar. I don't answer immediately. But finally, I find my voice again, and the words come.

“I guess...most people spend their lives searching for a purpose. Something to dedicate themselves to. It's a beautiful journey, really. But it's one I'll never undertake. You see...I've only ever existed to serve my purpose: You. All of you.”

I turn back to them. My whole soul swells with love for them, and I let it shine through on my face. No more tears. Not now. I won't let their last image of me be one of fear or sorrow. They need to know that I am not doing this out of desperation or panic. They need to know that I am doing this because I love them. Because I believe in them. I look at each of them in turn, my eleven Catalysts, each one a beautiful, unique light. The world had better be damned grateful for every one of them.

“I'm not afraid,” I assure them. “I love every last one of you so much. Take care of each other. And if you remember one thing, please remember this: you're worth it. You're worth this. You're worth everything. And you deserve everything.”  

Diego's face is pale as he begins to understand. “...Allie...”

I smile at him. “...Here's to adventure. ...Goodbye.”

Before anyone can stop me, I turn and grasp the pillar with both hands. A shockwave of time energy surges outward from my body, so painful it roots me to the spot. I can't even cry out. I barely manage a whimper as I cling to the pillar.

“Alodia!” Jake cries out, anguish in his voice. The vortex is descending, its spiraling arms winding ever tighter. The building buckles and begins to crumble under my feet.

“W-what's happening?!” Grace cries.

“The hotel's breaking up!” Craig yelps.

The Omega Mech rocks backward and teeters over the edge.

“No!” Rourke howls. “What have you done?!”

I feel every cell in my body vibrating. My bones feel like they're shaking to pieces as my teeth rattle in my mouth. I can barely keep my grip on the pillar. Then I feel Jake embrace me and the crystal from behind, bracing me against the shaking.

“Just...keep holding on...” he growls through gritted teeth. “If I can't go with you, at least I can get you where you need to go...”

“...Jake...”

“Just remember...you're in my heart forever, Alodia. That's a promise.”

“...I love you...”

He presses his lips to mine, and I kiss back desperately, tasting him for the last time, breathing in his scent, feeling his arms around me. Then, for the last time, I am overtaken by bright, white light. And I feel myself dissolve. Blindness is replaced by vast clarity, like looking out at the world from a mountain top on a cloudless day. I am falling into the sky, every future, present, and past occuring around me in a single moment as I rise. I can't help but be awed. I hear Vaanu's presence in my mind, echoing strangely familiar words:

Doesn't feel real, does it? But we are finally on our way...

* * *

Outside The Celestial, the sky is calm. The vortex that had dominated it only moments before has been replaced by tranquil stars, shimmering against a blanket of dark blue silk. Eleven Catalysts, Varyyn, Murphy, and Rourke stand in the courtyard, dazed.

“We...were on the roof,” Raj finally says. “How did we get down here?”

“A parting gift, I imagine,” Rourke spits bitterly.

Jake gazes up at a dark plume of smoke winding from the hotel's collapsing tower. Tears gather in his eyes and his lips quiver, struggling to form her name. “...Alodia...”

“Not to worry,” Rourke snaps. “We're all going back. And this time, Alodia will make the right choice!” He draws a portal gun from his sportcoat, aiming it at the group.

“He's gonna send us back in time!” Zahra yelps.

“Like hell he is!” Craig growls. He and Estela launch forward, but Rourke has already pulled the trigger. But nothing happens.

“What? I tested it only yest--” He is cut off as Craig drives him to the ground and Estela wrests the inert gun from his grasp. She tosses it aside. Rourke struggles to reach into his pocket, but he comes up empty-handed. “The crystals! Where...where are they?!”

“They're gone, Rourke,” Quinn replies flatly. “Forever.”

Rourke struggles out of Craig's grasp, backing away from the group. There is panic behind his eyes.

“Th-that's not possible! There were too many! I built everything on--” The rest of his words are drowned out as The Celestial's main tower finally gives out, collapsing into the rest of the resort. A massive cloud of dust billows out to envelope the area. Everyone rushes toward the beach.

“Wait!” Michelle suddenly cries. “Where's Kele?”

“I don't think he made it down,” Raj answers solemnly.

“Look, my friends!” Varyyn gasps, pointing out over the ocean. “The horizon no longer burns!”

“...Does that mean...the world's okay?” Diego asks.

Grace nods. “The anomalies, the crystals, the energy...it's all gone.”

“And the disparate timelines are finally unified,” Aleister finishes.

“I guess Kele's gone back to his own time,” Quinn concludes softly. As the group looks out over the ocean, Murphy paces nervously on the sand, gazing back at the ruined resort. Rourke falls to his knees and begins frantically digging in the sand.

“There are more! There must be more crystals...”

“Yo, I see ships out there!” Craig calls. “Two of them, coming this way!”

“Those are American Coast Guard cutters!” Jake confirms.

Gasping for breath, Rourke collapses onto his side, weeping brokenly. “No...no, no, no...Damn you! This island was mine! Now you've taken it! You've taken everything! My dream, my ambitions!”

A searchlight flashes across the beach from one of the Coast Guard ships. Estela gazes at Rourke, coldly observing his grief.

“Ambition, yes,” she sneers. “Hard work and thrift. But not dreams. Dreams come from the heart. They're for those who see the goodness in mankind and want to enlarge it.”

“You wanted only to enlarge yourself,” Aleister agress. “And here you are, weeping over handfuls of sand as they slip through your greedy fingers.”

“M-mine...” Rourke whines.

“You own nothing,” Aleister answers coldly.

The Coast Guard ships are approaching the shore, the first light of dawn brushing away the stars at the horizon behind them.

“How are we gonna explain this?” Diego wonders dazedly. “Where we've been? What we've seen?”

Jake sighs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Let's just say I have a feeling tomorrow's gonna be one hell of a news day.”

* * *

On the deck of the Coast Guard cutter, eleven Catalysts huddle together, exhausted and silent as they watch a distant shore grow closer under the rays of the morning sun.

“Do you need anything else?” an officer asks. “We'll be in Miami in a few hours.”

“I think we're fine for now,” Michelle replies, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her dark eyes. “Thank you.”

Diego gazes out in the opposite direction, back toward La Huerta. Varyyn had slipped quietly into the jungle before the ships reached the shore, leaving his lover with a soft kiss and a promise that they would meet again. Jake comes up beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Diego covers it with his own. Just like him, Jake has lost his lover and his best friend in the space of a single day. ...Though at least Diego has the hope of seeing his lover again...

His phone beeps softly in his pocket, distracting him. He pulls it out and sees the notification for a new recording. Heart pounding, he raises the phone to his ear, pressing play.

“Hey...it's Alodia...I hope you get this. ...And I hope you can forgive me for going on one last adventure alone...”

It's all he can do to keep from doubling over as a sob bubbles up from the core of his being and tears burn in his eyes. He presses his palm to his mouth.  

“God...” he whimpers. “...Goddammit, Allie...”

“She left a message, didn't she?” Zahra whispers.

Diego can barely nod. His fingers shaking as they move over the screen of his phone, he forwards the message. One by one, the Catalysts receive the recording and raise their phones to their ears.

… “This is what I was meant to do. You might even say it's why I was born. I've realized something that I think I must've known all along. You've probably all realized by now that you can't quite remember me from before La Huerta. There's a reason for that. There's a reason I've had trouble talking about parents or school. The truth is...I'm not who you think I am. I'm me. I'm Alodia. But I exist because Vaanu, and all of you, willed me into being.” …

… Eleven catalysts settle onto the plane, leaning back as the aircraft gathers speed and lifts off the tarmac. Jake glances at his phone. Sighing, he taps the message again, pressing the phone to his ear...

… “Jake, I promised you a year and a day, and I'm sorry I won't be able to fulfill that vow. What we had is very rare. I'm so grateful that I got to experience it. It's because of you that I'm able to face this decision. The strength and confidence you taught me...you gave me a lifetime worth of love in a few short weeks. I will always be with you, and I carry a piece of you wherever I am going now. I love you, my Jake. Forever.” …

… On the couch in a dorm apartment, Zahra and Craig snuggle together, watching TV.

“Zahra and Craig, on an island where nothing was what it seemed, your perspective grounded me. You never took anything at face value, and you taught me that the truth can sometimes be complicated. You're such an awesome team. I couldn't have made it without you guys.”...

The television screen flashes to a courtroom where Rourke is being restrained by security personnel. His face is slick with sweat, his eyes wild as they dart over the judge and jury.

“Don't you understand?!” he cries. “The crystal people are coming! They're coming for us all!”

“What a douche,” Craig mutters. Zahra snorts, poking him, but she grins with satisfaction at the screen.

Across the apartment in the kitchen, Raj puts the finishing touches on a platter of nachos loaded with melted gourmet cheeses, jalapenos, and avocados.

… “Raj, thank you for your big heart. You never took any credit for being the glue that held the group together, but I saw what you did. You made us more than a group of friends. You made us a family. I'm counting on you to make sure the Catalysts don't lose touch, okay? I would really hate to see you guys lose each other.” …

Raj sprinkles one last handful of cilantro across the nachos and kisses his fingertips. “Bon appetit!” With a flourish, he carries the platter back into the living room...

… In the Hartfeld University quad, the dean addresses the crowd of graduates and families seated in chairs across the lawn.

“I'm proud to present your Class of 2018 Valedictorians, Grace Hall and Aleister Rourke!”

Aleister and Grace approach the podium under a shower of applause and smile out at their classmates.

“Thank you all. Now, before we begin, we would like to share some words from someone very special to us...”

… “I've learned that sometimes, when trying to get from one place to another, you can end up somewhere unexpected. It's all part of the journey. You might have already arrived where you were meant to be, whether you realize it or not. Savor every moment you spend there. Chances are, you won't be back.”...

… In an empty locker room, Sean sits on the bench with his phone on speaker beside him. He closes his eyes against the tears that threaten him as her voice washes over him...

… “Sean, you showed me what a true leader is. Compassion is strength. Selflessness is bravery. You made us all better just by knowing you. Don't forget how special you are, how important you are to the world. Even if you feel sometimes like you aren't doing enough, I know you. And I can promise that you are always doing your best.” …

… In London, Diego walks through the streets, his fingers entwined with those of the man beside him, a man with a braided ponytail and a long coat. Diego stops, reaching up to adjust the man's hat and glasses. Varyyn grins at him through his disguise. Diego smiles back, bringing a finger to his lips...

… “Diego, you more than anyone made me who I am. Literally. It was your will that provided the first spark that brought me into being. God, where would we have been without each other? I'm sorry that I wasn't there all those times I thought I was, but I don't believe you were ever alone. The piece of you that became me was always there. And you carried me through the nightmare on La Huerta. You mean so much to me, Diego. No one makes me laugh the way you do. You've always been the missing piece that completed my heart, and I carry you with me forever. I just want you to know before I go that you are my hero, and I love you.” …

… Quinn slides a tray of cupcakes into an oven and sets the timer. Pulling off her oven mitts, she sits down, staring at her phone. Michelle walks in, setting her purse on the counter.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Just a little baking for the trip...and listening to Alodia's message again.”

Quinn places the phone on speaker. Hearing her voice, Murphy leaps up from where he had been napping under the table and hops into Quinn's lap. Michelle pulls up a chair beside her...

… Michelle, I have no doubt you're going to get what you want out of life, and you deserve everything. And Quinn, more than any of us, you know what it is to fight for something with every fiber of your being. You weren't willing to give up on a better tomorrow, so neither could we. Whenever things felt bleak, the power of your hope was a beacon, reminding us to look toward the future with optimism.” …

… Quinn brings up a hand to finger an antique set of military dogtags hanging over her heart. “I miss Alodia,” she whispers. “And Kele.” …

… Estela places a pile of carefully folded clothes into a suitcase, gazing outside at the sunny shore of San Trobida. She picks up her phone, hesitating for a moment before pressing play...

… “Estela, you're a force of nature. Your unbridled fury can level mountains, evening out the landscape for all who reside within it. You taught me how to be fair, how to be true, and how to be just.

… I didn't get much time with all of you, but our memories will last forever, I can promise you that. ...My time is nearly up now. So before I go, let me just say one more time that I love you all. Our summer is over now, but another will come soon. When it does, imagine me there with you. Spending our days on the beach, watching every sunset melt into the sea, and gazing at stars that fill our hearts with wonder. Because with you is exactly where I will be.”...

… Her voice dies away. Diego puts away his phone and looks out over the other ten catalysts, gathered around a bonfire on the beach.

“Happy Reunion, everyone. Here's to five years.” He raises a glass, and the others lift their drinks in reply. “...And to Alodia.”

“...To Alodia,” the others echo.

Murphy dozes at Quinn's heels. His furry blue ear twitches, and he blearily opens one eye. Abruptly, he leaps up onto his paws, yipping excitedly.

“Hey, what's the matter, fella?” Diego asks. “You see something out th...”

Diego trails off, his eyes going wide. The others follow his gaze and freeze. The twelfth Catalyst stands at the treeline, the moonlight reflecting off her yellow hair and pale skin. Alodia laces her fingers behind her back, smiling almost shyly.

“...Hey, guys. Did somebody call me?”

Now, as promised, a sneak peak at my fanfic, Endless Summer Book 4: Daughter of Vaanu: “...I can remember it, Jake. ...I can also remember spending senior prom in my room watching old sitcoms.” He reaches across the table and taps the first picture. “That was the first day of third grade. The first year we went to school together. She went to one of the fancy private schools in Riverside for first and second grade. But one day her class was asked to draw pictures of their best friends. She drew me. But some snotty girl who had decided she was her best friend took offense, and insulted me. ...Allie got kicked out of school for sucker-punching her at recess.” 

 “...That sounds like her...” 

 “...Except it never happened. When I had to draw a picture of my best friend, I drew a blonde girl in a fancy dress and told everyone she was my friend who went to a different school. No one believed me, and my story fell apart under cross-examination. Plus the boys made fun of me for drawing a girl in a fancy dress.” 

 “...Diego, what the fuck is going on here?” 

 “Shit, Jake, I have no clue. ...But suddenly, I feel like I'm remembering two timelines. One where she existed, exactly as I imagined her, and one where she's just my imaginary friend come to life, who gave herself up to save us all...” 

 “Which definitely happened. ...And if it didn't, I'm frankly gonna be pissed as hell that I've spent five years mourning my wife for nothing.” 

 “...But now I have evidence of her existence. Photographic evidence. ...What's more is that I swear I can remember her address in Riverside. I can picture the house. I...haven't driven over there, or even Google mapped it, I admit. A part of me is too scared to...” 

 “...I don't get it, Diego...I don't understand...” 

 “I don't either.” His expression starts to waver, his dark eyes sparkling with tears. “...I miss her, Jake. I miss not knowing what she really was. I miss believing that she really was my childhood best friend who stood by me for years. ...I miss believing she would always be a part of my life.”

 “...Aw fuck, Diego...please don't make me break down in a diner...”

 “I had to see you. I had to show this to you. To the other person in the world who loved her as much as I did. ...I needed you to see it, too. Because if you can see it...if anyone can see it besides me who knows the truth...” He trails off. He's quiet long enough that I start to look in the box again. 

 “...What's the rest of this stuff?” 

 “...More keepsakes. More memories that I know don't really exist. ...The friendship bracelet she made me. ...A birthday card she gave me... There's a funny note in there, in her handwriting. With her signature.” 

 “...And your parents don't remember whether you went to your senior prom?” 

 “I haven't asked. I'm scared to, just like I'm scared to drive by the house where she grew up.” He bites his lip. “I don't want to ask and have my hopes dashed. I don't want to say what I'm thinking, either, because I don't want to get my hopes up. But...Jake...I think she's coming back.”

[smilingformoney]

Endless Summer 3 Diamond Scene: Receive the Endless’s Memories

A brilliant flash heralds the beginning of a vision. You find yourself in deep woods. From nearby, you hear laughter and splashing. You follow the sound, pushing aside foliage… 

Sean: No way! That was totally out! Quinn: If it hits the water, it counts! Your friends are playing volleyball in The Celestial pool, sending a colourful beach ball back and forth over the net. And among them, you see… You: Yes! That’s another point! You stagger, dazed at the sight. Looking down at your hands, you see that one is gloved in red, and the other is skeletal steel. The Endless: I’m… the Endless. Your heart is racing, but the sight of your friends laughing and playing somehow puts you at ease. The Endless: I don’t remember this. It must be from another timeline. 

Just then, Sean spikes the beach ball too hard, and it bounces over to the edge of the jungle, nearly at your feet. Sean: My bad. I’ll get it. 

Sean jogs over, a smile on his face. As he picks up the ball, he sees you among the trees. Sean: Who are you? The Endless: Sean. It’s me. Sean: …[Name]? You take a step toward him… but as you do, reality shimmers and ripples… 

Suddenly, you’re standing on a snowswept mountainside. The Endless: Huh? Where did-- A bellowing roar shakes the pine trees! Nearby, you see yourself and Grace skiing down the slope, with Furball perched on your shoulder! Furball: Mreep! You: Come on! She’s gaining! Grace: Oh god, oh god! The Yeti bursts through the treeline, thundering after them! Yeti: RAAAAUUGGHHH! 

Next, you’re watching Michelle barely keeping balance as she tiptoes across a narrow catwalk. Michelle: Almost… there… With a groan, the metal platform bends toward the blazing magma! Michelle: Ahhhh! The Endless: Michelle! Fiddler: I’ve got you! Out of nowhere, Fiddler dives toward Michelle, tackling her to safety. Michelle: Jeanine… you saved me! Fiddler: Yeah, well, we’re even now. So don’t expect it to happen again. 

Uqzhaal: It is a joyous day, brothers and sisters. We finally have a new Clockmaker! Uqzhaal kneels in front of the chair at the center of the workshop. A dozen Anachronists follow suit. Uqzhaal: We are yours to command, Zahra. Zahra: Dope. 

Clang! Fencing sabers clash as Rourke and Aleister square off at the edge of a burning building. Rourke: Not bad at all! Perhaps I underestimated you. Aleister: Your observations regarding me have been summarily wrong, Father… Aleister: But I’ll afford you no time to regret your errors! En garde! 

At the base of Elyys’tel’s mighty tree, a battle rages. Arachnid soldiers struggle to defend the city from a horde of Vaanti. Ximaedra: To me, warriors! Let us slay the Hydra and Spider and reclaim our home! The Omega Mech strides across the beach, charging its weapons. Estela glares out from the cockpit. Estela: Let’s do this… 

High above the fray, Tetra tosses Rourke’s lifeless body from the branches. Tetra: … He strides back toward the audience hall. 

Tetra: They’re getting close, boss. A cigar smolders, lighting the face of the man on the throne. Lundgren: Let ‘em come. Lundgren: And when they do, we’ll burn this damned tree to the ground with them inside it. 

You see your friends in Rourke’s cloning lab. Strapped to the surgical table in steel restraints is… Gurgi: Help! You must help Gurgi! Raj: Come on, there’s gotta be a way to-- Iris: I’m sorry, Raj. I can’t let you do that. Raj: Whoa! Who the hell are you? The Endless: This must be a timeline where we never found Iris. 

Quinn: Taari, where’d you get that necklace? The Vaani child shows off the golden key hanging from his neck. Taari: I found it! Do you like it? Quinn kneels down to get a closer look… and sees a rune shaped like a dolphin engraved into the side. 

Lila: I hate to tamper with private property… but I have a job to do. Lila sets the trail of gasoline alight, and soon the fire engulfs Jake’s plane. Lila: There. That should keep them from leaving. 

Estela: Come on… where is it?! In a ballroom, Estela flips open a pocket knife and slashes the painting of a sailboat, reaching behind the canvas. Estela: Found you. She takes out a folded note and reads it. Estela: This handwriting. It’s… Note: L, There’s a second Omega Specimen. Whatever it takes, we have to make sure Rourke doesn’t get his hands on her/him. - O Clipped to the note is a photo of you. Estela: He won’t, Mom. I promise. 

A rusty taco truck rumbles down ruined jungle roads with Jake at the wheel! Jake: I’ve got it… I’ve got it! Mike: You’re gonna get us killed! Again! Jake: We’ll be fine. Ain’t that right, Sebastian? King Crab: Shk-snk! 

You: Hold on. You’re telling me that-- Aleister: For the love of… [Name], we’ve discussed this protractedly. I’m Aleister. You: And you’re-- Michelle: Michelle. Can you please just get us out of this nightmare?! Grace: What surprises me most is that Rourke literally labelled this machine ‘Freaky Friday Device.’ Aleister: It’s his favourite movie. 

Raj: Uh, guys… Raj: Why is Furball purple?! Furball: Mrrp? 

Sean: How did he even get up there? Diego: Is he gonna be okay? Yvonne: Ugh, just like Malatesta… The fool never understand when it’s time to let go! You watch as Cetus breaches the sea’s surface again… with Malatesta somehow riding atop his head! Malatesta: Will one of you bloody fools do something?! Cetus: HRRRAAAAK! 

A figure levitates over the cracking ice, blazing with time energy. Tetra: Run! That freak’s gonna kill us all! Craig: Chyeah-heh-heh boi! 

Lundgren: I knew you’d come around eventually. Lundgren: Welcome back… Wolf. Wolf: What can I do for you, Commander? 

Aleister walks in, carrying Grace’s body. Aleister: This is your fault… Quinn: Aleister, I’m so sorry… it was an accident. Diego: Poor Grace. Aleister: His blood is on all of you, and now your own will be too! Aleister sets down Grace’s body and draws a snake-hilted knife. 

Varyyn sits alone on the shore, weeping as he cradles a fluorescent-coloured seashell to his ear. Varyyn: … A voice echoes faintly in the shell, a voice from long ago. Diego: I’ll always love you, Varyyn… I’ll always love you, Varyyn… I’ll always love… Soon, the echo is gone forever. 

Craig dangles over the side of a sheer cliff, hanging on to Sean’s hand. Sean: I’ve got you! I can pull you up! Craig: Bro… I’ll just pull you over with me. Sean: Craig, no! Craig: Face it, Sean. I’ve been dragging you down my whole life. I’m done. Craig releases his grasp and plummets hundreds of feet to the ground. Sean: NOOOOOO! 

Rourke cuts a thick slice of juicy steak and twirls it on his fork. Rourke: I must say, it’s lovely to finally have a family dinner together. Across the table, Estela sits perfectly still her eyes blank. At her temple, an electric device pulses with light. Rourke: Wouldn’t you agree, my dear? Estela: Yes, Father.

Taari runs up and hugs Aleister around the legs. Taari: I love you, Uncle Al! Aleister: I, er-- Aleister: I love you too, Taari. 

An arcade machine flashes ‘High Score’ while Craig hosts Diego onto his shoulders and carries him around! Craig: Ha ha! My boy Diego just crushed the all-time leaderboard! Zahra: Aw, yes. Billy Mitchell who? Diego: Couldn’t have done it without you guys! 

Grace sniffs, and a tear rolls down her cheek. Michelle, sitting by her side, wipes it away. Michelle: I don’t think you’re timid at all. In fact, you’re probably the bravest person I’ve ever met. Grace: Sniff… Really? Michelle: Really. 

Jake pulls the slide on a pistol. Jake: You seriously think I’d let you go it alone? I told you. I’ve got your back for life. Sean: I know, Jake. And you know I’ve got yours. Sean and Jake embrace, clapping each other. Jake: But if you tell anybody I said that, I’ll kill you myself. 

You watch yourself raise a glass, surrounded by your friends. You: So this toast… is to all of you. You: You’re like family to me, and more than that, you’re the best family I could ever hope for. 

-If you’re married to Sean

Michelle walks barefoot on the beach, her fingers laced with Craig’s. Michelle: I can’t believe that, all this time, the love of my life was right in front of me. Craig: That’s where I’ll always be, Meech. They kiss, framed by the sunset. 

-If you’re not married to Sean

Sean lifts Michelle in his arms and spins her around. Sean: I can’t believe I ever let you slip away. Michelle: I can’t believe I ever watched you go. Sean: Never again. I’m yours, Michelle. And you’re mine. They kiss, framed by the sunset. 

-If you’re not married to Jake

Jake suns himself on the deck of the Dorado. Suddenly, a shadow blocks the light. Jake lifts his sunglasses to look. Jake: I was wondering where you’d been. Yvonne: You missed me, chere? Jake: Always. Yvonne straddles Jake, leaning down to kiss him. 

-If you’re married to Estela

Lila: I didn’t realise it until now. But you’re everything I wanted your father to be. Aleister: Lila… what are you saying? Lila: I’m saying… I’m saying… In an instant, she collapses into Aleister, her lips pressed to his. Aleister freezes in shock. Then, gradually, he lets his eyes close and his arms wrap around her. 

-If you’re not married to Estela

Estela sits up in bed, her mind racing. Estela: … She starts to get up, when a hand takes hers and pulls her back. Zahra: Where do you think you’re going? Estela: Just… got stuff on my mind. Zahra: Then talk to me about it. I’m here for you. Estela: I know. Estela falls back into bed, holding Zahra in her arms. 

-If you’re not married to Quinn

Quinn: Like this? Quinn frets a chord on Kele’s guitar. Kele: You’re a natural. Kele: So what makes you wanna learn guitar anyway? Quinn: Well, because… I want to write a song for you! Kele smiles and leans toward Quinn. Their lips meet. 

And then, amid the chaos and the possibility, the million different choices… one moment happens over and over…

-If you’re not married to anyone

Diego: I love being your best friend… I never want to lose you.

Diego: I love being your best friend… I never want to lose you.

Diego: I love being your best friend… I never want to lose you. You: You’re not going to lose me, Diego. That’s a promise.

Tears fill your eyes as, in the space of a single moment, you watch yourself befriend Diego a thousand times.

-If you’re married to Estela

Estela: I, uh… I love you.

Estela: I, uh… I love you.

Estela: I, uh… I love you.

Estela: I, uh… I love you.

Estela: I, uh… I love you. You: And I love you, Estela.

Tears fill your eyes as, in the space of a single moment, you watch yourself fall in love with Estela a thousand times.

-If you’re married to Sean

Sean: I am always gonna love you.

Sean: I am always gonna love you.

Sean: I am always gonna love you.

Sean: I am always gonna love you.

Sean: …I am always gonna love you. You: And I’m always going to love you, Sean.

Tears fill your eyes as, in the space of a single moment, you watch yourself fall in love with Sean a thousand times.

-If you’re married to Jake

Jake: I love you, [Name].

Jake: I love you, [Name].

Jake: I love you, [Name].

Jake: I love you, [Name].

Jake: …I love you, [Name]. You: And I love you, Jake.

Tears fill your eyes as, in the space of a single moment, you watch yourself fall in love with Jake a thousand times.

-If you’re married to Quinn

Quinn: I think I love you, [Name].

Quinn: I think I love you, [Name].

Quinn: I think I love you, [Name].

Quinn: I think I love you, [Name].

Quinn: …I think I love you, [Name]. You: I know I love you, Quinn.

Tears fill your eyes as, in the space of a single moment, you watch yourself fall in love with Quinn a thousand times.

The light fades. You’re back in the cavern with the Endless’s hand on your forehead. You feel yourself sobbing. The Endless: Are you… sad? You: No… I’ve just… I’ve never been so happy. The Endless: You’ve seen everything now, [Name]. You know everything you can know… but this is where my sight ends. You nod, wiping away the tears. You: I know what I have to do.

[dawsonscreekwasalwaysbad]

i watched a bootleg of Fun Home today and I have Some Thoughts:

let! emily! skeggs! play! evan! hansen!!

i feel like i’d be a good medium alison? i’m good at being an awkward teenager

Beth Malone was i n c r e d i b l e

the entire cast was unbelievable, michael cerveris so deserved that tony. he is very good at getting exasperated and having his anger go out of hand it felt very real

i saw judy kuhn as golde in fiddler on the roof and then sorta forgot about her for a while but this reaffirmed my love for her,, why doesn’t she have a tony

It was very realistic. the songs really mirror the human thought process especially telephone wire and changing my major. 

jeanine tesori is fucking brilliant the music is incredible. i don’t have synesthesia but i feel like the colors of the show’s logo fit the music perfectly

lisa kron is also brilliant

the kids were adorable??? i loved come to the fun home

quite possibly the saddest musical i’ve ever seen. it was weird because i knew what was coming but i wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact

in fact, i wasn’t prepared for this at all. this show is devastating. like i knew a lot about it but no one told me how shattering edges of the world is

VERY GOOD USE OF TURNTABLE

THE LIGHTING AT THE END OF EDGES OF THE WORLD FUCKED ME UP

this musical is honestly perfect. i’ve never seen anything so deeply personal and it really got to the emotional core and i need to read the book now

[choicesmcxjake]

Incorrect Quotes

Zahra: I am gonna kill him

Catalysts: Uhhh...

Jake: *completly unfazed* What happened.

Zahra: Craig sat on my new scissors.

Jake: Ok, calm down.

Zahra: I not gonna calm down, they're bend they lost their sciss. *throws scissors into the wall*

[writemarcus]

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annaleigh Ashford, Neil Patrick Harris, Telly Leung, Ruthie Ann Miles and More The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Virtual Benefit I’m Still Here at 90

On June 23, 2021 at 8:00 PM, an unprecedented, one-time-only virtual benefit, I’m Still Here, will stream on Broadway On Demand to benefit The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Billy Rose Theatre Division.

The exciting evening is a celebration of the division’s 90th Anniversary, and the 50th  Anniversary of its beloved Theatre on Film and Tape Archive and will honor Harold Prince and George C. Wolfe.

Tickets to the fundraiser will be donate-what-you-can, with a recommendation of at least $19.31 in honor of the year the division was founded. To purchase tickets, visit stillhereat90.com

I’m Still Here will feature never before publicly shown archival content of Broadway productions from the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, shown exclusively for this occasion, including Savion Glover, Jimmy Tate, Choclattjared and Raymond King in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden and Larry Pine in The Seagull, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robin de Jesús, Christopher Jackson, Karen Olivo, Andréa Burns, Janet Dacal, Eliseo Román, Seth Stewart in In The Heights, Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard, and even more to be announced. The program will also feature interviews with Broadway legends and emerging creatives and reconceived performances of classic musical theatre songs, including “A Trip to the Library,” “Wheels of a Dream,” “Another Hundred People,” “Love Will Find a Way,” “I’m Still Here,” and more.  

I’m Still Here features artists and figures from the theatre community including Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George), Alexander Bello (Caroline, or Change), Laura Benanti (She Loves Me), Malik Bilbrew, Alexandra Billings (Wicked), Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam), Shay Bland, Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show), Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice), Matthew Broderick (Plaza Suite), Krystal Joy Brown (Hamilton), David Burtka (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”), Sammi Cannold(Endlings), Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza), Max Clayton (Moulin Rouge!), Calvin L. Cooper (Mrs. Doubtfire), DeMarius Copes(Mean Girls), Trip Cullman (Choir Boy), Taeler Elyse Cyrus (Hello, Dolly!), Quentin Earl Darrington (Once on This Island), Robin de Jesús (In the Heights), André De Shields (Hadestown), Frank DiLella (NY1), Derek Ege, Amina Faye, Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), Leslie Donna Flesner (Tootsie), Chelsea P. Freeman, Joel Grey (Cabaret), Ryan J. Haddad (“The Politician”), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud), Marcy Harriell (Company), Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Mark Harris (“Mike Nichols: A Life”), David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), Cassondra James (Once on This Island), Marcus Paul James (Rent), Taylor Iman Jones (Hamilton), Maya Kazzaz, Tom Kirdahy (The Inheritance), Hilary Knight, Michael John LaChiusa (The Wild Party), Norman Lear (Good Times), Baayork Lee (A Chorus Line), Sondra Lee (Hello, Dolly!), Telly Leung (Aladdin), Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge!), Allen René Louis (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”), Brittney Mack (Six), Taylor Mac (Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus), Morgan Marcell, Aaron Marcellus (“American Idol”), Joan Marcus, Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), Sarah Meahl, Joanna Merlin (Fiddler on the Roof), Ruthie Ann Miles (Sunday in the Park with George), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Leilani Patao (Garden Girl), Nova Payton (Dreamgirls), Joel Perez (Kiss My Aztec), Bernadette Peters (Into the Woods), Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam), Jacoby Pruitt, Sam Quinn, Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud), Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Beetlejuice), George Salazar (Be More Chill), Marilyn Saunders (Company), Marcus Scott (Fidelio), Rashidra Scott (Company), Rona Siddiqui (Tales of a Halfghan), Ahmad Simmons, Rebecca Taichman (Indecent), Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), Bobby Conte Thornton (Company), Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet), Kei Tsuruharatani (Jagged Little Pill), Ben Vereen(Pippin), Jack Viertel, Christopher Vo, Paula Vogel (Indecent), Nik Walker (Ain’t Too Proud), Shannon Fiona Weir, Helen Marla White (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Natasha Yvette Williams (“Orange is the New Black”) and Ricardo Zayas (Hamilton).

“From the Great Depression of the 1930s to the COVID crisis, the Billy Rose Theatre Division perseveres and preserves the greatest treasures of theatrical history,” said Doug Reside, the Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division. “As I look back on the last 90 years of our history, I’m struck by how our division has managed to document almost every aspect of the creative process and the people who bring theatre to life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our first 90 years in such spectacular fashion, and to the theatre community for its support. As we plan for the next 90 years and beyond, my hope is that the collection continues to grow and flourish and reflect the diversity of voices that have shaped the theatre as we know it and are shaping its future.”

“The Billy Rose Theatre Division has served as the collective memory for our community by capturing the ephemeral nature of our unique art form. Until we can all experience the joy of live theater again, we are thrilled to look back into the archives to highlight theatrical masterpieces from their vast collection,” said producers Julie Boardman and Nolan Doran. “Our hope is to raise funds to ensure the archives remain accessible to future theatre makers for generations to come.”

The virtual benefit is produced and conceived by co-founder of the upcoming Museum of Broadway and four-time Tony nominee Julie Boardman (Company) and Co-Executive Producer of Broadway For Biden Nolan Doran (Head Over Heels), featuring direction by Steve Broadnax (Thoughts Of A Colored Man), Sammi Cannold(Endlings), Nick Corley (Plaza Suite), Grammy Award Winner Ty Defoe (Straight White Men), Drama Desk winner Lorin Latarro (Waitress), Mia Walker (Jagged Little Pill) and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (Choir Boy), choreography by Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Lorin Latarro and Ray Mercer (The Lion King), with new music arranged by ASCAP Award winner Rachel Dean (Medusa) and Annastasia Victory (A Wonderful World), with arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer(Frozen). Casting is by Peter Van Dam at Tara Rubin Casting.

Tony Marx is the president of The New York Public Library, William Kelly is the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries, Jennifer Schantz is the Barbara G. and Lawrence A. Fleischman Executive Director of the Library for the Performing Arts, and Doug Reside is the Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division. Patrick Hoffman is the curator of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Henry Tisch serves as Associate Producer and Travis Waldschmidt is Associate Choreographer. Animation and Motion Graphics by Kate Freer, Graphic Design by Caitlin Whittington, Sean MacLaughlin is Director of Photography and Ian Johnston is B Camera Operator. Dylan Tashjian is Onsite Coordinator with COVID compliance by Lauren Class Schneider.

HOST COMMITTEE: Ted & Mary Jo Shen, Barbara Fleischman, Lizzie & Jon Tisch, Kate Cannova, Joan Marcus, Daisy Prince, Gayfryd Steinberg, Van Horn Group

LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE COMMITTEE: Emily Altman, Margot Astrachan, Ken Billington, Julie Boardman, Ted Chapin, Bonnie Comley, Van Dean, Kurt Deutsch, Scott Farthing, Barbara Fleischman, Freddie Gershon, Louise Hirschfeld, Joan Marcus, Elliott Masie, Arthur Pober, Ed Schloss, Morwin Schmookler, Jenna Segal, Ted Shen, Kara Unterberg, Abbie Van Nostrand, Kumiko Yoshii

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS DOROTHY AND LEWIS B. CULLMAN CENTER houses one of the world’s most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in the field of dance, theatre, music and recorded sound. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts — whether professional or amateur — the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. The Library is part of The New York Public Library system, which has locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, and is a lead provider of free education for all.

[aliveandfullofjoy]

Review: World of Tomorrow (Hertzfeldt, 2015)

In which I get a little bit vulnerable.

I have no reference for how many times I've watched World of Tomorrow. Since 2011, I've been keeping track of every movie I've watched in these massive viewing logs on these Excel spreadsheets, but until 2019, I didn't track shorts. And even here on Letterboxd, where I've been much more consistent about tracking shorts before this year, I've skipped logging this at times purely because I kept coming back to it. Was this my tenth watch? Was this my two-hundredth? Honestly, I have no idea.

All I know is this movie means so much to me. It's been therapy when I couldn't afford a therapist. It's been faith when I've been consumed with doubt. I know all of this sounds melodramatic, but Don Hertzfeldt's words, all at once goofy and profound, have acted as a mantra for the better part of my twenties. "Live well and live broadly. You are alive and living now. Now is the envy of all of the dead."

2019 has been a difficult year in a number of ways, and there are days where I feel like I have never been sadder in my life. There are a few works of art that overwhelm me -- my head, my heart, my senses -- in such a way that all I can do is let it wash over me, and await my return to the world of living, ideally changed, just a tiny bit, for the better. Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori's musical Caroline, or Change does that for me. So does Fiddler on the Roof. This movie, and its sequel, are also in that list, but they're significantly shorter than those, so. Here we are.

I could continue waxing poetic about the various ways this movie has helped me deal with my struggles with anxiety, but frankly, I'm sure I already have in one of my past reviews. I love Emily Prime, and I love Winona Mae's "performance" (can you call it that? why not). I love the way she gasps and says "Simon!" I love Julia Potts' withered monotone. I love the trippy visuals. I love the use of Strauss. I love the gallery of anonymous memories. I love the snakeboy. I even love the cruel bait-and-switch at the very end, balanced out only by that simple, honest, "What a happy day it is!"

Fuck. I want to watch it again.

--

Don Hertzfeldt is a filmmaker who primarily supports himself off of money made through streaming purchases. Here is a link to his Vimeo.

[indiacater]

Six Sentence Sunday

12/2/18

This is my first time posting a story in I don't know how long, lol. For the upcoming ES appreciation week this story will be a JakexMC. Please let me know if you want to be tagged. I would like to give a special shout out to @pilitella for the accompanying artwork that will posted on Dec. 9 during Jake and Estela day.

Sneak Preview below:

Title: Girl next door

Ever since joining the navy, nothing excited Jake McKenzie than when both he and his bunkmate and best friend, Mike Darwin were selected to the elite Arachnid unit. After a short trial run their C.O., Cmdr Lundgren had then working on top ranking missions, and even earning Jake the codename: Wolf. As far as Jake knew things were looking up for him. He was serving his country, he was with his best friend and part of a team that was making a real difference in the world. He didn’t think anything could change what he thought of it until he began having the weirdest dreams.

After a night of drinking and playing cards with rest of the team Jake decided to turn in early, mainly due to light headaches, and the drinks weren’t helping. Jeanine, who went by Fiddler, offered to help relieve it, but they have been on again and off again so much that he didn't need the drama. Finally making it back to his bunk, he stripped down to his boxers and laid in his bed as he drifted off to sleep, oblivious to the adventures that awaits him.

Jake awoke to the annoyance of light jostling. He would have ignored it if the position he was in didn't feel weird to him. Becoming alert, he opened his eyes and saw that he was laying in his bed, but sitting in a co-pilot chair of a small cockpit. As he panics he looks over to see the pilot. He tried to nudge him, but he attempts were ignored as the pilot as he then kicked his feet up on the control panel. “What the hell?, you jackass!” he muttered. Seconds later he hears a knock, the door open and walked in a very attractive woman wearing fitting shorts and a simple red top. If Jake wasn't freaking out over his current predicament he would definitely be flirting with her. “Hey!” Jake shouted as he tried to get her attention, but she looked like she didn't hear him.

“Excuse me.” She exclaimed. “You're the pilot? Shouldn't we have landed by now?” She takes notice of the pilot. “What the hell?!, are you asleep?!” she exclaimed again. Finally the pilot stirred to address the girl, as he did Jake was finally able to get a look at the ungrateful asshole. Then Jake's world was thrown upside down as he saw himself.

Tags: @drivenbyfantasy @drakewalkerwhipped @katurrade @bobasheebaby @boneandfur @mysteli @pilitella @mrsnazario1223 @ladynonsense @laniquelovely @akrenich @annekebbphotography @sinclairesdesire @brightpinkpeppercorn @clarissafics @myinconnelly1 @choicesbyjade @viktoriapetit

[itheatrics-blog]

Following the Future: iTheatrics Alums

Name: Dana Grossman

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Where are you now? I’m in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania studying at The University of the Arts for my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.

What iTheatrics Workshop and/or Choreography DVD have you been a part of?

I’ve been in three iTheatrics Academy shows:  Xanadu JR, Shrek The Musical JR, and Getting To Know... Oklahoma! and eleven (!) iTheatrics Choreography DVDS: Hairspray JR, Xanadu JR, Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs before Dark KIDS, Fiddler on the Roof JR, Elf The Musical JR, James and the Giant Peach JR, Thoroughly Modern Millie JR, School House Rock JR, Peter Pan JR, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR  and Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR.

What are your favorite memories of working with iTheatrics? I was recently reunited with the lovely iTheatrics family this past JTF Atlanta (2018). Steven Kennedy asked me to help with the Choreography DVD auditions - which I adored. It was insightful to see the audition process from the other side. I had a blast cheerleading to Legally Blonde JR. Seeing everyone was heartwarming, and I realized how much I missed everyone, but we all talked as if no time had passed. Picking up where we left off made me realize that the iTheatrics team is full of life-long friendships.

How do you think your experiences working on musicals have shaped you? Having the experiences from past iTheatrics/MTI workshops in my toolbox have shaped me into who I am today as an artist, collaborator, and triple-threat. With the help of these past DVDs and script readings, I walk confidently into a production room with ideas for devising and collaboration. My skills with picking up choreography fast were heavily stemmed from the DVDs I was involved with, and I have created long-lasting connections with the iTheatrics team and fellow summer artists.

What was your favorite Broadway Junior show? My favorite Broadway JR show I have worked on is probably Shrek the Musical JR. I was able to be the shortest character in the show and didn’t even have to get on my knees! I loved working on the shows first stages in NYC, bringing these kooky fairytale creatures to life, then turning around and performing the show again in North Carolina. I went from a short man, to a tap dancing ogre, to a comedic, energized donkey. I will never forget Tim McDonald’s words at the showing with Jeanine Tesori, David Lindsay-Abaire, and parents: “Dana is our weapon of mass comedy.” A fantastic experience, with talented peers and an amazing production team, creating memories forever.

What is your dream role to play? A role that I would absolutely love to play is Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family. Her comedic timing is like no other, having to be very evil and a bit monotone here and there, but still comedic with a lovable flare. Being able to belt, be witty, and go through a huge arc in her story (in terms of the show), playing Wednesday would be an exciting challenge. I also look up to Krysta Rodriguez, who originated the role of Wednesday for the 2010 Broadway run with a versatile, comedic, and captivating energy.

10 years from now: Where will you be? What will you be doing? And what song will you be still listening to?

In 10 years, I will be wherever success takes me, doing what I have always loved: performing. My ultimate goal for my future is to be successful, whether that means I am in the big city on Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring, cruise ships, professional community theatre, movies, and more. Performing and giving the chance for people to escape from their lives and enter the one we have created is rewarding beyond words. But, I have to say, the song that I will still be singing ten years from now will be anything from Seussical JR, most likely “Oh The Thinks you can Think!,” “Notice Me, Horton,” and yelling “BOIL IT!” randomly. That was my first ever Broadway JR Show, and first ever musical I was in (summer of 6th grade). It will always have a special place in my heart because that whole experience solidified my future of wanting to perform and stay involved with musical theatre.  

Do you have any advice for future iTheatrics Alums?