#source: doctor strange: MoM

[twilovesshuake]

Future-Y/n: Are you happy, Y/n?

Present-Y/n: What?

Future-Y/n: Are you happy, Y/n? It's the question that... Shoto Todoroki asked me at his wedding with Momo...

Future-Y/n: I said, yes, of course, I'm happy. I'm a Pro hero now with my powerful qurik ability. What person wouldn't be happy? Then I came back to this god damm haunted house. Sat down... and wondered why I'd lied.

[chrisstvrns]

𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐦𝐞: 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 | 𝐜.𝐬.

warnings: giving birth, absent father, let me know if i missed anything!

word count: 2,066

a/n: i dont know what giving birth is like so i skipped over the whole description because i dont think thats very important 

part one | part two | part three | part four | part five | part six

over the course of the last five months, since nick and matt found out, your biggest source of support was the two of them. sure, you had your parents, and of course they helped, but there was just something more about what nick and matt did for you. they went grocery shopping for you, they came to doctor’s appointments even if your mom was going, they helped you paint the nursery. everything that they could do, they did it.

right now, you were standing in a room in your newly bought apartment. it was perfect, right in the middle of your moms house, your dads, and nick and matts parents, which is where they stayed whenever they were in boston. you, nick, and matt were standing in your baby’s nursery, a faint pink paint covering the walls lined with painted daisies—the daisies that you, nick, matt, and your parents had painted for your daughter.

you stood in front of the crib, your eyes locking on the one spot that was empty. the empty spot where a daisy was supposed to be. the empty spot you hoped chris would eventually be able to paint a daisy onto.

with all the time you had to think, you thought of how you would tell him- or if you even wanted to.

you traced your fingers gently along the smooth crib railing, heart heavy with a blend of anticipation and bittersweet longing. the faint scent of fresh paint lingered in the room, mingling with the warmth of new beginnings. that little empty spot on the wall stood out like a quiet reminder- one final touch, waiting for someone who had yet to arrive.

chris had always been a wildcard, unpredictable yet endlessly charming. you didn’t know how he’d react, whether he’d be hesitant or jump right in with a laugh and a paintbrush. but you hoped, more than anything, that he’d show up- that he'd be there to make his mark, not just on the wall, but on this new chapter of your life.

taking a steady breath, you reminded yourself that sometimes it was okay to hope, even when things felt uncertain. and maybe, just maybe, chris would surprise you.

you were snapped out of your thoughts at the sound of nick and matt practically shouting for you, even though you were all in the same room.

you softly hummed back to them, still staring at the empty spot.

“dude, i think you're having the baby! your water broke!” nick shouted, both his and matt’s eyes wide.

“what?��� you muttered, holding your stomach as a strange wave of warmth and pressure rolled through your body. it hit you then—this was really happening.

matt sprang into action, grabbing your hospital bag that had been sitting by the nursery door for weeks. “okay, okay, we got this,” he rambled, though his voice shook slightly. “nick, car keys. come on!”

“i thought we had more time... my due date’s not for another week,” you whispered, heart racing as you struggled to process the whirlwind of emotions- fear, excitement, and disbelief all tangled together.

“well, apparently your daughter had other plans,” matt quipped, trying to inject some humor into the chaos as nick fumbled with his phone, trying to call your mom, who was out grocery shopping.

you took a deep breath, leaning into their steady presence. “guys... i need help walking.”

“oh, we got you,” nick promised, rushing to your side while matt gently took your arm on the other.

as they guided you toward the door, you stole one last glance at the nursery. that empty spot on the wall stared back at you, a silent reminder of all that was still to come- both the chaos and the beauty.

and maybe, just maybe, chris would still show up in time to paint it.

within the next half hour, you, nick, and matt were at the hospital, getting settled into a room filled with doctors and nurses.

you held your stomach, gently breathing as your doctor came over to you, nick, and matt.

“are either of you the father?” he asked, holding a clipboard.

“no, but we’re the uncles!” nick frantically responded, his grip tight on your hand.

“i’m afraid that won’t do. i’m going to have to ask you to leave. you can sit out in the waiting room, and i’ll send a nurse out with updates.”

nick and matt reluctantly left the room, exchanging nervous glances as they were ushered out by a nurse. the hallway felt colder somehow, a stark contrast to the warmth of the nursery they had just left behind. they moved toward the waiting room, nick muttering something under his breath about the rules being “ridiculous.”

matt dropped into a stiff plastic chair, running his hands through his hair. “this is insane. i can’t believe this is happening right now,” he said, his voice still laced with disbelief.

nick sat beside him, bouncing his leg with restless energy. “dude, i swear i was just grabbing the car keys, thinking this was a false alarm or something. and now? she's in there- like actually having the baby.”

they both fell into a quiet, uneasy rhythm, the sounds of beeping monitors and distant footsteps filling the sterile hospital corridor. a small tv mounted on the wall played some daytime talk show that neither of them paid attention to.

“you think she's okay?” nick finally broke the silence, his brow furrowed with concern.

matt nodded, though his expression mirrored nick's uncertainty. “yeah... i mean, she's tough. she'll be fine. but still—i wish we could be in there.”

a nurse passed by with a clipboard, offering a polite smile, but the seconds stretched on like hours.

nick exhaled sharply, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “you think chris even knows what's happening? like, does he get that he should be here right now?”

matt shrugged. “honestly, man, i don't know. but if he doesn't show up, he's missing out on something big. and that’s on him.”

the words hung in the air between them, heavy with both frustration and hope.

after what felt like an eternity, a nurse finally approached. nick and matt shot up from their seats simultaneously, eyes wide with anticipation.

“she’s doing great,” the nurse reassured them with a smile. “it might take a little while, but everything’s going smoothly.”

relief washed over their faces, though nick couldn't resist a joke to ease the tension. “see, told you she’s a champ,” he grinned, nudging matt.

matt chuckled softly, shaking his head. “yeah, no doubt about it.”

as they sat back down, the weight in their chests lightened just a little. no matter how long it took, they’d be here—waiting, worrying, and hoping for that first announcement of a brand-new life.

they didn’t have to wait long before the sound of hurried footsteps caught their attention. turning toward the door, they spotted your parents rushing toward them, your mom’s face flushed with concern while your dad trailed closely behind, gripping his car keys like he was still bracing for impact.

“where is she?” your mom demanded breathlessly, her eyes darting between nick and matt.

“she’s okay,” nick assured her quickly. “she’s in the room with the doctors. they kicked us out.”

your mom nodded, visibly relieved but still restless. “i need to be in there with her.”

matt stood up. “they’ll probably let you in since you’re her mom. come on, we’ll ask.”

sure enough, after a brief word with the nurse, your mom was escorted through the double doors and into the delivery room. your dad lingered awkwardly in the waiting room, his expression a mixture of concern and uncertainty.

“guess it’s just us guys out here now,” nick joked lightly, trying to cut through the tension.

your dad managed a small, tense smile as he sat down next to matt. “she’ll be okay,” he said quietly, though it sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as anyone else.

“yeah, she will,” matt agreed firmly.

and so they waited—nick tapping his foot anxiously, your dad staring blankly at the tv, and matt keeping a steady eye on the doors, ready for any news. even with the nerves thick in the air, they all knew one thing for sure: you weren’t doing this alone. not now, not ever.

hours later, after what felt like hundreds of screams and cries, your beautiful baby girl was here.

madison nicolette sturniolo. 

her tiny cries echoed softly in the room, a perfect blend of life and promise. your chest ached with overwhelming love and exhaustion as the nurse gently laid her in your arms. she was so small, wrapped snugly in a pastel pink blanket, her delicate features framed by wisps of dark hair.

“she’s perfect,” your mom whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she wiped away tears.

you nodded weakly, unable to tear your gaze away from the miracle in your arms. “yeah... she really is.”

the weight of everything—the fear, the uncertainty, the waiting—faded into the background. all that mattered now was the little life cradled against your chest.

the doctor smiled warmly. “she’s healthy and strong. congratulations.”

after a few minutes, your mom stood, pressing a gentle kiss to your temple. “i’ll let your dad know. he’s going to want to see her.”

you nodded, grateful for her understanding.

when she slipped out of the room, the door creaked open again moments later, and nick and matt barged in, breathless and wide-eyed.

“holyyyy crap,” nick whispered, his voice catching as he spotted madison. “is that her? oh my god, she's here.”

matt stood frozen, his usual confident demeanor completely gone. “she’s... wow. dude, she’s so small.”

you laughed softly despite your exhaustion. “yeah, babies tend to be.”

nick practically sprinted to your side, peeking over your shoulder with an awestruck grin. “she’s gorgeous. like, actually the cutest baby ever. sorry, matt, she beats your baby photos by a mile.”

“hey,” matt protested weakly, still clearly overwhelmed. “i was a cute kid. and we were, like, identical!”

your heart swelled watching them, the guys who had stood by you through everything, now completely captivated by the newest addition to your life.

“want to hold her?” you offered softly, looking between them.

nick’s eyes widened comically. “uh, do you trust me with that? i mean, she's tiny, and my hands are kind of sweaty right now...”

“you're fine, nick,” you assured him, laughing gently. “just sit down first.”

nick carefully took the baby, his hands trembling slightly as he cradled her with surprising gentleness. “oh my god,” he whispered again, staring at her in wonder. “she’s perfect.”

“yeah,” matt agreed quietly, sitting beside him. “this is wild.”

your dad peeked into the room then, his face softening instantly when he saw you holding madison. “is it okay if i come in?”

“of course,” you said warmly. “come meet your granddaughter.”

he stepped closer, eyes glassy as he took in the sight of her. “she’s beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “you did good, kid.”

“thanks, dad.”

the room filled with quiet joy, laughter mingling with awe as everyone took turns marveling over madison. for the first time in a long while, everything felt whole and right.

you glanced at the clock, realizing that dawn was just starting to break outside. this was the beginning of a new chapter—messy, unpredictable, and beautiful.

and maybe, just maybe, there was still time for chris to show up and paint that daisy.

“hey, y/n?” nick muttered, staring at his niece.

“yes?”

nick glanced at matt, then back at you before speaking. “chris is here.”

your breath hitched in your throat, not knowing what to say. before you could even think, matt answered first.

“we didn’t tell him. he texted us. said he was helping our mom and dad with something in the kitchen and dropped something on his toe. he thinks he broke it. i don’t think he knows any of us are here.”

you let out a sigh of relief, glancing at your baby in her uncle’s arms. would chris ever know?

“okay...” you mutter, staring at madison in nicks arms, a small smile appearing on your face as you whisper “she looks just like him” 

nick and matt glance down at the baby, the only thing they see if their brother staring back at them. 

especially his eyes. his gorgeous, icy blue eyes that always put a smile on your face. now? the eyes that put a smile on your face were madisons. even if they looked just like chris’. 

it wasnt him, but you had a little piece of him. a small piece, but at least it was a piece. 

────────────୨ৎ────────────

a/n: did u peep the nick and matt dedication in the baby name

- aurora ᯓ✮⋆˙

find other parts of this series here

likes and reblogs are always greatly appreciated! ੈ✩‧₊˚

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[dcdreamblog]

Going to ramble a bit before my latest question.

My scrapbooks aren't a reliable primary source of information. Their contents seem to shift every time there's a furshlugginer Crisis event, and there's a missing volume but every time I try to think what's in it exactly, it slips my mind. Plus of course they only contain the newspaper and magazine articles I or someone who knows about my hobby happen across, and some of those newspapers, like the Metropolis Whisper, are known to give false information.

Still, it's a fun hobby. The first clipping I started with was one my slightly older cousin pointed out to me about the Justice League fighting Doctor Destiny in 1966 (yes, I know). The mask Wonder Woman had to wear during that case was shown and fascinated me. Mom suggested making a scrapbook for the news items I was interested in, and it quickly became all superheroes and mystery men.

Once it turned out I was serious about this, I also inherited loose clippings on the general topic that my parents and grandparents had randomly saved. And now we're getting closer to my question.

I've got six items from the 1930s about a New York City mystery man, or urban legend, named the Shadow. Two are straightforward news reports of gangsters going to prison, with a mention that "the Shadow" was somehow involved. One is an official announcement from the NYC police commissioner of the time that no such person as the Shadow existed. Then there's a snippet from a gossip columnist where Orson Welles, the radio celebrity, allegedly claimed to have actually met the Shadow and helped him on a case. Finally, two letters to the editor, one claiming that the Shadow was made up by reporters as a hoax to sell newspapers, and another positing that the reason the Shadow had never been photographed is that he had the power to turn invisible (which was also why no one could catch him.)

From what little I could find in a cursory search, the existence of the Shadow appears to be controversial.

So, what's the current scholarly consensus? Was the Shadow a for real person, an urban legend, and either way, what's actually known about him?

Establishing the existence of a superhero or mystery man can be tricky in some cases and utterly trivial in others, making the hard ones even harder by comparison. For instance, it's pretty easy to establish that Superman exists. He acts publically on a daily basis, the world over, his face, his costume and his abilities are globally known and he interacts with the public and the media enough that establishing a profile on him is background radiation. It's just KNOWN. Establishing that a mystery man existed back in the late 30s and 40s is also usually easy. Green Lantern is attested in dozens of newspaper articles, photographs, newsreels and of course the man is still alive and directly connected to many other well known superhero organizations. Then there's the tricky ones. Superheroes who show up once and then never again, strange costumes and images that don't quite fit with any other report, things that mix closer to legend than fact. This is one of those.

(A sketch of the most well attested version of what 'The Shadow' may have looked like) Reports of the Shadow's existence stretch back as far as 1931, the better part of a decade before The Crimson Avenger and the Sandman would bring the era of the mystery man into the full public consciousness. There have always been theories, some more fringe than others, that they were NOT in fact the first Mystery Men of their era but in fact simply the two that went public and maintain their identities long enough to be well attested in the historical record. That's never become a mainstream position simply because all versions of it either fail to meet the definition: The Crimson Avenger and the Sandman are the first BECAUSE they directly lead into their generation being birthed as a social force. Even if other came before them they only arguably count as part of the same wave because they obviously didn't reach the war years. OR like in this case, because their existence is impossible to prove. I don't believe the Shadow exists because the more you try to dig into him the more his existence becomes something worse than unprovable, it becomes unfalsifiable. He can turn invisible, he's a master of disguise, everyone who has ever seen his face is dead, he can mind control people through hypnosis so even standing in the center of a well lit room he won't be noticed, he has dirt on literally every possible person in or out of power that's so airtight no one would dare leak his existence, etc, etc, etc. The more questions are raised about lack of evidence, the wider the circle becomes to justify how nothing about him has ever been pinned down. None of the other heroes who were active in the very early 'gangland' days like the Sandman, The Crimson Avenger or The Atom ever confirmed working with or against him, he was never a member of any team or organization, no photograph was ever taken of the man beyond a shadow of a doubt. Eventually it comes down to the fact that a theory that can't be DISproven can't be trusted.

[dude-ihavenoidea]

HELL IS EMPTY

ALL THE DEMONS ARE HERE

Wanda is the Scarlet Witch. After going through the heartbreak of losing her perfect fake life, she cannot settle down with just a real and empty one. Wishing for all that should be impossible to have – it’s just not the most safe choice to make, or the most healthy life to fantasize about, but for her, it’s not a choice at all. Her children. Her boys. They are the last and only source of happiness remaining in her life. And Wanda want… WILL… have them back. She will destroy whatever it takes. Kill whomever is in her way.

But there’s consequences. The living and breathing embodiment of a nightmare, created by the decisions of no one other than the Scarlet Witch herself. All that Wanda should have predict, and all that she will never forget.

They are equals – with a destructive mind and the power to end it all. Two sides of the same blood stained coin.

Warning ⚠️ ⚠️ This story will contain talks of depression, anxiety, grief, gruesome murder and other sensitive topics. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

A/N: DOCTOR STRANGE: MoM SPOILERS! I intend to make this a small series, after seeing the movie I just could not stop thinking about it.

English is not my native language, so there might be some mistakes. Sorry!

Part 02

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Red light pulses and flickers, dancing in the air like random drawings that float out of the tip of black fingers. Wanda stood proudly. Shadows dance in the walls around her, the darkness weakened by the glow of the candles. She found something. Ashes of the Darkhold scattered the floor around and beneath her feet, her eyes furious. The vision she just had, burning in her mind with whispers echoing all around her skull. Mocking her, and the plans she had made this far.

One possibility in millions. Destiny called for it’s rights, and now everything changed. It’s up for Wanda to figure out how the hell she will keep things in control, and angered her to no end knowing that she had just lost her vantage.

“Who is she…”, she growled through greeted teeth. Wong fisted a bunch of dust and tiny stones, trying to crawl away as much as possible. “Answer me!” the scream echoed.

The wind blew strong, bringing the scent of smoke and death that covered Kamar-Taj. Wong stopped when one of his fingers reached a hand, alone in the center of a big puddle of blood.

Magic got him by one of his legs, and pulled him all the way back to the steps that he so miserably rolled down. Laying flat in the burned stones, feeling the ground hurting his spine, air got knock out of his lungs when he landed against a wall straight after. Planks of wood falling atop of him, some parts of the sealing too.

“Who. Is. She”, Wanda growled again. Her voice deepened and distorted by raw power.

“I-I don’t… k-know”, Wong barely got out. Blood dripping from his mouth and cold sweat rolling down his forehead.

Wanda let out a grunt of frustration. She walked and walked, trying to get herself to think of something. Anything that could help, but she never had seen something like it. Not even in the Darkhold. That woman looked strangely familiar, and angry. A kind of anger that made her dangerous, ignoring it would be the dumbest idea she would ever had.

Wong let out a whimper, desperately trying to seat up, fighting the pain of broken bones and bruised muscles. Wanda watched, still thinking. When the sorcerous finally could get a breath of air without coughing, her eyes glowed bright red. Wong felt a stinging pain behind his eyes, his body tensed up like he just got electrocuted. In his mind, the image of the woman that Wanda seemed to worry about.

She was… terrifying. In a strange and confusing way. Her magic was strong, moving around like pure darkness, and her eyes were a door to the deepest void Wong has ever seen. In the vision, she looked directly at him, as if she knew Wanda would be watching. No dark color in the tip of her long slim fingers, nothing special in her clothes. Black jeans, combat boots, a heavy jacket full of pockets. The only thing that shined in her entire body was a ring. Secured in her chest by a small chain hanging around her neck. Delicate, and small. It looked out of place.

The woman didn’t said anything. She just stood and stared deep in to Wong’s eyes. Terrifying, and yet…

Wong blinked when the vision was gone from his mind and Wanda watched curiously while he stared at a random spot in the mass of rubble. Dried blood mixed with dust and ashes. The vision wasn’t for him.

Wong smiled. Bleeding and in pain – he still smiled. A big vein appeared in Wanda’s temple, and she closed her lips in a white line. A humorless nasal laugh sounding just as impatient as she felt.

Wong didn’t know who the stranger was, but now he knew that Wanda, had finally met someone strong enough to let her worried. This woman not only was waiting anxiously for the encounter, but she also was one-step forward. Sensing Wanda’s presence from other universe, and having the guts to look her dead in the eye.

Wanda had a reason for this mess, even if it was a mad one. The stranger had one too.

“I don’t know her, but… can’t wait to meet her personally”. Wong laughed this time.

Wanda slapped him with a ball of angry red magic, careful not to get him unconscious. He would be of no use then.

“Come”, she said like he had a choice, and Wong was dragged again.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

The stranger – this Y/N woman, she was… intriguing, at least. America watched as they walked through the streets of Sokovia, looking for a place to rest for a few hours. When they finally got to this small building, and the door to the last apartment was opened with a old looking spell, they were both brought inside and welcomed to get some new clothes or something to eat from the fridge.

“What is this place?”, Stephen asked.

“You’ve never been to an apartment before? Usually, this is how they look from the inside“-

“I know how a apartment looks like”, he huffed.

“Then don’t ask stupid questions”, she said back with a little smirk. Seems like she liked annoying Strange.

America watched, somewhat amused with the first look of emotion on the woman’s face and then shrugged when Strange looked at her, annoyed. “What?”.

“It’s my old apartment”, Y/n explained, watching outside the window. “Wanda and I used to live here, before we got married”.

The sadness in her voice came back quickly, America tried not to stare at the pictures all around. Strange didn’t care much, he looked, and looked some more until he decided to sit down.

“So, what’s your plan? Tag along until Wanda appears?”.

“Yes”, she turned around seeming almost bored. “Wanda already knows I’m helping you. She won’t be a problem for much longer”.

“What?”, Strange said quickly. Y/N kept looking at him, not surprised. “She knows you’re with us. Do you really think the best plan is to just… what, take a nap at your old apartment and wait for her to show up?”.

She stared again. In that strange consuming way that could make the most powerful people in the world very uncomfortable.

“You are… confident”, America said cautiously in the silence.

“You had the Darkhold”, Strange pointed. “You use magic without saying a single word or move. You said you are… a mistake in the fabric of reality. That your existence is real only in this universe”.

Y/N crossed her arms and rested her back up against the wall. Not even looking a tad bit worried. America wrecked her brain, trying to figure out what Strange was on about.

“And…”, she encouraged.

“Wife and kids… In this universe, Wanda had a wife and kids. That never… She’s always married with Vision”.

“Now, hold on a second… What?”, Y/N blinked with a disgusted look. “Wanda. My Wanda… With the stoplight?”.

“Stop…”, America snickered and coughed a bit after, trying to contain herself. “I-I mean, yeah. Wanda and Vision are totally a thing”.

“What?”, Y/N asked again and America nodded her head with a little uncomfortable smile. “That’s… I mean, he’s a robot… Kinda of a unique… relationship, that’s for sure. Uhm… were they… Was she happy?”.

America didn’t know the answer, she looked at Strange wanting to know for sure. Stephen sighed and softly nod. Y/N knew something had happened.

“They were happy for some time, I think. Until Thanos got to us and… Wanda had to destroy the stone”.

“Your Wanda killed the man she loved…”, Y/N said cautiously.

“And then watched when Thanos brought him back to get the stone, which-“.

“Killed him again”.

“Yes”, Strange nodded.

Y/N stayed quiet for a while and than sighted, running a hand through her hair in deep thought.

“I assume that’s when the Hex started. With the boys? She made everything up, because she lost the life she wanted”.

There was no need to answer, the room fell quiet. America looked at the pictures a bit more this time and Strange seem to find some entertainment in staring Y/N down for the next minutes.

“Is… Pietro alive?”.

“No”, he answered quietly. “Ultron”.

Y/N snapped her eyes at him by the name, something tense glittering in her eyes for a small second.

“Does she have anyone? Friends?”

“The Avengers were her family”.

“If they aren’t family anymore, they never deserved to be called that. Wanda has enough shit- had…enough to deal with already. Getting abandoned by her friends after losing everything she loved…”, Y/N let out a sour chuckle and walked out of the room with a sad smile. “Nothing I can’t relate…”.

“Do you have friends? Someone who can help us, I mean”, America said. Trying to cover up her curiosity and compassion with a plan.

Strange looked at her for a bit and then turned his head to the end of the living room, where Y/N had stopped to look back with a smile that didn’t seemed as sad as before.

“I do”, she said and America sighted. “But I fear that meeting them when you’re here would be… counterproductive. Some of them at least”.

“What’d you mean?”, she asked curiously.

Y/N chuckled. She would’ve found the amount of questions and nosing In her business annoying a few years back. When were still just her fiancé and her living in that apartment. Roaring twenties, with parties, hangovers and a lot of make out sessions.

The married life with twins changed her a bit. For the good. And she missed the constant curios questions, giggles and the sound of cartoons dancing through the living room of her home. Nothing felt like it again, this old apartment, the empty house. Anywhere around the city felt like nowhere at all.

Because they weren’t there. Wanda and the boys where now buried in the ground of the local cemetery. With they’re names carved into stone and still fresh dirt above their cascates.

Y/N closed her fist and dug her nails into the skin, swallowing the huge lump that burned in the back of her throat. The smile she gave out was fake, Strange hated how easily he knew the difference. It was easy when he had a similar one for the mirrors, fans and pretty much everyone else. Including the woman, that he not only loves, but is also happy with someone else.

“The Illuminati and I have not been seeing eye to eye since I got the Darkhold”.

“You’ve stolen the Darkhold…”.

“It’s mine”, Strange sensed something off about that, “it was requested of me to let it sealed and kept away for safety. They’d studied it from time to time, but I always knew where it was. I just now found a reason to take it”.

“Power”, Strange insinuated. “You got the book because you need it to kill Wanda. For revenge. This just gets better and better”.

“I don’t need an old, dusty, fucking book to destroy the woman who took everything from me”, she growled and walked forward. Stephen immediately lifted his hands, getting himself ready to fight and protect America.

Y/N stopped right at his face, looking in his eyes with a anger that burned and tensed up all the muscles in her body. Like paint dripping from the walls, the shadows around and below the furniture started to move. Whispers calling from every direction, colors fading like the darkness was feeding from the light. Crawling quickly to pool at Y/N ankles.

“Who are you…”, America whispered, astonished and terrified.

Just as quickly as everything became so heavy, it came to be… easy, and real. It turned back to normal again. Like a switch. A punch to the gut or a bullet to the brain.

Y/n closed her eyes and took a big step back, the shadows followed. The colors of the room slowly coming back. So that’s how the empty house got black and white?, America thought.

Something was very wrong with her.

Stephen had never seen that kind of magic, but still felt familiar. He was reconsidering their ‘partnership’ at this point. Having her around felt like going for a walk with a bomb tied to his body.

“Blow it up”, Y/n said and he cursed himself for letting her in. “As long as you want America safe, and Wanda away from you two, I’m not a threat”.

“We don’t want Wanda dead”, America said quickly.

“No one is perfect”, Y/n said back with a sigh. “Go, have something to eat, get yourselves ready. Ultron’s robots will be here pretty soon, I suppose”.

“Excuse me?” Stranger questioned, taken a back.

“Oh, shit” America cursed under her breath.

“Did you just set us up?!”

“No, Xavier has been spying on me for a while now. I never let him in, but you guys had no clue. And like I said, not all of the Illuminati. We can get help there, and a bit more of protection. Stand down, red thingy”, the cape flapped it’s sides a bit and Y/N smiled, amused.

“Thought you said you could take her…”, America said and quickly explained when Y/n looked her way. “Not doubting you, just… you know… curious… She’s the Scarlet Witch”.

“You’ll need help to get away while I’m dealing with her. There’s someone inside, that can help. She owns me”.

“Oh”, America sounded a little surprised by the plan. “Sounds much better than just… jumping between universes”.

Strange rolled his eyes and turned around to the kitchen. His cape making a show of flapping around a bit more then usual just to make him look better. Like suddenly this gush of heroic air had just past the living room. America frowned when her wrist was grabbed with a whoosh of fabric and she ended up being dragged away by the cape, just like a mother gets her kid away from trouble.

The next minutes were spent in silence, not something that bothered Y/n or Strange, but America was definitely uncomfortable. She bite down on the piece of toast in her plate and cleaned the few crumbs with a tied smile. Strange gulped down almost half of the water bottle. Y/n sighted, deciding to say something.

“How’s Cristine?”, America choked a bit and reached for her glass.

Stephen looked Y/n dead in the eye and answered dryly, “Married”.

Y/n frowned and chuckled on the other side of the kitchen, “Weird way of saying that but, uhm… congratulations”.

“She’s… Christine and him are not…”, America tried to ease up the tension.

Y/n open and closed her mouth like a fish for a couple of times, than she just scratched her forehead and turned to put the glass in the sink. A humorless smiled that burned in Stephen’s mind.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything buy it – I just… Your universe is fucking awful”, she explained and Stephen actually nodded.

Well, that’s progress… I guess, America thought and Y/n smiled a bit after blinking casually to her. The girl smiled big, and had another mouth full of the crunchy bread.

“Were we friends?”, Stephen questioned.

“Huh? Oh, here? No. We hated each other”, she answered and turned around to wash her hands.

“Well that explains the tension in the air”, America murmured.

“Yeah, definitely not friends. More like… someone I knew from work that pissed me off”, Y/n explained. “And the asshole who treated my friend badly”.

Stephen’s stomach grew heavy, he looked anywhere but Y/n’s face for a minute. “Until he redeemed himself, yeah. Then I started tolerating him more easily”.

Strange looked quickly, he could see America smiling by the corner of his eyes. Y/n had her arms crossed and a soft smile on her face. One that he felt lucky to witness. “What did he do?”, the teenager asked curiously.

“Saved Wanda’s life when I wasn’t around to help”, she answered looking down to the wedding ring that she wore with the delicate chain around her neck.

Strange took a sip of his water noticing the pain that lingered in her, like looking in the mirror. “Still an asshole though”, he said with a chuckle.

“Absolutely”, Y/n agreed. “Huge asshole”.

That was nice. Strangely nice. Like making a weird mix in the kitchen with the most random things you could get out of the fridge, and then realizing it tasted something close to your parents cooking then you could ever muster yourself too do. Or maybe, like realizing you have a few more minutes too sleep before the alarm clock goes off.

It was abnormally… comforting.

“I’m sorry”, Y/n says to him. And the truth in her eyes shined. It was like watching someone so pure reemerging front the darkness just to make someone’s day feel better.

Strange nodded, silent and a bit taken a back. But he smiled. For once in a long time, with no sarcasm or bittersweet longing – he just smiled a little. Feeling undertood.

A knock on the door made the duo freeze for a moment, Y/n only circled around the kitchen counter and walked to the front door. Opening it as if they weren’t running away from the worst psycho of the multiverse.

One thing that made them suspicious, was the anxious way she hid the wedding ring dangling in her chest under her shirt. Like it was supposed to be a secret.

“Yes? Oh, Hi-“, she got interrupted by a generous smack to the face.

Y/n didn’t make a sound, her head stayed there for a few seconds while the taste of blood surged around her tongue. Stephen got up immediately and America prepared to jump away if necessary, they couldn’t get a clear view of who was crazy enough to punch y/n’s face like that. Only the top of a redhead.

“Seriously?” Y/N questioned with a sigh and looked up.

“You deserved that”.

Stephen frowned. He didn’t knew that voice, in the five years he was away, the sorcerer never got to meet the woman who kept the avengers alive. Y/n still blocked the door. She was punched just now and didn’t even looked pissed at all.

“Guess I did”.

“Don’t you ever. And, I mean. EVER. Do that shit to me again”, the redhead ordered with a pointing finger. “When I call, you answer. That was the fucking deal!”

“Yeah, I know”.

“Do you?! Really?!”

“Yes, I-“

“Do you have any idea how much you had me worried?”, her voice wavered a bit.

A few seconds of silence got the air stuck with tension. Y/n stayed with her head hanged low, with her small voice of guilt.

“…I’m sorry. I really am, it’s just….” she gulped, “I’ve been busy“.

“Stealing the Darkhold. Yeah, I know, Y/n. And - God! Of all the dumb shit you could’ve done…”

Y/n just looked in silence. That was the stupidest idea she’d ever thought of, and one that could easily get her killed. But it was something that needed to be done. And Y/n were never one that ran away from trouble, no. Since a kid, she was the one, right in the middle of it all.

“Look, I… I won’t say I’m sorry for doing it, okay?”

“I wouldn’t believe you anyway…”

“I am sorry for worrying you though… if that even means something”.

The redhead sighed and finally came closer, hugging Y/n with a gentle kiss to her chin – just were she had punched with so much anger. “You’re a hand full, kid. Never change, okay?”

“Not a kid”.

“ Whatever”.

“I hate you”, Y/n sighted and closed the door behind them. Stephen frowned and America left her mouth hang open. “Guys, meet my friend… Natalia Romanova”.

“First of - I’m the best friend, thank you very much. And second, that is not my name. And you know it, Kid”.

“I’ve told you already, don’t call me kid. I’m not-“

“Yeah, you are“.

“No, America is a kid”. Natasha ignored her completely. “Not to be rude, but what are you doing here, exactly? Go annoy your dear Captain or something”.

“She can hear you, you know? She’s waiting down stairs, given us cover for the next five minutes. And let me tell you, she’s pissed”.

“Now, hang on a second”, Strange blinked in surprise.

“Why am I not surprised”, Y/n smirked.

“Stop that”, Romanoff pointed again with a small smile and turned around. Looking at the duo of outsiders in the other side of the room. “We’re kinda of a white flag at the moment, common ground. You know?”.

“They send you, because you can smack my face and scape alive”. Y/n explained with a sigh. She actually looked bored.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Hi, there!”. Romanoff smiled.

America shuffled a bit, waving with a nervous smile. Strange looked at Y/n to try and figure out if Romanoff was worthy of trust. With all the bickering in the last minute, it was obvious that the two were close friends.

“What in the world have you got yourself into now, stupid…”, Romanoff sighed, already looking annoyed with herself for asking. Arms crossed, she turned to look at her best friend and frowned. Y/n was focused on some random spot in the covered window.

“Stupid, you there?”, Natasha asked.

Y/N stayed quiet. Fists clenching slowly up to the point where they could hear the knuckles crack in the silence. Natasha looked down, following the soft noise and her heart grew cold immediately.

“Y/n…”.

No response.

“Kid!”, Y/n blinked like she just got out of a bad dream. “You okay? What where you looking”-.

“Nothing”, Y/n casually hid her hands in to her pockets. But it was already too late, and she knew it. “Thought I heard something”.

“Why aren’t you wearing your ring?”, the tension in Natasha’s voice made Strange and America immediately worried. Y/n didn’t answer, instead she just turned around and went to the kitchen, shaking her head.

“Who says I’m not?”, a lame try but hey, her mind was still pretty confused.

“Y/n”, Natasha warned.

“It’s fine. I didn’t threw it away”.

“But it’s not where it should be… Get up here. Now”, Natasha said to the earpiece and walked fast behind her.

“Oh, come on. Seriously?”, Y/n chuckled.

“What ring?”, America asked.

“The one on her neck, probably.” Strange looked to Y/N cautiously, picking up on things pretty fast.

“Remember when I said I tolerated you? Well, you’re making It kind of hard for me, Strange”, Y/n growled. “Stay right where you are, Cap. I’m okay, thank you very much…” – the voice sounded loud and deep, echoing both on the walks and into everyone’s minds.

“Wait, what?”, America looked around trying to understand who the hell they were talking to.

“Y/n, I swear-“ Romanoff huffed, a hand moving up to the commons on her ear piece. Captain had responded.

“Yeah, no, thank you-“. Y/n denied again, her voice once again echoing in both places. America held the side of the counter, looking slightly nauseous.

“She’s coming to help! Why would you even do that?” Natasha said angrily and Y/n huffed. “We’ve been here before! We know what that kind of power does to you!”

“That kind of power… Is the only way to get what I want. What she deserves”, Y/n growled.

“She – is Wanda Maximoff. She is your wife!”, Natasha exclaimed.

“No, she’s not! You know that… Not in that universe. Or in any other than this one, Nat. I already lost my chance”, the woman opened her arms like she could hug her own miserable fate.

“Stop talking like you’re already dead!”, Natasha exclaimed. Worry clenching her chest and burning her throat. “Your still here, right in front of me! And I will do whatever the hell is necessary to keep it that way! Stop it! – Yeah! We are very fucking calm, Cap. Thank you!”, Nat snapped to her earpiece huffing.

“I’m so confused…”, America whispered.

“don’t puke”, Stephen says.

“She’s with Vision!”, Y/n argued with a humorless laugh.

“Wha- the toaster? Yeah, sure. And I dated Steve”, Natasha countered.

“Excuse me?”, Strange blinked.

“Not you, Stephen. I said Steve”, Romanoff said, looking a bit disgusted by the idea.

Strange looked at himself for a moment. He was having a bad day, somethings were more important. Is my hair messy? In the reflection in the small mirror at the corner, Stephen notice that, in fact, he could be much worse for someone on his position. His cape gave him a little tap on the shoulder, giving him some support.

“It’s true”, America said a bit after and Romanoff looked at her, not believing. “Married. With two kids…”.

“Wait…”, the redhead looked to her best friend and then America. The heavy glow in Y/n’s eyes and the uncomfortable smile of the teenager made her a bit worried. “Are you serious?”.

“Why are you so surprised? I already told you that I only exist in this reality”, Y/N shrugged.

“Bullshit. Your just annoying, and likes to hide from everyone. Like usual”, Natasha explained and Y/N rolled her eyes.

“Are you a Sorcerer?”, America asked suddenly. Trying to read the hidden story that they tried to keep a secret off. Both women looked at her confused. “A Ring, like this. You said she is not wearing it”. She pointed to Strange’s hand, showing the powerful and shiny artifact.

“What? No! Of course not!”, Y/n huffed like the question was completely insane.

“What, would that be so bad?”, Stephen asked defensively.

“Honestly? Yeah, it would be very bad considering all that you guys have done with me”, Y/n snapped back.

Natasha huffed too, already fed up with the arguing. A quick move and she got a hold of the chain at the side of her best friend’s neck. Y/n moved just as quickly – way quicker than expected –, and caught her hand firmly.

“Let go”, she ordered.

“No”.

“Natasha”, Y/n warned.

“I promised Wanda I would take care of you. That’s what I’m doing”, Romanoff didn’t back down and the lights in the kitchen flickered.

“Uh… guys?”, America called cautiously when a heavy deep sound started shaking the ground just a bit. Still under control.

It sounded like thunder. The steady and never ending hum of a storm, just starting to bloom in the horizon. But the felling under her feet was very real.

“I’m not joking around. Let… the fucking chain… go. Now”.

“I’m not afraid of you”, Natasha looked her dead in the eye, the silence between her words vibrating in her ears. Warm fingers squeezing her wrist. “You should know that by now. Let my hand go, Y/N. I’m not watching you kill yourself. I gave her my word”.

“And I gave her mine”, she said back, ominously.

Well, shit.

That’s what Natasha thought.

They both stayed put. America looked at the shadows dancing around the room. Hands reaching from the furniture and wallpaper, trying to get a hold of something and break free. The color in y/n eyes darkening, and black swimming in the corners of white.

Natasha reached for the gun slowly, eyes still focused but alerted by the shadow growing around her feet. Strange put his hand up. Yellow strings of magic shining. America closed her fists. Y/n tensed and turned her head a bit, like someone, or something, just whispered in her ear.

Do it… It’s easy, you know it is. We have been here before… do it.

Natasha felt the jolt of adrenaline and fear. She pulled the gun out, already knowing what was going on. Getting into a fight with her best friend were not her plan, and now here they were. If Y/n lost control, they were dead.

A flash of blue, red and white past through the darkness reflecting the almost completely dark room. Metal vibrated in contact with something much harder than a brick wall, catching it perfectly. Resonating a high note in the silence.

It was Y/n’s right hand. Holding the shield like it was nothing. Flames of dark fire sneaking around her fingers and wrist. Natasha pulled as quickly as she could, the chain gave in and the ring stayed in the palm of her hand.

Captain Carter herself walked in the kitchen with a sad, worried smile. The somber atmosphere gave in immediately, felt more right and true. Almost honorable just to be at her presence.

The shadows wavered a bit and Natasha felt the floor finally let go of her combat boots. Peggy came closer, taking Romanoff’s side when she backed away, a heavy step at a time. Her eyes on Y/n, not judging, understanding in an disarming way.

When she stopped, Peggy smiled. And it all came back like a tidal way. The last incident, the last time they spoke… the dread of understanding that it could all became a pattern if they weren’t careful.

Y/n felt hazardous. Flawed… alone, even though Carter was just right there. Within arms reach.

“Peggy… It’s been a while”, Y/n said quietly. Shield in hand, it’s colors looking brighter in the black aura that surrounded.

“Y/n. Still getting yourself in trouble, I see”, Carter smile a bit more this time.

Y/n closed her eyes with a sigh, and her shoulders dropped. Cautiously, the Captain asked for her shield back. Y/n swallowed bitterly. The metal felt wrong in her hand. Unworthy. She realized what was happening just as fast as it began. In a deep breath of air, the room got back it’s colors. No shadows or hands clawing at the walls, her eyes slowly got back to their usual color, and the deafening deep sound was gone.

America realized she was holding her breath, and small white spots danced around her vision when she finally gasped for fresh oxygen. But, she realized, the room smelled like… nothing. Worse then death on a humans body, or self deprecating and numbing loneliness. Just a strong, constant, absolutely impossible to understand – absence of smell that clogged up her nostrils in a quick go and go her nauseating. She oppened her mouth, so she wouldn’t suffocate immediately.

It felt like oxygen had just disappeared. Unable to be in the same room as them. When really, it was just y/n who felt like running away from herself.

“I’m sorry”, Y/n said. And it seemed like someone else entirely, she put a hand up and a little blow of air came by.

There was a little harmony of soft gasps for breath. America understood that she wasn’t the only one.

Peggy smiled softly and squeezed y/n shoulder a bit, getting the heavy shield from her old friend’s hand. Strange and America watched, confused with it all. Y/n looked even more exhausted now, she pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling embarrassed.

“I’m so… so sorry. Nat, I-“.

“It’s okay”, Natasha reached for her hand and, gently, put the ring in her cold, sweaty palm. “We brought you back in time”.

Y/n squeezed the ring a bit. The echo of Wanda’s voice, the way she said ‘I do’ in that altar once, and how the whole world felt more happy and right. The infinity of memories. Y/n loved and hated the ring at the same time. It made everything so real. Every time she looked at it, she’d remember what she’s lost and couldn’t get back.

The four just watched, hypnotized by the raw emotion put on display. Y/n’s lips trembled, and using a small amount of her power, the ring slid to her finger. Red whips of powerful magic grew in the veins under the skin, little runes shined at the sides of the jewelry.

Strange and America stared. Y/n held the tears away, now she was the only one feeling like she couldn’t breath.

“You can’t take it off again, Kid…”, Nat says in the most softest of ways.

“I know…” Y/n answered sadly, “I won’t… I-I just…”, a breath of air seemed to do nothing more than to drown her even further. “I miss them so much”.

“We know”, Peggy leaned down and kissed the side of her head like she used to do.

It got quiet after that. Stephen wanted to ask. He’s eyes followed the woman around the kitchen counter and to the living room until the bedroom door closed in the end of the hall. Immediately, he spun around looking almost shocked. America had her mouth hung open, pointing to the two women behind the counter like she just saw something out of this – every – world.

“What just happened?”

“The ring”.

Stephen and America said at the same time. Romanoff turned around and got herself a glass of water. Peggy put the shield on her back and leaned in the counter. “She needs some time”, was the answer to America. “And, yes, the ring… It’s for safety. Wanda helped create it with our Strange, and a few other people”.

“A few other… Okay, what is happening here? Who is she?”, Strange said, a bit impatient.

“Who is she?”, Natasha turned around holding the glass half empty.

“Yes”, Strange huffed when they both looked at each other. “They needed Wanda, the Scarlet Witch, Me - the Sorcerer Supreme, and a bunch of other sorcerers to do one single spell to one single person”.

“Pretty much, yeah”, Natasha confirmed.

“Yep, your spot on”. Peggy nodded.

“Why?”, Strange pressed on. “The most powerful being in the universe should be enough to perform one single spell”.

“Woah, hang on a second. Back up, mate”, Peggy said quickly. “You think the Scarlet Witch is the most powerful being in the universe? …Wanda?”.

“Obviously”, he countered and looked at the two friends when all that he got was silence. “Well, not anymore apparently. I don’t”.

“She’s not?”, America questioned and Natasha responded by taking a big uncomfortable sip. “Then who is?”.

“Well…”, Peggy smiled nervously. “You see… we’ll have to take you to a stroll at our Strange's library”.

“Sanctum”, Natasha said and looked down a bit. Letting her know that they had a much quicker way of explaining things.

“Museum. Whatever. It’s the same thing”, Peggy rolled her eyes, her British accent showing a bit more.

There was a heavy silence in the air. America sighted and looked at Strange, waiting for an answer. Peggy didn’t exactly trusted both of them, but a feeling at the pit of her stomach said it was the right thing to do. She felt the same when meeting Y/N for the first time, it was enough to at least consider.

With a look to the duo once more, and another to Natasha, she decided it was for the best.

“Well, yeah. Now I need to know what the hell even is this universe!”, Stephen pressed on.

“Okay, yeah. Me too”, America crossed her arms. She’s been jumping around universes since always, how could she not know about this?

“We’ll answer your questions the best way we can for now, and we’ll give Y/n some time to… try to figure out a way to convince the Illuminati to not kill us all, as soon as we arrive at the base at least”, Natasha sighted and turned around again.

“Richards will be a pain in the ass”, Peggy huffed and stared at her watch, touching the scream a bunch of times. “Nat, can you do it? I’m awful at this thing”.

“Already on it”, the widow turned around with her phone in hand. A small rectangular device that looked entirely made of glass with metal edges.

She put the phone on top of the kitchen counter, and sighted. A hologram was project, showing up a big file with hundreds of pages. America and Stephen got extremely focused the moment they read de “TOP SECRET” words in screaming-red up above.

Natasha decided not to say a word in the beginning. Let themselves read and absorb the basics of the history. It took a while, a few minutes of silence mumbling. Peggy and Natasha stepped back, enjoying a cup of coffee and tea while they wait.

And the whole time they did, there was not a single noise from the bedroom. Peggy said to the Illuminati that they where negotiating a peaceful truce, and she was surprised they actually bought it.

Natasha got bored not much later, and came closer to the hologram. Peggy decided to not address the obvious frown in the Black Widow’s face. Natasha cared for Y/n, just as much as Peggy did, but the Russian had been around in the worse episodes to help. Something that Peggy herself couldn’t say the same…

She’d forever blame herself for it.

“Umbrakinesis. Hmm, a very particular ability”. Stephen said, eyes locked to the pages of the document. The picture in the front page showed a face that should be much more younger than the woman who owns the apartment today. But, instead, it was exactly the same.

“She’s a Level five?”, America questioned, head tilted to the side. Reading the mess of stamps in dark, old red. DANGEROUS and VIOLENT all over the page. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That her powers are… Strong. Very strong”, Stephen sighted.

“They are more then that. Tell me. Do you know some universe, where there’s no shadow? Even if it’s a small one?”, Natasha crossed her arm’s while asking.

“Wait, she can control shadows?”, America finally seemed to understand the situation.

“Not just control. It’s like… Like they grow inside her”.

“Darkness. Not just shadows. There’s no need to exist light, she’ll make the place more dense than peach dark. It’s concrete, dark matter. Sometimes it burns, sometimes it speaks or whispers… We don’t know for sure, it’s … It’s dark”, Peggy seemed nervous just thinking about it. “Professor tried studying it with Richards. Didn’t go as planned”.

“What happened?”, Stephen asked curiously.

“The lab got swallowed in it, denser mist I’ve ever seen. It was quick, a blink of an eye, and the three of them where gone. For two full days it stayed there. Just waiting…” Stephen absorbed all the information he could, the story, the fear in Peggy’s voice and tension in Natasha’s shoulders. “It was undulating, and moving like water in slow motion. It seemed like a blanket, or something like that. Like the thing itself was asleep, and when we tried to get in, it would shrink to the size of a lightbulb, floating in the corner of the room”.

“And the whole room had no vibrating colors”, Natasha completed. “All was black and white, with no life. Faded”.

“Yeah, we… We saw something like it”, America said and shifted nervously when Natasha stared her way, somewhat surprised.

“What?”.

“Oh, when we found her? Her house? The whole place was just like that. No colors. Faded black and white”, she explained cautious.

“Is that so…”, Peggy looked to Natasha. “That’s… Interesting. How long ago was that again?”

“Uh… Just now”, the teenager pointed back. “Like, three or four hours”.

“What? We’ve seen something that shouldn’t have happened?”, Stephen guessed.

“Not exactly, no. It’s just that when they came back, Richard and Xavier… We knew something was inside that thing”.

“What do you mean?”

“Well…” Peggy inhaled, trying to get rid of the tension in her body. “ They both came back shaking… Like, Richards, God, he cried like a baby. The fear in his eyes… When the whole thing disappeared, he just fell to the ground like a puppet without it’s strings, and didn’t move. Blank stare for hours and hours. It was disturbing”.

“Read is intelligent, and brave. His not the kind of guy that would crumble like that just for anything”, Natasha explained.

“Yeah! He’s kinda of an ass sometimes, but he never runs from a fight. When he seemed to wake up from his thoughts, he just… screamed”.

America looked behind her shoulder, fearing that Y/n was there. Just listening. Even the way Peggy was acting made it seemed like it was forbidden. Something that should not be said out loud.

“Some weeks later, Richards made the file”.

“Weeks?”, Stephen asked and she nodded. “And the other one? What about him?”.

“Xavier came back injured”, she sighed and Stephen regretted asking. “He had this biting mark in his back. Not as bad as it should be”.

“Huh?” America said, confused.

“They stayed there for two days. If something attacked him… The bite shouldn’t be as heald as it looked. It was far more advanced. Almost closing actually”.

“You think they didn’t stayed there for just two days?”, America questioned.

“Yeah”, Peggy agreed. “Yeah, that’s exactly what we think. He’s chair was nothing but scraps of metal. Huge scratches and burning marks. The little of the tires that came back, had some strange kind of burned dirt in the base, that smelled disgusting”.

“Dirt? There was no dirt where we went, was just some strange watery… Nothingness”, America tried to describe.

“They both came back pale and temporarily blind”, Natasha completed with a serious and controlled voice. “You guys didn’t go blind as well, did you?”

“Nope”, Stephen responded and America shook her head. “We got dragged somewhere else, I guess. No dirt, no blindness or… Creatures”.

“Lucky you”, Peggy sighted. “I don’t know what she showed them, but… She did warned both that they should not keep going. For their own sake”.

“You think she made it on purpose?”, Stephen questioned suspiciously.

“No. I just think”-

“She couldn’t control it just as much at the time. Now she has the ring, and some more years of training”. Romanoff was quick to defend her best friend, looking sad just by having too. Stephen noticed that he wasn’t the only one who assumed that.

“She came back last. A few weeks after them. Reeking of sulfur and burning the floor with her steps.”, Peggy continued and looked to Natasha and back to the duo. “But mostly... unharmed”.

“That’s interesting”, Stephen thought out loud and America shot him a glare. “What! It is!”.

“Yeah, of course it is”, Natasha huffed and Peggy rested a hand on her shoulder, helping her to focus on the story. Not the obvious judgement.

“That day, we knew what to call her. It was…”, Peggy hesitated a bit, “it was written in cuts in her back…”.

“Penumbra”, America read in the file.

Stephen let the name sink in, eyes scanning the file once more. The details of the experience were describing something out of every world he could imagine. Read Richards had left a page wrote by hand. Shaky letters depiction dark monstrous creatures and big landscapes adorned with dead trees, a rotten smell and a feeling of uneasiness. Death on all corners, under small burned rocks and rotting soil.

His heart sank to the stomach. Eyes wide looking up immediately.

“Hmm, seen something like that, haven’t you”, Peggy laughed bitterly. “Yeah, I knew you would recognize it”.

“Wanda’s farm”, America caught up. “…So, her powers… They’re the same as the Darkhold”.

“Did she took them from it? Absorbed?”.

“No, Stephen”, Natasha shook her head. “The Darkhold took it’s power’s from her… She’s the source”.

Stephen felt the tense jolt of energy in his body. Heart racing, mouth going dry and a intense shiver creeping up his back. Now he could understand the sensation, it was the power, pouring out of her.

“I’m sorry, what?”, America swallowed tickly.

“Yes, kid. You heard it right”, Peggy sighted.

“No! But that’s impossible. How the hell could that be? Like, isn’t the Darkhold extremely old or something?! She can’t be alive for that long!”.

“A deviant”, Stephen sighted and closed his eyes. “A mistake in the fabric of reality. That’s what she told us! That’s because she’s not from- Oh shit”.

“What? Why ‘oh shit’…”, America said quickly.

“She’s the Empress of the Damned”, Strange came to conclusion.

He looked around, waiting to someone to say he is wrong, maybe having a concussion. But Natasha and Peggy nodded, and he sighted. Already exhausted.

“Damned being the… Souls of people? Or, like, a more metaphorical kind of thing”, America laughed bitterly – panicky. But she only got silence. “Hello?”.

“We’re fucked”. Stephen summered up.

“Hey, not in front of the kid. Language!”, Peggy pointed.

“Oh, really?”, America huffed.

“Yeah, Peggy. I think the kid had it worse”. Natasha smirked.

“Yes, I’ve had. Like, just for example, obviously…”, she laughed again and then got very serious, “… the woman who’s been walking with us this entire time being something like the Devil! Like literally? I mean, I’m not religious or anything, but that doesn’t mean I want to be besties with the ‘hell dude’. Like, c’mon! What the hell are we supposed to do now?!”.

“What? Nothing”, Natasha responded and America stared quickly. “Look, kid. I know, not exactly what you were expecting. I’ve been there. But there’s nothing to be done, that’s just who she is. Not something to be fixed”.

America sighted.

“That’s not what I meant”, she sounded more apologetic but still very anxious. “It’s just… She’s… Very powerful”.

“Yes. So, let’s just remember that her target is Wanda, not us”, Natasha tried to appease. “Not saying that that’s good – stop with the judging eyes Peggy –, just something to keep in mind while we figure out a way to stop her".

“And we will do that”, Captain Carter was sure of it.

America didn’t know how to feel about it all. Having Y/n around was scary, for sure, but it had became something more now. They didn’t have a concrete plan, the strange woman only said to leave Wanda for her to deal and move on. But having the Scarlet Witch and the Empress of the Damned fight, seemed pretty much like a Apocalypse – end of world kind of battle.

“This isn’t right, is it?”, she murmured to Natasha and a flash of sympathy became visible. Just enough for her to understand that Natasha was trying to figure out things too. A way to no one would die at the end of the day.

“How do you know so much?”, Stephen asked, breaking the heavy silence. “You two are obviously close. Old friends?”.

Natasha uncrossed her arms, reaching for the hologram a bit closely. She looked through it, a distant look in her eyes and heavy sigh escaping naturally red lips.

“I was on a mission the day we met. It was my second month infiltrated in one of Hidra’s biggest facilities and… She’s been there for a while”, she stopped with a little sad smile. “… Decades kinda while”.

“Decades as a prisoner?”, America said. Eyes going wide. “ How Hidra managed that?”

“They’ve got help. Hidra have a bunch of very weird weapons at their disposal, but not a single one could hold her down alone. Hell, not all of them together, they needed some backup”, Peggy was the one to smirk now, seeming a bit proud.

“Don’t bother looking in the files, there’s no name or description”, Natasha said, somewhat disappointed. “I read the whole thing more than once, not even a name, Hydra just says whoever helped them was a common ally. So, yeah. The Backup didn’t like y/n either”.

“Any chance their still around?”, America peaked in the files a bit.

“We should be ready for them. I don’t want to let any blind spots”. Stephen ignored the way America almost messed up the whole file with just one single gesture. Trying to zoom in.

“If they hold her back from scapping, there’s no way she could fight them alone. And I don’t think we could help”, Stephen commented. “Let’s hope their dead”.

“Great”, America nodded again. “How old is y/n anyways? Maybe we can start discovering who is by that”.

“By her age?”, Stephen question with little hope.

“You have a better idea?”, she questioned back.

Stephen rolled his eyes and looked to the women, expecting a answer.

“Y/n is very old. Like, older them me and Thor kinda old. She’s very very old”, Peggy didn’t have a exact number, but she could try to help at least.

“Older then Thor. The God of Thunder”, America swallowed.

“Not much, considering all of the entities and powerful beings out there”, Stephen didn’t seemed to impressed about it. “She’s a deviant, source of the power that forged the Darkhold, so… Yeah, she needs to be very old. Why don’t we ask her?”.

“Page thirty three, second paragraph”.

Stephen and America came back to the file, turning pages quickly until the small number appeared at the base of the document.

For keeping of safeness in the laboratory and surroundings of the facility, it was decided by unanimous voting that the subject should be erased of it’s memory. With the help of Backup, there will be no need of surgery or sedation.

During the procedure, please follow the instructions below:

- All the responses to pain, must be monitored and filed as already informed in page 03.

- Keep the cage closed during the experiment.

- All the lights in the environment must stay on, and second team of action in place. For safe keeping of the facility in case of further emergencies.

Kept in register for further notice:

After voting, the proposition was taken to higher ranking officials and accepted immediately. Seemly, for justice of the death of four highly qualified soldiers and the whole first Science Division on latest experiment of subject (Page 10 to 26), the lost of vast knowledge of unknown value is not to be taken account.

Luckily, Backup has agreed to share all the information gathered on the subject, and offered further assistance, if necessary, to maintenance of the experiment.

Let it be known, that I, yes, voted In favor of the experiment. But not by choice, only for the safety of my family.

In total, there where a hundred and twenty seven pages that discussed safety protocols before the actual description of any experiment.

“She killed a whole team of scientists and four soldiers. They took a vote and this Backup person… erased her memories. So now”-

“We have no idea what were dealing with”. Peggy completely.

“Yeah, great”, America sighted.

“Just awesome”, Stephen huffed. “Well I could always search in her mind”.

“Yeah, but do you want to?”, Peggy pointed and he only huffed again. “Professor and Richards tried, and they only came back with a single vision. Both scared to death. I don’t think it’s a good idea”.

“So, we don’t have a plan. Or any idea of who is Backup person. We only know that they’re very powerful, and don’t like Y/n”.

“Yes”, Natasha answered the scared teenager.

“Just like Wanda, aka the Scarlet Witch, don’t like her too”.

“Right again”, Peggy agreed.

“So, actually, we have to worry about two incredible powerful beings coming after us”.

“Yeah, but maybe Wanda knows who is and don’t like them too. I mean, she can see the memories of our Wanda in this universe. And Y/n told her wife, for sure. There wasn’t one thing in this world that the two didn’t know about one another”, Peggy comments.

“But Wanda wants me dead”, America remembered.

“And we can’t trust a single word she says. Wanda lied right to my face about America”, Stephen scratched his head.

“Will have to hope that Backup is dead, retired – very far away – not a possibility – won’t come around again – dead”, Natasha crossed her arms. “And, if they really do try and get y/n, will have to live through it first, and then… think of getting our own backup”.

“The Scarlet Witch”, America said, still unsure.

“Yes. If it comes to it”.

“If we survive”, Stephen agreed.

Silence.

“I hate this plan”, Peggy huffed. “But it’ll have to do. But, there’s a thing, It stays only between us. I’ll tell y/n later if needed too”.

“Yes, if asked, we were talking a way to a diplomatic decision”, Natasha said and America laughed a bit. “See? The kid gets it”.

“Yeah, yeah, we can be dramatic. Whatever”, Peggy brushed it off. “We still get the job done”.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Morning. Too early. The sun, golden and warm, hitting the curtains, and the gentle breeze touching the skin of Y/n. Slowly waking up.

She blinked, looking to the green picture of the forest beyond the open window. The wild blowing leaves, the waving of branches and chirping of birds. She could still see the moon, pale and almost gone from the sky. It was so early in the morning, above only baby blue adorned with little white clouds.

It was peaceful, and very beautiful. But what really made y/n smile, was the sound of crackers. And the vigorous chewing. Y/n left out a sigh that easy turned into a chuckle when she moved around.

Wanda was half sitting, with a mess of pillows behind her back. Her red hair left loose in wild waves, a small jar of crackers open and resting atop of her huge pregnant belly. A few crumbs could be seen here and there.

Y/n didn’t mind, she knew Wanda would clean it up as soon as she’d be done eating. Too worried with keeping everything perfect, as if the babies would care about something more than getting fed or sleeping when they finally arrived.

And the doctor had said that a little snack right in the morning would help with the sickness that still would torment her from time to time.

“Morning, Love”, Y/n smiled adoringly.

Wanda stopped mid bite. She looked to the side, swallowed what she had in her mouth and smiled. Big and wide. That smile was the same one since always, and would always warm Y/n’s heart to know that it was just for her.

“Hey, baby. Good morning”, Wanda popped the cracker in her mouth and reached to put the jar in the bedside table. She cleaned up the crumbs quite quickly, already having some practice with it. And turned around again.

Y/n sit up a bit, and smiled right after the little kiss of good morning. Wanda was always a bit more needy in the early hours of the day, and that one wasn’t different. She came closer, getting herself sited at her wife’s side and enjoying the cozy warmth of her body and blankets. Y/n arm snaked around her, and with ease reached to touch the big belly.

Wanda watched, the small sliding of slim fingers atop her white shirt.

“Morning, little ones”, Y/n said.

And, like always, there was a kick to the side of her belly. Wanda smiled big and rested her hand above her wife’s.

“You love that, don’t you?, Wanda teased. “Every morning, the same silly smile appears on your face”.

“Oh, yeah. I love it, it’s amazing that they always react to it”, Y/n laughed and kissed her head.

Wanda sighted, satisfied with the peace that lingered in the air. The golden light of the day painting the whole room with so much life and the beauty outside, it captivated her for hours. She was excited for the day, like always, but that morning she wanted to stay in bed a bit more.

So she did. Moving around a bit to sit in between her wife’s legs and let herself sink in the warm embrace. Both of them just letting everything sink in.

It wouldn’t be long before the twins were born. Wanda was scared and excited at the same time, but she was sure that if she had Y/n by her side, everything would be just fine.

“Hey, Babe?”, the redhead murmured.

“Yeah?”, Y/n answer in a whisper to her ear.

“I love you”, she said in the most delicate and sweet way.

Y/n smiled softly and whispered right back to her a bit later, “I love you too”.

Wanda floated in the air, with legs crossed and open red eyes. In front of her, the whole thing passed by just like a movie. The emotion of the moment, even if it was simple, hit her like a knife to the heart. She slowly came down, blinking her eyes a bunch of times.

Wong watched from the corner he was being kept in. Wanda was terrible to him every single moment, seaming like she couldn’t feel emotion at all. But at that moment, the way she floated back down and staying at floor. Tears in her eyes that’s she obviously was trying to keep in.

Wong felt pity. Even if he shouldn’t have, that moment Wanda wasn’t at all that monster, or demon. She seemed… lonely.

The Scarlet Witch sniffed a bit and got up, quickly turning around to walk away and dry the tears that scaped her control. The room got dark again, Wong had no idea where he was, but it was cold.

She brought him to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Mountains, plains of green grass and river nearby. The wind blew cold there, stinging uncovered skin and threatening a frostbite. Wong shivered every second since he arrived, the temperature of the backroom he was kept was unsettling. He would shift and shift, it was impossible to be comfortable.

He wasn’t even chained, but with no ring there was nowhere to be. Wanda was he’s only way back, and only chance of survival. So he’d huddle close to the small fire and hear the whistle of a tea pot.

It was awful, with broken bones and no treatment, but at least he wouldn’t die.

Outside, Wanda could swear she would.

Stomping feet in the grass, tears that kept falling down, a heavy violent beating heart that faded every other sound around and a tightening throat. She couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t talk – not that someone would listen to her. She had nothing, completely alone.

Her knees gave in, she ended up falling in a small patch of dirt by the riverside. The water kept passing by the stones, the winter blowing cold against her cheeks. She sobbed and sobbed. Wishing someone was there to help her through this. The panic attacks had been worse and worse every time now. Dark magic had a price to the mind, and a much more heavy burden in the solitary ones.

Suddenly, a figure kneeled by her feet. A hand reached out and waited for permission. It wasn’t Wong’s. Much slimmer and long fingers, with pale delicate skin. She knew that hand, Wanda was sure she even knew the pattern of lines drawn in the palm. But, at the same time, she had never gotten to meet them.

It was a lie. A trick made by her own, solitary mind, and aching heart. She knew that, but the moment was intense and the bitterness got a hold of her. She didn’t wanted to be alone again. Crying as loud as she could anywhere and having no one to listen to – to care. It was painful.

She reached her hand, slowly. Feeling the warmth of the skin, the way her fingers seemed to know the right way around the lines. Familiar with the curves in the way up, and making her remember things that weren’t hers to remember. Like just how much their hands would fit perfectly. Like she would always feel whole and cared for when touched like that.

Safe. She would feel safe.

That was all that Wanda always needed. She got lost in the feelings quickly. Even the dark magic marks in the tip of her fingers started to lose color, and became a bit less dark.

And the world got calmer. Her thoughts made sense.

Wanda looked up, and Y/n was there. Looking concerned, but ready to help. Like she knew exactly what she’d supposed to do, because it wasn’t the first time. Y/n didn’t even looked impatient or judgmental, Wanda could only see a feeling that she would’ve seen only a long time ago. When people didn’t hate her for trying to have the only thing that she could still recover.

Love.

Y/n looked at her with so much love.

“Look at me, Wanda. Just breathe, okay? You can do it. Focus on my voice, and breathe with me”, the ghost guide her hand to her own chest. Wanda could swear she could feel it. The fabric of her clothes, and the steady heartbeat. “That’s it, Love. Just like that. Come on… In and out… In… And out”.

Wanda was too scared to make the illusion go away, she needed something to ground herself back to reality. And using the memory of another version of herself wasn’t the best idea, but, strangely enough, it was working. Wonderfully even. She could feel the fear go away, the wind blowing cold in her face, and hard floor hurting her knees. Stones, dirt, leaves and branches digging up her skin.

The sound of a steady breath with a running river and singing birds. Wanda got back to herself in record time, without the voices and whispers that would torment her for a few hours later. No crying of her boys, screaming in agony for help. No feeling of complete abandon.

And no one was there to witness, just her. But, this time… it wasn’t. Not completely.

“You’re safe”, Y/n said and when Wanda shook her head, she nodded. “Yes, you are. Your safe. I’m here, and I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m right here”.

Wanda squeezed her eyes tight. Now, that was too much. The bitterness of solitude and the self-pity of accepting the help of a ghost came back like a train wreck. That’s the wife of another Wanda, not herself. What the hell was she doing? She tried and regain control.

And that’s when she felt the hug. Warm arms, embracing her. The touch was light, and cautious. Wanda had the choice to leave, all she needed to do was say a word or stand, even pushing the ghost away was an option.

They why didn’t she?

Why she accepted it, the safeness…?

Why? ...Why can’t I push it away?

Somewhere else, Y/n came out of the room stumbling. Obviously confused and nervous. The door slammed against the wall, Natasha jumped right to action and took a hold of her shoulder. Grounding her best friend with her touch.

“What? What is it?”, she asked and frowned when Y/n got back inside. Paising.

Peggy was inside the bedroom just as fast, shield at hand and eyes scanning around. In search of danger. Strange peeked around and America too, both uneasy with the situation.

Y/n ran a hand through her hair, eyes watering. She pointed to the corner of the room and breathed heavy.

“She… she was right there”, the woman let out. Shaking from head to toe, she even had a couple of tears rolling down.

“What? Who?”.

“Wanda”, Peggy looked at her worriedly. “Not the sicko Scarlet Witch. Wanda, my Wanda… She… She was right there”, her voice trembled. Her whole body got heavier and the grief was so real that she felt like dying then and there.

Stephen and America looked at one another, deciding to not make any comments. They let the ‘it wasn’t real’ and ‘maybe just a memory’ to Romanoff and Carter. The three knew each other long enough for that.

But Y/n couldn’t believe it. She swears on her life that it was her Wanda that need help. That she had finally touched her wife and heard her voice, just right there. At the corner.

And Wanda, the one alive, came back to the cabin, swearing to herself that no one would know a single thing about what just happened. She wouldn’t let anyone know that she accidentally reached and found comfort on the woman that loved her alternative self. She just went straight to Wong, blasting the door open and grabbing him by the arm.

“I’m done waiting” she growled with a hurting ego. “It’s my turn to make a move”.

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

Okey maybe a little bit of a mix if u up to it

🧑‍🚒🧑‍🚒🧑‍🚒🧑‍🚒🧑‍🚒

🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼

🔎🔎🔎🔎🔎

🎁Secret fic if you want too 💞

Hell yeah!

15 for 🧑‍🚒:

---

The person Harry knows the least well is Ravi. So that’s his next guess. Everything he’s heard about the guy is that he’s great, but they haven’t ever really interacted beyond funeral condolences. Eddie is someone Harry knows more about. He used to spend time with Eddie’s son, and Hen’s son, at functions Mom and Bobby put on. He’s a few years older to them, and sometimes, he even resented that fact. Hanging with the little kids. Regardless, Eddie was always really friendly to him because of that. Strange to think he’s Harry’s peer now, work wise, despite being far closer to his son’s age. 

Point is, he thinks it must either be Ravi or Eddie, and he can’t figure out why. 

It never occurs to Harry that it could be Buck. Not even once.

The thing is, Buck is… Well, in a way, Harry knows that Buck and Bobby sort of lost the same thing. An almost father. So they should have a sort of understanding, right? 

---

15 for 🔼:

---

Dinner with Buck’s parents ends up not being as disastrous as Eddie worries it’ll be. 

Shannon does end up coming. She’s a bit better than she was before, but she still has a doctor’s appointment booked for the following day. She’s not feeling the best but she insists she wants to support Buck. To show his parents what kind of family he’s built, because they all know it’s being judged. 

However, when the actual dinner happens, Eddie need not have worried too much. Their family isn’t the main source of attention. Chim’s is. 

Albert has shown up from Korea with his and Chim’s father, and his mother. Chim’s stepmother. The family he has been estranged from since childhood. No one pays too much attention to anything but that; the tension so thick in the room Eddie might need saws and jaws to get through it. That’s not to say Eddie doesn’t watch the Hans examining himself, Buck, and Shannon, trying to figure out the dynamic.

---

15 for 🔎:

---

About how proud Buck would be. About how he reminds him of Buck sometimes. About how much they both miss Buck. How it feels unfair, for his son to lose Buck, too. Buck doesn’t understand what that means. He doesn’t understand who he is to this boy. He doesn’t understand who he is to his father.

He was important to them. Whoever he was. He was important to someone. 

And now he’s no one at all.

Unsure what to think, Buck opens the Instagram post again. Eleven months and we’re still looking for you, brother. 

He is someone. 

He’s somebody. 

He just doesn’t know who.

---

15 for 🎁:

---

He gives them his information. Or, Buck’s information now, Bobby supposes. He’s polite. He’s curt. He’s tight-jawed. And the moment he’s done, instead of exiting the airport to the pickup area, he strides towards the bathrooms. Interesting. He said someone was waiting for him. 

Bobby follows. Of course he does. He isn’t sure why he’s here yet. He doesn’t know what he can do for Eddie right now. 

He follows and he watches as Eddie practically collapse over the sinks, hands white knuckling the edges of the counter. He starts to breathe heavily. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he whispers. 

Yeah. Bobby was worried about this, too.

“Eddie,” he says uselessly. “Eddie, it’s okay.”

But it’s not, he realizes.

[arlana-likes-to-write]

Second Chance - Chapter 8

Masterlist

Warnings: fainting, affects of chemotherapy treatment, lack of appetite, IV treatment

Note: a lot of this chapter is based on my own personal experience with the disease. As I've learned chemotherapy effects everyone very differently. Also sorry this chapter is so short.

Word Count: 1.9k

Relationships: Yelena x reader, Tony x reader (platonic), Avenger x reader (platonic)

There was something about jello that never sat right with you. You witnessed your friends take shot after shot of the mixture, and it made your insides turn. Even your mom would eat it when she wasn’t feeling well. Your nose would scrunch when you saw her over the stove, waiting for the water to boil. It always had to be homemade, never the store-bought stuff. The irony of it all as you sat on the common floor of the tower eating jello. Your mom would have gotten a kick out of it. It was store-bought; you barely had enough energy to drag yourself out of your room. The visit with America and Kate made you realize you missed people, which was strange.

After a double dosage, you would lock yourself in your room, surviving on snacks you could keep down. You would emerge from your room and order takeout when the symptoms passed. It was odd having a group of people to ensure you were okay. “Hey kid,” you gave a weak smile to Steve. “How’s the jello?” You shrugged.

“It’s gross, but at least I’m eating.” Sam stood next to you, arms leaning against the counter.

“We are going to watch a movie,” he said. “Do you want to join us?” You finished the last spoonful of jello, and Steve took the trash from you. You gave the man a grateful smile.

“Sure, it’s not like I can do much in this state,” you followed them to the couch and sat on the other side of Steve. He was warm; you were getting jealous of the Avenger’s ability to always be warm. “What are we watching?” You asked, resting your elbow on the armrest.

“I’m thinking Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee,” you knew the movie. You took a film studies class in college. Well, you passed it without watching any of the movies. You were a little stretched thin, and watching a 2-hour movie was not something you had time for. With your schedule open, movies became a source of comfort for you. You wished you set more time for them, more time for other things as well.

Sighing, you let your body relax on the couch and let your mind wander into the world Spike Lee created.

*

“I’m impressed she still hasn’t woken up yet,” Maria said, nursing a tall glass of water. She, Yelena, and Natasha returned from a run to find the common floor bustling with people, making lunch or grabbing a quick bite before heading off. Somehow, you remained unbothered by all the noise. You were fast asleep on the couch with a blanket tucked around you. Steve told them you made it halfway through the movie before you fell asleep.

“Do you think we should wake her up?” Natasha asked. “She needs to eat.” Yelena nodded. Tony told them about his conversation with your doctor. The blonde hated doctors too many times; she was forced down by doctors who said they would help. She had to trust your medical team knew what was best for you. So if they told you you needed to eat or an IV of fluids and steroids would help, Yelena believed that.

“I’ll do it,” Yelena said, walking over to the couch and ignoring the questioning look on her sister’s face. She was not ready for that conversation that she knew Natasha was dying to have. Yelena needed time to figure it all out. Kneeling at your level, she gently placed her hand on your shoulder. “Easton,” she said softly, barely recognizing the sound of her voice. “Come on, time to wake up.” This time, you opened your eyes, blinking them a few times.

“Belova,” you sighed. Yelena hated how you said her name; it made her heart skip. “Do what do I owe the pleasure.” The blonde rolled her eyes.

“You need food,” she said, standing up. “So up you get.” Yelena held out her hand. Sighing, you sat up and took the hand she offered. Fuck, why were you so cold? You pulled yourself up with Yelena’s help. Even when you were standing up, the blonde refused to let you go of your hand. Your hand was trembling, and you were swaying.

“What-” but you cut yourself off. You let out a shaky breath, and your eyebrows pinched together as if you were confused by something someone said, but no one spoke.

“Easton, what’s wrong?” You opened your mouth a few times before your eyes fluttered closed, and you fell forward. Yelena caught you in your arms, gently brought you to the ground, and looked at her sister. Natasha was already rushing over to her. “I don’t know what happened,” Yelena said, her voice laced with panic. “She just collapsed.”

“It’s okay,” Natasha calmly said, and she checked your pulse. “FRIDAY, alert Helen and tell Tony to get to med bay,” the redhead looked at her sister. “Can you help me get here?” The blonde nodded. Yeah, she could do that. She just needed her hands to stop shaking.

*

When you opened your eyes, you were in a room you didn’t recognize. Frowning, you turned your head to the side and saw Tony. The sound of you shuffling caused him to look away from the tablet he was looking over. “Hey, how are you feeling?” He asked. You sat up in the unfamiliar bed and saw an IV in your arm. You were connected to a clear bag that they gave you at the cancer center.

“Where am I?” You asked instead of answering your question.

“You’re in med bay,” he told you. “You fainted when you stood up.” Oh, you rubbed your forehead. “Dr. Carpenter said it’s probably due to your dehydration and lack of food intake. He suggested the TV; it’s fluids and a small amount of steroids,” he explained. You frowned slightly, hating the idea that Dr. Carpenter knew you weren’t doing well. You hated worrying him. He already felt so much guilt regarding your mom’s death, and he felt like he failed you and her. “So, how are you?” You hated that question. Every doctor and nurse asked you about it. You avoided text messages from your friends who asked you.

“I’m fine, Tony,” you said.

“No, you’re not,” he called you out. “And it’s fine that you aren’t,” he added quickly. “But I need you to tell me so I can help.” Help is something you never needed. You excelled in school, and even at a young age, you could take care of yourself. You helped others with school work, personal problems, or if they needed help moving. You were the helper, never the one that needed help. It was why it took forever for Dr. Carpenter to convince you to reach out to Tony.

“I don’t need your help.” You regretted the words as soon as they left your mouth. The man laughed bitterly.

“Then why come to the tower, turn my life upside down, and tell me you need mine or my kid’s bone marrow,” you were quiet. “It sure looks like you need my help.” You were silent, unable to find the words to improve this situation. “Lucas was right; your stubbornness is going to be the death of you. I will not stand by and watch it happen.” He left suddenly, and the room you were in was quiet. Sighing, you slapped your hand down on the bed. You were so stupid; sometimes, you spoke without thinking of the consequences.

Death. It wasn’t something you feared. It was a concept that your mom always introduced you to, especially with the nature of her job. So how the hell were you supposed to look at the man and tell him you weren’t afraid of dying?

*

Once the bag was empty and Helen knew you could stand alone, she released you from med bay. However, she gave you strict orders to come back if you began to feel worse. You agreed, only to please her. You knew you should find Tony and apologize for what you said. But you got your stubbornness from your mom. Instead, you went to our room, grabbed your sketchbook, and walked to the training area where FRIDAY informed you the rest of the team was.

Your presence went unnoticed by the team as they were engrossed in their training. You found a spot out of the way and began drawing the scene before you. Watching the Avengers train and be in their natural element was exciting. You enjoyed drawing them and coming up with stories to tell. You found the superhero group fascinating. They were brought together because they were deemed to be extraordinary. This group was tasked to save the world and protect people they did not know who needed help. It was noble work.

You sighed, twirling the pencil you were using in your hand. They were trying to help you. You are a complete stranger that came into their life and turned it on their head. You were curious if you were going to be around long enough to thank them.

Glancing up from your sketchbook, their training session ended, and the Avengers were split into smaller groups. You noticed Kate looking at you, and she gave you a small wave. She was standing with America, Peter, Kate, and the blonde Black Widow. You weren’t sure what they were talking about, but you saw Kate, America, and Peter start to walk over to you. The blonde hesitated as she looked at you but joined her sister and Bucky instead. You frowned slightly. “Hey,” Kate said, sitting next to you and you smiled. “You look a lot better than the last time we saw you.” You chuckled, closed the sketchbook, and placed it on your lap.

“Sorry about,” you hated worrying people.

“Just glad to see up and walking around.” America smiled. “What did they say that caused it?” You sighed, picking at the cover of the book.

“Doctor thinks it’s because I’m not eating or drinking enough. But I’m trying.” You felt the need to defend yourself. “It’s just-”

“Hard?” Peter guessed. You nodded. “Listen, I think you are doing great. Far better than I would be doing.” The couple nodded in agreement. You smiled.

“So, what are you guys training for? Do you have a mission coming up?” The trio looked at one another. “Can you not tell me?”

“Unsure, really,” America said. “A lot of the stuff we do is ‘need to know,’” she added the quotes around the words. “But you live in the tower but aren’t an Avenger.” You raised your hands.

“Then don’t tell me,” you chuckled. “All I care about is that you guys return safe,” Kate smirked. You weren’t sure why it felt like you walked into a trap.

“Especially a certain blonde.” Your face dropped, and you felt your stomach drop.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” you mumbled. The trio laughed, which got the attention of the blonde. You refused to look at her as you felt your body head up from embarrassment.

“Miss. Easton,” the AI said. The sudden voice of the AI made their laughter die down. “Mr. Stark and Mrs. Potts wish to speak with you on their floor.” You groaned.

“Is everything okay?” Peter asked. You shrugged.

“Not sure,” you sighed and stood up. “But I may need backup.” Kate chuckled, shaking her head.

“Well, let FRIDAY know, and we’ll be there.” You nodded and walked out of the training area, sketchbook tucked underneath your arm. When your mom discovered you had a drawing talent, she worried that sometimes you would get lost in the worlds you created. But the worlds you made were more manageable than the one you lived in.

_

Taglist: @likemick, @averagetmblrusser, @wandaromamoff69, @simpforyelenabelova, @cd-4848,

[harveywritings92]

[Georgia wakes up in an unknown room, the last thing she remembered was a emergency announcement from her mom's job about the sun and people becoming gelatinous globs.

Her uncle Al (Alto Clef) called them telling them stay in their house's basement until nightfall 'cos he was coming to get them.

But something strange happened when she and her adoptive mom Irma went to do as instructed a putrid smell erupted from the basement as soon as they opened the door, causing Georgia's eyes to tear up as bile began to rise from her throat.

The last thing George remembered was her mom yelling at something to stay away before everything went black.]

Georgia, getting up and Looking around: What the fuck is this??

[It looked like a empty bedroom but everything was covered in a layer dust save for the weird number of Squishmallows scattered around the room, when the teen got up from the dusty bed to look outside; she saw she was in some kind of underground cul-de-sac neighborhood.

(think the Higgs village from Fallout new Vegas)

If the steel ceiling and rafters were anything to go by; the only light source appeared to be this giant orb in the center fountain, while she was surveying her surrounding Georgia noticed a strange looking man dressed up like a plague doctor wandering around the fake street he looked up at her and waved; the teen quickly ducked out of sight.]

Georgia: This is nuts...I gotta find mom!

[She cautiously wandered around the house checking the upstairs layout, it looked a standard 3 bedroom 1 bathroom house, though wallpaper and decor tells her it hasn't been cleaned since the 80s or early 90s...even stranger the third bedroom had a hoard of brand new TVs, gaming pcs, consoles, video games and dvds laying around a stark contrast to the outdated and dust covered surroundings; like the Squishmallows, it was like someone left them there for Georgia to find...which weirded her out the more she thought about it as she kept searching the house.

The teen made her way downstairs and sighed in relief when she found her mom passed out on the couch she ran to her, shaking Irma who wasn't actually asleep just thinking as she calmly told the teen to stop.]

Georgia: Mom, where are we. what is this? I found a bunch of stuff and why aren't you freaking out?

Irma: I'm not freaking out because we're safe, this is a secret bunker created by the foundation for the o-five members and their families ...I'm one of the very few who knows about it.

Georgia: But there's a weirdo in a plague mask and-

Irma: He brought 049?!

Georgia: Who? and what's 049?

Irma: Of course just stealing toys for entertainment and sparing me to keep you compliant wouldn't be enough for him...We need the closest thing to a medical "professional" after all...

Georgia, freaked out: Who mommy?

[Georgia only calls Irma mommy when she's scared.]

Irma: Your biological father....Or rather the thing he's become.

Georgia: What?

Irma: *sighs* No point in keeping it quiet since it's the end of the world now....I've told you about your birth parents before. Robert Scranton and Anna Lang?

{Georgia nods}

Irma: Me and Clef weren't completely truthful to you about how they died, it's true that Robert died in a lab accident...or rather apart of him died; the part that made him human.

(She gave Georgia the short version of what happened and how Robert became SCP-106.)

Georgia: So that thing that appeared at my school and attacked that escaped convict?

Irma: that was him. Lately 106's usual sadistic tendencies have changed...Well, when it comes to your safety anyways, I guess your existence woke up a small bit of Robert still lingering in there.

Georgia, notices something: Mom... what happened to your arm?

[Georgia sees a black sticky tar like substance in the shape of a hand print on Irma's arm]

Irma: *Snorts* You know what a shock collar is? (Georgia nods) Well this is worse, see earlier when I tried to find the exit or a way to contact your uncle Clef and this mark started burn my skin so it's obvious 106 has no intention of letting us go...And considering what been happening outside? I think I'll take our chances down here with the plague doctor.

[Suddenly a familiar putridness emanated from the kitchen; followed by the sound of objects falling, Irma and Georgia went to investigate and saw boxes of MREs falling out of a 106 portal, the portal remained opened for few moments as the old man poked his head out to stare a Georgia for bit before disappearing again.]

[astramthetaprime]

Smoke & Mirrors

When I was eight years old, my mother started taking me to a psychologist.

Each Tuesday morning for I think a couple of years, Mom would wake me up early so I could go in to work with her instead of sauntering my way around the block to school. It was fun for me, I got to help her firm’s mailroom girl on her rounds through the partners’ offices delivering the morning’s mail or copies of the Wall Street Journal. I got to buy sausage biscuits from the food truck parked just outside the building’s front door on our way into the building. Then at some point during the morning, Mom and I would leave to go several blocks away to the psychologist’s office for my appointment.

I remember I asked Mom once why I was doing this. I distinctly remember her saying that it was because I wouldn’t keep my room clean.

I took this at face value. It seemed odd but okay, I’m going to the shrink because I wasn’t keeping my room clean.

You take a lot of things at face value when you’re a kid, especially when it comes from your parents. Mom probably could have said it was because I had green eyes and I’d have shrugged and gone with it.

And that’s how it stood, for close to fifty years. I went to a psychologist for a couple years as a kid, nothing ever came of it, and it was largely forgotten. I’ve been to a lot of other therapists since then, with no substantial results.

A few days ago in another incidence of re-processing my past and present, I finally realized what was really going on.

I was in 4th grade, that year I was eight years old. As such, I was under the care of a saintly teacher by the name of Mrs. Covington.

I remember her very vaguely as being white-haired, wearing large glasses and probably long since past retirement age. I realize now that she must have had decades of experience as an elementary school teacher and had seen probably thousands of children of all stripes. She was “oldschool” in the truest sense, with a kind and perceptive soul. What she must have seen in me was an odd little girl with an obsession for Star Wars who awkwardly tried and repeatedly failed to make friends, who was good at spelling but rarely spoke, who spent a lot of time staring out the nearest window. Mrs. Covington must have realized there was something wrong with me, but had no specific word to call it and no idea what it was.

This was 1977. We wouldn’t know the word “autism” in the United States for another seventeen years. And I wouldn’t be officially called by that word for another thirty years beyond that.

But Mrs. Covington knew there was something wrong, and that little girl desperately needed a friend. So she took another little girl in the class aside and asked her if she would make friends with the odd, quiet little girl that nobody liked.

We were best friends – she was my only friend, and became so much more, things I am still discovering – until graduation and college and the sharp words of hatred separated us twelve years later. I’ll call her here by the nickname I gave her, Ace.

What I’ve only pieced together in the last few days was that Mrs. Covington must have spoken to my mother, told her there was something wrong with me, and urged Mom to take me to be evaluated by a child psychologist. Mrs. Covington must have been the source of those Tuesday mornings when I thought I was going to a doctor because I couldn’t keep my room clean.

In actual fact, I was going because my father had developed Multiple Sclerosis, my parents had abruptly divorced so he could get financial assistance so he could get into a nursing home, I’d become a latch-key kid and beyond all that I was too quiet and too strange and could not make or keep friends.

Mrs. Covington had done God’s work, she’d seen a little girl in trouble, and alerted my Mom to get me help. Mom tried, she’d done what she thought would help. But it was the beginning of that long road of wrong answers that never satisfied the questions.

And that little girl Mrs. Covington asked to make friends with me? That’s the funny thing. She was an answer that didn’t get realized until another set of dots connected. I didn’t have the words for that either back then, I didn’t even know it was possible for two girls to be in love, I didn’t even know it could be possible until decades later. But the emotions were there long since. I loved her desperately – but in true autistic style I didn’t realize she hated me until we graduated high school together.

Sometimes I don’t see the forest for the trees.

Ever since I was diagnosed I’ve been furious that no one ever realized there was something wrong with me. But someone did. Mrs. Covington saw I was in trouble, but she had no way of knowing what it was because we didn’t have words or concepts for it yet. You can’t know what you don’t know. It wasn’t malice. It was simple lack of knowledge. Mom knew there was something wrong, but the shrink couldn’t call it anything but depression. Given what was happening to me at the time, it wasn’t even an unlikely call. But it was wrong.

It was dumb, blind luck – a random YouTube video and increasingly frantic web searches – that gave me the right answer. The real answer. The answer that finally, decisively fit.

[evita-shelby]

Odds

or a one shot where Hunger Games!Eva and Jack meet and become infatuated with each other before she wins her games

au one shot for They Didn't Know They Were Seeds

@justrainandcoffee @emotionalcadaver @peakyswritings

cw: past trauma, teenagers being teenagers, consensual kissing, implied fondling/heavy petting, mwntioned recreational weed use

The bad part of the games ---besides the whole killing kids thing--- is that sometimes the girl tributes are hot.

Like if the girl from 10 had been from his district Jack would have hit that, but she’s been reaped and will die in Laurie’s games. Hopefully Laurie won’t be the one to kill her or at least go easy on her if he has to.

“10’s a 10.” He winks for effect making his twin roll his eyes at his dumb joke.

Laurie had a girlfriend he had to be serious about when she got pregnant from their fling last year when he had been pissed about the Escort choosing Jack at the Reaping.

If Jack had known picking fights would’ve landed him as the Victor for the 60th Games, he would’ve done it all over again. In fact, he talked Laurie into getting arrested for something dumb to get picked this year.

Katie had reamed him for it thinking Laurie could lose.

If, no, when Laurie wins, they’ll be the first twins in history to win consecutive games. He and Laurie were genetically made to win games, Laurie more than him because the doctors removed every flaw their sperm donor and their mom could’ve had to craft the perfect victor.

Nothing would go wrong and sure the nightmares and the guilt are a bitch to have after, it was worth the glory you get as a Victor.

His mother as an engineer inside the Mountain made good money and they never lacked for anything except adventure thanks to her, but they are meant for more than some 9 to 5 job they’ll hate or worse as a peacekeeper in fuck knows where for the next 20 years.

Baby Gina’s grandparents refuse to let him see her thinking Laurie’s too irresponsible for their daughter, but once he wins, he can tell them to shove it.

No one says no to a Victor.

He gets the house next door, has his own fame and money and, if he wants, a Capitol girlfriend like he’s heard some victors do.

And while Laurie is paraded about and trained for the Games, Jack finds himself bored out of his fucking mind. So bored he sneaks out of his floor and explores the other ones.

Mentors are given free access to everything in the towers, he can go anywhere even the pool outside and the terrace upstairs. But Lyme’s adamant about not leaving him with Brutus and ordered him to go to 10’s floor while she and Clemens Whimsiwick ---the Escort for 10--- talk in the balcony.

It’s not so bad, the escort is the only person here ballsy enough to have weed on him. Not all escorts are part of the Whimsiwick Dairy Dynasty and friends with Snow’s own niece. Helps that weed originated in 10 and the best one is sourced from there.

Jack’s tried to quit his habit, but after his games he needed it to keep himself together.

No one tells you that after you win you get nightmares and strange triggers for the rest of your life. Jack hadn’t been able to sleep after the parade yesterday, the roaring crowds and the fireworks had him covering his ears and even given him a tremor in his sword hand.

While training with Laurie he got flashbacks to all the kids he killed and called him by the name of the kid from 7.

Clemens smoked recreationally like most Capitol citizens. Only he didn’t balk at it and didn’t mind sharing when asked like his new Escort who panicked. Great guy, very unlike his Escort, Charis.

Jack isn’t sure how to ask him, he was not his friend or any guy his age and while he wouldn’t rat him out, he’d chew him out for assuming he’d be dealing drugs because he’s black and assigned to 10. The 18-year-old had seen Clem do it to Brutus who warned Jack about him at the Parade.

If whatever he has to talk to Lyme about ends early, he might ask him. Or better yet, he could snoop around and find his stash.

“You’re on the wrong floor, bud.” The girl from 10 lounges on the couch flipping through the channels and eating popcorn with her Avox.

The Avox upon seeing they have a visitor leaves the sofa and leaves with a scared look in her face. She was from 10, the woman had the same dark hair and dark eyes and feeling everyone in their district has.

Jack wouldn’t have cared if she was breaking protocol, he’s never been like that. Granny and his mom had raised him better than that.

“I thought training was mandatory.” He threw back knowing she wouldn’t rat him out.

She was prettier up close, not even wearing makeup and had her hair up in a messy bun and she looked like the other pretty girls in his district.

“Not if you strained your ankle. Trainer said I get the day off; I’m thinking of saying it still hurts tomorrow so I can spend the rest of the week here on this couch.” The girl points at the bandaged foot propped up on pillows. “Name’s Eva, by the way.”

“Jack.” Jack knows he is Iacobus, the Golden Boy from 2, but he fucking hates his name.

Just the Capitol way of saying Jacob. It wouldn’t have killed his mom to name him fucking Jacob instead of naming him after the man who is technically his dad.

The sperm donor had been Iacobus, winner of the 12th Hunger Games who died of a brain tumor at age forty. He had been the first Career Tribute, spent his entire life training for his big moment and won with a sword just like Jack did.

And because he had been born first, Jack received his name even though Laurie was the one engineered to be the next Iacobus. Luckily, the man had a half-brother named Laurentius.

“I know, you told Ceasar to call you that in your interview last September.” The girl says as if he was some acquaintance and not the Capitol’s newest golden boy.

He had a fan club, girls who thought him hot in school but never worked the courage to ask him out or got rejected by him or that rejected him in favor of Laurie had started the first one. There were more, in the Capitol and in the career districts.

To have this girl here act like he’s just some fucking guy was interesting.

“Are you just gonna stand there until your babysitter comes back or are you gonna sit your ass down and smell the roses?” she asks, returning her attention to the television where she settles on a morning show doing a cooking segment with a recipe from her district.

“So that’s what you’re doing?” Jack takes the place beside her. “Smelling the roses?”

“I’m shit at fighting and won’t have a mentor to get me gifts, I’ll be lucky to survive the bloodbath.” she answered bluntly.

“Your mentor survived like that, running and hiding.” Jack points out. He doesn’t know if he should mention that Laurie claims she’s an expert at foraging and basic first aid.

“My brothers didn’t.” Eva looks straight ahead with a gone expression. “At least, my mamá won’t see me die, she’s dead too.”

Jack has not a fucking clue what to respond to that except with ‘sorry for your loss.’

“Laurie says you’re good with healing and foraging, if I asked him and Tullia, they could save you a spot in the career pack.” And because now he feels bad and wished shit could be different, he suggests that.

“I’d rather you didn’t, with all the attention he’s giving me at the training center it would make it worse.” Because he may have to kill me or me him, he can guess that is what she is thinking.

Why did the games have to be a fight to the death? Why did he have to make friends with people he --- and now Laurie--- have to kill?

“Some even started to call him my boyfriend.” Eva adds with embarrassment and Jack makes a face.

“He has a girl back home, and a kid, Gina.” Leave it to Laurie to romance a girl Jack found hot.

Sometimes he thought his twin did it on purpose, jealous that Jack was the one always winning first place in every contest, that he and Katie got along better, you know dumb petty normal sibling shit. Everyone always pitted them against each other no matter how close they were.

Especially the girls back home.

“Don’t worry, I don’t like him that way. I think getting romantically involved with the guy who’s most likely to kill you is probably the worst idea ever.” Her somberness leaves and she relaxed enough to joke about it.

“Please, he wouldn’t do it. Tullia would, has a crush on the two of us and designated you as enemy number one ‘cause I said you were hot when we were watching the reapings.” Jack has never cared about minding his words and now that he’s untouchable, Katie’s said he’s worse.

Eva doesn’t look at him, but her pout turns to a tiny cat-like smile as she rolls her brown eyes at his words.

“If you’re one of those girls who don’t know they’re hot, I wouldn’t buy it, Evie.” He’s studied her a little, seen the similarities between her and other girls back home and concluded that she is one of those cool chicks who have the self-esteem high enough to know they are pretty and smart but aren’t bitches about it. You know, unlike the girls who torment his sister and run his fanclub.

“First you tell me your girl tribute’s gonna kill me because the wonder twins find me hot and now, you’re giving me a nickname.” She finally turns to look at him with a playful look in her eyes.

“C’mon like every guy you’ve dated hasn’t called you that.” If he didn’t know any better, they’d gone from normal talking to half-assed flirting.

What he wouldn’t give to have met her at home. Then he’d have a chance.

“Nope, they’ve all called me Evita just like my girlfriends also have.” The dark-haired girl leans closer causing their hands to touch when they reach for the popcorn at the same time.

“You should say that in your interview, they fucking love seeing diversity or whatever they call it. Juno said she was a lesbian with a girlfriend at home and a bunch of rich lesbians sent her shit.” There’s nothing wrong with giving her pointers, he is a mentor.

“You speak nicely about the girl who tried to gut you like a fish.” The girl points out, still wary about him. That would help her, be too trusting and you’re dead in seconds.

“Wasn’t personal.” He shrugs off the nightmares he has when Juno still hunts him down in the flooded subway and wins.

She had tried to corner him, wait until he was tired from killing the others and woozy from blood loss and whatever diseases were in the bugs and swamp water, but Jack was stronger, born to kill and trained for it since he was ten.

He hadn’t wanted to, but it had to be done. As June had said as she swung the poleaxe at him, “It isn’t personal.”

“I suppose at the end of the day it isn’t.” Evie likely doesn’t mean to look at him like that, leaning on his shoulder as it sinks in how dire her situation is.

He wants to kiss her.

And he does, she doesn’t pull away or stop him as he leans down kiss her like he’d kiss a girl back home.

“Sorry, probably the last thing you wanted.” Jack pulls away even if he can tell she doesn’t want him to stop either.

“You don’t know that.” The girl says softly and this time she’s the one kissing him. It’s sad and sweet, desperate to feel anything other than dread and doom.

Neither want to stop, neither do.

By the time Clemens and Lyme returned from the balcony, they’d managed to get all the way to second base. They would’ve gone all the way had they been allowed the time, she seemed to want it as badly as he did.

For a moment they’d been two horny teenagers trying to get each other off instead of the guy who’s mentoring the person who might have to kill her.

They’d be in more trouble if it had been his escort and someone who wasn’t Lyme, but all they get is the usual scolding he’d get at home for this sort of thing. A small blessing, Jack didn’t want his mother hearing of this or being sentenced to die of boredom at 2’s floor.

But unless Lyme chains him to a chair, there was nothing going to stop him from seeing Eva again.

[roseaesynstylae]

I want to put down all the references in the Worst Generation (excluding the Straw Hats and Blackbeard) and the named members of their crews. I'm getting my information from the wiki and adding my own theories/comments where necessary. Ever since I read JoJo, I love finding references in manga.

Fire Tank Pirates

Capone Bege: His surname is obviously taken from Al Capone (whom he also shares his birthday with) and his given name is based on the English privateer William le Sauvage. Him being stated to cut animals' heads off is a nod to the horse head scene from The Godfather.

Vito: His name seems to be taken from Vito "Don Vito" Genovese, a mobster/crime boss from Al Capone's era, and the first name of Don Corleone from The Godfather.

Gotti: He seems to be named after John Gotti, a mobster who ran the Gambino crime family in the 80s (He was nicknamed 'the Telfon Don' due to him facing three trials and being acquitted every time -- the results were caused by jury tampering and witness intimidation-- before being finally sent to prison in 1992).

Chiffon: She's named after chiffon cake, which she also specializes in making.

Pez: His name is the Spanish word for fish, as well as a nod to the candy brand, keeping with the Charlotte Family naming theme.

Bonney Pirates

Jewelry Bonney: Her name is taken from the 18th-century Anne Bonney, who, like Bonney herself, was a noble turned pirate.

Hawkins Pirates

Basil Hawkins: His surname is taken from 17th-century English pirate Basil Ringosel and his given name from 16th-century pirate/privateer John Hawkins. Hawkins is also the name of the protagonist of the 1883 adventure novel Treasure Island (which had a massive impact on the depiction of pirates in popular culture) by Robert Louis Stevenson, who also wrote The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Visually, his design is based off of Joey Jordison of Slipknot.

Faust: He's named after the legendary character Faust, who sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for knowledge and worldly pleasures. The story was most famously told by 15th-century playwright Christopher Marlowe in The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus and by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Faust.

On Air Pirates

Scratchman Apoo: His surname seems to be based on the practice of "scratching" records when DJing, tying into his association with music. His first name is taken from the Qing dynasty pirate Chui A-poo.

Kid Pirates

Eustass Kid: He's named after the 13th-century pirate and mercenary Eustace the Monk and the 17th-century Scottish (which Kid would be if he existed in the real world) pirate William Kidd, who was also called "Captain."

Kid's Attacks: I decided this needed its own entry. Punk Gibson (Kid's giant arm) -- Named after the US guitar manufacturer Gibson. Punk Rotten (the giant scrap metal head and arms) -- Named after Johnny Rotten, the name John Lyndon used when he was the frontman of the influential punk band Sex Pistols. Punk Vise (Crushing a target with Punk Rotten's hands) -- As "vice" and "vise" are spelled the same way in katakana, this attack might be named after the British punk rock band Vice Squad. Punk Pistols (a harpoon gun made out of metal pieces that acts like a Gatling gun) -- Named after Sex Pistols. Punk Corna Dio (the giant bull he used to attack Big Mom) -- Corna is Italian for horns, alluding to the sign of the horns in heavy metal, while Dio references Ronnie James Dio, who was very big in that genre; no, I'm not making the obvious joke. Damned Punk (the giant railgun he used to blast Big Mom off Onigashima) -- Probably named after the British punk rock band The Damned. Punk Clash (after magnetizing someone with his Awakened Devil Fruit, they attract very large and pointy metal pieces) -- Named after the British punk band The Clash.

Killer: His laugh alludes to the song 'Psycho Killer' by the New Wave band the Talking Heads, as the chorus is the same ("fa fa fa fa fa"). The song might be the source of his name. His helmet strongly resembles that of Daft Punk member Guy-Manual de Homem-Christo.

Heat: He's likely named after the experimental rock band This Heat.

Wire: He might be named after the English rock band Wire.

Gig: In keeping with the Kid Pirates' music-related theme naming, a gig is slang for a live show.

Dive: She's likely named after stage-diving, a common practice among musicians and their fans.

UK: His name may come from the UK, where many classic punk bands originated from (ie, the Clash, Sex Pistols). Alternately, he might be named after the Sex Pistols' song 'Anarchy in the UK.'

Pomp: He's likely named after pomp rock, more commonly known as arena rock (examples of bands known for arena rock: Styx, Toto, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Boston).

Bubblegum: His name seems to be a reference to bubblegum music (rock and pop in a catchy and upbeat style marketed toward children), which influenced punk rock, new wave, and melodic metal.

Reck: He's named after the bassist of the Japanese punk rock band Friction.

House: She's named after the electronic music subgenre house music.

Boogie: He's probably named after the electronic club music subgenre called boogie.

Mosh: He's likely named after moshing, a rather violent form of dancing. Appropriate for a member of a crew known for their violence.

Hip: She's named after hip-hop.

Papas: He's named after the folk rock group The Mamas & the Papas, the indie rock band Papas Fritas, or both.

Jaguar: He's likely named after the Fender Jaguar electric guitar. Alternately, his name could come from Mick Jagger's last name, as "Jagger" and "Jaguar" are spelled the same way in katakana.

Quincy: Her name likely comes from the producer and musician Quincy Jones, who produced Michael Jackson's albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, and has 80 Grammy Award nominations and 28 Grammys.

Hop: She's named after hip-hop.

Compo: He might be named after an abbreviation of 'musical composition.'

Disc J: His name pretty clearly comes from disc jockey, more commonly known as DJ.

Fallen Monk Pirates

Urouge: He's named after the 16th-century Ottoman Pirate Oruc Reis. He seems to be based off of Grigori Rasputin, who needs no introduction, and/or Ji Gong, a Chinese monk known for having supernatural abilities, behaving bizarrely, and not following Buddhist monastic rules. Interestingly, both these figures have movies (Rasputin the Mad Monk, a 1966 Hammer horror film starring Christopher Lee as the titular character, and the 1993 Hong Kong film The Mad Monk) that might have inspired his epithet.

Drake Pirates

X Drake: Drake is sometimes synonymous with dragon, especially in Middle English; appropriate, given that dinosaur bones likely inspired legends of dragons. His name is also taken from 16th-century pirate and adventurer Francis Drake. Random (but likely not a deliberate reference) fact: He shares his birthday with the singer/rapper Drake.

Heart Pirates

Trafalgar D. Water Law: His surname is taken from Cape Trafalgar in the south of Spain, which was the site of a battle between the British and French/Spanish fleets which famously killed Lord Nelson. His name is taken from 18th-century pirate Edward Low, who was notorious for violently torturing his victims before killing them, which may have inspired Law's own reputation for cruelty.

Bepo: He might be named after Lord Byron's poem 'Beppo.' He's also likely named after bear, polar.

Shachi: His name is the Japanese word for killer whale, which makes his friendship with Penguin (who's named after killer whales' preferred food) kind of funny.

Jean Bart: His name comes from the 16th-century French privateer Jean Bart.

Ikkaku: Her name means 'narwhal' in Japanese.

Uni: His name comes from the Japanese word for sea urchin.

Clione: 'Clione' is the Latin name for sea angels.

Hakugan: His name means 'snow goose' in Japanese.

[leaderpinhead]

Najma - Urban Legends

Day 31 of Fluffcember 2024 Prompt: Fireworks (Fluffcember) Rating: Teen Characters: Najma, OC Pairings: Najma/OC Notes: This is a sequel to another prompt I previously wrote for TwstOber (A Game of Stubborn Resolve). Emir is an OC I created who is Kalim's older cousin.

Everyone in the Scalding Sands knew the story behind Al’ab Nariya. Humble guy meets princess, star-crossed love drama ensues, ends with a whole bang of fireworks—a story old as time, yada yada yada. The kind of stuff Najma’s mom used to tell her and Jamil as a bedtime story. 

What girls Najma’s age really cared about was the urban legend. Najma listened to some of the giggling girls who passed her while she waited for her friends. Their faces looked flushed even in the encroaching darkness of the evening. One girl proclaimed, “I’ll pretend to trip so he’ll catch me in his arms, and then we’ll lean closer, and closer, and closer! Until we kiss under the last firework!” 

Najma shook her head. Yep—stereotypical teen urban legend. A kiss under the last round of fireworks at the Firework Fest basically guaranteed True Love for the rest of your life. The moment had to be just right, which gave more credit to the legend. Kiss too soon, and you and your True Love will bicker until the end of time. Kiss too late, and your True Love will never find you. 

Najma didn’t need her brother’s incredulous huffing to find the myth obnoxiously shallow. Her friends bought into the craze though, which was why they had left Najma high-and-dry right before the final show. The ones who were dating would stick by their partner’s side for the rest of the night; the others would come trickling back to their spot on the Stone Steps when they didn’t find their crushes in the crowd. Najma was fine with that. It gave her the chance to eat her pineapple and melon shish kebab instead of getting caught up in conversation and forgetting it altogether. 

She chewed a slice of melon and continued crowd watching while she waited. There were a lot of groups crowding the lower section of the steps. The tents on the top step were swiftly becoming the only source of light in the area thanks to the lanterns hanging from the tent poles. Najma easily found the tent her brother and his friends occupied. 

Kalim happily danced with Cater as they waited, Trey awkwardly pretending he couldn’t keep up with their quick movements. Malleus stood off to the side with his chin angled back to watch the sky. Najma almost didn’t see Grim on Malleus’s shoulder, but the blue fire of his ears made him stand out against the sky’s dark backdrop when Malleus shifted his stance. Her eyes flicked over the group several times, and she wondered where her brother and the prefect could be. Jamil wasn’t usually too far from Kalim’s side. 

Her view was suddenly blocked by a body stepping in front of her. She pulled a slice of pineapple from her fruit kebab and popped it into her mouth. She glanced up at the sky. Surely it was dark enough to start the fireworks show? 

“Are you planning to ignore me for the remainder of the festival?” 

Najma thoroughly chewed the fruit. How odd—she could’ve sworn she heard the high-pitched whistle of a firework. Must have been the wind. 

“You know talking to your imaginary friends stops being cute when you graduate grade school, right?” 

Strange—the whistling kept going, but the fireworks show still hadn’t started. Maybe she should get her mom to schedule a doctor’s appointment to test her hearing. She could have developed tinnitus. 

“That’s a big word for you. Maybe I should let you continue ranting to the sky. Your vocabulary drastically improves.” 

Najma sighed and lowered her gaze to the boy in front of her. The Yasamina silk covering Emir’s head didn’t hide his smug smirk. The smug smirk she thought she left behind in the Camel Bazaar earlier. “This is the third time I’ve had to look at your face today. That’s three times too many for my taste.” 

Emir had the audacity to chuckle. Like she was joking. She wasn’t. It still didn’t stop him from leaning against the wall next to her. Looking like a darker, more mysterious version of Kalim. Najma thought it was entirely unfair Emir had to be the cool Asim. 

Not that she would ever tell him that. His head was already too big. As big as those gaudy golden earrings he insisted on wearing. 

“Where are your friends?” Emir asked. He pulled back a section of his scarf just to toy with a loose strand of his dark hair. “Or were those the imaginary friends you were just talking to?” 

Najma rolled her eyes. “They’ll be back soon. They’re just...preparing for the show.” 

“Preparing,” Emir repeated. Najma scowled when he stole a slice of melon from her fruit kebab. “I remember all the preparing teenage girls do for this festival.” 

Najma bit the inside of her cheek. Of course, he would be one of the boys the girls flocked to. Even if he had the personality of a wet handkerchief, Emir was rich and not so bad looking. 

Not that she would tell him that. 

“What about you?” Emir continued. He nodded towards the tent where Kalim and Cater were getting really enthusiastic with their dancing. “Not planning to stage your own True Love kiss?” 

Najma snorted. “You mean the entrapment kiss? Not interested.” 

“You’re such a romantic, Starry.” Emir grinned at the quick glare she shot him. He twirled his hair around his finger. “I suppose that’s the Viper coming out of you. Putting on the act to fool yourself as much as everyone else.” 

Najma shoved the last piece of pineapple into her mouth to stop her automatic response. She liked to see herself as an easy going person (especially when compared to her brother), but something about Emir always set her off. Maybe it was a vibe she had picked up from her brother, who also extremely disliked Emir. Maybe it was trauma from Emir sticking sand geckos down her dress as children. 

Whatever it was, Najma always found herself being contrary to every little thing Emir said or did. And despite her pineapple distraction, she still had to argue with him. “If True Love really exists, then I don’t need a questionable urban legend to find it. The Princess of the Sands didn’t find her prince because the Genie of the Lamp shot off some fireworks. She went out there and found her True Love herself!” 

Emir stopped twirling his hair and looked mildly shocked by her outburst. Fortunately, the first real whistle of the fireworks prevented him from arguing with her more. Najma decided to fully ignore him and searched for her friends in the crowd of faces lit up by the colorful sparks. She spotted one of her friends a few steps down from them and waved. Her friend waved back and beckoned Najma to join her. 

Emir tugging the sleeve of her jacket stopped her. Najma turned back to him as the next round of fireworks exploded against the sky. “Wha...” 

She didn’t expect him to lean down and quickly press a kiss against the corner of her mouth. Najma choked on her surprise and jerked away from him. She scrambled to find the right words to yell at him, but all she could manage was, “You’ve doomed us to bicker until the end of time!” 

Emir smirked and gave her a cheeky wink. “What was that about no believing urban legends? Besides, the bickering is half the fun.” 

Najma sputtered, but Emir vanished into the crowd before her scrambled thoughts could form a valid response. She could barely hear the fireworks exploding through the loud thudding in her ears. She remained frozen in place until her friend shook her out of her shock. “Najma! Why did you ignore me?” 

Najma stuttered out an apology and joined her friend in watching the fireworks show, pretending she didn’t occasionally search the crowd for a blue Yasamina silk scarf. 

[jasminegazer]

I was just thinking about the amazing girls and women that the Tmnt franchise has produced over the years. But then I realized how the younger generation doesn’t really have that in Tmnt mutant mayhem (yet we are still waiting on Tales of the Tmnt). So I thoughts of a plot-lines for my four favorites in the mutant mayhem series.

Venus de Milo/Mei Pieh chi: Venus was born alongside her siblings in a pet shop. But when someone tried to take them home, they tripped on the sidewalk and accidentally dropped the baby turtles into the sewer. When splinter found them, they had been living in the sewer for about a day and the ooze can had been dropped onto them just a few minutes before. As splinter was loading the coffee holder he used to transport them in Venus slipped away from his sight and into the depths of the sewer. There she was mutated into a baby alone in a cold sewer tunnel and as babies did when they were scared started crying. That’s when a little girl who was wandering nearby heard her and came to the rescue. That little girl was Lotus. She had been left in the care of Dr Rockwell while her mother, Big Mama, was busy with “important business attributes”. Lotus brought Vee to Rockwell who continued to use her for experimentation and even though he hated to admit it to take care of her. Eventually big mama whisked Venus away after banishing the doctor from New York. Venus continued to live under the “care” of Big Mama constantly trying to make deals to protect her from going into the battle nexus. (To be clear big mama did not like Venus one bit. She (as far as big mama knows) was the mutation of one of her arch enemies. She constantly reminded her that she was a mistake and abused her for making mistakes such as asking for food or calling Big mama her mom instead of her aunt.)One of these deals was to go on a scouting trip with her sister for TCRI trying to find the turtle brothers. But she was never told that was who they were looking for. Long story short Venus finds them before the foot and disses her responsibilities to hang with them. Eventually lotus finds out what Venus is doing and is not happy about it. Venus has an excess of chi in her. Chi is the life source that fills most yokai but very few have excess too it and even rarer few can make it visible like the fire Venus creates. Although this usually only come in outbursts of emotion she eventually learns how to control it.(But not until a while after she meets the boys and splinter)

Lotus: Lotus is the biological daughter of Big Mama. Though she was originally a mistake due to her mothers many affairs, she was raised to know that only perfection is except able. In her early life her mother ignored her and she would usually be dropped off at her “uncle” Dr Rockwell’s lab/home for months on end. That is how she met Venus and brought her to Dr Rockwell. When she and Ve were about 8 or 9 and 10 or 11 years old Big Mama had his lab burned to the ground and started to raise Lotus to be as ruthless and perfect as her. She also made deals with her mother (unbeknownst to Venus) to protect her little sister from being exterminated or put into the nexus permanently. When she found out that her mother was working with TCRI she offered her skills to help seeing this as a perfect opportunity for bargaining chips and leverage when making deals. Eventually her sister Venus found a way to persuade Big mama into letting her help too. After week or two of working with the foot and TCRI soldiers and Venus acting super strange she found out her sister ditched responsibility for hanging out and befriending the enemy (aka Leo Raph Donnie and Mikey).

Big Mama: Big Mama is a spider yokai called a jorogumo. Although these creatures appear as flawlessly beautiful women they possess the same strength and brutality as a tarantula and the ruthlessness and deadliness of a black widow. She started up her hotel for all yokai kind with its own battle arena known as the Nexus. She is known as 2nd deadliest crime boss only in comparison to the Shredder. Although she can be frivolous she is also manipulative and very strategic. Every move is thought through carefully based on how harmful it is only to her opponents. She even does the same thing to her own family. Dr Rockwell was one of her past fiancée’s brothers and worked with resources that were funded by her. But when she asked if for the warriors that he promised were being made for the nexus, failed to comply. He argued that these were living beings and still infants at the time whom he would not allow to go into her brutal war games. Enraged by this action against her name she had his laboratory burned with him and most of the embryo and infant mutants still inside. When her daughter Lotus started to fuss, Big Mama told her if she would stop her useless crying then she save Venus and let them both live. Big Mama spent the rest of her life from that day forward mastering her skill of bending people to her will by practicing on and manipulating her daughter and unwanted niece.

Lita May: During the time that Venus spent growing up with Dr Rockwell he spent much of his time taking blood tests so he could use her ooze to create warriors for Big mamas battle nexus as promised for the funding of his research. One day Venus asked why they followed this same routine everyday. Rockwell told her it was because he was making more mutants just like her. Venus said that she always wanted a family like the ones on the tv. Rockwell felt pitiful for the toddler so he created an entire batch of clones that could be Venus’s baby siblings. And that is how Lita was made. Even though she was albino and premature she was the oldest and only survivor of the clone batch. She was ready to be taken out of her tube the day before big mamas attack. Both Dr Rockwell and Venus spent their first hours with Lita and last hours before the attack taking care of her and loving her like any family loving its new member. After big mama took Venus away she snuck Lita into an old forgotten attic of the hotel and raised her from there. Even though she didn’t have much Lita had her older sisters love and a happy childhood compared to what Venus had to endure. They made the most of what they had and loved each other. When the boys met her, she was a little shy and shocked at first but immediately started to warm up to them. Lita is a trans girl and feels very uncomfortable when being referred to as a boy or Venus’s brother. Venus gets very defensive when someone does this to her knowing that it is one of the only peace’s of freedom Lita will ever have: To choose what she wants to be.

[k-howlett]

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Fanfic Enthusiast

⊹₊⟡⋆ ⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆♱⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺ ⊹₊⟡⋆

Name: Lark | Karot | Mav

Pronouns: she/her

Age: 21.

Prompt/Character Requests: Open (ask submissions)

*please note; not all story requests can be fulfilled but there will be updates on how many slots I can take at a time located on the Status Page (Here) as well as the schedule for the month

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Rules:

(Reposts) when reposting please give credit, especially if its being put on a masterlist of sorts

(//Tag lists) please see below information on how I run tag lists, do not flood my asks with taglist questions please and thank you! <3

(Characters) All Characters are based off of a multitude of sources, therefore they could seem OOC, but I try to operate based on how I think a character is at their core breakdown (Will release a personal analysis of each character I write for and why I write them the way I do as a part of the CHARACTER tag list) (This will make more sense when my blog has more fanfics to build into a masterlist)

(Prompts) I'd love to be nominated for challenges and such during the holidays! I love detailed prompt requests, however, smutt is a whole other beast of literature and requires gender specific pronouns. I can write implied scenes for general audience, but for more intricate pieces, I am completely limited to my own anatomy and what I understand the human body to operate as; therefore I will have to ask that you keep your prompts GA if you are looking for neutral terms. I also will NOT write incest! This rule is bent a little bit, as I will do adjacent non-blood related sibling dynamics (example: their mom marries your dad). I will NOT stray from character integrity, meaning if you request a prompt that doesn't align with the character (loyal character!xcheating prompt) I will not grant the request because I believe it is not true to their nature.

Please just be mindful and respectful in understanding some of my work may have themes (example: age-gaps) that are a way for me to work through some trauma I have and may not necessarily align with what you're comfortable with. All my works will have a rating system and trigger warnings to accommodate.

(Mutuals) I would love to be friends with you guys! I do have a discord, I will only give it out once the friendship is established and I will keep my other socials private as I have little siblings on those platforms

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//Tag List CHARACTER Request Masterlist: Coming Soon

This functions SEPARATELY from story tag lists, where you would be getting tagged purely for that specific fanfic until it is completed

*Note that character tag lists will be released when fanfics correlating to the character are posted

Example: (for characters with more than one series, one shot, or headcannon) A post will be made and you can request from that page (comments) to be put on the CHARACTER TAG LIST which includes all future works for that specific character until removal request (PM or Ask)

//Tag List STORY Requests are fulfilled within comment sections of ongoing stories (not available for one-shots or headcannons)

Status Page for current stories: link at top*

all completed works will be available on the masterlists (coming soon)

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Characters I Write For:

*please note this is based off of characters I know in depth enough to be able to write for, not necessarily a reflection on my favourite characters

⊹₊⟡⋆DC⊹₊⟡⋆

(Batfam)

Batman | Bruce Wayne

Catwoman | Selina Kyle

Nightwing | Robin | Dick Grayson

Red Hood | Jason Todd

Red Robin | Tim Drake

Robin | Batman | Damian Wayne

⊹₊⟡⋆Harry Potter⊹₊⟡⋆

(original series)

Hermione Granger

Draco Malfoy

Lucius Malfoy

Severus Snape

⊹₊⟡⋆Marvel⊹₊⟡⋆

(Assorted)

Doctor Strange | Stephen Strange

Loki Laufeyson (Pre-TV Show)

Spider-Man 2099 | Miguel O'hara

Venom | Riot | Symbiote Host Reader

Wolverine | James Logan Howlett

⊹₊⟡⋆Miscellaneous⊹₊⟡⋆

(Assorted)

Carlisle Cullen (Twilight)

Coriolanus Snow (Hunger Games)

Christopher Wilde (Starstruck (2010))

Dean Winchester (Supernatural)

Hunter (Owl House)

Kylo Ren / Ben Solo (Star Wars)

Sherlock Holmes (BBC Version)

Temperance Brennan (Bones)

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Additional Information:

yes platonic and romantic pairings

I write:

Smutt WITH PLOT (female reader only) 🫧

Songfic🎵

fluff ☁️

hurt/comfort ☔️

angst 🌧️

angst with a happy ending 🌦️

gender nonspecific AND gender specific labels

GN! <gender neutral reader>, MLM<men love men>, WLW<women love women>, FW! <for women>, FM! <for men>

no gender bent characters

I DO NOT do ship pairings (this is an xreader focused blog)

Master Lists: coming soon

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[jung-koook]

https://www.tumblr.com/jung-koook/731568319680954368/im-curious-to-know-how-you-look-sky-if-youre?source=share&ref=_tumblr Hmm 🤔 is there any celebrity that look like you? You have piercings right? What piercings do you have? Do you have tattoos? What is your body type... Do you use braces/glasses... Your a sportive person, right? ☺️ I remember you saying that you live in Japan but your parents aren't Japanese (I don't know if I remember it correctly)... Well, you can describe your appearance as much as you want! 😁

lmaoooo you are really curious lkaslkaslks i'm dying 😭 I'm mixed but most people always ask me if I'm from philippines and the funny thing is that neither of my parents were born there. my mom was born in malaysia and my dad was born in china, but they both went to live in england and it was there that they met. this is random but my parents' english is perfect compared to mine. I have lobe piercings, a conch piercing, a daith and helix piercing, I have a nose piercing and a septum piercing. and the most recent one, lip piercing~ I only have one tattoo for now~ my body type is hourglass, for a long time I didn't think my body was beautiful but now that I'm at the gym things are changing. I wear glasses now because apparently my doctor said that my eyes are very sensitive to light because I really like being in the dark e_e. my glasses are those glasses to protect from the light of the pc and phone and that the lenses darken when in the sun. I'm not much into sports but I pretend I like it so I can spend more time with my dad 😂 but I've been doing boxing as cardio for the gym. my parents are not that type of people who are connected to their past, cultures, traditions and things like that, that's why my name is sky. for a long time I always felt strange because I thought I didn't belong anywhere. I always feel very different from other people. even my friends from other countries had this connection with the country they were born in. however, my parents aren't like that and it was a bit tough for me when I was a teenager. but my parents have a hippie side lmao and they have this thing about living how they want to live without anyone telling them what they should or shouldn't do or should or shouldn't believe. they are very "nature this and that" and these things. my dad is still very controlling dad but at the same time he is very open minded he doesn't have any kind of prejudice in him or anything like that and I love that about him.

[toichinagae]

ANIMERICA EXTRA - December 2003 Issue YASHA Feature!

There were many other YASHA features during the short runtime of the ANIMERICA EXTRA Magazine Viz Media had published, and I hope to post them when I am able! This post will be updated later with links to the original sources I had gotten these images from once I have properly archived them. For now— here is a transcription below the image!

YASHA

A look at Japan's most popular manga…

YASHA is arguably Akimi Yoshida's most popular series after BANANA FISH. Although it possesses all the complexity, intrigue, and good looks of its predecessor, YASHA's setting, context and lead character are completely different. While both leads have tragic pasts, Sei is no punk from urban America's backstreets—he's a privileged wunderkind working at a fancy biotech company in affluent suburbia.

A blond boy getting an MRl is treated kindly by the doctor. The boy is Sei, and his mother tells him not to leave the hospital alone or talk to strangers while she consults with the doctor. "We're poor." Sei scoffs, "No one would kidnap me." For as long as he can remember, Sei and his mom traveled to this Tokyo hospital for an exam every six months.

Back in Okinawa, Sei's best friend is Toichi Nagae. Unfortunately for the boys, Toichi's brother has been accepted into a Tokyo college, and the family will be moving there soon. Maybe it won't so bad—Sei can visit his uncle there, and the boys can finally go to Disneyland together!

Before the Nagaes leave, they attend their town's summer festival. The fun is cut short when the boys return to Sei's home to find his mother being held captive by men in suits and sunglasses. Sei allows the men to take him if they'll let Toichi go. In a desperate attempt to free her son, Sei's mother grabs a thug's gun and aims at the man in charge. She's shot down in front of Sei's eyes. The fleeing Toichi finds his brother and drags him back to Sei's house, but by then, It's a desserted mess. Only they observe the huge helicopter leaving the island; only they know Sei has been kidnapped.

Six years later. Sei has survived grad school without getting tainted by its posturing and politics. There's an opening for a virus specialist in Japan, and Sei's mentor at Neo Genesis suggests, despite the danger of going back, perhaps Sei should return to Japan while he has the chance.

In the meantime. Toichi has become a fairly normal high-school senior living with his brother who always works late at his lab. Naturally, It's the same lab as the one where Sei's going to work! Soon Sei and Toichi are reunited, but the situation in far from normal. First there's Sei's pair of bodyguards. Then thugs hired by Neo Genesis' rival attack the clinic Sei's uncle manages. Sei's cool look and attitude are also different, and his uncanny senses as a child have been honed to ultra-human capacities. Plus, people keep mistaking Sei for a guy named Rin and a woman named Shizuka!

It turns out Rin is Sei's previously unknown twin brother, and their meeting is a strange one. Initially emotionless, Rin suddenly turns on the charm, acting like a long-lost sibling happy to see his big brother. From the start, Toichi doesn't trust Rin, making it difficult to talk to Sei about him. That Rin's last name is the same as that of the man who kidnapped Sei all those years ago further complicates the situation.

"Yasha" means "female demon." Along the way to discovering the title's connection to the story, there's plenty of action, emotion and intrigue. Sei's tangled personal life meshes together with a scheme by powerful men to develop a deadly virus, all plot elements combine to create a highly engaging series. If you like complex stories with plenty of appealing guys, try YASHA, Sei makes being smart cool.

[moomitheartist]

-A Twisted Smile- Pt. 2 (Final)

"No, you don't-!" Liu couldn't let his brother escape into the forest; the absolute abundance of any light source would make in all too easy for Jeff to lose him. There was no way he'd ever let him disappear again. He sprang forward and pulled the pale individual down to the snow, holding on tightly; he made sure to keep a firm grip on his arms and sat on his legs to prevent him from kicking. "Get fucking off of me!"

The madly struggling boy seemed like a rabid animal in that moment. Liu had to keep his upper body out of the way of the psychotic lunatic in order to avoid having a chunk bitten out of his neck. He stared with shock at the madman that was once his sibling, squirming and screaming nonsense at him with purely deranged eyes. Why did this have to happen to him? "Jeff, stop," he whispered, aghast.

"DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME! GET OFF ME, GET OFF, GET OFF! I'M GONNA KILL YOU, JUST WAIT! I'M GONNA FINISH YOU OFF THIS TIME, I'LL GUT YOU AND SHOVE YOUR ORGANS INTO YOUR FILTHY FUCKING MOUTH-" "Shut up!  What the hell is wrong with you?! What is wrong with you?!" He began to cry once again in shock. He never, ever would have said something like that. Never.

"Yeah, that's right. Cry. I hope you rot in fucking hell. Just fucking kill yourself," he spat out, starting to laugh hysterically at the look in the other boy's eyes. His grip slackened noticeably- each word felt like a sword stabbing him through his heart; the captured boy took this as a sign to keep speaking. "I hate you. I never loved you, but of course your idiotic self couldn't see that. I always hated how mom and dad cared about you more than they ever did about me. I fucking hate how you helped me with homework whenever I slept through class. And I hate how you held my hand when we waited at the bus stop, which we always almost missed because I slept in every damn morning."

There was something warm and wet dripping down his cheeks, it tasted... salty. What was it? Was it... tears? No, no, not his- it must have been from the other boy, dripping onto his face. Right? "I hate you for bailing me out of detention countless times, and how you tried to keep me from beating the shit out of Randy and the other kids. How you took the blame when those fucking cops showed up to take me away, the way you slept by my hospital bed when our parents went home for the night.

"I hate how you stayed in my room with me when I was holed up in there, rambling nonsense, and stayed throughout the entire night when I refused to sleep. I fucking hate you so much, Liu, I hate you and everything you ever did for me! You hear me?! I hate you! " The brown-haired boy suppressed a sob and yanked the knife away from Jeff. With a severely shaking hand, he raised it up high, right over the other's heart. Even though his arm was now released, the killer did nothing, letting it rest limply in the freezing, soft ground.

He stared emptily right into Liu's manic eyes and stayed perfectly still, almost as if he was nudging him to simply finish it off. The blade shook so terribly that it nearly slipped out of his cold and sweaty palm, but he managed to keep hold of it. "Hey, Jeff. You ok?" An older boy entered the room after a curt knock. "You haven't come out of your room for the entire day." A bandaged boy whose skin was burnt into a ghostly white and had black-singed hair that use to be a coppery-tawny brown turned around on his bed to face the door. His eyes had a flat look to them; nothing like how they were, previously flaming with a certain intensity and anger. "What are you looking at," Jeff asked in a strange, monotonous voice, his face devoid of emotion.

"U-um... nothing. What do you mean?" "...it's my face, isn't it? Don't pretend." This caught his brother by surprise, and he struggled to respond without setting him off. He understood that the painkillers the doctor prescribed had... strange effects on his mental state. "I know. It's fucking beautiful," he suddenly finished, cracking a grin. Liu just then saw the hand mirror that was in Jeff's grip. "It's perfect, I never realized how much I needed this... I should've lit myself on fire before this." He laughed frantically for a moment as the other stood frozen, then went back to studying himself in the mirror some more. "Uh... yeah. So, do you need anything?" He was met with silence.

"Ok.... call me if you change your mind." Before he exited the sterile-scented room, he hesitated. "On second thought, I'll stay with you, Jeff. Is that ok?" A noise of indifference came from the transfixed boy. Liu closed the door and sat next to his brother on the messy bed, occasionally glancing at him just to see Jeff's gaze never leaving the reflective surface. "So, do you wanna play a game?" "No." "Anything you'd like to talk about? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

Surprisingly, the wounded adolescent set down the mirror and scooted closer to his sibling, then leaned onto his shoulder. "...is there something wrong with me? I feel weird... am I bad?" "No, God no, Jeff. You're perfectly fine, the medicine you're on is just making you feel a little funny. You're a good person, never tell yourself otherwise. I love you, ok?" Jeff glanced up at Liu, who put an arm around his shoulders comfortingly. "Don't be scared of me. I don't want that. I'd never hurt you."

This unnerving sentence sent slight shivers down his spine as he looked deep into his brother's eyes. He saw nothing but desperation in the icy-blue gaze. "I know," he responded quietly. However, he had a strange feeling in his stomach that he simply couldn't explain. They sat like that, warmed by each other's bodies until Margaret Woods, their mother, opened the door to her youngest son's room. "Liu, are you ready to leave to church? Oh, honey, how are you feeling?" She addressed Jeff with concern in her voice.

When he just kept staring at her, she sighed. "I can't wait until you're done with those damn pills... Liu, be ready in ten minutes." She shut the door behind her and the two boys heard her begin to trudge down the long flight of stairs. "I don't want to leave, but you know how she gets. I'm really sorry, I promise it'll be quick. Is it ok if I go?" "Fine. Bring in my medicine."

Liu smiled at his brother and stood up. "Just a second." After a couple moments, Margaret and Liu left for their prayer, leaving Jeff alone with their father, Peter. The man came in to check on him every twenty minutes or so, always to find him staring at the wall and muttering to himself. "Son, want me to get you anything?" "...not bad, not crazy, fine, fine, fine, just fine..." This worried and, quite frankly, scared Mr. Woods even though he knew that the behavior was expected due to the strong painkillers that he was to take every five hours.

Both of their parents were glad that Liu was the one who remained with his brother constantly, unhesitantly rushing to bring him anything that was needed and providing him with the company that he clearly required. Mrs. Woods checked up on them that night to see the older boy with his arms wrapped around Jeff, deep asleep while the other just looked up at the ceiling. The dark circles that lines his eyes were concerningly pronounced.

This simply added to his already ghost-like appearance; one time she woke up in the middle of the night and wandered of the dark room to get a glass of water, only to see the pale boy standing motionless in the hallway, glaring at something in the void of black. This nearly gave her a heart attack but before she could say anything, her older son, who looked utterly sleep deprived, took Jeff by the hand and led him back into his room.

Margaret could see the caring and love that Liu harbored for his brother at its strongest in that moment of the night's late hour; how he stayed up as long as needed to make sure that the boy didn't accidentally hurt himself. During the daytime, she could see the loss of alertness in his usually attentive green eyes due to the late nights he stayed up. He cares so, so much.

  The weapon remained suspended and frozen in mid air, hovering over its target. Words were not spoken, the only sound was quiet sobbing. Liu's tears flowed like little rivers from his eyes and fell onto the bloody hoodie of his unresponsive sibling. "Goodbye, brother," he finally uttered. Jeff didn't move an inch as the knife was bought down... Suddenly, a black tentacle ripped away the knife away from the boy, and knocked him off of the murderer. Another smokey, dark member shot out from the shadows of the forest and pulled Jeff up, towards the entrance.

Liu covered his mouth and held back a scream as an inhumanly tall, thin creature that was devoid of features on its white face stepped out from the darkness. It wore a black suit with a red tie and had abnormally long limbs, as well as eight of these dark tentacles protruding from his back- one of which held Jeff a couple feet off the ground. It seemed that the boy had finally snapped out of his deep trance and appeared to see the creature for the first time. "W-what the fuck are you?" Liu asked in horror, scrambling backwards as it began to slowly walk forward. It gently set the suspended individual to the ground, then proceeded to stretch out his arms towards the fearful male; they grew longer than any human's could, or any creature that walked this planet for that matter.

Before he could stand up and run, Liu felt strange... frozen. He fell into a hypnotized state, unable to budge. The boy gaped, and the demonic creature neared him until it finally towered right above him. A dark tendril slipped around his waist and bought him up until he was inches away from its face- or, that is, its lack of a face. The brunette couldn't even make a single whimper, utterly incapable to move in any way. "You will soon come to regret your choice of attempting to murder an important asset of mine, Liu Woods."

The creature had a silky, tranquil voice that had a sort of echo and resonance to it. Just as those words were uttered, the boy was able to move again. "Put me down," he screamed, desperately trying to free himself of the member's steel grip. How did it even know his name? It began walking back towards the forest and Jeff. He glared up at the being, a hand over the stab in his shoulder. His gaze then turned to his older brother, where an unidentified emotion took the place of anger.

"Go on, Jeffrey. Return to the manor, you're in desperate need of some warmth." A tentacle tossed his knife back to him, and he caught it wordlessly. "Try not to lose it again-" A black tendril suddenly fell to the floor, writhing and squirming. Some sort of dark gray liquid began spreading out within the frosty snow, encircling the now motionless limb. The same fluid that had spurted out of the black thing coated Jeff's knife, splattered all the way up to the handle. Liu fell to the cushioned ground as the tentacle that held him was sliced clean off.

The tall creature looked at the dark-haired male, unreadable as ever. "Why?" It asked simply with a patient tone. "Don't touch him." The green-eyed boy stared at the two beings, astonished. How did this demonic entity know his brother? How was Jeff its... asset? "Hm. You do realize that if it were not for me, your heart would be impaled with the very weapon that you were careless enough to lose? Perhaps you forget that your brother would gladly kill you without hesitation. Jeffrey, he does not love you anymore. The caring, sweet boy you used to know wants your head and will do whatever it takes to ensure that he gets it."

A shadow covered the upper half of Jeff's face. "We're your family now. Allow me to get rid of him, and you can live your life with newly found peace." Lies. Every single word that evil being spoke was woven on lies, twisting up and stretching out everything it spoke of. "I know," he monotoned. "Don't listen to him!" He turned in surprise and looked at Liu, who had just shouted in fury. "It's his fault that you became like this, he's manipulating you! Damn it Jeff, how can't you see-"

A tendril covered his mouth to silence him, and his hands flew up to yank it off with no avail. "Clearly, he's attempting to brainwash you into trusting him again just so he can stab you in the back. Tell me, who do you trust more? Who will you choose?" His brother, who took care of him for his entire life, who had just tried to end his life? Or Slenderman, an entity of unknown origin, who took him in after finding him walking around the forest in a daze and covered in blood? Family, or caregiver?

The pressure of the nearly impossible decision sent chills of panic down Jeff's spine. How could he ever choose? "I... choose..." Liu studied his face intensly in apprehension, praying that he would be able to get his brother back from this... monster. One answer was all it took. "You." His heart dropped. If the creature had a mouth, he knew it would be grinning. "That was the right choice to make. I'm proud of you."

The lunatic displayed no emotion. He looked utterly empty. He felt empty. The boy he had known for the sixteen years he had been alive was gone. "There's no need for you to watch. Go home and patch yourself up; I'll join you shortly after I finish." Finish. Finish. Finish. Finish. Finish killing his older brother. Ripping his limbs off one by one and impaling his torso through the sharp, frosted branch of a tree. Leaving his intestines to be devoured by hungry wolves and his eyes to be pecked out and eaten by the birds. By the time morning comes, his body will be nothing but a raw, bloody, stringy carcass. Oh, well. He had made his decision. No going back now. It was time to go home.

He turned around without a second glance at his numb and hollow twin. There were no longer tears in Liu's eyes. There wasn't a point anymore. His little brother was gone, and with him his soul and will to live. Death would bring him peace. It would make him forget; he could finally rest and leave this horrible, treacherous place. Goodbye, Jeff. Live. ~ The trek through the silent forest passed in a messy blur. The moonlight filtered through the many winding, twisting branches and trunks of the naked trees and forced the shifting shadows of the night to move aside. The mansion manifested eventually, reflecting the silver lighting and appearing to be surrounded by a fuzzy haze. A large, long and moss-covered victorian mansion that was coated with fog stood in the very middle of the deep, seemingly endless woods. Bushes and weeping willows swayed in the breeze and a spiked metal fence that encircled the vast building with multiple floors creaked.

Jeff walked into the gate aimlessly, which pushed its creaking door open and slammed shut behind him. He ascended the wooden steps that led up to the porch and entered through the intricately decorated, wide oak door that had ivy growing up its sides. A blast of warm and earth-scented air immediately enveloped Jeff as he stepped inside and shut the door behind him. After walking for some time down a dimly lit, lengthy corridor he came across the nearest living room of the lower level; Ben, Sally, Toby, Jack, and Smile Dog were all sitting around within the chamber that danced with the light of flickering flames.

The heat that emanated from there also signaled that the fireplace was lit. "Hey, he's finally back," the young girl exclaimed after glancing at the passing figure. "Where's Mr. Slender? He went out looking for you some time ago." The question evaporated before it could reach Jeff's ears. The words they exchanged with each other sounded muffled, as if they were underwater. "What's wrong with him?" "Look, he's injured." "Why d-does he look s-s-so weird?" "Ruff!"

There was no need to linger in the entrance of that room, and he didn't need any warmth from the flames. The deadpan male finally made himself back away from the group and disappeared into the blackness of the hallway. He could hear but was unable to register the conversation that gradually faded into nothing from behind him, and traveled on autopilot to the second level which contained his bedroom. Once seated, hunched, on the cushioned and cozy furniture in the unlit area, he fell apart. Any calm he had shown or felt stripped away completely to reveal the neurasthenic breakdown that had been hidden away.

Jeff began to hyperventilate and formed fists tight enough that his palms began to bleed. A headache so painful that colorful spots began to appear in his vision recked his already severely deranged brain, and a sharp agony tore at his empty stomach. He felt bile burn the back of his throat and suppressed the urge to gag and vomit all over his lap and floor. Why were there glowing, moving things and shifting, rainbowy colors growing and spreading on everything? Why were there multiple silhouettes staring at him from the corners of the room, and sparkles flashing around? It was disgusting.

The spots, sparkles, colors, monsters, screaming, sobbing, whispering, and beeping, and static. Before he was even able to get to the bathroom he was already dry retching; nothing was able to escape his stomach because there was simply nothing in it. Jeff couldn't even remember the last time he ate. Hands reached out and grasped from the walls and wide, deformed faces smiled from the ceiling and door. Breathing grew impossible and neon colors and geometric figures took over all of his vision. Things were walking and running and crawling all over the room, bursting through his door and rushing at him.

They were touching him and grabbing him, and shoving them off had no effect. He grasped blindly for his knife until finding its handle, but it was taken from his hand. "Stop it, stop it," he muttered repeatedly and dug his fingers into the ground until bruises began to form. They kept holding him and screaming at him, grasping his shoulders painfully. The demonic face was pressed up into his, yelling nonsense with an impossibly large mouth.

Jeff stared at it in horror and tried to get away from it weakly, but it just pulled him closer. It was saying his name, over and over again. How did it know his name? Jumbled and echoing words became clearer as it drew him in with strong arms. "Listen! Snap out of it!" His vision began to clear ever so slightly, giving him a clearer view of the face. It looked... familiar.

So familiar. He knew it from somewhere, but where? "Jeffrey, goddamn it! I'm right here, look at me!" Green eyes. "You look like him," Jeff mumbled, his wide eyes glazed but confused. "It is me, I swear. We can be together again, just come back, ok? Please, just come back! Don't do this!" The lights and shaped evaporated into nothing. The darkness was back, and the sounds silenced. But the face didn't leave, didn't disappear like the other ones. Huh. It really was him. It was Liu.

Scratched up and bloody from their previous fight, but still whole. No intestines dragging on the ground, no gory stumps instead of limbs, no empty eyesockets. "Are you here?" He nodded. His brother pulled him in and started quietly muttering something under his breath, his shaking voice full of absolute gratitude. Jeff was immobile and was left gazing into the shadows that shifted and played in the small section of moonlight that filtered through the open window.

He was unable cry, but Liu's tears weren't repressed in the slightest. They fell onto the other's shoulder and spread around the slash that's blood had already stopped trickling. The older boy pulled back after some long moments and looked deep into his twin's optics, taking in the snowy, oceanic pupils for the first time in years. "You know, blue's my favorite color," he smiled sadly, his voice a gentle whisper. "I like green," Jeff whispered, his throat now beginning to close up.

"I'm never gonna leave you again. I promise you, I'll never leave. I'm sorry I've been such a shitty older brother." A single salty drop escaped the pale boy and fell into his shirt. "Don't fucking say that. You were the only person I ever loved, the best brother anybody could ever ask for. I know you probably won't ever be able to forgive me, but I'm sorry. I'm so, so fucking sorry." Liu shut his eyes and buried his face into his hands, holding back a racking sob.

Turning away, Jeff set his jaw and refused to begin bawling. Why did this have to happen? Seeing the usually stoic and collected boy like that killed him inside, threatening to rip a hole through his chest. "I forgive you. How the fuck could I ever blame you, Jeff? I'll always love you." He whipped around to face Liu, who still hid his face. He could see the way his lips quivered though, the way he was trying too hard to be strong for him.

The dark-haired individual sighed heavily and looked upwards in order to contain the stinging fluid that began once again to build in his eyes. "I love you, too." He was met with a small sniffle, and a soft hand taking his freezing one. Jeff leaned on the shoulder of his brother silently. He felt exhausted. Not sleepy, but just... tired. "I wanna stay like this, Liu." "Me too." ~ Liu explained to Jeff that Slenderman agreed to keep him alive on the condition that he became a proxy, which he agreed to; now, he would remain in the Mudhouse Mansion with them. Even though he was forever required to do as the entity ordered, he was finally able to be with his brother again. That was all that mattered to him...

The End.