#unidentified Red Guard

[sw5w]

The Loyalist Committee Has Arrived, Your Honor

STAR WARS EPISODE II: Attack of the Clones 00:05:10

[sweetbillwriting]

Only The Road Ahead

Chapter 10

Character: AU Eddie Barrish, played by Bill Skarsgård in the movie Locked (2025). His daughter, Sarah, also has a part in the story.

Warnings: 18+, NSFW, heavy themes.

The steel tray looked unwashed; even under the unidentified brown stew, Eddie could see that. It had specks of red, like tomato sauce on the edges, and something almost black and dry just next to the stew. He wouldn't eat; he wasn't a picky eater, but eating dried-up leftovers that could be anything was just too low. He had lost 20 pounds the last time he was in jail; when he got out, his friends joked that he looked like a hanger with a cock. A blue one on top of that. He had that sort of face that annoyed other prisoners, he had learned, especially his eyes. So his green eyes had often been decorated with a blue frame. He had been cocky the first month, been in fights, and given people nicknames only he thought were funny. But after having woken up with his roommate's big hands around his throat, taking more and more of the air in his lungs, he had stopped. He could see the face of five-year-old Sarah when his oxygen ran out, and after that he kept his eyes down to the ground. 

He had his eyes low now too, down in the tray, but had succeeded in getting a broken lip anyway. Why did he have such big eyes? They always succeeded in making some paranoid fucker nervous. 

“Barrish!” A lanky middle-aged guard shouted at him by the entrance to the canteen. Other prisoners looked up and turned their eyes towards Eddie. He had gotten a few weird looks because two guards laughed behind his back. He suspected it was because they knew what he worked with, but he didn't know, and neither did the other prisoners. 

“You can make your phone call now.”

With a low head and his hands clasped in front of him, he walked towards the guard, but his eyes never left the floor; even in front of the guard, something could happen. Some didn't care at all. The guard led him to the phone room, just a small room without windows where four phones sat up on the walls. The door to the room was made out of Plexiglas so the guards could see them. Three of the phones were occupied, but the one in the right corner was waiting on him. The guard made a gesture so Eddie would go in and lift the phone. 

Damien had put money on his books so he could call out, but during his three days, only four of the five people he had called answered. Damien, Amy, Jonah, and the lawyer Jonah had connected him to. The fifth person hadn't answered, and maybe he wouldn't either if he got a phone call from jail and he didn't know who was calling. He could understand why Luna didn't answer. But even if she didn't, he called her again that day. If it wasn't Sarah he had thought about during the long hours in his cell's bunk, it was Luna. If he came out alive from this, he would do everything in his power to become a family with them. Move to a house outside of town and get two or even three dogs. Some cats too. Maybe Luna would want to have kids one day. A soft baby that smelled sweet, unlike anything else. He still remembered how Sarah had smelled as a baby. Such a warm, wonderful scent he wished to smell again. He wished Luna wanted many babies. Three? 

“Luna's phone, it's River?” 

Eddie was dumbfounded. He couldn’t even believe Luna would answer, really, but now a man with a deep voice talked straight into his ear from Luna's phone. 

“Ehh, hey. Ehh… Is Luna there?” He asked, confused while playing with the knot in his washed-out sweatpants. 

“Who's asking?” Said the man harshly. Eddie didn't really know how to answer. Who was he to Luna? He had destroyed every little bond between them when he shouted at her, so once again he needed to lie, even if he wished he could be honest. 

“Just a friend.”

“But what's your name? And why the fuck are you calling from jail?” 

“My, my name is Eddie. Or my name is Edward. Eddie is just a nickname, everyone says. Ehh, Luna, Luna calls me that too.” Eddie could feel his nerves going up and his tongue swelling in his mouth. Something about the guy made him feel small and silly. “I, I just… It's a bullshit thing I'm here for, um… But, but, can I talk to Luna? I just want to hear her voice.” 

“A bullshit thing?” The guy groaned loudly. “You really think I would let some criminal call my sister just to ‘hear her voice’?” You pathetic piece of fuck. Never call her again. If you do, I will fucking kill you, okay? I hope you get raped in there, you fucking perve.” The guy hung up in his ear, and maybe that was the best because Eddie couldn't find any words anyway. His body felt heavy, and his tongue still felt dry and swollen. It was her older brother, or one of them. He obviously thought Eddie was just some pervy guy stalking his sister. Someone who was jerking off over her and now couldn't let her go, so he was even calling her desperately from prison… Eddie hung up the phone when he realized he actually was that guy. When he thought about such guys, he always saw them as misogynistic, ugly losers, but clearly they could also be someone like himself. He was pathetic. He leaned his forehead against the wall next to the phone and got the attention of the guy on the phone next to him when he made a loud sound of regret and shame.

“Barrish!” Shouted the guard, who had opened the door and looked at him strictly. Eddie stood up again and looked at the guard. “Do you want to use the 15 minutes you have left?” 

He had only used five minutes to talk to Luna's brother; it had felt so much longer. 

“Yeah… Ehm, call Jonah…” 

Eddie took a deep breath and picked up the phone. He hoped Jonah would answer even if they hadn't said anything about him calling this time. They talked the day before, and Eddie felt at once it was easier talking to him than to his lawyer, so now that he had questions that arose from worry, it was easier calling him. 

“Hey, Eddie,” he answered with a friendly tone. Eddie breathed out in relief. Maybe it was because Amy had chosen Jonah and Eddie knew he could trust her that he felt so calm with Jonah. He just felt like a good guy, for real.

“Hey… Eh, I dunno why I'm calling, really I just… When will I get out of here?” Eddie could hear his own voice crack because of something pushing behind his eyes. Jonah was quiet on the phone, and Eddie knew it was hard for him to answer that. Even if he knew, he couldn't tell him because of his job. 

“The only thing I can say, Eddie, is that they’re still investigating it.” 

“But, but what do they have on me? And shouldn't they talk to me? Shouldn't I get to say something?” 

“Of course, they will talk to you. I guess they just want some answers first so they can ask you the right questions too.” 

“But when is that? I've been here for three days now. A guy pissed at me this morning!” 

“He pissed on you?” Jonah said, audibly grossed out. It was obvious he came from a more posh background, so getting pissed on wasn’t something that had happened to him. It had happened to Eddie before, though. 

“It's because of my cock, but enough about that.”

“Okay?” 

“But… Do you think they can get me for this? Like I promise, I promise, fuck, I have nothing to do with it!” 

“I know, Eddie. You don't need to defend yourself to me. I know you haven't done anything.” 

Eddie wasn't aware that he had held his breath while Jonah spoke until he breathed out in a loud exhalation. 

When he had 2 minutes left of his phone time, he hung up and looked towards the plexiglass door. It was time for him to go back to his cell again; the hard bunk and the smell of urine from the older man he shared the cell with. Could this be his life for years and years? Sleep in the same room as the toilet and prepare for either paranoid comments about his eyes or about how pretty he was. He could never tell if they were making fun of him or if they made a pass at him; either way, it made him uncomfortable. It wasn't the place for him to be cocky or teasingly ironic. It was the place for him to shut up and think about all the mistakes he had made. 

××× 

River hung up with some struggle because of his heated emotions, then he threw it lazily onto the counter between him and his sister, who was four-years-younger. He had the same bright blue eyes as her that were now full of rage. 

“Now do you see the fucking shit you've put yourself in? Huh? What the fuck, Luna! There are criminals calling you so they can jerk off!” 

Luna was wrapping glasses in sheets of newspaper and put them down in a box in front of her. Her eyes were focused on the task instead of looking at her brother. She had no idea it was Eddie who was calling. She just knew it was the third call she had gotten from the jail and that River chose to accept the call this time. She suspected it might be a “fan” and now had River confirm her beliefs, even if it wasn't true. 

“I’ve deleted everything now, I promise…” she said with a low voice, ashamed because of her older brother’s tone. She threw her long dark hair over her shoulder, one more attribute she and River shared, but his hair was pulled up in a low bun at his neck.

“I hope I can trust you this time. I can see that you've earned money on this shit,” he waved his arms around at her big house and modern interior, “but it isn't worth it. There are too many bad men out there!” 

Luna nodded but didn't look up. She didn't want to talk about it anymore. She wanted to leave everything to do with porn, OnlyFans, and fuckboys behind. It had been fun, even empowering, when she started, but after the threats, hate, abuse, and now also heartbreak, there wasn't anything good left in it. Hopefully the prisoner would also stop calling now that River had answered. He sounded threatening, and he was in real life too, 6'2" tall and athletically built. Even if the prisoner would go further, River was formidable in presence too. 

Luna packed the last glass and closed the box before taking another box that she put mugs and bowls in. She could feel how River wanted to continue to lecture her, but she didn't give him anything as bait, so he just stood there wrapping a rubber band around her cutlery tighter and tighter. It was a relief when they heard Forrest, their oldest brother, and his wife, Mina, come down from the top floor carrying a nightstand each. Forrest didn't know how Luna had been able to afford her lifestyle; he just thought it was through TikTok and didn't think much more about it. That's why they knew they would change the subject, because neither one of them wanted to know how Forrest would react. Mina giggled over something and then came into the kitchen with her husband. Both of them smiled a little teasingly and then put down her stack of post-its on the counter. 

“Who is ‘E’?” 

Luna looked down at the orange post-it. ‘E heart L’ was written three times, along with a phone number and also a little alien-looking thing. She looked at it without a word, before taking it away from the rest of the post-it stack. Folding it two times and throwing it in the garbage bag that hung on a cabinet handle. It was quiet in the kitchen from Luna's reaction, and Mina looked at her husband, ashamed. 

It wasn't Luna who had written the post-it. She didn't know what the number was written for but she knew who had doodled the rest. Eddie. He had doodled things like that on other papers too. Hearts, her name, his own name, and that little alien. She had saved a post-it with the time for their STD tests just because he had doodled his little alien in the corner, giving it heart eyes and screaming her name. She had looked at that little drawing several times a day after he had left, and she had seen it as a sign he had real feelings for her too. She didn't know then he would scream in her face that he wasn't her boyfriend the next time they saw each other. She thought about that note, which was lying in an inside pocket of her handbag. She needed to toss that one too. She didn't want anything left from any man. She wanted a clean start, and without knowing it, she had just thrown away a post-it that was connected to two men who had hurt her: Eddie, but also Raphael, whose number was written on it. Eddie had broken her heart, but Raphael had broken her as a woman so many times she couldn't even count them. 

“Are you okay?” Asked Forrest, laying a thick arm around her shoulders. Luna smiled tiredly. 

“Yeah, I'm just tired. And I'm homesick; it will be nice to move home again.” 

Forrest nodded with a fatherly smile and dragged a finger over her nose.

“We're so happy you will be home again. TikTok and shit… It's just so vain.” 

Luna nodded with a lazy smile, thinking back to her much more humble lifestyle in her hometown. 

“And there are better guys there too. You know, Zander is single now,” said Mina, trying to cheer her up, and Luna smiled a bit strained. Men were the last thing she wanted to think about. 

“How nice for him… But I think I want to be alone for a while. For many years, maybe.” 

“That sounds good,” River quickly said, which made Forrest look at him with furrowed brows. River just gave Luna a look, and she knew he was thinking about the phone call. Of course, he felt like that when he knew how many men had been looking at her naked body and what kind of men had been close to her. 

They packed the rest of her house in a couple of days, and in those days Luna cut ties with everyone who had connections to OnlyFans. 

Lydia understood it would be their last phone call when Luna called to tell her she was moving and felt she needed to tell her everything she knew now, but she also really wanted to hear Luna's reaction to the gossip. 

“I know everything about Eddie makes you angry—”

“Fuck, please, must we start this again? It was him who didn't want me, not the other way around.” 

“I know, I know.” 

Several of Luna's OnlyFans friends had told her to just accept that he wanted to do something different and that they could make it work anyway, making it seem like she was the problem, but it wasn't. He was the problem because he didn't want her. 

“But… Raphael is arrested—” 

“Eddie still doesn't want me. It's not about Raphael.” 

“Can you just listen??” She said, irritated, and it made Luna shut up from embarrassment. 

“They have arrested Eddie too.” 

Luna, who lay on the bed in her old room at her parents' house, sat up in horror. 

“What?!” 

“Yeah, they say he's a part of it?” 

“Oh my god?! What? No! Eddie would never!” Luna felt her heart beat in stress. Even if Eddie had lied, screamed at her, and broken her heart, she knew he would never be involved in such a thing. Wherever he was, she could imagine the anxiety he had. Eddie was a good guy who had been an amazing friend the three months they worked together. They had fun when they hung out and he was really caring in all the phone calls they have had. He was a fucked-up fuckboy, but he had really good values and views on women. Her Eddie-Bear was arrested for something he hadn't done, a horrible crime. She wondered if he would even survive if he got convicted for it. 

“I know! Everyone kinda knows that!”

“What do they even have on him? He met Raphael just months ago!” 

“Witnesses… Like, it's been spread around who the first witness was, and, like, people think Raphael's people might have formed the other witnesses after that one.” 

Luna felt her own anxiety go up while she talked with Lydia. Raphael was her own perpetrator. She wasn't surprised he had been implicated with worse crimes than the ones he had put her through. But to talk about him and also the man she loved was a lot for her. Her heart was still broken because of Eddie, but it also had a glow from the memories with him. That funny, annoying man. That lovable, stupid, intelligent boy. He still owned every piece of her heart.

“But who's the first witness?” 

Lydia laughed but swallowed it when she realized how serious it was for Luna. She didn't know about Raphael and Luna's real history, but she had seen Luna with Eddie at the OnlyFans party a few months ago. It was obvious she adored the man. 

“Well, that's the most fucked-up thing… The first witness is his daughter’s teacher.” 

××× 

Eddie was that kind of guy you felt strong feelings for at once. You might hate him for his lazy ways, the feeling of him not caring at all but also his strong charisma. Eddie took over every room he went into and then used the attention to either joke around or try to persuade you to share his opinions. He was most often the tallest person in his surroundings and had a face both the little devils and angels would love. He demanded attention. 

Hani hadn't been able to stop herself from looking at Eddie the first time she saw him. He looked like the guy her fourteen year old self would have dreamed about, the sweet bad boy that she would never get but there he suddenly was, looking at her flirtatiously. The school was a middle class school; his daughter was probably enrolled there because of where her mom lived, because Eddie looked far from middle class. His daughter told her about his job as a mechanic, a humble profession, and his build also told her he worked with his body and maybe worked out a bit too. He was fine; every mom could see it, even if they also laughed a bit behind his back because of his nonchalant behavior and disheveled looks. But he had flirted with her. She really needed to try it out, being with a man totally different from her exes. A man who attracted her more with his looks than intellect. She thought she would sleep with him once and then move on, but instead Eddie was both intelligent and sweet, with more to him than bleached hair and abs. Respectfully, he hadn't tried to seduce her but instead focused on getting to know her. It all felt so good, so real until the bomb:

“I'm in love with someone else.” 

Everything she had thought was a sign that he was a good guy was wrong. Every sweet gesture was a dismissal, not an action from a gentleman. He was just a boy, in love with someone else. A boy wanting a female friend to get female advice from. He had fooled her. She had left all her usual demands for a man behind; she had started to believe a guy like him could be a good, trustworthy man. She had been wrong. Why had she opened up for something more than just sex, like the plan had been? He was probably not even in love with the other girl. It had just been an excuse. Hani had looked at the girls' pictures over and over on Instagram. The pictures with Eddie were gone, but her videos with her pretty face and revealing clothes were still there, many, many of them. She and her were so different from each other, and maybe Eddie's type was more like that girl. An OnlyFans girl with pulled up thongs and big boobs. Hani could see that the girl was super pretty, but she was surprised a man wanted to have a girl like that as a girlfriend. She had talked with guys and read online about what kind of girl a guy wanted as a girlfriend, and Luna was the typical sexy girl every man wanted to fuck but not have as a girlfriend. Even if Eddie was an OnlyFans model himself, Hani couldn't believe he really was in love with that girl. It was just an excuse. 

Hani could feel the irritation over it growing over the recent weeks. She felt used but also started to feel grossed out. She had almost slept with a porn actor. Maybe he was riddled with diseases. She had almost fallen for a liar, a fuckboy, and a sex worker. Who knows who he actually was? Or what he did when they weren't together.

Blowfish production. Brother Fuck. It was the company he would work for. 

Raphael Rodolfo… Blowfish production… Brother Fuck… Adult movies… Girls between fifteen and twenty-one… Eastern Europe… Trafficking…

It wasn't just one article, but several about the man Eddie had told her he worked with. What kind of person was Eddie? He worked for traffickers? Was she surprised? Hani didn't know but thought about his job, the girl he wanted but mostly his jail time. He hadn't really answered why he was in jail. 

Hani's heart beat hard in her chest. Had she almost slept with a pimp? In reality, Hani knew the answer to that, but a few days later she still called the police and told her version of Eddie's involvement with Raphael. She didn't really think they would listen that much to her, maybe just scare him a bit, but instead he got locked behind bars. 

××× 

Eddie had been in jail for five days. He had eaten minimally, slept just a couple of hours each night, and puked instead of releasing the normal way. The last time he was in jail, it took approximately two weeks for him to accept and begin to get used to his destiny, but then he had known his life there would end after six months—now he didn't know a thing. He had asked Jonah how long of a sentence he could get if they decided he was guilty, and he answered probably around 20 years. He would be more than fifty in 20 years. It would probably be his best years they would take away. 

He cried in the bathroom sometimes, even if it was the most unhygienic place he had been to. The few times he had done it in his bunk, his roommate had become angry and called him a faggot. It wasn't really the best place to be alone but the toilet was the best option, even if it stank of piss, shit, and sweat. That day he sat in the bathroom looking up at the ceiling even if someone pounded on the door. He tried to understand who had done this to him. It couldn't just have been Raphael because he was arrested, and they would take everything he said with a grain of salt knowing he just wanted out. He thought through who knew about his affairs with Raphael and which ones could have a reason to want to destroy him. The only people who could win by destroying things for him and also knew about Raphael were Damien and Luna. 

Damien and Luna. 

Luna.

Eddie sighed loudly and shut his eyes. Luna. Fuck, it was her. She wanted revenge for the awful ending of their relationship. Eddie felt mostly disappointment and sadness at first, but when someone started to scream that he would kill him if he didn't come out from the bathroom, it turned to anger. He hit his fist on the hard concrete wall and felt his knuckles start to burn. He had scratched them up completely, but he didn't care. He needed to run and go out and scream; otherwise, he would get into a fight with someone just to get his emotions out. Luna. His Luna tried to ruin his life. His future wife.

××× 

Luna's legs bounced while she sat in the police station. She was back again. She had left her hometown to go back to the much bigger town and the police station to see if she could help Eddie in some way. He may have been an asshole, but he wasn't worth that. He had been the most respectful lover she had had, the best filming partner, always so attentive. Someone wanted him to take the blame. She wondered if he had read his contract thoroughly. Raphael had put in paragraphs hard to interpret on her own when they had filmed together. Her body had become his, and now she wondered if he had made Eddie's name free for him to use. 

A female police officer with her long blonde hair in a ponytail smiled at her from behind the counter, and with shaky legs and a dry mouth, Luna went up to her. 

“Hey… Ehm…” She looked around nervously and leaned closer to the officer, who did the same when she did it. “I think I have some information about the case against Blowfish Production…”

The officer couldn't hide her reaction, and her eyes got big. Luna could feel how she looked at her up and down. Even if she had dressed much more modestly in a black t-shirt and baggy black cargo pants, the woman probably guessed correctly what she was. Even if her chest were real, even if her nails and eyelashes were free from extensions. The police saw her looks obviously fitting the male gaze and her filled lips and small tattoos scattered over sun-kissed skin. Luna knew how people looked at her, judging her, and she knew they judged Eddie in a similar way. Angry, cocky, but emotional Eddie with bad tattoos, bleached hair, and a laid-back style. It probably hadn't been easy for him to get the police on his side. 

The policewoman led her to a small room; it didn't look like an interrogation room because it had armchairs and a coffee machine. She walked around a bit awkwardly in the room, swinging her handbag in her hand. 

“You can sit down; my colleague will be here soon.” 

Luna nodded but was too nervous to actually sit down and continued to walk around until the policeman joined her in the little room. He was between 45 and 50 and wearing a dress shirt and jeans. He wasn't as proper as she had suspected, and unfortunately, he got wet in his eyes when he saw her. She had been through the same thing since she was thirteen, when her chest suddenly became more interesting than her face for men. 

“Luna, was it?” 

The female police officer had asked her for ID and must have told her colleague. 

“Yeah,” she said shortly and smiled a little, knowing it was what was expected of her. Otherwise, they wouldn't listen to her. The cop gave his hand to her, and she shook it weakly. 

“Detective Linus Peck.” 

He tried to hide how his eyes drifted down to her chest but unconsciously licked his lips. Luna sat down when he told her but felt awkward. She was used to men's reactions, but this was a cop. He should know better. Maybe he watched her videos? She looked down at her hands uncomfortably. Maybe you’d think, “It's her own fault. She didn't need to make a career of showing her naked body.” Luna herself felt she held the power of her body. She chose to show it; she got something back from it. Her teenage self had been exposed and used by men without her getting something back. Men much older than her had contacted her during all her teenage years. The boys her own age had spread pictures and lies. OnlyFans was her zone. She would never be able to flee from men's eyes, but there her body was hers, and she got serious money from it. But wet eyes from a cop weren't good. He would never take her seriously. 

“Luna… What do you want to take off your chest?” The cop smirked into his hand but pretended to scratch the stubble under his mouth. Luna gave him an unamused look but let it be. 

“Eddie Barrish… I know that he's innocent.” 

The detective looked at her tiredly, then sighed.

“Are you a girlfriend?” 

He said “a” like Eddie had several, but she understood he just tried to provoke her, the silly girlfriend, but she wasn't a girlfriend. Not even an ex. 

“We've worked together.” 

The detective smirked again and looked away so he wouldn't, again, look at her chest.

“Really?” He faked being surprised and made Luna roll her eyes. She crossed her arms but realized what she always realized: she couldn't cover them. 

“What's your nickname on OnlyFans?” 

When Luna took her handbag, ready to stand up, he must have realized he actually had real questions to ask her. 

“How do you know he's innocent?” 

Luna sat down again but kept her handbag over her shoulder, ready to go again. 

“Eddie isn't the type. He cares about people, believing we should help the weak in society and treat women well…” The last thing she said pointedly to the policeman, but he didn't even react. 

“We can't release someone because his girlfriend says he's a good boy.” 

“I'm not his girlfriend. And he's not even a good boy. He's just too good to have done this. That teacher… Who is she?”

Now the policeman's face changed. He didn't know the information about their first witness was out and swallowed dryly. 

“Guys like Raphael and his friends always know too much. I thought the cops knew that?” 

He looked away, stressed, and wiped the corners of his mouth. 

“Tell me who she is.” 

“Of course I can't tell you that!” 

Luna looked at him sharply. She knew he, in theory, was right, but it was just as hard to take a no anyway.

“Then I fucking want you to think about if she can have any ulterior motives and if maybe your other victims say it's Eddie, because they've heard about your first victim. Don't be more fucking stupid than an OnlyFans girl with big boobs!” 

It looked like Linus Peck dropped his chin in a surprised but offended grimace. Luna didn't care; she just stood up and fixed her big, silver hoop earrings and her hair. She even pulled up the rhinestone band of her thong up to her hip bones. She didn't win on trying to be more proper than she was, so who cared? She loved her rhinestone thongs. 

“Bye,” she said and walked with determined steps to the door. 

“Ehm, ehm,” he finally got out, and she looked back at him with a raised brow. 

“Let us know if you know something.” 

“Of course. Not even I am as stupid as an OnlyFans girl.” 

××× 

“Eddie Barrish!” The guard shouted much louder than he needed to because Eddie was right next to him out in the yard. He had succeeded in buying some cigarettes, and was glad for the nicotine but also for something that would kill his hunger. Damien was slow with putting money on his account because he didn't have any of his own, and he couldn't get access to Eddie's. He could have asked someone else, but he was too proud to ask Amy or Jonah. 

“Yeah?” He said and turned to the guard. He stood alongside a man in his fifties he had learned was okay. He was a mechanic too, and they could talk about other things than just about how much jail sucked. He didn't seem to have any enemies either. Eddie had a few younger guys looking strangely at him and once had thrown a tray of mold-smelling chili on him. He didn't have energy for it and just gave them a tired look and walked to the bathroom. 

“You have a visitor. A hot girl, apparently.” 

“Lucky bastard,” said the mechanic guy next to him. Eddie gave him a fast look; he hadn't even had time to think about who it was, and to be honest, he had too many options. With his pinky he scratched his brow, confused, but followed the guard when he saw his face change to an irritated one. He decided that it must be Amy; it was probably the only woman who would want to speak with him, but even if it would be a bit disappointing, he was happy for the visit. And maybe—maybe she had good news both about Sarah but also for his case. 

Eddie and the guard met another guard by the door to the visiting room. The new guard looked at him up and down like he was something the jail's own little cat had dragged in. Eddie had no idea how he looked; he could just feel how his mustache had become thicker and how a beard had started to grow out on his jaw and neck. He could imagine he looked quite ragged. 

“Are you sure this is the guy?” Joked the new guard with the other, like Eddie couldn't understand them. He knew they checked his picture every time they needed to talk to him, so the question was just a joke, but he couldn't really understand it. 

“Why?” Said the guests he had come with, and Eddie looked between them like a kid trying to understand an adult conversation. 

“I expected someone better looking for the girl out there. This one looks like his uncle is his dad.” 

“Hey! What the fuck, man?!” Eddie couldn't stop himself, but the guard at once made a move towards his pepper spray and the other towards his handcuffs. 

“Sorry…” he said lowly and turned down his gaze back to the floor. The guards looked at him up and down but then hit him in the back hard and opened the door. 

“The second one from the left. 20 minutes. And no funny business.” 

He pushed his back again, so he took some fast steps into the visiting room. They hadn't needed to say where he would sit because he saw her at once, with her long dark hair gathered in two braids, dressed in a white embroidered dress. She had big golden hoops in her ears and raspberry-red lips. She was the most beautiful creature ever. He had thought that about others but never like that. He swallowed over and over until the guard pushed him forward again. Luna looked at him with sapphire eyes, and he felt his emotions go wild. 

Fuck, he couldn't cry in front of all the people in the visiting room. The prisoners, visitors, and the guards. But still it was what he did. 

×

@Kikibit @Malenoradgn @a-differentbrandof-beans @forrealandjustsaying @useyourwandbro @turbotasticoo @keysandthesea-blog @muchwita @hanamirandak @hamburger-sprite @forrealandjustsaying

[ecoustsaintmein]

@achinghcarts i wrote this for you in one sitting straight onto tumblr, unbetaed. (!!!)

title: intimate; unidentifiable

pairing: paddy x eoin x augustin + established paddy x eoin

rating: m

also for background i'm basing this eoin off the other fic i wrote where he came back from the dead if you're wondering why he's a bit...off.

in a coffeehouse in paris, augustin feels that he is no longer himself.

a familiar compound ghost, paddy's once said.

this is home to him, yes, and the smell of freshly baked baguettes and patisseries and exquisite perfume is in the air. he's seen hardship in the desert, he's known thirst and hunger like no one's ever experienced. and now he struggles to reconcile with the lavish display laid out before him, after his escape from colditz.

he's well aware that after the liberation of paris, the city has all the reason to celebrate. christmas is just around the corner, the germans are gone.

he was lucky that he's managed to escape, when others have tried, and failed. he wonders if stirling's still alive. he's heard rumours that he still is. he wonders if paddy's still alive.

he's heard rumours from the french resistance that paddy still is.

--

the free french has no idea what to do with him. he's escaped just in time as the city's being liberated, and now he's just awaiting orders. he wonders if there's any way for him to rejoin the sas, if it's even in the cards.

but for now, he will just enjoy being here, being home, being a familiar compound ghost.

with the coffee and the cigarettes and a piece of mille-feuille served on a little dainty plate, with a little dainty cutlery.

"I am the Empire at the end of decadent days, Watching the pale tall Barbarians advance While composing acrostics, in my indolence, In a gilded style where the sun’s languor plays.

The lonely soul aches with a vast ennui. They say bloody battles are being fought down there. O lacking power, so feeble, such tardy prayer, O lacking the will to embellish reality!

O lacking the will and power to die a little! Ah! All is drunk! Bathyllus, life yet laughed away? Ah! All is eaten and drunk! No more to say!",[1]

he thinks.

--

the woman with the red lipstick and the red dress smiles at him, as if to say, come hither. augustin smiles back, but he doesn't move. he looks away. pulls out his newspaper, which he's scanned twice already, pretending that he's absorbing the words in, reading about the allies' progress across europe. wondering if the sas were ever part of those missions.

american soldiers braying at the table behind him. augustin pays them no mind.

and then:

'is this seat taken?'

it's a strange lilt, not quite american, not english either, though he looks up and the man is wearing a british uniform and a maroon beret; face scarred with gross lines on an otherwise gentle face. he's tall, and thin; almost regal in his bearing. eyes dark, narrowed, glinting; thin lips curving into a line of mischief.

augustin straightens his back and looks around. the cafe is busy, and his table has two extra seats. the man is alone. augustin studies the pips on his epaulettes -- he's a major, augustin thinks, and then looks up at the insignia on his beret, and realizes --

this man is sas.

'i've got a friend who's just coming, is it alright if he joins too?'

'is he sas as well?' augustin asks cautiously. something about this doesn't sit right, a voice inside his head warning him to be careful, to be on guard.

'yes, augustin,' the man says. 'in fact, i think you know him very well, when you were in jalo, together.'

--

paddy mayne hates him. he knows this from the moment the volatile, bearded, grey-eyed man stared up at him when they first met, those many years ago. it's the hard look in those iron-flint eyes, the frown lines on his forehead, the bunched-up tenseness in his jaw as he snarls orders at augustin, at georges, at those men of the free french.

at first he doesn't understand why paddy's targeted him, more so than the others. georges said that it's maybe because he's the only one who dares to tell him straight what he's doing is downright insane, that he's the only one able to openly scoff and question paddy's decisions, or actions, within and outwith training sessions. stirling told him that it was because he's a philosopher, a lawyer, and a poet too, but surely that's not the only reason.

he doesn't understand why paddy's decided to wrestle with him in the sand, with a knife against his throat, panting against his neck -- hard, and sweaty, and sharp. oh, and he knew that paddy was hard, and hot, savagely digging against his hip. with need. with want.

he doesn't understand why paddy's grieving, or who he is grieving for.

it's only much later, when he met stirling again, within the damp walls of colditz that he said: 'if you'd met eoin mcgonigal, augustin, you'd probably understand why.'

--

he thinks he's maybe stared at paddy too long when he sits down, tiny coffee cups in his hands, making clinking noises -- one for eoin, and one for himself. paddy looks good, his hair slicked back like honey, in the evening parisian light. he looks healthy, fresh, clean-shaven, handsome.

augustin catches himself, shuddering. he will not think of paddy mayne in this way. the cloying perfume of the women passing by makes him sick, he thinks, because he doesn't want to admit that he feels sick with the horror of this -- of paddy, suddenly reappearing in his life like this, looking smart in his uniform with his clear grey-blue eyes and eoin; this must be eoin, he thinks, with the perpetual smile, unknowable, mysterious.

he is acutely aware of eoin's constant gaze on him, and he has no idea why.

oh, but he now does understand why paddy's mourned so much, and why paddy's been so affected by augustin's presence in jalo. he's heard from stirling about eoin, about how much augustin probably has reminded paddy of eoin -- but he's pushed the thought away, because why would it be relevant? paddy's a hundred miles away and augustin's in colditz and eoin's dead. right?

except -- eoin's now sitting in front of him, almost a reflection of himself, dangerous -- and augustin wonders, who is the familiar compound ghost now, both intimate and unidentifiable?

'So I assumed a double part, and cried And heard another's voice cry: "What! are you here?" Although we were not. I was still the same, Knowing myself yet being someone other-- And he a face still forming; yet the words sufficed To compel the recognition they preceded,' [2]

augustin thinks.

but that was then, when eoin was dead, and paddy was mourning. then augustin was captured and paddy moved on.

if he'd moved on, why are they here?

what use is augustin to them?

--

eoin speaks, and his voice is rich, deep, plumy. it's nothing like paddy's sharp consonants, though the rhythm of it still compels augustin to listen, to be lost in the melody that he rarely ever hears from other british officers around him.

paddy is stunning, golden, like he's a lamp found in the desert and polished anew, eyes like burning sapphires. they're speaking in turns, now, eoin and paddy, about their exploits throughout italy and france, and how they have this leave, now, before they move out again to god knows where ghq will decide to send them. it's serendipity, they say, that paddy's seen augustin sitting alone outside this cafe, even for just one night that they'll have this reunion.

augustin speaks of his escape, and of stirling's attempt, except -- where stirling's failed, augustin got lucky -- mostly because he was able to speak german and pass as a local.

and eoin's got his long fingers steepled under his chin, nodding, nodding, with his easy going smile and his easy going laughter, it only makes augustin want to open up more, more, more. and with every word that he utters, eoin's watching him intently, as though he's interested, too interested, almost as though he's making moony eyes at augustin, his desires hidden by the shades of his lashes. augustin's heart skips a beat and despite himself he shivers, knowing full well it's not just from the chill in the weather.

paddy's look is still sceptical, still questioning, and augustin wonders is it that they truly want from him.

oh, but they are so close, sitting like this, and augustin sucks in his breath when the american gis behind him push their chairs backwards, making augustin stumble even closer towards paddy. augustin witnesses the flash of temper rising quickly in paddy's eyes, as if he's ready to whip their heads for jolting eoin and augustin, spilling the coffee onto the table. but he also witnesses the way eoin touches the sleeve of paddy's uniform, fingertips brushing against paddy's knuckles, as if to say, there, there. it's not worth it, and paddy's eyes soften.

what do they want from him? augustin wonders, and then -- another american gi stands up abruptly, spilling augustin's coffee onto his lap. 'i think you've got to apologise to my friend here,' eoin says, without rising his voice.

'oh? if not, then what?'

'if not, then maybe you'd like to pay for his coffee, seeing as you caused him to spill it on his lap. aye?'

augustin feels the need to intervene, before this goes any further. he attempt to stand up. eoin's warm hand is on his shoulder -- to steady him, to indicate that he's got this, and the warmth spreads all over him as if his body is on fire.

eoin's hand is still on his shoulder, his thumb absentmindedly caressing his clothed clavicle, under the crisp fabric of his uniform. augustin doesn't move. transfixed. eoin doesn't move, either. staring down this american gi with his wilful eyes, before the gi's mates holler, 'just let it go, man,' and he manages to utter a 'sorry, it was just an accident.' eoin holds up his other palm, asking for money compensation for a spilled cappuccino -- and as if entranced, the gi dumps a few francs and centimes, without counting them, into eoin's upturned hand. scrambling to get away, as if he's seen something in eoin's eyes that jolted him into fear.

'merci beaucoup,' eoin smiles, as the americans leave. 'that was easy, was it not?'

augustin chances a glance at paddy. he beams at eoin, proud, like a man in love, before he blinks and focuses his intense gaze at augustin.

his heart skids through the roof, quickly he looks away -- and makes the unwise decision of looking up at eoin again. at eoin, who's now beaming down at him -- not paddy, but him. as if to say, i didn't do it to impress paddy, i did it to impress you. as if to say, i want you, the way paddy's once wanted you too.

ah, putain, he thinks.

he will not want eoin, or paddy. or the both of them--

but he does.

he does.

--

'your uniform is ruined,' says eoin, when they walk back along the seine, indicating at the coffee stain on augustin's groin. 'our hotel is just around the corner. you could come with us, if you want. to wash up?'

behind him, paddy looks like a lost schoolboy, fidgeting, almost nervous, almost giddy -- with what?

and augustin thinks, he knows, he thinks he knows. though the words are unspoken but the want is in paddy's eyes; in eoin's eyes. but eoin's the one who's asking, because if paddy were to speak he will never get to the point, his words and poetry snaking around for days and slithering and taking too long lest augustin's interest will fade.

augustin opens his mouth -- to say something, anything -- but his mind goes blank with his own need, his own want, his own desire suddenly stirring inside his veins, curling in his toes. he has never done anything like this before. and why now? why not when he was in the desert, with half-undressed men, almost naked and hot and sweaty in the sun? why now, when he's walking along the seine, in the moonlight, when it's dark and cold and he's barely known eoin, he's barely been reacquainted with paddy mayne?

he cannot even blame wine, or rum -- he is as clear-headed as he can be. the caffeine in his system goes into overdrive mode, his heartbeat fluttering, stomach curling and hoisted up into a knot inside his throat. all he could think about is how close paddy is, if he just reaches out he could touch him, all full and muscular and almost god-like, no longer the skinny bearded savage of jalo. he could see how ethereal eoin is, with his dark curls and his dark lashes; the faint, sweet, citrusy smell of his skin, unlike the heady cloying perfume of those women on the champs-elysees.

'yes,' he says. 'yes, i'll come with you,' augustin says.

--

he undresses in paddy's bathroom, while eoin fusses with his uniform, tells him that he'll get it laundered by next morning. he luxuriates in a warm bath, the same soapy smell on eoin's skin, then dries himself and wraps a robe to cover his modesty.

paddy is sitting on the other side of the room, a glass of wine in his hand, face scrunched up in concentration. he's playing chess with eoin, who's looking a bit more tired now from the day's exertions. they look innocent, like this. eoin takes one of paddy's white knights, with his black bishop, and says 'check,' and somehow paddy then bursts into laughter, as if there's an inside joke here that augustin has not been made privy to. eoin sips on his wine, and smiles, but because paddy is laughing (for no good reason) eoin ends up chuckling too, he ends up spurting the wine out of his mouth. paddy reaches out to wipe at eoin's bottom lip -- an intimate gesture, a gesture that only does even crueller things to augustin's heart.

quickly he looks away, but not soon enough -- eoin's noticed him, calls out his name -- 'augustin,' and blood flushes in his face, his heart racing.

his feet moves before his brain could catch up, and soon he is standing next to them, waiting, yearning.

eoin's lips are ruby-red, lush rom the wine he's just drank. beside eoin, paddy reaches out towards him, towards the knot at the front of augustin's robes, though his fingers are not quite touching. just -- playing.

like two hunters, playing with their prey. a rabbit in their snare. eoin's mouth crimson as blood, paddy's eyes bright and unescapable.

'augustin jordan,' paddy says, his voice low, and husky --

and there's something in the way paddy utters his full name that makes augustin shudder, makes him swoon, though he is a grown man of thirty and not a schoolgirl of thirteen.

he lets himself be pulled closer, paddy's fingers untying his robe, gently parting them. gently revealing to them how painfully hard he is, how much he wants this, how much he wants them.

eoin stands behind him and removes the robe, ever so slowly, off his shoulder, letting it slide to the floor, before his wicked fingers traces the entire length of him, pushes it down slightly before it bounces back up with a spring.

paddy steps closer, and presses a gentle kiss on eoin's lips, before tilting his head towards augustin, and kisses him too.

chess game forgotten, rooks and kings fallen by the wayside, knocked off the table. maybe augustin is paddy's white knight, helplessly captured by eoin's dark wiles, after all.

there is something wicked about this, about how paddy and eoin are still in their full dress uniforms and augustin's as naked as the day he was born. there is something wicked about this, about how eoin turns his head so that he could kiss him too, and kiss him deeply, tasting of the coffee and the wine and the sweetness of the mille-feuille pastry, and also of paddy. there is something wicked about paddy's mouth, and eoin's tongue, and paddy's hands, and eoin's fingers.

it's an exquisite fever, it makes him delirious, it's hotter than the desert. this white-hot desire that shoots up inside of him, spilling over, onto eoin's mouth, onto paddy's hair, onto his own skin.

--

once, in a coffeehouse in paris, augustin felt that he was no longer himself.

a familiar compound ghost, paddy's once said.

--

'So I assumed a double part, and cried And heard another's voice cry: "What! are you here?" Although we were not. I was still the same, Knowing myself yet being someone other-- And he a face still forming; yet the words sufficed To compel the recognition they preceded,' [2]

Augustin thinks.

--

but maybe it's alright, he thinks. it will be alright.

when they're inside him and he's inside them and augustin's struggling to even know if he's eoin or eoin is him; maybe they're one and the same, when they're inside of each other --

-- when paddy's there, when paddy's everywhere:

both intimate;

-- and

unidentifiable.

--

. end

--

[1] - Languor, by Verlaine

[2] - Little Gidding, TS Eliot

[skyrim-forever]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged by the lovely @hircines-hunter <3 and last week by @orfeoarte (I already posted by then so counting it now!)

Tagging:

@theoneandonlysemla @dirty-bosmer @lucien-lachance @umbracirrus @changelingsandothernonsense @firefly-factory

@bougainvillea-and-saltwater @pocket-vvardvark @captain-of-silvenar @ladytanithia @thequeenofthewinter

Hello it's another Wednesday and I bring to you *gasps* a wip not about Theodora and Ondolemar??? 😲😲😲

They have graciously let me write about someone else, I briefly wrote about Aicantar in a fic recently and that got me thinking more about him. Reworked an old oc that I did barely anything with and as I much prefer to read slow burn then write it, they are gonna smash immediately 🤭 Background before this is he catches Vevora (Breton/Dunmer artist) trying to steal a Centurion Dynamo Core, decides not to call the guards. They get talking and she spots a particular ✨romance✨ novel because I've made him a virgin smut reader 🤪 MDNI under the cut because it's me

Oh no. So caught up being charmed by a beautiful woman, he distinctly forgot he very well did have something to hide.

“And is this part of living like the Dwemer as well?” The title is partially covered by her fingertips, gently grasping it by the spine. 

“Um, I, well, you see-” Any and all ability to be coherent has left. Heat rising to his face, Aicantar is sure she notices the flush of embarrassment he now wears. In an attempt to save dignity he turns away, mouth covering the little of his face not covered by his hood. 

“Did I interrupt your evening plans, pretty boy?” He screams internally, why did she have to pick up the book? Why didn’t he put it away? Whole body warm now, he decides to fixate on not passing out. Remain present rather than degrade himself further by going unconscious But he is shamefully curious, did she think he was attractive? Pretty to use her own words? Pushing aside hopes that he too, could be like the Dwemer and disappear to some unidentifiable plane, he asks innocently. 

“You think I’m pretty?” Eyes meet hers for a moment before he returns to sharing at the wall. She chuckles lowly. 

“I do. Well, at least from what I can see.” Oh no she’s coming closer. Running would be even more humiliating but he is sorely tempted too. Even more so when she pulls back the hood of his robes, going so far as to grab his chin and make him face her. “Oh yeah, definitely a pretty boy.” Red eyes half-lidded with a teasing smirk on her face. Vevora was enjoying watching him squirm, words failing him as the feel of her hands is too nice to even think. “Hmm, now what part have you marked here? Your favourite, maybe?” Please no. It was overwhelming enough, her hands touching his face, how close she stood, how his mind wandered as he wondered what her hair felt like. The red tresses a different hue than her eyes, eyes that were now opening the book to the marked section he had spent far too much time reading. 

Opening to the beginning of the chapter, she smirks. 

“Oh this one, I remember this part well.” Another gulp. “But dog-eared pages? Tsk tsk.” 

“Are, are you, familiar with this, this story?” 

“Oh I’m very familiar, I know this novel very, very well.” He doesn’t have time to respond before she is recounting the chapter summary while flipping leisurely through the pages. “Princess Brittgerd sucks Akvid off for the first time, the poor lad was not expecting her to have such an appetite.” There’s something about hearing it from someone else that drives him crazy, a few moments ago he was way too afraid to even notice he was hard, now the ache was much greater than could be ignored. Thin trousers yet, not thin enough as they feel incredibly constricting against his length. The sound of the book closing causes him to jump, nearly grateful for it as a whimper was on the tip of his tongue. “The unsuspecting boys are always the most fun.” The Dunmer looks at him and he’s too inexperienced to recognize her own look of hunger; instead confused as to where she was going with this. “Why are you reading this? You’re awfully cute, I can’t imagine you having a hard time with the ladies, or whoever else you prefer.” Oh. Gently, she places her hand on his chest before slightly gripping his robes. The pull is too much and he whines, wanting so badly for her to keep touching him, staying like this for a bit would be more than enough. So in a daze, he asks nearly the same question again. 

“You think I’m cute?” She laughs and by Auri-El is is lovely. Light, authentic, and most importantly;  directed his way, at the young mer she made melt before her.  

“I do.” She humours his repetition. “You seem like a very sweet boy, is that right?” The hand moves lower, dangerously lower as toys with the thin rope of his belt. A sharp inhale is his response. “What do you think of me?” 

For a fleeting moment, Aicantar believes he can spew something resembling the suave men of his books, something about how even in the harsh Dwemer lighting she looks radiant, completely and utterly captivating him. Yet, any opportunity to redeem his reputation and prove he is more than a flustered mess is lost as her fingers run along his waistband, dipping in along his side. What comes out is a far cry from what he wanted. 

“I, um, um, Miss, um, Miss Raviro, um, you’re-” Thankfully she cuts off his stammering. 

“No need to be so formal, call me Vevora.” 

“Miss Vevora, I mean, um, Vevora.” A bit of strength goes a long way. “You’re very beautiful.” 

“Thanks, you’re too sweet.” She moves her hand for one moment, turning to place the novel on the bedside table. Turning back to him, both hands grasp the collar of his hood, pulling him to her lips. Not absolutely clueless, he had done this several times drunk, liquid courage helping him bridge the gap in his own difficulties, but he was more than content to let her lead. Initially, the scholar is grateful she goes easy on him. Slow pecks on his lips, hands about to move to her waist, he freezes when her tongue swipes across; mouth opening immediately for the other to dive in. The moans and whimpers emitting from him nearly drown out the one from her. She breaks the kiss, allowing an obscene moan to echo off the walls. Another, regrettably louder one escapes him as she traces the outline of his cock, providing delicate ministrations over the agonizingly tight fabric. “Do you have that chapter marked because it’s your favourite?”

“Well it’s, um, quite, um, well-written.” 

“That it is, that it is.” Each word of the iteration is enunciated carefully, slowly drawing it out. “Want to recreate it with me, pretty boy?” 

[smilesatdawnmain]

Eternal LMK Au (Part 17) Interactive Story

Chang'e arrives~

The rules are simple.: I will give the written passage, and then at the bottom there will be a vote on how the characters act next!

Story; Eternal Au

Ship; ShadowPeach

Wukong's battle-ready stance immediately dissolved into pure delight. His eyes widened, sparkling with childlike wonder as the robotic bunny approached. "OH MY GOODNESS!" he squealed, bouncing on his toes. "LOOK HOW CUTE YOU ARE!"

---------

If he could see Mihou... he had a feeling he would be smacking his forehead right now.

The robotic bunny, clearly designed for surveillance and defense, seemed momentarily confused by Wukong's enthusiastic response. Its mechanical ears twitched, sensors scanning the unexpected visitor. It had come out here with the intention of tracking the unwanted visitor. Typically to scare them off… not get fawned over.

Wukong was practically vibrating with excitement, his previous tension completely forgotten. "Aren't you just the most adorable little thing?!" he cooed, taking a step forward with outstretched hands.

The robotic bunny's metallic ears pivoted, tracking Wukong's movement. Its glowing eyes flickered between scanning modes, assessing whether this strange monkey was a potential threat.

A synthesized voice emerged, crisp and precise. "Unidentified entity detected. State your purpose." as it scanned it, it reached into his memory to recall why this man seemed familiar. As Wukong swayed a little, it was quick to realize.

Target identified as: Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Threat level: RED.

The robotic bunny's demeanor shifted instantly. Where moments ago it had been a cute, potentially friendly surveillance unit, now it transformed into a defensive mechanism. Its metallic ears hardened like blades, and its cute exterior seemed to ripple and reshape, revealing intricate defense systems.

"Threat detected," the synthesized voice announced, now cold and clinical. "Sun Wukong: Known disruptor. Initiating defensive protocols. Commencing capture."

Wukong, who had been mid-squeal about how adorable the bunny was, suddenly froze. His excited expression morphed into a bewilderment. “Oh-” He blinked rapidly, gagging a moment later when the Robot pounced on him, "WHOA-!" Wukong yelped as the robotic bunny launched itself at him with surprising agility. Its metallic limbs unfolded, revealing an array of restraining mechanisms and defensive weaponry. "Hey now, let's talk about this-!"

The robot's synthesized voice remained emotionless. "Capture protocol activated. Subject: neutralization required."

With it’s arm around Wukong, a sudden controlled shock, similar to a high voltage razor, sprung from it’s fingertips. Wukong yelped as his fur puffed, vision going fuzzy for a moment. He had been hit by far worse, but it certainly caught him off guard.

The shock jolted through Wukong's body, causing his fur to stand on end and his muscles to seize momentarily. "Okay, that's not cute anymore!" Wukong shouted, eyes like swirls. If he could hear Mihou right now, he probably would have been screaming that he was an idiot. Probably had been warning him to take this all serious for a while now, actually.

Wukong's initial shock quickly transformed into irritation. These robotic contraptions were always so dramatic. He twisted in the bunny's grip, "Listen, little bunny," he attempted to reason, "You are super cute, but I don’t appreciate being shocked. I'm not here to cause trouble.”

The robotic bunny's sensors flashed red. "Threat level increasing. Initiating full restraint protocol."

Binding rings of light seemed to form from the bunny’s hands, wrapping around Wukong’s torso to pin his arms to his side. Wukong struggled against the robotic bunny's restraints, his initial delight transforming into mild annoyance. "Hey! This is NOT how you treat guests!" he shouted, writhing against the light-based bindings.

The robotic bunny remained impassive, its mechanical voice cutting through the lunar silence. "Sun Wukong: Recognized threat. Containment mandatory." grasping the back of his shirt, it turned, dragging him back the way it came.

“Heyyy~!” Wukong kicked and pouted. Clearly captured…

Though, if he was honest, it wasn’t exactly like he was trying to escape or avoid this. Could easily change shape to get out of this- or brute force it open. But, breaking Chang’e’ things was the last thing he needed going for him right now. After all, his goal was to convince her to listen to him, so best to come in by playing by her terms.

Either way, it got him back towards the little Moon town, which is where he was going anyway. He just wished he didn’t have to deal with the judging sensation in the air.

Mihou definitely wasn’t happy…

He laughed nervously, “T-This is one way to make an entrance,” he joked to the open air. He half expected a cricket to sound back in return.

Dragged into the little domain, he was tossed into the open court yard, his face smacking into the dirt. He grumbled, peeling his face off the cement to look up.

The courtyard was immaculate, perfectly manicured gardens surrounding pristine white marble pathways. Elegant lunar architecture rose around him, with delicate archways and crystalline structures that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light - Chang'e's celestial residence. All at full alarm.

Seemed the bunny had notified the entire domain and put everything into lock down. Expected, he understood, but a tad loud.

"Wonderful," he muttered, spitting out a bit of dust. "Just wonderful."

The robotic bunny stood guard, its mechanical ears twitching as it monitored his movements. Wukong slowly picked himself up, shacking off his fur and trying to maintain some semblance of dignity as he sat on his knees.

A series of soft, melodic footsteps approached, and Wukong looked up to see a figure emerging from the pristine archways. Chang'e herself, resplendent in flowing lunar robes that seemed woven from moonlight itself, stepped forward. Her expression was a complex mixture of curiosity, wariness, and a hint of something deeper - perhaps pain-hurt… fear.

"Sun Wukong," she said, her voice cool and measured, clear she was keeping her distance, "I did not expect to see you here." normally she was so peppy and upbeat. Her expression solemn, very aware that bring across Wukong's chest was not something that would hold the person before her. "Why are you here?"

Wukong hesitated at the sight of her lingering a distance. Beyond her, he could sense more of her robots on guard. As well as another presence. Powerful, familiar- and seething...

It seems Princess Iron Fan had arrived just in time for him to be dragged in too. She wasn't revealing herself yet, perhaps waiting to see what he would do?

This was the first time he had seen either since what happened with Mihou. As the only person who could communicate with them on his mate’s behalf, and desperately needing their help, he felt he needed to consider his first words carefully. He would turn on his gold vision to ask for help from Mihou, if doing so wouldn’t put everyone on more edge than they already were.

So that left himself to figure this out until he could explain.

Previous

next

[archivalofsins]

Love how on the Milgram homepage when you scroll down you just get greeted with this under characters

Where all the prisoners have red backgrounds emphasizing what Jackalope said in Es' voice drama about how if he were in our position, he'd vote them all guilty. It also alludes to the idea that's what they all deserve. Unlike Es and Jackalope who both have a multicolored background that's a mix of the innocent and guilty colors.

There are other interesting things about it, but I find this one uniquely hilarious when put alongside how the characters have been received.

Other funny tidbit Jackalope being labeled a guide and his character page stating,

"He is supposed to be an UMA (Unidentified Mysterious Animal) that is said to live in Wyoming, USA."

"But for some reason he is working as a prison guard along with Es."

Like it just straight up goes well this thing isn't meant to be here in his description and it's incredibly funny.

Jackalope: I work for Milgram.

Milgram *describing him*: I know it works for us but he's supposed to be-

Jackalope: I work here.

[yandere-paramour]

Heyyyyy. So I wanted to know how it will be if Atalanta and Vivien met darling’s parents, and the parents were like “ yes my daughter has told us everything about you” . And I mean like EVERYTHING like darling said told their parents everything about them( including how they treat darling) but you don’t have to add that if you don’t want to. Hope you’re doing well btw ☺️

Vivien is sweating bullets. In my version of the story, Darling has no idea about his murders because he generally only eliminates the scum of society or people who hurt/upset Darling. However, Vivien will immediately freak out and think that everyone knows what he did. His eyes are wide, he's sweating, he's fidgeting, he is literally doing everything to make himself seem more suspicious. And he worked so hard too! He put on a nice shirt and combed his hair all nice, AND he brought Darling's parents a cake he baked. He wanted to make a good impression so bad and now everything is ruined! He doubts Darling will visit him in the maximum-security prison he is definitely getting put in. Vivien's thoughts are spiraling when Darling's Dad says "She told us all about the fresh strawberries you grew for her :D She says you're such a great horticulturist". He just stares for a second, then he snaps back to his regular easy-going personality. But late that night he's lying awake in bed thinking that he needs to calm down and probably not commit any murders for a while. Just in case.

Atalanta brought a very expensive bottle of wine to meet Darling's parents. As the day grew closer, she researched them extensively, trying to discover anything they might bring up. She wants to make sure she seems perfect, and everything seems to be going okay, but the situation has an unidentifiable weird vibe. They all sit down to dinner and open the bottle of wine. I doubt Darling would actually say out loud what Atalanta has done; I think there's a higher chance the parents would read between the lines or make up their own terrible conclusions. When they say this, Darling freezes and Atalanta's carefully constructed smile drops off her face.

After a full 30 seconds of tense silence, Atalanta speaks, setting down her fork, "Darling, I believe I heard Abebe call for me. Could you go see what he wants?"

"But-"

"Darling." Atalanta shoots her eyes to the side, giving Darling a look.

Darling blanches, hurrying up from her seat to go check on the guards stationed outside the suburban home. When she leaves, Atalanta turns her attention back to her in-laws. She expertly picks up her wine glass, swirling the golden liquid a little.

"Now, I truly believe I heard you wrong. What was that you said?" One could never say Atalanta wasn't kind; here she was giving them a second chance.

"I'm going to the police about what you've done with my daughter," Your father hisses, standing out of his seat, "You won't get away with this, you bitch."

Atalanta takes a sip of white wine, the corners of her mouth turning up into a small smirk, "Oh Richard... Who's going to believe you?"

Your father turns an angry red and your mother tries to pull him back down, looking between him and Atalanta in fear.

"Thank you for having me in your lovely home," Atalanta stands up, inclining her head in respect to her elders, "I'll send my precious Darling in to say goodbye. I suggest you stay quiet, if only for your own self-interest. I am extraordinarily lenient with my Darling, but that benevolence does not extend much farther. I'd hate to have to arrange some sort of "accident". I expect Y/N to be back in the car in five minutes.

She smiles, showing off her perfect teeth, "Please have a good night and a pleasant tomorrow."

Atalanta walks away, leaving your terrified and fuming parents in her wake.

[lexi-the-twilight-dragon]

so my partner (who is reading Animorphs at my recommendation/rambling) pointed out something from the first book that somehow escaped my notice:

how many species are in the yeerk pool cavern?

(Image description: “And there were creatures everywhere. Taxxons, Hork-Bajir, and other things I couldn’t even begin to guess at. But mostly, there were humans. A lot of them.” End description)

— Jake, The Invasion

so bae read this, and upon returning the book to me asked “so what species are there, aside from the Hork-Bajir and Taxxons?” Presumably to get a better mental picture

and I realised the only ones I could physically describe were the Gedds (Leerans not being there yet)

then there’s this quote:

(Image description: “Through the window, we could see Yeerk crewmen - Hork-Bajir, Taxxons, and two or three other alien species, in simple red or dark brown uniforms. And there were humans, too. My first reaction was hope. Humans!” End description)

— Marco, The Predator

(granted this is on the pool ship, but still)

two or three other alien species, huh? We know from the following book that one was the Gedds, but that leaves one or two other species left unidentified. We know from the same book that the Mak and the Ssstram are infested and a few books later the Nahara.

(Image description: “ Two piers were built out over the lake. One was where the Controllers - human, Hork-Bajir, Taxxon, and other species - disgorged the Yeerks from their heads. Hork-Bajir guards would watch carefully as each Controller knelt at the far end of the pier, and held his head down close to the surface of the lake.” End description)

— Rachel, The Stranger

Rachel mentions “other species” in The Stranger and “some poor creature” in The Underground, so again, implied to be more than just Gedds down there.

I haven’t read the later yeerk pool books in a while so I can’t provide evidence from them.

but to summarise: we get multiple accounts, from at least half of the Animorphs, every time they are in a yeerk pool space, that there are multiple host species other than the Hork-Bajir and Taxxons present, and yet we NEVER GET A DESCRIPTION OF ANY OF THEM

WERE THERE EVER NAHARA ON EARTH? What were they used for? What do they look like? Whats their societal structure? Mak? Ssstram? Hell, Ongachic?

I wanna know! Bae wants to know! WE WANNA KNOW DAMMIT

[sw5w]

We're Keepers of the Peace, Not Soldiers

STAR WARS EPISODE II: Attack of the Clones 00:04:49

[reddwarfpoll]

Demons and Angels: Using Kryten's matter paddle, the crew manages to figure out how to triplicate things. First a strawberry...and then Red Dwarf!

Justice: The Red Dwarf crew pick up an escape pod containing either prison guard Barbra Bellini or a dangerous Simulant convict. They transport the pod back to Justice World where Rimmer finds himself put on trial for past crimes long forgotten.

Waiting for God: Whilst Rimmer preoccupies himself with an unidentified object that Holly has tracked and brought aboard the ship, Lister is in equal measure distraught and amazed to discover that owing to a few horrible misunderstandings all those millennia ago, he is the cat god Cloister.

Photo IDs by @what--the-helliot (also in reblogs)

[susan-gampre]

The Tiger's Teeth

DWC 2025; Loyalty/Rage Prompt

Trigger Warning: Blood and beatings

Screaming could be heard to the farthest reaches of the Sister's in Sin brothel. Blood curdling at times, but mostly a cacophony of multiple voices bouncing throughout the acoustic rich rooms in endless echos. It reches the Madam well before anyone could try to get a handle on the issue, and it had been enough to stir the woman from her paperwork -- Her eyes held a sentiment of frustration at the uncouth haymaker going on under her roof. She strode from her office with a purpose, skirts trailing as she made haste down the corridors toward the stair case, glancing over the banister to measure what exactly she was walking into.

A group of women stood gathered with a singular guard between them all, a few of the women Susan recognized as her very own sex workers, all dressed of varying modesty. They were all exchanging in heated debate with two women of extravagant gowns that she did not recognize. Accusations of grandeur flew from the mouths of the unidentified women, the younger of the two flashing her marital ring and spitting the worst insults of them all whilst her older companion only enabled. The whores responded to the challenge with their indiscretion, likely riling the women up further -- No one truly seemed eager to try and settle the matter.

Susan sighed with frustration. This was a scene she had witnessed before in her many-a years, honestly this was a scene she had personally been apart of more times than she had fingers and toes. Mothers, wives or sisters of men storming through the Brothel to bitch, moan and complain how the man of their life was ruined after their involvement with the Brothel and its whores. It was a never ending tirade of blaming the wrong party involved.

"So soon into the year?" She mutters beneath her breath, eyes moving to inspect the rafters now, series of catwalks installed between the upper level structural beams and walls, rafters containing sturdy nets... The design carried a collection of her tigers who, for the most part, seemed only as annoyed as she to all the ruckus. They had been lounging and relaxing with the space and freedom from the crowd of the brothel's ground level. But even from their height they couldn't escape the insufferable squabbles.

A sympathetic expression was sent toward her big cats, but ultimately it all seemed out of her hands. She had prepared to turn away as more guards stepped in to handle the rising frustrations of the involved parties, forming a wall to begin pulling the insulting party on one side away from everyone. She was ready to allow them to squash the issue; For all intents and purposes, Susan was certain it was over before it had begun -- Just to catch sight of a hand flying through the air to catch one of her whores straight in the jaw, sending the woman crashing to the floor.

As if responding to the Madam's sudden peak of fury the tigers in the rafters would all snarl, piloerection affecting the orange and black around their shoulders-- Indication to how tapped in they were to Susans reactions; Her emotions, to an extent, were their own. An attestment to the deep loyalty and understanding between feline and human. They stood at the catwalks and around the rafters in anticipation; A foreshadowing of what was to come as their amber and golden eyes were as wild as Susan's. She had finally registered that it was not just any whore, but the sweetest and the most well intentioned of them all. Esme Erynn lay in a crumbled pile of tears and blood, having been struck so hard by the maiden that the woman's rings had cut up Esme's lip.

There wasn't hesitation now. Her friend... a good woman had been attacked before her eyes. She had to respond to the dual challenge of a worker being assaulted as well as the fact it was someone she cared for. Without ever having to think about it Susan almost flys down the flights of steps to join the fray. She was practically seeing red, nostrils flaring as her breath became shallow; The adrenaline was pumping through her body and sending her rage to astronomical heights. From the rafters her oldest of companions made haste to dismount the catwalks and follow Susan's figure.

Once on ground level she ran through the crowd like a battering ram, surprising the guards in a red rover style slam through the shoulders of two men as they had made effort to contain the employees. The women were not quite as furious as Susan but were the more immediate threats to the well being of the two smug women come stirring up trouble, the Madam's involvement was unexpected.

The Madam, all five feet (with an added six inches from her tall heels) coiled her ringed fingers into the hair of the insulter, flinging her to the ground with a combination of her surprise attack and honed strength. The woman fell with a shout of confusion, but the Madam wasn't satisfied with this alone. Her own bejeweled ringed fingers caught and tore some hair from the woman's skull as she steadies her. Then, with a snarl of her own, Susan begins to swing her tightly balled fist into the woman's undefended face.

Before the guards or even the outsider's companion could attempt to stop it before the Madam got out of hand, the true throaty rumbling growl of a tiger causes them to freeze. That haunting noise would shake their very ribs, the big cat's noisy entrance a dare to them all to cross her. The loyal big cat of the Madam draws close to put her large and intimidating stature between her caretaker and those who'd attempt to intervene. Anthrel's greying and grizzled maw was open wide in a snarl of stained teeth, ears pinned in a gesture of her focus and fury (mostly stemmed from the Madam's infectious anger).

From the start she had completely blitzed the attacker, only further stunning her with every calculated strike of her fist, the other hand still clutching tightly to the blonde locks, occasionally tugging the hair to keep the woman on the ground whenever she tries rally. Blood and spit now sprayed the floor at the hand of Susan's viciousness. At some point Susan would tire of her upper hand, releasing the woman's tresses before sending her foot into the woman's stomach, putting abit of distance between them as she hollers at the top of her lungs:

"Not in my fucking house you gangly cunt! Don't you ever put your hands on someone, over a fucking whore hungry man? Pathetic!" She spits, venom seeping from her clenched teeth, the rage in her eyes burning like wildfire across a dry prairie.

The trespasser was completely at Susan's mercy now -- and the Madam wasn't in a forgiving mood.

Her fury was controlled now, focused. And she was every bit ready to continue this scrap until she'd been satisfied with the blood shed. "Get up and fight me like a woman, you bony bitch. I wont tear a defenseless woman apart unlike you."

@daily-writing-challenge

[omorinintendoswitchedition]

YOUR BACKYARD-The sky is blood red, casting an eerie glow through the inky blackness of your backyard. The trees stand still, like ghosts, watching you. A clear path stretches out before you, guiding you towards where you know you must go

PERCEPTION (SIGHT)-Towards the biggest tree in your yard.

HALF LIGHT-The one with the unidentifiable shape gently swinging from a noose.

THE TREE-It looms over you, like a pillar of death, you feel small and insignificant before it

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT-What’s this? We’re afraid of a tree? Pussy.

PAIN THRESHOLD (Godly:Failure)-This tree bears our deepest agonies. We have every right to be afraid.

SOMETHING-An indistinguishable thing hangs from the branch, the only thing you can clearly make out is the bright white eye staring at you.

“Do you remember the scent of your childhood?”

1. What *is* this?

2. What are you? <

3. I don’t remember

4. I was born in a hospital, where people usually go to die

YOU- What are you?

SOMETHING- I’m exactly what it says on the tin. Now answer the question.

1. What *is* this?

2. I don’t remember <

3. I was born in a hospital, where people usually go to die

YOU- I don’t remember

SOMETHING- Do you remember your sister’s hand holding your own?

1. I’m not answering until you tell me what’s happening

2. You mean Mari? <

YOU- You mean Mari?

SOMETHING-Yes, her. Tell me, do you remember her?

ENCYCLOPEDIA- Of course we remember her! She has purple hair, a purple vest over a white shirt with and a purple skirt and red necktie. She always has a picnic basket and a warm smile.

SOMETHING- Wrong

YOU- What do you mean?

SOMETHING - I’m talking about the *real* Mari. Not the one you made up to fill the cracks in your empty heart.

INLAND EMPIRE [Godly: Success] - Black hair, neatly pressed school uniform. Piano music. It’s the same song again, always the same song. She’s trying to make it perfect for the big night, always practicing, shut away in that room…

VOLITION- No, enough of that. Don’t think about it.

SOMETHING- Tell me, where are your friends? Human beings have friends Sunny-boy, where the hell are yours?

YOU- I don’t know

SOMETHING- Don’t know, hey? And why is that, I wonder? Could it have anything to do with the whole *not going outside* thing?

1. I’ve seen you before…….

2. I’m tired <

3. Help……me…

YOU- I’m tired

ANCIENT REPTILIAN BRAIN - You’re what now? I can’t hear you over the sound of this jumbled-up word dream. It’s all garbage. The pictures are gone, your bed rises to meet you. A thin, sleep-like state. It feels more like glass than velvet, *grinding* up here in your head.

LIMBIC SYSTEM- Something is *wrong*. Sleep isn’t usually this bad. This dry. This *unsafe*. There’s something wrong with your head……a lingering feeling that won’t go away.

YOU- What? No!

LIMBIC SYSTEM- Oh yes sleepy boy. It doesn’t go away, it will always be here, lurking around the corners, waiting for you to drop your guard. Here it comes, so soon already! An alarm goes off, like clockwork. Barely letting you sleep at all. Time to get up, Sunny!

LIMBIC SYSTEM- Time to go to work in the shit factory!

[hachama]

January is for new WIPs

The lady in red walked in the front door of the embassy. She was curvaceous, in a conspicuous way that made the security guard think a surgeon had more to do with her shape than Mother Nature, with a well rounded bottom, waspy waist, large bosom, and plump, pouty lips. Her lips were the same shade of red as her strappy stilettos and her extremely abbreviated dress. She carried a tiny, sparkly clutch in one hand, barely large enough to hold a cell phone.

“Evening, ma’am. Do you have an appointment?”

The lady in red wobbled bouncily toward the security desk, blonde curls swirling around her bare neck and shoulders, and fluttered her eyelashes at the guard. “Oh, Stan, you tease. You know who I’m here to see.” She pushed her lips further forward in a pout meant to be seductive. “But I’d never kiss and tell.”

Stan rolled his eyes and buzzed her in. Someone was going to have to tell the ambassador that his legal attache was using the embassy to see his side chick, but it wasn’t going to be Stan.

“You’re a real doll, Stan. Maybe later I’ll come keep you company for awhile.” The blonde winked at him over her enormous sunglasses, and tottered into the elevator as the door slid open.

“Yeah, that’ll be the day. Chick like that taking pity on a guy earning less than six figures? No chance.”

The elevator door opened on the fourth floor, and the blonde, now carrying her heels in one hand, padded out. She looked around, saw she was alone on the floor, and strode purposefully toward an office door. She removed something that looked like a credit card from her clutch, popped three lock picks out of it, and had the door open faster than if she’d had a key. The lock picks went back into the card, the card back into the clutch, and she closed and locked the door behind her.

In the darkened office, she withdrew a tube of ruby red lipstick from the clutch, popped the bottom cap off, and stuck the revealed memory stick into a port on the computer. A dim red light flashed quickly, and she watched it until it became a steady glow. While the computer gave up its secrets, she quickly searched the office, waving her clutch over larger pieces of furniture and the walls. A brief vibration over one of the desk drawers, another on a bookshelf, and a third under the antique woven rug. She smiled, it was almost too easy. Under the rug was a floor-mounted safe with a digital combination lock. Three of the keys were visibly worn, and it didn’t take much trial and error to pop it open. Inside she found several stacks of large denomination currency and three passports. She dropped them on the desk, next to the still chugging computer. The bookshelf slid to the side when she pushed the middle shelf toward the wall. Behind it, a small nook, just large enough for one person to kneel inside. All around the walls of the nook were an assortment of sex toys, restraints, gags, and latex clothing. She left it all untouched, and the bookshelf open. The desk drawer had a false bottom and no locking mechanism at all. It contained three vials of an unidentified injectable liquid and several unused syringes. The vials and syringes joined the money and passports on the desk.

While the computer finished its task, she rolled up her skirt, pulling two large butt pads from her undergarments. Each had a hidden zippered compartment. She distributed her collection of goodies between them and returned the slightly heavier pads to their previous location. With the dress rolled back down, there was no visible indication that she was several thousand dollars wealthier.

The light on the memory stick flashed again, three times, and the computer emitted an expensive crunching sound and a puff of smoke. She retrieved the drive, covered the end with the lipstick case bottom, and tucked it back in her clutch. She surveyed the office a final time, and returned to the elevator.

In the lobby, Stan was startled by the return of the lady in red, shoes in hand, wobbling drunkenly toward him. “Hey, big boy, you got anything to drink back there?” she slurred.

“I think you’ve had enough, ma’am. Do you need me to call a ride for you?”

“You’re sh-” she hiccuped, then tried again. “You’re sweet. I like you,” and wobbled out the door.

Fifteen minutes later, a nearly identical lady in a red dress entered the embassy lobby. “Evening, Stan. Fourth floor, please?”

Stan’s jaw dropped, and he hit the alarm.

“And that, ladies, gentlemen, and advisors, is the only thing that Stanley Morris did correctly that night.” Erin Hue, freelance security consultant, clicked a button and an image of the stolen passports appeared on screens around the conference room. “To be fair, Stan was far from alone in his lax conduct. On the other hand, he was the only security professional involved, and should be held to a higher standard. But when an ambassador’s close associate is the one directing a violation of security protocol, perhaps we can agree to call it even?”

A man in a gray suit, seated near the head of the table, grimaced at the screens. The ambassador looked at the screens in shock, then turned to the man in gray. “Donald? Is this true?” The man in gray shrank under his employer’s gaze, and the ambassador’s face transitioned from shock to rage, from pale to red to almost purple. “You, you snake! You traitor! SECURITY!” Uniformed men entered the room, looking to the ambassador for further instructions. “Arrest this man!”

Erin waited until the commotion had died down, the hapless Donald removed from the room, and continued. “Unfortunately, the passports are only the worst for Donald. The subject also copied all the files from his computer, everything from the network drives he had access to, and then corrupted everything so thoroughly that the computer’s hard drive shattered.”

The ambassador put his head in his hands, fingers sliding over his bald scalp as he clenched his hands. “I’m ruined.”

“Yes, sir, I’m afraid you are.” Erin closed her laptop, the passport images disappearing from the conference room screens, and began packing up. “I’ve submitted my full report. There are copies with your secretary, your immediate supervisor, and with your Prime Minister’s security office. So I guess that leaves only one final question.”

The soon to be former ambassador looked up at her, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Yes?”

“Do you validate parking?”

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 3) Chapter Four

Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter Four: Missing Brain

Summary: The Enterprise is attacked and takes a very strange item from one crew member.

            Captain’s Log: During the Enterprise’s travels, we’ve encountered a strange ship. We are on Red Alert, unsure if it is friend or foe as it refuses to answer any of our transmissions.

            “Phaser banks standing by, sir,” reported Sulu. “Range 43,000 and closing.”

            “What do you read, Mr. Spock?” asked Kirk.

            “Configuration unidentified,” said Spock. “Ion propulsion, high velocity, though of unique configuration.”

            “(L/N)?” asked Kirk.

            “No contact, sir,” reported (Y/N). “Hailing on all frequencies and languages but no response. Now using standard interstellar symbols.”

            “Keep trying,” said Kirk. “Magnification ten, Mr. Chekov.”

            “Aye, sir,” said Chekov.

            “13,000 and closing,” warned Sulu.

            “Well, Scotty?” asked Kirk.

            “It beats me, but isn’t she a beauty?” remarked Scotty, gazing at the ship with admiration.

            “Interesting design,” said Kirk.

            “I’ve never seen anything like her, and ion propulsion at that! Ah, they could teach us a thing or two,” said Scotty.

            “Life-forms, Mr. Spock?” asked Kirk.

            “One: humanoid or similar,” said Spock. “Low level of activity. Life support systems functioning. Interior atmosphere: conventional nitrogen-oxygen. Instruments indicate a transferal beam emanating from the area of the humanoid life-form.”

            “Directed at what?” asked Kirk, on guard.

            “Directed at the guard of the Enterprise, Captain,” said Spock, eyes hardening warily.

            “Security guard,” called Kirk. “Security guard to the Bridge.” He froze as a beam appeared on the Bridge, and a woman materialized.

            The Bridge crew stared at her in lilac and pink heels and a dress. She smiled as her eyes landed on Spock, who raised an eyebrow.

            (Y/N) cocked their head as very calm, pleasant emotions emanated from the woman. However, the emotions were…simple, like there wasn’t much going through her mind.

            “I’m Captain James Kirk,” said Kirk. “This is the Starship Enterprise.”

            The security guard rushed in, phasers drawn, but the woman calmly lifts a device on her wrist and a low tone hummed. Instantly, (Y/N) felt a force inside their head, and they seized up. Around them, their fellow crew members froze before collapsing unconscious. The last thought (Y/N) had as they collapsed was how Spock stumbled and reached out for them.

            Spock…

l

            (Y/N) jerked awake, and while Kirk turned to monitor the Enterprise, but their first thought was Spock. He was gone from his post.

            “Spock!” breathed (Y/N), and their stomach dropped. Something was very wrong.

            “(L/N)? Do you know where Spock went?” asked Kirk worriedly.

            (Y/N) shook their head. “He was gone when I woke up.”

            “Jim! (Y/N)!” Bones’s urgent voice came over the intercom. “You’d better come down to Sickbay right now.”

            (Y/N) was out the door before Kirk could even answer Bones.

l

            (Y/N) flew through Sickbay doors with Scotty and Kirk behind them. Their eyes widened as they saw what Bones had been so worried about.

            Spock lay underneath life-support systems, and a gold cloth was wrapped around his head. (Y/N) was by his side in an instant, holding his hand worriedly. They couldn’t feel his emotions, which was normal, but he felt…emptier.

            “I found him on the table,” said Bones.

            “Like this…?” asked (Y/N).

            “No, not like this,” said Bones.

            “What happened?” (Y/N)’s golden eyes were filled with concern as they looked at Bones.

            “I don’t know,” said Bones.

            “Why is he on complete life support?” asked (Y/N), holding Spock’s hand tighter. “Was he…?”

            “He was worse than that,” said Bones.

            “What does that mean?” questioned (Y/N).

            “(Y/N)…” Bones had a soft spot for the Celian, they were like a little sibling to him, and he was hesitant to tell them that something had happened to Spock.

            “Bones, I can tell it’s bad,” said (Y/N), watching Bones’s fear and worry swirl around him.

            “…His brain is gone,” said Bones. “It’s been removed surgically.”

            (Y/N) looked down at Spock as their heart ached. His brain? Spock’s brain? The very thing that made him Spock? “How…how could he survive?” If he was alive, there was hope.

            “It’s the greatest technical job I’ve ever seen. Every nerve ending of the brain must’ve been neatly sealed. Nothing ripped, nothing torn, no bleeding,” said Bones. “It’s a medical miracle.”

            “But if he’s missing his brain…he’s dying,” said (Y/N).

            “No. That incredible Vulcan physique hung on till life support took over,” said Bones. “His body lives.” He looked at (Y/N). “We’ve still got him, don’t worry. The autonomic functions continue…but there is no mind.”

            (Y/N) could feel the sympathy of all their friends, but they could only focus on Spock. They had to bring him back. They had to. They couldn’t leave him like this.

            “That woman…” said Kirk.

            “Aye,” said Scotty.

            “What woman?” asked Bones.

            “From the ship,” said (Y/N). “She beamed aboard and used a device to send us unconscious.”

            “She took it,” said Kirk decisively. “I don’t know why, or where, but she must have taken it.” He looked at Bones. “Bones, how long can you keep him functioning?”

            “I can’t give you any guarantee,” said Bones.

            “Please, Bones,” said (Y/N).

            “If it happened to a human, I’d say indefinitely, but Vulcan physiology mixing with human limits what I can do,” said Bones. “Spock’s body is much more reliant upon that tremendous brain for life support.”

            “Then we’ll have to take him with us,” decided Kirk.

            “Take him?” asked (Y/N) in confusion.

            “Take him where?” questioned Bones.

            “In search of his brain, Doctor,” said Kirk. “From what you say, the moment we find it, we must restore it to his body, or…we lose him.” He looked at (Y/N) in sympathy.

            (Y/N) steeled themself. They had to do something. They refused to just leave Spock like this. They wouldn’t give up on the man they loved.

            “Jim…where are you going to look in this whole galaxy?” asked Bones. “Where are you going to look for Spock’s brain? How are you going to find it?”

            “We’ll find it,” said (Y/N), and all eyes turned on them. “We’ll find it.”

            “Even if you do, I can’t restore it,” said Bones. “I don’t have the medical technique.” He was harsh, but it was his own way of showing worry that swept over (Y/N).

            “If it was taken out, it can be put back in,” said (Y/N). “That’s logic.”

            “But I don’t know how!” Bones’s words were angry, but his emotions read of guilt and frustration. He wasn’t sure how to help Spock, and for all their arguments, he liked the Vulcan and was his friend. He didn’t want to lose him.

            “Whoever took it has the knowledge. We’ll get her to tell us,” said (Y/N) in determination.

            “We need to find it in twenty-four hours,” said Bones.

            (Y/N)’s hand curled into a fist of determination. Kirk put a hand on their shoulder and faced Bones. “You and Scotty have Spock ready. We’ll find out where that woman went.”

            (Y/N) nodded. “We’ll find him.” We’re coming, Spock.

l

            “I’ve got it again, sir—an ion trail,” said Sulu. He had been working hard to get a track on the ship that had taken Spock. “It’s from that ship of hers alright.”

            (Y/N) smiled. “Thank you, Sulu.”

            “Where does it lead, Mr. Chekov?” asked Kirk.

            “System Sigma Draconis,” said Chekov.

            “Lock on, Mr. Sulu,” said Kirk. “Maximum speed.” He looked at (Y/N). “We’re going to get him back, (L/N).”

            “Of course we are,” said (Y/N). “I won’t leave him like this.”

            Kirk looked at them and nodded. (Y/N) loved Spock, and Kirk had seen many times how far (Y/N) went for the people they cared about. If anyone would make sure Spock was saved, it would be (Y/N).

l

            Fifteen anxiety-inducing hours had passed. Nine hours remained to save Spock. (Y/N) and everyone on the Bridge’s emotions had been a swirl of concern as they single-mindedly focused on staying on the tail of the ship that had taken him.

            (Y/N) wanted to dive into the work, too, but Uhura was quick to make sure they rested since she knew (Y/N) would drive themself into the ground before even getting to Spock if given the chance.

            “Captain, I’ve lost the trail!” said Sulu.

            (Y/N) tensed, and Kirk jumped up. “All scanners, extreme sweep.”

            (Y/N) moved to their station, but Uhura batted their hands away. “Rest, (Y/N). You’ll need your energy when you find Spock.”

            “Well?” asked Kirk.

            “Nothing, sir, nothing at all,” said Sulu.

            “It’s gone, sir, a sudden deaction shift,” said Uhura.

            “We’ve lost her trail, but she went into that system,” said Sulu.

            “Mr. Chekov, put a schematic of Sigma Draconis on the screen,” ordered Kirk.

            “Aye, Captain,” said Chekov. A diagram appeared.

            “Redout, Mr. Chekov,” said Kirk.

            “Sun: spectral type, Gamma IX. Nine planets, three of them Class M, possessing sapient life according to reports and long-range scanning,” said Chekov.

            “She was breathing our air,” said (Y/N). “So a Class-M planet has to be her home.”

            Kirk nodded. “Show us the M-Class planets, Mr. Chekov.”

            “The one on the left, number three, rates Letter B on the industrial scale. Earth equivalent approximately…1485,” said Chekov. “Second planet, Class-M, number four, rates Letter G. The year 2030.”

            “But that ship, Captain, either it was many years ahead of us, or it was the most incredible design fluke in history,” said Sulu.

            “Third Class-M planet, Mr. Chekov?” asked Kirk.

            “Number six, no sign of industrial development,” said Chekov. “At last report, in a glacial age. Sapient life plentiful, but on a most primitive level.”

            Kirk considered. “Now, as I understand you, Mr. Chekov, there are three M-Class planets. Not one of which is capable of launching an interstellar flight.”

            “No, sir,” said Chekov.

            “And yet one of them accomplished it?” said Kirk.

            “Yes, sir,” said Chekov.

            “Thank you, Mr. Chekov,” sighed Kirk.

            “Captain, I’m picking up high energy generation on planet six,” said Uhura.

            “That’s the primitive glacial planet,” said Kirk in confusion.

            “Uhura, what’s the source?” asked (Y/N).

            “It could be natural: volcanic activity, steam, any number of causes, but it’s very regular,” said Uhura.

            “What do your surface readings show, Mr. Chekov?” asked Kirk.

            “No sign of organized civilization,” said Chekov. “Primitive humanoids picked up at irregular intervals.”

            “With regular pulsations of generated energy?” questioned Kirk.

            (Y/N) furrowed their brow. That didn’t make sense; it was a paradox.

            “I can’t explain, sir,” said Chekov.

            “I cannot afford to guess wrong,” said Kirk. “We’ve got to choose the right planet, get there, find Spock’s brain in…eight hours and thirty-five minutes. Recommendations, Mr. Chekov?”

            “Sigma Draconis III,” said Chekov. “It’s closest. Heaviest population.”

            “But a technological rating of only three,” said Sulu. “They couldn’t possibly have put that ship we saw into space.”

            “We’ve seen stranger things,” remarked (Y/N).

            “I’d still say planet four,” said Sulu. “At least planet four is ahead of three technologically.”

            “But advanced ion propulsion is beyond even our capabilities,” said Kirk. “It’d be a miracle if they had developed it.”

            “But what does anyone want with Spock’s brain?” said (Y/N), shifting uncomfortably.

            “Yes, why would they want it?” wondered Kirk. “Eight hours and thirty-four minutes.” Time was ticking away. “Planet six is glaciated, you say?”

            “Several thousand years at least,” confirmed Chekov. “Only the tropical zone is ice-free.”

            “But the energy…regular,” murmured (Y/N). “That’s there and real.”

            “Yes,” said Uhura. “It doesn’t make sense, but it’s there.”

            “Have the Transporter Room stand by,” decided Kirk. “I’m taking a landing party down to planet six.”

            “Aye, aye, sir,” said Uhura, getting up. She squeezed (Y/N)’s shoulder reassuringly before alerting the Transporter Room.

            “A hunch, Captain?” asked Sulu.

            “A hunch, Mr. Sulu,” said Kirk.

            “…And if we guess wrong, Spock is dead,” said (Y/N), furrowing their brow and swallowing hard. “So we can’t be wrong.”

l

            Scotty, Chekov, Kirk, (Y/N), and two security officers arrived on Sigma Draconis VI. The primitive glaciated planet loomed with mountains over them. Eight hours and twenty-nine minutes remained.

            “Life form readings, Mr. Spock—Uh, Mr. Scott.” Kirk had to correct himself due to the strange disappearance of his First Officer.

            “Scattered,” said Scotty. “Widely spaced. Humanoid all right. On the large side.”

            “We better watch out,” said Kirk. “We know they aren’t as developed yet.”

            “Aye,” said Scotty.

            “Readout, Mr. Chekov,” said Kirk.

            “No structures, Captain,” said Chekov. “No mechanized objects that I can read. No surface consumption, no generation of energy. Atmosphere is perfectly alright, of course. Temperature, a high maximum of forty. Livable.”

            “Captain,” said (Y/N). “I can feel erratic emotions. Out in the rocks. There are a couple of people approaching.”

            “Phasers on stun,” commanded Kirk. “I want them conscious.”

            Carefully, the landing party approached where (Y/N) sensed emotions, and Scotty scanned for precise locations. A moment later, men with scraggly bears wearing pelts through rocks and sticks at the group. The Starfleet officers scattered behind rocks as they were bombarded. Kirk reached up and stunned one. The rest of the humanoid group stared at their fallen friend. Fear shot through them, and they ran for their own lives, thinking their friend dead.

            Kirk, Scotty, and (Y/N) approached the fallen man as he groaned. Fear spiked in him, and it prickled (Y/N)’s skin.

            “We mean you no harm,” they assured him. They touched his arm for a moment and let their calm emotions flood him with the knowledge they had no ill intentions. “We’re not your enemies. We just want to talk.”

            “You are not the others?” murmured the man.

            “No. We come from another place,” said (Y/N).

            “You are smaller…like the others,” said the man warily.

            “Who are the others?” asked Kirk.

            “The givers of pain…and delight,” said the man.

            “Do they live here with you?” said (Y/N).

            “No. They come. They give pain and delight.”

            “Do they come from the sky like us?” asked Kirk.

            “They are here. You will see,” said the man. “The others will come for you. They come from all like you and me.”

            They come for men? wondered (Y/N), exchanging a worried look with Kirk. “Do they come for your women as well?”

            “Women?” repeated the man in confusion as if the word held no meaning.

            “The typical female of your kind,” said Kirk in a brief explanation.

            “Your words…say nothing.”

            “Don’t you and your kind have mates or partner?” asked Kirk. The man stared in confusion, and Kirk pursed his lips.

            “Can you take us to find the others?” (Y/N) needed to see if these people had taken Spock. This was proving to be a suspicious planet, and with their luck, Spock would be at the middle of a planet-wide issue.

            “No one wants to find them!” said the man, panicking slightly.

            “We do,” said (Y/N), trying to calm him again but remaining firm.

            “Take us there, and we’ll let you go,” said Kirk.

            “Captain!” alerted Chekov. “Five hundred meters in that direction, there’s a foundation under the surface. A huge one! Registrations all over the place.”

            “Buildings?” asked Kirk.

            “Yes, sir. Immensely old, completely buried, but they were here once,” said Chekov.

            “That could imply some technological advancements hidden from the surface,” said (Y/N). That could be a clue to Spock.

            “Somewhere down there is where the others live,” said the man.

            (Y/N) and Kirk exchanged a look. That was where they had to go.

            “Scotty, see if you can find a way down,” said Kirk hurriedly.

            “Aye, sir!” said Scotty.

            “No! No!” The man got up and panicked. Kirk tried to grab him, but the man was quite strong. “No! Do not go there!” He pushed Kirk back and ran.

            “It’s alright,” said Kirk as a security officer tried to run after the man. “Let him go.”

            “What could the others do to cause such terror?” asked Chekov.

            “What was it he said, pain and delight?” remarked Kirk.

            “Peculiar mixture,” said Chekov.

            “A dead and buried city on a planet in the glacial age,” reviewed (Y/N). “The male humanoid doesn’t know what a female is and neither what it means to have a partner.” They frowned. How were there adults?

            “Captain! (L/N)!” called Scotty. “Over here, sir!”

            Chekov, (Y/N), and Kirk ran over to a cave opening Scotty had found.

            “There’s food in there,” said Scotty. “And a whole pile of other stuff.”

            “A storehouse for the men?” offered Chekov.

            “I don’t think so,” said Kirk. He pointed to the stack of tools and light in the corner. “Metal. Forged. Tempered. Our apish friends didn’t make these.”

            “What do you think?” said (Y/N), looking at Scotty.

            “It could be a warning device to keep the men away from the food,” said Scotty.

            “Or the food could be a lure, set by the ‘others’ to bring the men in here,” said (Y/N). “In that case, the beam would be a signal.”

            “And this cave, a trap,” said Kirk.

            “If it will trap the men for the others, Captain, won’t it trap us, too?” said Chekov.

            “Good point,” said (Y/N), leading the way out.

            “Kirk to Enterprise,” radioed Kirk once they were out.

            “Enterprise, Uhura here,” said Uhura.

            “Have Dr. McCoy beam down immediately,” said Kirk.

            “Aye, aye, sir,” said Uhura.

            “Mr. Chekov, you and the security team will remain here at the entrance,” said Kirk. “We’ll be in constant contact with you.”

            “Aye, sir,” said Chekov.

            The golden glow of the Transporter appeared, and Bones and another figure formed on the planet. (Y/N)’s eyes widened.

            Spock’s body stood straight with a device in his head.

Taglist:

@a-ofzest

@grippleback-galaxy

@genderfluid-anime-goth

@groovy-lady

@im-making-an-effort

@unending-screaming

@h-l-vlovesvintage

@neenieweenie

@keylimeconstellation

@wormwig

@technikerin23

@ilyatan

[solalunar-eclipse]

Sonic Boom - S3E19

Chapter title: Unknown From M.E. (Part One)

Summary: Knuckles has been having some odd dreams lately…what could be causing them? The team bands together to explore a new area and find out.

AO3 Link

First | Previous | Next

[The camera opens up in a first-person perspective. We see two red arms, ending in white mittens with double knuckle-spikes on each hand.]

The echidna pushed aside a tangle of vines, walking through a dense jungle. The scenery looked nothing like the forests of Seaside Island, instead appearing distinctly more tropical in nature.

It seemed quite familiar to the person walking through it, at least, since they climbed over fallen trees and pushed through the undergrowth with ease. Clearly, they were quite confident in their own abilities. 

Suddenly, however, a faint chanting could be heard off in the distance. 

The servers are the Eight Chaos…

The echidna looked up sharply in the direction of the voice, startled. After a moment’s pause, they began to walk closer to where they’d heard the chant. 

“Hello?” they called, their voice pitched high with youth.

Chaos is power, enriched by the heart…

The young person began to run through the forest, chasing the sounds to the foot of a mountain. They looked up at the peak and began to climb, digging their spikes into the solid rock. However, the next time the voices came, they sounded further away.

The controller serves to unify the chaos…

Abruptly, the echidna dropped from their perch, beginning to dig into the ground instead. As they burrowed deeper and deeper, they heard the chant one last time, guiding them into the very center of the mountain.

This is what we have been sworn to guard.

And with that, the echidna emerged into a room—a room that gleamed green from every surface, sparkling and shimmering like it was made of one massive crystal.

They reached out to touch the floor beneath their feet…

…and Knuckles fell out of his hammock in his home, gasping for breath.

[The intro sequence goes off perfectly well! The individual character introductions and team shot all stay the same.]

[This time, the villain intro shows a red glow that illuminates a massive cave painting, one that’s difficult to make out. However, it appears to depict many different creatures holding oddly shaped machinery. Some of them are being struck by a mysterious unidentifiable force, dropping their possessions in the process…]

[The intro then continues on, before ending with the title of this week’s episode.]

Another day, another attack from Dr. Eggman, located in the town square. As always, Sonic and all his friends were there to fight back, frustrating the ever-persistent (or perhaps simply just in-denial) doctor. 

“Come on, Sonic! Can’t you just give me one win?” he complained, hovering warily nearby in his Eggmobile.

“I already gave you a win, remember? It was on New Year’s Eve!” Sonic shot back, spindashing several badniks as he spoke.

“That one doesn’t count!”

“Yeah it does!”

“No it doesn’t!”

“Yeah it d—!”

Before Sonic could continue his argument with his nemesis, Knuckles stumbled into his side, having overshot his left hook.

“Wh-whoa!” the hero yelped, struggling to stabilize his taller friend. “Knux, you good?”

“Oh yeah, I’m fine!” Knuckles gave him a thumbs-up. “Just didn’t sleep a lot last night, but it’s no problem!”

Sonic frowned, but let it go for the time being, opting to smash more badniks instead of pressing the echidna on the matter. Soon enough, the tide of the battle was turned, and Dr. Eggman was forced to retreat, grumbling all the way back to his evil lair.

“Knuckles?” Amy called, tugging on her hammer from where it had gotten stuck in a bush. “What happened back there? You don’t normally kick my hammer instead of the robots…”

“Knux here says he didn’t sleep last night.” Sonic showed not a single sign of remorse as he revealed this information to known health enthusiast Amy Rose.

“Sonic!” the echidna cried, shooting him a distinctly betrayed look.

Amy immediately dragged her hammer out of the bush and de-summoned it as she rushed over to get a better look at Knuckles. “Oh no, you’ve even got dark circles under your eyes!” she fretted. “Do you want that sleep hygiene checklist I mentioned a while ago?”

He grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “I dunno, I mean, I don’t drink coffee before bed or anything like that! I just had some weird dreams lately, that’s all.”

“They’re not nightmares, are they?” Shadow asked softly, giving Knuckles a cautious look.

“Nope! Just weird! It kinda feels like someone’s trying to tell me something…” he mused.

Sticks clambered up on top of Knuckles’s shoulders, squinting at him warily. “Do you need me to make you a tinfoil hat? I can make ‘em good so no aliens talk to you in your sleep!”

“Before we decide if it’s aliens or not, I think we should ask Knuckles what these strange dreams are about.” Tails said decisively. “It may be nothing, or it could be important, but we won’t know unless we have all the information.”

“Would you like to talk about it here, or would you prefer to go back to one of our houses first?” Amy asked kindly, taking one of Knuckles’s hands in her own and giving him a reassuring smile.

Knuckles beamed back gratefully. “The second one sounds great.”

Once they’d all settled down in Tails’s living room (“Just in case it does turn out to be something that requires further investigation!”) and Amy had helped make everyone drinks (“We may be close, but that just means I get to be a good host even in your homes!”, she’d quipped), she sat down on the sofa next to Knuckles, leaving a small amount of space in between them and looking up at him hopefully.

“So…in the dream, I’m somewhere else. I can’t see it super clearly, but it’s someplace that isn’t Seaside Island.” Knuckles began. “I’m smaller, I think, and I hear some people talking, so I go looking for them. It sounds like the noise is coming from inside a mountain, and I dig inside, but once I get there, all I find is this cave made of green crystals. Then I wake up! I just wish I knew who was talking.” He frowned, genuinely somewhat concerned by the fact that he couldn’t identify this mysterious person. 

Tails leapt to his feet excitedly. “So it really could be someone who’s trying to communicate with you! Is it the same dream every time?”

“Yeah, it is!” The echidna couldn’t help but be infected by his friend’s enthusiasm, brightening up as the engineer began to scan him.

“Huh…” Tails hummed, frowning down at his screen. “I’m not seeing much out of the ordinary, but my screen is a little on the fritz.” He tapped the side of his device, concerned.

Shadow teleported over beside him, making the fox squeak as his fur puffed up briefly. “Sorry.” he muttered, already looking over the device. “Can you scan the ambient wavelengths around Knuckles? That might be a better way to tell if someone else is sending him messages.”

“I guess…my software might have some trouble with something that subtle, but if I boost the strength, it could work.” Tails mused, flying over to his friend and adjusting several settings in an effort to improve the data.

The android moved a little closer to Knuckles as well, only to freeze, his eyes wide. “Tails? Actually, I have a feeling that technology, incredible as it may be, is not what is required here.”

“Why not?” Tails shot him a distinctly skeptical look.

“Because,” Shadow began, “he is currently surrounded by an incredible amount of raw Chaos energy.”

Suddenly, everyone began shouting at once, making Shadow wince at the shocking increase in sound. Thankfully, they all noticed the effect almost immediately, backing off and watching him and Knuckles expectantly, but with a distinct aura of concern.

“It isn’t necessarily dangerous.” the android explained. “Raw Chaos energy simply refers to energy that originates directly from one of the eight Chaos Crystals, without having been absorbed or filtered through a Chaos user’s body.”

The tension in the room dropped significantly.

“But Knux doesn’t have a Chaos Crystal, does he?” Sonic asked, still looking confused. “All he has is that Fregosi Sapphire thing.”

“Yeah! I think I’d know what jewels I do and don’t have!” Knuckles added.

Shadow inclined his head slightly. “This is true. However, distance is not always an issue when it comes to Chaos. From what I have heard, these crystals existed long before the time of even the Ancients, with some legends claiming that they are fragments of whatever force first brought Chaos energy into the world. Legends aside, there was enough scientific research done on them in my time to suggest that the Chaos Crystals do have a limited form of sentience. Essentially, they have their own wishes and desires, and they are capable of limited communication, if they find someone they deem worthy of their attention.”

“Um, that’s definitely not creepy or anything,” Amy said. “Seeing as we’ve spent time around them once or twice already.”

Shadow exhaled in a way that almost sounded like laughter. “Don’t worry. The crystals have always been supportive of people who intend to help others. They want the world and those within it to remain thriving as much as you all do.”

“So how do I find out which one’s trying to talk to me?” Knuckles asked.

“If you will allow me, I can do my best to help.” The android folded his arms. “I can assist you in tuning your personal energy to the same frequency as whichever Chaos Crystal is causing this, so that we can work together to find its source.”

“Why wouldn’t I let you?” Knuckles looked over at him, bewildered. “Go ahead!”

Shadow blinked, momentarily silent with astonishment. “You do realize that you are, essentially, allowing me access to your life force, yes?”

Knuckles shrugged. “I mean, I already trust you not to beat me up every day. I do that with all my friends! I don’t think this is any different.”

A small smile made its way, unbidden, onto Shadow’s face. “Very well then. Let’s give this a try.” He moved to stand directly behind where Knuckles sat on the couch, placing his hands on the echidna’s broad shoulders. “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be!”

“Very well then, close your eyes.” 

As the other four looked on, golden energy began to glow and swirl around Shadow’s hands. It twisted and spun in the air, before slowly making its way down Knuckles’s arms to his hands. At the same time, its color gently faded from gold to green.

Abruptly, the energy shot towards the echidna’s heart, glowing so brightly it was almost difficult to look at—

—and then it vanished, and both of their eyes snapped open as the two suddenly gasped for breath.

“Are you both alright?!” Tails exclaimed.

“I believe so. That was…” Shadow wheezed, “…not a source of Chaos energy I have ever sensed before.”

Knuckles beamed. “I am in contact with it now, though, and I think I can find it! Thanks, Shadow!”

The android struggled to meet Knuckles’s eyes. “Well…of course. Anytime.”

“A new source?! Do you think you could direct me to it if we were flying in my plane?” Tails asked excitedly.

“I think I could!” Knuckles stood up from the sofa, a determined look in his eyes. “Let’s go find the thing that’s giving me weird dreams so I can sleep normally again!”

Shadow laughed quietly, shaking his head. “Only you all would have to hunt down a mysterious energy source because its mystical dreams were disturbing your sleep.”

“Well, it’s not going to hunt itself!” Sonic declared. “Alright, guys, let’s do it to it!”

Everyone stared at him blankly.

“Uh, I was just—I was trying a new thing.” Sonic stammered, explaining quickly. “Audiences said they wanted us to be a little more genuine, so I thought I’d give it a go, and—you know what, let’s just go find this weird energy thing!”

[Cut to Tails’s plane, carrying all six heroes as it flies over the ocean.]

“It should be coming up on our left now!” Knuckles shouted, trying to make himself heard by the entire team over the roar of the propeller. Tails quickly banked to the left, soaring downwards and coming in for a smooth landing on the beach of the island that Knuckles had indicated.

Once the echidna had hopped off the biplane, however, he froze.

It took a moment for his friends to notice that he was standing stock-still, staring into the jungle beyond the yellow sand of the beach. Amy walked up to him, giving him a concerned look. “Knuckles? Is everything alright?” she asked gently. Knuckles blinked rapidly, before looking down at her with a stunned expression.

“This…this is the island where I grew up.”

“WHAT?!” everyone collectively shrieked, staring at him incredulously. 

Knuckles grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “First my gliding, then this…I guess I forgot to tell you guys a lot, huh?”

“I knew you grew up in the wild like me, but on another island? How’d you even leave?” Sticks asked.

The echidna shrugged. “I didn’t originally mean to—I just went out on a raft one day trying to catch fish, but a storm blew in suddenly while I was out on the water. When I woke up, I was on Seaside Island, with no idea how to get back. And as much as I wanted to, once I met you guys, well…that started to seem less important.”

“Aw, Knuckles, that’s so sweet!” Amy latched onto his arm, her eyes wide and sparkling. 

Tails flew over to him, hovering around excitedly. “Does this mean we’re gonna get to see the village where you grew up?” 

Knuckles sighed, his mood suddenly much lower. “As far as I know, there’s nobody else on the whole island. If I had a family, I don’t know who they are—I hatched alone and learned to survive that way, too.”

Shadow walked up to him, giving him a sympathetic look. “I am glad you survived. It’s incredible that you were able to do so, and the world would have been at a loss had you not.”

The echidna had a small smile on his face at that. “Thanks…” he muttered, half to himself.

“And hey, that doesn’t mean you can’t show us around the place where you grew up! I want all the secret Knuckles lore!” Sonic added, shooting his friend an encouraging smile.

Thankfully, Knuckles perked up quickly and began to lead the way forward into the trees. “Let’s go check it out!”

After some navigating through the jungle, the six emerged into a clearing surrounding a massive mountain that soared up through the clouds, around which were clustered a variety of buildings. All of them were at least two stories tall, bolted into the side of the rock and made largely of intricately carved wood. Outside each one, a knotted rope hung from a hook, with different patterns of knots for each individual house.

“I used to live in this one here.” Knuckles explained, gesturing to the largest building there was. The building was marked above its door with a classic diamond-cut jewel symbol in green pigment. It was twice as wide as most of the other houses and rose eight stories into the air.

Tails whipped out his Miles Electric and began to scan it immediately. “This is a marvel of architecture! I’ve never seen wooden structures of this height before on Seaside Island, either Ancient or modern!”

Sticks frowned. “Hey, Knuckles, do you still feel that weird energy?”

The echidna jolted back to attention, having briefly been lost in his memories of the island. “Oh, right! Yeah, I do—I think it’s inside the mountain, just like in my dream! I can’t actually dig into it, though, it’s made of solid rock.”

“Well, maybe there’s an entrance somewhere?” Amy mused, eyeing the rock in front of her thoughtfully. “There’s a gem painted on the front of that building, so surely they must have known about the existence of powerful crystals, if nothing else.”

“Hey, lil’ bro, I know you’re all hyped about this village, but you think you could spare your scanner for a sec to find us a way inside this mountain?” Sonic asked, tugging playfully on Tails’s shoe—the only part of his brother he could reach, since Tails had started flying in excitement some time ago.

“Sonic!” the fox whined, shaking himself free and landing a safe distance away. “Of course I can!”

 He held the Miles Electric up, scanning the general area. “Ugh, there’s so much ambient energy here, it’s making my screen glitch out really badly!” Tails called, frowning at it—

—and then nearly dropped his screen when the glitching stopped entirely.

“Um.” he added nervously. “…thank you? To whoever…or whatever…fixed that?”

The entire team shared wary glances. 

“Sooo, if I can still trust this to be even remotely accurate, it says there’s an opening on the roof of that tall building that Knuckles used to live in.” Tails said.

“Nice one, pal!” Sonic zipped over and ruffled Tails’s hair, making the fox yelp and bat at him in an attempt to get his brother to release him once again.

Quickly, the entire team scaled the house, using their various skills. Amy hammer-jumped to get herself to the second level and clambered up from there, while Sonic just sped directly up the mountain alongside it. Sticks climbed the structure with ease, Knuckles punched his spikes into the rock of the mountain, and Tails, of course, simply flew all the way up (stopping to rest once). Meanwhile, Shadow actually ascended through the inside of the house before teleporting through the roof.

[Please envision a cross-section of the house with all of this happening at once for the desired effect.]

Once they were at the top, Shadow scrutinized the mountain’s face skeptically. “That…doesn’t look an awful lot like a door, I’m afraid.”

“Maybe Knuckles has to be the one to open it?” Amy suggested.

The echidna placed the palm of his hand hesitantly against the rock…and nothing happened. 

“I’m sorry, guys, I really thought it was up here!” Tails’s ears drooped unhappily at the thought that he’d led them wrong.

“No, I can feel it stronger through here—I’ll try again!” Knuckles insisted. He pushed both his palms fiercely against the side of the mountain, willing it to move as powerfully as he could.

And with that, a circular outline flared green around where he stood, before receding outwards into the mountain…leaving an empty, pitch-black tunnel beyond.

“Well, that certainly isn’t a safety hazard.” Shadow muttered.

Sonic smirked. “Just ‘cause you don’t have special light-up gear doesn’t mean you’ve gotta be nervous, Shads—we’ll keep you safe!” As he spoke, his bandages and bandana lit up, and the other three with glowing gear did the same. (Meanwhile, Sticks pulled out some of their bioluminescent paste and smeared that onto their face, arms, hands, and legs.)

Shadow stared at Sonic unblinkingly for a long, uncomfortable moment. Silently, he held up one hand, palm up, and let golden Chaos energy blaze to life around it. 

“Hmph. Show-off.” the blue hedgehog muttered, rolling his eyes.

“Let’s just get in there, alright?” Amy sighed, pushing past them both and into the cave. “We’re here to help Knuckles, not inflate either of your egos any more.”

The rest of the team filed into the cave behind her, walking one by one down the path. Between the six of them, there was more than enough light to see by. It illuminated all the walls of the cavern…as well as the split in the path up ahead. 

“So which way do we go from here?” Sticks asked, frowning at the two different tunnels. 

Knuckles closed his eyes for a moment, doing his best to focus. “I think we go…left.”

“I trust you, pal.” Sonic patted his forearm briefly, turning to go the way he’d suggested. 

“Can you really feel the source of all that energy?” Tails flew up to hover alongside Knuckles as they continued down the path. “What’s it feel like?”

“It feels sorta…comfortable? But also lonely, I think.” the echidna explained, before stopping as they reached another junction, this time with three pathways. “Uh…center this time.”

The caverns continued in a similar manner, branching and diverging in various ways, with Knuckles leading them through all of it. At one point, once they’d been walking for quite some time, Amy spoke up hesitantly.

“We’re sure this energy thing isn’t just leading us in circles, right?” she asked, smiling nervously. 

“I don’t think it would do something like that.” Knuckles spoke with surprising confidence despite his low volume. “Something like this…I think the people who made these tunnels knew it needed to be kept safe. If it really is as powerful as it seems—y’know, with all the causing dreams and fixing Tails’s scanner—then it’d probably be pretty bad if someone like Eggman got his hands on it.”

There wasn’t time for more than a second or two of silence before a green light began to shine from the end of the tunnel, immediately drawing everyone’s attention. Amy shook her head wryly. “I’ll admit it. I was wrong to doubt you, Knuckles.”

The team rushed forward, eager for some freedom from the dark, cramped tunnels. Quickly, Knuckles entered the chamber beyond—only to stop short, causing everyone behind him to slam into his back and then sprawl all over the floor. As they began to get up, in various states of grumbling and collecting themselves, they all froze and stared in awe alongside him at the place they’d found.

A massive cavern soared over their heads, formed entirely out of green crystal. Huge gem stalactites speared out from the ceiling, while the floor was polished and smooth. Various ledges were present at different heights along the walls, which formed a near-perfect circle around the jewel-like floor. And within every single facet, an otherworldly green glow shone, casting all of the heroes in its own color.

“Whoa, Knux…what is this place?” Sonic breathed. 

But it wasn’t Knuckles who replied.

“Chaos,” Shadow swore. “It’s the Master Crystal!”

[braveclementine]

Chapter 18

Warnings: 18+ readers only, angst, kidnapping

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own my OC: Elizabeth Y/L/N (created so you don't get Y/N and Y/S/N consistently mixed up. I do not condone any copying of this.

ELIZABETH STARED AT HERSELF IN THE MIRROR. She had put the outfit together the way that Natasha had told her. The thick black socks underneath the knee high boots. The leather stuck to her, but it felt comfortable. The shorts were frayed and tight and she wondered if her ass looked big in them. But she couldn't tell. The shirt was cute though and she liked it a lot.

Natasha had taught her that she could stick knives into the sides of her boots and she had done so, one of Loki's knives in each one. Ever since Loki had told her about the dangers of being a soulmate of the Avengers, and ever since realizing that she was not the one they wanted, she knew she would have to learn to protect herself, because they would not be around to protect her.

She had, of course, overheard Bucky's comment after the game. She had thought, at first, that maybe it was just the saltiness of him losing the game. But both Hogun and Sam were legitimately pissed and angry, both unwilling to explain why, and so she knew, of course, that it was a façade for when she was living in the tower. Bucky didn't actually want her.

She wished she didn't feel as disappointed as she had felt. She had always prepared herself, had always braced herself. But with the soulmates being Avengers. . . she had let those guards down. Just because they were superheroes didn't suddenly mean they were flawless and willing to accept every soulmate they had. She had forgotten that.

She wanted to go back to the farm desperately. Fall planting season had already started and all she could think about was her father planting the corn and pumpkins by himself. He needed her, his tone had conveyed that much when she'd spoken to him yesterday night after dinner.

She needed someone to talk to. Her father was the best bet. Her father who understood her about everything.

Of course, she wouldn't tell him about Bucky. She didn't want to cause future problems for Y/N and him. That would be unreasonable.

She lifted her eyes to her face in the mirror. She'd almost never worn makeup before, only keeping it up during school. She had to admit, the paired makeup looked wonderful. A dark red-brown-unidentifiable colour sat upon her lips. A dark indigo eyeliner and sparkly lavender eyeshadow. Pink blush. Tan undereye. She'd been complimented by the stylist that she didn't need mascara because her eyelashes were already long enough. She supposed it was a compliment at least.

She turned away from the mirror. She didn't need any of this. She was only wearing it because Y/N seemed happy enough about it. Hogun had never cared about her dressing up or wearing more makeup than some concealer and lipstick.

Natasha had suggested that she pair the outfit with a dark black coat. It was fall after all and a bit chilly out, especially in Manhattan, New York.

She rummaged in the closet, finding that there seemed to be more clothes in here than she last remembered. More shirts that matched the one she was wearing now, identical pairs of shorts in other colours. She knew she hadn't bought this stuff.

She found a black coat, putting it on and decided to leave without looking to see how it matched. It didn't matter at this point. If her soulmates suddenly came flocking to her because of how she looked, then they weren't the kind of soulmates she wanted anyways.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

YOU WERE GETTING READY IN YOUR ROOM upstairs. You had finally decided on a sparkly dress that seemed made of glitter. The dress seller had kept the dress in a plastic bag, a knot tied a the bottom to keep the sparkles contained inside the bag. The dress was F/C.

The top crossed so that the straps circled around your head in a sort of 'x' motion. There was an oval shaped opening, the sides holding your large breasts together. It ended halfway down your thighs, and clung to every part of your body, showing off your curves and helped make your ass look thic.

You curled your hair and did your makeup, both to the extreme look. You looked drop dead gorgeous and were so excited to go to the club tonight. Ivy and Kaylee were going to meet you guys there.

You hoped that the night out would help repair everything. Everyone had been rather stressed recently, but everything would be fine now. Clint was back, some information recovered and give to Bruce and Tony. Maria and Fury would be joining you all at the club.

Rhodey was the only one staying home, as he knew from experience that if he went he would be put on the designated drivers list. He hated being designated driver and said he'd rather just get drunk at home.

Happy was now the designated driver, but he didn't care because he was always the designated driver. And apparently he liked a slightly drunk Pepper because she said crazy, hilarious things about gay swans.

You slipped on your high heels, which matched the colour of your dress. You headed downstairs and were greeted lovingly by Tony as he kissed you passionately and told you that you looked beautiful.

"Just about everyone is already in the car. Just waiting on Hogun, Loki, and your sister." Tony explained. "I told Happy I'd be last in the car but-"

The elevator door opened again and Elizabeth stepped out. Compared to you, she didn't hold a candle, but she was beautiful in her own way. The makeup complimented her features beautifully.

"Hey sweetheart." Tony said, kissing her cheek.

"Hi Tony." Elizabeth said quietly. "You look handsome."

"And you look gorgeous." Tony winked. "We're still waiting on Hogun or Loki, but you can get in the limo if you want."

"I think I'll wait." Elizabeth said softly, looking back towards the elevator.

She didn't have to wait long, Hogun and Loki came down together. Loki was wearing a gorgeous black tuxedo and Hogun was wearing a navy blue. Hogun's eyes lit up when he saw your sister, making a beeline towards her, kissing her with the same passion as Tony had with you.

"Alright." Tony said, "Here we go."

Tony offered you a hand into the car, following you in after. You seated yourself down next to Stephen so that Tony could have the other side of the handsome magician.

Elizabeth and Hogun took a seat near the very back, away from everyone else. She was talking to him in a low, urgent voice and he was nodding, rubbing the back of her hand lovingly. Once she sat back and stopped talking, she looked at peace, almost happy.

You turned your attention to the rest of your soulmates, all equally delicious in different coloured tuxes. Bucky, in particular, looked absolutely delectable in a pure black suit. His eyes met yours and they were hungry, looking you up and down.

'You're mine tonight.' He mouthed at you and you could feel the heat pooling into your core. You shifted in your seat, blushing and looking away from him as he smirked.

The club was brightly lit, loud music could be heard from outside. The street outside wasn't that busy, as the entrance more commonly used was in the back.

Happy pulled around so that the lot of you could get off, heading into the club. Tony had you on his arm and Stephen walked on the other side of you, leading you up to a private floor. The music up here was just as loud, the alcohol unlimited, the other partygoers higher class, and the potato chips crisper- you swore.

Tonight, was going to be an amazing night.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

ELIZABETH DECIDED SHE HATED THE CLUB. Looking around, all she saw were drunk people. Drunk strangers, drunk sister, drunk Avengers. Even the Asgardians- including Hogun- were drunk. She knew Loki had spiked their drinks with Asgardian liquor.

She knew it was their night to relax and let loose, so she didn't care that much. But she felt alone. More alone than if they were all at the tower, because at least then Hogun and Sam were with her. But not now. Hogun was racing Thor in drinks. Sam was ogling at other women on the stage, eyes slanted.

She hated alcohol. She hated smoking. She hated drugs. She was the typical good girl and she knew it.

Her father had always told her that you never consumed something you didn't grow yourself. Who knew what pesticides and GMOS and metals were in something you didn't grow yourself. Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs were big no nos. Unless you made them yourself of course, but even then her father frowned on it. She'd only seen him drink beer a handful of times, and never when he was upset.

She thought she was going to gag as the smells of alcohol and cigarette smoke became more and more potent. Smoke hazed around the entire place, burning her eyes as well.

Her chest was dry heaving, like she wanted to break down and sob.

"Hey pretty thing." A voice next to her made her jump and she saw a stranger next to her. He was a skinny thing and short, with way to much hair and a thousand piercings on his face. "Wanna come home with me."

Her voice was caught in her throat and she thought for a panicked moment that she wasn't going to be able to say anything. Then she managed to say. "No. I'm here with my so- friends. Please leave me alone."

Her hand inched down to her boot to grab the knife in case she needed it, but the guy, though he looked disappointed sauntered off. She wondered for a moment how he'd gotten up here in the private room. Although, it wasn't really that private.

The smoke grew thicker. She could feel her throat constricting more. Her body was shaking and she realized she was feeling claustrophobic once more.

Her eyes darted over to the group and her heart fell out of her chest. Y/N was straddling Bucky, the two of them almost tearing clothes off of each other at the table.

She closed her eyes. 'You made a choice. Father would be disappointed if you lost your virginity before marriage. You must be pure before God. You've made this choice. You must stick with it. Imagine how bad it'll look if you don't.'

The loneliness dug into her heart. She wanted to at least be with Hogun. She could kiss him, just not have sex. She looked at Hogun who was nearly collapsed on the table, eyes strained red as he admitted his loss to Thor.

A scream bubbled up to her lips and before she knew what she was doing, she was almost running from the room. Racing down the stairs and throwing the backdoor open.

The cold, clean air whipped through her lungs and she raced towards the clump of woods that were near the building. The scream burst through her lips and it was one of frustration and fear, tears falling down her face.

She collapsed to her knees, pulling herself into a small ball, rocking back and forth. Eyes squeezed tight. Shaking. The sky was so open here. No smoke. No walls. No loneliness. The farm. She needed the open farm.

"Are you alright?" A voice made her shake and she looked up. For a moment, she thought it was Rhodey and it made her leap to her feet. But once she was standing, wiping her eyes, she realized that the man in front of her was not Rhodey. He wasn't even black, but Asian.

"I am now." She whispered, becoming fully aware of how it must've looked.

"Are you lost?" He continued and she could now pick up the slight accent. He was new to America at least, the accent possibly Chinese though she couldn't tell completely.

"No. No, my friends are in the building over there. But I'm. . . the smoke was getting to me. And the alcohol."

"Oh yeah, that makes sense." He nodded. "I'm Korean so I know how that is about alcohol."

She nodded, brushing her cheeks. "I should go back to them."

"Yeah," He nodded. "Well, have a good night."

"You too." She murmured, walking back towards the building. She didn't want to go back in and she hesitated by the door. She could wait out here, couldn't she?

She turned to see if Happy had left the door unlocked and only just saw the same man attack her, felt the needle pierce her skin.

She ducked then as she felt her vision go black and blurry, yanking the knife from her shoe and before she blacked out, the last thing she heard was a manly scream, as the tip of the knife met flesh. 

⬅️➡️