#Terrace Flower Bot

[deepspacehoney]

Lines and flats for one Gardenbot: Terrace ; v ;

[ralith]

What would each Hide and Ratchet's favorite flowers be? And why? (random question because i like your characterization of them the most)

Why thank you! It's always nice to hear you all enjoy my little ramblings about these old bots.

I'm not all that knowledgeable about plant species, but I think Ratchet would like the wisteria vine. Ratch is a very tactile/sensory-driven bot by nature and the wisteria is a flower/vine that he can reach out and wrap around his fingers. He also likes weeping willow trees for the same reason. A perfect date for Ratch would be walking down aisles of terraces covered in wisteria, the flowers dangling down and gently brushing his head.

Ironhide enjoys the wide variety of wildflowers he finds on the rarely traveled trails he drives along while out in the mountains. He particularly likes the blue columbine flower because of its dual features of sharply pointed petals with rounded petals set within that. Supposedly the meaning of this flower is endurance/perseverance and devotion (if those meanings are to be believed) which perfectly suit Ironhide.

[laurazepamwrites]

The Chemicals between us ~Ch.6

Within the vast sun scorched Arabian desert stood the glittering city of Oasis. A monument to human achievement, intelligence and ingenuity from many areas of study, founded by scientists and academics and governed by the ministers, each with their own field of expertise. It was here Satya Vaswani, Vishkars most decorated Architect, was currently based. She had been here for two months now, being deployed by Sanjay Korpal as a representative of Viskar and to promote their ideals to the ministers. At first she was confused as to why she had been sent. He was Viskars chief negotiator and this was the most advanced city in the world, to be sent in his place made no sense to her. He had explained of course, that he had equally important business to attend in Monaco and who better to send to Oasis then Viskars own prodigy. She had asked as to the nature of his meeting with Monaco and with whom but he was secretive. Simple telling her it was of great importance to Viskar and the world. She knew best not to push the matter, she was an Architect, a tool to creating a better world, Sanjay was the hand that used the tool. It was not her place to question so she had obeyed and had come to Oasis and presented Viskars interests to the ministers. They had listened to her share Viskars vision and interest to work alongside Oasis as a beacon for mankind in the wake of the Omnic crisis and watched her as she weaved intricate designs of hard-light using the traditional dance of her homeland. The ministers thanked her for her time and would finalize their decision with her superiors, for despite her skills she was just the tool afterall. They had not been inhospitable towards her and invited her to stay in Oasis as an honored guest until her duty called, staying in the world renowned Gilded tower hotel, attending lectures and seminars in the state-of-the-art University and dining with the elite of Oasis in the world class elBuffi restaurant. It was a welcome respite after the complications and confusion in Rio de janeiro and she did enjoy being here, especially the Abu Hassoun gardens.

 It was early evening and the heat of the day was ebbing to a comfortable warmth, the sky soft shades of dusky oranges, yellows and pinks. It was her favourite time of day here, the air was cooler, the sweet earthy smells of the Olive and Almond trees drifted through the air and birds sang as they swooped in to roost for the night. Lanterns hung lazilly between terraces swaying so lightly in a gentle breeze. It was beautiful, but most of all it was quiet. She loved the city, but it was still a city, a city with a multitude of sounds, lights and movement. She found it overwhelming and at its worse like she was drowning and in need of a sanctuary. She had found one on a small veranda within the garden surrounded with sweet smelling climbing flowers, soft lighted lanterns and the sound of water from a nearby fountain. She closed her eyes, focusing on the gentle sound of the water and the soft breeze on her skin and breathed steadily, her senses calming. She remained as she was for a few moments, focusing, breathing slowly in rhythm until the sound of footsteps approaching intruded her meditation. She made a slight face, annoyed with the disturbance yet kept her eyes closed and returned to focusing on the water rather than the footsteps growing louder. They shall pass her and she would be alone again soon she reminded herself

‘Quite the alluring evening, wouldn't you agree Miss Vaswani?’ A feminine voice asked her.

Satya’s brow furrowed in slight confusion, not expecting to be addressed. Opening her eyes she looked up and blinked in surprise.

‘Oh! I apologize Madam Minister. I was not expecting company.’

The woman smiled slightly at her then turned her gaze towards the large body of water surrounding the city, the setting sun shimmering across its surface like liquid gold.

‘Then I must be the one to apologize, It was not my intention to disturb you. I have been informed that is it your last night with us and wished to say goodbye.’ The woman spoke, still watching the view.

‘That is most gracious of you Madam Minister, and I thank you for yours and the cities hospitality. It has been most welcome.’ Satya folded her hands in her lap politely, waiting for the woman to continue speaking. She had not spoken directly to the Minister of Genetics, nor had she asked Satya any questions during her presentation. She had simply watched her, her hands steepled and her strange eyes watching intently. 

‘We have appreciated your presence and what you represented Miss Vaswani. Vishkar shares our ideals. Could you imagine a world structured on the foundation of order and discipline, where ingenuity leads mankind into a greater future then what we have now?’

‘That is Vishkars hope for the world Madam Minister.’

Moira peered at her, politeness bid Satya to make eye contact but this woman made her slightly uncomfortable. She had an air of superiority about her, but there was something else that Satya could just not put her finger on. This woman made her feel..small. Judged. Inferior. What felt more unsettling is that Moira seemed to know this, and revelled in it.

Moira made a satisfied ‘

sound and folded her hands behind her back. Her strange gaze once again returning to the water. ‘A pity the masses do not agree. Rio was an unfortunate business for your Corporation. To be bested by common riff raff led by some jumped up revolutionary?’ She chuckled darkly ‘How embarrassing for Sanjay.’

‘I...It was...It did not…’ Satya struggled to find the words and squeezed her hands tightly together in her lap. She swallowed and took a breath, ‘It was not-’

‘You have no need to explain Miss Vaswani.’ Moira interrupted. ‘As an architect it was not for you to control the people. I believe the fault lay with Sanjay, Viskars mistake was offering too much and using force too late. The masses do not know what is best for them and must be shown the way Miss Vaswani, through any means necessary. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good and order will be born from chaos. When you next see Mr Korpal please remind him of this, and tell him you have my vote for a partnership.’

‘..I...thank you, Madam Minister. Sanjay and Vishkar will be most pleased..’

‘As they should. I shall bid you good evening Miss Vaswani, I'm sure you have a long journey tomorrow.’ Moira nodded her head curtly and began to walk away, leaving Satya alone once again.

‘Oh, one more thing Miss Vaswani.’ Moira called over her shoulder.

‘Yes?’

‘You have great talent and skill. The perfect instrument to building a new world. But be prepared to make some difficult choices for a better path. Do this and you shall rise from the ashes with the best of humanity.’ And with that she left, not waiting for a reply. Satya sat in silence, staring at the place where Moira once stood. ‘

 She thought to herself, she felt unsettled, goosebumps prickling on her skin despite the warmth of the evening air. She took a deep breath in, closing her eyes and once again focusing on the sound of water.

-------------------------------------------------------

Junkrat had been at the Gibraltar base for nearly three weeks now and he was ready to tear out the hair he had grown back. He was 

He was agitated and despite being more settled with the routine of being in the workshop and the distraction of Hana and Lucio there was still the incessant anxiety in the back of his mind which truly reared its ugly head and turned into something more ferocious and cruel when he was alone at night. God, he was desperate to blow something up, to feel control over destruction and chaos. It was too damn fucking quiet here, he kept busy during the day, tinkering with something, making blueprints for bombs he couldn't make and repairing whatever needed fixing at the watchpoint. But the nights where the worst, he usually woke up sweating and panting from a vivid nightmare, shaking and so desperate to feel the sudden blast of heat and raw energy which he could create by simply pushing a button. One night he’d gone as far to ‘accidently’ rig a service bot to detonate with a teeny tiny explosion until Torbjorn caught him. He’d gotten a good whack with the hammer and spent the night sulking in holding with a headache which was only made worse by a stern lecture from Morrison. He knew he was asking for trouble and taking a risk but the quietness here, it was deafening. He spent his life jumping at every sound, always alert. If you didnt you wound up waking with a knife to your throat or ambushed for whatever supplies you. He had seen it happen more than he cared to think of. Since the exile, which was all Roadhogs fault, he had been on the move. Not staying in one place too long to have to get used to its noises, but here, at this base  It was so god damn still it unsettled him and finding a new outlet for his jittery energy was difficult to find. One particularly restless night he climbed onto the roof of one of the many buildings to smoke a rare cigarette and watch the stars only to be severely creeped out when he noticed the Omnic Zenyatta silently hovering near the cliffs. He had avoided that particular spot since. He hated that bot, even more than the Bastion unit with its dumb bird. This one could talk, and spoke like it had 

It was only a few days in when Junkrat had threatened to ‘update’ its circuits to something more explosive. The thing even had the audacity to 

 him back, making Junkrat take a ‘warning’ step towards it. That was the day he learnt what a sleep dart felt like. Pretty good actually, it was probably the best ten minutes nap he ever had but he didn't tell Ana that. He was starting to act out more and pushing his boundaries so slightly, he was just so bored and so desperate for a release for his ravaged emotions that bubbled furiously inside, like a fuse burning. The comparison made him giggle as he worked on some random bit of tech he suspected had no great purpose and was just to keep him busy. Torbjorn glanced towards him.

‘If that thing explodes boy I swear-!’ 

‘

! Chance would be a fine fucking thing..’ He muttered under his breath

‘What’s that?’

‘Nothing, nothing.’ He grinned to himself.

Torbjorn grumbled in reply and finished screwing a bolt into place on one of Reinhardts great gauntlets. Wiping his brow on his forearm he gave a huff before turning back to the sulking Junker.

‘Look boy, I know you're frustrated. Hell, you're making it obvious. That little stunt you pulled with the service droid damn nearly had Morrison lock you in a cell permanently-’

‘Brig thought it was funny.’

‘My daughter thinks making one of her million cats chasing a laser is funny. Lets not toot our own horn here.’ Torbjorn retorted back at him as he picked up a wrench and returned to his work. ‘My point is boy, we know this is hard on ya. Ain't easy on us. Overwatch suffered a lot in the last few years before it fell to pieces and this anti vigilante lark is no easier. I'm too old for this shit. I should be with my wife and kids but unfortunately one of them insists on being here. We all want to be home, living normal lives...well..whatever normal was for you anyway. Ya know the Doc was head of surgery at some fancy hospital? Now she's here waiting to patch us up with next to no supplies. So think about that before you end up getting blown up or impaled or-’

‘Whacked with a hammer?’

Torbjorn ignored him. ‘No one wants to be here, not really. Think Morrison wants to be here? After everything? Think the other kids want to fight terrorists and corrupted Omnics?’

‘Least they get to do shit. I've been stuck on this rock for weeks. I've travelled I have! Now i'm literally a rat in a cage.’

‘And It's gonna be a much smaller cage if you keep making trouble boy! And not everyone goes on missions. You don't hear Mei complaining do ya?’

Junkrat laughed, ‘Oh not if its complaining about me!’

‘Stop pissing her off then.’

‘Tell her to stop pissing me off! Acting so uptight and goody two shoes!’ He mocked her voice, ‘You can't be in here! You can't do that! You're being a jerk! Don't threatened my dumb bot ice maker!’

‘Ahh give the girl a break, she's been through alot.’

‘Yeah? Like what?’

‘Not my place to say boy. Now, make yerself useful and finish your work. I need to go to a briefing soon and if you keep your head down maybe I can convince Morrison to get you more involved.’

‘Aww starting to care about me old man?’

‘If caring means getting another hammer to the head then yes.’ 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As evening drew in across the base the senior members of Overwatch sat at the large briefing table. A holographic map of Bryansk and the area surrounding it in front of them, along with a video call of Zarya and Genji who were waiting patiently.

‘Zarya. What did you find out in the town?’ Asked Morrison.

Zarya looked to be in a small room, presumably from a safe house they had required on their mission, a large object was hidden under a winter coat upon her bed. Its size suggesting her huge graviton gun, she saluted before speaking. ‘Commander, the locals can confirm Reinhardts source. The Compound appears to be active again, the government apparently sold it to an building firm to renovate new homes but is a cover up of course.’

Morrison gave a small grunt in recognition. ‘Go on.’

‘I have been scouting the area for some time Commander.’ Reported Genji. ‘I see trucks enter then one or two days later they leave with an unmarked cargo. Three days ago an aircraft flew in bearing Talons insignia. From what I could see two men left the craft with an armed guard, they stayed a few hours then left again.’

‘Did you identify them?’ Asked Ana.

‘Negative Captain. I was unable to get close enough.’

‘What are we dealing with?’ asked Morrison.

‘A huge heavy duty steel gate and fencing surrounding the entire compound with barbed wire and automated turrets. Patrols of guards along the perimeter and surrounding area within a mile. Getting closer was no easy feat. All guards are armed and I have seen two Mechs, a model I have not seen before.’

‘Talon have the means to make their own.’ Said Winston.

‘How many guards?’

‘At Least thirty, human and Omnic but who can say how many are inside.’

Morrison grunted in response and frowned in thought. To his side Ana leaned forward, folding her hands on the table. ‘So..how do we tackle this?’ She asked the room.

‘You got a pattern on the guards rounds Genji?’ McCree asked.

‘The gates and fence are manned constantly’ The Ninja replied ‘But the perimeter checks are done at least every 4 hours which may give us a window of opportunity.’

‘And how will this be handled? Covertly or erm..with force?’ Enquired Winston. 

‘McCree laughed. ‘Aint no mission ever go quietly, you know that.’

‘Wishful thinking..’

‘Fact of the matter is whatever is being stored in there needs to be destroyed.’ Said Morrison as he turned his attention back to the screen. ‘ Thank you, you have both done good work. Remain where you are and keep vigilant until we contact you.’ Zayra saluted to the Commander and Genji nodded in acknowledgement as the screen cut out and disappeared. Morrison leant back in his chair and folded his arms and gave a low hum in though. ‘Perhaps a first wave quietly takes out the perimeter guard, we can try to bypass the security systems but this may require force if Athena cannot bypass it. Once in we confirm what's inside, get as much information as possible then level the place before reinforcements arrive.’

‘This sounds like a big operation Commander..we don't have the manpower like we used to. We are vastly outnumbered..’ Said Reinhardt

‘So we hit hard and hit fast.  We’ll have the element of surprise on our side.’ He responded and turned to Torbjorn.

‘What will you need to level that building?’

‘Oh is this me being nominated to go?’

‘You're our engineer. Engineer something to bring it down Lindholm.’

‘That's not my specialty Jack..’

Morrison waited for him to continue but Torbjorn just looked at him like he knew something he didn't. And then it clicked.

‘No. Absolutely out of the question.’

‘Oh c’mon Jack..utilize what little we have!’

‘He’s a liability!’

‘You wanted a way to destroy the place and I give you one, we can't have everything done by the rules anymore Commander.’

‘Give him half the chance he’ll bail on us with anything that's not tied down-!’

‘I agree with Torbjorn.’ Ana’s voice cut in.

Morrison stared at her incredulously. ‘You honestly think-?’

‘I think this will be a good opportunity to show faith on both sides, Jack. It's clear we need Fawkes particular talents here and in return he can put that relentless energy to good use.’

‘He's a loose cannon Amari, they both are!’

‘Rutledge more or less has kept to himself and has shown no signs of aggression towards anyone here, and despite being 

 more extrovert Fawkes has not done too much harm or damage around the base. Nowhere near as much as expected.’

Morrison shook his head, ‘He’s no agent, no training, probably doesn't even know the meaning of the word stealth..and above all else he needs a damn psych evaluation!’

‘That's not my field before you ask.’ Angela muttered under her breath.

Ana made a sound of annoyance. ‘Ealayk allaena Jack! We have no choice but to use whatever assets we have now.’

Winston shuffled awkwardly and cleared his throat. ‘I’m afraid I have to side with Commander Morrison. It's too early to even consider using him on the field. Besides, It gives Talon the opportunity to capture him.’

‘He lasted weeks being followed and was holding up pretty well until we got involved and I think his ‘career’ speaks for himself. I say take him.’ Said McCree.

‘His career is full of collateral damage and who knows how much blood on his hands.’ Jack said darkly. Ana narrowed her eyes at him.

‘And how much blood is on our hands? On yours?’ She leant forward and fixed him with a steel gaze. ‘Just how many people died when the headquarters exploded?’

The room was still, its occupants waiting on bated breath as Commander and Captain stared each other down. A muscle twitched in Jacks jaw as he fought against the wave of shame made worse by Anas intense gaze. He looked down and conceded and Ana sat back, her lips thin and slightly curled in contempt. Her voice was steady but none could deny the ice behind it. ‘All in favour of Fawkes joining the Bryansk mission?’ 

Torbjorn and McCree both raised their hands soon followed by Reinhardt, no other hands followed. 

‘Then it's settled. Fawkes is in. Me and Jack will plan the mission and everyone going will be notified in briefing, but I think it best if I tell Fawkes in private to prepare him.’ She looked around at her comrades. ‘Thank you all, dismissed.’ 

There was a quiet shuffling of chairs and movement as everyone but Ana and Jack left the tense room, neither said a word until they heard the soft thud of the doors closing.

Jack was the first to speak ‘Was that necessary?’

Ana sighed and shook her head slightly. ‘ That was..poorly timed and yes, badly worded. I am sorry.’ 

‘So am I Ana..’ His tone made her lean toward him and clasp his arm. Her voice was warmer. ‘I know my friend.’ She gave him a reassuring squeeze. ‘I know.’

‘You’re angry. I get it. We lost good men and women...and it's my fault.’

‘My point was Jack..none of us are clean. Take me for example, my husband won't take my calls and my daughter can barely look at me..’

‘I can barely look at myself Ana.’ 

‘One day you will. This road you're on Jack..you're not alone. We came back together, and we will see this out together. One day we will forgive ourselves.’

He placed his hand atop hers and they smiled at each other. ‘Besides’ Said Ana, ‘My eyepatch is much scarier to look at then your scars.’ Jack chuckled and stood up to leave. ‘Only when you take it off Amari, only when you take it off. I’m going to get some coffee, want some? We may be here awhile.’

She smiled up at him ‘Tea if you don't mind Jack.’

‘Sure..and Ana? Thanks.’

‘Anytime my friend.’

And as he disappeared from view the smile slowly faded from her face.

[bcbdrums]

Fic Idea you never asked for: Shego's powers begin to fluctuate and she's unable to de-energize it no matter how much she blasts out. It's to the point that her powers begin tail-whipping and melting things on contact, uncontrollably. Drakken's plant mutation is the only thing capable of absorbing and dematerializing the plasma's radiation safely. Question is; can he man-up to get close enough to handle the dangerous sitch or will he watch his side-kick's powers overcome her?

I’ll have you know Anon, this was a frustrating idea.  But once I finally figured out what to do with it, I had fun.  And I couldn’t help but make it Drakgo!  Hope you enjoy.  

(Also posted on AO3 and FFn)  Oh yeah, and I don’t know how to drabble.  9,000+ words.  

———

Meltdown

Drakken sat down uncertainly on the large sofa in the penthouse suite of the hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Shego had taken to the place immediately and had gone to her room, tired from the party she had said. But Drakken wasn’t quite ready to trust himself to sleep in the world of the good guys.

He flipped on the big screen TV and wasn’t the least bit surprised to see the local news showing clips from his award ceremony at the UN earlier that day. He frowned as the news anchor mentioned his real name, but only had a moment to be upset as the image shifted to his mutant vine wrapping around he and Shego. The reporter suggested with a horrible pun that perhaps romance was blooming between the former villains.

Former villains… He wasn’t sure he wanted to be a former villain yet. But he definitely owed Shego an apology for the vine incident. They’d been so busy with interviews and a catered dinner with ambassadors and a party that lasted far too long into the evening, that he’d barely had a moment alone with her since that moment on the stage.

He flipped off the TV, rose from the sofa, and crossed the suite to knock on her bedroom door.

“Shego? Are you still awake?”

To his surprise, the door opened in seconds and she stood not in pajamas but in her green and black harlequin suit.

“Yeah? What do you want?” she asked blandly, her hand still on the doorknob.

Drakken fidgeted. “Um… Do you…want to come out here?”

She lifted an eyebrow. “Why?”

He bit his lip. He supposed it was best to get it over with. “I wanted to say sorry for the flower earlier today. I didn’t tell it to do that. It just…it has a mind of its own.”

“Mhmm. Well, you’d better get that thing under control sooner than later.”

He expected her door to close after that, but she was still standing just inside the frame. She crossed her arms as she looked at him. Was he supposed to say something else?

“So…eh heh, yes. Sorry.”

Something in her eyes softened. “Look, Dr. D.—”

Just then a blinding light illuminated the inside of Shego’s room and the living area behind him. He turned and rushed to the terrace doors with Shego on his heels.

The penthouse suite they were staying in, courtesy of the UN, had a large terrace overlooking Central Park. They rushed out into the darkness and were met with a chorus of screams from people below and a scarily familiar sight in the greenery beyond.

“They’re back…” Shego breathed.

Drakken stared at the menacing red and black invasion robots of the Lorwardians in complete shock. It hadn’t even been a week. Hadn’t his plants stopped all of them? And hadn’t Stoppable killed the two invaders?

“But…but I thought I destroyed them!” he stuttered.

“Yeah, I think these are new ones,” Shego said, pointing up. They both tilted their heads back and saw the telltale reflection of a ship in low orbit around the Earth, fixed over their position.

“But why…how…!”

“Forget that. Come on, we’d better do something,” Shego said, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him to the edge of the balcony.

“'We’d better…’?” he said fearfully.

Shego rolled her eyes. “Doy, you saved the world last time. They’ll expect you to save it this time. Now come on!”

“Yaaaaaaaahhh!” Drakken wailed as Shego leapt off the balcony carrying him over her shoulder as she went. When they landed the momentum sent him rolling off of her. He came to a stop several feet away with several body parts throbbing. “That hurt!” he shouted as he stood and dusted himself off.

“If you hadn’t been flailing you could have landed on your feet,” Shego said, her hands already flared with her luminescent green glow. “You got your vine-thing ready?”

“Uhm…”

“Good, let’s go!”

Shego took off running and Drakken scampered after her. He watched in awe as she leapt with confidence toward the closest robot and sent a massive blast of her green glow at the joint of one leg. The joint melted and the bot fell to the ground with a deafening crash. He covered his head in fear, but then upon hearing another familiar blast he looked up to see Shego atop the fallen robot, a glowing fist thrust into its control center and effectively deactivating it.

“Come on, Doc!” she shouted to him as she jumped down and hurried toward the oncoming robots.

He swallowed his fear and hurried after her. This time there were two coming at them side-by-side. Shego pulled the same leg-severing move on one, and he nervously commanded his flower to attack the other one. The vine exited his body and yanked him forward until he was practically beneath the menacing invasion weapon, and he cowered in fear again. But then as if on instinct, the vine swirled around the legs of the bot and the alien device fell of its own accord. He stumbled back to avoid being crushed and felt a sharp pull down his spine as the vine was pinched beneath the heap.

“Flower, attack the control center!” he cried, pointing to the robot’s brain. The vine obediently unraveled from around the steel legs and wrapped around the saucer part of the bot until it was crushed. Again, Drakken felt the sharp pull down his spine. He supposed it made sense that his own vine had limits.

“Hey, what!? Dr. D., help!”

Drakken turned so fast at the sound of Shego’s cry that he hit his neck against his own taut vine and fell to the ground, feet up in the air. As he sat up he saw Shego struggling in an anti-gravity beam exactly like the one that had abducted him, pulling her up into a small ship that was hovering above.

“Eh, um. Flower, get Shego!”

The vine was still wrapped around the alien bot and though it was quickly unraveling, he could see that it wasn’t going to be fast enough. He jumped to his feet and ran toward the beam, climbing the remains of a fallen bot in an attempt to get closer to her.

His wide, frightened eyes locked on hers, equally wide and desperate. But it was clear in moments that he couldn’t get to her. He stopped and fell to his knees in despair just as the pink flower shot past his ear and up into the beam. He stood up, hope rising within him again as the vine stretched higher and higher. Shego reached down toward it, straining against the pull of the alien device.

Drakken felt the sharp pull against his spine again. The vine had reached its limit. But it was so close!

“Ngh, go higher flower!” he shouted, and even as he did he felt a searing pain across his entire back as the vine attempted to obey.

He fell to his knees and the vine, perhaps in self-preservation, began to retreat. This time as it re-entered his body he could feel the tendrils slinking against his muscles as they found their apparent places. But his eyes were focused on Shego as she became a smaller and smaller speck in the alien beam until she was gone. The beam deactivated and the ship sped away into the atmosphere.

Drakken stared in fear until the sound of one of the alien robots brought him back to Earth. He fell to the ground and crawled beneath the remains of another as one of them began walking over him, firing its weapons toward the civil defense forces gathered on the adjacent street.

He should help. But what if the things…killed him? He couldn’t remember the last time he actually fought anything without Shego.

But if they won, he certainly wouldn’t be seeing her again. He took a deep breath and crawled out from under the wreckage.

“Flower, take them down!”

———

It was less than an hour later that Drakken stood panting in a ruined Central Park, trees in flames and monuments shattered by the wrath of the Lorwardian walkers. But they had been stopped. He had stopped them.

Civilians and peace officers were surrounding him, praising him and clapping him on the shoulder for his good deeds. But his eyes were fixed on the stars.

How could he get to Shego? He could steal a rocket— No, then the world would turn against him.

Would the world give him a rocket? No, that would be a waste of time and manpower and…everything.

He realized he was being ushered toward an ambulance by two police officers, but he suddenly shrugged them off as he began pawing at his pockets for his cell phone. There was someone who could help. Someone who could do anything.

———

In a small motel in Middleton, Jim and Tim Possible slept soundly on the cheap sofa while Kim and her dad watched the news, the TV’s volume down low. Ann Possible opened the microwave and took out three cups of tea and joined her husband and daughter on the sofa, handing them their steaming beverages.

“I need to wake Ron,” Kim said, her brow furrowed in worry.

“Now Kimmie-cub, let’s wait for the next update. So far the only attack has been in New York.”

“That doesn’t mean it isn’t going to be another world-wide invasion!”

“Kimmie, please try to see it from our perspective. It hasn’t even been a week since those aliens kidnapped you,” Ann chimed in.

“And the reporters said that your former nemesis is there fighting them. They may not need you and Ronald,” James added.

“I know, but—”

The Kimmunicator beeped on Kim’s wrist, and she quickly sat forward and answered the call.

“Wade, do they need Ron in New York?” she asked before the screen had fully loaded her younger friend’s image.

“No actually, the alien threat has been neutralized.”

Kim’s eyes widened. “Oh.”

“But you do have an urgent call for help. I’ll patch you through.”

The image changed to reveal the silhouette of a familiar face, barely visible due to the wall of flames behind.

“Dr. Drakken? Is that you?”

“Kim Possible. They took Shego!”

Kim looked between her parents, who leaned in to watch the call.

“I don’t…I don’t know what to do. Except…ask…if you, my one-time foe… Can you…will you…help me get her back?”

Kim could make out the fear in his dark eyes. She looked up at her dad again, who had gone wide-eyed. She would need his help first if she were to answer Drakken’s call.

James Possible leaned in so Drakken could see him in the frame. “Can you get to Middleton?”

“Oh. James Possible. Yes, yes I’m sure I can.”

“Then meet us at the Middleton Space Center. It’s amazingly still intact.”

“Oh thank you, thank you! I’ll make this up to you, you won’t regret it.”

“See you when you get here,” Kim said, and hung up. She looked at her dad again.

“I guess you should wake Ronald after all.”

———

“The aliens known as the Lorwardians have not attacked again since the assault on Central Park early last night. World leaders are baffled as to why the attack was so localized, and the hero of the hour, Drew Lipsky a.k.a. Dr. Drakken disappeared almost immediately after single-handedly thwarting the attack. It is unknown where he has gone or why.”

Drakken switched off the radio as he landed the hovercraft on the helipad at the Middleton Space Center. He could explain himself to the world later, after Shego was safe. As he disembarked the craft, approaching familiar voices drew his attention.

“…Yeah, but what if the power doesn’t work, KP? I haven’t been able to…switch it on since graduation.”

“You’ll be fine, Ron. Maybe it just needs a big enough threat for you to use it.”

“Heh, I could definitely use some built-in responsibility…”

Drakken watched the blond teen rub the back of his neck shyly as he approached with Kim Possible. He looked as he always did, but Kimberly Ann was wearing that white and blue battle suit that made her almost a match for Shego. He supposed it was warranted.

“Hello, Drakken,” Kim greeted.

“Mm. Miss Possible.” He wasn’t entirely sure how to talk to someone he had hated for so long, and still felt a resentment toward.

Kim seemed to read him just fine. “My dad has the rocket ready. We need to put on space suits. Let’s go.”

She quickly turned and Stoppable looked after her for just a moment before following. Drakken fell in step beside him a moment later.

“What’s this I hear about your…monkey style not working anymore?”

“It’s ‘Mystical Monkey Power’ thank you very much. And…I’m sure it’s just fine,” the teen answered with less confidence than Drakken would have liked.

“Well, I’ve mastered my new plant powers,” he gloated, crossing his arms.

At that moment, yellow petals burst around his head.

“Sure you have,” Kim called back over her shoulder. “But let’s focus. Why just Shego? Why not you, or Ron for that matter? It was the two of you who stopped them, not Shego.”

“I have no idea,” Drakken said, shaking his head with a frown as he yanked out the petals.

“It’s clearly some type of revenge,” Kim continued. “But we won’t know what until we get there.”

“Maybe…they’re harnessing Shego’s power for some sort of super weapon!” Ron cried.

“Their weapons are already better than ours. That doesn’t make sense,” Kim said.

Drakken kept silent, wondering about that. He recalled watching tanks fire at the walkers in Central Park and having no effect whatsoever, except to rain sparks down on the landscape. But Shego’s power had taken them down effortlessly.

Perhaps there was something to the buffoon’s speculation.

———

It was less than twenty minutes later that the three of them, plus James Stoppable piloting the space ship, were approaching the all-too familiar menace of a large Lorwardian craft.

“All right, so we go in and look for Shego. Don’t get sidetracked,” Kim instructed once the ship had sneaked in via the garbage port and they had disembarked. James Possible stayed behind in case they needed a quick getaway. “Follow my lead and watch out for booby traps!”

They crept along familiar hallways, the Earth below a radiant blue and white as clouds billowed above its surface. Drakken swallowed nervously and paused to look out the window, hoping they would find Shego quickly and he could get his feet back on solid ground again.

Just then a beeping sounded to his left and above. He spun around and saw a camera bot focused directly on him.

“Drakken!” Kim shouted in annoyance, and with a flying kick she took out the small device.

“Aaaaahhh!” the former-villain shouted as a trapdoor opened beneath his feet and he began sliding down a narrow chute.

“Come on, Ron!” Drakken heard from above, and then the tell-tale whine of Stoppable as he was apparently pushed into the chute as well. Drakken felt a sense of relief knowing that at least he wouldn’t be alone to meet his fate.

He finally fell out of the chute, and moments later Stoppable landed atop him, definitely injuring his back. He blinked and noticed they were in a large room, dimly lit, with all manner of alien equipment pumping and sparking and creating quite the evil atmosphere. If the Lorwardians weren’t his enemy, Drakken would really appreciate it.

Stoppable started to stand, and in the process put a knee in the mad scientist’s back.

“Nygh, watch it!” Drakken growled.

“Hey, you’re the one who stopped to look out the window and got us caught!”

“He did nothing extraordinary. I was expecting you,” a familiar voice spoke from high above them.

Drakken and Ron looked up to first see Kim standing in a fighting stance in front of them, and directly in front of her was an extremely familiar green alien amazon woman.

“Warmonga!?” Drakken cried, scrambling backward.

“Alas no, Lorwardia’s greatest warrior is slain. I am Warmaven!”

Ron glanced down at his pet naked mole rat, who had crept up inside his space suit collar. “Warmonga…Warhok…Warmaven… You know, I’m sensing a pattern here.”

“No, you think?” Kim called over her shoulder.

“Warmonga was my sister,” the alien said, stepping past Kim and Ron with her eyes fixed on Drakken, “and you, blue imposter…” she whirled then and pointed a finger at Ron, “and you greater blue imposter, will pay for her defeat!”

“No, no see, you’ve got it all wrong,” Ron said, standing to his feet confidently, “I am the Great Blue!”

“Yup, Great Blue!” Rufus agreed from inside Ron’s collar.

“Bah! Warmaven will not be fooled so easily!” the alien said, turning and heading back into the room. “Lorwardia’s greatest warrior may have been defeated, but I shall avenge her and end your lies. And once you are gone, the inhabitants of your planet will become slaves of Lorwardia!”

The alien flipped a switch and the room was suddenly bathed in light. Drakken squinted and looked around, gasping when he saw the one thing he had been seeking.

Shego was in a far corner, strapped to an inclined table with some sort of purple goo gagging her. She was restrained at her wrists, forearms, and upper arms, as well as her ankles, shins, thighs, and waist. The ceiling above her was scorched and had a few holes where she had clearly made an effort to escape her bonds, but obviously those attempts had failed.

“Shego!” Drakken cried and started toward her.

Warmaven stepped in front of him. “Oh no, not until I tell you why I have taken her.”

Draken raised a brow, and Ron stepped up next to him. “You know, these guys could use some lessons in villainy. Though not from you, since you know, you always get stopped when you start ranting about your plan—”

“Hngh, Quiet!” Drakken shouted, causing Ron to jump back.

“How about we skip the rant and just get to the escaping,” Kim said, having sneaked around one of the larger pieces of machinery and now standing atop the pallet where Shego was restrained. She had taken off one space suit glove to access her battle suit and had morphed her hand into a scoop, which was ready and hovering above Shego’s hand.

The green villainess needed no further explanation and shot her glow into the scoop, where Kim expertly deflected it down where it impacted one of Shego’s ankles and released it.

Shego glared and hummed something behind her gag that Kim didn’t catch, and she started peeling away at the gag.

“Warmaven!” the battle cry of the alien sounded just as Kim pulled the purple goo off of Shego’s mouth, but not in time to protect herself. The alien backhanded Kim harshly and she hit the wall opposite and fell with a thud.

“KP! Are you all right!?” Ron shouted, running toward her.

“Free my hand, not my foot!” Shego snarled, her words coming out weak and followed by a cough.

“You shall be free, False One, as soon as my sister is avenged,” Warmaven said, approaching Shego.

Drakken felt a rising panic, that whatever the alien would do to Shego she wouldn’t be able to prevent. “F-flower, attack!” he cried.

The vine sprang from his back and Warmaven turned with a snarl as the vine began to rapidly wind around her. She reached her long arm forward and depressed a purple button on a console, and suddenly red lasers were firing from every corner of the room.

Drakken yelped as they hit him and his vine. The vine retreated instinctively as he dove beneath another console for cover, and found to his annoyance that Stoppable was hiding under there too.

“Warmaven!” the alien shouted her battle cry again, and Drakken looked out to see Kim Possible fighting the giantess hand-to-hand. He turned with a frown toward Ron.

“So where’s your monkey mumbo-jumbo, hm?”

“It’s Mystical Monkey Power, and I’m trying!” Ron shouted desperately. “I’m still figuring out how it works!”

The lasers stopped. Drakken crawled out from under the console and crept around its back until he was on the opposite side from where the fight was occurring. He quietly ordered his vine toward Shego. “Flower, free her! Break those bindings!”

The vine wrapped around and around the metal strap on her other ankle, tightening until it snapped.

“I said free my hands!” Shego complained through gritted teeth, a bit too loudly because Warmaven turned with a frown and kicked Drakken away and into another console.

He fell with a groan, barely registering the shocked gasps of his allies in the room.

“Dr. D.!?”

He blinked, his vision blurry and tried to pick himself up. But everything hurt now. He let himself fall to the deck again. Maybe in a few minutes…

“Hm,” Warmaven frowned as she hit Kim aside once again. “I fail to see why my sister and Warhok could not defeat you. You are weak opponents.”

Drakken felt an instinctual panic and forced himself to his knees, blinking rapidly in an attempt to get his eyes to focus. When they finally did he saw Warmaven standing right next to Shego holding a device that appeared to be meant to give injections.

“As I was saying, it is due to this False One that Warmonga was defeated.”

“Wait, uh, I think someone told you a different story,” Ron said, leaving Kim’s side and starting forward again. “It’s Drakken and I who have the cool super powers, we’re the ones who defeated you. You kidnapped the…uh…the wrong person,” he finished warily and dashed back to the far wall, where Kim was standing up again.

“No. It is only this one who has the power to defeat our technology. This power can only be given by the Great Blue. But she uses it against us. She is one of the False Ones and you will bear witness as she is destroyed!”

Warmaven set the injection device against Shego’s neck. Drakken jumped up, but stumbled in pain with his first step, falling to the deck again.

“Shego!” he cried as her face twisted in pain.

Drakken crawled on hands and knees, his eyes never leaving her as he watched a horrifying scene unfold. Shego’s eyes went wide even as her pupils contracted and she began writhing against the bindings. Pained gasps escaped her lips as her hands began glowing more brightly than Drakken had ever seen, and she closed her eyes tightly, her head beginning to thrash back and forth. When she opened her eyes again, they were glowing green and full of fear.

Kim and Ron rushed to Drakken’s side, the blond helping the mad scientist to his feet as the teen hero advanced another step on the alien amazon.

“What did you do to her!?” Kim demanded.

“She never should have had the power of the Great Blue. She will now be overwhelmed by it and destroy herself. And I shall enjoy watching her pain.”

Shego’s glow had become so intense that it was melting the restraints at her wrists simply due to proximity. In moments she was able to pull her hands through them and quickly fired at the rest of her bindings and fell to the floor, finally free. But where her hands hit the floor the metal alloy of the deck began to melt.

With a gasp she stood up and staggered toward the closest support beam, pain written on her face with every step. Her rescuers’ eyes went wide as they saw the deck beginning to melt everywhere her feet made contact.

“Shego?” Drakken said, taking a few cautious steps toward her.

She threw up her hands in a halting gesture to stop him, and even as she did so a faint glow began to envelop her entire body. Suddenly she fell with a cry, and she gasped in shock to see that her feet had melted through the deck and she was falling through.

She looked up at Drakken, and then to Kim. “Help me!” she cried weakly.

“There is no help for you,” Warmaven said smugly.

Shego growled and rolled away from where she had been slipping through the floor. Her entire body alight now, she rushed toward Warmaven in a rage, firing nearly continuous blasts as she went.

The alien leapt out of the way and cackled in amusement as the green blasts destroyed the defense lasers on the wall opposite.

“Do as much damage as you wish. You only have a few minutes left to do it,” Warmaven said as she ran through a door which closed soundly behind her.

Shego fired a long blast at the door, nearly obliterating it, but then with a choked cry she fell down to the deck, her body spasming in pain. Kim fired her wrist grapple to surround Shego, but the wire melted almost instantly on contact with her glowing body. She looked over at Drakken, worry written on her face.

Drakken thought he understood that look. But he didn’t want to. There was no way he would accept that Shego was… That they couldn’t save her.

“Hey, KP…” Drakken and Kim turned toward Ron, “Rufus isn’t looking too good.”

They all looked at the pink rodent draped over the side of Ron’s space suit collar, definitely looking sick.

“And come to think of it…I’ve got the tummy wobbles,” Ron said, suddenly gripping his stomach.

Kim likewise held one hand to her stomach and the other to her head. “Me too…and my head hurts.”

At that moment, the Kimmunicator beeped and Kim peered down at her wrist to answer the call.

“Kim!” Wade said, his eyes wide with panic. “The suit is picking up high levels of radiation! It’s 120 rems and climbing. You have to get out of there!”

“Radiation…” Kim said in confusion. At once, all eyes turned to Shego, who was writhing on the ground like an electrocuted snake, the deck melting everywhere her glowing body touched. She managed to roll onto her stomach and look up at Kim, her body shaking violently both from pain and the effort it took to hold still.

“Go!” she shouted.

Kim bit her lip, her eyes betraying her indecision.

“You heard her, you can’t help me. Get out of here!”

“Kim, you have to go now or you’ll all suffer permanent damage. Maybe fatal!”

Kim frowned deeply and took a step toward Shego. “I…I’m sorry!” she cried.

She turned and grabbed Ron’s arm, dragging him after her as they jumped through the hole in the door and followed after the alien.

“You too, Drakken! Go!” Shego cried through gritted teeth, attempting to turn toward her boss. She rolled away from him as the deck beneath her began to give way, her body spasming as she did so until she stopped in another clear spot and looked up at him again, her entire frame trembling violently. Then her eyes widened.

Drakken’s vine had sprouted at least four new branches and each one was coiling around his limbs tightly. Even his torso was thickly covered in vines and barely any of his face was showing, with just his nose and one eye visible and a tuft of his hair sticking out the top.

“Mmhmfm hmm fm!” he tried to say behind the vines, but they had completely covered his mouth.

“Ngh!” Shego grunted in pain. “Guess they are—hn!—killer plants. Tell them to let you go!” she cried breathlessly.

Drakken couldn’t speak, but he merely thought the command and obediently the vines started to unwind, but not completely. They still surrounded him but no longer restricted his movement, and he could speak again.

“I— I’m not leaving without you!” he said shakily.

Shego rose unsteadily to her feet and stumbled toward him, but she fell almost immediately into a nearby support beam and then staggered back against a console. Everywhere her body touched left melted and charred evidence of her out of control radioactivity.

“You have to go now!” she cried, staggering toward him again and collapsing, the violent writhing finally ended.

“I’m not as sick as the others!” he argued, and it was true. He only felt a very mild nausea and it had only just started.

“I’ll melt through anything I touch. I’ll destroy your ship and you won’t make it back,” she said, letting her cheek drop against the deck. “Please, Dr. D.! Please go!” she begged.

She stretched one hand toward him and then it fell to the deck as her eyes slipped closed. Drakken took a step toward her and then stopped. The vines were coiling tightly around him again.

He looked at the pink flower hovering near his ear. “Why aren’t I sick like the others?”

An answer spoke into his consciousness, that the vines were resistant to radiation. And with that, an idea struck him.

“Then…you get Shego! Now!”

The secondary vines released him again to the point he could move while the main vine snaked towards Shego, lifting her from the ground just as she was about to fall through the melting deck. He watched as the vine coiled 'round and 'round her until only her head was visible, her hair falling limply down her back as the vine lifted her body into the air.

“That’s better,” Drakken said shakily. “Now we…we have to find a cure,” he said, rushing through the hole in the door the way Kim and Ron and the alien had went.

On his blind race through the ship he spotted the escape pods and made note of them, knowing he would need one later.

James wouldn’t wait for him. James would make sure his daughter was safe.

He reached the end of a hallway and what looked like a type of elevator. It was small, but he managed to get himself and the vine-wrapped Shego inside. He chose the top level and waited anxiously while the elevator shot upward, the strange forces of the artificial gravity making his stomach more nauseous than the radiation.

He was rewarded when the elevator doors opened and he found himself at the back of the alien bridge. Warmaven sat calmly in a chair near the front where a broad window showed the vastness of the stars beyond, and a busy control panel flashed with all of its variously colored indicator lights.

At the sound of his intrusion Warmaven turned, and acting on his will the vines held Shego high above his head as he approached the alien confidently.

“Give me the cure!”

Warmaven actually looked afraid. She shook her head. “There isn’t one.”

“Give me the cure!” he shouted, raising Shego higher and closer to Warmaven’s face.

The alien shook her head again. “There is none!”

Drakken’s face slowly fell as he realized it was true. Whatever she had done…she only planned for destruction. Just like the apparent goal of their entire species.

He stepped around Warmaven toward the control panel, who was backing away in fear. And then, he gave a subconscious command to the vine that held Shego aloft.

In a move more quick and adept than he could have hoped for, the vine loosened and dropped Shego down on the control panel. The intense radiation from her glowing body immediately began eating through the ship’s controls.

“No!” cried Warmaven, but she held her ground. It was clear that she wasn’t immune to the radiation anymore than humans were.

A moment later, the ship seemed to lose its orbital integrity and began drifting. Drakken’s vine grabbed Shego again, the console a ruin beneath her, and then he ran for it.

Down the elevator again and back the way he had come, he chanced to see the familiar white space ship departing at high speed as he ran through the corridor. The Possibles had left him after all.

He stumbled suddenly and braced himself against the wall. He realized then that his head was hurting and he was more nauseous than he’d been before.

The radiation was getting to him.

Only a minute later he was in an escape pod and smashing buttons to get it to launch. It did, and the small craft rapidly left the Lorwardian mother ship behind to whatever fate would come to it after the damage he had done. Drakken pushed buttons more cautiously now that the craft was moving, discovering the ones he needed and turning the tiny craft toward a very specific destination.

A few minutes into the ride, he leaned to the side of the chair and threw up bile and scant remains of the fancy dinner he’d been served at the UN hours before.

The escape pod burst through the clouds and he guided it skillfully now down to his Alpine lair, still surrounded by flowers. He found that he was getting tired and figured it was due to concentrating on his vines both wrapping around him for safety and keeping Shego from touching anything in the escape pod.

She hadn’t even blinked since passing out on the alien ship and he was only a few breaths away from panic.

After landing, he raced into the chill of the lair and had the vines set her down far from his workstation. He ordered the vines already growing in the lair to take over the task of holding her and they immediately obeyed, to his great relief. There were so many more vines in the lair than he could create from his person due to the explosion earlier in the week, and he watched in fascination as they continued wrapping around and around Shego until she was sealed within a green cocoon, hidden entirely from his sight.

“Ah…she can breathe in there, can’t she?” he asked his flower.

The tiny bud nodded, and he sighed in relief as he turned toward his computer and began pulling up the formula for his plant mutagen. He mopped at his brow with the back of his sleeve and found it was ineffective. He impatiently scrambled out of the space suit, feeling more and more nauseous from the movement, but he was also too hot. He had to get out of it.

Once free he sat heavily in his chair and wiped the sweat from his face. He was definitely feeling the effects of radiation poisoning. But the vines…seemed to be absorbing most of it. It was the only explanation for why he wasn’t dead.

He stared at the formula on the screen, clearly resistant to nuclear radiation—and then it hit him. The aliens had turned Shego into a living nuclear reactor. And nuclear reactors overloaded unless the reaction was stopped, or the fuel ran out, or unless the radiation was absorbed at a faster rate than it was being put out.

He spun in his chair and looked at the vines again. It was working…but it wasn’t enough.

“Put…Shego in the hot tub,” he said, surprised at the weakness of his own voice. The vines obediently began gently rolling her cocoon toward the ridiculous hot tub she’d insisted on having in the lab and he rose and followed slowly, nausea overcoming him with his first step. But he had to see that this was done right.

When they arrived the vines had stopped short, and Drakken saw that the tub was frozen over.

“Hynghh…” he muttered, and slammed his fist against the ice. It cracked, and he hit it twice more before it broke entirely. Then the vines rolled Shego’s cocoon up and into the freezing water. “Make sure she can breathe!”

The instant she was in the water steam began rising. Somehow, the vines knew which end of the cocoon was up, and one of its narrow points bobbed just above the surface. Drakken realized the water would soon evaporate with the heat she was giving off and he would need to get the water turned on.

He turned to find the controls on the side of the tub, but another wave of nausea caused him to fall to his knees. As he pulled himself up to lean against the side of the tub he looked again at the thick columns of steam and was suddenly overwhelmed with despair.

Who was he kidding? The water would have to be inside her to help slow the reaction process, but doing that would kill her too. All he had done with the vines was slow the inevitable.

He wasn’t…going to be able to save her.

It was with that crushing feeling of failure that he passed out.

———

Drakken opened his eyes to pitch blackness. It was night in the Alps. He was freezing and felt horribly sick.

“Shego?” he whispered.

There was no response.

“Flower…ugh…find me some light.”

He was startled as suddenly his vine pulled him to his feet, and he fought against nausea as he felt the flower guiding him through the darkness. He noticed that each step was very slow and he wondered if that was for his benefit, or if his flower was sick too.

It was only a few minutes before his hands found the backup generator, which he turned on gratefully. Light flooded the lair, and he hurried back faster than his stomach would have liked to see Shego.

When he reached the hot tub he saw that it was still being fed water. The controls, which he had passed out before reaching, had been turned on.

“Thank you, flower,” he said quietly. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the leaves on his vine were white at the edges. He also realized that the vines which had been wrapped around his limbs protecting him were gone too.

The vines weren’t entirely impervious, he realized. And his eyes widened when he finally looked at Shego’s cocoon. The vines hadn’t moved from their place of surrounding her, but the outermost vines of the cocoon were shriveled and their color was a mixture of white and gray. The innermost vines that were closest to Shego had shriveled up as if mummified, and he could see through them to where she lie inside. He leaned forward and pried some of the vines back to get a closer look at her.

She wasn’t glowing anymore. But her eyes were closed and he couldn’t detect any movement from her in the water.

“Bring her out,” he said quietly. The discolored vines started to shift, but then halted abruptly. He noticed that the shriveled ones had no reaction at all. The radiation was overwhelming them.

With his own hands he grabbed at the cocoon and tugged on it until it rolled out of the hot tub, bumping into him and knocking him backward to the ground. It stopped its roll against his shins.

“Can I…cut these vines off her?” he asked his flower. It nodded. “It’s going to hurt you, isn’t it.”

The flower nodded again, and Drakken looked down in remorse. He understood suddenly that the vines that were most shriveled were dead, and that all of the vines he had created were somehow connected. And in saving Shego, he was doing them harm.

The pink bud slowly bloomed in front of him and then lightly lifted his chin up and turned his head toward Shego. And he knew it understood.

He searched around the lair until he found a saw and began cutting the dead vines off. The merely damaged ones slowly retreated on their own, until finally Shego was completely free.

She lay on the bed of dead vines, still un-moving. Drakken reached for her, and then hesitated. He took off one of his gloves and dangled it against her cheek, holding it there for nearly a minute. When he pulled it back and examined it, it was fully intact. She wasn’t melting things on contact anymore.

He replaced the glove and reached two fingers beneath her chin to feel for a pulse. Even through the glove he was surprised at the intense heat of her skin. Clearly there was more repair work that needed to be done. And faintly, beneath his fingertips, he felt the indication of life.

A great weight lifted out of his chest as he felt the pulsing of her blood through the vein, and he wondered if somehow, he had pulled off another unlikely miracle. Slowly, his own vines began surrounding her until they were just enough to lift her and set her back into the cold waters of the hot tub. He felt the great strain it was on the vines to accomplish the task, and the instant it was done he sat down against the tub and passed out for a second time, steam rising around him.

———

“Drakken? Come on, wake up Dr. D.”

Drakken gasped and lurched forward, suddenly awake at the sound of her voice. He turned quickly to see her sitting up, pushing her wet hair out of her face.

“Why am I in a cold hot tub…wrapped in your vines?”

Drakken quickly stood—too quickly, as he was forced to lean against the side of the tub when nausea immediately struck—and a moment later offered her a hand to get out of the tub. She took it, using it for balance while her other hand brushed away the vines until she could step free.

When she was out, Drakken silently called his flower back to him. But it didn’t move, the length of the vine remaining limp in the hot tub.

“What happened?” Shego asked, looking around at the dead and dying vines littering the floor. “I mean…how am I alive?”

Drakken licked his dry lips and spoke. “Warmaven…turned you into an overloading nuclear reactor. I put you in the water to slow down the reaction if possible. And the vines…absorb radiation really well. I apparently created them with a certain level of resistance…”

“But if I was an overloading nuclear reactor…how am I alive?” she asked again.

“Whatever Warmaven gave you…must have simply burned out. It does make me wonder, though. Perhaps your power is from a far milder and more controlled nuclear reaction…that occurs in you naturally because of the…comet, was it?”

Shego lifted her hands and Drakken expected her to power them up, but they stayed dormant. She gasped. Drakken looked at her quizzically and realized that her skin was somehow paler, and less green.

“I…can’t use my power,” Shego said, staring at her hands.

Drakken’s eyes widened to match hers. “Maybe…whatever the alien gave you…burned out whatever gave you your power to begin with.”

She stared away with unfocused eyes. Drakken watched as the bright, green pools slowly filled with tears until finally she sat down and leaned back against the hot tub, crying softly.

Drakken bit his lip. The only other time he had seen Shego cry was when she’d been under a form of mind control from Bortel’s moodulator. He wasn’t sure what to do, but finally settled on sitting next to her and setting a hand on her shoulder.

A few minutes passed until he heard her sniffle and she looked up at him, resting her head on her bent knees.

“How did you know what to do?”

“Ah…I didn’t,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck and feeling the limp vine just beneath his collar. “After I saw that my vines could carry you and we could escape, I just…guessed. Based on…what I know about nuclear reactions, of course.”

She frowned then. “Why did you bring me back? Didn’t you know you could have died?”

He looked away. He was beginning think that it was entirely possible…that he would anyway. But he didn’t tell her that.

“I couldn’t leave you,” he said, looking back at her.

A strange look came into her eyes that he couldn’t read, and almost too quickly she stood up. “You hungry?” she asked.

He felt too sick to eat, but realized it would be better if he did. “Yes,” he said. He stood up to follow her and then felt the tug of his vine, still limp from the hot tub. He began gathering it and carefully coiling it in his arms.

“What’s wrong with that thing?”

Drakken looked at the wet and discolored plant in his arm as he leaned back against the hot tub’s rim, nausea coming over him again. He met Shego’s eyes and saw the calculation there. He wasn’t going to be able to get this past her.

“I…I have radiation sickness. The plants aren’t…completely resistant,” he admitted.

He was surprised to see fear in her eyes. “What do we do about it?”

He hung his head. “Probably nothing. As sick as I feel, it’s…it’s probably fatal.”

He stared at the discolored vine again, thinking that her life was more than worth his. He realized a few moments later that she hadn’t said anything, and his ears suddenly perked up as he heard her quick, heavy breaths.

“That’s not an option,” she finally said. “I’m going to find some help,” she said, turning on her heel and stalking away from him.

“No, Shego…” he went after her to protest. He followed her out of the lair and into the living room. She was headed toward the phone, but on her way she stepped on the TV remote that had somehow ended up on the ground.

The giant TV flickered to life and they both turned at the startling noise, distracted from their current course by the image of the screen. It showed enormous framed photos of themselves mounted on a pedestal that was surrounded by flowers, and what must have been hundreds of people holding candles.

“The vigil for the world’s lost heroes, Dr. Drakken and Shego, continues here in New York the day after their second dramatic rescue of all mankind. The public memorial service is scheduled for next Saturday in Middleton, Colorado. And as the vigil continues, more testimonials from their friends, and loved ones.”

Drakken stumbled to the fur-covered couch, his churning stomach not allowing him to stand anymore, and dropped the vine next to him as he sat down. The vine began a slow, laborious retreat within him.

“With us now, Dr. James Possible of Middleton, to reflect on his friendship with Dr. Drakken.”

“Well we weren’t really friends, you see,” Dr. Possible said into a microphone. His face had lost all its usual joviality as he talked to the reporter. “In college he was the nerd. I know that sounds ridiculous, considering we went to M.I.S.T., but my friends and I thought that we were the cool ones and that he was just…a nerd. We teased him for no reason. I guess it’s…somewhere in human nature to put others down. I’ve regretted it for almost twenty years. And now I…I’ll never get the chance to apologize. To let Drew know he was every bit the scientist as any of us.”

Drakken felt Shego sit down near him and glanced over at her. Her face was glued to the screen where a helicopter showed continual footage of the candlelight vigil while the interviews were shown on the other half of the screen.

“My sister definitely marched to the beat of her own drum. Even when she was on the side of good, she was always a rebel. I worried she would influence our younger brothers. But they’ve all stayed strong through the years. I couldn’t say what caused her to choose evil. It’s a question I’ve never been able to answer. I keep asking myself…was it something I did? Could I have done or said something different? But…eventually I accepted reality. No matter how well you think you raise them, they’ll still choose their own path someday. I’m just glad she found a place she was happy.”

Drakken looked at Shego again when Hego had finished speaking. Her jaw was set tightly and her fingers were clenched into the fur-covered cushion.

Several more pre-taped interviews were played. The one from his mother made him cry, while the one from cousin Eddie made him cringe. All of Shego’s brothers spoke, saying mostly the same thing.

Drakken realized that nearly half an hour had gone by, and his vine was almost fully back inside him.

“We’ll close this special program tonight with a word from teen hero Kim Possible, who was the longtime nemesis of Dr. Drakken and Shego.”

“Shego was great,” Kim said, “There was this one time that a machine turned her good for about a week, and we hung out all the time. It was like having a big sister.”

“A much older big sister!” Ron Stoppable interrupted, leaning in front of the camera.

“Ron!”

“Yeah, Shego was pretty awesome,” Ron continued, standing in front of Kim now. “I always admired her for going after what she wanted in life, and not letting anyone shut her down, you know? And Drakken was the same. He wasn’t afraid to be himself, even after failing so. many. times. And he was totally comfortable with who he was. And he liked 'Snowman Hank’ which needs to be put back on the air this Christmas! You hear me, network executives!?”

“Anyway,” Kim said, stepping in front of Ron again, “I always felt like they had something good left inside them. And they proved it. And…and I’m going to miss them.”

Kim teared up at the last, and the news anchor closed the program with a final shot of the candlelight vigil and some unknown hymn being sung by a choir in the background.

Shego stood up and started looking around the room for a phone. “We need to get you to a hospital. Is the phone in the kitchen?”

She started for the door and Drakken lunged across the sofa, grabbing her arm to stop her. She looked at him in bewilderment as he stood to face her, his face grim.

“Shego. I would rather…d-die a hero…than dwindle for a few days in a hospital surrounded by strangers.”

He looked away bitterly. Of course he didn’t want his life to end, but…he didn’t have the choice at this point. He at least wanted the choices still available to him. “I’d rather just…spend the time here with you.”

He realized suddenly how that could have sounded and was glad he hadn’t been looking at her. His cheeks flushed regardless, and he wondered if she would hurt him for the idle comment even though he was dying.

Several seconds passed in silence, and he glanced up at her. She was staring at him with that unreadable look again. He felt a lump forming in his throat. Why did she have to make this hard?

“Please…d-don’t let anyone…dissect me for science, when I’m gone.”

She blinked once, and then the unthinkable happened. She started crying. Again.

He watched in confusion as she stepped toward him, her eyes sad and yet uncertain. She reached forward cautiously and grabbed at the front of his coat.

“Shego?”

A moment later her face was in his chest as her tears stained the front of his coat.

“I…I don’t…” she said quietly, her voice hoarse, “I don’t want you to die.”

He blinked. “I don’t want me to die, either.”

She stepped back suddenly and hit his chest with her fist. “Then why won’t you do anything about it!?”

“I told you why,” he said, his eyes pleading her understanding.

“Have you just…given up on living?” she asked incredulously, hitting him again, albeit weaker this time.

He blinked. “What else is there to live for? I’ve saved the world twice and I’m a lauded hero. It’s a good ending. I don’t want the world’s last memory of me to be as a lost cause in a sick bed!”

The vine finished its retreat into his neck and he shifted uncomfortably on his feet, feeling the mutant plant sliding amid his human anatomy.

Shego turned suddenly and stepped away, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.

“What if…you had something else to live for?”

“Like what?” he asked.

She turned to face him again, tears still on her cheeks. She was shaking again, the way she had when the alien contaminant had first entered her bloodstream.

“Shego, are you all right?” he asked worriedly.

She approached him purposefully and set her arms around his neck. His eyes widened in confusion. She stood on tiptoe and met his eyes fully. Her gaze was intense, and he found himself suddenly afraid.

“I know it’s selfish…” she said, glancing away for just a moment. “But would you live for me?”

“…Shego?”

She kissed him, leaving him completely stunned. He watched as the tears continued down her cheeks while her lips softly caressed his. Finally she pulled away, and he took a few cautious breaths.

“You don’t…have to make up feelings you don’t have, to convince me to try to live.”

“I’m not making it up,” she said, shaking her head. She stretched her arms further around his neck and pulled herself more tightly against him, and he felt her trembling. “I think…I think I love you.”

Drakken’s lips parted in a silent gasp. There was no lie in her eyes.

“And since…since you were willing to die for me, I think you might love me too.”

Behind them the big screen TV was showing aerial clips of the worldwide destruction caused by the first alien attack.

“What if…what if I die anyway?” he asked, his arms unconsciously wrapping around her.

“Then, at least we have right now. But I still want tomorrow,” she insisted, and kissed him again. The intensity knocked him off balance, and he fell backward onto the sofa and brought her with him. He brushed her wet hair out of his face and looked into her eyes, still pleading with him.

Slowly, the uncertainty melted out of his face and was replaced with a shy smile. Her own was confident as she stroked his jaw with her thumb, snuggling into him. And then she kissed him as if the world was going to end.

———

One month later, Shego walked out of the Mayo Clinic with Drakken leaning on her arm for support, smiling down at her as she gazed up at him adoringly. His hair was much thinner and there was less of it, and his plant mutation was no more, but neither of them cared. On her finger she wore a diamond ring.

the end.

[multi-fandom-imagines8]

Blood & Family

Part 4

Blood & Family Masterlist

Taglist

Summary: Astraea learns about Klaus and the Mikaelson’s past. Damon, Elena and the rest of them have a plan to kill Klaus, but they fail. Stefan wants to get revenge on Klaus

Word Count: 4290.

“Hey, Elena! I’m sorry for everything that happened. How are you doing?” After Klaus left, Astraea returned to the Gilbert house.

“It’s not your fault. I don’t- I- uhm… not good” she started crying.

“Hey, hey, hey. Everything is gonna be alright, I promise. Maybe not now, not soon, but it will be eventually. Do you need a hug?” Astraea offered and Elena nodded.

Later that night, after everyone went to sleep, Astraea was still awake. She couldn’t sleep, she was used to sleeping in the uncomfortable car. She needed some time to adjust to her bed again. There was a knock on the door and she went to open it.

“Rebekah! Hey, what are you doing here?” She was surprised to see her.

“I can’t believe Nik left me here. My own brother left me without saying a word. I have nowhere else to go” Rebekah informed her.

“That’s what siblings do. I wish I could help you, but unfortunately I can’t. This isn’t my house I can’t invite you in and I’m sure Elena will kill me if I asked her to. You can try the Salvatore's. I’m sure Stefan won’t have a problem with it, since he’s without his humanity. If you’re staying here and don’t want to be alone, I can suggest you join our school. It’ll be fun, many parties if you’re into that stuff” she told her.

“Sounds fun. See you around”.

Astraea was about to close the door. “Hey Astraea!”

“Yeah?”.

“Thank you”.

“For what?”.

“Being nice and helpful, even when you don’t know me and probably hate my brother”.

“I don’t hate him. That’s what friends are for. Good night Rebekah”.

“What is she doing here?” Elena was at discomfort.

“I have no idea” Caroline answered.

“I invited her. I didn’t think she’d actually show up. She’s all alone and I-“.

“You what?” Caroline was about to freak out.

At night, Elena, Caroline, Damon and Alaric were planning to take out Stefan. Tyler and Astraea arrived a bit late.

“Sorry, we’re late. What’s going on?” Tyler asked.

“We need you to raid your mom’s vervain supply, enough to keep Stefan down for a while” Elena informed him.

“You can’t do that to Stefan”.

“I agree with Tyler” Astraea remarked.

“Why not?”.

“Trust me, Tyler, it’s in his best interest” Elena added.

“Yeah, but it’s not in Klaus’” Tyler told them.

“But Klaus is the bad guy, Tyler. Why are you acting like some freaky hybrid slave-minion?” Caroline didn’t like Tyler’s answer.

“Oh oh” Damon realized something.

“What?” Rick asked.

“Klaus made me who I am, Caroline. I owe him everything” Tyler expressed.

“Oh, boy”.

“Okay, can we cool it in the commentary, please?” Caroline was starting to get angry.

“I’m just gonna go” Tyler said, but Damon injected him with enough vervain to knock him out.

“What are you doing?” Caroline questioned.

“He’s been sired. He feels loyal to Klaus because Klaus’ blood created him. He’ll seek acceptance from his master. It’s rare. Maybe not so much in hybrids” Damon explained.

“I don’t want to be a part of your plan. I’m sorry, I don’t like deceiving people, specially my friends” Astraea backed away.

“What are you talking about? Ever since you left with Klaus you’ve been acting differently. Are you sure he didn’t compel you?” Damon asked.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Of course I changed, Damon. I’m a human who’s been on the road with an original hybrid and a ripper, how do you think that affected me. Oh, wait… you didn’t even think about it, because nothing matters other than what Elena wants. Your welcome by the way, in case you forgot I saved your life. I’m just gonna go back. Enjoy the rest of the night” Astraea left and no one was able to say anything, since everything she said was true.

“How did your plan go? I take it from the look on your face, it didn’t go well. I’m sorry” Astraea was waiting on the terrace for Elena to come back.

“No, it didn’t. We almost had him, then we didn’t. Hey, about earlier, I’m sorry that I didn’t even ask how you were doing, I was so focused on Stefan that I forgot about you. I’m truly sorry” Elena apologized.

“It’s fine. Happens all the time. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last. I’m just glad, you’re back safely”.

—-

“Hey, Rick! Have you seen Ele- oh” Astraea barged in Alaric’s house, only to find him with Elena and Damon, who she’s been trying to call all day.

“Astraea, hey! What’s wrong?” Rick asked.

“I was looking for Elena and Damon. They weren’t answering their phones, but apparently they’re doing it on purpose”.

“A, sorry. I was just training” Elena said.

“Whatever. Do you know where Stefan is?”.

“Why do you ask?” Damon questioned.

“He’s been silent for a couple of days now. I figured you’d know where he is”.

“No, I have no idea where my brother is. Who knows what he’s up to these days” Damon lied.

“Screw you, Damon. So, your plan was a success after all” Astraea had a talent of knowing when someone is lying to her.

“What gave it away?”.

“You… what is that?” She saw pictures of Viking ruins and other drawings.

“It’s nothing. You don’t have to worry about it” Damon stood in front of her.

“Out of my way, liar. What is this?”.

Rick sought Elena’s approval before answering “we’re trying to find a weapon to kill Klaus. This was beneath the Lockwood cellar. We think it’s the story of the original family”.

“I’m headed to see Rebekah, wanna join me?” Elena offered.

Astraea knew that Elena was using her, since she was closer to Rebekah than her, but she agreed because she was curious to know their story.

“My parents had just started a family when a plague struck their homeland. They lost a child to it. They wanted to escape and protect their future family from the same fate. My mother knew the witch Ayana, who heard from the spirits if a mystical land where everyone was healthy. Blessed by the gifts of speed and strength . That led my family here, where we lived amongst those people. The werewolves. To us, they were just our neighbors. My family lived in peace with them for over 20 years, during which time my family had more children, including me. Once a month, our family retreated to the caves beneath our village. The wolves would howl through the night. By the morning we’d return home. One full moon, Klaus and my youngest brother, Henrik, snuck out to watch the men turn into beasts. That was forbidden. Henrik paid the price. And that was the beginning of the end of peace with our neighbors and one of the last moments my family had together as humans” Rebekah told the story of her family.

“This explains why werewolves and vampires are enemies. It all started with you” Astraea concluded.

Rebekah teased Elena about Stefan and she wanted to leave.

“The necklace wasn’t Stefan’s to give. It belonged to the original witch” Rebekah told her.

“The one who put the hybrid curse in Klaus?”.

“Not just the hybrid curse. She’s the one who turned us into vampires… My father didn’t want to run anymore. He wanted to fight and be superior to the wolves. Where they could bite, we had to bite harder. Where they had speed, we had to be faster. Agility, strength, senses. My parents asked Ayana for help but she refused, saying it had consequences, leaving it all in my mother’s hands”.

“In her hands? How could she do anything?” Elena was confused.

“Because my mother was also a witch. The witch of the original family. The original witch” Rebekah elaborated.

“But if your mother was a witch-“

“Am I? No. A witch is a nature’s servant. A vampire is an abomination of nature. You can either be one or the other, never both. My mother did this for us. She did bot turn”.

“How did you turn?”.

“She called upon the sun for life and the ancient white oak tree, one of nature’s eternal objects, for immortality. That night, my father offered us wine laced with blood and then he drove his sword through our hearts. We had to drink more blood to complete the ritual. It was euphoric. The feeling of power was indescribable. But the witch Ayana was right about the consequences. The spirits turned on us and nature fought back. For every strength, there would be a weakness. The sun became out enemy. It kept us indoors for weeks. And though my mother found a solution, there were other problems. Neighbors who had opened their homes to us could now keep us out. The flowers at base of the white oak burned and prevented compulsion and the spell decreed that the tree that gave us life could also take it away, so we burned it to the ground. But the darkest consequence was something my parents never anticipated, the hunger. Blood had made us reborn and it was blood that we craved above all else, we could not control it. And with that, the predatory species was born”.

“Why did Mikael start hunting Klaus?”.

“When Nik made his first human kill, it triggered his werewolf gene, with that he became my father’s greatest shame. My mother tried to make it right. She put the hybrid curse on Nik to suppress his werewolf side and then she turned her back on him, but Mikael’s greatest weakness as a human was his pride. As a vampire that was magnified. He went on a rampage and killed half the village. Then he came home and killed her. He said that she broke his heart, so he would break hers. He tore it from her chest as Nik watched. Afterwards, my father took off in a rage and the rest of my family scattered. Nik stayed so he could help me bury her. He knew I had to say goodbye to my mother. We made a promise to each other. We’d stick together as one, always and forever”.

“Always and forever, even though he locked you in a coffin for 90 years?” Elena didn’t understand.

“We’re vampires. Our emotions are heightened. I’m stubborn. Elijah moral and Nik has no tolerance for those who disappoint him. Over a thousand years as a family, we’ve all made that mistake at least once. I’ve made it several times”.

“But you still love him?”.

“He’s my brother and I’m immortal. Should I spend an eternity alone instead?”.

“That’s why Klaus is the way he is. Everything makes sense now” Astraea remarked.

Rebekah knew that Elena wanted to wake Mikael up and wanted Klaus dead. She threatened to kill her if she went after her brother “as for you, Astraea. I suggest you find a better company. They will only lead you to death. My advice to you, leave this town and never come back”.

Elena went back to the cave and discovered something new. She returned to see Rebekah, but Astraea was still there.

“How do you know that  Mikael killed your mother? Elena asked.

“Nik was there. He told me”.

“He lied to you”.

“And how do you know that?”.

“The cave where you carved your family's names is covered in symbols. The story of your family. How your parents arrived. How they made peace. The spell that turned them into vampires. And this, this is the symbol for hybrid. It’s the combination of the werewolf and the vampire symbol. And this is the one for your mother and this is the story of her death. The hybrid killed the original witch, not Mikael. Klaus.” Elena showed her pictures of the drawing in the cave.

“No, he wouldn’t” Rebekah refused to believe that.

“She put the curse on him. Made it so that he would be the only one of his kind and then she rejected him. With the werewolf gene comes aggression and violence. When he turned, all of that was heightened. He killed her, Rebekah and then he made up this entire lie about your father so that he wouldn’t lose you” Elena tried to convince her.

“And that makes you the expert. Stop it Elena” Astraea warned but Elena continued to provoke Rebekah until she got angry and almost killed her but then she stopped and realized she was saying was the truth.

Rebekah broke down in tears and Astraea tried to comfort her.

“Maybe it’s not true. Don’t you want to hear what Klaus has to say about this? I’m sure if he did it, he had good reasons. I’m truly sorry, Rebekah” she stayed with her until she fell asleep. Then she called Klaus but he didn’t answer so she left him a voice message.

“Where the hell are you? Everything is a mess here. I’m pretty sure Elena and the gang woke Mikael up and now she told your sister that it wasn’t him that killed your mother and that it was you. She even had prove, the drawing you carved in the cave, smartass. Rebekah is a mess, I just managed to get her to sleep. You better get your ass back here and fix everything. I’m not even sure why I’m helping your or telling you anything. Maybe I shouldn’t, after all you’ve done nothing but bring pain to the people I care about. I really hope you show up soon”.

—-

Elena, Damon and Stefan devised a plan to lure Klaus back in town, with the help of Mikael of course. Elena daggered him and they even included Rebekah in their plan. Stefan called Klaus and told him, he wanted reassurance of course and Rebekah confirmed it, but he sensed something was wrong. He didn’t listen to any of the voice messages Astraea sent, since he was “too busy” and they were many, instead he called her.

“Hope, love! I’m coming back to town. But first, I have a question for you-“.

“Thank god you answered, finally! I’ve been trying to call you for days. Where the hell have you been?”.

“It’s none of your business, sweetheart. Just answer my question. Is it true that Elena daggered Mikael and he’s in the possession of the Salvatore’s?”.

“What? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I didn’t even know they were- wait, this doesn’t make any sense. They wanted him to kill you, so what’s changed?” Astraea sensed that something was wrong.

“Rebekah confirmed it. Apparently, he tried to kidnap Elena to use her as bait”.

“Klaus, have you even listened to the voice messages I sent you? My guess is that you didn’t. To summarize it, Rebekah knows that you killed your mother and she’s mad. As for Elena and the rest, I wouldn’t believe them if I were you, just my advice to you. I mean they didn’t include me in it, which means they suspect that I’m on your side, which I am not. I’m done with this town”.

“Didn’t take you for a quitter”.

“Well, I didn’t take you for a coward, yet you left anyway. Guess we’re both not what we thought we were. Goodbye, Klaus”.

“Wait, Hope-“.

Astraea returned to the Gilbert house and started packing up her stuff. When she was done, she called Rebekah but she didn’t answer. She tracked her cellphone to the Salvatore’s.

“Astraea, hey! What are you doing here?” Damon asked.

“Damon! I’m not here for you, don’t worry! I’m here for Rebekah, where is she?”.

“Not here at the moment. She’s probably shopping for a dress for tonight” Damon lied.

“Lying again, great!”.

“Why would I be lying to you?” He tried to deny it.

Astraea called Rebekah again and heard her ringtone, which led her to the room they were keeping Rebekah’s body in.

“Daggered, huh? I came to say goodbye, but now I can’t even do this. You know ever since I told you I know you’re a vampire, you stopped trusting me. You used to tell me everything. So, do you have anything else you want to tell me about?” She gave him one last chance.

“Hmm.. no, not that I can think of” he lied again.

“Goodbye, Damon. Oh and by the way, good luck with your plan to kill Klaus. I hope you fail” she smiled and walked out the door, but Damon rushed outside and stood in front of her.

“How do you know about the plan?”.

“I don’t actually know what it is. But it’s nice to actually find out that you’re planning something from the person you are trying to kill”.

“Klaus? What did he tell you?” Damon looked surprised.

“Nothing. Just that he wanted confirmation about Mikael being daggered”.

“What did you tell him?” Damon was anxious to hear the answer.

“The truth. That I have no idea, since no one included me and that Rebekah knows that he killed her mother”.

“Why would you say that?” Damon got angry.

“What was I supposed to say? After all, I knew nothing of your devious plan. And since you don’t trust me with lying, I told him the truth about Rebekah, so I’d actually give you a real reason”.

“You see that’s why we didn’t tell you. Because we don’t trust you. You’re on Klaus’ side, ever since you left with him”.

“That’s where you’re wrong Damon. I was a human caught up in a vampire world. What I did, was look after myself, if I didn’t I’d probably been vampire food the first week we left. As for when we returned, none of you trusted me, yet you trusted Stefan. So, I chose a side and at least I’m not being fooled or deceived”.

“This won’t get you anyway. You chose the wrong side and you’ll lose” Damon warned.

“You know I was leaving town, but since you said that, challenge accepted”.

Astraea then went to the party Klaus was throwing as quickly as she could, only to be met outside by one of his hybrid guards.

“Listen, pal! I don’t have time for this, I need to see Klaus asap. It’s urgent”.

“Not without an invite, you won’t”.

“I don’t know if you can smell it or not, but human, I’m human. Which mean, I can’t harm Klaus, if that’s what you’re afraid of. I’m Astraea- Hope, Klaus knows who I am, so unless you want him to rip your head off, you’ll let me pass” she threatened and this time the hybrid let her in.

“Ah, Klaus. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. We need to talk”.

“Hope, love! You came. I thought you were leaving” Klaus smirked.

“I was, but as you said I’m not a quitter. The truth is, I had an argument with Damon, which led me to choosing a side, your side. You should know, I’m doing this as a challenge. Damon said I chose the wrong side and that we’re gonna lose, so you better not”.

“Don’t worry, love. I’m two steps ahead of them”.

“You mean the hybrids? I would!’t completely count on them. Rebekah’s been daggered. I don’t think Mikael is daggered, since there’s only one dagger, so my guess he’s coming here for you” Astraea informed him.

“Thank you for the heads up, love. Enjoy the party while you still can”.

“I’m not one for parties. Hey, what is Matt doing here?”.

“You’re asking me? He’s probably been dragged into this plan, poor soul”.

“Klaus, whatever you’re planning, please don’t kill him or any of my reckless friends and family”.

One of his hybrids came and whispered something in his ear, that changed his facial expression.

“What’s wrong?”.

“Dad’s here. I’m gonna have a little chat with him. You should get out of here”.

Klaus went to face Mikael, while Astraea followed quietly. Mikael had Elena and threatened to kill her if Klaus didn’t come out, but Klaus pretended to not care.

“If she dies, this lot will be the last of your abominations” Mikael pointed at the hybrid standing behind him and ready to tear him apart.

“I don’t need them. I just need to be rid of you”.

“To what end, Niklaus? So you can live forever with no one at your side? Nobody cares about you anymore, boy! Who do you have other than those whose loyalty you’ve forced? No one. No one”.

“I’m calling your bluff, father. Kill her” Klaus didn’t believe him.

“Come outside and face me, you little coward and I won’t have to”.

“My whole life, you’ve underestimated me. If you kill her, you lose your leverage, so go ahead. Go on, kill her. Come on, old man, kill her. Kill her!” Klaus yelled.

“Ah, your impulse, Niklaus. It has and will forever be, the one thing that keeps you from truly being great” Mikael laughed at him, before stabbing Elena, who turned out to be Katherine.

Damon came from behind him and stabbed him with the white oak stake, making him scream in pain. Astraea tried to inject Damon with a vervain shot but he stopped her and threw her across the room. Then Stefan came and stopped Damon.

“What are you doing?” Damon was furious.

“Klaus” the stake was near Astraea, so she immediately threw it to Klaus and he killed Mikael with it.

“What the hell did you do?” Damon asked Stefan.

“He’s earned his freedom. Thank you my friend. You no longer have to do as I say. You’re free”.

Everyone left except for Astraea.

“You stayed, even when I told you to leave, why?” Klaus asked.

“I told you, I wanted to make sure we win”.

“I’m certain that's not it, or at least not the only reason”.

“Alright. All my life, I’ve been watching from afar. I wanted to be involved in something, to feel useful for once, to belong. And tonight, helping you, made it so, even if just for a couple of minutes” she admitted.

“Thank you. You’re free to go, if that’s what you want”.

“Oh, Klaus. If I wanted to go, I would’ve left when you left the town or even before. I was always free. I came with you because I wanted adventure, something thrilling and of course to save Damon’s life. Being with you the past few months made me learn a thing or two. I don’t think I want to leave, there are many things a girl can learn from you. Besides, I believe you need someone to complain to about life”.

“And you think you’re fit to the position?”.

“No, I know that I am. I mean, what have I got to loose? I’ve lost the trust of my family and friends long before tonight, so…For the record, I don’t think you’re a coward and Mikael was wrong about the not caring part. I find you an interesting person. I’m sorry your life has been a living hell. Rebekah told me about the story of how you became a vampire. How your mother turned her back on you and how Mikael killed your real father and hunted you down. I understand now why you’re the way you are, but I believe a day will come when someone will walk into your life and change it forever”.

“That’s only a fraction of the torment I’ve been living. If you knew the whole truth, you’re heart would break”.

“Then tell me, I am curious”.

“That’s enough for one night, love”.

The next day, Klaus decided to wake up the rest of his family.

“You said you were interested in my family, well get up, I have something to show you” Klaus barged into the room Astraea was stating in, in Tyler’s house.

“Klaus? What are you doing here?” She was half awake.

“Get dressed. I want to show you something”.

“So, you’re having a Mikaelson family reunion, cool! But are you sure they won’t be mad at you? I mean you only daggered them for a couple of centuries, no biggie” Astraea mocked.

“What happened to your optimism? Come on, I need you to have hope, Hope” Klaus smiled.

“You’re in a good mood today”.

“Why shouldn’t I be? Mikael is finally dead. I don’t have to run anymore. It only took a 1000 years of my life”.

Klaus’ phone rang “Stefan! Miss me already?” Klaus grinned.

“I’m just calling to thank you for my freedom”.

“Well, I like to believe I’m a man of my word, more or less”.

“The thing is, it came at too high of a price. You took everything from me, Klaus”.

“Let bygones be bygones. Trust me, resentment gets old” Klaus opened the back of the truck, but the coffins weren’t there.

“You know what never gets old? Revenge”.

“Oh, oh!” Astraea commented, knowing exactly what was coming.

“No!” Klaus was getting angry.

“What’s the matter Klaus? Missing something?” Stefan teased.

“What are you doing?”.

“I’m just enjoying my freedom”.

“I will kill you and everyone you’ve ever met” Klaus threatened.

“You do that, and you’ll never see your family again. I wonder, Klaus, as someone who’s been one step ahead for a thousand years, were you prepared for this?” Stefan warned.

Klaus hung up and Astraea could see the murderous desire he had.

“Klaus, I know talking isn’t gonna help, but calm down! We’re gonna fix this, just don’t rush into making decisions”.

“You’re right! Talking isn’t helping, so I suggest you keep your mouth shut or your eyes are gonna be the next thing to shut forever. Now out of my way” Klaus yelled.

“Have it your way!” She stepped aside and let him pass.

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[noromannet-blog]

What to see and do in Annecy, France

Annecy, France, the city of the best-known lake in the Alps, is the beautiful and charming capital city of the department of Haute-Savoie, in the French region of Auvergne-Rhodano-Alpes, is located northwest of France, very close to the Swiss border, just 42 km south of Geneva. The biggest natural attraction for locals and visitors is the beautiful Lake of Annecy, a magnet for tourism that brings great value to the city and its population that lives very close to its waters, where they swim, dive, sail, fish, practice water sports, they recreate on their beaches or simply enjoy walking or cycling along their shore. Annecy is also known as the Venice of Savoy, due to the water channels that cross the fascinating historic center, to pour its waters into the lake. Different sections of bucolic canals crossed by charming little bridges, banks full of flowers that adorn the terraces of numerous restaurants and the facades of the colorful typical houses of Swiss architectural style because Annecy-le-Vieux belonged to the Swiss canton before being annexed to France.

What to see and do in Annecy, France

Offering postcard images in any corner, the old area of ​​Annecy (Annecy-le-Vieux) captivates and surprises visitors who do not know what to photograph first. Strolling through the pedestrian streets of the old area is a pleasure for the senses, its history of undeniable beauty will envelop us everywhere.  Annecy Lake

What to see and do in Annecy, France The wonderful lake of Annecy, of glacial origin, with an area of ​​27.4 km2 is the second largest lake in France and is considered one of the cleanest in the world. Great leisure, recreation and rest center for the inhabitants of the region and great attraction for the many visitors who come on weekends. The road around the lake is full of landscapes and places that are worth a visit, such as the Duingt Castle and the Marais du Bot Nature Reserve.  Annecy le Vieux

What to see and do in Annecy, France  It is the oldest area of ​​the city and our favorite area to visit in Annecy, whose medieval legacy offers us architectural jewels quite well preserved due to the great use of the stone for its construction; walls, narrow streets, houses with intertwined roofs, bridges and buildings such as the Island Palace, built on an island in the middle of the canal; Today the headquarters of the Annecy Museum of History and the second most photographed monument in France! Island Palace

What to see and do in Annecy, France Declared National Historic Monument in 1900, without a doubt, the symbol of the city and one of the main monuments of the Annecy postcards. Located on a tiny island on the Thiou Canal that flows into Lake Annecy. Its triangular rear part resembles the bow of a ship stranded in the canal. It was built in the 12th century, as the official residence of the Lord of Annecy, later it was the Palace of Justice, Casa de la Moneda and finally, it was used as a prison until 1865. Today its old walls house the Museum of History of the city and are the main monument to see in Annecy. Annecy Castle

What to see and do in Annecy, France Among the monuments to see in Annecy, is the Castle. It is a monumental fortress of the twelfth century, built by the counts of Geneva on Mount Semnoz inhabited until the seventeenth century when it was abandoned after a time of decline. In 1953 the city finally decided to buy the Castle for its recovery and conditioning for its current role as a Museum. The Museum houses the headquarters of the Alpine Lakes Regional Observatory and the Archeology Museum where we find exhibitions about the first inhabitants of the lake, some aquariums with the species of fish from the Alpine lakes and a model of Lake Annecy itself. Also interesting are the models of boats and an exhibition of fishing utensils. In another section of the castle is the Museum of Alpine Popular Art, with a large collection of regional sculptures and paintings. It also exposes a collection of antique furniture and other types of historical objects. Bridge of Loves

What to see and do in Annecy, France The Bridge of Loves, located on the Vasse canal, one of the channels that pour its waters into Lake Annecy. Popular belief argues that the bridge owes its name to the custom in the past of going to this place to meet prostitutes. Nowadays, however, it enjoys great romantic symbology and the lovers who, according to legend, will stay together for a long time walk along this bridge if they kiss in their central section. Europe Gardens Crossing the Bridge of Loves we arrive at the park of the Gardens of Europe. They were created by a wealthy family outside the city walls, in a swampy area next to Lake Annecy. Today it is a large urban park, with numerous trees and shrubs and breathtaking views of the great Blue Lake where you can breathe peace and silence. An idyllic place to go picnics, go for a walk or spend time in meditation and rest. In this beautiful urban park, we can observe and admire the curious Gingko Biloba tree and specimens of giant Redwoods.

How to get to Annecy, France

What to see and do in Annecy, France Annecy is at the foot of the French Alps and the two closest and most important cities are Lyon in France and Geneva in Switzerland, so if you live far away and are not on the road, you have to take a flight to one of those cities. By Car: The best way to get to Annecy is by car. That way we are free to move around the surroundings of Annecy, which are wonderful, and we do not depend on public transport, which between cities works very well, but to reach some specific places, it is not the most suitable. By Train: There are several daily trains connecting the Lyon Part Dieu station with Annecy and it takes about two hours. Although it is possible to go back and forth in the day, we recommend doing at least one night to get to know the city well. By Bus: Some direct buses to Annecy leave from Geneva and take between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. The main bus station is Gare routière de Geneve although some also depart from the Geneve Eaux-Vives train station.  From Lyon, the Ouibus company offers us two options; Direct lines from Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport, ideal if you arrive by plane. The other is from the Gare de Lyon-Perrache bus stop. In this case, the journeys last between an hour and a half and two hours. Images via Gettyimages Read the full article

[deepspacehoney]

Finally designed a new robo pal for Honey Dew to hang with: Terrace~! 💐💖

They tended to the gardens and parks of a now abandoned research outpost that was eventually found by some junk collectors. Not realizing they had an accidental stowaway when the collectors snagged the remains of the station Terrace eventually found themselves in a "garden" needing much work.

Even if city life is confusing for them at least Honey is there to help ; v;