#beta!ash

[trans-spider-man]

The Mechanisms and their wanted posters (i have no idea who made them or where they’re from but I don’t think i’ve ever seen them posted)

[mukubirdy]

Ash & Coinpur

Commission for @spagonia!!

commission me via Ko-fi

[thatoneudguy]

Ashley doodle

[sunshineboy-greer-collins]

hc that Christian actually had a crush on David and that’s the biggest reason he was so pissed about Asher being made beta and not him

[elsa-fogen]

Inktober day 18 - Bone

[ashtreehollow]

Thinking about soulmates and their shared wounds

Throughout Double Life, soulmates feel each other's pain. They feel other things, like emotions and when the other eats or sleeps for them, but mostly it's pain. Death wounds tend to stick around after respawn, which has always been the case in the Life games, but now it's your partner affected too.

Ren can't quite look anyone in the eyes for the rest of game, other than BigB who shares the same problem. Pearl has a scar on her back from where Joel stabbed her, a matching one adorning Scott. Cleo and Martyn have a twinge in their necks and a constant headache that reminds them both of their failed trust exercise. You get the picture.

Now, there was always something to catch the players by surprise in these games. In 3rd Life, it was the shock at seeing Jimmy, Cleo, and Skizz's bodies where they lost their final life. It was the numbness at having to bury a body. After the Battle of Dogwarts, the burials were quickly forgotten. In Last Life, the surprise was The Curse, the pure bloodlust that took over any and everyone, so different from the thrum of red lives.

What they didn't expect for Double Life was the permadeath wounds carrying over.

Jimmy wakes with a start, jostling poor Norman from where he lays next to him. The sudden shift from the cool air of the forest at night to the blistering heat of the mesa at mid day is stifling, and it takes him a moment to catch his breath. With a hand pressed against his chest, Jimmy takes in his surroundings.

'I'm not on the Ranch. I'm in Tumble Town. Deputy Norman is next to me and everything is fine.'

Except it wasn't. He was out first, again, like he always was. And it was worse because he dragged Tango down with him. Tango, the only one to tell him how proud he was of Jimmy without a hint of sarcasm or condescension in his voice; Tango, who never stood a chance of winning with him as a soulmate, but still fought like Hels to try. Oh, he hoped he wasn't too mad at him about costing them the win.

Bringing a hand up to wipe at his face, Jimmy was stopped short by the unnatural coloring of his skin.

"What in the world...?"

What once was tan, kissed by the sun in the mesa, Jimmy's hands now glowed an unearthly purple. Following the color up his arm, he noticed how the purple faded back to his natural skin color towards his elbows. Turning his hands over to look closer, Jimmy racked his brain for why this looked so familiar - both the distinct pattern on his arms and the eery shade of purple. It was nothing like the stain of purple dye, nor the color of amethyst. It was closer to the swirling vortex of a nether portal and the hypnotic gaze of an Enderman-

Oh no. That's what it was. This is the same mark that stained Skizzleman back in 3rd Life. Why was this here now? He knows he died to an Enderman, but the games were over, there shouldn't be any physical signs left over!

"Oh gods, this better fade soon. I don't need Joel teasing me about it any worse than he already will." He mutters to himself as pulls on a pair of leather work gloves. He's still The Sheriff and there's work to be done. He only hopes that Tango doesn't have any lasting pain from the sudden death...

~~

On the Hermitcraft server, Tango pulls on his own pair of black leather gloves. There's work to be done on Decked Out, and if they stop others from asking about the purple stains on his arms, then that's something only he needs to know about.

[discourseposter]

to be perfectly honest I've never seen someone handle being blocked by a mutual the way you did ash like it's such a respectful grief and it's the bare minimum but still I did no handle it as well when they blocked me

I hold few things but love for most of the people who have impacted me for the better and steered away from me like that's life baby!! sometimes things are temporary and their impact outlives their time in your life. No reason to resent your positive emotions for things that have since changed or dissolved.

[browngurl99]

He is trying his best to show that he doesn't care

This is him a few moments later

[coeluvr]

Hi guys! I have outlined the general changes I want to make and need some opinions ✨️ I was talking with my (grumpy) editor about the observations made by people so I'll just say where we stand about some of the things sent to me. If you have another concern that isn't talked about here, send me an ask.

MC sounds too mature for their age!

We are thinking of aging up MC to be 9 years old because it's easier than rewriting everything to sound more childlike and to anyone who still thinks they sound too mature, my editor says: "older than that then they’re insane and should go watch game of thrones and see arya at the age of 11 doing insane stuff 😒 and talking maturely" and I agree. 💗

Personally I'm more okay with them being 9 and acting 12 than 6 and 12.

Where are my options?!

It's the first chapter guys let's wait for actually life changing options for when MC is a teenager. Personality wise they only got angry or calm or silent because they just lost everyone and the crying and losing their marbles will be saved for later in the process of grieving. The current personality is the way it is because it doesn't truly matter, people change when they grow up so you will have plenty of choices in the future chapters.

MC is nice because they're a child who was brought up with love and everyone treated them kindly (literally royalty) so imagine their surprise when treating others well doesn't automatically mean they will treat you nicely too. They also want something or someone to rely on hence they can think badly of Lancelot but still rely on him (later on you can change this but they're too young right now).

Let's also remind ourselves that dealing with trauma is different for everyone, no matter the age. The way I wrote it is how MC deals with it right after it happens, you will be able to choose how they deal after and what coping mechanisms they use.

No way were they okay with a child being the royal consort, this is weird.

I'm not changing this. It's a fundamental part of the story. It's just a facade in hopes [spoiler] comes out of their little cave and does something so they can be captured. It's a fantasy world with a magic, it's not the most unrealistic part. If you look it up there are plenty of consorts who were just as young in real life and unfortunately it wasn't just a facade.

[Insert massive writing and plot changes you want]

No. Just because I said "let me know what you think!" doesn't mean you get to write an alternate universe fanfic in my inbox. The story won't be changing it'll be the same just rewritten to make things better.

Thank you to everyone who gave me constructive criticism and were willing to tell me which parts exactly seemed off. Let me know what you think! 💗

[dazzle-art]

Ashe/M!Shez wip for day 1 of fe rarepair week because life got in the way before I could finish so take this and go 💙💜

700 words

Prompt: Snow

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

Oh, snow.

Cold, glorious snow.

Painting the whole of Faerghus in beautiful white.

Tree tops, fields of flowers, the roofs of buildings.

Faerghus loved to snow all year round, but particularly, this was a truly beautiful late Ethereal moon.

Almost the end of the moon. It would be a new year quite soon the dawn of something brand new.

Ashe would have more to do at the start of the year, especially since he had been shirking his duties as of late.

But how could he help it? Special guests didn’t come around this often!

Even if they’ve been in Gaspard territory for quite a few moons now, lodging within his own manor.

But as as the new (ish) Lord, Ashe had an obligation to help his citizens and those in need.

Especially one that he served in war with.

War time, it is never pleasant. Painting the world in blood instead of sunlight, ripping life from flesh, tearing family from family, taking sons and daughters from fathers and mothers. A horrid time where soldiers are thrown at each other as “necessary sacrifices” for the “greater good”.

The death Ashe had seen just a few short years ago. It would live on with him forever, carved into his heart, etched in his mind, with him, always.

He would carry their names, carry their words, carry their breaths, always, with him, and until the very end.

Ashe was sure he would have lost his mind had it not been for the allies that had helped him along the way, friends he probably would not had met if life had gone differently when he was young.

But where was the use of dwelling on the ifs, the hows, the whats?

What was important was the here, and the now.

And the now?

Garreg Mach Founding Day.

Ashe hadn’t planned to do much. After all, he had only spent a few short weeks there years ago. But a certain violet haired man sleeping in one of the many rooms had urged that they should do something together.

Maybe a feast? Maybe a party?

Who knew?

Only Shez would.

And he was sure to keep Ashe waiting, sitting on the soft couch in his room, gazing out into the midmorning through the window, adoring the falling snow.

He remembered when snow fell like this, soft and careful. When a free moment was scarce, and had to be treasured. When worrying about what to do with your free time ate into it, devoured it whole. When war ran the people of the world ragged.

A large hilltop of snow, a single tree at the top of it. Running, leaving fresh prints behind in untouched white. Laughter from not just one, but two people.

“Come on!” Shez had called, gripping hard onto Ashe’s hand, his warmth seeping through Ashe’s gloves like sea water. “It’s just up here!”

“What is it you wanted to show me?” Ashe had gasped, trailing just behind his closest friend and ally. The man had come barreling into his tent just a few minutes beforehand, urging him outside at the beck of something beautiful to see. “Is it far?”

“It’s not much further now!” Shez had assured him, holding his free hand up to cover his eyes from the then-falling snow. “Look! That’s the hill!”

It was only one moment later when the pair came to a halt, causing Ashe to almost bowl over and fall into the snow. When he had situated himself he followed Shez’s gaze off into the forest.

“Whoa…”

Oh, the sight of it.

A clearing that they had once picnicked in, blanketed in perfectly untouched snow, undisturbed from people or wildlife, lacing the trees, freezing the river, laying of grass-blades, frosting the petals of flowers.

A sight that made Shez smile so brightly, bright enough to rival the reflections of pure white into is eyes.

“Let’s go make snow angels!” Shez laughed, taking a step forward, and bringing the silver-gray haired man with him. The snow was cold, frigid, freezing, but the warmth inside of him at the sight of his closest friend being so excited kept him warm.

How long ago was that now?

Too long.

[gavinners-soundbox]

Unused tracks from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney + RFTA

I was only going to talk about these tracks after all the RFTA tracks were posted on this blog, but coincidentally Masakazu Sugimori talked about an unused track from AA1 in one of his tweets, so-! What better time than the present.

Sugimori's song, titled by the fans as "Unused" is from the original GBA release from the first game, hidden in the files. Until now, not much was known about the track itself; some theorized that it was an early version of the ending credits, some say it's more akin to the Turnabout Sisters song- Though, per the link attached above, it was meant as a song signalling a"victory or the epilogue of each chapter". Either way, really fun track, even though the prolonged notes in the background do give away its unpolished finish.

Naoto Tanaka, or more known by his alias as Akemi Kimura, was the one that developed the tracks for RFTA (We will see later on in the blog the songs by him for JFA). The one linked above was supposedly Damon Gant's main theme, but it was ultimately replaced with the "Swimming, Anyone?" song that we know today, which I think was a good decision! His actual theme feels more jolly, yet still imposing, it portrays his character well, while this one feels more cold.

Unlike the "Unused" track, this one wasn't in the main files at all, instead being released under the Yomigaeru Gyakuten - Yomigaeru Remix album released by capcom. (I don't know why they called it a remix though, asides from the Gant song, none of these are changed in terms of actual melody...)

That's it for unfinished tracks. No TGAA levels of files out there, but it's still fun to look at.

[chris-hartley]

WRITING COMMISSIONS OPEN

Hiya! I am opening writing/beta reading/editing commissions in order to help pay for my UK visa! I am currently between jobs and visa's are not cheap at all so any support is very appreciated.

EXPERIENCE:

I am a self-published fiction author (Everyone's Story But Her Own) as well as having a lot of experience writing fanfiction and you can find writing examples on my AO3 (boom_butterfly_effect).

WILL WRITE:

Platonic or romantic pairings

One shots or multi-chapter

AUs

x reader/x OC* fics

NSFW (including kink content)

OCs*

Pregnancy/parenting

*prices will vary with OC content. Must be given as much details as possible regarding all OCs to make the content satisfactory.

WILL NOT WRITE:

Proships

Mpreg

I reserve the right to refuse to write anything I'm uncomfortable with.

FANDOMS AVAILABLE TO BE WRITTEN:

Any Supermassive Games game (Until Dawn, The Quarry, The Dark Pictures Anthology, etc.)

Dontnod games (Life is Strange series, Twin Mirror)

David Cage games (Detroit: Become Human, Beyond: Two Souls, Heavy Rain)

Supernatural

Dawson's Creek

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Teen Wolf

Little Fires Everywhere

Shameless (US)

911: Lone Star

A Million Little Things

Other TV shows*

Most movie characters**

*Feel free to ask me if I've watched something enough to write for it, because this is not a complete list.

**if I have not seen the movie, it must be available for streaming on any platform. If I am unable to do so for any reason, I reserve the right to deny the request.

Pricing (all prices will be in GBP and payable via PayPal):

For writing-

500 words or less: £5

1000 words: £10

1500 words: £15

Additional words are available upon request.

If I go over the word count you requested, you will NOT be charged extra.

For beta reading/editing:

2p per word

--

Tips are not required but very appreciated. If you'd like to support me financially without a commission, please let me know and I can pass on my PayPal account (also I'll love you forever).

All requests can be sent through DMs on Tumblr or Twitter (@boom_butterfly) or via email (mckenzieparkerrice@gmail.com)

For writing requests, all documents will be sent via Google Docs, unless requested to be posted to AO3 or Tumblr.

[hythlodaeus-mynewoldfriend]

❝  turn around.  you don’t need to see this part.  ❞ + anthea/hythlo? if it works? EYEBALLS?

Thanks Ash you truly made me out to be a fool on this day. I hope this suffices and you feel the pain like I do. But also enjoy it!

Endwalker Spoilers, no other warnings word count: 1.2k Ao3

They clutch onto his hands, knuckles white and fingers cold, trying their best to hold back sobs that still come in waves even days later since his final decision. Anthea can’t bring themselves to look up, can’t trust themselves to keep it together when they see his lavender eyes one last time, can’t even speak as they know it will be nothing but pleas for Hythlodaeus to stay, or at least let them go with him. Despite their hand clutching his, Hythlodaeus still finds a way to bring it up to their face to dry the stray tears that have fallen and tilt their chin to face him. His smile is still as soft as the day they first met, in a building that had long since fallen when the skies first began to burn, a smile they can’t believe he still manages to wear even when the world around them calls for anything but that. Even while wearing that smile there’s a sadness in his eyes he’s never worn, impossible to hide and ever present, they wonder if Hades saw the same thing when he told him of his choice.

“Beloved, look at me,” he says, “This is not the end. I will make sure of it. I am ensuring that your story will go on as it should.”

“What kind of story will it be without you there? This is not how it was supposed to end, Hythlodaeus.”

“I will still be here, I promised you, did I not?”

Anthea shakes their head, eyes casting down once more, “This feels like an abandonment….”

He kisses their forehead, arms wrapping around them, “I promise you, Anthea, we will see each other once again, until such time I will be at your side always even if you cannot see me. Know that I will forever be with you.” They nod tears darkening his robes and arms tightening, his shoulders relaxing hoping that maybe now, this time, they will take his words to heart. 

He pulls away, gently placing a kiss on their cheek, to rest his forehead with theirs, “Please,” Anthea whispers, one final attempt to sway him, “let me go with you.”

“Oh, my Anthea,” he breathes, bringing his lips to theirs, Anthea clutching onto the front of his robes until their fingers cramp. Such a soft and brief kiss, how could they ever live without it? “Believe,” he whispers, “and walk in faith. Let the light of your soul shine for all to see. Let it guide others as you have guided me, beloved, for you have not finished giving your gifts unto this star.”

Anthea opens their mouth to speak when another gruff voice approaches, “Hythlodaeus.” The two look over to see Hades donning his red mask, face unreadable matching the flat tone of his voice, “It is time.”

Anthea swallows back the sob with a small nod, looking back into Hythlodaeus’ eyes, “If there was only ever going to be one thing in my life that was perfection, I’m grateful it was you, my bieloved.” 

Their lips crash into him, memorizing the taste of fresh grown strawberry and light sweet bread beyond the salt that’s begun to intermingle. How he kisses them with such an intensity and desire that never made sense when there was so much softness and adoration driving him. The way his hands feel holding their face and getting lost in their hair for the last time. How their arms feel wrapped around him so tightly feeling as if there were no fabric separating their warm skin. The way his soft lavender hair tickles their face as the ash filled wind attempts to hide the scent of spring’s fresh blooms and golden afternoons that will no longer smell as sweet as they do now. And oh how steady his heartbeat is even as Anthea can hear the muffled cracking between the shattering of theirs. 

The warmth filling their chest is an unwelcomed feeling, even if it does dull the pain from when Hythlodaeus finally pulls away, thumb brushing along Anthea’s cheek. “I love you, Anthea, then, now, and always.”

“I love you, Hythlodaeus.” The only words they can muster in response without choking….but then again what more needed to be said?

With a final smile Hythlodaeus walks from their grasp, Anthea’s eyes blurring as they try to return one in kind. Arms outstretched as they take in every little bit of their skin against his until there’s nothing left to reach out for. The black hood and white mask finalize his departure as he blends into the crowd of others giving everything they are to save Etheirys. Others who were friends, family, loves, children, colleagues, all giving themselves for a cause with an outcome they will never get to experience. A selfless and noble act, but something Anthea selfishly wishes he never chose to be a part of, not unless they went together. 

They look up to see their friend pull his hood up walking behind the growing crowd. Anthea runs after him, hand landing on his shoulder, “Had-. I mean Emet-Selch, might I ask you something?”

Hades turns to face them, with an expression that even this close Anthea can’t make out, “So long as you make it quick. There are a few things that need tending to still.”

They nod, “I understand, I just-. I was wondering if when you have finished, will you find the time to come and see me again? As friends?” 

The unasked question, In losing him, do I lose you too?, doesn’t hang in the air like Anthea assumed it would as he gives the simple answer, “Yes. I will.” They refrain from embracing him, hoping that their gracious smile comes through the weight of their shared loss. He pats their hand, “I suggest you turn around, Anthea, and walk away. There is no need for you to see this part, I urge you to rest in one of your remaining sanctuaries for the time being.”

“I will stay for as long as I am able, though I thank you for your concern, Emet-Selch.” Hades sighs before giving a single nod and returning to his duties, leaving Anthea as they watch from above. Watch as bodies give way to aether surrounding a single white robed figure, their red mask the only color among the splendor of white. Watch as thirteen–no twelve–individuals encircle with bowed heads, concentration given to make dense the aether so it can be molded. Eventually two heads raise and even at this distance Anthea can identify them as Lahabrea and Emet-Selch, the one who designed the star’s savior and the one to make it manifest. Emet-Selch raises his arm high above his head, like Anthea has seen many a time before.

  snap

A moment’s silence before Anthea watches the head of a winged and horned beast rises to reveal sharpened teeth and claws, letting out a rumbling roar almost reminiscent of when it all began. So this is to be our savior, Anthea thinks, A beast to battle beasts. Their eyes stray to where Hades stands looking up at the newly formed creature, May it work as intended, Hades.

  For it is only the two of us left

[zeteroxx]

watchful eye

[eternalsawake]

the path to destiny | prequel to 10 minutes: part one - a blackwatch!gabriel reyes x gn!reader

rating: teen - for violence & swearing.

a/n: this is the prequel to 10 minutes, i suggest reading that first (: there’s mentions of reyes, but he’ll come along in the next part.

a/n again: the gif above is only a visualization of readers powers, not the woman (irelia).

you felt the crisp air whoosh against your face, not too chilly but not too humid; a perfect balance. this trip would be more than pleasant if the 20lb duffel bag of your belongings were carried by somebody else, but you make do.

blackwatch, a covert operations secret division inside of overwatch. taking care of operations under the radar of the public, and even the private. the moment you were offered a part of this experience was riveting, yet anxiety inducing. could you really hold your own here? how would the people be? are your gifts enough for this team?

-

the late tekhartha mondatta was as wise as a serpent, yet gentle as a dove. his teachings and mindset brought humans and omnics to be like minded towards each other. he was the definition of pure harmony, no discord in his soul. mondatta and his brother zenyatta’s teachings led many omnics to a path of enlightenment, but never a human before. not until you.

10 years, 7 months, and 14 days. it took you 10 years, 7 months, and 14 days until you found a hidden peace within yourself. unlocking that enlightenment felt impossible, yet you proved even yourself wrong. this enlightenment…was different. it wasn’t like you had discovered it, it was as if that energy was in you all along, only needing to be unlocked. the energy, unfortunately, took a large toll on your body. instead of slowly draining your lifespan with this energy, you learned to channel that energy into 5 carbon steel blades. the blades bent at your will. they surrounded your upper body, leaving silver colored lines running up your arms all the way into your eyes as you used that energy.

“well done my child.” stated mondatta as he watched closely. “you have achieved a level of enlightenment that me and my brother have achieved. you are the first of your kind to do so.”

“we are quite proud.” zenyatta praised. you gave a humble smile in return. you loved the temple, you loved the shambali, you loved the monks that raised you as if you were their own offspring, yet you felt…something missing. partially full, partially empty. with these thoughts, you consulted mondatta, in hope for an answer.

“if you do not change direction, you may end up where you are headed. your destiny awaits you, whether you stay here or not. whether it be filled with harmony or discord.” he replied.

“but how will i know if what will be my destiny if i stay? if i leave?” you inquired.

“you have to make that choice yourself.”

a silence fills the air.

“do you know what you must do?” mondatta solemnly questioned.

“yeah, i think i do. thank you mondatta. and thank you zenyatta.”

“you are welcome, my child. now, find your destiny.” zenyatta stated.

one year later

adapting to everyday life hadn’t been as challenging as you believed it to be. yes, it was difficult masking your gifts in public, but you had your ways. “your ways” was placing your carbon steel blades in a fabric bag. not the best hiding spot, but convenient enough for you.

each week, you made a mandatory pit stop at the local grocery store to restock on supplies. food, medicine, and other supplies needed. the virtual cashier, xela gave you a sweet smile as she scanned your items. “that’ll be $54.38 today!” she said. whipping out your wallet, you rummage through, only to find $10 dollars in cash.

“shit. i’m so sorry, let me run outside real quick.” you apologize and run out the door. you shake out your wallet, hoping money will come out. no money comes out. you walk back in slouched over in disappointment. “i’m so sorry xela i can’t pa-,”

“your stuff has already been paid for, have a nice day!”

“what?”

“you seemed like you needed a lil’ help.” a tanned, scruffy looking cowboy says as he hands you the bag of groceries. “thank you so much, but i don’t even know your name.” you say, still in shock and disbelief that this man paid for your groceries.

“the names cole cassidy, yours?” he asks, motioning for you to follow. he gives a quick nod as you tell him your name. “why did you do that?” you question. “you seemed like you needed it, rough week?”

“yeah a little bit. how could you tell?” you sigh.

cassidy whips out a cigar, “your face tells me er’thing i need to know. it’s the least i could do.” he replies, lighting the cigar.

as you were about to thank him once again, you are interrupted by an ear blasting rev of an engine. you and cassidy turn towards the sound. two headlights appear in the smog, burning your eyes as you look at it.

“well well, i’ve been waiting for this cassidy.” a feminine voice quips. her southern accent adds a hint of venom to the statement. the second rev of the woman’s engine inches closer.

“damn it, GET DOWN.” cassidy yells, as he whips out..a revolver?

you grab cassidy’s arm and pull him into a large alleyway, hiding behind an empty dumpster. there’s an intersection in the alleyway, splitting off into 4 different ways to go. only one way is blocked off by this angry woman. shots rang around you, ricocheting all over the place.

“you are definitely not a cowboy.”

“what makes you think that?”

“do cowboys get into shootouts with crazy women?”

“this one does.” he replies with a large grin. you roll your eyes at the comment. “so,” you yell over the gunfire, “who is she?”

“elizabeth caledonia ashe, but the gang calls her ashe.”

“wait a second.” you pause, “THE DEADLOCK GANG??”

cassidy fires a round of bullets into the smog, none seem to hit. “what are ya, a fan?” he chuckles.

“no i’m just not dense. i thought y’all got arrested, right?” you asked. “we did, 6 months ago, but i had other plans.” he sighed.

“and what about the rest of them? did they have the same plan?” you questioned, confused on how they all escaped.

“..not exactly.” he huffed. “i was given an opportunity, and i ran with it. beats sittin’ in a prison for god knows how long.”

you both were interrupted by an object thrown through the smog. it landed right by your feet. it’s bold red color made it quite clear you both needed to run.

“cmon cowboy.” you urge cassidy up. “this way,” he says, pointing to the right of the alleyway. as you both run from the stick of dynamite, you are met with a shotgun infront of your bodies. “FREEZE.” the gang member barks. “I’LL SHOOT.” another member taunts from behind. a booming explosion shakes the ground underneath, causing cassidy to lose his balance. the man with the shotgun aims his shot on cassidy, completely ignoring you.

time slowed around you, you needed to make a decision fast. could i use them? would that be wrong? it’s self defense, no?

without thinking, your blades surround you as you lunge them foward. the honed blade slices through the incoming bullet, splitting it into 2. the bullet pieces falls to the ground. cassidy stares at your form, the glowing silver coursing through your arms, your irises even glowing a silver like color. the gang member looks at you with disbelief, but before he could even reload, his face was met with cassidy’s fist.

“nice hit, took ya long enough.” you joked.

“awh shut it pumpkin.” cassidy quipped, his baffled expression turned into a sheepish grin. your little banter moment was interrupted by something else thrown at you. you can’t tell what it was, but whatever it was, it wrapped around you and cassidy. a rope of some sort perhaps. two more gang members enter the alleyway, one infront of cassidy, one infront of you. the blades that surrounded you dropped. you struggled against the rope, but it was wrapped around you tight. the female gangster stepped on your fallen blades, losing your control of the sacred item. as the gang members inched closer, cassidy leaned down to your ear.

“link your arms with mine.” he whispers, his cold breath tickling the outside of your ear.

“your breath smells like whiskey. back up.”

“i didn’t ask your opinion, link ‘em now!”

you intertwine your arms with cassidy’s, confused as to what the hell he is planning.

“on three, kick ‘em to hell.”

“i was plannin on it cass.”

you chant together.

“one”

“two”

“three!”

cassidy crouches slightly over, your back flat on top of his. your body hoists into the air as you lunge your legs foward. a direct hit to the gang members chest infront of you. she collapses to the ground, rendered useless. regaining control of the blades, you cut the rope chaining you and the cowboy together. cassidy pulls his peacekeeper out of his leather holster. a perfect, deadeye shot pierced the gang member. you and cassidy huff a sigh of relief, catching your breath.

“didn’t think you could fight like that.” he says as you walk around the dead bodies, exiting the alleyway. no ashe in view, she must have dipped.

“there’s a lot of things you don’t know cowboy.” you retort, flicking the brim of the cowboys hat.

“you got an attitude jus’ like reyes, that dickhead.” cassidy chuckles, pulling out his lighter and cigar. again.

“who’s reyes? i’d definitely kick his ass.” you retort, a grin forming on your face.

“he’s…my boss basically. he’s all mean ‘n stuff but i betcha he’s ‘n old softie.” cassidy exhales, a puff of smoke filling the space between you two. you crinkle your nose in disgust of the cigarette smell. the two of you chuckle.

“ya ever heard of overwatch?” he asks, breaking the short silence.

“of course i have, they��re like ‘earths mightiest heroes’,”you air quote, internally laughing at your old movie reference, “why do you ask?”

“well, overwatch ain’t all the glitz and glamour the news makes it seem. they do A LOT behind the scene, out of the eyes of the media.” cassidy recollects, “but even there’s a behind the scenes in overwatch. like a..uh..overwatch’s dirty work you could call it. how do ya think overwatch gets all their intel, yet wantin’ to stay under the radar at the same time? they gotta secret group. this group, blackwatch, does everything overwatch won’t, but with no spotlight recognition or anythin’, it’s quite the life of you really think ‘bout it.”

“huh..i never realized overwatch had so many layers.”

“there’s some good, some less good. but i’m thankful e’rday that reyes saved my ass. either i joined his lil’ club, or i rot with ashe and her robot butler, bob in prison. trust me, you don’t wanna share a small cell with an 8ft tall robot.” cassidy states. you snicker at the comment. “it’s hell i tell ya!” cassidy yells.

“so, what’s it like in blackwatch? is it just you and reyes?” you question, curiosity taking over your mouth.

“nah, reyes is recruiting some kid, he’s missin’ a lot of his body, poor guy. apparently he can fight, but i’m not one to judge that.” cassidy solemnly replies. he stares off into the night sky, strumming his fingers against his clothed knee.

“i don’t think i’m ‘posed to do this but..”

he inhales sharply, rolling his shoulders back and licking his partially chapped lips before opening his mouth.

“you wanna join blackwatch?”