#but for the people playing blind i think they'd benefit from knowing that you can store weapons + ammo won't drop for stored weapons

[antianakin]

@theneutralmime

I think that the focus would be, like you've said, on keeping the clones from being ABLE to be turned against the Jedi and taking out Palpatine. I mean, honestly, if you just take out Palpatine in the first place, then you can slowly figure out the situation with the clones without having to worry quite so much about them being a ticking time bomb.

You can certainly argue that it's worthwhile to try to keep Anakin from siding with Palpatine, because having Anakin go Sith right as they take out Palpatine (and maybe Dooku), isn't exactly ideal. Having Anakin's HELP as they go after Palpatine and Dooku WOULD be ideal, and it requires making sure Anakin doesn't go dark.

I've seen a number of different solutions to the time travel issue, and it can depend on who it is that's traveling and how much they do or don't know. Sometimes it's a matter of that one time traveler just gathering up a bunch of Jedi and going to kill Palpatine and that's it job done. Sometimes it's a long drawn out process where the time traveler has to make small changes one by one and just hope that eventually they'll be able to make enough changes quickly enough that things will work out better this time.

I feel like even people like Luke and Obi-Wan who DO care about saving Anakin will still recognize that focusing on him is kind-of pointless. It's Palpatine they need to focus on, especially if they don't know about the chips and therefore can't really trust the clones. You save Anakin by removing Palpatine from the playing board as quickly as possible, and both Luke and Obi-Wan are going to know that. Ahsoka? It's hard to know, given that her initial reaction in Rebels is to blame HERSELF and at no point have we heard her blame Palpatine, but she'd also be perfectly aware of what Palpatine was and what he became, so it's not unreasonable to assume she'd go after him, too. And Ahsoka has the benefit of being one of the few people we know for sure is aware of the chips and could address that or pass that information on to someone.

So, I dunno, I feel like MOST Jedi/Force sensitive time travelers would focus on killing Palpatine, regardless of whether they were someone who cared about Anakin or not, because Palpatine is just one of the most obvious targets to remove. Clones who know about their chips might focus more on that since they'd know that going up against Palpatine themselves would be foolish; clones who DON'T know about the chips it's hard to say because how the fuck would they ever explain what they experienced to someone. Anyone not in those categories like Bail Organa would probably also focus on Palpatine but via a more political route. Even Padme, for all of her blind spots, would likely recognize Palpatine as the bigger threat.

[bioexorcizm]

drabblecember day #10 - sleeping in

ship: dewey/maverick

word count: 721

summary: dewey's always been a pain in the ass to wake up.

Maverick was always an early riser. It never mattered how late he'd been out, how long he'd stayed after his shift to help close up, he'd always be up bright and, unfortunately, early. Whether this was to his benefit, or if it was a detriment to his health, he didn't know.

When his eyes opened, it took him a moment to realize that he hadn't woken moments after falling asleep -- rather, it took him another to remember where he'd fallen asleep last night.

He rubs his face before turning to peek through the mass of sheets, blankets, blinds, and blackout curtains that covered the few windows at the head of Dewey’s bed. The small alcove that was his room was a nightmare, Maverick realizes, through no help of his own; All he can recall after the show the previous night was Dewey driving them home, and he himself being so tired he barely made it to the bed before passing out on top of the comforter.

One he was tucked under, meaning…

“Dew, what time is it?”

He receives but a grumble of a response, the other rolling over to bury his face in the pillow.

“Dewey,” Maverick whines, hoisting himself onto his elbows in search of an exit from the cocoon of covers around him.

This time, no response. Maverick sighs. He was always a pain in the ass to wake.

The bed, smaller than it probably should have been for two fully-grown people and barely held up by no less than a ten year old boxspring, was surrounded by crates of vinyls and CDs, clothes strewn about, and, as Maverick’s sight finally adjusts to the dark, a familiar couple of guitar cases, and more than a few empty energy drink cans.

“Your room is a fuckin’ mess, Dew,” he finally frees himself, moving closer and finally onto the back of the other man. His hands manage to find the edge of the sheet, pulling it back enough to expose the bare shoulders of his boyfriend, still facedown in the pillow and seemingly still completely unaware of the weight that had just rolled onto him. Maverick presses gently at the base of Dewey’s neck, then outwards, thumbs padding at his shoulders and kneading the muscles in-between. It was a trick he'd learned fairly shortly after they'd begun dating -- a sure way to wake the other pleasantly, rather than leaving him as the annoyed, whining and tired complainant he normally was.

“Dewey,” Maverick calls again, the sweetly gentle timbre of his voice contrasted with the bored, almost impatient expression he wore.

“What, Mav?” his voice was muffled, rough with sleep.

“Wake up.”

“No,” he replies just as sternly, though as he turns his head to the side Maverick sees the grin he wears, “Massage feels good though. I won't complain about that.”

“You never do.”

“I never will,” he manages to maneuver himself underneath Maverick’s hips until he's finally right-side up, hands locking behind Maverick’s thighs, holding the bartender in place as he rests atop his boyfriend's abdomen, “It's a nice wake-up call. Not that I’m waking up, though. And neither are you.”

“Dew, it's probably getting late already, and --”

“And you played one hell of a show last night. I think you deserve the rest. You still got more bags under those eyes than I think even I could carry to the car in one trip.”

“You hate making more than one trip to the car…”

“I know,” he emphasizes, “So lay back down. It's still early. Sleep in a little.”

Maverick hesitates. His internal alarm had gone off, and for him, there was no snooze button. It was doubtful that he'd even fall back asleep at this point. But still, the warming touch of the covers and, well quite frankly, the stupid fucking way Dewey was looking at him prevented him from saying no in that second.

“Fine.”

Before he could move, he was tugged down, shoved back under the sheets, and made into Dewey’s own personal teddy bear.

“Perfect, cause I wasn't about to let you up just yet anyways. Bed gets too cold once you're gone. And I for one am all for some R and R after a good show.”

“You didn't even play last night --”

“Yeah, but watchin’ you up there makes me tired too.”

[flownwrong]

Shipping bingo: rayk/fraser let's see if we can get bingo baby

okay I admit I cheated a little just to get a bingo but LET ME EXPLAIN

- comfort ship: self-explanatory

- criminally underrated: as of 2023, haha. I'm on a mission to convince more people to get into due south regardless of shipping anyway

- I could write essays: but I would prefer to write fic. and here's to me getting more confident about it

- fanon gets them so wrong: I don't know the current fanon, and what I can intuit from heaps of good fic left from The Times is a lot of varying but good fanon. however, in my imaginary discussions with an active fandom I am pretty sure I would find things to be ornery about because they're really easy to distort into stereotypes

- from what I know about Freud, he'd have a field day with just about anything. so I think I can safely include this one (also, I do have ray asking thatcher about not knowing who you are without another person playing on loop in my head)

- no one gets them like I get them: see above. there are many glorious and precise takes immortalised in fic but I can always find something I would tweak just a little to make it that much closer to my vision (which, oh well, I need to git gud at writing to keep my dignity while nitpicking the superior writing of others)

- facebook status: they would absolutely both think it's complicated. which it is, wonderfully so, canon timeline especially, but on fundamental level they're always just careening towards fitting together like puzzle pieces, so THEY'D THINK SO, BUT WE KNOW BETTER. also, watching ray, a shitty facebook user, make fraser a facebook account would be hysterical (because let's face it, fraser would never otherwise)

- it would never work in canon: here's my ultimate bingo cheat. because boy, does it ever work in canon. I can only explain it like so: in my perfect imaginary timeline they would never actually form a stable romantic bond without some serious soul-searching post-cotw. which is catnip to me because they really DO the puzzle pieces thing, but man, are they a ways away from communicating that to each other or even themselves, canonically (ffs ray's still waiting for the other shoe to drop AND not exactly serene re:Stella and fraser is so much reeling from the avalanche of finale happenings he can't see that and still hasn't fully learned the lesson about not being an island and I bet you my left hand they would be extremely unequipped for deciding where to go from there, so they'll definitely need the shiny quest liminality and then some to get it)

- I have so many questions: but mostly why are you both so blind arghh (and thank god for that, it's the driving force of my adoration and an endless exploration ground)

- they should go to therapy together: you know what, I really wouldn't mind. it'd be hilarious. but also didn't someone (speranza??) write a whole fic that takes it seriously that you recced and I keep putting off because I know it'll destroy me in ways both good and bad? because I can roll with that too

- I don't think THEY know what they have going on: again, thank god for that. they really don't. it's heartbreaking and adorable in equal measure.

- literally perfect, no notes: I say, after writing many notes. but now's the moment when I publicly admit they have a stronger grip on my mind than sam and dean do—at least currently, we'll see about the long run. because I'm mushy af even with my angst and miscommunication enjoyment and they're a dream come true for my sappy sappy heart.

- also, they could never do friends with benefits. they'd think they can, but no, they can't. it's a rock fact.

here, come, look at my embarrassing admissions!!! thanks for asking, I'm fucking dying to talk about them at all hours of the day.

[kalakilo]

guy who watched all of Sherlock for the first time in the year of our lord 2024 needs to rant episode by episode

they put Benedict Cabbagepatch Sherlock™️ on the netflix in my country so me and my roommate watched all of it. i've heard so much about it and it was one of those big things in internet history so i was def intrigued!! not to mention my biggest incentive to watch this show was to see Andrew Scott play Moriarty. i love that guy so much i will say maybe 90% of the reason i wanted to watch this was because of him.

general thoughts: my overall experience is that it's exciting for the first two seasons. you're still on board with all the little sweet twists and turns and it's fun to see Sherlock and Watson solve their crimes. side characters like Mrs Hudson and Molly are nice, Moriarty is a GREAT villain and most other episodic villains are kind of enshrouded in mystery which i really enjoyed! during season 3 i thought the show was slightly declined in quality but still fairly interesting and different enough to keep me entertained, and season 4 just takes an absolute nosedive into "oh this is bad. oh Gatiss & Moffat have lost the fucking plot." even season 4 has its moments but mostly it's bad!!

now i'll go through each episode one by one because no one can stop me and i love talking to myself on tumblr rest of the long post is under the cut

a study in pink:

a very strong start to this show. this genuinely got me excited and sucked me into this world. the case in itself is so weird and cool and it feels impossible until they explain it. they also leave the tiniest bit of mystery as the man doesn't reveal whether or not Sherlock was right in his choice and i LOVE that!! honestly wish the show did more of that. the Moriarty name drop at the end is so good.

they also build John and Sherlock's partnership very well in just one episode which i do think is an achievement! i also hadn't realised how silly this show is from my outside perception although now that i'm thinking about it maybe i should've known?? the first episode does set the tone very well

the blind banker:

the case in this one is slightly more boring to me....maybe it's also pretty rough having this episode right after what is perhaps considered the best episode of Sherlock? i do think the symbol system is genuinely interesting and having something like that to decipher here is what makes the case most interesting to me. as a viewer you're also still sort of in the process of getting to know all these characters and that's sweet!!

the great game:

now THIS IS CINEMA!!!!! i love everything about this case, i love that Moriarty uses other people's voices for his own benefit, i love the way he toys with Sherlock and sort of exploits his passion for solving weird crimes by literally forcing him to do that on a time limit or someone will die, i love the pressure in the countdown from 10 to 1 when Sherlock tries to figure out how the painting is a fake, i LOVE the start of the pool scene where John walks out and you realise oh fuck now JOHN is speaking as Moriarty and then the man, the myth, the legend himself walks out of the shadows and it's the same guy who appeared for like a minute in the same episode as gay Jim. this episode is imo a perfect balance between the drama / crime-solving and the sweet occasional humour of the show. i always prefer the drama and the tension (plus the spooks) over the comedy as the jokes kind of tend to repeat themselves a little especially as the show goes on.

this episode puts an actually clever little twist on the structure of the last two episodes, where there is one crime to be solved and they spend the entire episode solving it along with minor subplots that serve no purpose to the solving of the crime itself. that's why i almost wish they'd done this later?? the structure and humour etc weren't all too familiar or felt old and used yet, which is why i feel like season 1 could've easily been three episodes all in similar structure. that's not to say anything bad about the episode in itself!! it's maybe my favourite one, but in the entire structure of the four seasons something like this might've saved the later seasons.

can't move on without diving slightly deeper into Moriarty's first appearance: Andrew Scott is actually phenomenal?? he is silly and just kind of fucks around for fun whilst actually being a weird and dangerous criminal. when he screams "that's what people DO!!!!!" bro. bro. there's something about the way that man plays any character but specifically Moriarty in this case where you're just mesmerised by him and whatever he does and the choices he makes. even when we don't actually see him and he speaks through other people Moriarty generally as a character has such a commanding air about him. only gripe here is that the cliffhanger is a cheap trick but i get it we have to keep the tension up ig

a scandal in Belgravia:

the tension in the cliffhanger is cut by a joke and Moriarty essentially disappears for the rest of the episode. was not the biggest fan of this choice but alas!! they made worse since then!!

i don't know how i feel about Irene Adler's portrayal here. i know jackshit about the original Sherlock stories but from what i have read it feels silly to sort of downplay her character to a dominatrix who's in love with Sherlock. and the goddamn "i am sherlocked" being the answer to the problem.............just felt like a giant joke to me lmaooooooo

this episode does feel messy in general but has a lot of fun moments!! it can also be very confusing with all the sort of branching paths they go on here, not to mention in the same episode they imply TWICE that Irene is dead and both times she doesn't actually die? i think some of the problems that start to arise later have their roots here. this episode is not the worst case of it but i just remember feeling confused a lot here. maybe i was just tired. but there are a lot of weird ups and downs that really broke the tension for me and that was perhaps my biggest issue with this one. the case in itself is just kind of weird but honestly this episode is def entertaining and considering how far they fall later this one's pretty solid. i feel like it's more my personal preference that's keeping me from liking this as much as opposed to like. genuine gripes and mistakes they make

the hounds of Baskerville:

i looooved this one's weird and spooky vibes!! i really liked the sequence where Sherlock uses Mycroft's keycard to open all the doors. all the lab shit is cool as hell and this is also truly the first episode where we see Sherlock kind of lose his shit and doubt his abilities which brings an interesting drama that doesn't feel forced or out of character. unethical science experiments are also always an interesting subject to explore in fiction

it also ends on one of the only cliffhanger on this show i actually liked. they leave enough questions for the viewer, you wonder why Moriarty was locked up but also why Mycroft let him go and then they allude to this certain obsession Moriarty has with Sherlock by showing what he carved on the walls. it works so well in getting the viewer excited but not frustrated that they cut at an important moment.

the Reichenbach fall:

my god the DRAMA of it all. what an intense episode altogether! the Moriarty hacking sequence is such a cool way to start an episode and although it's a little silly at times the stakes are high!! i love Moriarty's presence this entire episode and how he haunts Sherlock, while it makes me sad he dies here i also love how his death opens up the opportunity for him taunting Sherlock from beyond the grave later in the series. love that type of shit

now what brings this episode's quality down a little for me is honestly just the dramatic ass ending. idk if Gatiss & Moffat genuinely thought we would believe Sherlock is actually dead, i think it showed their arrogance and looseness with the entire show by this point when apparently they thought they outdid Conan Doyle in how they did the fall and how him surviving makes sense?? i think publicly stating you surpassed an original work in your adaptation is just kinda......disrespectful to me! while this is a great episode, i also can't help but think about its effect on the rest of the series. it feels like they just wanted to amp up on the shock value and pulling the rug out from under the viewer's feet. having Sherlock survive such a long fall is such an inconceivable thing, so after this when they try to do twists nothing really holds the same weight anymore.

the empty hearse:

now the end of season 2 brings about this series' first problem: you don't just come back from faking your fucking death. that is a BIG deal. it feels like they almost immediately cut right back into business and the only thing that needs redeveloping is Sherlock & Watson's dynamic. also, in a show like this with very limited episodes, having to spend an entire episode that's dedicated to Sherlock & Watson getting back on their bullshit is a lot. that's what makes this feel just a bit like a filler episode. i feel like if i were watching these episodes as they came out, having to wait two years to find out what happened and getting this??? goddamn right i'd be disappointed. like was there really no way they could maybe tell John he was alive. was there really no other option than let him grieve for TWO fucking YEARS!!!!!! seems illogical to me idk

the sign of three:

when we see Mary at the start of season three i think it's fair to say a lot of us probably thought there's no way she's sticking around. they've fallen too far down the queerbaiting pit now they need John to be single by the end of this show. but then the second episode is entirely dedicated to this wedding?? Mary starts to feel like an important character?? i was confused and, honestly, was lulled into the false sense of security that oh there's no way they'd kill Mary off. more on that later lmao

this episode feels like a bit of an offshoot to me. it's so heavily cloaked in the humour elements and not so much on the crime solving and the DRAMA and the PRESSURE. because of this it also feels like they just come up with the case out of nowhere.

i will say though, while my thoughts on season three are mostly negative, i think they keep the general core of the show secure, all the characters feel like themselves and the twisting and turning is not TOO tiring yet. i think season three is just slightly worse than 1 and 2, but to me the cases being slightly more boring is the problem there and that's maybe a personal preference. the structure and all is the same and that's good!! it's a good structure

his last vow:

as a whole this just personally doesn't hit, the villain did not bring about anything new to me?? i mostly think the villain is kind of boring and the Mary twist feels like it's done for shock value only and to add some drama to her and John's marriage. however there are a lot of bits and parts here i do like!! the weird ass death dream sequence is absolutely cool as hell. Molly helping on medical shit, Moriarty in the back of his mind taunting the shit out of him, Sherlock running those long flights of stairs...it is absolutely very cool and sick. it's just different enough to bring a weird vibe into the episode the viewer hasn't seen before but doesn't feel out of character or anything. if anything it's a peek into that so-called mind palace and that is cool. i also love the awkward sibling smoke break that Mycroft and Sherlock have on christmas. i haven't really brought up Mycroft because i hate his bitch ass but he does have his moments

as the Andrew Scott guy, i was of course incredibly pleased to see him back in the final twist!! i felt that if Sherlock somehow survived that dumbass fall via planning, then Moriarty isn't dead either. of course he eventually does turn out to be dead (rip!!!!) and if we're trying to look at this objectively it is kind of a cheap and stupid twist. but by this point i should honestly just accept that this is just a bit trash (affectionate).....especially considering they set up Sherlock having to go undercover and leave John only to reverse that shit like three minutes later. absolutely pointless

the abominable bride:

i seem to go against public opinion on this episode (at least according to the letterboxd reviews) where i actually enjoyed this and liked a lot of the elements here??? this episode is most definitely weird and a little bit all over the place but i think this manages that very well. it being a "special episode" and not part of any season also definitely helps its case for me. maybe i just like dream sequences and almost this entire episode takes place in one lol

the episode is almost horror at points?? i think there are similar elements in baskerville and the series finale for example but this one feels most like it's trying to spook you. also. what if i said. i think this is Moriarty's best appearance in the series..........he's weird and spooky and has a hole in the back of his head and he also beats the shit out of Sherlock by those waterfalls which is sick

some people found the plotline confusing especially with how they switch between the sort of unreality of what happens in Sherlock's head and what's happening in the real world but i think it was interesting seeing Sherlock so obsessed with this weird fictional case in his head. if you want to find some layers in it i think it kinda mirrors how Eurus is the kid in the plane that's crashing. i suppose my personal solution to season 4 now is they should've leaned more into this & whatever they do in the final problem because if you're gonna fuck up everyone's characterization at least go weird and psychological with it

the six thatchers:

oh i hated everything about this. i wanted to give season 4 such a fighting chance even though i heard that its ratings were significantly lower than the seasons before it, especially since the special also underperformed critically and i liked that one!! but then they did.....this??

i already kind of didn't care about Mary's past because the whole twist felt like a push for more drama and friction in John & Mary's marriage so to have the whole episode essentially center around her agent past made me feel a bit iffy but i can understand that some people maybe did find it interesting to learn about her. i can give them that. but her dying feels incredibly stupid. i mentioned before how all the twists and shocks lose their value when they try crank out new twists constantly, and that's what makes this infinitely more depressing: i did like her character and felt she was a good balance for John and she just gets reduced to a twist? that feels like nothing anyway? and now we have to put John through even MORE grief and heartbreak because fuck him i guess??????? it's so dumb!!!!!!

and i haven't even MENTIONED how out of character John "cheating" on Mary is........that doesn't make any sense to me especially since that woman ends up being Eurus god this is so stupid!!! this episode probably has its moments but my judgment is very clouded in how atrocious the bad moments are

the lying detective:

i will say, there are a lot of good moments in this episode and it's definitely better than the opening. the case and the villain feel more engaging to me, this guy building a whole death castle is kinda terrifying and puts that scene with the kids in a whole new perspective. i also liked Sherlock and Faith's fun little walk on the town, my only gripe HERE is that they obviously hint at Sherlock hallucinating Faith multiple times during the scenes when he's with her so them double twisting it so that he WAS with someone and it was Eurus feels like they didn't think that one through. unless Eurus along with her other skills can be invisible for everyone except visible for one?? who knows man

also they could've done John being haunted by Mary SO much better this was such a boring way of doing that and the constant "i am in your head you're not arguing with me you're arguing with yourself!! i am your thought process personified!!" got very old very fast...it was also kind of fucked up of Mary to encourage Sherlock to essentially almost kill himself just so John could save him was that really the only way to repair their partnership.....okay.......oh and the bit where he fucking BEATS up Sherlock????? they fucked up John's character in the absolute worst way.

the final scene with Sherlock and John is very sweet and i do wanna bring that up. Sherlock's line where he says "it's not a pleasant thought, John, but i have this terrible feeling from time to time that we might all just be human" is way too good to be in such a shitty episode. they have this sweet moment and then because we need ONE! MORE! TWIST! they introduce the Holmes sister for literally only the finale of the entire show. why introduce such a character that you can only utilise in one episode???

the final problem:

goddamn we finally made it to the last one. the name really checks out on this one this really is the problem child. and i'm not just talking about Eurus!! it is possibly the most different and most weird episode of Sherlock altogether. someone called this a Saw ripoff which is probably accurate (i have never seen Saw), i was heavily reminded of Alice in borderland though!! like the having to solve death games under a time limit was very Alice in borderland to me. all this to say i actually kind of enjoyed this.......like it's still a bit shit if you really think about it but i feel like it does have the same effect that the abominable bride has on me where it actually doesn't really even feel like a normal Sherlock episode and i end up kinda liking how they fucked it up. the characterization issues are also not really present here! Moriarty's one scene slayed he deserved that Queen needle drop. king shit

will also give them this: it's definitely top 3 sickest Sherlock episode openings ever. the plane scenario is something i would've had nightmares about when i was a kid so that was already anxiety-inducing BUT the fucking Moriarty introduction with "welcome to the final problem." like that's my avengers assemble except far more deranged!!!!

however!!!! many gripes with this one!! Sherlock and John jump out of windows while their apartment explodes and are seen in the next scene seemingly not affected whatsoever. Mycroft is said to be in hospital but nothing happened to him either. the Moriarty "miss me?" essentially has zero payoff unless you want to consider that was all planned by Eurus......idk i'm lost on that one. the Molly incident is also never resolved. we leave her so fucking hurt and alone and in the end montage she is seen smiling and friends with everyone. Eurus also has so much potential it's unfortunate she was only introduced for this episode!! she could've saved the show💔

to be honest. my actual biggest pet peeve with this episode is them implying that Moriarty actually did jackshit and Eurus was the brains behind the entire operation........i'm choosing to pretend that's not what happened and Eurus just ended up using clips of him to fuck with Sherlock season 3 finale onward!

the actual ending also just feels like a queerbaiting cop-out. like that can be interpreted as Mary being like admit your true feelings for each other be who you aaaare for yoour priiiiide OR it can be interpreted as omg besties!!! the best of friends need to stay friends forever you guys are such great friends!!!! it's also just....silly????? they could've just had Gatiss & Moffat come on screen to be like thanks for watching our show and the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson! we've had the best of times we've had the worst of times! and that would've literally served the same purpose lmao

to sum up i will quote the wise letterboxd user Ade, who said this as a review on the final problem:

"Gatiss and Moffat are so concerned with constantly removing the rug from beneath your feet, that after a while you learn not to stand on the rug in the first place."

thank you i'm done now i promise

[ares-would-be-proud]

Izzy said: Fairy! Im so excited for your dark content!! Since i saw it on your other blog, may i request for yandere bertholdt 👀 i feel the would make the most unsuspecting but worst (or best?) Yandere next to armin because he's so gentle and unassuming and shy, no one would ever think he has other intentions

Yandere Bertolt pt.I

{ Bertolt x reader | tw:yandere, tw:toxic-behaviour, tw:near-death experince, tw:murder mystery? Eh kinda, tw:manipulation tw:Emotional-rollercoster | Dark romance, fluff, slowburn, lowkey funny ngl | Canonverse }

{ "Roses" 1878 by George Cochran Lambdin 1830–1896 }

Securing the last belt around your thighs before attaching it to the one near your knees, you made sure to tighten it as much as you can before sliding it in the metal head.

Having the equipment room all to yourself, you took your time in double-checking everything was in place. Making sure your gas tanks were filled, carrying spare steel blades and tightening your boot strings.

The manoeuvring gear's parts made a clinking sound against each other with every step you took. Making your way to the nearby woods acting as the training ground, the sun shining made you shield your eyes with your hands, taking some seconds to adjust to the brightness.

The road was clear, with almost no birds or squirrels in sight.

It was one of those days when the wind seemed so fast as it swept by you, so much in fact that you could visibly see the few clouds swimming by as if they're racing each other. A perfect day to spend near a lake maybe, or in a field of flowers, but you had to spend it training in the woods with the other soldiers till your fingers ached from pressing against the handgrips.

You wanted to get it over with, feeling nauseous. Probably because you managed to oversleep and miss breakfast.

It started as normally as any other training session went, pushing through till your autopilot took over. While fun at first, there's so much manoeuvring between tree branches to slash at 2d wooden cutout of titans you could do before it started getting repetitive.

And so you let your body take over and move on its own, taking you further and further towards the edge of the forest till you couldn't hear the sound of anyone else's manoeuvring gear except your own.

The high wind rustling the trees making the leaves fall distorted your visions as they fell on you, and the flashing sunlight that swept through the small openings between the leaves only made things worse.

Blinding you for split seconds, too bright in fact, that you had to close your eyes shut as it burned after the light fell directly against it.

It's only after a couple of seconds late, that the sound of something snapping registered in your brain.

You were slowly turning in the air, strong wind resistance coming from below as gravity pulled you down.

Things were moving too quickly to process, dread shot through your entire body in shivers, you could feel your heartbeat in the back of your throat as you came closer and closer to the ground.

No matter how many times your clammy hands attempted to work the pistol-shot, no hooks attached to the nearby trees despite the gears working as you heard its zipping noise.

The realisation of the situation you're in finally settled, you couldn't do a single thing, but watch the trees grow larger and larger by the second as you fell to your doom.

You've survived many expeditions and missions, you've escaped Titans teeth that were mere inches from biting your head off, and this is what will put you seven feet below? A mere fall?

...no, it wasn't just a fall, it was arrogance for taking it for granted. After all, overconfidence was a slow and insidious killer, sneaking on the second you let your guard down.

But was it?

A flash of today's morning comes before your eyes, your brain recalling the unusual spot your manoeuvring gear was placed, you were too sleepy to notice it at the time but now it's the only thing on your mind, did someone-

Before you could hit the ground, the familiar sound of pressured gas fizzling out followed by the clinking of metal swishing by.

One second you were almost slamming into the hard ground, the next you were caught by someone mid-flight.

Bertolt tightly pressed you against his chest with one arm, securing you in place while his other used his gear to reach the nearest tree branch.

Your hands wrapped around him, securing yourself even more. He didn't flinch when your nails accidentally scratched his neck from how hard you were holding him.

Despite how close you were to his chest, your own hammering heartbeat was the only sound you could hear for it was stuck in your throat as the adrenaline pumped through your veins.

You hesitantly let go the second your feet touched the ground, although still shaking you managed to find your balance again, yet, Bertolt's hand didn't leave your back.

You looked below at the wires dangling from your gear, their end visibly thinner than the rest of it. It still didn't register how a wire made out of iron could snap so easily…

Your thoughts were interrupted by the hand reluctantly turning your face back up, Bertolt's nervous eyes meeting yours.

"Don't look down too much, you'll get dizzy" he said, concern clear in his voice before stepping closer to you, his large body tucking you between him and the tree behind, as if you might slip away "are you okay? Did you get injured?"

A bit taken back by his dotting, you shook your head before thanking him for not letting you fall.

"Don't mention it please...it's nothing, really." That seemed to make the corner of his lips rise a bite, slight flushing to his ears. "Maybe you should get some rest, you didn't seem well back there."

Was he watching?

The thought disappeared from your mind as quickly as it came, the guy saved you from a head injury after all, the least you could do is give him the benefit of the doubt.

Not to mention, it was Bertolt. Has it been any other guy, Reiner or Jean for example, then your attitude towards this whole thing would've been completely different. Putting as much space as you can between the two of you after brushing off their hands.

Has it been any other guy...but it wasn't now, was it?

No. It was Bertolt, soft-spoken and easily flustered Bertolt, who got nervous in most situations and didn't reply to teasing.

Bertolt, who didn't say a thing when Eren stole his seat next to Reiner, instead settled to sit next elsewhere.

Bertolt, who always remained humble and downplayed his skills despite ranking in the top five and becoming a really valuable soldier.

Bertolt, who you've only ever said hi to before once before he seemed to panic and just awkwardly wave back instead.

Maybe that's why you didn't mind him being so close, he wasn't a threat and most everyone knew that. If you asked people to rank the top three men they'd feel safe in a room with, Bertolt would almost make it to everyone's top two.

And so when he offered to walk you back to your room, it didn't raise any red flags despite it meaning you'd be alone with him in the dorms while everyone was training.

-

The short walk went fairly nice actually, he kept a respectful space between you while making sure to walk at a slower pace so his height wouldn't force you to jog.

From the sweat collecting at his forehead and his hands fidgeting with the hem of his shirt he seemed to struggle to find a good conversation starter.

You could read him like an open book, it was quite endearing the way he commented over how nice the weather is, four times in a row while stumbling over his words. But you weren't that cruel and so you decided to grant him mercy, starting a topic yourself.

Talking about your interest, hobbies and things you'd do whenever those rare moments of peace and normalcy would arrive.

He shared his too, apparently, he's into journaling, finding it much easier to write his thoughts on paper than out loud.

One conversation pulled another, as he seemed to grow more comfortable the more you talked.

Although, he wouldn't meet your eyes for more than 5 seconds before turning his gaze away, yet you could feel them staring at you the second you turn your head.

Somewhere between your conversation, the subject switched to talking about life. Bertolt asked you if this is the kind of life you've wanted, words unusually firm that it made you pause.

The question was out of place, a huge switch from your previous fun topics.

Nonetheless, you answered, "I don't think anyone would willingly choose this life. It's more of...doing the most out of the cards you've been dealt, this just happened to be mine."

The sound of his footsteps stopped, you looked at his face, he didn't look away.

"Would you rather have a more normal life?"

The way he stood, his back to the sun with you in his shadow, an unreadable expression on his face, really brought out his height and large build that you've almost forgotten.

you unconsciously took a step back, he took a step forward.

"If by normal you mean a non-starving one where I'm not at the risk of being eaten daily, then yeah." You answered, time felt like it slowed down. The seconds stretched for too long as you watched his reaction.

He...smiled, a sincere smile, the kind that makes your eyes shine. Soft expression seemingly relieved as he continued walking, a slight bounce to his steps.

"I'd love that too, to have a normal life one day."

And then he proceeded to tell you about his dream, the normal life of peacefulness he seeks. Sharing as many details as time would allow, from the kind of person he wants to grow up to be, to the colour he wants to paint the house backyard's fence.

It was lavender.

When he mentioned wanting a dog, you couldn't decide what was funnier, the mental image of Bertolt with an equally almost as big kind of dog, or a small tiny breed that would fit in his hands. Taking him for walks and playing catch as the dog tackles him to the ground.

Some chuckles escaped your lips, and while Bertolt didn't know what you were smiling about, nonetheless he joined too.

-

Your time together was cut short when the dorms came into view. Feeling both relief for finally being able to rest and disappointment for having to end your conversation so soon, especially since you think this is the first actual talk you had with him besides saying hi before.

Bertolt, looking out for you, made sure to hold the door to your room open for you. Some part of your brain wondered how exactly he managed to guess which room was yours, the other simply couldn't wait to get into bed.

You sat on the bed, Bertolt invited himself in and closed the door behind him.

He took his time looking around your shared room with his eyes, staring at the titles of the books splayed on the table, taking in the smell of scented incense your roommate bought every month, the doodles, drawings and notes hanging by mere tape against the wall.

Finally, eyes landing on the top bunk bed, currently empty with your roommate having left too early in the morning for the preparations of their next expedition.

Well...after all you were too used to waking up by the sound of them opening and closing all the drawers in search of their glasses that they manage to lose each day, yet yesterday they made sure to sleep next to it.

Huh, maybe that's why you overslept.

Yet, Bertolt's eyes didn't move as he stared seconds too long, shoulders growing stiff and palms tightening against his side.

"They left for an expedition, a titan capturing one... I think." You explained, "it's supposed to last three days, but since it's led by Captain Hange...I wouldn't be too surprised if they still haven't left yet."

"Must be nice, having the room for yourself."

You agreed before adding "well, it still gets too lonely sometimes."

Bertolt looked like he wanted to say something, lips parting for a second before he pressed them close into a thin line.

An awkward silence filled the room, as you looked at Bertolt who seemed to revert back to his old nervousness.

"I think I should go, Reiner must be looking for me."

You thanked him again for his help, he avoided your eyes before mumbling a reply, saying it's really nothing.

Did you do something wrong? You couldn't help but think that, after all things were going so well just now. Why would he get on edge again?

As a final attempt to redeem yourself from whatever unknown act you must've committed for Bertolt to act this uncomfortable, you called out to him one last time.

"Hey, Bertolt. I know we technically just met but, just know you can drop by anytime okay? You seem like a nice person and we can be friends."

Oh god did you really say, we can be friends, what is this kindergarten again? Welp you fucked up, looks like it's another failure to add to the calendar, man and you've been keeping such a clean track of days without accidents.

You know what? No, forget it, you tried your best and you had good intentions so why should you ever feel guilty for-

"You really mean that?" Bertolt, whom

You've become aware was still in the room, said.

Not sure how to reply to this, you just gave a nod instead.

"I'd love that." He spoke with a soft tone. And despite his growing desire to move closer to you, he opened the door instead, sparing you one last sweet smile before he left.

And for a good minute there, his smiling face was all that occupied your mind, a fluttering feeling that came and went too quickly for you to acknowledge.

-

True to your predictions, the mission was apparently delayed till midnight for...undisclosed reasons. Although gossip spread faster than wildfire, and by dinner time everyone was talking about the argument Captain Hange and Captain Levi got into, the story got modified and exaggerated each time it was passed around.

"Listen, I was there and I saw it! Well...not with my own eyes but it doesn't matter." Your roommate said, too eager to spill you everything that they almost forgot to eat their food. "It was big, like Captain Miche having to restrain Levi kind of big!"

You gave them a silent look, raising an eyebrow.

"...okay jeez it didn't get this far but it felt like it did, like it almost happened." They poked their food with the fork, before deciding to try some.

Their pouting face almost made you want to tease them even more, just to see what corner you can back them into before they confess to making up half the story they've been telling you.

But a wrenching gut feeling suddenly shot through your body, coming almost out of nowhere, the kind you'd usually feel whenever a titan was targeting you.

Confusion was naturally your first response, there couldn't be any titans nearby. You swallowed down, no don't be silly, it doesn't even make sense.

Maybe...maybe it was one of those cases you studied in class? About people getting PTSD flashbacks at random times, or from small triggers?

The air seemed too cold and too hot at the same time, you forced your eyes to move around the room in an attempt to remind yourself everything is fine, that you're here.

Seeing your friends, fellow soldiers and veterans just sitting around, enjoying their food while joking with their friends, helped ground you to reality again.

Yeah...see? Nothing's wrong, everyone's having a good time so-

Your gaze met Bertolt's, dark eyes staring back but not at you. No, instead they were focused on your roommate. The knot in your stomach twisted.

Beside him, Reiner was murmuring something under his breath as he leaned closer to Bertolt, his stare following the other's gaze.

Reiner seemed unusual, drops of sweat collecting at his forehead while Bertolt was the opposite, the calmest you've ever seen him actually.

Reiner gave Bertolt one final look, lips moving too fast for you to attempt to even read. Bertolt nodded.

And then it was like nothing happened, both of them going back to their usual selves. Reiner's attention was stolen by Eren asking about his food, while Bertolt looked at Jean who sat next to him without asking before commenting on Eren.

"Hey, are you okay? You look…" your roommate said, concern in their voice before their hand found your forehead. "I heard what happened this morning, with the manoeuvring gear, I didn't want to bring it up but…"

You didn't have to be told twice, and so you reassured them it's okay, you'll get some rest, not like you'd complain about having an excuse to get a day off.

That seemed to make them satisfied, well...that and making you swear on the scouts' honour to take care of yourself while they're away.

After dinner, as you were headed to your room while your roommate had to get to the stable before heading out with their group, you passed by Reiner.

It wouldn't have been unusual, wasn't it for the fact he was fully in his uniform with gear ready that you had to do a double-take.

You swore you just saw him in casual clothes at dinner...was he also going on that mission? Huh, weird you can't remember seeing his name on the list.

-

The week passed by slower than you would've liked, with both of the survey corps Captains gone, most of the soldiers...really had nothing to do but waste time.

It was almost funny, wasn't it for the fact you were bored out of your mind.

Captain Miche rarely gave orders, the only time you'd see him is during training season when everyone had to do a round with him. While commander Erwin didn't really entrust soldiers who weren't close to him with his paperwork or even chores.

At least Sasha and Connie were making the most of it, whatever they were doing seemed fun…

Bertolt never took you up on your offer either, despite him seemingly having a positive reaction to wanting to be friends he didn't show up at all.

Yet you'd still see him hovering by, either being assigned the same chore together or simply happening to be in the same room at the same time. And despite how much you've thought about going up to him to start a conversation, you knew how to read between the lines. You didn't want to make him uncomfortable that's all.

He'll come when he's ready, is what you told yourself.

And well, you were right, eventually, he did.

Not only did he initiate talking, he even attempted to ask if you'd like to accompany him to the nearby town maybe.

With the way his hands were clasped behind his back and slight flushing to his cheeks as he summoned all his courage to ask you that, how could you say no?

-

It was almost like seeing an entirely different person.

Bertolt, in his casual clothes, as he strolled by you through the food stands, seemed a much more...healthier version of himself?

He looked at peace, the smile never leaving his lips. He even made jokes and shared his opinions without being asked.

Whenever you went to check something that stole your attention, he would quickly follow by to erase any form of distance. Whenever your eyes fell on a piece of accessories for too long, he'd suggest you try it on, putting it on you himself.

And yet, whenever his hand would brush yours by accident while walking, he'd almost stumble into the ground and quickly pull it back. Or the time you attempted to adjust the collar of his shirt and you swore his knees almost gave out when you stepped closer, reaching his neck.

Both of you tried different kinds of food, he even offered you his own if you seemed to enjoy a certain food. Saying he'd rather you have it.

Both of you being broke soldiers ment there are only so many things you can do in the town before quickly burning through your savings.

It wasn't long before he suggested going back, you agreed to take the long walk back to enjoy nature a bit more.

You've wondered how come Bertolt only seems the most comfortable when talking to you on walks, but the story he was telling you was too interesting for you to think about it now.

You listened to him talk, it felt like you could listen to him for hours on end before getting bored. For someone who rarely spoke, he surely did have a way with words when he actually did.

It was nice, comfortable and gave you a false sense of normalcy as if the world was okay for a short while.

One final thought you had just before the both of you parted to go to your separate rooms, was that if Bertolt was going to write about this day in his journal.

-

For each day of the remaining week, you and Bertolt managed to hang out more and more.

You went to the lake, a frog landed on him that you had to remove because he was too nervous he might crush it.

He took you to a nearby spot in the town, it seemed normal at first but he just told you to wait. Apparently, each after some dogs would frequent this spot and Bertolt has already made friends with most of them.

And on the last day, both of you actually just spent it...in his room. He had a really comfortable bed and feather pillows that you almost didn't want to leave. And despite sharing a bed he still would keep space between you, no matter the uncomfortable positions he had to sit in.

By the end of the week, the expedition group arrived during sundown.

Their heads lifted high, pride clearly across their faces as they rode their horses. Captain Hange especially seemed much more excited than usual, barely managing to stay still on their horse.

The mission was a success apparently, they've managed to capture two titans with zero mortality rate and minor injuries.

...well almost a zero rate.

You were called into Erwin's office in the middle of the night, when Moblit knocked on your door asking you to quietly follow him.

The night air was cold against your thin clothes, silence filling the usually busy hallways, now errly empty.

Knocking before he told you to enter, he seemed busy with some paperwork, instead offering you a seat and asking to wait shortly.

The curtains behind him were closed shut, the candle sitting on his desk seemed on the verge of burning out, melted wax collecting on the plate under it.

It wasn't till after some seconds that you realised you weren't alone in the room, Captain Levi was leaning against the wall on the other side, arms crossed.

The scratching of the pen against the papers would occasionally get replaced with the sound of dipping the metal head inside the liquid ink container, carefully wiping it against the opening to remove any overflowing liquid.

Your fingers fiddled with the red cushion on the armchair, leg slightly bouncing before you force it to stop each time.

Waiting...and waiting.

The back of your throat felt scratchy, only becoming aware of how dry your mouth was then. Attempting to swallow down as a form of relief didn't help much.

"Here, drink it." A glass of water was offered to you by Levi, handing it to you before going back against the wall.

Saying a small thank you before finishing the glass, you felt slightly better afterwards. Although the growing tension in the air didn't help ease your mind.

"Cadet." Erwin clasped his hands, "I apologise for calling you here this late, although considering the circumstances I'm sure you'd understand."

Opening one of the desk drawers, Erwin pulled out something wrapped in a napkin, the white cotton having a growing reddish stain in its middle.

"I offer my condolences."

-

[nilesflynn]

September, 2015 - Pembroke, Maine (Part 2/2)

I honestly thought it’d be over.

I thought maybe she’d be smart enough to listen when I told her to run away as fast as she could.

I guess I was wrong though.

Loki and Zevi chased each other back and forth around my feet playing our version of cops & robbers: Soul Collectors & Reapers.

Michael was yelling at someone on the phone upstairs loud enough that I could make out his side of the conversation with relative ease.

The rotary phone on the wall was ringing off the hook.

All while Echo paced in endless circles in front of the counter, rambling on and on, about what I’d lost track half an hour ago, only occasionally picking up a lot of excited “I knew it!”

I leaned heavily on the counter.

I wanted to swear at her, but I didn’t want to do it in front of the pups.

“Oh my God, finally real proof, like legit proof that this is real!” My gaze narrowed slightly.

“You can’t share this.” Echo froze, her expression slowly deflating as she turned to look at me dead on.

“But,” her pale green eyes were filled with a mix of frustration and confusion, “you hunt these things, right? The dangerous ones at least.” I nodded slightly in slow confirmation. “Don’t you want some credit—a thank you every now and then?” I raised an eyebrow at her.

“You didn’t thank me.” I pointed out and she frowned.

“I had it handled.” I scoffed. “Wouldn’t it at least be easier if there were more of you doing it?” And that actually earned a dry laugh from me.

“No,” I spoke simply, “I’d have more messes to clean up.” Echo’s look slowly changed, her face turning stiff as she glared at me.

“I finally have proof, solid, undeniable evidence that monsters are real—the supernatural is real, it’s all real; I finally have proof that I’m not crazy, and you’re saying I can’t share it?” I didn’t really understand why she was having such a hard time with this, “They all think I’m crazy, do you know what that’s like?” I set my jaw, resisting the urge to snap a reply, “My own family thinks I’m crazy and I finally have the chance to prove that it’s not just in my head!” She fell silent for a moment, but still I said nothing, waiting for the rest of it,

“You know, I think I know why you won’t let me write about it: you’re a fracking, selfish bitch.” I didn’t mean to react, I swear, but suddenly my canines had sliced into my lip again and my eyes flickered into red gold with pupils constricted to narrow slits.

“Are you Reyna Wildes?” I guess they took my silent glare as confirmation, because they kept talking, “Thank you for your service.” A part of me would’ve been happy for the thanks, “if it’s not too much to ask, could we get your autograph?” But I’ve never thought of myself as a hero, and I was in a bad mood that seemed to just keep getting worse.

“I’m not asking you to not talk about it for my benefit, I’m asking for my kids, and everyone else,” I paused as I thought about it, “actually, I’m not asking at all, I’m telling you.” She grit her teeth and started to reply but I didn’t give her the chance. “You still don’t get it? How about this,” I cocked my head to one side, a malicious grin plastered to my face, “go ahead and talk about it, but if any of it goes online,” I grinned wider, “I’ll destroy everything important to you.” Because that’s what’ll happen to us, I left the words unspoken because I thought she’d understand without explanation.

And she really did seem to at the time.

I didn’t find out what she did until I got back from dropping Loki and Zevi off at school.

There were cars lining both sides of the street as I turned onto it, some of them with back windows plastered with stickers for Bigfoot, Area 51, and quite a few had one with “Don’t be blind, Broaden your mind” paired with an image of Echo’s seafoam green VW bus and the words “The Echo Phenomenon” in bold, 70s style letters.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I pulled hurriedly into my space in the alley, and I was halfway out of the driver’s seat by the time I turned the engine off.

I started to bolt through the back door, but I was in such a rush I’d nearly forgotten to lock my Jeep.

I jerked the door open again so hard that I almost stopped to make sure the hinges were okay before I locked it.

The back door slammed behind me and seventy something sets of eyes, including those of Michael, Jesse, and Echo, all landed on me.

God, I hate crowds.

A beat later and the people started chattering away again and asking Echo for autographs while Michael and Jesse tried in vain to usher them back into the actual shop.

They hadn’t just invaded my shop, they'd invaded my home.

A trio of strangers sporting homemade t-shirts for The Echo Phenomenon approached me, if hesitantly, with something between admiration and awe in their eyes.

“Reyna Wildes!” I tilted my head slightly towards Echo, watching her with one eye as I stared after the smoke that escaped my lips to join the pillar that rose from the blazing fire before me, “What have you done to Emerson?!” She stared in disbelief at the flaming bus. I exhaled slowly, pinching my cigarette between long fingers and tapping it lightly; the ash seemed to me to fall from the end in slow motion.

“Fuck off.”

My heart started pounding in my head.

A beat.

I shoved my way through the crowd to the lockers under the stairs, ignoring what was beginning to sound like a million voices all trying to be heard over each other.

A beat.

I fumbled with the lock, swore, tried again, and finally pulled it free leaving it crushed on the floor.

A beat.

I pulled a gallon can of gasoline from inside.

A beat.

I slammed it shut.

A beat.

I shoved my way through to the front door.

A beat.

The door slammed hard enough to rattle the glass panes.

A beat.

My stride carried me across the street in a few seconds.

A beat.

I tried the back door of Echo’s VW bus, and to my brief surprise, it was unlocked.

A beat.

I jerked the door open hard enough I was pretty sure I’d damaged the hinges; this time, I didn’t care.

A beat.

I emptied the can, dousing the inside with gasoline.

A beat.

I pulled a pack of cigarettes from my pocket, pressing one between my lips.

A beat…

Magic snapped to life on my fingertips and I lit it.

A beat…

I inhaled, relishing the temporary sense of peace that finally started to set in.

A beat…

I flicked the little flame into the back of the bus, stepping back as the fire roared to life, destroying everything inside the little bus.

It took a few minutes for the strangers inside to start to notice the blazing fire outside; a few minutes of much needed silence alone. The strangers began coming out onto the street at a small trickle at first, but the more that came, the larger the groups became.

“Exactly what I said I’d do.” She stared at me in disbelief, “I told you to run from here, and you didn’t listen,” I took one last drag on my cigarette before dropping it, putting it out under the toe of my converse. “I told you that you couldn’t talk about this,” I stalked towards her, “I told you why you couldn’t,” I grabbed her by the front of her shirt, forcing her to meet my gaze, “and I told you what would happen if you didn’t listen.” Echo looked away, tears welling in her eyes as her gaze was drawn like a moth back to the flames.

“I had to—I—” She stopped, swallowed, and began again, looking back at me as the tears began to track down her cheeks. “They thought I was crazy, I had to prove I wasn’t,” she shook her head slightly, “You wouldn’t understand.” I laughed aloud at that, forcing her back as I let her go.

“Stop patronizing me!” She snapped at me and I closed my eyes, exhaling through grit teeth as I pressed my knuckles against my forehead, “Just because you’re too old to understand doesn’t mean you can talk down to me like I’m some child!” I don’t remember ever talking down to a child, I’ve always had a soft spot for children, but I didn’t see how that could help me at all.

“I wouldn’t understand?” I laughed again, “You’ve seen my eyes, you’ve seen them change, you have to have figured out I’m not human, like you.” Echo shrank away from me, but I wasn’t finished now she’d set me off, “You wanna talk crazy? I could turn feral any second and massacre everyone around me. You wanna talk about how the world;s turned its back on you because of it?” I laughed harshly, my teeth bared as my eyes flickered red gold, “All you have to do is keep your goddamned mouth shut and they’ll accept you.” I’d started out shouting at her, but now, my voice grew quiet, soft even, as if I was just realizing myself how much this was killing me, “but me? It’s in my genes, I can’t escape it like you can,” I forced a small, tired smile, “so I push my loved ones away, I distance myself,” I stepped back slightly as I felt myself begin to slip into oblivion, “and the more I care about them, the harder I push.” My thoughts had turned back to the rain and the Scotch, the cigarettes and the wood floor boards beneath my back.

To the oblivion and the blood.

I took a deep breath.

Echo glared at me, her pale eyes filled with anger and grief.

“Get your hands off of me!” She clawed at my fingers and finally managed to pull away, but it only took me a second to catch her again. This time, rather than continue to fight with her, I threw her over my shoulder, wincing when her shouts turned into screams so close to my ears and lancing across my vision. I finally set her down on the other side of the bus, backing her up to the wall.

“I’ll stop treating you like one when you stop acting like one,” my voice was a snarl.

Echo turned with an unintelligible exclamation and started to storm away, but once again I found myself reacting without thought. I grabbed her by the upper arm and she started shouting again, trying desperately to break my grip as I dragged her around the burning bus.

“‘How it affects everyone involved’? It put your shop on the map, it—”

“Would you shut the hell up for five seconds?” She snapped her mouth shut as I growled the words and I breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank God.” I muttered the words before looking up again, “Alright, you obviously aren’t going to turn your back on this like I told you to, but—”

There’s just so much Goddamned weight on my shoulders…

I took a deep breath.

...All I’m trying to do is live my mother fucking life…

Echo stared at me in confusion as I stepped back.

...Supposed to be happy, but I’m only getting colder…

I fished my cell phone from my pocket and checked the ID.

...Wear a smile on my face, but there’s a demon inside…

I breathed an exasperated sigh, running my fingers through my hair.

...There’s just so much Goddamned—

I answered, covering the mouthpiece with my hand for a moment as I looked back at Echo.

“Go inside, use the shop computer and take down the post. Send those people home, and then find Jesse, she’ll explain why you can’t just post these things without thinking of how it affects everyone involved.” She wore a look of furious disbelief as I started to return to the phone.

“No,” I cut her off, “I’m sorry, could you give me a moment?” I spoke quickly into the phone before shooting Echo a sharp glare, “It didn’t put my shop on the map, it caused a bunch of complete strangers to invade my home—” I broke off as the man on the phone said something I didn’t quite catch about my pups, “Wait, what?” Echo started to make some retort but I held up a finger to signal her to wait with a sharp look before turning partially away from her.

“This is Miss Reyna Wildes, correct?”

“Yes?” I swallowed a rising sense of dread.

“Your two sons, uhh,” he paused, and I could hear the rustling of papers, “Ah, how interesting, Loki and Zevi Wildes?” I hesitated a moment, not sure I wanted to hear why he was calling.

“Yes,” my voice was low, quiet with worry.

“Yes sir, I’ll be right there.” I hung up the phone and swore loudly, punching the brick wall beside me hard enough to tear open my skin and crack the brick. “I have to go.” Echo’s gaze narrowed.

“Well Miss Wildes, this is the Director at Willow Creek Academy and, well all I can really say over the phone is that your boys were involved in a fight on the playground today and... it—it’s best you just come talk to me, this is a little difficult to believe.” My sense of dread returned and I swallowed again.

It didn’t help.

“You can’t just—”

“I can and I will!” I rounded on her, cutting her off, “Go back to the shop, Echo.” My voice was a warning, and I walked away before she could respond.

-----

“So,” I paused to lick some of the ice cream from the side of my cone, “why did the bully suddenly escalate to violence?” I took another bite, “I thought they normally stuck with one method.” Loki shrugged, his mouth covered in chocolate ice cream.

When I finally finished talking to the school, I had a pretty good idea of what had happened. One of the larger boys, who the boys admitted had been verbally bullying them since they'd started there, got frustrated because Loki and Zevi would always either ignore him or, occasionally, Loki would make some smart remark right back. So he and a few others ambushed Zevi on the playground, though thankfully he wasn’t hurt beyond a few scrapes and some bruising from when they’d pushed him down. Loki, gods bless him and have mercy on whoever messes with his brother, ran to tell them off despite their size, though judging from the black and blue bruise that had quickly formed across his cheek, it hadn’t gone well. So he’d retaliated in kind, sending two of the boys to the hospital and the third home to his parents.

I was quite proud of them, actually.

And I thanked God that neither of them had changed.

Mrs. Marsh—the woman meant to be ‘supervising’ their recess—had apparently not seen any of this, but the school operated on a zero tolerance policy when it came to physical violence, and so there we were: sitting on the curb out front of an ice cream shop with heaping cones…

Of course, my swearing at the Director for not getting both sides probably hadn’t helped.

“He said now he had proof we were a family of freaks,” I stared at Zevi as he paused to wipe caramel from his mouth and lick his fingers clean for what I was pretty sure was the twelfth time he’d done it since we’d sat down, “‘cause of something called…” He trailed off, his nose wrinkling as he tried to remember. “The Echo something?” I felt my jaw tighten and I let out a frustrated growl.

“Do you know what he’s talking about, mum?” Loki spoke around his last mouthful of cone and I nodded slightly.

“Sadly.” I swallowed, “remember the woman that was in the shop this morning?” Both pups nodded, “She fancies herself a... supernatural investigator of sorts, is the best way I can think to explain it, The Echo Phenomenon is her podcast. She wrote about my last case and included at least one photo of the shop,” I paused briefly, “probably even used my name, now that I think about it.” Zevi’s milky blue eyes widened slightly and Loki swallowed his mouthful, almost immediately pressing his small fist to his forehead as the brain freeze kicked in. I climbed to my feet, popping the last of my cone into my mouth as I did so.

“Are you going to talk to her?” Loki was quiet.

“Yep,” I was trying to avoid the subject with them.

“What’re you going to say?”

“Go wash up, boys.” Loki looked a bit disappointed at the lack of answer, but still they scrambled to finish up and hurried ahead to the restroom.

-----

Most of the cars were gone when we got back, and Echo’s bus had been put out, but everything inside was black and charred. I pulled the Jeep into my space in the alley and got Loki and Zevi out of their car seats before letting them inside.

“What happened?” Michael looked up as I closed the door behind us and Jesse crouched down to fuss over the pups while she examined their already fading bruises.

“Where is she?” Both of them pointed towards the door into the shop. I paused beside Jesse as I crossed the room, placing a hand on her shoulder so that I could speak without the pups hearing. “Would you make sure they don’t go into the shop? Keep them entertained?” Jesse tipped her head slightly to one side.

“Reyna…” She spoke slowly and I forced a smile.

“I’m not going to kill her.” She raised an eyebrow and my smile slipped, “Please, Jesse, just keep an eye on them for me.” Finally she sighed, wearing a bitter sweet smile that somehow still managed to be gorgeous.

“Hi,” her voice cracked slightly when she finally fractured the silence.

“Always, Reyna,” I matched it briefly, giving her shoulder a light squeeze in thanks before I approached the door.

I paused, struggling to contain my hurricane of emotions; yes, a lot of what I was going through at this particular moment was at least in part because of Echo, but I didn’t need to take out twenty-three years of mostly hell on her simply because she was the most recent thing to screw me over.

I took a deep breath, sliding into a slightly more bitter version of the same mask I'd worn when hunting.

I found Echo pacing in front of the counter again when I finally opened the door.

She stopped when I closed it again behind me, her pale green eyes filled with guilt as she met my gaze for the briefest moment.

“Hi.” My tone was low and clipped as I leaned back against the door, crossing my arms across my chest.

“You heard the phone call I got earlier was from the director of the preschool my kids go—” I stopped, correcting myself, “went to?” She looked about to reply, but seemed to think better of it, choosing instead to simply nod slightly. “Well,” I held her gaze, “he was calling to tell me that my two year old boys had gotten into their first real fight.” I couldn’t help the brief, bitterly sarcastic smile.

“I—I’m really sorry about the post,” she started slowly, but the more she spoke the more her words seemed to run into one another, “I didn’t— I didn’t think it would go that far, or…” She trailed off when I simply continued to study her with a bored expression. “Jesse explained why you were so mad,” I raised an eyebrow at her and her voice faltered, “are—why you are so mad.” She fell silent again, worrying the hem of her shirt while the other clung protectively to her messenger bag. We stayed like that until the weight of the silence grew to be too much and Echo began to squirm, making it clear that I was going to have to say something eventually.

I exhaled slowly and Echo’s gaze snapped to me before flicking away again.

“Wh—What happened?” She spoke with more than a little hesitation.

“Zevi is blind.” She winced, “And small for his age. He was jumped by three of the larger boys. They shoved him down and Loki, being how he is, tried to stand up to them, by handling it diplomatically. They punched him.” Her eyes widened in horror.

“Oh my god.” I ignored her quiet exclamation.

“Long story short, Loki sent two of the boys to the hospital and the third to his parents with severe bruising.” She stared at me in confusion, “They’re not human, Echo. None of us here,” I gestured to the shop, “are human. You putting that thing online, it risks all of us.” Echo looked horrified.

“I—I didn’t think that—”

“No Echo, you didn’t think. You didn’t listen. That’s it. End of story. And now? My kids have it on their permanent records that they’re dangerous; they’ve been blacklisted, no school in the country will take them. Mention Jesse and her career is over no matter how good she is. Michael was in hiding. I said that I’m always cleaning up after other hunters? When hunters screw up, people die. This job isn’t like the books, it isn’t something you do as a hobby; this job is our lives. You invaded my life with that post.” I paused, letting that sink in, “And that’s not even including the hundreds of people out there that want me dead,” Okay, so hundred might’ve been a bit of an understatement when I think about it. Echo gulped.

“Reyna,” she spoke softly, “I had no idea. I’ll take it down, I swear, I was just waiting for you to come back and…” She trailed off as I shook my head, my laugh harsh.

“You still don’t get it?” Another harsh laugh, “You think taking it down now will fix it?” I shook my head, “Go, just leave.” She started to protest, but I didn’t give her the chance, “It was too late the second you hit ‘update’. What comes next? That blood is on your hands.”

[just-themys-fanarts]

I'm really interested in the Simon Keyes/Godot ship thing. Like, what kind of dynamic and interactions do you think they'd have? I'm super curious to hear you talk about this neat ship, I hadn't really thought much about ships with either of them let alone them together before seeing your art, but now I'm curious

Aaah I’m really happy you’re asking that ! 

Well, I guess, this is going to be messy but here’s my thoughts about them. This will NOT be spoiler free !

First thing to say, I imagine them meeting in jail. They get jailed the same year (2019), a few months apart. 

I tend to hc Godot as having a strong protective instinct. I think it was already present before the coma, but after that, it became his reason for living (he does say that he had two reasons for living, one seeing that Phœnix is actually carrying Mia’s legacy, and second protect Maya), and it’s implied that once he checked/did those two things, he has no reason left to live. So in my aus and scenarios, I tend to have him find someone else to live for as a way for living, someone to protect and to feel useful for (I’m among the persons who think he truly cared for Maya and has a genuine protective instinct).

Simon, when he gets in jail, is in an interesting position. We don’t know how he could act, because his whole character is built around his trauma and his particular situation of having ran and hid all his life to escape Blaise, Rolland, and the president’s body double. At the end of aai2, Simon got his revenge on his father and Horace (no matter how sad and petty this one was), and freed himself from that on-going life-threatening situation by having the people involved either killed or convicted. So now what ? Would he maintain his cute and innocent persona there ? get more like his “true self” ? I tend to hc his true self to be more than just the mastermind persona, but the moments where he recalls his trauma, or when DeKiller tries to kill him.

I tend to think he would play less on the “cute” card unless he has someone he feels he can manipulate to get more comfort in jail, and would be more in his mastermind persona, but more tired and wore down, maybe a bit more sensitive as he’s trying to adjust to his new life which is neither full freedom or death. (I should also precise that I hc he managed to manipulate people at his trial so he would escape death penalty + the fact that it couldn’t be proved he pushed people to murder).

I tend to think that they would meet through Dogen (I hc that Diego couldn’t keep his mask in jail, and probably was informed there was another blind prisoner in the jail. I have some funny interactions in mind but it will be for another post).

Anyway, Simon would probably quickly read Diego’s protective instinct and would try to play on it to get protection in jail + other benefits, knowing he was a defense attorney and a prosecutor. But Godot isn’t fooled by Simon’s act, just like he wasn’t by “Melissa Foster”’s. Yet, he does fully see through Simon’s act, and feel there’s much more to it than just Simon being a little shit. So he starts getting protective of him, but not in the way that Simon expected him to be.

Basically, Diego starts to get Simon to open up, be more truthful to himself, but also to try and trust others. It’s a long and chaotic road, but little by little, I like to imagine Simon managing to improve. To get over some trauma, at least a little bit. To process all that happened. But doing this is scary and emotionally charged because he’s been bottling up so much during all these years, that’s why I tend to hc him to have sometimes violent ourtburts like I already drawn when it gets too much. But Godot isn’t scared of him. 

on the other hand, Simon starts to understand Diego. At first he really thinks that since he’s seen through him, he’s just acting protective to get something out of Simon. It’s only later that he realizes Diego is genuinely interested in him and looking for a reason to live. Diego becomes a curiosity to Simon. I also find it interesting, for someone like him whose storyline revolves around his father failing to protect him from other adults, to have an older man be protective of him and genuinely like him.

It’s hard to recollect everything I can have thought about them and to summarize it because I often have snippets and worry my characterization of them is super OOC ^^’’

I can imagine them being pretty chaotic at first, and their relationship being sometimes unhealthy. But I think this is a relationship that has the potential for growth, and both characters can improve themselves and seeing them doing it together would be great. I see them both as extremely broken, and I always find it interesting to imagine how they could support each other and find something in the other that makes life a little less horrible, a little more worth living. They both lost someone dear to them, whether they are responsible for it or feel responsible for it, and they both ended up killing people due to their trauma.

I also feel they share some similarities in their trauma, mostly loneliness and near-death experience. They had everything taken from them and had to deal with it alone. Simon couldn’t trust anyone, Diego had no one waiting for him when he woke up. I think it’s really underlined at the end of aai2, where they make a point that when you are surrounded by the right people, it’s “easier” to get over trauma, to not automatically seek revenge, and how that support system is what Simon lacked. I think the same can be said of Godot. 

I love the idea of Simon finally opening to Diego and risking himself at trust, and Diego doing his best not to disappoint. I love the idea of Simon telling Diego that he might have not been there to protect Mia but at least he didn’t push someone to murder her. Listening to Diego talk about her and wondering how he could go from someone like her to someone like him. I tend to think that Diego would get out of jail earlier than Simon, and would go to Edgeworth to become a prosecutor again (Edgeworth manages to do that by pointing out the contradiction between social re-insertion of ex-prisoners but barring Diego from a job he’s very qualified for), probably under some conditions (must report everything to the chief prosecutor aka Edgeworth, frequent meetings with the PIC to check on his actions, etc.). And he works to get Simon early parole, which is a surprise to Simon. From the moment Diego left the prison, Simon was convinced anything that happened between those walls didn’t count anymore and that Godot would just turn back to his normal life and forget about the mess of a person that is Simon Keyes. So when Godot actually keep his promise, and come back to him, and offers him a home and finally a chance at a normal life, without fear, it moves him. Maybe Godot even managed to get him Money back (shh i hc that Simon still really liked Money). 

Also, I have a soft spot for Diego being a father to Pearl (either adoptive, or as her biological father with Mia (I once wrote a theory post about it)) and I love the idea of Simon being disturbed by seeing Diego, even while being in jail, doing his best to be a good father to Pearl when his own couldn’t even be bothered to check on him when he was free. 

And I think I’m going to stop there because this post is already getting too long and is a mess, I’m not even sure any of this makes sense ^^’’’ Thanks for asking this question and I hope this can give you a little bit of insight, even though I’m sure I forgot a lot of things.