#emerald outpost

[acertainmoshke]

I want to overhaul Emerald Outpost again noooooo someone tell me this is a bad idea

[acertainmoshke]

The shiny bronze doors were dented and chipped, but the biopad Esther tapped a wrist against to unlock them was conspicuously new. The small waiting room inside was carpeted with a cheap pattern and lined with mismatched chairs, but Jenni behind sitting at the front desk had a blaster strapped to her hip.

I'm shamelessly stealing this from twitter, but writers !! Quick, reblog with the last line or two that you wrote, no cheating.

[067supremacy]

Ellie Proposes

Ellie Williams x Fem reader

Warnings: None

Ellie Williams proposes to the reader….

Ellie Williams masterlist

Ellie had been quiet, a little too quiet today. You notice her nervous ticks coming through so obviously that it has taken a toll on you. Every step toward your destination makes you wonder what is floating through the mind of hers. You held off asking for a while, believing that it could be to do with going outside the walls, but you had been out with her a thousand times and never saw anything remotely close to this.

"El, are you okay? You've been acting a little,,, weird today?" This much was true; she seemed completely fine last night; what had gotten into her since then, you wonder.

"I'm good, just a little tired." Her voice doesn't sound good; in fact, you noticed how she was talking as her being nervous the first time she asked you out, and even when she asked you to move in with her sounded precisely like this.

"Hey, we can still turn back to the horses and let someone else do the shift for us if you're too tired to be out here," you suggest carefully; you knew better than to go against Ellie's wishes and knowing how stubborn she could be it was unlikely this would happen. Besides, Dina and Jesse would never let Ellie live it down.

"We're almost there; I'll be fine," Ellie assures you.

"Almost where? The next outpost is in the town over." Your curiosity once again spikes at Ellie's odd behaviour.

You had known Ellie for a few years now and quickly hit it off. She became something of a constant in your life to the point you could no longer ignore a rising feeling. Everything she did was unique to you. It quickly became a running joke with members of your friendship group; you were utterly infatuated with the emerald eyes that met yours.

"Just keep following me; you'll see." Ellie picks up the pace slightly and follows a path that goes way off course; you couldn't help but wonder why she was now taking you away from your route. You knew Ellie wasn't one to follow the rules, but even this was a new one for Ellie to go off track, especially because she knew this trail better than anyone.

A few minutes pass before you enter a clearing; the trees split to uncover a beautiful waterfall—the water cascades down the rocky surface with an addictive sound. Sun rays shine upon the water to give it a crystal-like view. You are mesmerised by the beauty. The girl in front of you has a tiny grin playing on her face, most likely from your reaction.

"Holy shit, Ellie. It's beautiful here." your voice doesn't give in as you unmount your horse to sit at the edge of the water pool. "Surprise, " Ellie says with a loving kiss to the top of your head.

You can't believe that in a world full of chaos, death and destruction, a place like this exists. It didn't feel real, but every sense you had was on fire. This was as real as it gets. " Ellie, what is this?" you question. The smile on your face eases Ellie from a slight panic attack that was building inside.

"Come on, " Ellie says while setting her rucksack down on the side and taking some articles of clothing off. Her hand extends within distance of your own.

"But, but what about our job? We have to get to the next lookout and relieve Tommy and Joel of their duty."

"Don't worry, Jesse and Dina are taking care of that. Now come on, don't make me get in on my own." Ellie says. The words are convincing, but the puppy eyes she produces makes you cave in. Hand in hand, you take a step at a time with Ellie by your side. The water is cold and rises up your leg as you venture in; it's soon to your abdomen, and the waterfall gets closer, but Ellie's hand gives you the comfort to follow her to the ends of this earth.

You could have spent all day here with the girl of your dreams; it was one of the best days you had experienced in a while. For once, life felt,,, normal. You knew it would have to end sooner or later, and with the sun eventually starting its descent, you begin to swim back to your backpack, but two arms wrap around your waist from behind. A light kiss to the apex of your shoulder makes you shudder in her arms; a glance down show the ferns glistening wet with the pools water. You lean back into the comfort of Ellie, some sweet words get whispered into your ear, and that's the start to your slowing sinking of a dream-like state.

Ellie, let's go for a second and instantly, you relish the feeling of those arms again, but her trip to the backpacks is quick. The same face she held this morning, the nervous look had returned, had you done something wrong?

She reaches for your hand and stares deep into your soul. They don't divert or flicker for a second, she wants your full attention, and that's what she has. You begin to worry when she doesn't say anything for a while, just something; anything would do.

"El, what's going on? You're kinda freaking me out?" You say softly, just loud enough to be heard over the roar of the waterfall.

"I don't want to do this without you, " Ellie blurts out soon after your question. The fear in her voice is evident, no doubt a reaction to Ellie's past life.

"El, I'm here. I'm with you, forever and always."

Ellie cursed herself mentally for not getting where she wanted with the admission, so instead, she pulls her hand from behind her back to reveal a beautiful looking ring.... An engagement ring.

Confusion, that's the current state of your mind as Ellie thinks of a way to ask you the important question. It hadn't even registered that Ellie was asking you one of the most important questions of your life.

"I want this; I want you and me for life. Y/N, will you marry me?" Her voice remains calm, but her large exhale carries the weight of the world. She felt sick, nervous, but from the look on your face, Ellie was also excited. Your smile grew wide, wider than she could have anticipated.

"Yes! Yes! Fuck yes!" you scream without any thought needed. Your lips connect with Ellies in a passionate kiss that seals the love you share for each other. Ellie gently takes your ring finger to place the ring on it; sure enough, the ring fits like a glove.

You cut your squeals of excitement short to poke a little fun at Ellie for her nervous behaviour. "You know, you're not slick when you are proposing"

"Pshh, I'm like the proposal master."

[sl-ut]

always

pairing: ellie williams x fem!reader (also kina platonic!joel x ellie)

description: things didn’t exactly end up the way ellie wanted them today, but she wouldn’t give it up for anything.

warnings: UNEDITED, swearing, slight nsfw implications (i literally just mention that r and ellie have had sex), alcohol and marijuana consumption, slight angst

words: 1.1K (super short but i like it)

date posted: 10/01/24

For the first time in her life, Ellie longed for it to be wintertime. She wished for cold air to cut through the bitter warmth, allowing her a breath of relief for even a moment, having stepped out onto the front porch of the Tipsy Bison to take a moment for herself. To be fair, it had been partially her own fault, winter had ended only a few months prior, why hadn’t she asked sooner? It had been under a gentle descent of snowflakes that she had fallen in love with Y/n, after all, but she also hadn’t expected there to be anything official beyond the trading of a few vows, the sharing of a joint, and completed with the rest of the night rolling in the sheets together. Though, it would seem that that was far too much to ask for. 

She really should have known better than to expect that Jesse would keep his big mouth shut, though she really did try to keep it a secret until the ring fell out of her pocket and onto the cold floor of their outpost. Jesse had teased her relentlessly, but seemed genuinely happy for his friends, promising to keep the secret until he knew that Jesse asked. However, as soon as she had, Dina was pounding on their door, demanding to see the ring and to know exactly when the wedding would be. 

She was not overly thrilled for the wedding to have become such a large spectacle, but Maria had been just as enthused as Dina had been, stating that there was a desperate need for something like this to boost town morale. Ellie had immediately declined their offers of throwing a party for them, she was suddenly aware of the twinkle in her fiancée’s eyes at the idea of wearing a pretty white dress and dancing the night away at the Bison, leaving her little choice but to agree.

She had to admit, her heart had never felt quite as content as it had when she first spotted Y/n striding towards her, dressed in a horribly ugly wedding dress that was probably found in the attic of one of the houses, her smile radiating nothing but happiness as she met Ellie underneath the large willow tree. 

Even now, watching her get passed around on the dancefloor, now wearing a simple white blouse and a pair of jeans that she had cut into shorts, but still as beautiful as ever. Ellie shook her head, letting out a large puff of smoke as a smile broke through her normally monotone expression.

A figure sidled up next to her, letting out a low whistle as they both stared through the large glass windows, eyes following the bride’s joyful movement closely, “I never got to say congratulations.”

She huffed a laugh, not taking her eyes away from her wife, “Thanks, I think I got pretty lucky.”

“You sure did. So did she,” Joel quipped, “You’re a real catch there, kid.”

“Please,” Ellie shook her head, “I’d be dead if it weren’t for her,” She was quiet for a beat before she continued, “And you.” 

“Now I don’t know about that…”

“Shut up,” She chuckled, “What you did…I was–am angry with you. You took my choice away from me.”

“I know,” He nodded, “And you’ll never know how sorry I am for making you feel that way, but I’ll never feel sorry for keeping you alive.”

She nodded, “I know. I both hate you and–”

He sighed when she paused, “I know kid, me too.”

Ellie turned her emerald gaze to the man, her vision growing fuzzy as tears gathered along her waterline, “I wish you could have been here.”

His figure seemed to begin to fade into the darkness, but his voice was clear and true, “Me too, baby girl.”

“Ellie?” Y/n’s voice drew her attention to the front door, where her bride was standing with curiosity on her face, “Everything okay, babe?”

When Ellie glanced back at the spot next to her, “Yeah, everything’s good.”

The girl came closer, a smile growing on her face. She wrapped her arms around her wife’s neck, playing with the wispy ends of her short auburn hair. Ellie had also dressed up for the occasion, wearing a youth sized button up top and a poorly-tied tie hanging around her neck, which had been loosened throughout the night, even more so as Y/n pressed her body against hers. Ellie’s long fingers dug into her fabric-covered hips, leaning her head forward to accept the kiss that was being offered to her forehead.

“What are you doing out here on your own?”

The redhead shrugged, “Just needed to get away for a second. It’s hot in there.”

Y/n nodded, plucking the joint up from where she had set in on the railing next to her and taking a long drag, “I know this isn’t really what you wanted, but it really does mean a lot that you put in some effort to enjoy it.”

“I did enjoy it,” Ellie responded, “Maybe not all of it, but I wouldn’t trade today for anything.”

She leaned forward, capturing her wife’s lips with her own in a long and slow kiss, a small moan vibrating through her throat at the taste of cheaply made whiskey and cake from her lips. 

“How much longer do I have to wait to get you in bed?” Ellie whined as they parted, earning a loud laugh from her wife’s lips. 

“A little longer,” She shrugged, “Maybe after you come in and dance with me.”

Y/n made a break for it, only glancing back at Ellie once before disappearing behind the doors of the bar, leaving Ellie alone on the front step. The auburn haired girl chuckled at her, mentally trying to figure out a way to get her out of the bar sooner rather than later. As she stalked towards the door, her ears perked up at the sound of the voice once more.

“I’m happy for you, kid.”

The figure did not appear when she turned to look over her shoulder, but she knew he was there, watching over her. He always would be. A small smile graced her lips, uttering one last sentence before pushing through the doors and allowing her wife to drag her onto the dancefloor.

“Thank you, Joel.”

[emmasmoke8]

The vote was roughly six to two (don't ask about the math; it's complicated), so I'll be telling what Sonic's various roles are throughout the AUs. I'll be starting with Sonic since he's the easiest. Every AU's axis point is who Sonic switches with, so I know them all. This should be fun

Format:

AU Name (I’ve really gotta name the AUs; if anyone has ideas, lmk) - Role - Description

Liberation - Shadow - In this AU, Aleena united all the tribes on Mobius to form a centralized kingdom. One of the ways she did this was by using her scepter to take her people's chaos energy. With the energy, she made chimeras, fought alien invaders, and kept the peace. She continued doing this well into her pregnancy where she was prophesized to have twins. Imagine everyone's surprise when a third child was born. Her excess use of chaos energy created a conduit of chaos energy inside of her. Unfortunately, Aleena had to send her children away because of a prophecy. Sonia and Manic went to high society and the slums, respectively, but the third child (unnamed) was cast out into space in an asteroid. This asteroid released a sound frequency that Earth's military outpost in space, the ARK, discovered. They brought the asteroid on the ARK as Project Sonic. Tails was already there as Project Tails, so Sonic and Tails became like brothers, and they were Earth's protectors. They also grew close with Commander Abraham Tower (to the point of considering Abraham a father figure). I would explain it further, but I have an entire story where I've delved into L!Sonic's past, so check that out!

Unnamed (Sonic-Tails swap) - Tails - Sonic was born in a village of hedgehogs, but his parents died when he was young, leaving him to be an orphan. He became a ward of the village. He did odd jobs for the village until the day his speed manifested. There were mixed reactions. Many saw him as a freak of nature. Some people were outright terrified of him. The village leaders, however, thought he could be exploited. The 'odd jobs' he had before were suddenly far more dangerous. Sonic did them, however, because he liked running and helping people even if the people he was helping weren't good to him. This all stopped when Tails crashed into his life by literally crashing into him. Tails and Sonic hit it off, especially when Tails started telling Sonic about all of his adventures. They would have parted ways if Tails didn't find out about Sonic's powers. Unlike the villagers, Tails thought it was both amazing and fascinating. The reason Tails adventured so much was to test his inventions, so he wanted to make some for Sonic to test out, too. Sonic followed Tails to his base of operations, and he sort of stayed forever. Sonic frequently adventures with Tails, but he's just as content to stay at home. This Sonic leans more into freedom than he does adventure or amusement. He considers being away from his village and being able to do whatever he wants as his only goal in life. I'm also thinking of making him a scientist who focuses on the study of chaos energy.

Unnamed (Sonic-Blaze swap) - Blaze - Sonic is the crown prince of the Mobian Empire. He was raised to be a dignified and just ruler. While he does succeed for the most part, he still has a sense of wanderlust that carries him to frequently skip his lessons to go adventuring. This attracted the attention of the chaos emeralds. Instead of being their guardian like Blaze is with the Sol emeralds, Sonic is merely their beneficiary. He gets his speed from them along with his adaptability to other forms of power. When Eggman steals an important relic that fractures the dimensions, Sonic goes after him. It is here that he encounters the hero, Blaze. They do fight because (how do I phrase this? Blaze thinks Sonic is too independent. He doesn't rely on anyone. He doesn't tell the people around him when he's running away or where he's going. Unlike canon Blaze who was too responsible, Sonic is too irresponsible, but they were both naturally lonely people that didn't want to admit it). After that, they worked together to stop Eggman and fix their realities. Somehow, some way, he ends up in the future with Shadow, protecting it from someone (I haven't decided yet. Maybe Chaos? And Tikal has Chaos sealed inside her, so she's our stand-in for Elise. Don't grow attached to this; I might change it). Sonic sacrifices himself to seal away this big bad. But then the timeline gets reset, so he's back in his dimension. Blaze and Marine come to the chaos/Mobian dimension. Sonic helps them, and this is where he meets Tails. Sonic is wary of Tails because he's an inventor like Eggman, but they grow close and become like brothers

Unnamed (Sonic-Surge swap) - Surge - His past is unknown. All Sonic knows is that he's been Eggman's captive for as long as he can remember. He believes he was once a regular Mobian, but he's now become a cyborg. Parts of his body have been turned into metal. His speed either came from Eggman or its natural. All Sonic knows is that he wants to be free. Eventually, he manages to escape Eggman, but even when the inventor dies, Sonic remains haunted by visions of him. Unsure what to do, Sonic takes it upon himself to free the world. Unfortunately, he thinks this means killing the villains (or really anyone who revokes the freedom of others), which puts him at odds with the heroes, including Surge. Sonic's programming wants him to kill her, but Sonic himself actually likes Surge so he's able to suppress his violent tendencies. He does not, however, want to be her friend because he views her as an enabler of villains. They have a complicated relationship, to say the least. Sonic's least complicated relationship is with Tails. Although Sonic can't remember if he and Tails were close before Eggman, he's decided Tails is his little brother. More than killing all villains, Sonic wants to protect Tails. He wants Tails to have a better life. He does everything in his power to get Tails to live with more stable people or follow his dreams of inventing machines for others, but Tails is rather unhealthily dependent on Sonic (and technically, Sonic is, too, but he's better at hiding it/pretending he isn't). Tails will stick it out for the kill all villains plan

Unnamed (Sonic-Eggman swap) - Eggman - Sonic is just a Mobian who's living life. In this AU, Eggman never found him and he never found Tails, so he didn't get properly introduced to people until way later in his life. It was too late for nature had already taught him survival of the fittest. Sonic believed that a person should do as much as they can by themselves and for themselves. Now, there is limit. You need nature's help to live, you need clothes, small favors are usually inconsequential. As Sonic learned from people, he came to add the caveat that if you are going to help someone, never do it for free. Do it for repayment in whatever way (monetary, an IOU, etc.) He also believes very strongly in self-actualization. If a person is about to become their truest self, you cannot help them. They have to do that alone or not at all. To this end, he hates Mr. Tinker and his robots. Mr. Tinker just helps people because he wants to- because he can help. Sonic goes out of his way to destroy the robots. He doesn't kill Mr. Tinker, though, because destroying those robots and foiling Mr. Tinker's plans is so amusing to him. So, when he's older, that's when he meets Tails. Sonic accidentally saves him without meaning to, so Sonic demands Tails repay that by doing some stuff for him. Tails stuck around, however, so now he and Sonic are considered a duo. Sonic is abusive, though. He hates when Tails helps him more than he should, and he's not afraid to hit Tails over it

Later in this AU, I was thinking that Tails finally killed Sonic, and Sonic let him because he knew this was Tails self-actualizing. This, unfortunately, only killed his body, so Sonic became a spirit made of chaos energy, and he started fucking up stuff even more lmao

That's it for now. We might have a Sonic-Amy swap soon. I don't know. I'm just throwing around ideas. If you're inspired by something, go ahead. Run with it. If you have ideas on how to add to these AUs, go ahead. Tell me about them. I know I called this story 'yapping,' but I'm good with conversations, too. I'm just getting stuff out there.

What character do you guys want to see next?

[acertainmoshke]

Technically I’ve started Emerald Outpost a couple times but I think I’m going to have to rework it again so it counts.

It’s basically a spy buddy story…in space! With twists and betrayal and friendship closer than anything and a family to try and get home to

We're making moodboards! But we're not making them for the story you're currently writing. We're making it for a story you WANT to write but haven't started yet.

[thatiranianphantom]

the wrong lesson

Glinda

She sings, sometimes. Just little hums under her breath, notes of a melody she barely recognizes. 

It fills the space, sometimes. 

It reminds her of another time, another place. 

The room she occupies (well, she supposifies, they occupy) is large and lush, bigger than two private suites at Shiz put together. 

The Wizard smiles when he shows her, keeps his eyes on her for approval. Morrible does too, that steady, long look as if she expects something in particular. 

Something that feels like unease grows inside of Glinda every time, but that has no place here, so she pushes it down, gushes how perfectly perfect it is. 

It’s so big. There seems to not be enough bags, not enough shopping trips to fill the room, not even a bit. And the vastness….sometimes it feels….a lot, so she sings. 

She used to sing once before, in a smaller dorm room, one with another bed on the other side. 

But that time is over. 

She tries to wheedle Fiyero to spend as many nights here as possible, simply so it doesn’t feel so big. But somehow, it never feels any smaller when he’s there. They simply sleep, they don’t talk. 

She tells him “goodnight, darling,” and the pause before his answer is something she never gets used to. 

He’s still perfect, she tells herself. He’s still devoted to her. Why else would he spend years with her, why else would he ensure Shiz is the school he graduates from, move the Emerald City with her, lead the Gale Force, if he didn’t want to be with her?

No, he does. She knows it. 

This is just what boys are like. He’s happy too. 

Fiyero

It feels like he never stopped bleeding. 

That’s what it feels like all the time now. He feels raw, exposed, cut open for all to see. 

And that in itself feels ridiculous. Why would he not feel like he always does? He barely knew her. They’d interacted only a few times, rarely alone. 

He shouldn’t even remember it. 

Shouldn’t see her smile behind every corner. His heart shouldn’t leap into his throat whenever he sees a flash of green in a corner. He shouldn’t have any trouble being Prince Fiyero Tigelaar, the boy everyone wants. 

But it’s as if it’s a mask, and it simply doesn’t fit anymore. Putting it on is exhausting, painful. He feels it cut into his skin, feels the rawness it leaves behind. It bleeds every day, and it feels like nobody sees it, but it is all he can feel. 

Glinda does nothing to soothe it. Her touch feels like something else to pretend about, something else to lie about. 

And he can’t find her. 

He’s looked everywhere, talked to everyone, tried so hard to parse the rumors from fact, but she’s just gone. Sometimes he’ll follow a more friendly Animal, check another outpost, feel his heart pounding when it feels like he may be getting close. Feel warmth wash over him, feel relief begin to penetrate his bones. 

And then she’s not there and he feels so cold. 

He feels like he’s living two lives, and not being particularly good at either. He knows the Animals deserve better, deserve someone who puts them at a higher priority, but he can’t arouse suspicion and he can’t give up looking for her. 

He knows Glinda deserves better, someone who cares. But he can’t give up the status he attained, can’t give up his post when it’s the only good thing he can do. The only thing that makes him feel closer to her. He’s rarely there with Glinda, is aware of how distant and cold he is to her, but he simply does not have that warmth inside him anymore. He can’t give her up but he doesn’t want her. 

He wishes, sometimes, for the boy that could so easily dance his way through life. That Fiyero, the one of only a few years ago, feels so long gone. Feels like he slipped away when a cowardly cub scratched his head and a long, green finger touched the wound. Feels like his life split then, and he knows neither how to go back nor how to go forward. Simply reeling in place, bleeding. 

[goddammit-grace]

Gideon Coal x Reader

Fandom: Legends of Avantris (Once Upon a Witchlight)

Characters: Gideon Coal, mentions of Gricko Grimgrin and Morning Frost

Rating: Teen? Mentions of violence but nothing too major- just some angsty fluff I might revisit with some ~less innocent~ themes later

Words: 726

This has been in my head for about a week now and I don’t think it’s finished yet, but we also need more content in the LoA fandom and I am here to provide

The Krew had stumbled into the Feywild outpost the night before, run ragged by their latest monster encounter. Gideon had been roughed up pretty severely, but thanks to the expertise of Gricko and Morning Frost, was only experiencing a ghost of the pain.

After a night of rest he supposed everyone was feeling more themselves. They were off pursuing their own pleasures, exploring what the outpost had to offer.

*

Gideon tried not to be too obvious as he watched you from across the bar. He always thought you were beautiful, but with the dirt and blood from the journey washed off, he couldn’t keep his eyes off you.

Your auburn hair caught the dim light in the bar as you danced around, listening to the trio of bards performing. Another patron next to you said something and Gideon watched, unable to hear your voices, as you threw your head back and laughed.

A pang of jealousy stabbed at Gideon’s chest as he watched the scene unfold. He should be the one making that laugh erupt from you- not some stranger in the Feywild. He knocked back the last sips of his whiskey, savoring the sting as it went down, and signaled the barkeep for another round.

He continued to watch you for a few more songs, the whiskey warming his already hot body. The music slowed as Gideon noticed a familiar emerald robe make its way towards you. Frost pulled down his hood when he reached you and Gideon watched as you rest your hands on his shoulders, preparing to dance with the Tabaxi. Suddenly, Gideon’s jealousy was warming him more than the whiskey was.

Gideon gripped Morning Frost by the scruff at the back of his neck, a little more aggressively than absolutely necessary, and your eyes widen. When you register that it’s Gideon who is tearing Frost away from you, a grin breaks out on your face. You send a mental thanks to the Tabaxi and he mirrors your smile as he leaves the tavern, most likely returning to his room to meditate.

“Feeling a little jealous, Gideon?”

“Huh? Wa- no!” He gently places his large hands on your waist and can feel the fire Genasi’s heat through your dress. “I just think that Frosty needs to keep his paws to himself.”

“And what about you? Do you need to keep your paws to yourself?” You place your hands on Gideon’s broad chest and look up at him.

“I don’t have paws,” Gideon huffs and pulls you closer to his body. You laugh and pull one of his hands up to yours.

“I don’t know Gid,” you line your hands up palm to palm and splay your fingers out. “Could’ve fooled me.”

Gideon looks at your small hand pressed up against his much larger one and entwines your fingers. He brings your hand to his face and kisses the back of it. You smile at him softly and lay your head against his chest. He rests his cheek on the top of your head and begins to sway the two of you to the gentle music, never letting go of your hand. You lose track of time, just enjoying each other’s company until the bards announce their last song.

“You really scared me out there Gideon,” you whisper and pull back from his embrace to look him in the eyes. “I wasn’t sure that Frost was going to get to you in time, or-or-or that Gricko had enough banañas left, a-a-and…”

Your words catch in your throat and tears prick your eyes.

“Hey, hey, hey now,” Gideon gathers you in his arms again and hugs you close, his mouth right above your ear as he says, “it’s okay. I’m here. I’m okay.”

You press your face into Gideon’s chest and sniffle, trying to regain your composure. The final song of the night ends with a flourish. Neither you or Gideon make a move to release the other.

“Stay with me?” Gideon’s voice is soft as he finally loosens his grip around your waist to look in your eyes. Your heart melts at the softness in his voice. You nod and let him guide you up the stairs to his room. It makes the simple act of opening the door more difficult than it needs to be, but you don’t let go of Gideon’s hand.

[snoopledrooplecheesedoodle]

Day 9: Festive Lights: Mikitaka

Hey this was made for @spaceyxcowboy, enjoy the gift bestie because I know how much you love Miki. I know we don't talk much but hey I appreciate you.

TW: Being held hostage, held down, Mikitaka is a bit creepy

Humming a Christmas tune that is by Cariah Merry you spin around merrily opening the dusty boxes from the storage closet. Yes, it's that time of year to celebrate the winter season once more. You needed to bring some cheer to the outpost you were cooped up in.

Yes, being a park ranger was your dream, but you would love to be able to see your loved ones around the holidays. Unfortunately, you were the youngest member of the squad so everyone else had more authority over their vacation days. With the Christmas season comes many forest fires due to some idiot trying to stay warm.

You tried not to let any resentment seep into your bones as you string the old colorful bulbs around the outpost and your temporary home. Moriocho National Park was beautiful during winter with the evergreens creating an emerald carpet for your bird's eye view.

You cheer as the lights you found shine dully with vibrant reds and greens. Maybe your holiday won't be so shitty after all, you think as you pour yourself another cup of instant coffee. Now to sit back and relax.

As you sit watching over the forest you start to feel a bit sleepy. This coffee really is crap because you find yourself dozing off warm and cozy in your tower. Oh well might as well catch some zs.

You are awoken with a start as a loud crash followed by tremors that shake you tower causing your lukewarm coffee to spill all over your uniform. Gross you'll probably never get that out, however there were bigger fish to fry. Outside your outpost north of where you were an eerie blue glow shone bright enough for you to see it from where you were.

You don your ranger jacket and grab your first aid kit, flashlight, and a hunting knife. You'd be back before nightfall, but you'd make sure to bring these things in case things go south. You climb down the tower and walk into the deciduous forest; this shouldn't be too bad probably some lost campers.

Approaching the spot of the glowing you hear a humming noise that sounded... out of this world. Just what was on the other side of this trees? Pushing forward you were shocked to see a ship? UFO? What on Earth was this aircraft? You jump when you hear a hissing noise and see the front door of the craft open to reveal...a blonde man?

The man in question was very human looking but at the same time not, he had long blond hair and green eyes but also had pointed ears and his eyes glowed unnaturally in the fading daylight. The man surveys the forest around him before. When he spots you, he smiles. "Greetings inhabitant, could you tell me what planet we are on?" Okay this is very weird. You look at the man and his ship and narrow your eyes out of suspicion.

"You're on Earth and you happened to have crash landed in Moriocho National Park." You feel for your knife in case things go south he may have a ray gun, but you still would try. The alien walks out of the ship and stares at the damage. "This damage to my ship will take some time to repair, does Earth have psychronium plates?" What? "No never heard of those, you'll have to find something else to substitute." The alien deflated a bit at your words causing you to soften. You were a park ranger and park rangers help people, even people from out of this world. You place a gentle hand on the blond man's arm.

"Hey, you can come to the watch tower, maybe I could find somethings that might help you." The alien man's phosphorescent eyes glowed even brighter as his long blond locks floated for a second. "Thank you, earthling, you are very kind. Please take me to this 'watch tower'." Oh boy you don't get paid enough for this.

"I'm (y/n) and you are...?" The blond floats over to you and smiles. "My people call me Nu Mikitakazo Nshi." Yeah, you weren't remembering that. "I'll call you Mikitaka, that okay with you?" Mikitaka looks away before looking back at you. "Of course."

You return to the inside of your rusty rundown tower (government really likes to pinch its pennies) sighing as you see the coffee stain and shattered coffee mug on the ground. While you see a list of things to do, Mikitaka is in awe of how simple yet unknown everything was for him. The faint glow of the barely functioning Christmas lights is dimmer compared to the bright shine of Miki's bright grin eyes.

"It's not much but you're free to look around." you sheepishly stare at your shoes, embarrassed to show such a sophisticated technologically advanced person your crappy temporary home. Mikitaka hums and nods as he searches through your things until he finds a picture frame.

"(y/n) who are these people surrounding you?" The blond man asks eyes shining with a desire of knowledge. You walk over a peer at the photo before giving a bittersweet smile. "Oh, those people are my family. My parents and our dog Iggy." You laugh thinking about how angry that dog was to have to wear that ugly sweater. Mikitaka tilts his head at your expression and response. "Do these people make you happy?"

Your eyes mist over with a solemn sense of loss, it just feels like you never talk to your parents anymore. You couldn't even get bars of reception to wish them a merry Christmas. "Yes, I love them a lot, I really wanted to see them." Mikitaka looked more confused as looks back at the photo of the happy family. "Are your loved ones deceased?" You wave your hands frantically. "No, NO, my job just prevents me from spending time with them at the moment." You think about Mikitaka's presence which was a much-wanted reprieve from the gnawing loneliness.

"Besides I have you to keep me company during Christmas and that's plenty." Mikitaka studies your face before nodding. "I do not know what this Christmas is, but I enjoy your company as well." You grin happy to make a new friend.

The familiar hiss of the portable kettle as your heated water was ready for the feast you have prepared. Two cups of (favorite flavor) instant ramen for you and your new intergalactic buddy. What better way to introduce an alien to Earth cuisine than instant noodles. Opening the ramen pouring the flavor packets and hot water stirring till you had two steaming adequate dinners.

"Here you go Miki, I give you one instant ramen, the highest of Earth cuisine." Handing him the styrofoam cup as you dig into yours with (chopsticks/fork). Mikitaka smiles before staring at the noodles. He then proceeds to take a bite of the styrofoam allows the very hot water to flow onto his hands. "It seems impractical to eat something like this." You stare in disbelief as he continues eating the entirety of what you gave him (including the styrofoam). The two of you eat in silence for a while before Mikitaka speaks up.

"(y/n) you called me Mikitaka and then you called me Miki, is that an Earth custom I'm unaware of?" You snort as Mikitaka looks confused at you. Do they not have nicknames on his planet? What a sad life they must live. "Oh well Miki is a nickname; humans like to use them with friends and loved ones." You explain patiently as the blond absorbs the information, unsettling green eyes never once leaving your form.

"I see you hold affection for me, and you shorten the name. May I call you (clumsy shortened version of your name)?" You burst out laughing causing a noodle to fly out of your nose, which only made you laugh harder. Mikitaka stays completely silent enjoying the joyous noise you were producing; he didn't know why you were doing this, but he wished he could do it again.

"You're not half bad Miki."

"You are the greatest human being I have ever known."

He proved to be very blunt with complementing you. You two chat and you laugh at how adorably clueless Mikitaka was, this holiday has proved to be better than you imagined. You let out a yawn feeling Hypnos call out to you. "Well Miki I'm going to hit the hay; would you like some blankets?" Miki tilts his head confused at your figure of speech. Perhaps it was a weird Earth tradition to do before sleep. Your form sparkles under the dull lights which made you the most interesting thing in the room.

His organ that pumps blood throughout his body began to beat much faster than regular. Oh my, was he experiencing illness his people never got sick! However, this feeling wasn't bad, in fact it was the best Mikitaka had felt in a while. When you left the room, the feeling went with you making Mikitaka reach out his hand. He wanted to still be around you, yet he stood in the middle of the room watching you fall asleep in your cot.

Two glowing green eyes watch you sleep every curve of your body interested the alien. He never thought he would have a mate of another species but the way you looked so peaceful made his heart palpitate again. Running a smooth hand over your arm he shivered at the softness of your exposed hand. You shiver as his hand makes contact with you.

Oh, his mate was cold, that wasn't good, he would provide you more warmth in order to prove his worth to you. Turning into the blue goo his simple form was he covered your body and began steadily radiating heat. You sigh with pleasure as you drift further to sleep. The alien felt bliss of covering your whole skin, his blue form shining under the dim Christmas lights. Which shifted to a weird bright aqua color.

Mikitaka knows he'll extend his stay for quite a while until he can find a way to convince you to come with him. After all you are the light of his world.

Hope everyone enjoys especially you @spaceyxcowboy

[acertainmoshke]

It’s the future and there’s no way English is the base expected language, but there is a common language to this city-planet so everyone can understand each other. Native languages still exist as the real ones we know, but at work/school/markets there is a common one spoken for ease.

[wheneclipsefalls]

Spider's First Courting Gift (Na'vi male x Spider fic teaser)

Pairing: Aged Up Spider x Na'vi Male OC

Note: Barely proofread. This sneak peek is subject to small changes. The full fic is on it's way<3

The fabric slips along his fingers like the sway of a rushing river, a smooth effortless motion. His own grimy hands caked with dirt and a hint of blood from rough housing with Neteyam look horrifying next to the carefully crafted garment. In fact, it’s enough to have Spider setting the piece to the side and rushing to the bathroom so he can wash his hands. It would be a shame to ruin the loincloth so quickly simply because of his bad hygiene. 

Stomping past Norm and the other lounging scientists he tries to ignore him. 

“Kid, what have I told you about leaving your mask on the ground?” Norm huffs but Spider is already closing the door to the cramped bathroom.

He may have been a teenager when he was captured by the RDA but now has come into full adulthood. Something Norm seems to have a hard time understanding. Spider doesn’t care how much water he hogs in order to get every speck of dirt and grime from his hands. He only leaves the cramped bathroom when his skin is scrubbed raw and red. 

Leaning back against the woven hammock he allows himself the proper time to just admire the details of his new gift. It’s a beautiful emerald green with precise stitching that works to outlines patterns of leaves and greenery. Under the harsh light of the outpost bulbs, the boy admires the way the thread glimmers with the shift of light. He thanks Eywa that it has a back panel. It may be something he is used to seeing with Na’vi but Spider can not imagine having his own ass hanging out of his loincloth, especially without a tail for it to wrap around. 

Once he finally wrangles up the courage to try on the loincloth he is amazed to see how perfectly it fits. The fabric is like silk against his rough skin. Or at least what he remembers silk to feel like from that one time another scientist let him touch her silk pillowcase. The band is woven of various colored threads and twine that come together to create criss cross patterns. His fingers brush them softly in a silent reverence. 

Spider looks at himself in the mirror and allows himself to drink in every inch of himself. Most days, the boy uses the mirror to simply swat at his dreadlock hair or repaint the blue stripes on his skin, but never can he remember a time that he uses it to admire himself. To look at his appearance head on and feel something more than indifference or longing to be a version of himself that is blue and a few feet taller. 

Being a human is something that Spider has learned to make peace with, but that doesn’t mean he particularly likes the look of himself. The blue stripes help slightly to cover the extra squish of his body that is normally nonexistent across Na’vi stomachs. With the beautiful garment now fitted perfectly to his hips, Spider notices for the first time how good a color besides blue looks on him. 

The heap of leather that is his usual loincloth seems like nothing more than a discarded washcloth now. Jake had been the one to show him how to weather the material and fashion it into clothing but from there the job had been his own to update the garment in stride with his growth spurts. 

The loincloth is so  clean and pristine in comparison to the rest of Spider’s appearance that for a moment he considers putting it away for safekeeping. What would happen if he tore a hole in it or got dirt rubbed into the careful stitching? It’s too beautiful to take the risk. 

However, when his fingers start to undo the carefully tied knots at the sides, he catches another glance of himself in the mirror and he hesitates. It looks so much better than before. He looks so much better than before. Maybe it has nothing to do with the loincloth’s quality at all. Perhaps it’s the careful thought and effort put into such an extraordinary gift. A thought for him. Just him and only him. 

One simple reminder that someone thinks he is worthy of nice things. 

Spider allows himself the privilege of wearing this reminder throughout the day. 

[maplemonarchy]

Just cause I've been thinking about Fallout and Fallout 4 again, I have an opinion on Diamond City. It should be so much bigger. Let it sprawl outside of the walls. Tower into the stands. Smugglers running under the bleachers. Make it feel alive. Have people live in Parkview Apartments. Smoosh the Lansdowne station against Diamond City, let people live in those subway tunnels. Hell, make one of the central conflicts of 4 a class conflict between those who live in the stands/inside the walls vs those who live in the subway/outside the walls. There is already some textual evidence for this conflict present in Diamond City.

Diamond City should be a sprawling metropolis, the most powerful city and trading hub in the Commonwealth after Bunker Hill. People should say their from Diamond City and still be in Hangman's Alley. I know the joke about Bethesda's Fallout is that "nothing can ever improve, everything must be Mad Max forever."

And like, yeah. But wouldn't it be cool if it did? Wouldn't it be so cool to wake up in Vault 111 and find out that your home from over 200 years ago is now a small town. With a doctor, a merchant, your robot butler, all under the protection of this fractured group who call themselves "the Minutemen." Maybe they want your help. People keep talking about "the Great Green Jewel of the Commonwealth." Your pip-boy picks up a radio station that is from that emerald city. And then you finally see it. Passing through its outer areas, a small outpost built in an alleyway to help protect traders coming from Sanctuary. And then finally reaching the gate of this city. Maybe you're still looking for your son, maybe this is for the Minutemen, but you still enter Diamond City. And it's full of shops and people. Neon lights flicker where they can, a diner that uses a traffic-light to try and pull people in. A casino, a theatre, and more! Once you spend enough time, maybe you get acquainted with the seedy under belly of Diamond City. Perhaps working with a synth detective to solve a murder most foul. Maybe this leads you to hunt down the mysterious Institute, maybe.

Diamond City should be a city, not a settlement. Let it be big and alive.

[fortruechaos]

After Maria dies in front of him a second time Shadow wanders. He knows there's something he has to do. It's something he doesn't want to do, but he knows he must. He knows it's not a feeling he's meant to feel but it doesn't mean anything else when all he can identify is his rage. The inhibitor rings mean nothing to him now, all this Chaos in his blood is simply ichor fuel. He approaches the empty square the rocket he had once taken to the ARK long ago. He circles it. He would take an IV to his veins if it could fuel that rocket with his Chaos-infused blood. It has to be good for something.

Legs move mechanically around and around that abandoned square of concrete. There's no rocket here anymore. How can I get to the ARK? How can I get to the ARK so I can crash it into the planet? I already got all the Chaos Emeralds, so that part's already done. I already blew up Prison Island. That fake hedgehog. He pauses to realize he has the green Chaos Emerald on him and reaches into his quills to pull it out and looks at it like it's a stranger, holding it up to pale moonlight, thinking, "It all starts with this--," but that was years ago. The Emerald goes back into his quills. That's fine. He can make amends now. For Maria. Maria who died in front of him a second time and this time it was just his fault with no one else to blame. Vengeance...

He's still walking in the same loop. Around a worn-in piece of concrete with some faded paint on it. GUN hasn't used this outpost in years. He's something more of a skeletal creature with his arms hanging all ball-jointed like at his sides than he is hedgehog. I have to get to the ARK. Walk. I can't get to the ARK, so I'll just walk. Around and around like a vinyl. How many broken records are on-board the ARK right now, the ARK that he will crash into the planet? It's what Maria wants him to do so he will do it. Ungrateful humans. A sneer in his heart behind sunglasses; a sneer belonging to the Professor.

Shadow's not even looking anymore. Seeing but not, eyes half-lidded, the jets in his skates turned off as he plods heavily around the same stretch of square. The same half-piece of fern in the broken concrete greets him for the n-teenth time. How can I get to the ARK? Lab experiment turned weapon and Shadow likes to do what the Professor tells him to do so he will think on it some more; don't worry, Professor. Plodding on all Godot-like, waiting, waiting waiting--

A million years that feel like one night pass. Spent shuffling like moving shadow on the ground, time tracked only by the slinging motion of his fingers at his side. He takes the Emerald out from his quills and looks at it again. He's been walking for so long the sun is coming up now and he's still walking; Shadow catches a reflected ruby eye in the transient green cut of jewel. Somehow this startles him back into something resembling person-hood. The first real feeling that is his own is fear, again. He's had enough of that. Shadow crouches and shakes again, hand clutching the Emerald furiously, clinging to that source of Chaos like a lifeline. It pushes and floods into his palms, bells ringing in battery-operated eardrums, neurons firing, remembering the truth, just one hedgehog all by himself on an abandoned launchpad. I have to get to the ARK but I don't want to. I am so afraid of what will happen if I do.

Eventually exhaustion takes him and he collapses. The Chaos of the Emerald at combat with his damaged psyche. The Emerald clatters onto asphalt, fingertips just barely brushing smooth gemstone. Shadow is grateful when he faints. He does not faint often. He does not dream. It is welcome.

Shadow wakes to a hand on his shoulder, gently pushing. Somehow, it's Sonic. Idiot. "No," he half-says half-moans with despair, pushing his face into the ground as hard as he can, somehow himself again. "NO...!! Fuck you, this is your fault!" It's easy for him to blame someone that isn't him right now--the hand on his shoulder releases. Shadow can hear a whispered oh boy, and his head flies up to shoot daggers at a wilting smile on Sonic's face.

"She's okay," Sonic offers, voice a million degrees removed from the reality of the situation, and Shadow's hands turn into fists as he pushes himself up onto his elbows into an arced fetal position and screams--screams because he's himself again and for what he's done, fully cognizant, the Professor's hold on him slipping into the shade of his heart again. His scream asks Why did I do that and What do I have to do to be free? and If I am the Ultimate why am I so afraid of myself still? And then he gets up, wipes his mouth with the back of a hand, and reclaims his Emerald. A stifled, scuffed breath through his nose. Shadow's shoulders rise and fall. He clears his throat, line that is his mouth shifting. He's all business. He's the Ultimate Lifeform.

"Where is she."

[space-writes]

@memento-morri-writes your whump wednesday posting from the other day has me wanting to share a little Valloroth whump, because i don't write much but this interrogation scene with Cherry was SO much fun to do! so, a rare Entire Scene (rough draft version), but ft Cherry having gotten into some rather hot, dracari-infested waters

[ID - a green and black decorative divider]

Some rooms are the last place a lot of people have seen. These rooms are dark, hidden, lacking windows and light and fresh air, possessing a single door of whichever kind is most convenient to their architects, which lock from the outside only, and which hold within them a distinctive stench of sweat, blood, and desperation. This particular room had all of these features, and lay beneath a small Imperial outpost on the fringes of Vostamur. Cherry had gotten a brief glimpse of the tower through the wyvern’s claws when they’d arrived—white stone, carved pillars, pinched roof—but hadn’t been granted any time to admire the building before her dracari captors had dragged her down to her current residence.

She’d had time to admire the carvings in here. Dragons over the doorway, patterns of scale around the top of the wall. The dragons were all Sirsassa, she suspected; the Eternal Empress seemed the type not to want competitors even in sculpted form. The dim light of the smokeless torches brought the carvings to life, making the scales seem to slither and writhe in the gloom.

Intimidation. Cherry admired it. They’d left her to stew for an hour or two after they’d chained her up—to the ceiling, not the wall, which meant she was really in for it—but when one of the dracari had returned and found her singing an Inverein drinking song instead of sobbing in terror, they’d upped their game. Now there was a bench set up along one side of the room, and a silver-scaled dracari with an impressive crest of spikes was presently laying out a sequence of tools and unpleasant-looking devices atop it. Both his tunic and the wrap draped over it were black, which didn’t bode well. Black was Sirsassa’s colour, reserved for her highest ranking, her most faithful, and, key to Cherry’s current predicament, her Inquisitors.

On the other side of the room, a less worringly-dressed golden dracari was going through her things. They’d clearly already done so, since they’d stolen her bag before they threw her in here, but apparently fancied a second go. Cherry shifted in her chains, trying to ignore the ache in her shoulders.

“Reckon there’s still some wine in one of those skins,” she called. “If you all haven’t drunk it.”

The golden dracari spared her a brief glance, then returned to emptying out her pack an item at a time. Most of the stuff belonged to Ahrim and his boys, but some of it was hers. Including the House Everent communication stone, which the dracari held up to Cherry.

“Sexual aid,” Cherry said. The dracari said something to their friend, a quick avalanche of Draconic. The Inquistor ceased their performative laying-out of torture implements, and plucked up the stone with interest. His emerald eyes regarded her with cold, keen interest.

“My colleague is an arcanist,” he said, in much smoother commontongue than any of the others had. “They say this is a magical device.”

“Like I said. Sex aid,” Cherry told him. He blinked once, slowly, then his hand snapped up and cracked her across the face. She cried out, pain lancing through her cheek. “Ash and fucking smoke, fucking bastard lizard!” She spat blood. “Fuck that hurt.”

“There are a small number of your kind in the Empire,” the Inquisitor said coolly. “I have had the good fortune to take several under my care over the course of my career.”

“How’d that work out for you?”

“Informatively.” The Inquisitor raised the stone. “What is the device?”

“Don’t know. Stole it,” Cherry said. Her head rocked sideways at another blow, eyes swimming.

“What is the device?”

“Go fuck yourself.”

The Inquisitor’s hand raised for another hit, and it was at this point that the communication stone began to glow. Cherry cursed her father’s timing as the House Everent symbol illuminated, casting its red light over the Inquisitor’s face. Vancis’ voice spoke through it, clear as if he were in the room.

“My patience is not infinite, Debuachery, and neither is my coin purse. Where are you?”

He spoke in Infernal, and though Cherry could understand him, it was quite clear the dracari could not.

“I do not have time for your games of stubbornness and aggravation, girl. I have other methods for dealing with Sorrow if you cannot hold to your end of the deal.”

“What does it say?” the Inquisitor demanded, thrusting the stone at Cherry’s face. “That is your tongue. What does it say?”

Cherry swallowed blood, head throbbing. “It says, go fuck yourself.”

Silence followed her statement. The stone had stopped glowing, Vancis having given up on contacting her for now. The arcanist watched the Inquisitor nervously—the Inquisitor clasped his hands behind his back, and strolled over to his bench of tools. His tail flicked idly from side to side, stirring up little eddies of dust from the floor.

“I have been told,” he said, “that infernii prize their horns greatly.” He lifted what looked like a very strange set of metal shears, with thick, curved blades. “These are designed to remove the horns from dead wyverns. I dislike nonspecific tools, but one must be able to adapt in this line of work.”

Heat pulsed at the base of Cherry’s horns, and whether it was from the blow or from the Infernal blood in her veins, she didn’t know. The Inquisitor brought the shears over to her, holding them up so she could see the magical marks inscribed along the blades. She tried not to flinch away. Surely they couldn’t cut through her horns. She was infernii, not some winged beast; her horns weren’t just bone, they were fire and magic and the Inquisitor set the shears around her left horn, where it curved back over her hair and there was some sort of tightening screw on the handle and he was turning it and she couldn’t feel it but she heard the rasp of the blades scrape against her horn and—

“It’s a communication device!” she blurted out. “It sends messages from Infernus—from my father, my employer.”

The Inquisitor angled his head to meet her eyes. He turned the screw on the shears again and Cherry whimpered as something made a small crunch. “Continue.”

Cherry wet her lips. “Vancis Everent. Third House. He wants me to find another infernii up here, that’s all. I was looking for him, sort of, when your people grabbed me, I don’t have nothin’ to do with the walking dead or any of that, I’m just looking for Prince Sorrow!”

Over on the other side of the room, the arcanist let out a noise of surprise. They said something to the Inquisitor; Cherry picked out Sorrow, and Kashoskalya. That was the capital, if she remembered right.

“It seems we have a friend in common,” the Inquisitor said. “You know this Mehendrahnos?”

Cherry tried to shake her head, but he held her still with the shears. “I don’t! Sorrow’s got fingers everywhere, tradin’ and smugglin’ and shit, wouldn’t surprise me if he’s got some in your hometown.”

The Inquisitor thought a moment, then let go of the shears but didn’t remove them from Cherry’s horn, where they were seemingly now locked in place. He stepped away, addressing the arcanist—in commontongue, presumably for Cherry’s dubious benefit.

“Have Mehendrahnos brought. If he works with imps, he will explain what they are doing with risen dead on our borders.” He glanced at Cherry. “Think on your own explanations before I return. They had best be more informative than today’s attempts.”

He left, taking the arcanist and her communication stone with him. The torches went out the moment the door shut, either by force of its closing or some dracari magic. Cherry hung in the dark, with metal clamped to her horn and her face throbbing and her arms screaming, and spat curses at the walls until she ran out of them. Then she simply hung there, hurting.

[ID - a green and black decorative divider]

Valloroth taglist: @cherrybombfangirlwrites @reininginthefirewriting @memento-morri-writes @foxboyclit @lawful-evil-novelist

@at-thezenith @morganwriteblr @fayeiswriting @serenanymph

@sam-glade @viscerawrites @thegreatobsesso @flower-reads @the-inkwell-variable (ask to be +/-)

[forever-eternal]

Ok y’know what

I’m interested in the time Adam got hit by a cannonball

You have a writing request now 👍

:)

——————————————————

The air is warm on the Colony shores, the ocean lapping at the rocks below like reaching hands, ready to claim any blood and flesh that falls into her depths.

The sky is dark, lit with the moon and stars; yet the light is blocked from the grass and sand below, blocked by the smoke of the raging fires that have overtaken the British Outpost.

A young man, a soldier— a redcoat by the name of Arthur— knew this was never expected.

They specifically chose this spot because it was hard to get to without scaling the cliffs facing the ocean at the East, or through the thickets and woods on their West side, and the North and South are barren stretches where they could see any foe for miles.

But, somehow…they were found.

It had been a simple night, a quiet night of joyous songs and beers around the fire. The walls of their outpost are high enough, and the men keeping watch would be able to see anyone who dared approach an outpost of the British Empire.

And then a gunshot.

One of the guardsmen falls over the walls, into the outpost, and Arthur had never seen a man’s blown-through brains before—

Another gunshot, another fallen man, and the General starts yelling. Arthur is a few steps behind getting up, the others already pulling open the doors to their small armory when—

…

Arthur will always remember the screams of his brothers in arms as the armory burst in flame with them inside, crumbling in on itself in a matter of seconds, falling too fast, faster than any other structure should.

He will remember the sound of the nurses screaming, the sounds of bones and skin and flesh ripping, the sound of cries of terror and pain as he finally— finally— moves, snatching up his bayonet—

And he will remember it.

The man.

A man with red-brown hair, tucked into a black tricorne hat with golden edges. He wears black breeches, a black waistcoat with gold buttons, and his black coat has golden trims.

The man is tall, about 6 foot, and while he is not as broad as an ox Arthur can tell the man is built for battle as much as any other soldier.

…

The man’s eyes are green.

Normally, that would not frighten Arthur, but the green is such an eerie shade— a shade that gleams brightly like emeralds in the sun when the blazing fires glitter across his irises.

The man carried a flintlock in one hand, a basket-hilted sword in the other— the hilt glimmering and the blade dripping with the blood that splatters up the side of the man’s face.

The man is smiling.

And Arthur believes that smile is the worst thing he’s ever seen.

Arthur doesn’t know how long he stares into the man’s eerie, gleaming eyes.

It’s like he’s trapped, held still, paralyzed with fear like a mouse before a coiled snake.

And Arthur doesn’t know what gave his fellow soldiers with the idea to load the cannon, but he is just barely able to snap out of it and throw himself to the side to avoid the shot.

It rips through the man’s right side, taking half his chest, the shoulder, and arm with it.

And, to Arthur’s horror, the man does not fall.

He does not waver as his body is ripped through by a solid iron cannonball, and Arthur can’t even hope to look at the injury, his head pounding and eyes glossing away every time he tries to prove to himself that the damage was done and he is not dreaming—

The man’s smiling wider, and Arthur thinks he can see fangs— needle-sharp, too many teeth, the fangs are even longer– and Arthur can feel his mind trying to tear itself apart at the seams when he realizes that is no man.

The things blade, it’s flintlock lost with its arm— its arm that is growing back, it’s body repairing itself as it moves— slices through the bodies of Arthur’s countrymen like an oar through still waters.

It’s graceful, the things body moving in ways no human ever should; fluid and coiling but tense, like a snake ready to strike.

Blood splatters onto Arthur’s face as the thing comes to a stop in front of him.

Arthur can’t move, his eyes locked onto the things face above him as it shifts and warps and—

—————————

Adam Jones stands upon a cliffs-edge, overlooking the sea to the East and a massive forest to the West, with empty terrain to the North and East.

Last night, there had been an outpost here; a British outpost.

There is nothing.

No ash.

No blood.

Nothing.

And no one will ever know there had been.

He smiles.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

SLDF - Operation PERSUASION

New Derry Outskirts

Caph III

December 22, 3151

The air above Caph's northern continent of Brunell shimmered with humid heat as Highlander 'Mechs pressed forward. The 1st Kearny Highlanders, veterans of countless campaigns, moved with precision and discipline, their ranks anchored by Colonel Cadha Jaffray’s imposing Atlas. The towering machine strode at the center of the formation, its autocannon swiveling to track distant movement as its pilot issued commands.

"Captain Street, report!" Jaffray’s voice cut through the comms, sharp and commanding.

"Engaged with Capellan skirmishers near the old research outpost, Colonel," Street replied, his Shadow Hawk trading shots with a pair of CCAF Vindicator 'Mechs. "They’re pulling back, but they’ve got reinforcements closing fast."

Jaffray frowned, her brow furrowing beneath her neurohelmet. The Capellans had proven tenacious on Caph, their forces holding key supply routes and fortified positions despite repeated assaults. The Highlanders’ mission—to disrupt Capellan operations and gather intelligence for Duke Hansen—had been straightforward on paper, but the reality had become far more complicated.

"Hold your ground, Street," Jaffray ordered. "We’ll push up and reinforce. Highlanders, advance by lance and keep an eye on your flanks. The Capellans love their ambushes."

The column surged forward, the rhythmic thud of 'Mech footfalls echoing across the landscape. Above them, contrails streaked through the sky as aerospace fighters dueled for dominance, their engines roaring like thunder. Highlander artillery in the rear fired sporadic salvos, their shells arcing overhead to detonate amidst Capellan defensive lines.

The Capellans, true to their reputation, fought with cunning and brutality. Minefields and sniper positions had delayed the Highlanders’ advance. Still, the Highlanders pressed on.

Near the remains of the old research outpost, Captain Street’s lance dug in, using the rocky terrain for cover. His Shadow Hawk, now pockmarked with laser burns, stood alongside a pair of Centurions and a Rifleman, their weapons trained on the ridge ahead.

"Colonel," Street’s voice crackled over the comms. "We’ve got movement—multiple signatures. It’s not Capellans."

Jaffray’s Atlas crested a hill, its sensors sweeping the horizon. The readouts confirmed Street’s report: a new force was entering the battlefield from the west, their signals unfamiliar but unmistakably Clan. She keyed the open channel.

"Highlanders, tighten up and prepare to engage. We’ve got incoming—Clanners."

The first 'Mechs appeared moments later, their sleek designs and emerald-hued paint schemes glinting in the harsh sunlight.

Jade Falcons.

One of the Highlander 'Mechs opened fire, scoring hits on a Falcon Stormcrow.

A Summoner, leading the Clan vanguard, fired a precise gauss rifle shot that slammed into a Highlander Centurion, sending the medium 'Mech stumbling backward.

"Contact!" Street shouted, his Shadow Hawk’s autocannon roaring to life. The Highlanders opened fire, their weapons blazing as the Falcons advanced. Pulse lasers and PPCs crisscrossed the battlefield, carving glowing trails through the dust-filled air.

Colonel Jaffray gritted her teeth as her Atlas fired its LB 10-X autocannon, the cluster rounds hammering a Falcon Nova and forcing it to retreat. The Highlanders fought fiercely, but the Falcons’ precision and coordination were undeniable. The enemy warriors moved with the deadly grace of predators, their every action deliberate and efficient.

As the battle raged, a second Falcon formation appeared on the Highlanders’ flank, led by a Turkina B. The massive assault 'Mech paused atop a ridge, its weapons silent as the pilot opened a channel.

"All Jade Falcons, stand down. Highlanders," a female voice rang out, calm yet imperious. "This is Khan Stephanie Chistu. Please, cease fire. We are not your enemy. The Capellans are the true threat here."

Jaffray hesitated, her finger hovering over the trigger. The Falcons’ arrival had thrown the battlefield into chaos, and now their leader was calling for an end to hostilities. She glanced at her tactical display, which showed Capellan reinforcements closing in from the east. The Highlanders were caught between two powerful foes.

"Colonel," Captain Street’s voice came over the comms, low and urgent. "What do we do?"

Jaffray took a deep breath, her mind racing. The Highlanders’ creed demanded they never yield, but this was no ordinary fight. If the Falcons were sincere, their combined strength could turn the tide against the Capellans. If not...

"All units, hold your fire," she ordered, her voice firm. "Let’s see what they have to say."

The battlefield fell eerily quiet, the only sounds the crackle of burning wreckage and the distant rumble of artillery. Jaffray’s Atlas stepped forward, its shadow falling over the Falcon line as she addressed the Jade Falcon Khan.

"Khan Chistu," Jaffray began, her tone measured. "You’ll forgive me if I’m skeptical of your intentions. Why should we trust you?"

Chistu’s Turkina moved closer, its weapons lowered. "Because we share a common enemy, Colonel Jaffray. The Capellans have no regard for honor or tradition. They are a blight on this world, and together we can purge them. Your mission and ours are compatible."

Jaffray studied the Turkina through her viewscreen, weighing the Khan’s words. The Highlanders had faced impossible odds before, but this alliance—if it could be called that—might be their best chance to survive and complete their mission.

"Very well," Jaffray said at last. "We’ll fight alongside you—but know this: the Highlanders bow to no one."

Chistu inclined her 'Mech’s torso in a simulated nod. "Nor would I ask you to. Let us show these Capellans the price of their arrogance."

Jaffray's Atlas turned and strode forward. Beside her marched Chistu’s Turkina, the towering assault 'Mech exuding an air of dominance.

"Captain Street, report," Jaffray barked over the comms, her voice cutting through the din of battle.

"Engaged with Capellan skirmishers, Colonel," Street replied. His Shadow Hawk traded fire with a squad of Vindicators, their PPCs carving molten scars into the hillside. "They’re pulling back, but we’ve got heavier units moving in from the east. Looks like reinforcements."

Jaffray frowned, her brow furrowing beneath her neurohelmet. "Hold your position, Street. Highlanders, form up—brace for another push. Falcons, I trust your warriors are ready?"

"They are always ready, Colonel," Chistu replied, her voice calm and commanding. "The Capellans will break beneath us, as they always do."

Before Jaffray could respond, her tactical display lit up with new contacts—west of their position, the same direction the Falcons had come from. Sensors struggled to resolve the signatures, but the IFF codes were unmistakable. They read: Star League Defense Force.

"New contacts incoming!" Captain Street’s voice crackled. "IFF reads... Star League? What in God’s name is going on here?"

Jaffray’s hands tightened on her controls, her eyes narrowing at the display. The SLDF? It was impossible. The Star League had been gone for centuries, reduced to little more than myth and legend. And yet, here the computers said they were, advancing on the Highlanders' position.

"Khan Chistu," Jaffray growled, turning her Atlas toward the incoming forces. "What game are you playing? First, you march in like saviors, and now the Star League? Explain yourself!"

Chistu’s Turkina turned slightly to face Jaffray’s Atlas. "This is no game, Colonel," Chistu replied evenly. "The Star League Defense Force has risen anew, united under First Lord Alaric Ward. They are our allies, and they fight for the same purpose as we do: to drive the Capellans from this world and secure peace."

Before Jaffray could respond, a new voice cut through the comms, calm and resolute. "Colonel Jaffray, this is Commanding General Melissa Hazen of the Star League Defense Force."

Jaffray’s tactical display flickered to life, revealing the image of Commanding General Hazen. The sight was almost surreal—an immense, avian figure with emerald feathers and piercing golden eyes, clad in a green cooling suit, bearing the Cameron star of the SLDF. Even through the hologram, Hazen’s presence radiated authority, her demeanor calm but unyielding.

"Colonel," Hazen continued, "I understand your skepticism. But this is no deception. The Star League has returned, and we are here to ensure the survival and unity of the Inner Sphere."

Jaffray’s jaw clenched as she studied the hologram. The rumors had reached even the Highlanders—Alaric Ward’s conquest of Terra, whispers of the Clans forging a new Star League. But seeing it firsthand, standing side by side with the Falcons... it felt impossible.

"You expect me to believe that the Clans, the very people who shattered the Inner Sphere, are now the saviors of humanity?" Jaffray asked, her voice sharp with doubt. "That the Star League fights alongside them?"

Hazen inclined her head slightly. "The Star League is the Clans, Colonel Jaffray. But you are right to question us. The Clans have a bloody history, but under First Lord Ward’s leadership, we have chosen a new path—one of unity, not conquest. We fight for a future where humanity stands together, free from tyranny. Today, that means standing with you against the Capellans."

Jaffray’s display pinged a warning. The Capellan reinforcements were closing in fast, their heavy units forming a spearhead that threatened to shatter the Highlander line. She glanced at the Jade Falcons, then at the SLDF units advancing to reinforce their position. Her Highlanders couldn’t win this battle alone.

"Khan Chistu, General Hazen," Jaffray said at last, her voice steely, "if this is some kind of ruse, you’ll find the Highlanders do not forgive betrayal. But if you’re here to fight, then prove it."

Chistu’s Turkina shifted slightly, its weapons coming to bear on the approaching Capellans. "You will find the Falcons do not betray their word, Colonel. Let us end this together."

Jaffray switched to the Highlander command channel. "Highlanders, hold fire on all Falcon and SLDF units. Target the Capellans only. Let’s see if these allies are as honorable as they claim."

The battlefield erupted in chaos as the Capellans met the combined assault. Falcon pulse lasers and Highlander autocannons carved into the enemy’s vanguard, while Highlander artillery thundered in support. The Capellan line wavered under the relentless onslaught, their forces buckling as the alliance pressed forward.

Jaffray’s Atlas loosed a salvo from its autocannon, the rounds slamming into a Cataphract and sending it crashing to the ground. She couldn’t shake the unease that lingered in her chest. The Star League reborn, and formed by the Clans? It defied everything she had known. For now, survival took precedence. But when the battle ended, Jaffray would demand answers.

The combined might of the Highlanders and Jade Falcons slammed into the Capellan reinforcements with relentless force. The ground shook under the titanic weight of stomping BattleMechs. The land was now a hellscape of burning wreckage, craters, and shattered trees.

Colonel Jaffray’s Atlas trudged forward at the forefront of the Highlander line, its LB 10-X autocannon spewing a storm of cluster rounds into the Capellan front. A Marauder in House Liao's livery staggered as the barrage shredded its left arm and cockpit armor. Before the Capellan pilot could regain control, a jade blur streaked past on towering plumes of fusion fire—Khan Chistu’s Turkina unleashed a withering salvo of pulse and extended-range lasers, carving through the Marauder’s chest in a deadly crossfire. The machine collapsed, a charred ruin, as Chistu's 'Mech slammed back onto the ground.

"Highlanders, press the attack!" Jaffray commanded over the comms. "Hold tight to your lines. Don’t let the Capellans isolate us!"

"Understood, Colonel," Captain Street replied. His Shadow Hawk darted from cover to cover, firing bursts from its autocannon at a Capellan Raven that scurried across the ridge. A Highlander Rifleman alongside him loosed PPC bolts that slammed into the Raven’s rear, sending it toppling in flames.

To the west, the first of the SLDF’s units made themselves known. The 2nd Royal BattleMech Regiment—the former Silver Keshik of Clan Wolf, now flying the banner of the reborn Star League—was a whirlwind of deadly precision. Their paint scheme—the striking old SLDF green accented with red and gold lines, and the insignia of the red canine head of Clan Wolf over a golden Clan daggerstar—gleamed even through the haze of battle. A Nova piloted by a 2nd Royal MechWarrior darted across the field, its arm-mounted pulse lasers scything through a Capellan Cataphract’s armor. Behind it, a pair of Warhammer IICs opened fire, their PPCs connecting in a stunning display of coordination that sent the Cataphract crashing to the dirt.

At the heart of the SLDF line stood Galaxy Commander Ranna Kell, her custom Regent a towering figure of dominance and command. The Light AC/20 in the right torso unleashed a twin burst, each a storm of caseless explosive armor-piercing slugs, tearing through the thick armor of a Capellan Awesome. The Mech staggered, and Kell’s arm-mounted Snub-Nose PPC fired a thunderous bolt that punched through its exposed reactor. The resulting explosion lit up the battlefield.

"Second Royals, maintain cohesion," Kell’s voice carried across the shared comm channel, calm and authoritative. "No quarter to Capellan forces—crush their formation."

Kell pivoted her Regent, its ER large lasers slicing through the cockpit of a Trebuchet attempting to flee. The Capellan ‘Mech collapsed in a heap, ammunition detonating in a fiery plume. Her Regent’s Wolfhound Active Probe, Archangel ECM Suite, and Neutron Star CEWS worked in tandem, coordinating the battlefield network between Highlander and Falcon forces. The SLDF's precision and efficiency were unmatched.

"Khan Chistu," Jaffray called out, "I see your warriors are keeping up."

Chistu’s Turkina turned smoothly to intercept a charging Grasshopper. The Clan leader’s voice carried a hint of dry amusement as her machine fired a blistering combination of ER Large Lasers and Medium Pulse Lasers, vaporizing the Grasshopper’s leg and torso. "Did you expect otherwise, Colonel? Clan Jade Falcon was bred for this. And it seems the Wolves have remembered their purpose as well."

The Highlanders were holding their own against the Capellan assault, but the sheer volume of enemy reinforcements continued to press against their combined line. A Capellan Zeus broke through the Highlander left flank, charging toward the rear artillery units. Before Jaffray could react, a pair of Timber Wolves from the 2nd Royals intercepted it, their combined fire shredding the Zeus’s legs and toppling it like a felled tree.

"Nice shooting," Street muttered, his Shadow Hawk trading shots with a Capellan Griffin that refused to back down. The Griffin leapt to a higher vantage point, only for a Falcon Summoner to swat it out of the air with a Gauss slug that tore through its center torso. The wrecked 'Mech crashed to the ground, a plume of smoke and dust rising in its wake.

"Colonel," Captain Street called out urgently, "we’ve got more movement on the eastern ridge. Looks like another Capellan lance moving to outflank us!"

Jaffray checked her tactical display. The Capellan forces had deployed reserves, medium and heavy 'Mechs advancing to envelop the Highlanders’ right flank. She cursed under her breath. The Capellans were determined to grind them down.

"Second Royals," she barked, "we need reinforcements on the right flank. Now!"

Kell’s Regent turned sharply, its advanced sensors locking onto the eastern ridge. "Understood, Colonel Jaffray. Royals, shift to intercept. Anchor the line and hold fast."

The 2nd Royals reacted instantly, their disciplined maneuvers a testament to their Clan training. A Mad Dog dashed toward the Highlanders' right, its paired LRM racks launching a devastating salvo that broke up the advancing Capellan formation. Behind it, a Dire Wolf unleashed a torrent of firepower, obliterating a Capellan Orion in a single, overwhelming strike.

Jaffray’s Atlas pivoted, firing its autocannon into the thick of the enemy formation. A quick glance at her display showed the tide slowly turning. The combined forces were holding, but it was a grueling battle of attrition. For every Capellan 'Mech destroyed, more seemed to pour onto the battlefield.

Kell’s Regent stalked forward, its LAC/20 and lasers unleashing havoc on a huddled group of Capellan 'Mechs attempting to regroup. A Quickdraw reeled as its legs were obliterated by pinpoint Gauss fire, while a PPC bolt from Kell’s Snub-Nose reduced a Blackjack to molten slag.

"Khan Chistu," Jaffray said over the comms, "any sign of additional reinforcements? This fight’s far from over."

Chistu’s voice carried a note of grim determination. "The Falcons and the Second Royals will not falter, Colonel. If we die here, we die as warriors. But this world will not fall to the Capellans."

The battle raged on, the combined might of the Highlanders, Jade Falcons, and the SLDF Second Royals holding firm against the relentless waves of Capellan reinforcements. Fires raged across the battlefield as shattered BattleMechs lay strewn in smoldering heaps, the ground beneath them churned to dust and ash by artillery and energy weapons. Despite their coordinated efforts, the defenders were beginning to feel the strain.

"Colonel," Captain Street called over the comms, his Shadow Hawk weaving between rocks as it traded fire with a Capellan Vindicator. "These Capellans just keep coming. We can’t keep this up forever!"

Jaffray’s Atlas fired its autocannon, shredding a Cataphract that had ventured too close to the Highlander line. She could feel the tension rising among her forces, the weight of the battle pressing down on her shoulders. "Hold your ground, Captain," she ordered sharply. "The Highlanders don’t break. Not now, not ever!"

But even as she said it, her gaze flicked to her tactical display, noting another surge of Capellan reinforcements pushing from the eastern ridge. The Falcon and SLDF lines adjusted, pivoting to meet the threat, but the sheer number of enemies was taking its toll.

And then, over the comms, a hauntingly familiar sound broke through the chaos. A lone set of bagpipes played, their mournful wail piercing the din of battle and rolling across the battlefield like a thunderclap, invading allied and enemy communications alike.

"Bagpipes?" Captain Street’s voice was tinged with surprise. "Are those… Highlander reinforcements?"

Jaffray’s heart skipped a beat. The sound of bagpipes had long been a rallying cry for the Highlanders in battle, a herald of reinforcements or a call to arms. She activated her comms, switching channels to the Highlander command network. "Do we have reinforcements incoming?" she demanded.

"Negative, Colonel," came the reply from the artillery commander in the rear. "We’ve got nothing on the roster for reinforcements. Whatever that is… it’s not from us."

Confusion rippled through the Highlander ranks as the sound of the pipes grew louder, joined now by the roar of descending DropShips. The bagpipes were soon joined by a martial drumbeat, the kind that had once sent Highlander troops marching into battle centuries ago. The players were skilled, the notes both inspiring and haunting, and the ancient melody of "Alba an Àigh" carried the weight of centuries of warfare and sacrifice.

Jaffray frowned, scanning the skies. Her sensors picked up the incoming DropShips, their IFF signals identifying them as SLDF. The DropShips descended through the clouds, and as they broke through the thick gray layer, their cargo doors opened. From each vessel, BattleMechs dropped in a formation that stunned even the battle-hardened Highlanders. Painted in SLDF green, their surfaces bore intricate bands of blue, green, and black tartan along their arms, torsos, and legs. Each machine was marked with the insignia of the legendary Black Watch, the Star League's most elite and storied regiment.

Captain Street gasped as his sensors locked onto the serial number of the lead 'Mech: HGN732B-BW12681. He felt his heart skip a beat. "Colonel," he said, his voice hushed with disbelief. "That Highlander… that’s Elizabeth Hazen’s 'Mech!"

Jaffray’s brow furrowed. "Impossible," she muttered. "How could it be here? That 'Mech was lost when the Star League fell."

There was no time for questions, as the Black Watch opened fire mid-drop, their weapons raining devastation down on the Capellan forces below. Gauss rifles, PPCs, lasers, and autocannons carved through the enemy lines with terrifying precision. As they landed, the bagpipes reached a triumphant crescendo, the speakers mounted on the 'Mechs blaring at maximum volume.

Leading the charge was Melissa Hazen herself. As she landed, her 'Mech executed a flawless Highlander Burial, the crushing blow of her 'Mech’s legs obliterating a Capellan medium 'Mech below her - whatever it had been, no one could tell now.

The Highlanders, stunned by the sudden arrival and the display of martial prowess, rallied as the Black Watch tore into the Capellan ranks. Jaffray’s comms erupted with chatter, her troops trying to make sense of what they were seeing.

"This can’t be real," one MechWarrior muttered. "The Black Watch… they’re supposed to be gone."

"Real or not," Jaffray snapped, "they’re fighting for us. Highlanders, regroup and press the attack! Let’s show the Capellans what happens when they challenge us!"

Melissa Hazen’s voice came over the open channel, calm but resolute. "Colonel Jaffray, the Black Watch stands with you. Let us finish this fight together."

Jaffray hesitated only a moment before replying. "Understood, General. Highlanders, give them hell!"

The battlefield was transformed. The combined firepower of the Highlanders, Jade Falcons, Second Royals, and the Black Watch crushed the Capellan forces. The enemy line broke under the relentless assault, their remaining Mechs retreating in disarray.

As the dust settled, Jaffray’s Atlas approached Hazen’s Highlander, her curiosity overcoming her disbelief. The tartan-clad 'Mech turned to face her, its weapons lowered, and for a moment, the two stood in silent acknowledgment of each other.

"You have some explaining to do, General," Jaffray said at last, her tone a mix of suspicion and awe.

Hazen’s voice came over the comms, steady and unwavering. "In time, Colonel. For now, let the legend of the Black Watch remind the Inner Sphere that some things are eternal."

Jaffray nodded slowly. The battlefield was eerily quiet in the aftermath of the Black Watch's devastating arrival. Smoke rose in thick columns from the broken hulks of Capellan BattleMechs, their forces routed and scattered. The bagpipes had faded, leaving only the crackling of fires and the distant rumble of aerospace engines as SLDF and Highlander aerospace fighters secured the skies.

Jaffray’s comm crackled to life, interrupting her thoughts. "Colonel," Captain Street’s voice came through, still tinged with disbelief. "I’m picking up a Highlander IFF in the Falcon ranks… what the hell?"

Jaffray froze, her brow furrowing. "Another Highlander? Impossi—" She cut herself off as her sensors confirmed the signal. The 'Mech was striding toward them from the Jade Falcon lines, its green-and-gold paint accented with Clan markings but bearing the unmistakable design of the Highlander - a IIC.

As the machine approached, Jaffray’s gut twisted. The Highlander IIC moved with familiarity, its gait and bearing unmistakable to a seasoned Highlander like herself. But it wasn’t just the machine—it was the name now appearing on her tactical display.

Tara Campbell.

Jaffray’s comms opened automatically, her voice sharp with disbelief and anger. "Tara?! What in God’s name are you doing here? How—how can you be with them? You—" She faltered, her voice cracking with emotion. "You swore an oath to fight to the last. To protect the Highlanders. And now you stand with the Falcons?"

The Highlander IIC came to a halt, its torso twisting slightly to face Jaffray’s Atlas. A calm, familiar voice came through the comms. "I have not forgotten my oaths, Cadha," Tara Campbell said, her tone steady but filled with a quiet sadness. "I never will."

Jaffray’s anger boiled over. "You abandoned us! You surrendered to Alaric Ward on Terra! How can you possibly justify this?"

Before Tara could respond, a new voice interjected—smooth, commanding, and unmistakably Clan. "Colonel Jaffray," Khan Stephanie Chistu’s voice came through, her tone measured. "You misunderstand the circumstances of Tara Campbell’s capture. She did not abandon your people. She sacrificed herself to ensure your survival."

"Spare me your Clan justifications," Jaffray snapped, her anger undimmed. "She should have fought to the last, as all Highlanders are sworn to do!"

"Tara did fight," Chistu countered firmly. "She fought with honor and bravery until it became clear that further resistance would mean the complete destruction of the Highlanders on Terra. Alaric Ward gave her a choice—her life in exchange for safe passage for your people. She accepted because she valued the lives of her people over her own pride."

Jaffray’s jaw clenched, but before she could respond, Melissa Hazen’s voice broke through. "Colonel, I have known Tara for years - since the days of the Republic. Her bravery during the defense of Terra is the stuff of legend, as well you know. If I had been in her place, I would have made the same choice. And if you trust me enough to stand beside me in battle, you can trust me on this—she has not betrayed the Highlanders. Not now, not ever."

Jaffray’s anger began to waver, though her voice was still tight with emotion. "And how do you explain her… joining the Falcons? How can she stand among the same warriors who destroyed Terra?"

Tara’s voice came back, softer now but filled with conviction. "Because they are not the same Falcons who followed Malvina Hazen. These warriors are rebuilding—rediscovering their honor, after cutting out the cancer that was the Mongol Doctrine. Khan Chistu brought me here as her bondsman, but she gave me more than a new place. She gave me a chance to teach these Falcons what it means to fight like Highlanders. To fight with discipline, courage, and honor."

Khan Chistu’s voice returned, this time with a surprising warmth. "Colonel Jaffray, Tara is not just my bondsman. She is my teacher and my equal in many ways. She has taught my Clan to remember the old ways, to fight with the honor that Malvina discarded. And I will not deny it—Tara is far more than a warrior to me. She is my partner, my confidant. My lover."

The battlefield seemed to go silent at Chistu’s admission. Jaffray stared at the Highlander IIC, the weight of her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "You’re… happy with them?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I am," Tara said, her tone soft but resolute. "And I believe I am doing more good here than I ever could have imagined. The Falcons needed to remember what honor looks like, and I have helped them find it again. But that does not mean I have forgotten who I am, or where I come from. I am still a Highlander, Cadha. I always will be."

Jaffray’s hands trembled on her controls, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Finally, she let out a long, shaky breath. "I don’t understand it. But if the General and… and the Khan both vouch for you, I’ll accept it. For now." Her voice hardened. "But if you betray us, Tara—if you betray the Highlanders—I will end you myself. Do you understand me?"

Tara’s voice was calm, unwavering. "I would not expect anything less from a fellow daughter of Northwind."

Jaffray nodded slowly. "Then let’s finish this fight. Together."

As the Highlanders, Jade Falcons, SLDF, and Black Watch prepared to advance once more, Jaffray couldn’t help but glance back at Tara’s Highlander IIC. The sight of her former leader standing proudly among the Clans was a bitter pill to swallow, but for now... there was a battle to win.