#like i truly hope and believe they left amicably at least with the cast

[streakyglasses]

... happy for shemar ?

[my-writings-and-musings]

I got a wonderful commission to share here today. I hope you're all ready for some ADORABLE shenanigans!!

MTMTE/Brave Police Crossover

The bots rescue an unusual group out in space, and make some unexpected friends.

"So, how are our new arrivals doing?"

Ratchet kept his voice rather low, but had little need to do so with the bots in question chatting away too eagerly to overhear him. 

"Good, as far as they've told us." First Aid replied, looking over the notes on his data pad with an expression of still overwhelmed awe. These "Brave Police" truly were a marvel; earth made bots just as capable as any Cybertronian, complete with the ability to transform! Casting a glance back to the group, he had to pause at the sight of Drift chatting happily with them all, feeling as left out as everyone else did for the moment. Being the only one who had their particular earth language in his files, the ninjabot had been their translator from the moment of their unexpected arrival, though had quickly become amicable enough with the gathered group to start chatting away even when there was nothing to interpret. Noting that he technically had yet to speak to any of the new arrivals directly, First Aid amended his statement. "Well, as far as they've told Drift, anyway."

"We'll have a language download primed in just a few minutes, conversing will be far easier in short order." Ultra Magnus reassured the gathered bots from his monitor, finishing up the unexpected language program they had so sorely been needing. Despite the copious quantities of data they had on alien languages, not a single file on earth languages had been ready to go... Rodimus had been less than happy at the news. "A few minutes after that, the whole ship will have access, eliminating further language barriers."

"A few slow minutes!" the captain remarked in a huff, tapping his pede as he watched the loading bar crawl to completion. Casting a longing glance at Drift, he made no effort to hide the source of his impatience. "I should have been able to welcome these bots on board, I'm already late to the job!"

"Complaining will not make this go any faster-"

Even Ratchet had to chuckle at Ultra Magnus's expense when the monitor suddenly pinged to notify them it was finished, but Rodimus wasted no time rubbing it in, practically fist pumping only for a moment before diving in. Downloading the program at impressive speed even for him, the captain booted up the new language straight away, leaving everyone else to catch up as he hurried over to their guests.

"Hey everyone!" he greeted happily, loving the thrill of a whole new manner of speaking. The Brave Police perked up at the sound of their primary language, which Drift had referred to as "Japanese", with the aforementioned bot looking especially pleased. Smirking at his friend in particular, Rodimus addressed the whole group as the bots behind him finished up installing the program. "Am I coming through loud and clear?"

Drift smiled, but looked to the blue mech that had identified himself as the head of their team. Even if he hadn't, however, Rodimus could tell by the way he jumped up and saluted that the bot in question was a natural leader. "Very clear!" he said enthusiastically, offering a hand to shake with impeccable manners that almost seemed to be made all the more charming by his boundless enthusiasm. "Though we've already met, I would like to personally introduce myself and thank you for the rescue."

"Not a problem! We were in the neighborhood, you know?" Rodimus replied, finding things infinitely easier now that the two could talk directly. As the rest of his own team caught up behind him, with Magnus giving him a pointed look of disapproval, he allowed the earth based bots to speak freely at last.

"I'm Deckerd, and these are the other members of the Brave Police." said the police bot, looking to his assorted friends and opening the floor for them. 

"I am McCrane." a reserved but friendly mech said, giving a very polite nod of his helm as a greeting. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."

A far more brightly colored mech, of a similarly solid build, gestured eagerly to himself. "I'm PowerJoe."

"Call me Dumpson!" a bright red mech announced, flexing an arm to show off his impressive strength. Rodimus had no doubt the bot would be very popular at Swerve's, and almost didn't notice the source of the next introduction from a sparsely lit corner.

"Shadow Maru."

Drift looked immediately impressed at the stealthy mech's skills, but before he could say a word the next member was speaking up quite emphatically 

"I'm Drill Boy!" he said from atop a medical berth, kicking his legs eagerly and bursting with so much energy one might actually miss the soccer ball positioned in his chassis. Every bot present mutually wondered if it was a design or an actual functional ball, especially Rodimus, but the topic was minor enough to be filed away for the moment. A red and white mech spoke up next, his tone so flat Rodimus immediately knew Magnus would have a new friend by the end of the day.

"Duke."

At last, a lightly colored bot chilling on an open chair spoke up, lazily offering a playful salute as he introduced himself. "I'm Gunmax, baby."

Rodimus knew, straight away, he had found his own favorite amongst the group. At least, this bot would undoubtedly be the one he related to most. Behind him, a grumpy presence cleared his vents and spoke up.

"I'm Ultra Magnus. Now that we are all acquainted, I believe it is time for some more in depth explanations-"

"Come on, Mags! These bots have been through enough!" Rodimus said, patting the much larger mech on the arm and ignoring the look of frustration it got him. Perhaps there was residual impatience from the language delay, but he had no intention of sitting through anything he didn't feel like. "Besides, I think we established the basics well enough. You guys are from earth, right? Human constructed?"

"Yes. We were in space to foil a criminals plot. We were successful, but had it not been for your rescue, I fear we would not have made it home." Deckerd replied, calling back to the shell of a space station they'd been rescued from. Evidently some human had invented a kind of interstellar travel for nefarious purposes, been stopped by the Brave Police, but not before managing to get them all incredibly lost. Looking to the floor, the police cruiser continued a little awkwardly. His request was wrapped up as a tentative statement. "That is... we are still hoping to return home."

Rodimus smiled, hoping to get the group comfortable eventually by being as welcoming and laid back as possible. Clearly they weren't accustomed to calling their own shots. "To earth? Hey, not a problem! It's a stone's throw from here... on a cosmic scale."

There was a small groan of exasperation, and Drill Boy hopped off the table, pouting like a sparkling. "Aww, do we have to go back right away?"

"Drill Boy-" Deckerd admonished, turning on the spot to face the younger mech but never getting a chance to finish.

"I agree with him, boss!" Dumpson affirmed, making their poor leader's face turn to mortification as he was quickly outnumbered. Power Joe affirmed the sentiment, gesturing to the medical bay that had awed them when they'd first arrived.

"Yeah! We've only heard rumors of beings like us, yet now look where we are!" he said, recalling their impossible wonder at furniture their own size being *everywhere*. The Cybertronian presence on earth had never been especially heavy in their home country, and with official information at a minimum, their rescue had been a discovery for both sides.

"We certainly can't overstay our welcome!" Deckerd countered, blushing as he tried to compel his fellow officers to comply. Far too polite to share his own desire to stay, the police bot flinched as Gunmax piped up, offering his usual level of laidback snark in a single retort.

"Then let's just stay until we're no longer welcome!"

"Everyone-"

"Hey, no worries!" Rodimus said, stepping in to rescue the poor leader before an argument could break out. Endlessly amused by what he was seeing, the captain was quite confident he spoke for everyone when he offered an extended stay. A quick glance along mostly affirming looks told him as much. "You guys are welcome on the ship while we chart a relaxed course for the blue marble, sound good?"

Deckerd flushed again, looking down and kneading his hands together as he replied. "We wouldn't want to impose-"

"No imposing here. Magnus, Drift, can you relay a message to earth so these bots can call home? Ratchet, any chance you can synthesize some fuel for them out of what's in stock?" Rodimus said, putting an arm around Deckerd and speaking quickly so there'd be no time to argue. There was thankfully no resistance, as Magnus appeared too resigned to offer any. Ratchet, however, had a quick request to make before anything else could proceed.

"I'll need access to... diagnostics. Our anatomies differ quite considerably, so if I'm going to offer care, I'm going to need more information." he said, likely recalling how shocked he'd been upon first scanning them and discovering no sparks. Not to mention their use of earth fuel over energon, or how they lacked transformation cogs, and that was to say nothing of their unfathomable processor design... It had been the first time he'd experienced surprise in the medical bay in a long time.

Deckerd nodded politely, gesturing helpfully to himself as he did so. "I can share my own, doctor. Theirs are based on mine."

"There, we all good?" Rodimus said, guiding the group of new arrivals to follow him out the door. He could tell these poor bots were unaccustomed to a world designed around beings like them, and thus he wanted very much to show them what they were missing out on. Plus, they deserved a bit of fun after everything they'd been through. "In the meantime, how about a tour?"

"Yes! Yes please!" Drill Boy replied, hopping right beside Rodimus and nearly bouncing on his spot. The enthusiasm was almost infectious, and the captain couldn't help but puff up as he pinged the doors to open. 

"Alright, let's go!" 

The entire group followed in short order, even the most reserved of them looking curious as to what awaited them. While the antics reminded him of sparklings, Rodimus had to remind himself they were incredibly young, so the comparison technically wasn't too far off. Considering that, he felt he owed them a good time. Drill Boy made that easy, at least, hurrying beside him with wide and amazed optics.

"Is the whole ship this big?!" he asked as they stepped into the hallway, turning in circles as he tried to absorb the entire space at once. Deckerd stepped forth to explain the actions of his teammate, though he was clearly quite impressed himself judging by the delighted smile on his face.

"Only our office is built to accompany beings of our size." he said, giving the Cybertronian pause as he considered living in a world designed for much tinier beings. Earth had seemed okay while visiting, but suddenly the thought of living there seemed... cramped. Judging by how these bots were marveling at a mere hallway, he wasn't wrong. Did the humans just expect them to squeeze through everything all the time?

Gunmax joined Drill Boy in appreciating the change of stretching out his arms high above his helm and looking quite pleased at how he didn't even come close to the ceiling. "This is way better! There's elbow room to spare!"

"Look! We can fit through all the doors!" Dumpson announced, standing beside a random doorway to emphasize how his bulky frame could easily slip inside. Rodimus had to fight the urge to chuckle at the sight, especially with how delighted every one of his charges appeared at the idea. Several even tried the comparison for themselves with multiple individuals beside a single frame. When they finally did go back home, he'd have to leave them with a parting gift of Cybertronian door technology. Perhaps even some blueprints for a building in their size were due.

"Hold up!"

A familiar voice made him stop and turn on the spot with a delighted grin.

"Drift!" he called out as his friend hurried up behind them, looking just as excited as Rodimus felt. The Brave Police looked equally delighted by the return of their initial interpreter, especially when he was offered a spot on the group. "Wanna help me show these bots around?"

"I'd love to! Magnus is handling the transmission message." he said, looking to their guests with a helpful smile as he explained what that meant. Not that he wanted to assume anything, but interstellar communication didn't seem to be amongst their skills. "You guys will be able to call home when we're done."

"Boss will certainly be relieved to hear we're all safe." Deckerd said, looking like the news had taken more than a little weight off his own shoulders. Exactly who their "Boss" was hadn't been specified, but from the sound of things they did admire and care for whoever it was. Which was good, because if there was even an inkling the humans weren't treating them well... Rodimus had his thoughts cut off by a polite question. "If I may ask, where did you learn to speak Japanese?"

"When I was on earth I spent some time in Japan." Drift replied happily, recalling how he'd explored the country and added the native language to his database to better understand what was going on around him. Thankfully he had kept it despite leaving earth behind, or these bots wouldn't have had a way to communicate their medical needs. Considering how flabbergasted the medics had been... that was an immeasurable blessing. "I've still got a number of other languages saved up, more for the memories." 

"Can you speak English?" Duke said, surprising even his cohorts with the question. Looking a little flustered at the attention, the surprisingly shy bot quickly clarified with an addendum under his breath. "It was... the first language I was programmed for..."

"I'm pretty sure most bots who have been to earth can speak English, learning a language isn't too hard for us as long as we have a download pack for it." Drift explained helpfully, and Rodimus had to stifle a smile at how his friend appeared ready to take the bot under his nonexistent wings. Ultra Magnus might have some competition befriending this one, it seemed. 

"Hey, what's a "Swerve's?" Drill Boy asked, pointing ahead and totally oblivious to the conversation they'd just been having. The bright neon lights on the wall and the bots hanging about gathered the attention of the entire Brave Police, and in an instant Rodimus and Drift shared a knowing look of anticipation. Hopefully, this would be the most fun their guests had ever had.

"The best place on the ship to unwind, make friends, and knock back a few drinks." Rodimus declared proudly, gaining the attention of the bots outside the bar as he did so. While the news of the "Earth made bots" had traversed the entire ship several times over, no one had seen them yet, and thus there was an immediate buzz of excitement. Rodimus hoped they were all ready to become very popular in a short stretch of time. 

"Drinks? For real?" Gunmax said, quickly moving to the front at the mere mention of the word and looking absolutely ecstatic. "About time, I'm parched!"

"But we don't consume the same types of fuel!" Deckerd reminded them all, looking uncertain and perhaps, a little hopeful to be wrong. While he didn't actually know the ins and outs of their differences in fuel consumption, Rodimus knew there was a bot who would, and was banking on him to have already crafted something. 

"Let's see about that." he said, somewhat obscure on purpose as he guided the group past Ten. Each one appeared to go through a cycle of intimidation to confusion when the big tough door guard said his single word and welcomed each of them with a wave. The inside of the bar was buzzing already as they squeezed inside, the newcomers optics going wide as they beheld the incredible activity thumping away to the music. Chatter only increased as their presence was noted, but Rodimus made it clear the group was with him and on a mission. He didn't want to unleash them to the chaos without loosening them up a bit.

"Hey Swerve!" he shouted over the noise, clearing enough space for everyone to gather beside the bar. The barkeep pretended to have just heard him, despite clearly having been watching them all from the moment they came in, and he stepped right up to the counter with a glowing visor. Clearly, he'd been waiting for this.

"Need something, Captain?" he greeted, still playing coy and acting as if he wasn't buzzing with excitement for the new arrivals. 

Rodimus, ever the sport, happily played along. Having ensured the whole ship had access to the language file, and allowing everyone interested to download it at their convenience, he spoke so that their guests could easily overhear the conversation. "Not me, but do you have anything for some travelers from earth?"

Before Swerve could answer, Drill Boy secured a seat at the bar, grabbing an empty drink and holding it up as the most amazing thing he'd ever seen. By the sparkles in his optics it might have been.

"Deckerd, look!! Everything is our size, even the cups!" he exclaimed happily, sitting up haphazardly on the stool as if he'd never had a place to sit in his own size. Technically speaking, he'd only ever had the one, so this might as well have been life changing. 

"I've got more than cups, I've got some mixes for you to drink out of them!' Swerve declared proudly, producing a bottle of oil based liquid that astounded the gathered bots. Having only ever had fuel for practical purposes, the very idea of consuming for fun was resulting in some beautiful expressions of surprise. Loving the reaction, Swerve explained his process with well deserved delight at the accomplishment. Dark, iridescent liquid that shimmered at the smallest movement was poured into waiting cups as he did so. "I looked at your usual fuel formula and made a few tweaks that should make it taste a lot better. What do you think?"

While each bot took their cup and drank with varying levels of bravery, there was still undeniable curiosity from every one of them, even the most cautious. Dumpson, Power Joe and Gunmax knocked theirs back like a shot while Duke, McCrane and Deckerd sipped politely, the rest falling somewhere in the middle as Swerve held his metaphorical breath. Thankfully, the results came in with incredible speed.

"Fuel can taste this good?!" Drill Boy shouted, finishing off his entire cup in a rush and leaning over the entire bar in a desperate search for more. "Please tell me you made enough for us to take home!"

"No wonder Gunmax always drinks it, this is amazing!"

"It never tastes like this, this is something else!"

"Is this why the Boss always drinks so much?! It can be this good?!"

Rodimus and Drift couldn't back some good natured laughs at the reactions, quite happy to have introduced the bots to some much needed fuel and a fun time at once. Swerve, looking like he was overwhelmed with pride and genuine emotion at the compliments, had to regain himself before opening another bottle. 

"I made plenty! Plus, I can make more!" he said, pouring more glasses for his new group of fans as the rest of the bar quickly fed off the growing celebratory energy. "As much as you want while you're here!"

"Hear that, everybot?!" Rodimus said above the din, taking advantage of the segway to set the newcomers free to mingle and hopefully befriend a few more bots. He could already see a few potential takers now; Tailgate appeared to be bursting with questions, and First Aid had reappeared to do the same, not to mention Ultra Magnus and Ratchet were stepping inside... The whole ship had to be present, and thus he made sure to be audible by everyone as he issued a statement so informal it could hardly be called a command. "The Brave Police will only be with us until they have to return to earth. In the meantime, let's show them how to have fun, Cybertronian style!"

A hearty cheer rose up, and by the natural fusion and fission of social groups, the earth bots were soon surrounded by eager and curious Cybertronians acting like long lost siblings.

Rodimus was vaguely aware of a tap on his shoulder, and while he expected to turn and see Magnus, Deckerd appeared rather sheepish as he held a partially drunk cup in both hands. Speaking just loud enough to be heard, he asked a question the captain hadn't actually prepared for. "If I may ask, what is this "Cybertron" I've heard referenced so often?"

The query was unexpectedly heavy, but he answered regardless. "It's our home planet, and-"

Before he could finish, Deckerd appeared shocked by the mention of " planet", as if something had finally come together in ways he struggled to process. "There's truly a whole planet of beings like us-you?" he said, betraying the source of his wonder in a single misspoken word. Rodimus felt his spark, something he had to remind himself the other bot didn't share, ache a little in sympathy for the bot. One could hardly tell they were of different worlds, but for all the problems of Cybertron, it was clear to him who had the advantage. The Brave Police didn't have an entire species of their own, and their time here had undoubtedly made them a bit more aware of that. It only made Rodimus all the more determined to give them a good time. 

"Yeah! It's a little rough right now, but once we clean up a bit you'll be welcome to visit." he said, noting that plenty of friendships would be made today to help that happen. Drill Boy was showing off tricks to a whole team of bots, Gunmax was competing with Dumpson and Power Joe to down shots, McCrane was having a conversation with Cyclonus as Tailgate watched with a glowing visor, Shadow Maru was actually chatting with Ravage, and Duke was indeed hitting it off with Ultra Magnus. There was no shortage of enthusiastic camaraderie to go around. Primus, he merely had to blink and there was a transformation speed contest, his shipmates awed at their shared ability to transform...

"I'm certain it will be fun." Deckerd said as he surveyed the minor chaos with a chuckle, optics warming with delight at his team having so much fun beside their newly discovered companions. Rodimus wanted to tell him that it would be more than fun. The Lost Light was wonderful, obviously, but there was a whole galaxy out there to explore! Hopefully he'd be able to convince them all to come on some future trips when they slung by earth again in the future. Maybe they weren't durable enough for meteor surfing, but they'd undoubtedly appreciate theme parks, virtual reality hubs, and the countless bars that lined the stars. 

"I promise it!" he said enthusiastically, putting an arm around the other bot like an affectionate big brother. For all of his reserved traits, the police bot chuckled at the gesture. Beaming as a monitor and microphone in the corner caught his optic, Rodimus guided the other mech through the crowd, speaking over the noise as he gestured with excitement. 

"Now, while we're still sober enough to appreciate it, let me introduce you to bot sized karaoke!"

[pengychan]

[Good Omens] Winging It - Epilogue

Summary: Shockingly, attempting to destroy an angel without consulting God first comes with consequences. There is more than one way to fall, and a thousand more ways to inconvenience an angel and a demon who just wanted to be left in peace. Characters: Gabriel, Crowley, Aziraphale, Beelzebub, Michael, Uriel, Sandalphon Rating: T  

Prologue and all chapters are tagged as ‘winging it’ on my blog.

A/N: Aaand we finally made it to the end! Which is a beginning in many ways. How is it going to go? Beats me, but it probably won't be boring. Also yes, I am just posting a Christmas-themed chapter right before Easter. So sue me. I had a blast writing this one - hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing!

***

“Unionize Hell. You’re telling me we should unionize. Hell.”

“Well, it would be a first step towards giving you some bargaining power. Once demons begin seeing Satan as someone you can bargain with through the sheer force of numbers, it will be easier to convince them they can decide to walk away.”

“This is the single dumbest idea I have ever heard coming out of your mouth.”

Sitting beside Gabriel, Michael stiffened and glared daggers across the table. “If this is how you believe you can address us, we may as well end the meeting--” she began, only to trail off when Gabriel grinned,  resting an elbow on the table and leaning his chin on the palm of his hand.

“That’s blatantly untrue,” he said, still smiling at Beelzebub. “You’d ve heard dumber by far.”

The prince of Hell’s lips curled upwards for the briefest moment. Michael shifted a little on her seat and glanced over at Dagon, who just so happened to be sitting beside Beelzebub for the meeting. She met her gaze briefly, but it was enough for Michael to know she was not the only one to be mighty uncomfortable at the turn Gabriel and Beelzebub’s formerly entirely professional relationship had taken. That was an odd sort of relief. 

Unaware of their second-in-command’s discomfort, or just blatantly ignoring it, Beelzebub let out a thoughtful, buzzing sound. “... Hmph, I suppose I have. But I am ready to be you are not inclined to have the Heavenly host unionize.”

“Ah, actually,you’d lose that bet. We have given the go-ahead.”

The Lord of the Flies blinked. “... You have?”

“Yes. It worked out for my friends back in Southampton, so I figured, why not Heaven?”

Michael briefly wondered if she was supposed to remind Gabriel that Heaven was not precisely the same as a port city on England’s south coast, but in the end she decided against it. She was a warrior, had always been, but a good warrior knows how to pick battles and that was not the hill she was ready to, figuratively speaking, die on. 

Across the table, Beelzebub raised an eyebrow while waving away a few fies “And God is not displeased?”

Gabriel shrugged, leaning back on his seat and spreading his arms a little. “I have not been fired yet, and I am taking it as a good sign. I suppose it may create a precedent for angels to leave, if so they wish, on more amicable terms than you did. And possibly with some severance. Who knows, perhaps if you had formed a union in the first place instead of going immediately for full-on rebellion--”

All right, they got sidetracked far enough. “Gabriel,” Michael spoke up.

He cleared his throat. “Right, yes. Apologies. Never mind the past. What I am saying is, it might be a viable path forward now - for beings on either side. Do give it some thought.”

“Mmh.” Beelzebub crossed their arms, leaning back against their seat with a foot braced against the table. To Michael’s surprise - and to Dagon’s utter bewilderment, it seemed - they seemed to be truly giving it some thought. “I suppose that perhaps, this does fall into the ‘so dumb it might just work’ caregory. And it’d make Hell worse for Reagan and Thatcher. I will consider it.” 

“Very well. I do believe that concludes the meeting.” Gabriel said, and smiled. He’d been smiling an awful lot throughout the meeting, and not the kind of insincere business-like smiles he would usually sport on such occasions. 

No, Michael thought, not usually. Before.

“Actually, there’s more we need to discuss,” Beelzebub said, standing. “Privately, if possible.”

“Ah, of course. Right this way. You’re all right wrapping this up, Michael?”

Trying with all her might not to wonder about their private discussion, Michael nodded mechanically. “Of course,” she droned, and busied herself picking up papers once they were gone, trying to ignore the demon who was very much not gone.

“... For the record, the cold shoulder treatment only works if the one receiving it cares about getting the cold shoulder,” Dagon spoke up after a few minutes, filing papers away in a folder she had seemingly summoned out of thin air. “And I do not care.”

And yet you had to remark on that.

Michael let out a snort, choosing not to argue. She hadn’t been trying to remember the being they had known before their rebellion and Falls, or at least not as hard as Gabriel probably wished her to - Sandalphon and Uriel were fairly ahead of her there - but she did have the uncomfortable sensation she had known Dagon, whatever she was called before, quite well.

Awkward, considering she was rather certain it had been her to cast her out.

“Have you had any success in tracking down the Duke of Hell?”

“Hell has a great many Dukes. You will need to be more specific.”

“I believe there is only one who is currently a fugitive,” Michael said, her voice sharper. “Hastur. The one who kille-- who almost-- sort of killed Gabriel.”

“... We lost him somewhere around Alpha Centauri, but I am certain we will catch up with him eventually.”

“Are you always this inefficient?”

“I mean, you’re welcome to try catching him yourself,” Dagon snarled, snapping the folder shut. It seemed the perfect moment for her to disappear in a cloud of foul-smelling smoke, but she did not; rather, the Lord of the Files seemed to hesitate. Michael had just enough time to wonder if she may have remembered something from before that Michael did not before she finally looked up and spoke again. 

“All right, since we are suddenly supposed to have opinions now, what do you really think of this… entire… thing?”

“You mean, Gabriel and Beelzebub’s plan?”

“Calling it a plan seems more generous than I’ve ever known you to be.”

That was true, Michael had to concede. When she had tried asking Gabriel if there was a plan they should know of, he’d only replied that he was ‘sort of winging it’. It certainly was a complete u-turn from how things used to be, but if he had been brought back and… not yet cast out again over his unorthodox involvement with Beelzebub, there had to be a reason. 

Perhaps whatever he had learned in his time on Earth would be the key to everything. After what she had done to him by blindly following orders, Michael was willing to heed his words now, and so were the others. If it turned out to be a mistake, they would face whatever consequences there may be as one. Never again would she lift a sword on her friends.

“... No, it is not a plan,” she finally said. “I suppose it is more of a leap of faith.”

“Faith in what?” Dagon made a face. “In God?”

Michael did not take the bait. “More in our own ability to figure things out, I suppose.”

“That’s the sort of thing humanity is all about,” the Lord of the Files muttered, and blinked when Michael let out a brief laugh.

“Well, perhaps that is precisely the point. Try being more human.”

“... Have you hit your head? From the beginning of everything, it has always been human who tried to become more like u--” she trailed off, wrinkling her nose as though she had just sunk her fangs into a lemon. “You. More like you. And from the beginning, you have encouraged that.”

“Maybe that is where we went wrong after all.”

A pause. “Are you seriously suggesting it should be you-- us-- to lower ourselves into being more like them? Really?”

“Well. It is what Yeshua did, and perhaps it was a lesson meant for us,” Michael shrugged, and tuned to the door. “After all it was humanity, and not us, to be made in God’s image.”

***

“Oh, look at that. Another wedding invitation.”

“Shadwell and Madame Tracy?”

“How did you guess?”

“They made it abundantly clear during Anathema and Whatshisface’s wedding reception.”

“Ah, fair. Do you think they’ll allow us to take Warlock to their wedding as well? He got on well with the Them, and Madame Tracy has surely invited those children.”

“Can’t see why not. Are you sure they meant to invite us?”

“This is marked for the Serpent of Eden and the Southern Pansy.They did mean to indeed.”

“No clause against witches?”

“Oh, there is. It is to be a witch-free wedding. The only exceptions to the rule are dear Anathema, Adam, the two of us, and the bride herself.”

“You’d think that by now he would have noticed she only has two nipples.”

“Don’t be crass, dear.”

“Fine, fine. Do you think he’ll ever stop thinking we’re witches?”

“Unlikely. And I am not particularly inclined to disrobe and let him count nipples.”

A hiss. “Old fool.”

“An old fool who managed to swindle both of us for a few decades.”

“... Don’t remind me.” 

Aziraphale chuckled, and settled more comfortably in his armchair, setting aside the letters to pick up a book. Wrapped around the back of said armchair, the Serpent of Eden leaned his head on top of Aziraphale’s own. He tended to enjoy inhabiting that form, Aziraphale had found out, when the weather outside was cold and the fireplace was lit. 

Amazing, how many more little things about Crowley he’d found he didn’t know, after so many centuries of… acquaintance. Sharing a home with someone really did lead to a lot of interesting discoveries. For one, he could now see the appeal of laying in a bed and hallucinating behind closed eyelids for a few hours. 

“I could make my entrance in a cloud of Hellfire,” Crowley muttered, tongue flicking against Aziraphale’s hair as he reached to pick up a book. 

“I suspect giving the groom a heart attack would put a damper on the wedding.”

“I’m not hearing a no.”

“No, Crowley.” Aziraphale reached up to scratch the scales on Crowley’s side. 

He hissed again. “Spoilsport,” he said, but he leaned into the touch all the same. 

“Heh. Either way, we have plenty of time to make plans for the wedding, whereas Christmas is around the corner. Do you have anything in particular in mind, Crowley?”

“You do realize demons don’t really celebrate the birthday of your boss’ son, right?”

“Ah, I suppose that’s fair. But I wouldn’t mind a quiet evening in, perhaps bake some cake,” he said, faintly wondering whether Crowley would object to mistletoe. 

“Oh. Well, then I could help with the tasting, I guess. And-- wait. There are presents, right? Do you want presents?”

 A chuckle “I am rather content as is, but thank you.”

“Ah. Of course,” Crowley seemed to stammer, which was no mean feat considering he currently had a mouth whose anatomy was not meant to utter words in the first place. His head slipped lower, and ended up resting on Aziraphale’s shoulder. “... You wouldn’t happen to know anything about whatever Heaven’s planning, would you? Things have been… quiet.”

“Not at all. Nor you have the foggiest idea as to what Hell is on to, I’m guessing?”

“Nothing whatsoever. I think I’ll wish them luck and keep it this way.”

Aziraphale smiled, took a sip of wine, and opened his book. “My thoughts exactly,” he said.

When he tilted his head to rest his cheek on top of his head, Crowley did not protest.

***

Did you throw out another of your angels?

Not to my knowledge?

You must have. Someone just got through all layers of Hell all the way down to Satan’s lap. Sliding down a pole and singing. What the Heaven is going on up there?

Let me check with Uriel.

***

“Uriel?”

“Yes?”

“Are you aware of any angels being cast out? Beelzebub insists someone just got there, and I quote, ‘sliding down a pole’.”

“We have cast out no one. Their security must be really lax. Didn’t they have a similar problem with a poet from Florence at some point?”

“I don’t think that one came in sliding down a pole, but fair.”

***

I can confirm we cast out no one. Must be a mortal.

Wonderful, more paperwork and security checks. Thanks for checking, I guess. At least he seems to be keeping Satan distracted from anything we do.

Dare I ask how?

Don’t.

All right. Have you changed your mind about coming with me to the Christmas party?

Absolutely not. But I will meet you afterwards for carnal relations.

Are you aware that it does not count as a sin and therefore it is not the middle finger to God you think it is?

Are you saying you’re not interested?

No. Usual place?

Usual place. Don’t be late. 

I wouldn’t dare, Gabriel wrote with a smile, and his finger lingered over the send button for a few moments. I love you, he almost wrote, but he did not and in the end he just sent out the message as it was. Beelzebub would have found it both saccharine-inducing and redundant, and for good reason. There was no need to spell it out, really.

They were both very much aware of it.

***

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for usual celebrations?”

“Rather certain, yes. My former colleagues on Earth invited me to join them so long ago, it would be rude for me to cancel on them.”

“Yeshua might actually show up this year.”

“Ah, I am doubtful. He never did attend his birthday party, did he now?”

That was true, although not something any of them had really felt entitled to comment on. Sandalphon knew that Gabriel had taken it… not quite as a slight, but close enough. After all, the celebration was about a birth whose annunciation he was most widely known for.

Now, on the other hand, he seemed too taken with the idea of celebrating it on Earth to be bothered in the slightest. “... I suppose he didn’t,” Uriel conceded. Gabriel closed the drawer with the last of his work for the calendar year, straightened his tie, and smiled. 

“Why don’t you come with me? You could use getting to know more humans, too.”

Both Michael and Sandalphon blinked. Uriel raised an eyebrow. “To celebrate Yeshua’s birthday on Earth with them?”

“Why not? I am sure they won’t mind if I bring some friends. And you could use a break, Uriel. You’ve been working on reorganizing the lower spheres for months now.”

“You know I do not get tired,” Uriel informed him, but she was already glancing over at Michael and Sandalphon. 

In the end, it was Michael to shrug. “I suppose,” she finally said, “it would be interesting to see how the celebrations have changed since last time I took a look. They were not precisely cheerful, back then.”

“... When was the last time you did check?”

“Sometimes in the mid-fourteenth century,” she replied, and Gabriel laughed, putting a hand on her shoulder. 

“Ah,” he said, “I think you will be pleasantly surprised.”

***

“... And this is why it’s either panettone or pandoro, and anyone claiming not to take a side is  coward and a liar, and--”

Fabrizio rambled on, clearly rather satisfied to have finally found an attentive listener in Sandalphon, and Gabriel chose not to interrupt him. Somewhere at the other side of the room, Łukasz was staring in absolute disbelief as Uriel drank the twenty-second shot in a row without seemingly feeling any effects, and he might just be starting to fall in love. 

As he stepped towards the door and passed by a table, Gabriel chuckled. “Go easy on them,” he muttered, and Michael just raised an eyebrow at him, effortlessly beating yet another warehouse worker at an arm wrestling match. In the end, Gabriel decided that as long as the only thing getting bruised were egos, there was no reason to intervene. 

He stepped outside into a cold, clear night. No comet in the sky, but he had felt a pull to come out all the same. He let his gaze wander down the street and there it was - a shadow crouched in an archway, barely illuminated by a street light and covered in blankets as he tried to keep warm. Somehow, the blinking lights of Christmas decorations on the building made the figure seem even more lonely. And that wouldn’t do, it wouldn’t do at all - especially not that night. 

“Excuse me,” Gabriel called out, approaching the man. “Would you like to come inside? It is quite cold, and my friends and I are having a party - I am sure they wouldn’t mind.”

The man looked up. He had long dark hair tied back in a ponytail to reveal dark brown eyes, and his features were just barely illuminated by the street light - but it was enough for Gabriel to trail off, taken off guard. The man smiled. 

“Thank you for your offer, Gabriel. I think I’ll take you up on this one.”

Ah. Well. It made sense, come to think of it. He’d always been original like that. Past the initial surprise, Gabriel straightened himself and smiled. “Any particular name I ought to call you by tonight?”

“In this time and age, Joshua will do. It's nice to see you guys paying more attention to humanity. I look back fondly on my first lifetime among them. Most of it at any rate,” Yeshua added, and stood. He straightened his back with a groan. “Ow, my spine.”

Gabriel was unable to hold back a chuckle. “Is this how you’ve been spending your birthday for the past two-something thousand years?” he asked. Until not too long ago, he would have been offended by the notion. Now he felt rather foolish for not having thought of it. 

“More or less. No offense, but I enjoy Earth. Corporate events were never quite my thing.”

“None taken. I hope your mother is well?”

“The one who cast you out of Heaven, or the one who hit you in the head with a clay vase?”

“... The latter.”

“Ah, yes. She is very well. Still rather sorry about the incident, but maintains you should have knocked if you didn’t want a vase to your head.”

“That’s… understandable. But we have amended records to omit that part, so no harm done.”

“I am aware. So, is there anything I may do to thank you for your hospitality tonight?”

“... Do you still do the thing with the water and wine? Because I believe we’re running low.”

A laugh. “Ah, yes,” he said, slapping a hand on his shoulder as they headed back inside. “I think that can be arranged.”

***

Somewhere, Crowley is losing his entire MIND over the fact this guy got to use a pole on his way in. 

[thereisnoyellinginfantasycostco]

“All That Lives Must Die” Part 8

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7]

Barry was on a bounty when he got his call. Flicking his wrist to answer the stone, Barry sandwiched it between his shoulder and his ear as he walked towards the fortress, “��Yello?”

“Barry what have I said about answering the phone with that word?” Taako’s voice teased, a slight laugh echoing out, “Anyway, you busy?”

“Nah.” Barry raised his foot up and kicked down the door, sending the necromantic circle scrambling. A flick of his wrist and he severed two of their souls from their bodies to send them to the Eternal Stockade, “What’s up, Taks?” Another flick and three souls were sent to the stockade.

“Oh, I’m hosting a small shindig for the Birds, and well, we’d need all of the Birds there to really make it a party.”

“A small shindig? You’re hosting a small shindig?” Barry laughed, shaking his head as much as he could without dislodging the stone, “Anyway, I’m in. When should I be there?” He scraped his scythe across the chalk circle on the floor, breaking the spell.

“Now.” Taako’s voice was calm, weirdly calm, “Mags, Merle, and Lucy are already here. We just need you, Lulu, and Dav to get them all here.”

“Oh...I’ll be there in a few minutes. I just gotta finish up my current bounty.” He slashed with his scythe, finishing off the other three necromancers in the room. “There we go.”

“You’re on the bounty right now? Jort man you told me you weren’t busy!”

“Don’t call me Jort man, and I wasn’t! I took your call didn’t I?”

“I call you Jort man because you wear jorts and they disgust me. You digust me.”

“Yeah sure, Taks. I disgust you and that’s why you’re inviting me to your ‘small shindig’.”

“I’m only inviting you because Lup would’ve done it anyway.”

“Liar.” Barry voice was sing-song as he laughed, hand moving to tear a portal in the air, “I’ll grab some clothes and be there right away.”

“Good...I’ll be waiting.” Again, there was another weird tone in Taako’s voice, but Barry ignored it.

Getting his clothes was easy, Barry always kept a bag stocked with enough pairs of jeans and jean shirts to stay for the minimum of three weeks away. Small shindig, his ass. Picking up the duffle bag (jean of course), he slung the strap over one shoulder as he tore a portal to Taako and Kravitz’s home. Flicking his hand to at the very least appear normal, Barry stepped through.

The home looked as it always did, calm and peaceful and picturesque. Taako and Kravitz lived an hour away from Taako’s School Of Wizardry (whatever it was called, Barry couldn’t remember), and had somehow chosen the only place that was in the middle of a meadow.

When he first visited, he couldn’t believe it belonged to Taako the Wizard. It looked almost...mundane from the outside. But it was relaxing, both outside and inside, emanating waves of calmness.

He knocked on the door, rocking on his heels as he waited for the door to be answered. Barry got his answer in a few seconds.

Taako threw open the door, looping his arm around Barry’s neck and dragging him inside, “Barry! Wow, my dude, you weren’t kidding when you said you’d be right over.” Turning them around, he kicked the door shut behind him.

Barry looked around, noticing that Lucretia, Magnus, Merle, Angus, and Kravitz were here already. “Wow, this party’s gunna be around nine people, are you sure this really is a small shindig?”

“Positive, Jort man,” Taako chuckled, pushing him towards the couches, “I’ll go get you a cup of tea.”

For some reason, when he mentioned tea, Barry noticed that Magnus and Merle’s faces went pale.

As Taako moved towards the kitchen, Magnus moved towards Barry and grabbed him by the arm. He dragging him towards Angus’s bedroom and Merle hopped off of the couch to follow them.

The door shut with a click and a lock behind them and Magnus took Barry by the shoulders, “Don’t drink the tea Taako’s going to give you.”

“Wh-what?” Barry raised his eyebrow at him, “Taako- Guys what’s going on?”

“Something’s wrong with Taako, like really and truly wrong. Angus, Lucy, and Krav are all under some heavy fucking charm person. Angus was the one who called me and Merle here, but he got got when he confronted Taako about charming Lucy. We’re worried.”

Barry frowned, detaching from Magnus’s hands as he paced around the Boy Detective’s room, “Do we know what his goal in all of this?”

“No, but we think it has something to do with all of the Birds being in one place together.”

“The kid said he had some kinda hypothesis, but he never told us what it was before he got...got.”

“Okay, fuck. Knowing Taako-”

“We don’t know Taako, not like how he is right now.” Magnus scowled, crossing his arms over his chest, “The Taako we know would never charm his family, the Taako we know wouldn’t look that like.”

“Look like what?”

“Didn’t you see it? The black shit on his face?”

“Guys, what black shit?” Barry tilted his head at them.

“Shit, he must be using disguise self again.” Magnus cursed, chewing on his bottom lip.

“Okay so...what do we know right now?” Barry frowned, sitting down in Angus’s chair.

“Okay uhh, Taako recently came back from the dead, something was wrong with his soul, Krav was charmed almost immediately, he seems almost obsessed with getting all seven birds in this house at once, reapers aren’t immune to his charm person so don’t think you’re immune.”

“Damn, wait Taako died?”

“Yeah, something happened with Lup and him, we’re not sure what.”

Barry cast a look towards his stone of far speech, “Lup never told me another like that…”

“She must’ve had a reason to.”

“Well-” Whatever was going to follow up Barry’s words was interrupted by Taako opening the door (didn’t they lock it?).

“So this is where you guys ran off too!” Taako laughed, throwing his arm around Barry’s neck, “Now, how about I get you that cup of tea.”

Barry froze up and tried his best to smile at Taako, “Thanks, but no thanks, Taks.”

“Oh...well then you have to see this weird sciencey thing that showed up in my basement.”

“...Sciencey thing?” Barry asked, turning towards Taako.

“Sciencey thing.” He confirmed, using his grip on Barry’s neck to turn them both around and drag him out of Angus’s room. Casting a look over his shoulder, Taako’s grin sharpened towards his friends, before he made it much more amicable and turned back towards Barry, “I was hoping you’d do some tests on it and try to find out what exactly it is.”

“Oh I’d love to help you out, Taako.” He grinned and easily followed Taako downstairs.

As their shoes sounded against the metal stairs, and as the light from upstairs started getting further and further away, Taako’s grip turned hard and sharp on Barry’s shoulder, “What were you talking about with Merle and Magnus?”

“W-what?” Barry tried to push away from Taako, “We were just catching up.”

“Don’t lie to me, Jort man.” Slowly, Taako’s disguise fell. The dark purple tendrils were now curling around his left eye too, the ooze glowing slightly in the dim light, “What were you talking about?” He seemed to be a lot stronger than before, easily staying close and dragging him down the stairs.

“I told you, we were just catching up.”

Taako’s eyes, poisoned though they were with the purple, glittered in the low light, “Ohhh…” He drawled out, thick with sudden understanding, “They were telling you about me...weren’t they?” He drew his wand from his thigh high boot and purple smoke was cast out of the end of the wand, “What did they say?”

The smoke curled around Barry’s body, and he felt his words being tugged out of his body. “They told me about how you died and came back weird.” He tried to lift his hands up to cover his traitorous mouth, but Taako kept his hands by his sides, “Magnus and Merle told me how Angus called them here because he was worried about, and how you charmed Lucy, Krav, and Angus. How they don’t know your plan.” The words were painful as they were pulled out of him and he shuddered.

Taako’s lips curled up into a wicked grin. “Huh,” He said, “Guess the old man was right, Zone of Truth really is useful.” Another flick of his wand and the smoke dissipated. “Though, can’t have you running up and decharming them all so...sorry about this. I’ll come get you in a bit.” He pointed his wand at Barry, digging the tip under his chin, “Sleep tight, Bar.”

Barry felt his vision going back, and the last thing he heard was the sound of a doorbell and hearing Taako say something.

“Oh, she’s here too. Fantastic.”

[Part 9]

[kyojuuros]

Chapter 93

aka I finally formed a connection with the new warrior kids

So all in all this was a good chapter! I had to take pause several times for several reasons. Pieck is Best Girl™ and I think that was one of my stronger initial responses to the chapter. I want more of her. And I finally think I’ve found a care for characters like Gabi, Falco and Colt. I’m not feeling so bitter about being away from the main cast for so long. Still, I will be happy when we return to them. 

I’m just going to break this down into parts to keep my thoughts more organized. I also have some things to say about Ymir and how she was handled, and I don’t think my opinion is the popular one (lol), but I think I will save that for last. Also I am basing this off of this translation. I have not the patience to wait for Crunchyroll right now, but I will be checking that out when it’s released. 

More under the cut. 

Hannibal The Marshall

So this guy is hugely dependent on the titan power and seems pretty distressed at the idea that Marley can’t rely on that power forever. It’s kind of shit to me how this guy is chill with persecuting an entire race of people for his own comfort but that seems to have been the Marley Way™ for a while now, so it’s expected. He even makes jokes about engineering a titan with wings for the inevitability that war will take place in the skies someday. Basically, this dude needs to get cut off before he takes everyone down with him. 

Although he does seem to understand the reality of the situation. They need to work on bolstering their military, as Magath pointed out that their navy was a huge hinderence to them during this war, as much of the war took place on the sea, it seems. 

Captain Magath

This guy is okay in my book for now. This is the same guy who allowed Gabi to take off her armband in chapter 91 and generally seems to have pretty open communication with his Eldian subordinates. He is the one who brings to light the fact that the titan power is dwindling and says they need to work on their military before the titans are completely obsolete. 

I enjoyed his banter with Zeke, how he fed into the titan ass commentary by joking that he wants to know everything down to the number of hairs that are on a titan ass. LOL Basically the gist of it is that he seems to be willing to put himself down on the same level as his subordinates. He encourages Zeke, telling him he did well in that meeting and discussing what Zeke might plan to do in Paradis over the next year. He seems to value Zeke’s opinions and insight. 

Later in the chapter, while Colt and the others are drinking and celebrating and making an awful lot of noise, a superior mentions something about going in their cart of the train and making them stop. Magath is the one who says not to, and to let them enjoy this night. 

Basically, if you’re looking for your Eldian sympathizer (looking at you @kyojinofbraveos), I’m pretty sure that this guy is it. So, at this time he is cool as far as I’m concerned. 

My Boi Zeke

Zeke is getting a massive side eye from me right now. And I mean that in the most positive and amazing way possible. With the talk of Zeke being a child prodigy, and how the Marley government has never had any reason to doubt his sincerity, only to be met with the fact that he’s eager to get back to Paradis and is hiding the fact that he’s royal... this chapter has made it so clear that Zeke has his own agenda. I had wondered if Marley knew that he was royal, and this chapter all but confirmed that Zeke has kept this as his Big Fat Secret™ this entire time. I have no wonder, has he been brewing up a scheme ever since he was that child who sold out his parents? 

So Zeke’s spinal fluid seems to be the key ingredient to his ability to transform and control titans, even at night. It’s indicated this is only because he has royal blood, and is not an ability of the Beast Titan. So, I’m glad to have this confirmed, because after last month this is what I suspected. 

All in all, I’m really looking forward to whatever it is that Zeke has up his sleeve. I imagine that he really is not on either side. Not Marley, not Paradis, and just wants to figure out a way to end it all (or a massive power grab, but I really think it’s probably the former). 

From Zeke, I’m led to the next thing....

THE LEGENDARY ACKERMAN CLAN

A LEGENDARY SUB PRODUCT OF TITAN SCIENCE!!!!

A LEGENDARY SUB PRODUCT OF TITAN SCIENCE!!!!!!!!!!

So many people have suspected this for a long time, that their bloodline has something to do with the titan power, and here all but confirms that to be the truth. Even the people outside of Paradis know about them. But they were only believed to be legends. I’m honestly so excited to get this revelation and I am really looking forward to getting some answers and having more elaboration on Mikasa and Levi’s power. 

My question is if they were created at the beginning when Ymir made a pact with the devil, or if it’s something that came along later down the line. What makes them immune to the mindwipe? And are they truly Eldian? So many questions! Please, Isayama, elighten me! 

That Zeke is pretty much pissing himself at the idea of seeing either of them again (well, he hasn’t even seen Mikasa yet, but I digress), also tickles me. lol Can’t blame him after his encouter with Levi. I sure wouldn’t want to be on Levi’s opposing side either. 

Reiner, Galliard and the New Warriors

So Reiner’s got some post-Shiganshina PTSD going on. He breaks my heart, and only continues to become more sympathetic to me. 

Galliard is a total dick to him and I really don’t think it comes from a place of love. While I believe that Reiner was probably close to Marcel, Galliard is another case, and I’m quite sure he harbors a lot of resentment to Reiner (and probably Bertolt, but what’s the point since.. ya know) and even if they were amicable in the past, I don’t think that will be a thing between them during this story. At the moment, Galliard is on my people I’m good without seeing again list. Bro, you have a really awesome titan form, but you’re a bag of dicks. Please get it together or I’m witholding your Loreal.

The revelation that Reiner’s Soldier Mode™ was most likely him just acting out Marcel’s behavior honestly broke me? His guilt not only comes from a place of ruining many lives of the people of Paradis and realizing they’re not the evil devils that he was taught they were, but it comes from a place where an old friend saved his life and he felt like he needed to compensate for that. It’s like Reiner was trying to fill in the gap that was missing because Marcel died. It makes me wonder how much more of a toll this took on Bertolt than we initially thought. Or how much of a toll it took on both of them when they realized Ymir was the one who ate Marcel. 

Reiner, I just want to give you a big hug. You deserved better. I will punch Galliard to defend your honor. 

On this note, Reiner seemed much more carefree around Gabi and the others. And I think for the first time in the manga we got to see him at his purest. He expressed great care for those kids and seems to want to look out for them. Soldier Mode Reiner wasn’t a complete lie. 

Oh yes, so there is the Reiner/Gabi/Falco love triangle in which Reiner is not an active participant. lol It’s funny. Gabi clearly has a crush on Reiner and admires him a lot. Falco clearly has a crush on Gabi. And he’s so clearly jealous of Reiner, telling him to go rest, getting angry with him for Gabi wanting his power. Falco, chill... You’re twelve. 

Reiner and Falco did have an interesting exhange though at the end. When Falco was acting like becoming a titan is really just a shit situation, Reiner knew he needed to get Falco to shut up before someone reported him for treason. Reiner of all people should know that getting the power puts you in a shit situation. You become a tool for Marley, and you basically lose your life. 13 years is a short life. But he makes Falco shut up the instant Falco implies that becoming a shifter isn’t what it’s chalked up to be so that he doesn’t get in trouble. He can see that Falco has a thing for Gabi, and uses that as leverage to inspire him to work harder to gain his power. Reiner also seems to want to protect Gabi from a dark future, although we’re still not too sure what she means to him exactly (he could just be playing big brother though which I think is likely). In short, I think Reiner really wants Falco to inherit the Armored Titan rather than Gabi. 

That being said, I don’t think the transfer of power will actually happen within the realm of the narrative. Reiner still has two years left, Zeke only has one, the story really needs to wrap up before their terms are over. 

And now the hard part. 

Ymir

So Ymir is dead, and this is the part of the chapter I really had to take pause at. I had been hoping for a long time that she would not have an off screen death. That she would still matter enough to at least get the respect of dying in a blaze of glory or something. And I was wrong. I think... Most of us were wrong. 

I sat there for a few minutes before I finally moved onto the next page. I had to take a breath and really absorb that Isayama did The Thing. 

I’m going to preface any future comments here with the fact that I love Ymir and she is one of my favorite characters. I am upset about her death, particularly by how she’s been dangling on a string in front of us this whole time. I wanted much more for her than what Isayama gave her. I wanted her to be as important as her name always implied her to be But I think this is where I start to split off from many others who have voiced their thoughts on the matter. 

Her death was hinted at as early as chapter 50, and in retrospect this should have been expected. I hate to sound like a blind Isayama supporter, but in this case I’m going to have to defend him and his writing. 

Galliard puts it perfectly, honestly. 

She was given a name that she could not live up to.

Ymir was never meant to be as important as we made her out to be. I think from the very reveal of her name we were lead to believe that she was some type of goddess, or princess, or anything that bears the weight of a Big Name Player on the chess board of Attack on Titan. 

The only Ymir that was ever meant to be a big deal was Ymir Fritz. 

That’s not to say that Ymir didn’t play important roles. She may still have a story yet to tell through Galliard. I’m particularly intrigued at the idea of what potential there is if Galliard is ever to come face to face with Historia. Will that trigger something fantastic? 

Ymir was there for Historia when no one else was. She sought out Historia because she related to her. In the end, she was the catalyst of Historia’s great character development that lead her to take the role of queen and by her own, determined choice. She gave Historia the courage to live as herself, to live with pride. Without Ymir, Historia would have given into the demands of her father. Ymir loved her greatly and it moved Historia so much that she realized she didn’t need to get the approval of anyone. Her life was hers. This is what Ymir taught her. 

Ymir’s character flaw is that she is just too damn kind. She masks it with banter and feigned disinterest, but she has always been sacrificial. From the time she was given a name and a role by a Grade A con artist, she grew to love the feeling of making other people happy. She played the role of Ymir, because it made others happy. Even when the man who took her in betrayed her, she continued to play that role, because she believed it would make people happy. She died for that. She was stoned and turned into a mindless titan because of that. 

When she awoke, she felt free, and she decided that her life was her own and she would live it as she wanted. That lead her to Historia, and I would argue those years with Historia were the best of her life, and exactly the way she wanted to live out her days. She saved Historia from herself, and I think that she was satisfied with that accomplishment. She would be thrilled to see what Historia has become today. I think she could die at peace knowing that she helped Historia learn how important it is to live for yourself. 

But despite her love for Historia, I’d argue she had overbearing guilt of taking the life of Marcel, even if it wasn’t particularly her fault. When she agreed to go with them, she knew she was going to die. She begged them to see Historia one last time because she knew this. She called herself a shitty person. She was almost willing to drag Historia with her for selfish reasons. And thank goodness Eren unlocked the coordinate or she never would have left Historia behind otherwise. Marley would have done the worst to her. 

She chose to save Reiner and Bertolt and it’s something that surprised even her, but in the end she was at peace with it, saying that it doesn’t feel so bad to be a goddess. Reiner offered her the chance to leave when they were on the wall at Shiganshina, and she opted not to, saying that she was just tired. She wanted to give the power back that she stole. This intent was clear when she left with them. And I believe she was already dead before they returned to Shiganshina. 

I think the mistake is that we all thought she had something up her sleeve so she could get away and continue living and find Historia again. 

She wrote to Historia, and in that letter declared she was basically marching to her death very soon. She says her one and only regret is that she was never able to marry Historia. And this is how her story comes to a close. Ymir lived a life that she was proud of, and chose to give it up to save two more people. Another mistake we made is believing that she was selfish. Her problem was quite the opposite. She was selfless to the core. 

I don’t think we’re done hearing about her. I’m sad she won’t be an active participant in the narrative again, but the fact that Galliard can recall her memories leaves me believing that we will still learn more about her, and may eventually see a better depiction of what happened after she returned with Reiner and Bertolt. 

I think this could have been handled better. But my defense for Isayama is that I really can’t figure out how he would have been able to give her an on screen death at this point. The time skip cemented that she would get an off screen death, and the idea that she was probably already dead before they returned to Shiganshina also cements that for me. He couldn’t have shown it earlier without revealing the biggest plot point in the series before he was ready to. Marley was not intended to be exposed before the basement. There was really no way around this. I just hope that he is able to do her more justice moving forward. 

I’m torn up over her, but I am trying to rationalize and process. I just hope... we’ll get more insight into her again, somehow.��

Predictions

I’m always bad at these. Next month will definitely be at least a final chapter of Marley perspective in order to wrap up the volume. I think after that we will pan back over to the main cast, so I’m holding out for July. I want to see what they’ve been up to the last three years, especially now after learning that they had sent a fleet of 35 ships over during the last few years that have never returned. I want to see Eren and Armin wrecking some shit. LOL

The war is coming. Zeke and Eren, I think, will be the biggest players out of everyone. And I hope that this is more than a hope, but I think moving forward we will finally get more revelation on the Ackerman issue. Hopefully the East Sea issue as well, but I’m slightly less optimistic about that. 

This was a good chapter. I know a lot of people are heartbroken. Just know I support you even if I think that ultimately it was a fitting death for Ymir, albiet handled a bit shaky. I understand there are those who were far more attached to her than I am. She still lives on in our hearts, and she will always be a part of the narrative, even if we have to backtrack to revisit her again. 

[daintysprinkles-blog]

THE DEGRASSI JUNIORS NOW TO BE SENIOORS

For a long time, the Juniors have been bashed, bashed and bashed again with basically everybody doubting their ability to carry the show on from the current Seniors who appear a much stronger cast of actors and written characters due to the substantial length of time that they have spent on the show. However, I really feel that this season truly let the Junior class shine. By the end of the season, each character was developing and demonstrating those open-minded qualities which Degrassi have always advocated. Unfortunately, this is easily over-looked (and a lot of the fans are overlooking this.) but lets go into a little detail. In terms of the acting, Degrassi is sorting, we have already seen that Spencer, Chelsea (we can presume that she will be returning.), Sara, Yael and Amanda are on top of their game and Parham, in particular, is a fantastic actor. The writing has been incredible and although, I once thought that Frankie, Hunter and perhaps, Shay or Lola would replace Maya, Zig and Miles/Zoe as the ‘mains’, it’s become kinda clear that if the Degrassi team are clever about this, Lola, Yael and Saad will become the ‘mains’, since - to me at least - they are currently the strongest and most impressively written and acted characters. As for the writing and storylines themselves, I honestly do not feel as if we need to worry - as I said, the character development of the juniors has been sizzling away in the background for the entire duration of season four ! Frankie is not as unbearable a character as she is being perceived - as many have pointed out, she was the only one who was noticing and trying to help Esme’s mental state until Maya spoke with the councillor. Next, Yael’s storyline was a huge step in character development of the gamer squad. For the first time, we actually see Baaz standing up for somebody without insulting someone else and we can see how he and Vijay’s words of warning to Hunter have had some kind of effect. And yes, Hunter may have been the ‘worst’ when it came to dealing with Yael’s non-binary but without providing excuses for his actions, we need to remember that these are seventeen year old kids who have not fully matured yet and he is coming from a very masculine-dominated background - when we criticise Hunter for being selfish and becoming angry over how Yael ‘affects’ his sexuality, aren’t we forgetting Mr. Hollingsworth’s denial of Miles’s sexuality ? Come on ! If we do look at promo photos and the background of the final scene, Hunter has his ARM AROUND Yael. This is hinting that some reconciliation could have occured and after seeing Hunter and Yael’s scenes together since her coming out, I really don’t think that they have broken up and I do believe that Hunter will come around to understand, but not for another few episodes if the writers are to be realistic, based on Hunter’s past and real life situations. Before this season, Hael were my ‘OTP’ and I do still ship them but only when they can separate their differences. The OTP now, of course, is Saad and Lola - I scream every time they appear on the screen, I am not even sorry. There is no point in me elaborating on why I ship them - I will be a mess ! Both bring so many qualities to Degrassi and since we have seen so much of Lola the past few seasons, she appears to bring the most and I just feel that the writing of her character and development is impeccable. Not only is she one of the most open-minded characters on the show, she is also an amazing role model. Despite befriending the gamer squad which consists of three and boys and the non-binary Yael and other characters stereotyping her as perhaps, air-headed, Lola has never changed her her love for makeup, etc. and her quirks. I really wish that I had had a role model like that when I was younger. I also think it is interesting that Lola has a lot more cop on than the rest of the gamer squad so it shall be fun to see how that turns out. The Senior class leaving also means more potential for interesting storylines ! A lot of the Seniors had been on Degrassi since late Season Eleven and as seasons go, when a character deals with a problem it is generally unlikely for Degrassi to deal with that problem again until said character has left the show, with the general exception of mental health, bullying, coming out, sex, etc. . This means that the writers now have a broader range of issues to tackle ! Obviously, we are heading into season five with Esme and possibly Hunter leading mental health, Saad with islamophobia and Yael with coming out. I’m expecting storylines revolving around an eating disorder, drug abuse, Autism or learning difficulties, sexual assault, parental difficulties, cancer and much more. Rasha and Shay have not had too large a storyline without their significant others so next season could be interesting. Personally, I can see Shay either dealing with drug abuse (this season hinted at it.) or being valedictorian. I also agree with a lot of fans who have been speculating over whether or not she will suffer some injury that jeopardises her athletic career ? Unlike Esme, Degrassi did not forge any links between Rasha and the other Juniors before the Seniors (who she is better acquainted with.) graduated which was a little strange to me. Nevertheless, I can see she and Lola being kindred spirits and Lola’s relationship (?) with Saad holds more hope for a friendship between the two since Degrassi will probably pull the whole “all refugees know each other” backstory but where were you this season, Rasha lol ? Besides that, Rasha is definitely headed for student council president in my eyes and I am so down for this ! As for Esme, we are going to have to see her mental health and backstory dealt with and loads are speculating Personality Disorder which would be such a good storyline as I don’t think Degrassi has addressed it before ? Perhaps, they may even write a variation of Fiona’s storyline and Esme could get her entire life back on track, becoming valedictorian ! The storylines for the current characters could be interesting. I’m presuming that Saad will join the gamer squad (if the others weren’t such asses, they would probably discover that they and he could be like-minded.) and he and Lola will date. It is difficult to make a good guess of what will happen for he and Lola individually considering that as so many have noted, they are both powerfully written and acted character when carrying their own storylines AND when involved in the storylines of others. Lola and Baaz has been hinted at since Season Three so it would honestly not surprise me if the writers tried to make them endgame, however, I adore ‘Sola’ and have always imagined Frankie and Baaz as a good match. At the end of the day, Degrassi always seems to have almost all of their graduating characters coupled up ! I almost forgot that Vijay existed until Episode Eight or Nine so here’s hoping that he actually plays a decent role in a storyline of his own or someone else in the next season ? He reminds me too much of how Winston was written. I would take a guess that Vijay would become Student President or Valedictorian but I also hoped this for Winston. I am guessing that if there is time allowed for it,Frankie could suffer from an eating disorder, come out as bi-sexual or be the victim of sexual assault. Before, I thought that Lola may have been to the forefront of such storylines, however, Degrassi is still redeeming Frankie’s character from Season Two and since there is no more Jonah or even Winston, it could be said that her character is at a dead end and being such a prominent character, the writers are more likely to give her one big storyline in Season Five and let her chill in the background for most of Season Six, like they did with Zoe and Miles - two characters who Frankie reminds me a lot of. Not only this, Frankie has clearly been having an identity crisis and self-esteem issues for so long that I can see a coming out or eating disorder storyline being inevitable. I can’t see the writers just letting her lay in the dust for her two final seasons. I also forgot to mention - pregnancies ! It feels as if we have not had one of these in forever but we did with Lola last season. Now, that should be ringing alarm bells in our heads. Girl squads which come in three and are to the forefront of the show have always experienced pregancies. Emma, Manny and Liberty. Alli, Jenna and Claire. Now, Lola, Frankie and Shay. We have already had an abortion storyline which leaves for a pregnancy scare, a miscarriage or a birth. And although, I believe that Degrassi portray teen pregnancies as being way more common than they, perhaps, are, it is practically a tradition they have going here with the girl squads and I’d lowkey be so disappointed to see them break it ! Like I said, I’m expecting Yael’s non-binary storyline to continue until they graduate, as well as Hunter coming to terms with this change but I can see them being endgame either romantically or platonically. I never thought that Maya, Tristan and Miles would hang out together again but here they are on amicable terms ! Hunter and Yael are such strong characters, as are their relationships with the characters around them very strong, so I’d be so let down if the writers weren’t to play with that. Having oppositional defiant disorder myself, I’d really like some closure on Hunter’s mental health. I don’t see him developing conduct disorder but I don’t see the writers blackholing his diagnosis either. As we have seen this season, the writers have obviously acknowledged the fact that the fans detest blackholing - wooooop ! Again, who knows what will happen with Baaz and Vijay ! Serious character development is needed and appeared to be happening this season so hopefully we will see more of that soon. Also - VIJAY IS THE ONLY LGBT GUY LEFT ON THE SHOW ! WHAAT ! This means that we will have a freshman dude who is a member of the lgbt community and I can SO see a parallel of Vijay and Tristan’s awkward date in Season One happening ! Degrassi, I don’t hold a Canadian citizen, but pls hire me xo P.S I am pretty sure that Season Five and Six were written last year so whatever was big in social and cultural news around then would be a great hint. This is like predicting Leaving Cert papers, ohmygosh.

[my-writings-and-musings]

I have another lovely commission to share with you all! An awesome person wanted a super cute bit of interaction between Springload and Quillfire, so here it is!

Quillfire tried to keep the frown on his face from appearing too off putting as he left the base behind, keeping pace with Springload but ensuring the two of them had considerable personal space at the same time. To the benefit of their mission Earth's forests offered ample cover all around, ensuring neither had anything to fear in regards to detection. Though, to the anarchist, potential discovery was the least of his concerns. His last parting with the other mech had been under less than amicable terms, so he was fully anticipating a very unpleasant mission. In fact, he wouldn't have been surprised to learn Springload was planning to ditch him at the nearest opportunity. Such a prediction seemed more likely than not considering how the amphibicon had a tendency towards the dramatic. Was he going to be accused of defying invisible spirits, or sullying important signals from some great deity before he was exposed to corrosive attacks? It all seemed equally probable...

Frowning a little harder, he watched Springload hop ahead of him and wondered if this mission would end in failure like the last. They'd been up against considerable odds, and things weren looking much better. Steeljaw had been very insistent on them teaming up, so he had a bit of hope this would go well, but-

Crossing his arms, he huffed quietly to himself as he abandoned the train of thought, plodding along behind his chosen partner all the while. Why should he be the one to mend things? More importantly, why did he want to? There were a million other activities he could be doing at the moment, all of them more conducive to speeding up a revolution than this! Just imagining all the injustice on this backwards planet made his quills twitch with unease. Oh, how he longed to tear down the tyranny that was evident around every corner-

"Can you move more swiftly?" Springload barked back at him unexpectedly, hopping along through the forest at a pace few could match with a mere walk. Admittedly though, Quillfire was lagging behind as he mused over his unhappy thoughts. The amphibicon fixed him with an impatient glare. "The sooner this mission is completed, the sooner I may return to my quest!" 

Quillfire obeyed with a gulp, a reaction so out of character for himself he didn't know what to make of it. For some unfathomable reason, he wanted to make peace with this bot, and he was stuck with that. Perhaps he just didn't want to endure an entire mission tainted by awkward silences and angry glares, but what could possibly make things amicable between them? This bot wanted nothing but the treasure of a fabled city that didn't exist, how was he supposed to provide anything like that? Perhaps… just some conversation might do the trick? If only to lighten the mood...

As they came to a road that marked the next leg of their mission, he made an effort to think of something to say as the amphibicon pondered their map, as well as the instructions they'd been given.

"Steeljaw instructed us to wait here and construct an ambush site. When the human transport arrives, we are to steal their cargo…" he said, finishing the statement with a most distasteful croak. Clearly, his fellow bot was not especially interested in the mission either, and likely was imagining countless other ways his time could be better spent. Such was a common feeling at their rank, and he did truly share most of the frustration. With that as a starting point, Quillfire imagined they may have some common ground after all. 

"I will keep watch on the road, so that you might strike at the most opportune time!" he declared boldly, emphasizing his faith in the others skills. It wasn't even a stretch, as he firmly believed the other was more than capable of getting this done. Looking up and down the simple paved path to ensure he had a good vantage point, he found one in the form of a sheltered outcrop. Looking to Springload for a reaction the entire time, he smirked confidently and clamored up to the flat bit of earth above the road, gesturing to the wide field of observable forest as he did so. "We will claim our quarry with a single attack, and return victorious!"

Springload merely observed him with a blink of apathetic consideration. "Yes, indeed." he said simply, hopping into position and making sure to face away from his teammate when he did so. Pulling out the holo of his supposed map, he began to study it as he always did, scanning the runes for what had to be the millionth time. A terse tone made his feelings on any future reconciliation clear. "Then I may continue my quest for Doradas, alone."

The anarchist's quills sagged at the turn of events. While he hadn't been expecting immediate friendship, he also hadn't anticipated that the other mech would be so openly hostile to any kind of amicable teamwork, and found himself quite disappointed by the lack of success. For whatever reason, he just wanted Springload to like him, and failing at that was bothering him. I'm fact, it was bad enough that some part of him just refused to accept the defeat. There had to be a way he could earn the other's camaraderie. Considering how much time they still had left before their mission began, he had a good window in which to ponder a solution. 

Sitting back on the soft grass, he put a hand to his chin in intense thought. Springload himself only openly cared about one thing, and he didn't know him well enough to be aware of any other likes or interests… Casting a glance at the amphibicon, he felt his processor buzzing at the strain of thinking so hard to produce no results. He simply didn't know anything about geography, archeology, linguistics or any other topic which might help the other mech in his quest. The thought that he might not be able to do anything ate at him much more than it should have. It was enough to make him sigh sadly to himself at the hopelessness of it all.

"Do you see something?" Springload asked, mistaking his small sound for a potential signal. Embarrassed and surprised, Quillfire coughed and babbled out an excuse as fast as he could come up with one.

"Ah… no! I simply mistook a… an organic being for the target!" he explained lamely, not even believing himself. Springload arched an optic ridge, looking as incredulous as he did frustrated at the false alarm. Quillfire laughed awkwardly to clear the air, shrinking down beneath the edge of the outcrop to disappear from view. A dissatisfied croak let him know the outburst was thoroughly not appreciated. 

Frowning miserably to himself, the anarchist occupied his lonesome by doodling in the dirt at his pedes, practicing his signature mark as he often did while thinking. What was he supposed to do? Apologies were not in his nature, least of all because he didn't want to give them. As a loner he just didn't have much practice saying he was sorry to anyone. Ordinarily he was busy disrupting systems of power, overthrowing tyrannical systems, or freeing trapped souls with no one else to save them… Thoughts and feelings like these were too new for him to know what to do with them.

Thinking hard, he tried to come up with something he could do to earn the favor of the other mech, but still came up short. It was frustrating enough to make him draw more aggressively, because deep down he was certain there had to be a way to succeed. Springload wasn't too different from himself, after all. A lone mech, seeking his goals, using his natural gifts and weapons to take down those who opposed him…

Just as he was about to growl to himself at his failure to be inspired, his digit bumped against something in the soft earth. Without anything better to do, he slowly went about digging the object free. A flash of a white, shiny exterior motivated him to continue. Briefly forgetting about his troubles, he dug until a dirty but visibly solid object began to reveal its shape. Round and about the size of his palm, a glossy white stone came from the dirt without too much fuss, and he smiled at the small accomplishment. It was a rather lovely treasure for such a simple planet.

Just as he began to dust some of the remaining dirt from the granite or quartz exterior, he was struck by an idea, one so foolish he had to wonder how it could work.  

Still, he was a champion of crazy ideas, so he dared to consider it. 

Springload was a mech who one could describe as… extravagant, both in mission and mind. He required one to go all out, as he never held back in regards to the quest that he'd dedicated his entire life to completing. Overall, he was just an unusual bot. Perhaps, if Quillfire was thinking this through properly, that meant he could be reasoned with through some unusual means?

Tilting the rounded stone in his servo, he dared to believe a simple yet unusual gift would be enough to at least get the two of them started on a path to mending their teamwork. If nothing else, he'd at least get to tell himself he tried. The hardest part would be working up the courage to begin, but hopefully after that things would be easier. He just needed to take that first step…

Peeking over the edge of the outcrop, he saw that the amphibicon was in the same place he'd last been, reading over his map and murmuring to himself. Despite having read it every day for eons, the dedicated bot didn't look the least bit uninterested in his work. If anything, he looked downright eager, as if on the verge of a breakthrough at any given time. Quillfire hoped interrupting him wouldn't cause an even greater rift to form. 

Clearing his vents, he found his pump pounding with unnatural anxiety as he forced his voice box to speak up, his servos almost trembling about the stone as he took a considerable leap of faith.

"S-Springload?" he finally croaked out, nearly losing his nerve when the other mech looked up to him with painfully obvious annoyance. Gulping, he overcame his anxiety to speak up and stand tall to appear more confident than he felt.  "Can you… come up here? There is something you must see!"

Brightly colored optics widened, then fixed him with a look equal parts incredulous and irritated. "Is it important?"

"Very!" he insisted, sounding honest because he truly meant it with all of his spark. What could be more important than mending his fued with a fellow teammate?

In a single hop, Springload tucked away his map and cleared the entire road, landing just before Quillfire with a graceful thud. 

"I, er…" he stammered as the silliness of what he was about to do hit him in full. Unable to remember the last time he had given or received anything, he was without a clue as to what to say, so he simply held out the stone in his cupped palms with an attempt at a smile. There was a perceptible tremble in his arms as he did so, but he remained strong. "I believe I'm supposed to give this to you!" 

Springload didn't immediately react beyond a raised brow, so he stammered forth more of an explanation, spark sinking in his chest. "As a s-sign of… teamwork."

"A white stone?" the amphibicon said at last, as if awakening from a light trance. Taking the rock carefully into his large servo, all while ensuring his acidic coat didn't touch the other mech, he held the item aloft into the light. Just seeing him interested made the anarchist dare to hope things might work out, but in his wildest of dreams he'd never have anticipated what happened next. Springload lit up like a mech beholding a Prime out of the blue, his optics turning away from the stone for just a moment. 

"Just the same as those that line the gates of Doradas!" he exclaimed in awe.

Quillfire didn't have any response for that, good or bad as it may have been.

"What?"

"The sacred text makes it clear!" he shouted in explanation, bringing forth his scroll of indecipherable runes as if it made everything make sense. Gesturing to the lines of what Springload saw as gibberish, he began to proclaim their meaning with enthusiasm, optics wide and wild. "You see, here?! The gates of the Holy City will be lined with pure stones to mark the way!" 

"I'm…" was all he could reply with, still a million miles behind the other mech in regards to understanding. While he'd hoped at most for appreciation or a mere thanks, Springload looked about ready to burst with excitement, and for reasons he couldn't even begin to comprehend. At the very least he figured he should be happy for the turn of events when he was surprised yet again. 

"But how could you know?" Springload pressed, catching him more than a little off guard. Holding up his servos in surrender, Quillfire tried to figure out what exactly he was supposed to have known, and how he might have gone about figuring it out. He'd just thought it was pretty and would make a decent gesture of peace! Fumbling for a response so as not to lose his progress, he was saved by another burst of revelation he had no part in.

"Of course, the spirits!" he exclaimed, almost dropping the rock in his excitement. Clasping his servos over the apparently precious gift, he explained his excitement more or less by simply talking aloud to himself. "They must have guided you, enabling you to find such a sacred object, so that you could gift it to me!"

Accepting he would never truly understand, Quillfire only smiled and nodded at the other's exuberance. More than happy things had turned out so well, he was content to let the other mech believe whatever he wanted, even if he didn't follow it. "Of course!"

"As to why they would do this… they must know you are key to my quest!" Springload continued, using an avid free servo to clasp the other mech's arm in a sign of commitment. More surprised than confused, the anarchist tilted his helm in shock at how fast things had changed between them. Just like that, everything that had happened was forgiven? More than forgiven, in fact, he was seen as a friend and ally? It didn't seem inaccurate to say he was also being looked at as a divine being at the moment. By the Primes, this bot was like no other!

"I was a fool! To think, I tried to push you away!" the amphibicon cried, deactivating his acid so he could better cling to the taller mech. Seeing the emotion in his eyes, Quillfire wondered if he might start weeping, and hoped it wouldn't come to such a show. Not only was he not the best at providing comfort, he didn't have any tissues… Mercifully, the big optics looking into his seemed to sparkle with jubilation rather than tears.

"Ah, it's really nothing…" Quillfire reassured, beginning to blush from the high praise. A spare servo massaged the back of his neck in an open show of bashful deflection. Such a small thing hardly felt worthy of this kind of praise, even for a mech as glory seeking as himself. Not that he was disliking this turn of events.

"It's everything!" Springload corrected, emphatic and no longer impatient. "You must have been sent into my life by the spirits themselves!"

Actively blushing at that, the anarchist looked away, rubbing harder at the back of his neck. He hadn't a clue what to do with this newfound respect and admiration. Perhaps the other bot was just having a momentary burst of affection, which would give way as soon as the next symbol or sign grabbed his attention, but at present such a turn seemed beyond doubtful. Quillfire was being regarded in a way typically saved for the most ancient and holy of altars to the Primes. In the depths of his spark, he wanted it to last.

A distant but heavy sound caught his sharp audials, just as the tremor sensitive Springload perked up in synchronized recognition. Something was rumbling its way down the primitive earth road. Recalling their mission so fast his quills flared in alarm, the anarchist stood up to his full height, catching a glimpse of a truck through the densely packed pines. Their target was approaching fast. Worse, they were in no position to intercept it as planned. 

Thinking fast, Quillfire pulled one of his namesake weapons from his back, preparing to strike as the unknowing human drove their way. 

"I shall block the path." he announced, redirecting their strategy from before to include himself. Business came first for them both, so each was ready in an instant. Springload crouched low on his powerful legs in anticipation of his orders, which came just as the truck began barreling down the final stretch in their direction, multiple tons on a solid course they needed to stop. "You, render it motionless once it is stopped."

An agreeable ribbit communicated hearty understanding in the final moments before their strike. 

While massive by earth standards, the truck was small enough for Quillfire to plan his moves without much of a risk. Still, he was careful in his timing, as the cargo was as valuable as it was delicate. Any great crash would render it useless. Their success hinged on him being precise more than cautious, so he waited for the perfect amount of distance to be between himself and his target before he leapt down into the asphalt below. 

Well practiced using his own weapons, he tossed his quill just ahead of the already braking truck, funneling their path to the point of nonexistence. With nowhere to go, the driver was forced to slam on the brakes and skid to a stop, not having the option to go around or turn back. Quillfire smirked in pride at the human's textbook reaction, and could have sworn he heard Springload give a cheer at his victory. Near victory, that was, there was still one crucial step for them to see through.

"Now!" he ordered as the multiple tire sets came to a stop just shy of him. With the speed of someone working on the same page, the amphibicon dove from his perch, shooting his tongue out like a whip. Acid and force popped the tires in rapid succession, filling the air with a series of bangs and creaks until the heavy machine collapsed onto nothing but it's hubcaps. Rubber flew in every direction and nothing even resembling tires remained to spin, leaving multiple tons collapsed on the asphalt. The truck would not be going anywhere. 

"A clean victory!" Springload declared happily, still clutching his gift as he hopped back beside Quillfire. "Truly, the spirits are on our side in full. You are their greatest emissary."

Beaming at the praise, Quillfire turned when he heard the door of the vehicle opening up. Both mech's turned just as the human driver jumped from the vehicle, landing in a heap on the ground as he did so. Catching their mutual gaze, the tiny being threw up his hands in surrender, wide eyed and terrified as could be. A gigantic, metallic frog and an even bigger metal porcupine had not been mentioned when he'd taken the job. 

"Look, I'm n-not paid enough for this!" he stammered, gesturing wildly to the trailer as he slowly stepped backwards on shaking legs. Giving up the goods completely for his own sake, he unknowingly earned the approval of a certain anarchist. Abandoning one's shackles for self preservation was a key tactic, and he smiled as the human gave them both full clearance, dropping his keys on the spot. "Just take the truck! A-all of it!"

"We shall, your cooperation is appreciated." Springload replied, sounding a bit haughty. In truth the human's cooperation meant little; either mech was fully capable of taking what they wanted without much effort. Happy just to see someone making the right choices, Quillfire praised and comforted the terrified earthling in what he considered to be the best way.  

"Fear not, brother. You have been liberated from the bonds of oppressive labor!" he encouraged, presenting the human with a smile of reassurance. Reacting with what he presumed to be unfathomable joy, the tiny being turned about and began to sprint, disappearing into the trees with a considerable ruckus of breaking branches and fussing animals. Screams of jubilation began echoing out after he was long gone from sight.

Waving the lucky one off, Quillfire smiled at the impossible fortune this day had brought him, happy to share it with others. If humans could figure out the true way to live, perhaps there was yet hope for them. He dared to believe as much while shouting after the former truck driver. "Go forth, tiny earthling! Enjoy the freedom we have given you!"

Turning back to the work yet to be completed, he found Springload using his selectively acidic touch to melt through the lock of the truck's trailer, his gift still peeking out through his other servo's protective grip. Marveling at how the other mech seemed intent on believing his truth, Quillfire still decided to let it be. Though happy just to be friends, it was quite likely this was just how things worked for such a dramatic bot. He was surprised how he was beyond accepting of such a concept, and in fact, quite looking forward to it. 

As the doors opened, the two of them found a rather manageable cluster of boxes secured tightly to avoid damaging movement. Comfortable as the load would have been for two bots, it doubtlessly was too much for one, yet Springload began freeing it from its bonds with a smile. 

"Allow me to carry this burden, great one! It is the least I can offer!" he said eagerly, tucking his stone away into a subspace beside his spark. Cutting their payload free, he began to move the boxes happily outside, no doubt planning to pile them all into his altmode. While usually happy to get some time off, Quillfire didn't feel right about leaving the other mech to handle it all. Their new partnership deserved to get off to a much better start than that. 

"I can help." he reassured simply, taking his fair share of the boxes to carry in his hands. Though the smaller mech needed his altmode to handle his share, he didn't allow transforming to stop his eager chatting, and continued to extoll the virtues of his new ally as a happy pickup truck. 

"Such generosity!" he praised, putting along to leave the abandoned truck behind them. Though a little overwhelmed by the idea of someone seeing him as a bona fide gift from ancient deities, he allowed the other mech's chatter to fill the walk home, finding it to be far better than the awkward silence that had followed them here. Who ever would have been able to guess a mere stone could change so much? 

"I shall have to insist we are partnered together for future endeavors! As two individuals chosen by the spirits, our camaraderie can bring only success!" Springload gushed, turning about happily on his bouncing tires. "Would that please you, great one? I am certain riches will come to us both!"

Though he still had his own dreams, Quillfire didn't indeed find the idea of more missions like this very agreeable, so much so that he had no problem smiling in affirment. 

"Riches indeed, my new friend!"