#make firestorm an enemy of the state again

[augustheart]

i wish more comics leaned into the fact that martin is utterly unhinged

[icajax]

Nobody asked and I’m telling you anyway.

Charli Morgan is a musician who describes her style as “mostly synth-country, pop-punk, house, and cybercore.” All of that together means that she makes me drive too fast and I am rarely sure whether she is playing a fiddle or an electric guitar or maybe that’s actually synth.

Background out of the way, I’ve GOT to tell you about the mecha girlies.

Fuck. Where do I even start? I’ll try my beginning, which turns out not to be the beginning. This is less of a close reading or a musical analysis or a review of Charli’s music as she’s presented it, and more of a documentation of the experience YouTube Music gave me of her.

I accidentally’d upon Orbital Artillery about a month ago now, and it felt like discovering music. I don’t actually know anything about music, but I did go to college for dissecting words, so my thoughts are pretty much stuck to the lyricism here. It’s crucial to the mood of this song that you know that I have never heard a singer with more unending enthusiasm in my life.

(https://open.spotify.com/track/1ktYMAWnQK0pMFBnQrxXoM?si=65273f03cc9a4371)

Firestorm, this is Charlie-4.

I need the big one.

I was able to find lyrics for this song on Lyric Genius, but only a few of Charli Morgan’s songs are on there, so my precision with the lyrics will vary over the course of this post. This is the very first line. Charlie-4 is a mecha-girl who gets turned on for and by ultra-violence. It is unclear who the enemy is, or what they’ve done to deserve her and Firestorm’s wrath, but it doesn’t really seem to matter. Firestorm seems to be the Oribital Team from above the atmosphere, while Charlie-4 has a more personal job on the ground, perhaps melee infantry.

No holds, squad goals Fresh-fucked and feelin' bold Democracy's in love with me! Everyone wants to fuck me!

Counting down, one, two, three Everyone wants to fuck me!

That last line, ‘Everyone wants to fuck me!’ pulls double duty(you can tell because she says it twice), giving us insight into Charlie-4’s state of mind(indescribably excited), and also lets us know that everyone else on the battlefield would love to ruin Charlie’s day(y’know, like when people say ‘get fucked’), but can’t. She does also mean that pretty much everyone wants to have sex with her. Getting fucked on the battlefield WILL come up again.

But before we get to that, I want to take a sec to return to ‘Democracy’s in love with me!,’ because that line ALSO does a couple of things. First, it pairs with an earlier line, ‘Liberty, always on call for me!,’ letting the song explore a theme in multiple lights. The focus on Democracy and Liberty closely ties Super Earth’s armed forces with the United States, which gives us a quick frame of reference for the type of environment Charlie-4 works in, and the philosophies she and others might bring into battle.

Second, themes like Democracy and Liberty are cited all throughout this space opera as justifications for the ultra-violence that our heroines(yes, plural) adore to dole out, without bothering to spend time discussing the value of “voting for stuff you want” and “being able to do things you want to do.” Their Orbital Corps is an expansion of the American Empire. These themes don’t just gesture to misplaced American idealism, but also tell us about Charlie-4’s relationship with another character who we’ll meet in the next song that YouTube Music tossed my way.

Eagle 1 is that song, and unfortuantely I do not have access to lyrics for it, so we’re playing the interpretation by ear. Eagle 1 introduces a character so big that there isn’t room for anything else in the title. Charlie-4’s song is titled Orbital Artillery, marking her position, her resources, what she does. Eagle-1’s song’s title is just her name. That’s because she’s the best there is. ‘Earth’s unquestionably best girl.’

(https://open.spotify.com/track/5f2SATMfYjGJ4sm6kPTnHI?si=b8ef1cf7e8554cf2)

Again, the lyrics for this song are not on Genius or anywhere else I looked, so my thoughts are a little more scattered here, but Eagle-1 is introduced with the line ‘Democracy’s here / ... / we salute you!’, shortly followed by

Eagle never misses

she strikes with the horn

dropping bodies in the name

of freedom for the world!

So we’ve tied Democracy and Freedom to Eagle. When Eagle arrives, so does Democracy. For the purposes of listening to Charli Morgan’s music, these words are interchangeable.

Eagle is the best, aspirational, someone to look up to. The song also discusses her in the third person, using the same voice as Orbital Artillery, which tells us that Charlie-4 is the narrator, and that Eagle is someone she looks up to.

Eagle 1, the song, also introduces another motif that I want you to keep an eye on. In the background of the final verse, some vocals are added to the backing track. They say ‘Kill Kill Kill! ‘

Which could mean nothing.

If we pull back to Orbital Artillery for a sec, we’ll remember ‘Democracy’s in love with me!,’ and now we know that that isn’t just metaphor. It’s also literal. Everyone wants to fuck Charlie-4, but Eagle is in love with her, and that’s so exciting that she can’t help but shout it while she has the entire planet’s attention. Both of these songs are heart-pounding, shift-your-car-into-sport-mode fast, and heart-thumping hard, just how Charlie likes it.

Orbital Artillery and Eagle-1 are off of Dive Dive Dive, which is the oldest album in Charli Morgan’s discography, but literally everything I’m discussing came out in 2024, so take the exact time of release with a grain of salt. Some of the songs are subtitled (Remaster), and I haven’t been able to find the original masterings, so the original order is unknowable. And again, we aren’t listening to these songs in album order, chronological or otherwise. We’re discussing these songs in the order that YouTube Music presented them to me, through occasional inclusions in auto-generated playlists, until about this point, when curiosity about Charlie-4 and Eagle-1’s deal lead me to Charli Morgan’s page.

YouTube Music, like Spotify, has a “best of” section at the top of an artist’s page, which gives you a playlist of their songs approximately, but not exactly, in order of popularity. This list introduced me to Charli’s second album, Pepper Spray and Acid Rain.

Pepper Spray and Acid Rain introduces the third, final, and perhaps baddest bitch in this space opera. Her name is Dessy, short for Super_Destoryer.exe. I was first introduced to her in Eagle 1 Re:Arm, but I didn’t realize I’d met her until her own self-titled song, Super_Destoryer.exe, because again, I am listening to vocals through distortion and lots of layers, without the lyrics in front of me. I’m talking about both of those songs, together,next.

(https://open.spotify.com/track/6JcuC56A5bp8VReJkCvwLc?si=983073bbb01b4ec0)

(https://open.spotify.com/track/4u0EBgS7yzYLsqoZG5xWto?si=a7ede2eecadc427a)

Dessy and Eagle have... something... going on. Are they rivals? Are they lovers? Is Dessy Eagle’s sidekick? I think there’s evidence for all of these takes, but the one I find the most interesting is a combination of the latter two. Dessy is what your weirdo aunt would call Eagle’s “special friend.” Dessy features for a verse in Eagle 1 Re:Arm, asserting herself as “Dessy-chan the battle queen,” in a song that ends by calling Eagle “Earth’s diabolical unquestionably Best Girl!.” The girlies are an absolute power duo, slaughtering foes and giggling about it.

Re:Arm also features Eagle’s only two, as far as I can tell, spoken lines. They are, “If you ask me, the Geneva “suggestions” don’t apply to things that aren’t, like, “people,” ya know?” and “‘Sup, babe? It’s Girly-Bombing-Time. Wanna’ come with? Just kidding you fuckin’ Grunt!,” which affirm that not only is she a war criminal, she’s also a bluh bluh huge bitch. I learned listening to Re:Arm that I support women’s wrongs, as well as women’s rights.

Super_Destoryer.exe also introduces a couple of recurring things that I want to draw attention to. This song’s all in Dessy’s voice, which is way interesting. Up to now, I believe Charlie-4’s been our narrator pretty much the whole time. Eagle speaks very rarely. She’s a character, we talk about her in the third person, but she’s more interested in spreading her brand of Democracy than she is in documenting it. Dessy has her verse in Eagele 1 Re:Arm, and, in her self-titled song, she IS the singer, with Charlie barely present if at all.

You can tell Dessy has thinks herself superior, because the chorus to her song goes:

Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy

Dessy, Dessy, hot and Dessy ready

Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy

Dessy, Dessy, bet you wanna kiss my chesty

Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy

Dessy, Dessy, never end the day empty

Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy, Dessy

Dessy, Dessy, if I fall, would you catch me

And that’s a lot of her. She’s a lot. She’s also talking to someone specifically, making fun of them, calling them a dog.

you are

A motherfuckin' dirt-dog

Houndin' for the scraps

Houndin' for laps at my lady

Yappin' like I ain't fed ya'

But sorry little doggy

I'm not sorry she don't pet ya'

“My lady”is, naturally, Eagle-1, who makes one of her only voiced-appearances to banter with Dessy. I also have an idea of who that dog is, but before we get there, I also want to put a pin in this stanza, where someone is begging Dessy for more. This is will come up again as well.

How bout I come down there and

Mess you up like you need it

Cuz I'm not the one beggin'

“Dessy Dessy gimme more"

“Dessy Dessy gimme more"

I'm not the one on my knees

Now with all that setup out of the way, we can finally get back to getting fucked on the battlefield. Well, almost. First we’re going to fuck on the battlefield. Run Bunny Run matches the excited, almost frantic, but familiar energy of Orbital Artillery. Once again, one of our mecha-girlies is wreaking havoc. This time it’s Eagle, gleeful, furious, determined, focused on the hunt.

(https://open.spotify.com/track/47cDaATukd5zblGVXp2tG8?si=14fccca33a8541f5)

It's flowers and roses 'till I break through the sky

The Eagle's got her sights on you and now you're sure to die!

Eagle isn’t bothering with pretenses like Liberty this time. This fight is personal. She’s been wounded, if only emotionally. She’s pissed. She’s so pissed that she’s singing.

I ain't gonna' stop 'till

Your heart's beatin' in my hand

You done FUCKED up,

now I'm gonna' send it

Through the background, there’s a vocal track where Eagle’s “Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill.” used to be, now commanding her prey to “Run. Run. Run. Run.” The Eagle has received some bad news. Fortunately for her, she’s the best there is at what she’s does, and what she does is end problems. There is not a force on or off Super Earth that will keep this bunny out of her claws.

The bunny, unfortunately, is Charlie-4. The next song is MERCY.

This is bad, yeah, this is really bad

I think the Eagles mad, yeah, really mad

I think I made a bad decision

Is there any way we can be friends again?

And finally, returning to getting fucked on the battlefield,

Mercy! Mercy! I think I did bad.

Mercy! Mercy! Really, really bad!

Mercy! Mercy! I might be fucked.

Mercy! Mercy! I might be runnin'

Runnin', runnin' outa' luck!

If there’s a force that could end Charlie-4’s unending enthusiasm, it might be knowing that the diabolical best girl is dead-set on gunning her down. The entire tone of this song is drastically different from the rest of the high-energy, house/cybercore. Charli Morgan turns sharply into the country side of her inspiration. It’s slow, contemplative. The tone is reaching acceptance, even while Charlie-4 begs for her life, begs for the Eagle to reconsider. Charlie-4 made some sort of mistake, it’s not clear what, but she’s turned the most dangerous force in the Orbital Corps against herself. These are Charlie-4’s final thoughts.

Oh, yeah, she's comin' in low

Oh, yeah, she's comin' in slow

Oh, yeah, I'm 'bout to get shot

Do I have any regrets?

Other than the one, I think not!

and then the last lyrics of the song,

Mercy! Mercy! You don't wanna' do this!

Mercy! Mercy! You won't feel better.

Mercy! Mercy! Please,

Girl, I know, I know!!!

You're better than this.

She said, “I know, I know!!!”!! Charlie-4 has exactly one regret, and it’s hurting her friend, hurting this person she looks up to, hurting the best girl. And then she says “You’re better than this,” which is heartbreaking because the Eagle is absolutely not. Whether Eagle will feel better or not, violence and reveling in violence is all that she’s got. All that she knows. It’s what she’s best at.

So, what the hell did Charlie-4 do? After MERCY. YouTube Music tossed me【Keep Up】追いつく, and then What She Doesn’t Know Won’t Hurt Her.

So Dessy Dessy Dessy

What's a girl like you

Doin' in a place like this

No where better to go

Or do you really want to

Stop his heart

With some girly-girly time?

and then, in What She Doesn’t Know Won’t Hurt Her,

It’s democratic in a two versus one

If I get you and she gets none.

She might be the queen but I’m your whore

So I’m Begging you, let me be more

and lastly, back to Keep Up,

She’s your angel but I’m your sin

Let’s dive deeper, love, come on in!

[...]

When Dessy-chan is ready with a rabbit and the wand

I've never fucked a wizard but let's get our fuck on.

All of which is to say, Charlie and Dessy totally fucked, and Eagle is rattled about it. It seems kinda sweet, high emotions, thoughtless, probably extremely wet and Dessy-messy. Charlie’s positioning herself as a bad choice, but a fun one, and Dessy loves fun. Fucking is always bad and fun for a gal like Dessy. She’s always round to fuck a bestie. Charlie-4 is Dessy’s dirt-dog, reveling in the scraps of attention she gets and begging for more.

You might be wondering about the second half of 【Keep Up】追いつく’s title, and what I make of that. Um. I don’t speak Japanese. So whatever’s in the title, and whatever is in the Japanese-sung portion of the song, escapes me.

With the betrayal revealed, we’ve hit all of the story beats in the order that they hit me. Charli Morgan has a bunch more songs, some of which even tie into this, but this is already so fucking long for a Tumblr post, and I couldn’t possibly get to everything. If anyone asks, I’ll reblog this with my paste bin of ideas that didn’t quite make it in.

Dive! Dive! Dive! as an album introduces two characters, Charlie-4 and Eagle-1. Charlie has a deep admiration for the Eagle, and aspires to be as deadly and ruthless as Super Earth’s best girl. Eagle’s apparently in love with Charlie, but we never hear it from her.

Pepper Spray and Acid Rain introduces Super_Destroyer.exe, Dessy, who is nearly as deadly as Eagle-1. Dessy is a lot less interested in fighting for something, and a lot more interested in how fucking hot blood spattering on your face is.

The music is exhilarating, the characters are messy and charismatic, and the story is as tragic as it is heart-pounding. MERCY. really did a number on me. I can’t recommend Charli Morgan’s music enough.

Also, and this is very interesting, my interpretation here is definitely not the story as written. Especially in Pepper Spray and Acid Rain, there’s reference to some dude, lot’s of “he”, and from Eagle, a “my man,” which pretty much throws a wrench in my reading of what drove Eagle to turn on her teammate in MERCY., unless Dessy is a he/him girly, which would be pretty cool.

I lied to you about the lyrics situations, by the way. Over the course of writing this, a friend of mine discovered that the lyrics to all of Charli Morgan’s songs are in the descriptions of her videos on YouTube, even if they’re missing from YouTube Music. Being able to reference the lyrics directly was helpful, because I can’t hear all of the words. That’s kind of the nature of the genre. On repeat listens, I could pick up more and more of the lyrics, but there are many names that I simply would not have had reason to listen for, such as Diver-chan and Pelican-1. Being able to look more closely at the lyrics, Diver-chan seems to be Eagle’s prey in MERCY., and Pelican-1 seems to be the one flirting with Dessy in Keep Up.

Additionally, and this is the real nail in the coffin, Charlie-4, my fav gal and presumed protag, does not actually exist. I’d thought “Firestorm, this is Charlie-4 / I need the big one” was pretty definitive. It’s some of the clearest vocals in this entire series. But, the Youtube description for Orbital Artillery includes, as many of the descriptions do, a quick blurb describing what the song’s about. This one starts with “This song is about Destroyer-Chan[…],” and that’s about as clear as authorial intent gets. Maybe Charlie-4 is a codename for Dessy? Or maybe Charlie-4 is a one-off character, the way I’d presumed Firestorm wasn’t anyone in particular. Whatever the case, if this isn’t her, she doesn’t appear anywhere else as far as I can tell.

Soooo I’ve just spent a week doing a reading that can’t possibly be correct. Is that a waste of time? I don’t think so. Firstly, it was a good time, I’ve had a blast picking this apart bit by bit, feeling almost like an archaeologist carefully wiping dust from a shattered ceramic plate as I catch another word or phrase on every re:listen. And second, I haven’t been dissecting Charli Morgan, or really trying to develop a call to action here. I’ve just been pulling at what I enjoyed about her music and the specific trip I was pulled along through it, and trying to figure out how she got MERCY. to hit me so hard. And I do think that MERCY. is supposed to hit hard, in a lot of the ways that it DID hit me. It’s too significant of a change from the otherwise consistent tone and energy for the listener to be able to easily ignore it. Thirdly, I don’t know anything about Helldivers, the game that all of this music is set in the world of. There were always going to be things that I missed, and I think it’s remarkable that despite that, I am still planning to put on Orbital Artillery the next time I have to get myself hyped up for something.

(In case you were wondering, the Japanese segments of Keep Up are also in the description of that video, translated to

Hopelessly, it’s hopeless

Bad, it’s hopeless

Hopelessly, it’s hopeless

Crazy, it’s hopeless

Hopelessly, it’s hopeless

Sad, it’s hopeless

Hopelessly, it's hopeless

Great, it’s hopeless

Which I think pulls on a lot of the same feelings I caught, even if the subject of those feelings was misguided.)

i've been driven to madness ama

[mochegato]

Capturing a Dream

Chapter 10 – Who Do You Trust

Chapter 1     Chapter 9

*Note – Savage is working with Klarion for his plan. Klarion is the one controlling everyone, but the Team doesn’t know that.

After a prolonged encounter with Firestorm, Chimera ran out onto the platform freshly recharged and ready to fight.  She had already used Mullo, Roaar, and Stompp and was now on Pollen.  She was beyond curious to see what cataclysm would do to one of Green Lantern’s creations but she was afraid of what it would do to his ring and, well, the power of cataclysm on a floating rock in space seemed like a poor decision, so Plagg had stayed with Adrien.  

She hadn’t had time to feed any of the kwami after using them except Trixx, who she needed to keep up the illusion of her suit, so for now, each kwami was only used once then put back in the flute. She’d make sure to give them all extra treats and thanks after the fight.  Taking the time to recharge Trixx had been risky and time consuming, but necessary. Didn’t mean she liked it.  She had to hide and do nothing while the rest of the team were getting attacked.  She hated it.

Taking time to hide and recharge meant her team had to fight on their own and cover their own backs.  It lead to situations like the one she ran in on, a possessed Batman throwing Robin across the platform and kicking Rocket into a buttress. The force bubble that had been around Wonder Woman disappeared as Rocket’s focus was forcibly removed.  Robin’s focus remained squarely on the threat in front of him.  He stood, facing Batman, the apprehension in his stance was clear to Chimera.  It likely would have been clear to Batman as well, but hopefully whoever was controlling him only saw confident defiance. Despite the façade, Chimera knew this particular fight was the worst for Robin; fighting the man who had become like a father to him.  Even knowing he was being controlled, she could see the strain in Robin’s eyes.

She rushed forward to assist Robin.  He threw a handful of smoke pellets before jumping at Batman, kicking at where he knew he had been, the kick designed to deliver maximum impact to sensitive areas.  He landed roughly in an empty space instead.  Robin turned around just in time for Batman to punch him with enough force to knock him back a considerable distance.  

Chimera took advantage of the distraction to attack from behind.  She almost made contact with the still distracted mentor when she was roughly yanked to the side.  She landed on the concrete with a grunt.  She looked down to see Wonder Woman’s lasso around her chest, pinning her arms to her side. Her eyes trailed the lasso back to Wonder Woman’s hands.  An unnatural predatory glint was in Wonder Woman’s eyes.  “Now, tell me,” she implored in an eerily cheery voice.  “Who. Are. You?”  She pulled the lasso tighter, drawing Chimera closer.  “The Lasso of Hestia compels you.”

Chimera’s breath hitched as she took in the lasso. Wonder Woman’s eyes narrowed in glee. She would not be able to resist the Lasso of Truth.  Any second now Klarion would know who Chimera really was, and more importantly, what she was. And once he knew that, he would know how to defeat her.  Their next encounter would go very differently with that information.

Chimera looked over her shoulder to gauge the fight between Batman and Robin.  When she looked back toward Wonder Woman, it was more a look of amusement than fear. Whoever was controlling them was clumsy. A novice at UMS could do better than this amateur.  Their strikes were wild and indelicate.  Not taking full advantage of the fighter they chose.  She raised an eyebrow at Wonder Woman.  “A weapon of subjection and dispelling illusions?  Really?  You think this has power over me?”  She pulled on the lasso, easily pulling the normally well prepared Wonder Woman off balance, causing her to stumble toward Chimera as the lasso fell uselessly at her feet.  Wonder Woman kicked off Chimera, using the momentum she gained to flip away from her, putting necessary distance between them.  

But, the movement caused her to lose sight of Chimera for a few seconds.  A few precious seconds that were all an expert UMS player, like Chimera needed.  She spun her top out, just barely grazing Wonder Woman’s exposed upper arm.  But, a touch was all she needed.  Wonder Woman froze in the last moments of the flip.  Unable to adjust to land, she crashed inelegantly onto the concrete in a way that Chimera was sure was going to bruise in the morning.  Chimera slowly walked up to her, confident the person controlling her was still listening.  She knelt down next to Wonder Woman’s ear and whispered, “You want to know who I am?”  She pulled Wonder Woman’s face toward her so whoever was controlling her could see Chimera.  “I’m a goddamned goddess.”

She dropped Wonder Woman’s face so she could no longer see Chimera and winced.  It was kind of true in the cock your head to the side and squint kind of way.  Like a 3-D picture, you had to look really hard and focus on what was behind what was presented.  Okay, it wasn’t true, but there was a goddess involved somewhere and whoever was controlling the Justice League was listening.  It would be nothing but beneficial for their enemies to have the wrong idea about her.  It meant they not only didn’t know about the miraculous, but they would focus on the entirely wrong weaknesses, making them less able to figure out how to fight her.

Chimera gently laid the inoculation patch on Wonder Woman, watching it as it merged into her body.  Chimera let out a small breath, laying her hand on Wonder Woman and wishing a silent apology for the pain she would feel in the morning.  She looked over her shoulder, Robin was still holding his own against Batman.  He still had some tricks he could pull out.  She however was on a timer.  Trixx would time out any second now.  She looked toward where Rocket had been thrown earlier to see if she was moving yet. She could see some movement, but not much.

Chimera rushed over to her to see if anything was seriously wrong.  “I think my head’s going to be ringing for a few hours, but I’ll be okay.  I can still create bubbles.  Just point me where to go,” Rocket stated confidently, but the urge to hold her head in her hands was evident.

Chimera gave her an understanding smile.  “No.  You’ve already taken out quite a few members.  Go hide somewhere until you feel better.  We have almost everyone by now, just a few more.  It wouldn’t help anyone if they caught you in this state. Once you feel up to it, check with Aqualad to see where he wants you,” Chimera ordered her.  Rocket nodded and shuffled to another room to recover.  

Chimera let out a breath and found an alcove and hid herself… again.  She huffed at the thought and vowed to make the transition as quick as possible. “Trixx, Pollen, separate,” she whispered, causing Trixx to come spiraling out of her necklace.  She tossed a cookie to Trixx.  “Eat quickly.  Robin needs us.  And I have no idea where Superboy is.”  She tried to glance back nervously.

“Done, Guardian,” Trixx chirped after only a few seconds.

Chimera gave her a relieved smile.  “I think you’re getting faster.  Thank you so much, Trixx.  Trixx, Pollen, unite.”  Before the wave of light had completely engulfed her, she was already pulling Longg’s choker out of the flute.  “Pollen, Trixx, separate.  Great job, Pollen.  I will feed you as soon as this is all over,” she promised, moving to tuck the comb into the flute.  Pollen nodded in understanding and disappeared into the comb.  Longg spun out of the choker to face her the moment it was secure around her neck.  “Good evening, Guardian.”  Longg bowed to her.  

“Good evening, Longg.  I hope you’re ready to fight.  Longg, Trixx, unite.”  She was blowing her melody in the flute before the light was done. “Mirage.”  She was running the instant the word left her lips, her costume changing as soon as she finished the word.

She narrowed her eyes at the still ongoing fight between Robin and Batman.  She corrected her course toward their fight but skidded to a stop just in time to see Superboy burst through the ceiling and the floor right in front of her. “Superboy!”  She tensed to jump down to check on him, but got hit by Superman and knocked through the wall into the main meeting room before she could.  She shook her head to clear away the fog and moved quickly back to the fight, still a bit hazy from the hit.  

She got to the hole she had created in the wall just in time to see Batman kick Robin through the hole in the floor Superboy had created.  She quirked her lips to the side as the unbidden thought that they were going to be doing a lot of reconstruction when this is all done occurred to her.  Seriously, she and Superboy alone had been thrown through at least four objects, leaving gaping holes.

She jumped when Wolf hit the wall next to her with a loud thump.  She whipped her head around to see Martian Manhunter stalking toward them.  She will deny to her death that she yelped when Sphere came out of nowhere to knock him out of the way.  She shook her head again to focus on Batman and Superman.  She crawled through the hole in the wall and ran to the floor hole.  

She peeked over the edge in time to catch Superboy swing Robin in a circle before launching him into Batman.  Robin deftly placed the patch on Batman as they fell, rendering him unconscious before he hit the ground.  Chimera took the distraction as an opportunity to drop down through the hole, landing behind Superman, who was charging at Superboy.  

He heard her land and twisted mid-charge to swing at her instead.  She jumped back at the unexpected move, just barely missing the hit.  She dropped to miss his next kick and kicked her leg out instead to sweep his legs out from under him, but he floated up just enough to miss her leg, without having to resettle himself as he would if he had jumped. Instead, he could leverage his new height into a dangerous body slam.  “Cheater,” she grumbled, flipping out of the way before he landed with enough force to create a crater right where she had been a second before.  

Whoever was controlling them was clearly more familiar with Superman’s strengths than he had been with the others’ she’d come across already.  She flipped out of the way his punch, but it passed by closely enough that the low pressure created interfered with her trajectory just slightly, throwing her a bit off balance, just enough for him to grab her arm and throw her into Robin. They landed in a heap of tangled arms and legs and bruises.

Superboy punched Superman from the side, knocking him over a few feet.  Superman returned the punch, but Superboy blocked it.  He kicked Superman in the stomach, causing him to double over, but not as much as Superboy had been hoping.  Superman used the change to add power to his uppercut that connected with Superboy’s jaw with a sickening smack.  Superman kicked him, launching him into a wall.  The wall folded under the pressure, a spider web of cracks emanating from his point of contact.  Superboy fell, landing on his hands and knees, muscles shaking with the strain to get up again.  

Chimera kicked Superman’s knee from behind, forcing him to fall back slightly.  She was at his side in an instant with a well-placed punch, knocking him to the side. She rose up her leg to kick him back, but he grabbed her leg.  She tried to kick him with her other leg but he floated up into the air with her.  He spun around a few times and let go of her, launching her through a buttress and out of Superboy’s sight.

“Chimera!” Superboy screamed, searching for any indication of her status.  Not seeing any, he switched his focus back to Superman, who was still watching her to see what she would do.  Superboy’s face was contorted in a dangerous grimace, eyes narrowed and glaring at Superman. He kicked Superman in the back, sending him sprawling forward just enough to almost put him off balance.  He whirled on Superboy, using the momentum to increase the impact of his punch.  Superboy deflected the punch only allowing it to graze him.  Superboy delivered an uppercut of his own, knocking Superman back a few feet.  Superman stopped his backward momentum and flew forward with both fists in front of him, sending Superboy flying into the wall.

Robin tried to sneak up on Superman but he sent his fist out behind him, swinging his body after it, to backhand him.  Robin flipped back in a series of perfectly executed back handsprings.  Missing the entire volley of punches Superman sent his way.  The distraction gave Superboy the opportunity to grab Superman from behind and latch onto him, pinning down his arms.

“Sure about this?” Robin double checked, pulling a box out of his belt.  Conner had agreed to it when he’d gotten it out of the Batcave, but now it was actually happening.  Now he would have to actually feel the pain of it.  Now it was real.

“Do it!” Superboy yelled in confirmation, bracing himself for the pain.  His face was set in a determined frown.  He needed to check on Chimera and this was taking too long.

Robin nodded and opened the box, slowly advancing on the two supers as the tell-tale green glow of kryptonite emitted from the box. Superman and Superboy both groaned in pain and slowly started curling in on themselves.  Robin had almost reached them when he was knocked into the wall by Martian Manhunter.  He reached down and placed the shard of kryptonite back in the box, easing the drain on the two supers before turning back to Robin.  He moved quickly to attack, but Robin had jumped away before he could reach him.

Superman recovered quicker than Superboy.  He grabbed onto Superboy’s arms, which were still wrapped around his chest, securing them and Superboy, into place. He launched himself, or more precisely Superboy, into the wall behind them over and over again until Superboy was barely standing.  Superman turned and kicked Superboy in his sternum with enough force to knock out the already weakened super.

“Superboy!”  Chimera screamed.  She watched him, waiting for him to show any indication of movement.  Seeing none, she turned her focus to Superman, glaring at him with an intensity that would have put Batman to shame.  Superboy just couldn’t get a break from Superman.  It didn’t matter if he was being controlled or fully in control of himself.  No matter the situation, Superman kept making Superboy suffer, and for what?

She stood slowly, her entire body tensed like she was bracing for an impact, her arms hanging by her sides, but ready to spring at a moment’s notice.  She started walking slowly toward him.  She looked down so Superman couldn’t read her lips and silently mouthed “lightning dragon”. She slowly twisted her wrists as lightning crawled over her hands.  Her fingers crackled with the electricity surging over them.  Yellow sparks flared dangerously from her fingers, in short, controlled bursts.  “How bad can I make him hurt?” she asked sharply.

Robin’s eyes widened in surprise, almost not jumping out of the way to miss Martian Manhunter’s grab for him.  He’d never heard Chimera speak with such coldness.  Even when facing enemies, she was rational and never used excessive force.  The look in her eyes showed she was holding back now, the desire to hurt him warring with her natural inclination to protect.  “He’s still our friend,” he cautioned her between jumps and kicks. “He’s being controlled.”

“Right.  Just don’t kill him,” she nodded curtly.  She brought her hands in front of her, wrapping them around each other, forming a large ball of yellow lightning coursing through it.  Veins of electricity traced the invisible barrier she’d created and reinforced with her movements.  She controlled the power’s path.  She set the route and the destination.

Superman’s eyes narrowed and his body tensed to rush her. She gave him a second to demonstrate his super speed, allowing him to get closer to her before she struck, flicking her hands forward to direct the lightning at him.  He froze in pain.  He tried to move through the force of the lightning, but couldn’t get his body to function properly.  Electricity trailed over his body, around his legs and arms, over his chest, holding him in place, interfering with the internal electrical impulses controlling the muscles, pushing them to contract.  He screamed out in frustration and pain, trying to push through the restraints, but barely able to keep all his muscles from contracting and forcing him to curl into a ball.

Chimera’s face contorted in concentration and strain. She had not used Lightning Dragon before and utilizing it at full strength while maintaining an illusion of her regular costume, was quickly draining her energy.  She focused her full attention to Superman, trying to increase the strength until he passed out.  Her focus was distracted when Robin grunted loudly.  Chimera spared a quick glance to Robin.  

Her lightning almost faltered when she saw Martian Manhunter holding Robin strong enough to break bones.  She looked back to Superman, trying to run through her options. She couldn’t drop lightning.  Once she dropped it, Superman would start moving. She faltered for a second before deciding on her only option.  She moved her right hand toward Martian Manhunter, splitting the impact of her lightning.  

Martian Manhunter immediately dropped Robin in surprise and pain.  Robin fell into a crouch, quickly moving away from Martian Manhunter while he regained his breath.  He watched the scene before him.  Chimera was holding the two heroes at bay, but just barely.  Sweat had started dripping down her forehead from the exertion. With the force of her lightening split, Superman had started making progress toward her, though it slowed as he got closer and the strength of the lightning increased.  But, even slowed, it was still there.  He needed to act quickly to get to Superman before he got to Chimera.  Martian Manhunter was closer, so he would have to be first.

“Hurry up, bird boy,” she grunted.  “I’m starting to feel like the Emperor.”

“Drop Manhunter’s!” Robin called out as soon as he had positioned himself behind him.

Chimera moved her hand so they were both directed toward Superman, halting his progress only a few feet away.  Robin quickly placed himself behind Superman as well. “Cut it!”  He yelled out.  

Chimera turned her hands up with a sharp flick, cutting the lightning’s path.  She gasped for air, her chest finally feeling like it could fully inflate, as Superman collapsed on his hands and knees.  Before she could take a full breath, she was already on the move to check on Conner, trusting that Robin had placed the patch on Superman’s neck the moment the lightning cut.

“Conner!” she called to him, gently repositioning him to lay down on his back and lifting his head into her lap.  She gave him a quick check over to see if she could see any grievous injuries.  There was nothing that stuck out, but he would likely have bruises and maybe a concussion.  He may be invulnerable, but she wasn’t at all sure if that still that still held true against another Kryptonian.  They could kill one another after all, that had to mean it didn’t, right?

Robin crouched next to her.  “How’s he doing?”

“I’m not sure yet.  X-ray vision is his thing, not mine,” she motioned toward Superman. “But he’s breathing, so there’s that. Go, help the others get Savage. I’ll stay here with Superboy.  I’m going to need to recharge anyway.  Let me know if you guys need help.”

Robin nodded in agreement.  He laid his hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing it to give her silent comfort before running toward the Observation deck, where he was sure the rest of the team was heading as well.  

Chimera brushed Superboy’s hair away from his forehead. She quietly cooed at him, trying to urge him to wake up.  “It’s okay, Conner.  You’ll be okay.  We’re not done yet,” she reassured more for herself than for him.  She anxiously ran her hands through his hair, in what she hoped was a comforting ministration.  “I just need you to come back now.  Come back… to me… please.”

She took a deep breath and looked around her to make sure nobody was looking before pulling out a few treats from her flute. “Trixx, Longg separate.”  Trixx twirled out of her necklace with a tired smile.

“Guardian,” he nodded at her.

Chimera smiled back at him and tossed him a cookie. “Thank you, Trixx.  Eat up.  We might have more fighting before we rest.”  Trixx nodded and started eating the cookie.  “You did really well again, Trixx.”

Trixx smiled at her and twirled in the air. “It’s al…”

“Was that a light?” Conner muttered, scrunching his face and clamping his eyes shut to block out the light.

“Conner!” Chimera immediately brightened.  “How are you feeling?  Are you okay?”

“I feel like a human hit by a truck,” he groaned. “Repeatedly.”

Chimera chuckled.  “That’s probably about accurate.  Hopefully fewer broken bones though.”

“How are you?”  He tried to open his eyes but the brightness hurt.  Instead he slowly sat up and hunched over, trying to put as little strain on his aching muscles as possible.

“I’m fine,” she assured him.  “That spin move definitely looked a lot more fun when you did it to Robin than when Superman did it to me, but he didn’t hit me nearly as hard as he hit you, or as much.”

He hummed noncommittally.  He didn’t believe her, but he was in no position to argue currently.  He needed to focus on opening his eyes.  “Is it over?” he asked, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands.  He slowly opened his eyes just a bit, blinking repeatedly to try to make them accustomed them to the light.

“I think so.  I haven’t heard anything over the coms yet.  The League have all been immunized.  The Team is just making sure Vandal is gone.”  Trixx floated in front of her with an urgent look, glancing back and forth between Superboy and Chimera.  Chimera’s eyes widened in realization.  She looked down at her suit, her distinctly not normal suit. Once Superboy turned her way, he would see her in a very different suit from normal.  He would know that her powers made her appear differently.  

She looked down at Superboy again and let out a long breath.  Would that be so bad?  Would it be so bad for Conner to know that her suit looked different depending on what power she was using?  She wasn’t going to tell him everything, just… more.  And this was Conner.  She trusted him with her life, and more importantly, she trusted him with her loved ones’ lives.  She trusted him and he deserved to know that, in a way that he would understand.  And there were just so many lies, she really needed there to be fewer.  She needed someone to know more, someone who could understand her.  

She motioned to the kwami to hide and looked back at Superboy.  “Hey, Conner?”

“Yes?” He kept his eyes closed, but inclined his face toward her to show her he was listening.

“Want to see something nobody else has ever seen?” There was a distinctive edge of vulnerability in her voice.

He scrunched up his face in confusion.  What could there possibly be on the Watchtower that nobody had seen.  “Okay?”

“Open your eyes,” she softly instructed.

He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her.  His brows furrowed for a few seconds in confusion, letting his vision adjust before realization set in.  His eyes widened and he snapped up into a sitting position, swaying slightly from the change in blood pressure.  She reached out to steady him, watching him carefully to read his reaction.  He was staring at her in awe, mouth slightly agape.  

When he didn’t react for more than a few seconds, she looked to the side, nervous under his scrutiny.  “It isn’t… I can’t drop…”  She took a deep breath and looked back at him with a nervous smile.  “You know I said I draw on different powers?” He nodded mutely, too shocked by the change to be able to formulate words.  “I draw on two main ones, but occasionally add a new one if I need it. Each new power changes my appearance to enable the power.  I use mirage to hide it so nobody knows.  But I’m not doing that now.”

His eyes raked over the new costume and hair. He reached out to touch her face dumbfounded.  His fingers traced her mask.  The new shape felt odd, but didn’t seem out of place.  Her hair was still pulled back, but in an elaborate French braid, that trailed down her back and flared out like a tail.  The red and black of her current suit seemed to fit her much better than the brown and orange or her regular suit.  

But the thing that absolutely captivated him was her eyes.  They were blindingly, brilliantly, beautiful and visible.  For the first time since he’d met her, he could see her eyes. “Your eyes are blue,” he breathed out. She smiled gently at him and nodded. He stared at her entranced trying to memorize every aspect of her like it might be the last time he would ever see it, which if what she said was true, it very well could be.  “Why?”

“Why what?” she cocked her head to the side. “Why are they blue?”

“Why are you showing me?  I thought… I thought you couldn’t,” he answered breathily, still staring in her eyes, trying to memorize the exact color, a deeper shade of blue than his own yet still bright.  

“I’m not supposed to.  It’s still not me, not me me.  It’s another suit,” she babbled.  Superboy nodded distractedly, only partially taking in everything she was saying.  His eyes kept jumping from one detail to another, subconsciously comparing what she looked like now to what she looked like normally, searching for commonalities and differences to come up with a more complete picture of what she looked like.  

“Nobody has ever seen me in just this suit,” she continued.  “You’re the only one.  I wanted you to see… well, I want you to see more, but…” she furrowed her brow in consideration, trying to force out the words she wanted to say while at the same time trying to keep the tears in.  “There’s too many secrets.  I hate it. I can’t… How close can I get to anyone when it’s all lies?” she stuttered out, trying to organize her thoughts, but there were too many coming too quickly for her to divulge them in an orderly manner.  “How can you build trust when everything is built on lies?  How can I expect you guys to trust me when you don’t know me?”

Superboy shook his head adamantly.  His eyes became hard.  “You’re being stupid again,” he growled.

She looked up at him shocked and furrowed her brow. “You know calling someone stupid, isn’t as comforting as you seem to think it is.”

“Then stop being stupid.” He flicked her forehead. She pouted at him and rubbed her forehead.  “You don’t get to blame yourself because I screwed up.”  She opened her mouth to object but he cut her off before she could say some ridiculous, insane reason it was her fault.  “And what lies?  What you look like?  You’ve never lied about it.  We know that isn’t what you look like.  I know this isn’t what you look like.”

She opened her mouth again, but he cut her off again, more aggressively this time.  “No!  That was Savage’s mistake,” he argued, brows furrowed in frustration.  “He underestimated us.  We may not know the details, but we know what we need to know. I know you.  And you do know me.  You knew what drove me to use the shields.  I didn’t have to tell you.  You never suspected me of making a deal to get them.  You never doubted me.  Because you do know me.  

“And I know you.”  At some point during his speech he had started yelling, but he couldn’t stop now.  It was too important that she understood this.  “I don’t know who your parents are, but I know they love you and you love them.  I don’t know your friends’ names, but I know you think of them like family and would give everything you have for them, for us, without hesitation.  I don’t know what you want to do for a career, but I know you’re creative and have a drive and determination that whatever it is you want to do, you’ll succeed. And I know that you’ll drive yourself into the ground doing it unless you have someone there forcing you to sleep and take care of yourself.”  He gave her an annoyed look.

“I don’t know how powerful you are or will be, but I know you’re scared because you want to protect people from getting hurt, not cause it.  And I don’t know the names of all the people who broke your heart, but I know you use it to guide you in everything you do.”  He took a deep, calming breath and looked at her tenderly.  “I don’t know everything, but I trust you.”

She stared at him, frozen as she tried to process his words.  He started to question if he had broken her somehow when she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.  The hug both calmed her and set her skin on fire.  She buried her face in his shoulder to hide her blush and so she didn’t have to look in his eyes, because if she looked in his eyes, all of her resolve would fade and she would do something dangerous, for her and Conner and everyone else.

They broke apart before at the sound of Robin’s voice over the coms.  “Savage is gone.  How is Superboy?”

Chimera took a deep breath and pulled away, keeping her eyes on the ground.  “He’s awake. I’ll send him over while I recharge.” Superboy frowned at her, but nodded in understanding.  He didn’t want to leave.  It felt like they were close to something, but he wouldn’t force her into anything.

“Come on, our other teammates are waiting on you.”  She gave him a strained smile, swallowing down the bile that pushed up her throat.  The word was bitter on her tongue and she hated it.  She reached out her hand to help him stand up, keeping a close eye on him to make sure he was stable enough to stand on his own.  While he kept his eyes on her to make sure she was okay as well.

She nearly jumped when the New Year was announced over the internal system.  “Happy New Year, Justice League.”  

She let out a breath and chuckle.  She looked up at Superboy, feeling vulnerable under his soft gaze.  She smiled ruefully and leaned up to kiss his cheek.  “Happy New Year, Conner.”  She patted his chest and walked away to a more private area to recharge and catch her breath.

Recharged, refocused, and back in her normal suit, she joined Superboy on the observation deck, standing on the other side of Wolf from him, letting Wolf act as an emotional barrier for her.  She crouched down to pet Wolf and quickly check him over for injuries.  She cooed at him a few times and fell over laughing when Wolf accidentally knocked her over in his excitement.

Superboy smiled at her as he watched her play with Wolf. Laughing, he helped her up after Wolf knocked her down.  His arm twitched to be slung over her shoulders, but she seemed like she needed space and as much as it killed him not to touch her right now, he would never not give her the space she needed.  She suddenly straightened up.  “Oh my God! How much did I miss?”

Superboy looked down at her, a confused furrow in his brow.  “What do you mean?”

“Look at Robin and Zatanna.  The way they’re standing.  Their body language is completely different now.  There’s no way they didn’t kiss at midnight.  Look at those goofy smiles and blushes.  And look at Kid Flash with his arms around Artemis. They must have gotten together too!”

Chimera was jumping with excitement and tugging on his arm.  Superboy grinned at her enthusiasm and closeness.  He looked back to the group.  “Aqualad is looking a bit flustered too.”

Chimera cocked her head to the side to examine him, her eyes widening.  “Oh my god, you’re right.  Do you think Rocket kissed him, too?”  She grinned at the couples, but suddenly wrinkled her nose in disgust.  “They’re all going to be making out all over the Cave now, aren’t they?”  She looked back at Superboy.  “I’m happy for them and all, but I have no interest in seeing them making out.” Especially when she wasn’t able to herself.

Superboy laughed for a moment before he stilled, the idea hitting him too.  He scrunched up his face.  “Me either,” he agreed.  He wouldn’t want to see that in the first place, but seeing them do it and knowing he couldn’t do the same with Chimera was going to suck.  “We could always start carrying water guns around for whenever we see them making out,” he offered with a smirk.

Chimera’s eyes went wide, a mischievous smile spreading on her lips.  “Next time I go to the store I’ll get a few super soakers and a ton of water balloons.” They started giggling at the idea until they felt a presence behind them.

They turned around slowly, eyes widening at the sight of Superman, standing stiffly behind them.  “Hello Mr… Man,” Chimera scrunched up her nose.  “You know, you supers really have a problem with your names. You make it hard to mock you based on your name.  It’s rather annoying.”

Superman chuckled awkwardly.  “Sorry about that… I guess.  I’ll try to work on it.”

“Wouldn’t be my priority of things to work on, but you do you, I guess,” she muttered wryly, knowing full well both of them could hear her.  Superboy smirked, but hid it with a downturned face.  Chimera looked back and forth between Superman and Superboy, almost laughing at the awkwardness.  They both looked extremely apprehensive and nervous, looking anywhere but each other’s eyes.  She was starting to wonder if the inability to process emotions was genetic.  

She studied Superman closely as she waited for him to say why he had approached them.  He kept tensing his jaw like he was getting ready to say something before sending her a furtive glance and looking away.  “Riiiiight,” she drawled, rocking back and forth from her toes to her heels. “Oh look!  It’s Red Arrow… all alone… I should go check on him.  Let me know if you want me.”  She gave Superboy a supportive pat on the back and walked over toward Red Arrow.

She felt slightly guilty about abandoning Superboy to speak with Superman, but it looked like Superman really wanted to talk with him and wouldn’t with her around.  He looked contrite, which was a really good sign for them starting to move toward a relationship, and that was something that Conner desperately needed. She grimaced slightly at the thought that it might be all in her head, just wishful thinking that Superman had finally realized how much he was hurting Conner and that he was blaming Conner for being created.  If that was the case and he wasn’t going to try to make amends, she would personally recreate their earlier interaction… for scientific purposes, of course.

She glanced over her shoulder to check on their progress.  Her steps faltered as she saw Superboy reel back in mortification.  Superman reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder with an awkward smile, calming Superboy immediately.  They spoke a bit more then both looked her direction.  Superman’s expression was indecipherable. Bemusement, maybe?  But Superboy was giving her a proud smile.  She squeaked and turned back to Red Arrow, focusing on the task at hand.

She smiled slightly as she sat next to him on the steps.  “Hey. Good job earlier.  You were really brave going in like that, serving yourselves up like that for Savage.”

He shrugged and looked up with a wry smile. “It’s what I was programmed to do.”

“No, you were programmed to betray us,” she corrected him.  “You chose to help us.  You chose to protect the innocents from Savage and whoever he was working with.  You chose to risk your life.  That was all you,” she insisted firmly.  She watched him for a few moments.  Her determined set lips turned sympathetic.  “How are you feeling now that all the adrenaline is wearing off?”

He huffed out a bitter laugh.  “I have no idea.  I don’t know what is me and what is programming.”

Chimera nodded looking away, staring at the great abyss of space beyond the barriers of the Watchtower.  Her brow slowly furrowed in deep thought until the lines seemed etched deep enough they would never leave.  “I mean… we’re all programmed in a way.  Most of us not so literally, or so malevolently” she granted.  “But memories we wish we didn’t have.  Events we wish we could forget.  Involuntary reactions we wish we could control.”  She looked down at her hands, glancing over to him furtively every so often.  “I break out into sweats and start hyperventilating when I see either a butt… certain insects.  I can no longer function correctly.  It’s in my head now and I can’t get it out no matter how hard I try or how logical I am about it.  I can’t control the reaction.  It’s just there and I can’t make it go away.  I can never see them the same anymore.  Which is terrible because I used to love them.  They used to make me feel calm one kind of insect used to make me feel powerful.”

He stared at her for a few moments.  “What happened?”

She shifted her gaze to the floor for a few moments considering her answer before waving her hands like she was waving away his concern. She looked back at him with a supportive smile.  “It doesn’t matter.  My point is we all have things in our heads we can’t control and can’t get out no matter how hard we try.  Things that were put there against our will.  But… that’s what makes us who we are.  It’s all a part of us.  We wouldn’t be ourselves if we didn’t have it there.”  She looked at him for a second before her face fell.  “But, I mean… that’s a stupidly simplified comparison. Sorry, I didn’t mean to be dismissive of what you’re going through.  I do realize it is much worse than that.  And if you wanted it out, I’m sure Martian Manhunter could work with you to get it out.”

Red Arrow shook his head and laid his hand on her shoulder.  “No, no. That helped.  Thanks.”

She gave him a supportive smile.  “You know, if you need a place to stay while you’re dealing with everything, you can stay with us.  Even if you’re staying somewhere else but need a break, we’re always there. Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash are there all the time so they’d be there to hang out with.  Or, if you need space, Superboy and I can run interference,” she rushed to assure him.  The Cave was a sanctuary for her.  She wanted him to know it could be one for him as well.

“And you?” he asked quietly.  

She quirked her head at him.  “Me?”

“Will you be there to hang out with?”

“Oh!  Yeah, well, mostly.  I mean, I have school and other obligations, but yeah.  I live there so I’ll be there.  We’ve tried to make the Cave home for all the Team members.  Even if you aren’t technically a member of the Team, you’re still our teammate and we watch out for each other.”  She offered him a bright, reassuring smile.

From across the room, Superboy let out a satisfied laugh, his concerned frown from a few moments before turning into a smirk. Roy had just been teammate zoned, and he didn’t even realize it.  He could continue to flirt with Chimera as much as he wanted, he wasn’t going to get anywhere.  He made his way over to Chimera and Red Arrow.  He took a seat next to Chimera, close enough that their hips were touching.

“Couldn’t help but overhear…” he started.

“Was that because you were eavesdropping?” Chimera asked with a pointed look.

He avoided her eyes, leaning forward to look past her toward Red Arrow.  “Super hearing, can’t control it.”  He pointed to his ear and shrugged innocently.

“Uh huh,” Chimera mumbled, rolling her eyes.

“Anyway, we have lots of rooms in the Cave.  If you want one permanently or for a short term, feel free to take one,” he offered.

Red Arrow noted how close they were sitting and nodded, looking away.  “Thanks. I don’t think I can rest yet though.”

Batman walked over to the trio, focusing on Chimera. He opened his mouth but quickly closed it, seeming to think better of whatever he was going to say before trying again.  “You did good today.”  He glanced over to Superboy.  “You both did.  You two… work well together.”  Chimera blushed and looked down, not noticing Superboy do the same and Red Arrow roll his eyes and look away.

“Red Arrow?”  Batman stepped forward to catch his attention.  “We would like to discuss today’s revelations with you.”

Chimera could see Roy tense at the invitation. He nodded to Batman.  “I understand.” He stood and started following him, but Chimera stopped him, grabbing his wrist as she stood and pulling him into a tight hug.  “Good Luck,” she whispered.  “Don’t forget if you need us, we’re here.  That goes beyond just a room.”  The corner of Roy’s lips quirked up in a reluctant smile as he hugged her back.  He nodded to Superboy and followed Batman out of the room.

Chimera sighed deeply, watching him leave with Batman. She wrapped her arms around herself feeling impotent.  “I can’t imagine how hard this has to be for him.  I really hope he asks for help if he needs it.”

Conner stood and joined her, watching her with concern rather than Red Arrow.  “He knows we’re here.  You made sure.  Now it’s up to him to decide what he wants to do.”

“I hate it,” she grumbled.  She watched the spot where he disappeared for a few more seconds. If the Team hadn’t rescued Conner when they did, that could have been him, or worse.  They could have made him into anything they wanted.  He would have had nobody there for him, no support, just people criticizing him.  Speaking of which, “Oh, hey!  How’d it go with Superman?”

He startled for a moment with the new topic.  “It went okay.  He said we did good,” he hesitated before continuing.  “His last name is Kent, too.”

Chimera reeled on him in surprise. “That must be why Martian Manhunter suggested it… He didn’t seem mad that you had the same name,” she hedged.

“He wasn’t.  He said it fit,” he assured her with an uncertain smile.

Chimera squealed in excitement.  “That’s great Conner!”  

His smile turned bright at her excitement. “Yeah, I guess it is.  He said he likes you.”

Chimera stared at him wide eyed.  “Seriously?”

Superboy nodded with a chuckle.  “He said he’s glad I have someone like you watching out for me.”

She looked away at nothing.  “Who knew Mr.… Wait… Kent?  Like Clark Kent?  He’s Clark Kent?” she whisper shouted.

“Yeah?  You know him?” He cocked his head to the side in confusion.

“I know of him.  Oh my God, if my best friend ever found out I electrocuted Clark Kent, she’d flay me.”  She looked toward where Superman had been standing and grimaced at the thought of Alya finding out.

Superboy furrowed his brow.  “Is he famous?”

“Eh,” she made a so so gesture with her hand. “He’s famous in journalism. Especially among those who report on superheroes.”  She quirked her lips to the side in thought.  “Huh, I guess that’s how he gets all those exclusives with Superman. Cheater,” she grumbled but with no real heat behind it.  She knew exactly why Alya had gotten all the exclusives she had gotten with the miraculous team so she really had no right criticizing someone else.

Superboy chuckled and looked over their teammates. He let out a long breath.  It had been an extremely long few weeks and he was ready to do something relaxing for as long as they were allowed to.  “Ready to go home?  Maybe watch a movie or just… sleep for a few days?”

Chimera slumped against his shoulder.  “That sounds amazing.  I just want to sleep until school starts in a few days.  What do you think are the odds they’ll let us?”

Superboy chuckled and shook his head, not wanting to admit the very low likelihood of it happening.  He slung his arm over Chimera’s shoulder and pulled her into his side as they walked.  “So… fall asleep watching a movie?”

She smiled up at him and hugged him around the waist as they walked.  “Definitely.”

Chapter 11

Tags:

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[cto10121]

The bad Shakespeare takes keep coming, I see. This one had the cleverness to couch itself as a personal narrative (makes it much more interesting, tbh). But as bad Shakespeare takes are my bread and butter, my boon and bane, mamma mia here we go again, with Merchant of Venice.

“But those who thought the play was irredeemably antisemitic were, the consensus went, vulgar and whiny—���and, completely coincidentally, they were also Jewish, which somehow magically invalidated their opinions on this subject.”

I’m glad (is that even the right word?) this author found scholars that don’t think this play is anti-Semitic, but my experience with scholarship has been way more mixed than that. Suffice to say, this is literally all the play is known for these days, and views of the play as anti-Semitic are everywhere (Rosenbaum even had a hot take that since the Nazis liked it, it must be anti-Semitic). Didn’t know Harold Bloom thinks this play is anti-Semitic, though. That in itself is a bit of a red flag, as Bloom is a notoriously poor reader of Shakespeare.

“[I]n Merchant, Portia unhappily fulfills her father’s requirements of her suitors, while in Il Pecorone, the lady enjoys drugging her suitors and robbing them blind. By removing this detail, Shakespeare removed the suggestion that malicious schemers come from all walks of life.”

Or, by removing this detail, Shakespeare removed the clear and abhorrent sexism of his original source that turned a woman robbed of her autonomy by her father’s will into a criminal. It’s almost as if you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

“Dr. Lopez, one of the most respected physicians of the 16th century, had indiscreetly revealed that he once treated the Earl of Essex for venereal disease. The earl took revenge by framing Dr. Lopez for treason and arranging for his torture; while on the rack, Dr. Lopez “confessed”—​though “like a Jew,” as the court record states, he denied all charges at trial, while the attorney for the Crown referred to him matter-​of-​factly as “a perjuring murdering traitor and Jewish doctor.”

This is a very twisted account of the Lopez affair and Essex’s motives in going against him, at least to my understanding. For context, Lopez was accused of receiving loads of money from the King of Spain to poison Queen Elizabeth.

According to Stephen Greenblatt, in Will of the World: “Essex had tried some years before to recruit Lopez as a secret agent. Lopez’s refusal—he chose instead directly to inform the queen—may have been prudent, but it created in the powerful earl a very dangerous enemy. After his arrest, he was initially imprisoned at Essex House and interrogated by the earl himself. But Lopez had powerful allies in the rival faction of the queen’s senior adviser William Cecil, Lord Burghley, and his son, Robert Cecil, who also participated in the interrogation and reported to the queen that the charges against her physician were baseless.” Lopez apparently had been taken bribes from various sources, and confessed (freely? under torture?) “that he had indeed entered into a treasonous-sounding negotiation with the king of Spain, but he insisted that he had done so only in order to cozen the king out of his money.” Weird.

Greenblatt isn’t a historian, though, and Essex was indeed an asshole to Lopez, (and for what is worth, I feel Lopez was innocent; I just get those vibes) but so far I can find no other source that Essex actively framed Lopez. Most likely he did some sleuthing, dug up some questionable, compromising stuff, and tried to blow a hearth flame into a firestorm.

“After all, the historical record gives Queen Elizabeth a cookie for dawdling on signing Dr. Lopez’s death warrant; her doubts about his guilt even led her to mercifully allow his family to keep his property, not unlike the equally merciful Duke of Venice in Shakespeare’s play.”

Again, Lopez had powerful allies (doesn’t get much higher than Burghley), and again, re: Greenblatt: “According to court observers, Elizabeth gave Essex a tongue-lashing, ‘calling him rash and temerarious youth, to enter into a matter against the poor man, which he could not prove, and whose innocence she knew well enough.’” A cupcake, then?

“And it is of course entirely unclear whether this trial and public humiliation of an allegedly greed-​driven Jew attempting to murder an upstanding Christian, rapturously reported in the press with myriad antisemitic embellishments, had anything at all to do with Shakespeare’s play about the trial and public humiliation of a greed-​driven Jew attempting to murder an upstanding Christian—​which Shakespeare composed shortly after Dr. Lopez decomposed. Most likely these things were completely unrelated.”

Nearly all the major Shakespeare biographies and articles I’ve read literally and explicitly talks about the possible influence of Lopez’s execution on Merchant of Venice and names it as an inspiration: Greenblatt, (he even headcanons that Shakespeare watched the execution!) Bate, Ackroyd. That’s how Horn managed to ping my BS radar something awful—because I had read about it, many times, even if it was mentioned in passing. It’s solid, legit Shakespearean academic fanon. The sarcasm is really unwarranted, and childish besides.

“It was damned hard to hear the nuance while parsing lines like “Certainly the Jew is the very devil incarnal,” or “My master’s a very Jew; give him a present, give him a halter,” or explaining what Shylock meant when he planned to “go in hate, to feed upon / The prodigal Christian.”

The first two are the fool’s, Lancelot’s, lines, I think. As for Shylock’s hatred toward Christians, while ugly, it’s entirely understandable given the Christian characters’ treatment of him pre-play and during it (Antonio spitting on Shylock’s gaberdine and then asking him to borrow money from him is called out by Shylock himself for its sheer hypocrisy). It also fits Shylock’s character as an unassimilated Jew, resenting Christian hypocrisy and racism.

“The actor began the brief soliloquy that every English-​speaking Jew is apparently meant to take as a compliment: ‘I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? . . . ​If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?’

“Wait, that’s the part where he’s more human?”

[…]“Sure,” I told my son, game-​facing him back in the rearview. “He’s reminding us how he’s like everyone else. He’s a normal person with normal feelings.”

My son laughed. “You seriously fell for that?”

[…] “What do you mean?”

“Shylock’s just saying he wants revenge! Like, ‘Oh, yeah? If I’m a regular human, then I get to be eee-​vil like a regular human!’ This is the evil monologue thing that every supervillain does! ‘I’ve had a rough life, and if you were me you would do the same thing, so that’s why I’m going to KILL BATMAN, mu-​hahaha!’ He’s just manipulating the other guy even more!”

And then the crowd applauded, Harold Bloom cried, and the mayor gave the author’s six-year-old son a gold medal for his Brave Hot Take. Honestly, this was the most unbelievable part of the essay I’ve read. Unless this kid has been reading academic essays on MoV that posit this exact same interpretation (“Shylock was just using humanistic rhetoric to justify his ~bloodthirsty revenge!”), this one’s for a fake Internet stories anthology. Shylock may be a dour, miserable pain in the ass, but he is no Barabas, an actual anti-Semitic caricature—he has a character, and a recognizably human one, and the play bears it out that he is right in his anger.

“I reviewed the other moments scholars cite to prove Shylock’s “humanity.” There were two lines of Shylock treasuring his dead wife’s ring, unlike the play’s Christian men who give their wives’ rings away. But unlike the other men, Shylock never gets his ring back—​because his daughter steals it, and becomes a Christian, and inherits what remains of his estate at the play’s triumphant end.”

Er, this is a non sequitur—that last has nothing to do with the first. The point is, Shylock doesn’t give away his ring; the fact that his daughter stole it means nothing to his treasuring it. It may be proof of the play’s marginalization of Shylock (which accurately if sadly reflects real-life systematic marginalization), but not his humanity. Shakespeare just doesn’t do backstories, even for major characters, so it is significant that he gave Shylock a wife/beloved in the first place.

“Finally, scholars point to the many times Shylock explains why he is so revolting: Christians treat him poorly, so he returns the favor. But for this to satisfy, one must accept that Jews are revolting to begin with, and that their repulsiveness simply needs to be explained.”

This makes absolutely no sense at all. If one accepts Jews are inherently revolting, then no explanation need be given for when a Jewish character acts revolting! The racist accepts the revolting Jewish characterization without qualm. The fact that the play insists on his grievance is significant.

“We listened together as Shylock went to court to extract his pound of flesh; as the heroine, chirping about the quality of mercy, forbade him to spill the Christian’s blood as he so desperately desired; as the court confiscated his property, along with his soul through forced conversion; as the play’s most cherished characters used his own words to taunt and demean him, relishing their vanquishing of the bloodthirsty Jew.”

YMMV, but to me there are no cherished characters in this play. That’s the whole point! Everyone is so mired in this dreary capitalist materialism that denigrates genuine human connection into mere transaction. Everything to these characters is money, money, money (and class), or at least tainted by it. Shylock is simply the most overt (and honest) of the lot. Love relationships, religion are impoverished; Portia and Bassanio are scarcely more suited than Portia and her other suitors. Shylock and Antonio are Jews and Christians in-name-only: They are capitalists first and foremost. Portia is a smarter, more likable Karen. Lancelot isn’t funny. Jessica is okay, but her leaving her father is framed as a asshole moment at least in one instance. Portia is probably the most lovable, but she has her asshole moments too. There are no truly awful characters, but you don’t need to demonize and dehumanize your whole cast into two-dimensional racists just to make a point.

Merchant of Venice is not the best of plays. It is one of Shakespeare’s experiments, a proto-problem play before his Jacobean era, using dark comedy and a slight bent of farce to explore and elucidate social issues, racism and discrimination, chiefly. At least it tries, anyway. Taming of the Shrew is the first proto-problem play done completely farcical, which at least makes it compelling in a slapstick-satire way; Merchant is much more sociologically astute, but also more dull and coolly distant even from its own concerns. I don’t blame anyone, much less Jewish people, for not liking the play or thinking it a masterpiece. I myself don’t, though for reasons that have nothing to do with the usual ones. I like what Shakespeare was trying to do and I think he did some things very well. It has ambition and thought. But I feel like for most of it Shakespeare was on writing autopilot while mentally looking around for something a bit meatier to adapt and develop. It’s a jogging-in-one-place play; he has a couple of those.

In sum: Author argues for complicated play’s anti-Semitism, ends up just saying the racist slurs by the flawed/asshole Christian characters made her and her son uncomfortable (feat. A distorted and even misleading account of the Lopez affair). Plus some internalized anti-Semitism to sort through, methinks.

[thoughtsaboutshows]

Fluffy Ask

@kh5160 asked for   “Soulmate shit, it’s hardcore as hell.” 

Sabrina sat down at their typical lunch table at Baxter High, noticing she was interrupting a lively conversation between her friends.  

“What are we talking about?”  She asked them.

“Mr. Presley’s lesson in Culture and Lore today.”  Theo responded, a blatant smile on his face. 

“Which was?”  Sabrina raised her eyebrows in question.  

“Soulmate shit, it’s hardcore as hell.”  Roz responded with a giggle.  It was then that Sabrina noticed that Harvey was quiet and not participating into the conversation, the topics of soulmates still an uncomfortable one for him since their breakup.  

The idea of soulmates was something that was taught and ingrained in the minds of the Greendale Youth from a young age.  Tradition and religion stated that one shared a mark with their soulmate, one only the two could see.  Soulmates could mean anything.  The connection could be romantic, platonic, or you could be spit-fire enemies.  Your souls connected as destined to fight forever. 

Sabrina had been delighted when she first noticed that she and Harvey shared the tiny blob on their shoulders.  How lucky she was, that her soulmate was someone she knew and not halfway around the world.  They were giddy, and when they were old enough they jumped into a relationship, convinced their soul connection was one of romance.

What Harvey didn’t know but would later find out, is that soulmates aren’t limited to mortal beings.  The celestials or Satan or whoever also gifted these indelible marks to witches and warlocks.  Though witches’ soul marks are a bit different, not usually attached to ideas of Romance but one of lust and power.  But they had them all the same.  Which is how Sabrina ended with a second secret mark on her wrist in the shape of a crescent moon the morning after her Dark Baptism.  

It startled her when she woke up then next morning to find not only had her hair turned the shade of moonlight itself, but an image of it was apparent on her wrist.  She didn’t understand, she had a soulmate.  Her best friend Harvey who had broken up with her after he found out she was a witch.  After she tried to bring Tommy back from the dead because, well, she’d do anything for her soulmate.

She ran to her aunts, begging her for answers.  What did it mean?  Why did she have two soul marks?  How did she have two soul marks?  Hilda and Zelda checked with her about a million times to make sure it was a soul mark she was seeing, and not sharpie or a bruise.

“You, cousin, have two soulmates.”  Ambrose stated in the living room after dinner later that night.  

With Ambrose’s help, who had been studying soul marks in depth since his house arrest, they came to the conclusion that she had two soul marks because she had two natures.  One witch, one mortal.  It also meant that she had two soulmates.  There was another person out there, a magical being, with a crescent moon on their wrist.  She didn’t know exactly how to feel.  Harvey hadn’t been a Romantic soulmate, maybe this one could.  But she shrugged the thought off, knowing what witches and warlocks were like, but it didn’t completely leave his mind.     

So on her very first day at the Academy Sabrina couldn’t decide whether she should try and hide or flaunt her new soul mark, the one on her wrist a lot more visible than the one on her shoulder.  She knew there were witches and warlocks all over the world, but a small part of her thought she’d get lucky again and find her soulmate close by.  But she also worried what that soulmate would expect of her once they met.  Surely not romance, like she wanted.  And she wasn’t one to just give her body away, even to Harvey.  Even to her soulmate.  She decided she wouldn’t flaunt it, but she wouldn’t hide it either. 

Sabrina knew it was going to be a weird day.  She knew most of the students at the Academy hated her and balked at her existence.  She expected the harrowing and the jokes.  And she expected to eat alone at lunch.  But she didn’t.  

She hadn’t expected the warlock, Nicholas Scratch and big man on campus, to ask to join her.  He was handsome, his hair curled and perfectly messy.  His dark eyes were inviting and his smile was tilted slightly, and he was smiling at her.  She’d seen him around growing up and at the few Coven events she attended.  She was curious about him and how he always seemed a little different than the rest. He’d flirted with her but she'd rarely reciprocated, and he’d always been curious about her relationship with Harvey.  He wondered about what it was like to have a Romantic soulmate.  He wondered about what it was like to find your soulmate period. 

“Have a seat, Nick.”  Sabrina commented with a smile as he waited or her to allow him to sit down.  “It’s good to see you again.”  

“So how’s your first day going?”  He asked her as he cut into his chicken.  It was bland so he reached for the salt.  She had the same idea as she reached for it too while explaining that she was annoyed at her class list, but excited for conjuring.       

Sabrina couldn’t ignore the jolt of heat she felt on her wrist and her eyes darted to their joined hands.  She noticed then that the edge of her sweater was pulled up slightly revealing a liver of her pale skin, and revealing her soul mark.  Nick’s eyes darted to it too and cleared his throat, shoving his hands in his pockets.  But not before Sabrina caught a small glimpse of her own.  

She thought her brain may have been playing tricks on her but as she replayed the moment in her brain later in the day, she couldn’t deny what she’d seen.  On his right wrist, just like her own, was a small crescent moon.  

She didn’t know how to bring it up, and he didn’t either.  The soulmate thing isn’t something you can just bring up.  It was delicate, and Sabrina had been lucky with Harvey.  He was sweet and innocent and didn’t make her feel embarrassed when they talked about it. 

Nick was a firestorm.  He was unpredictable and every time he touched her shoulder or leaned over her desk when she was studying in the library she felt like she couldn’t breathe.  But she took notice that she missed the tense air when they went their separate ways.  Nick had been struggling too.  He’d been wrestling with his crush on her that just seemed to grow by the day, and found that he was smelling her lavender lotion even in his dreams.  

Shortly before Lupercalia she couldn’t take it anymore.  Nick had been dropping subtle hints about trying to match with her for it and spending it with someone special.  And while the thought of it sent her positively humming with anticipation, she couldn’t be his partner without knowing.  She had to know.  

She didn’t knock as she barged in his bedroom, she never had, since the two had started their friendship.  He had just gotten out of the shower and sweatpants hung low on his sweatpants and it was the first time she had seen him without a shirt.  A blush creeped to her face and she kept her eyes on his.  And off his chest and his wrist.

“Spellman, what are you-”  She asked her as he took in her wide-eyed expression.  

“Nick, I need to know.”  She said and played with her long-sleeved sweater, trying to find the word.  “You’ve been talking about Lupercalia and I think I’d like to go with you but before we do any of that, I need to know-”

“Sabrina, breathe.”  He walked towards her and resisted tucking her hair behind her ears.  “What do you need to know?”

“I noticed something my first day at the Academy.  After my Dark Baptism.  On your wrist.”  Sabrina got out and Nick’s eyes went wide, recognizing what she was saying.  She started to lift her sleeve.  

“Wait.”  Nick stopped her with his left hand on her arm before meeting her eyes.  He hesitantly lifted his hand to push her hair behind her ear, giving in to his desire from before.  And then in slow motion and quickly at the same time, he kissed her.  Like the firestorm he was, Nick’s lips on hers set her ablaze and she couldn’t help but trail her hands up his chest, leaving sparks in her place.  

When they pulled apart Nick’s hands were on her waist and hers were buried in his hair.  They sat in that moment for a while, foreheads pressed together and breathing each other in.  He smelled fresh from his shower and she smelled like lavender.  

“Why did you do that, Nick?”  She finally asked.

“It didn’t matter.”  He answered her.  “It doesn’t matter what’s on your wrist and what’s on mine.  I wanted to kiss you because you’re you, and not because we have the same Satan-given mark on our body.” 

Sabrina responded by kissing him again, distracting him with her lips while she reached down and grabbed his hand.  

“That’s very romantic.  But I still want to know.”  

“I figured you would.”  Nick smirked at her in response and willingly turned his wrist over.  

And there it was.  On the inside of his right wrist was a small mark in the shape of a crescent moon.  Nick noted her soft smile, it was good news.  He grabbed her hand then from where it was resting at the back of his neck and to look at her wrist.  He smiled wide when he noticed the mark was identical to his and brought it to his lips to kiss it gently.  Her eyes fluttered closed at the soft gesture and she let out a deep breath.

“Oh, praise Satan.”  Nick murmured against her skin.  She giggled before biting her lip and looking up at him.

“I thought it didn’t matter.”  Sabrina quipped and ran her hands up and down his chest again.

“It doesn’t.”  He leaned in to peck her once, unable to refrain from kissing her now that he’d finally done it.  “But I’m glad I don’t have to fight anyone for your hand.”  

“My hand?”  She raised her eyebrows at her.

“Uhhh, not that you or your hand belong to me because I’m your soulmate.”  Nick tried to save face.  “Just that I’m glad you are…”

He stopped rambling when he heard her giggling again.  

“I’m glad too, Nick.”  She pulled him in for another kiss.  This one tender and deep.  He hummed against her lips.  “So Lupercalia?  Feel like spending it with your soulmate?”  

“Lupercalia.”  Nick answered, lifting her wrist to kiss the crescent moon again.  “And every day after that.” 

[soyeahitsmiddleearth]

Return Her pt. 6

The Company (and friends) x Reader

Everyone gets caught in the armory cause Kili the lying liar face is much sicker than he let on and nobody would listen to you. Everyone leaves and you stay behind, and look at that Bard let you stay. I hope Kili doesn't die.

---

Bard told you all to stay in the damn house. That it's not a good idea to be out and about when you have no idea what the towns people will do to all of you, but does this lot ever listen?

No, they don't.

As soon as Bard left, grumbling something about some tapestry, everyone gathered and declared that the armory is your best bet. 

You urged against it and stated that getting caught in a town you were illegally smuggled into isn't the best idea, but Thorin just shakes his head and states that Durin's day only grows closer and your chances slimmer.

You argue no more after that and follow them out the door despite the protests of Bard's son. 

How they found the armory so quickly you don't know, but you do know that with how pale and sweaty Kili is looking it's not the best idea to send him in with the other raiders. 

And you say as much. 

While everyone is sneaking around you approach and tap his shoulder gently, whispering when you speak, "Kili, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be out and about like this. Your leg's bleeding again." You can see the white of your shirt sleeves staining red and his forehead is clammy and, when you place your hand on it, extremely warm. 

When you press your hand to his forehead he jerks away and hisses irritatedly, "I'm fine! Stop worrying about my leg like it's any of your business and mind yourself." 

His words hurt your feelings (obviously) and by the way his expression immediately softens he realizes as much. 

He regrets his harsh words instantly and mumbles guiltily, "Y/N-" 

You don't let him finish and briskly walk past him to continue forward with Balin and Thorin, trying to push down the growing anger and sadness seeping inside of you. He's being stupid, and if he wants to ignore it and yell at you then that's his problem. 

When they stop to look at you, you say none too quietly to Thorin, "Kili is in no shape to go through with this. You should make him stay behind."

Thorin looks at you with furrowed brows and shakes his head, raising his hand to signal for everyone to stop, "Does Kili agree with that sentiment?" 

"No..." Yep, he's not going to listen to you. 

"Then he will continue with the rest of us." He states decisively.

God, you knew he would say that. You step closer and shake your head, "But Thorin-"

"Enough! I will not have a member of my company arguing with my decision." He sounds much angrier than you thought he would be, and it successfully makes you seethe on the inside and also a bit embarrassed since he just reprimanded you in front of literally everyone. 

"You're all a bunch of idiots, and your 'decision' is stupid." Is all you say, glaring at him none too happily. 

He's really trying to order you around like another one of his dwarven companions right now, the fucking nerve. Well guess what bucko? When shit goes wrong like you know it will, you're gonna give him the biggest 'I told you so' and rub his face in it for the rest of the trip. 

Before he can respond to your obvious insult (his face becomes very angry and everyone looks at you in alarm and shock) you turn on your heel and walk away from their sneaking figures. 

"Where are you going?" Thorin demands, grabbing your arm none too gently, "You cannot talk to me-"

"Don't touch me." You hiss, ripping your arm away from his hold and sending another withering glare at him, "If you're all going to act like everything is fine and dandy then go ahead, but I'm not going to stick around while you all let him work himself to death." 

And then you walk around the building and leave them all behind, still ignoring the various looks of surprise and horror on their faces. 

---

After about ten minutes of sulking by yourself you go to find them all again. 

Everything went about as well as you expected it would, because when you're within 5 meters of them you hear a crash so freaking loud it no doubt alerted the whole town to your presence. 

Right away you know that the jig is up and you're all going to be caught and, once again, you were right. 

You step up next to Fili who is below the window and say rather smugly despite the situation, "It seems I was right once again." 

He glances up at you, then around at everyone else, and when they go to run away a two armed guards come around the side of the building and aim their pointy things at you. 

"Oh I fucking told you so!" 

---

Your smugness doesn't last for long and is swiftly replaced by worry as everyone is brought to the biggest building in the city where many people gather and a large ugly man and that slimy guy Alfrid come out of said huge building. 

"What is the meaning of this?" The large man cries, looking out at the lot of you with distress.

One of the guards who caught you responds stiffly, "We caught ’em stealing weapons, Sire." 

He narrows his eyes and his voice is unpleasant as he says, "Ah! Enemies of the state, huh?" 

You hang out at the back of the group and nearly blend in with the crowd, so when Alfrid begins to speak he doesn't notice you amongst the dwarves. That would be bad for Bard, after all. 

"A desperate bunch of mercenaries, if ever there was, Sire." Alfrid agrees, his expression as unpleasant as ever. 

Dwalin yells gruffly, "Hold your tongue!" He takes a few steps forward and stands in the middle of the semi-circle, "You do not know to whom you speak. This is no common criminal. This is Thorin. Son of Thrain, son of Thror!"

There it is, the king card. 

Thorin steps forward upon mention of him and his lineage, and pats Dwalin's arm lightly to signal that he can stop. He the addresses the Master of the town directly. "We are the dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland."

People begin to whisper amongst themselves at his declaration of the groups intent, marveling and talking in wonderment while also asking questions.

"I remember this town in the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake. This was the center of all trade in the north!"

You almost roll your eyes at his dramatic speech and how the crowd eats it up. 

"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!" He declares, raising his fist while he speaks before slowly turning back to the master of the town with determination in his eyes. 

It seems like he's successfully convinced everyone to invite you all with open arms until the voice of Bard rings out through the clearing.

"Death! That is what you’ll bring upon us." He pushes through the card as he says it, all moving out of his way to allow him through.

When he passes you, you smile and say, "Hey Bard."

He pauses and looks at you, saying a bit gruffly, "Hello, Y/N." Before moving to stand in front of Thorin with a grim expression on his face. 

Then he continues, "Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all." 

You hear some gasps and more worried whispering and some shouts, but Thorin cuts down the doubts in seconds, "You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this; if we succeed all will share in the wealth of the mountain." Some begin to murmur their agreement and look interested again, "You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!"

When he declares that they will have a share in the treasure the crowd begins to cheer, but Bard turns quickly and more desperately yells, "All of you! Listen to me, you must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm? And for what purpose?" He looks back at Thorin who is looking at the Master and says more bitterly, "The blind ambition of a Mountain King, so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"

Long story short, Bard gets humiliated and ignored by everyone at the mention of his ancestor, he says something mean to Thorin, Thorin says something back, and then you're all being welcomed with open arms by the greedy king and his man-servant Alfrid. 

Bard stands in the middle of the celebrating dwarves with a defeated expression on his face, and you feel a pang of guilt wash over you even though it's not your fault. 

You walk up to him despite your excited friends and place your hand on his arm, "I'm sorry Bard, but they will do anything to get to that mountain." 

He looks down at you and sighs, shaking his head when you apologize, "This is the outcome I expected, though not the one I hoped for." 

"Well either way, you helped us a lot and, if it means anything, I thought you were an excellent host." 

He smiles at your words and nods his head, reaching up to place his hand on your shoulder gently, "Perhaps you could stay?"

Your eyebrows furrow and you cock your head to the side slightly, "Stay where?" 

"Here. With me if you wanted." The smile stays on his face and he looks sincere, "That mountain is not safe and I worry for your safety..." 

Aw, how sweet. 

You reach up and pat his cheek lightly but shake your head, "My place is with them, cause like, they would kinda die without me. We never would've gotten caught if they listened to me, after all." 

Bard laughs lightly and nods along, "I understand. But if your situation changes you are always welcome with me and my children." 

You glance up and see that everyone has been invited inside, and then Thorin walks up and glares at the bargeman, "Y/N, come. The Master of the town has invited us for celebration." 

"Alright, I'm coming." You step away from Bard and his hand falls from your shoulder, but before you walk off you jump up and press a quick kiss against his cheek. After, you scurry off to everyone else who watched the exchange with no small amount of anger or upset. 

"Why'd you do that!?"

---

After you go inside you get scolded for kissing Bard, but you kinda just laugh it off with a, "If you stop ignoring me all the time and behave then I'll give you guys kisses too." Which successfully made most of them shut up about it.

Thorin pulls you aside during the festivities and states he needs to talk to you, and you assume it's to scold you for sassing him earlier and insulting him in front of everyone. 

Only he doesn't scold you at all.

"I am sorry." He begins, successfully shocking you to your very core. "You were right about Kili but I refused to see his weakness at the time. I reprimanded you in front of everyone in an attempt to teach you a lesson, but I only made myself look foolish, especially since you were right." 

Of all the things you were expecting, that was not one of them. 

You just stand there and blink dumbly for a few moments before a bright smile spreads across your face, "Oh, well I accept your apology." You step closer and wrap your arms around him and embrace him, squeezing him tightly before pulling away, "I'm also sorry since I basically called you an idiot and your decisions stupid... and for saying that you suck."

"You didn't say that I 'suck'." He states, looking up at you in confusion. 

"Oh... uh, I guess I didn't say that out loud..." Whoops. 

You shake your head and distract from that by exclaiming, "Well, we don't wanna miss the party so lets go!" 

He only laughs.

---

You got a room all to yourself and had the opportunity to bathe and clean your clothes so that they aren't so grimy when you wear them tomorrow; and while you re-pack your things the next morning and get changed you find that you're very grateful to have clean garments once more. 

When you meet everyone at the front of the large building you get a lot of pleasant hellos and kind words (you're assuming someone heard your discussion with Bard and told everyone about his offer for you to stay), and you return each one in kind with some nice things to say of your own. 

You all head towards the boat and everyone begins to load on while the people around cheer, when Bilbo calls loudly, "You do know we’re one short? Where’s Bofur?"

"If he’s not here, we leave him behind." Thorin replies without hesitation, glancing back at Bilbo with a frown etched on his face. 

Balin nods and adds, "We’ll have to, if we’re to find the door before nightfall. We can risk no more delays."

They have a point, but it is a bit harsh. 

Everyone starts to file on the boat and you wait off to the side patiently when Thorin raises his arm suddenly and stops Kili from boarding. 

"Not you. We must travel at speed, you will slow us down." He looks like he doesn't want to say it, but his mind is made up.

"What are you talking about? I’m coming with you." He replies as a smile climbs on his face, as if he thinks Thorin is joking and trying to mess with him.

Poor dear. 

Thorin shakes his head, "No, no." 

Kili's smile slowly drains from his pale face and he says more firmly this time, "I’m going to be there when that door’s opened. When we first look upon the halls of our fathers, Thorin…"

Thorin lifts his arm and holds his shoulder lightly, his expression guilty but also unwavering, "Kili, stay here. Rest. Join us when you’re healed." 

The look the younger dwarf holds is one of pure devastation, and it makes your heart twist painfully in sympathy for him. 

Oin suddenly speaks up, "I’ll stay with the lad. My duty lies with the wounded." And then gets off the barge to join Kili's side. 

You remain on the board and watch the scene unfold as Fili begins speaking with Thorin, but you don't hear what they have to say since you're in the middle of making a decision. 

"I'll also only slow you down!" You declare suddenly, turning to look at Thorin, "I think I should stay too." 

Thorin shakes his head as Fili steps off the barge and looks up at you, "No, you can still come with us. You are not wounded." 

"Yeah, but I'm not as resilient as you losers, and if I'm being honest I think it would be better for all of you if you didn't have to worry about me if that dragon really is alive." God you really wanna go, but you know it's probably best not to. 

"Y/N, are you sure?" Thorin asks, his brows knitted together with a dismayed expression on his face. 

You nod your head without hesitation and crouch down so you're at eye level with him, "I'm sure. Besides, someone has to look after your nephews, their so freaking irresponsible." 

A small smile comes to his face as he slowly nods his ascent, "Alright, I see your point. But you will return to us when everything settles." 

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of hanging around here." 

Thorin glances back and signals for them to get the boat going forward since they've wasted enough time, and before it pulls away you lean forward and peck his cheek fondly before standing to your full height once more. 

"Be safe!" You call as it begins to float away before turning and walking up to the three abandoned dwarves. "Well boys, looks like you're stuck with me!" You joke, though your positive expression wavers when you notice how faint Kili is looking. 

"No!" Bofur cries when he suddenly appears, halting at the waters edge and watching as it drifts further and further down the lake. 

Slowly he turns with a dejected countenance before he sees all of you and a smile blooms on his face, "Did you miss the boat as well?"

You laugh softly and shake your head, opening your mouth to explain before Fili starts yelling Kili's name suddenly. You turn quickly and see that Kili has begun to lean over and looks rather boneless. 

"Oh shit!" 

---

Those Laketown pricks were just waiting for Thorin to leave to go back to their apathetic asshole ways, it seems. 

You all ran around like headless chickens looking for someone to help you, but everyone either ignored or sneered at the lot of you as if you have no meaning to them whatsoever. 

Yeah, you ended up cursing at quite a few people. 

Suddenly and idea strikes you and you yell, "Bard! We can go to Bard's house!" 

Nobody objects. 

And when you all arrive at his home you knock on the door since you know he won't turn you away. 

The door swings open and when he sees you a smile comes to his face, but the grim expression you hold makes him worried, "What is it?" 

You glance off to the side and he opens the door wider before the soft look he holds becomes hard and unforgiving.

"No. I’m done with dwarves." He opposes decisively, looking back at you sharply. 

Your countenance becomes more desperate as you reach up and place your hand on his arm, saying as more of a plea this time, "Please, Bard. Kili is sick and nobody else will help us!"

As soon as his defiant look falters you know you've got him, and reluctantly he opens his door and helps to bring the wounded dwarf to his bed. 

Once Kili is situated with Oin at his side, Bard goes through a cupboard and pulls out a cloth. 

He looks through some herbs then states, "We have nightshade, feverfew…" It seems he knows none of them will do the trick.

Oin shakes his head and sighs wearily, "They’re no use to me. Do you have any Kingsfoil?" 

You tune out the medicine talk and watch as Fili, Oin, and Bofur crowd around the groaning and writhing Kili as they try to help him, feeling dread fill you with his frail and pained state. 

At some point you begin biting on your thumb while you watch the chaos unfold; and when Bofur suddenly runs out after telling Kili to stay put (like he's going anywhere anytime soon) you snap out of your little trance and walk over to the bedside and ask softly, "Is there anything I can do?" 

Oin only shakes his head and replies darkly, "There's nothing any of us can do without that Kingsfoil." 

[marvelhead17]

The Tale of Eossimar (Original Female Character x Bofur Fic)

Chapter 7

Word Count: 5.1k Warnings to cover the whole fic: Fake relationships, half-blood children, mild violence, fight scenes, male/male relationships, Dwarf gender concepts, battle of five armies fix-it, pre-battle of five armies, near death incidents, talking to dead people, mentions of paradise/heaven.

The company froze realising they were outnumbered by the guards, “C’mon then, off with the lot of you,” their leader ordered and the dwarves climbed off begrudgingly, being forced to walk forward as people began to peak out their windows and talk amongst themselves.

“Dwarves, in Lake-Town?”

“How?”

“Impossible!”

“Must be from the Iron Hills-”

“Or the Blue Mountains.”

“They’re hairier than I expected,”

“And fatter,”

“Certainly uglier,”

The insults and confusion came from all directions as they were lead towards the centre of Lake-Town, and were now surrounded by a large crowd of Men, with their supplies abandoned in the boat they were defenceless, and by all means had no way to escape without being stopped by someone.

A large unpleasant looking man suddenly burst out from the large home before them onto his balcony, with a snivelling man sauntering in behind him, they both stared down at the encircled dwarves in disgust.

“And what is the meaning of this?” the large man asked angrily, flinging his arms in the air as he spoke.

“We caught them stealing boats, sire,” the lead guard answered.

“Ah, enemies of the state, eh?” the Master, Thorin presumed, scrunched his nose down at them.

“A desperate bunch of mercenaries, if ever there was, sire.” The sickly man, who must’ve been Alfrid, added.

Dwalin stepped forward, “Hold your tongue!” he pointed angrily up at them, “You do not know to whom you speak, this is no common criminal. This is Thorin, son of Thráin, son of Thrór!”

Thorin stepped forward and lowered Dwalin’s arm, patting the dwarf on the shoulder, “We are the dwarves of Erebor,” he addressed the Master, the crowd murmured in shock, “And we have come to reclaim our homeland.” He turned around to address the unsettling crowds around them.

“I remember this town in the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbour filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake.” He clenched his fist upward, “This, was the centre of all trade in the North. I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the Dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the Halls of Erebor!” He raised his fist triumphantly and the crowd seemed to lose their calm as they cheered wildly, and Thorin glanced at the Master expectedly.

“Death!” Thorin turned to see Bard had turned up, “That is what you’ll bring upon us! Dragon fire and ruin, if you waken that beast it will destroy us all.” He said bitterly.

“You can listen to this naysayer,” he gestured to Bard with a shake of his head, “But I promise you this: if we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountain. You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!” He raised his fist again, causing the crowds to cheer once again.

“All of you listen to me! You must listen,” Bard spoke over the noise anxiously, “Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm?!” the crowd quietened down immediately and chattered anxiously, “And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a Mountain King, so driven by greed he could not see beyond his own desire!”

“Now, now! We must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame.” Master interjected, “Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale,” he pointed at Bard with a shaky hand, “Your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast! Mh!” making Thorin and the company stare in disbelief at Bard.

“It’s true sire, we all know the story.” Alfrid agreed with Master, stepping forward, “Arrow after arrow he shot, each one missing its mark,” he said, making the crowd chatter uncertainly again.

Bard approached Thorin furiously, leaning lower to address him more directly, “You have no right, no right to enter that mountain.”

Thorin stared him down without blinking and spoke lowly, “I have the only right.” He turned his attention back to Master, “I speak to the Master of the Men of the lake; will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share, in the great wealth of our people? What say you?”

“I say unto you…” Master paused dramatically, “Welcome, welcome and thrice welcome! King under the Mountain!” he raised his arms in the air and the crowds went mad with joy once again.

Bard walked away as the crowds surrounded the company, now eager to provide the dwarves as they had promised them salvation from their current state, and they were lead off into a nearby home to celebrate.

“Well that couldn’t have gone smoother,” Bofur spoke to Bilbo, raising his drink and gulping it down.

“Yes,” Bilbo looked at all the food displayed across the long table, unable to make a decision, “Though I might think we have been very lucky,” he added and finally picked a few things to eat. “But it doesn’t ease my mind that they were eager to help after the promise of gold,”

“Why’s that?” Bofur looked up as his drink was refilled by a servant, and happily acknowledged his thanks by lifting the mug and then drinking from it.

“Because who knows what might’ve happened had they not been promised it to aid us,” Bilbo drank slowly as he watched the others eat and drink excessively and loudly, “And what might happen if we cannot uphold their promise?” he wondered.

“Ye need to relax laddie, not everything should be deemed suspicious, ye’re starting to sound like Dwalin now,” he finished his drink and ate more of the meat on his plate.

“Shouldn’t you slow down on the drinks, Bofur?” Bilbo asked in concern as he watched him start on his fourth drink.

“It’s alright,” he shook his head, “Dwarves have a strong tolerance to alcohol, and this isn’t the hard stuff,” he grinned, taking a bite from his meal and downing it with the remainder of his drink.

“Still, I do think it’s wise to pace yourself,” Bilbo frowned, “Considering that we need to be up early to travel tomorrow,”

“Loosen up lad,” Bofur leaned over, nearly knocking things from the table causing the hobbit to jump in concern, and patted Bilbo’s shoulder roughly, and they sat down again. “We’re a day away from home now, it’s time to celebrate,”

“I do believe the time to celebrate is after succeeding and not before,” Bilbo slowly finished his drink, and placed his cutlery neatly on the plate, dabbing his mouth lightly with a napkin. “But whatever pleases you,”

“Cheers,” Bofur grinned and they tapped their mugs together, “To a new home,” he chugged the drink cheerily.

“It won’t be much longer now sister,” Callon assured Nari as she clearly grew more agitated by the minute, especially in the last hour or so, she glanced at him and looked back at the mist behind her warily.

“Rest while you can,” he shook his head, and she crossed her arms, slumping further into the boat with a sigh.

As he rowed on, the mist dissipated and he could see Lake-Town not too far off and the sun peaked over the hills, casting a golden glow onto the lake.

“Dawn should be breaking soon,” she told him, he agreed, “I hope we have not missed them,”

He continued his strides in silence, and cast his attention around the land nearby the town, hoping to catch any signs of them.

He hoped that they had already left if the orcs had managed to track them down, then at least they were safe for a few more hours. He swallowed nervously as he felt his own fear beginning to bubble inside of him, despite telling Nari to calm her own fears.

The sun peered over the mountains as the dwarves gathered themselves to the large boat, the crowd excitedly waving their goodbyes, and Bilbo found himself looking around for someone.

“You do know we’re one short, where’s Bofur?” he asked.

“If he’s not here, we leave him behind,” Thorin stated, looking at Balin, and his advisor nodded.

“We’ll have to, if we’re to find the door before nightfall, we can risk no more delays.” Balin insisted.

Kíli was about to board the vessel but Thorin raised his hand to hold him back, “Not you, we must travel at speed, you will slow us down,” he shook his head at his nephew.

“What are you talking about?” Kíli cracked an awkward smile and shook his head as if he were being told a bad joke, “I’m coming with you.”

“Not now.” Thorin was adamant.

Fíli walked up next to his brother in concern, Kíli still argued, “I’m going to be there when that door is opened, when we first look upon the halls of our fathers, Thorin.”

“Kíli, stay here, rest, join us when you’re healed,” Thorin patted his shoulder carefully, his face softening slightly.

“I’ll stay with the lad. My duty lies with the wounded,” Óin insisted, climbing off the boat and onto the dock, standing himself behind Kíli as the rest of the group gathered into the boat.

“Uncle, we grew up on the tales of the mountain, tales you told us, you cannot take that away from him!” Fíli protested, staring his uncle down.

“Fíli!” Thorin was beginning to lose his patience.

“I will carry him if I must!”

“One day, you will be King and you will understand. I cannot risk the fate of this quest for the sake of one dwarf. Not even my own kin.” Thorin told him gently, Kíli seemed distressed making Fíli hop off the boat defiantly, “Fíli, don’t be a fool. You belong with the company.”

“I belong with my brother,” he spat back, his anger getting the best of him.

The sudden blaring of trumpets in the distance startled Bofur from his sleep; he raised his head slightly, examining the mess of food and drink all around from their celebrations the previous night.

“By my beard, is that the time?!” he jerked up and promptly hit his head against the underside of the table, “Ah! Oh…” he clambered out, making his way around the mess, and then decidedly taking a quick swig from a mug that was on the table to wake him up.

He ran out of the building as fast as he could, using the cheering of the crowds as a means of a guide, he hoped that he had arrived in time.

“Go now with our good will, and good wishes, and may your return bring good fortune to all!” the Master bid them farewell with a wave, as the dwarves set off onto the lake.

“Wait!” Bofur yelled out, pushing his way through the crowds as they also waved their goodbyes at the dock, “No, no!” he reached his hand out and dropped it just as quickly.

He turned to see Kíli watching him through closing eyes and Fíli frowning heavily at him, “Ha, so you missed the boat as well?” he smiled at them, his eyes creasing as he did.

“Kíli?” Fíli asked in panic as his brother suddenly collapsed under his own weight.

“We need to get him on a bed, quickly,” Óin instructed.

The four of them made quickly to reach the nearest homes, but most of them were unoccupied as the people were at the docks, and the few doors that had opened had shaken their heads and closed their doors on them. Bofur realised there was only one person who would help them, and he would not be pleased to see them.

“Come along lads,” he walked ahead of them; once they reached the door he frantically knocked on it, Bard answered to meet them with a disappointed face.

“No,” he said sternly before Bofur could even speak, “I’m done with you Dwarves. Go away.” He started closing the door when Bofur raised his hands with widened eyes.

“No, no, no!” he grabbed hold of the door desperately.

“Please!” Fíli begged, fear shaking his core.

“No one will help us, Kíli’s sick,” he turned to let Bard have a look for himself, “He’s very sick.” He sees Bard’s features become concerned at the paleness of the young dwarf and he let them inside immediately.

Callon had barely reached the dock when Nari made to climb out of the boat; they had arrived quicker than expected as the town seemed eerily deserted, and so instead of taking a longer route to avoid unwanted attention they had rowed straight ahead.

Her brother made to tie the boat to the dock when she grabbed his arm, “There’s no time for that, let’s go,” she cocked her head and he nodded, he followed as she lead the way into the town.

She ran along the familiar paths, concerned at the lack of people, she peered around every corner and down paths to see if she could catch sight of any orcs, but there were none.

“I don’t like this,” Nari grunted. “It’s far too quiet,”

“Then there’s a chance that the orcs have not arrived,” Callon said and she shrugged.

“I suppose,” she paused, “Unless the orcs slaughtered everyone in their path, which is more than likely-”

An unexpected shriek close by interrupted her and sent chills through them, and Nari quickened her pace and her brother kept close by. Soon enough they reached Bard’s home from the lower side, and she slowed down, not wanting to let any potential intruders know of their presence.

Kíli was now settled into a bed, but he was groaning in pain and only caused more concern as he became louder as time went on. Everyone in the room felt a sudden discomfort as a shift in the air unsettled them, nearby buildings creaked and moaned in the quiet night.

“Da?” Sigrid stepped closer to her father, clearly scared; her sister Tilda wrapped her arm around hers.

“It’s coming from the mountain,” Bard assured them.

“You should leave us,” Fíli told them, noticing the fear in the children, “Take your children and get out of here!”

“And go where? There is nowhere to go,” he said irritably, not meaning to be aggressive, but knowing his children might be in danger was making him uneasy.

“Bard!” Nari called in relief and he nearly fell over, “What in Mahal’s good name is going on here?” she asked in alarm as she noticed Kíli laying on the makeshift bed in the far side of the house.

“What’s happened to him?” Callon approached Kíli and Fíli moved to stand next to him.

“His wound is festering up,” Óin informed them.

“I knew he needed a healer to look at him!” she shook her head; “So much for bed rest then?” she asked Fíli sighing loudly.

“I may be to blame on that, however, your dear Bard had us moving about in the sewers just yesterday, for all we know he got infected from something else,” Fíli told her.

“Bard! Of all the things- ye could’ve gone round as I’ve done before!”

“I had my orders on this end to follow, Nari. If I appeared as if from thin air the Master would have had word of it, and the dwarves could’ve been imprisoned! And your appearances in the past have my family under constant scrutiny as is,”

“Ye know I didn’t intend for that to happen!” she argued and then stopped, realising that there were few members in sight, “Speaking of appearances, where are the others?”

“They’re off to the mountain already, we stayed behind to attend to Kíli,” Fíli told her; he brushed his brother’s sweaty hair carefully as the poor dwarf whimpered.

“Only the three of ye?” Callon asked.

“No, Bofur went to collect some King’s Foil not long ago, he should return soon.”

“We must have missed him coming from below,”

“Aye,” Nari nodded.

“Are we going to die, Da?” Tilda looked up at her father, her lip quivering slightly.

Bard smiled at her, “No, darling,” he brushed her hair carefully.

“The dragon, it’s going to kill us,” Sigrid shook her head.

“Is that what that was? I thought it might’ve been orcs,” Nari said in surprise.

“Orcs, are there orcs?!” Óin yelled in surprise and Callon quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.

“No, they were following yer trail, but we’re not sure where they might be,”

“I can assure you it won’t my darling,” Bard spoke softly and held her close.

“How can you be so certain?” Sigrid asked.

“Because, I’m going to kill it first,” Bard informed them, releasing Tilda and reaching up to a cluttered net hanging from a support beam in his home, he yanked out a single black arrow and everyone stared at him in awe.

“I’ve been visiting for years, and yet I don’t know about that?” Nari’s jaw hung in amazement.

“I’m sure there’s a lot I have yet to learn about you,” he said and she shrugged with a nod, “Besides, there was never a dragon that needed slaying. Bain come with me,” he glanced at his son and they began to walk out.

“Where are you going, Da?” Tilda asked them.

“To kill a dragon,” he informed her, “You stay here with Sigrid, look after each other.” He pulled them both into a tight hug and whispered, “I love you both.”

He turned to leave when he felt a hand on his shoulder, “Bard!” he saw Nari standing behind him, “May the wind be on yer side,” they both nodded and she let go, giving his shoulder a final pat, and he left with his son.

“What can we do to help?” Callon asked Fíli.

“For starters we need to locate Bofur, I’m concerned as to why he’s taking so long-”

“Nari, we need ye to find Bofur, remember we may have orcs hiding in the shadows,”

“Aye, he can’t have strayed too far,” she agreed and moved downstairs.

“I’ll get some more water,” Callon got a bowl of water and returned quickly to Kíli’s side, “Can ye not press something onto the wound?” he asked, and Óin unravelled the injury, the skin was still black and was oozing out a thick yellow substance.

Sigrid decided to get some fresh air and stood on the balcony, letting the cool night air calm her down; a nearby creak made her lean forward and look around, “Da? Is that you, Da?”

“What’s that sound?” Óin asked, lifting his gaze from cleaning Kíli’s wound.

Callon stood to attention immediately, looking to Fíli, “Orcs!” he pulled out his sword, waiting, “Get back inside Sigrid!” he called out, she ran inside without hesitation, screaming loudly, as orcs began to enter the home behind her.

Bain had returned to chaos, moving to protect his younger sister immediately, though stiffening in fear as the orcs neared them. Callon made work of attacking the orcs with several swings of his sword, and Óin grabbed the nearest pots and chucked them at the orcs to throw them off guard momentarily, and Callon cut the throat of an orc swiftly before stabbing another through the chest.

He heard more screams and turned to see the girls surrounded by orcs, Sigrid was pushed backwards and fell onto the bench of the dining table and saw Fíli charge without hesitation to slam the creature into the nearest wall, and then he was thrown across the room himself. He ran to the kitchen, finding the girls cowering under the table together, and he swiftly kicked the bench to its side to act as a shield over them.

“Stay down!” Sigrid yelled.

Bain managed to kick the other bench into an orc, Fíli came running and lifted the bench to shove the orcs back, while his brother was scrambling in the bed attempting to sit up and see what he might be able to do to help them, and fighting against the pains.

“Fíli, stick close to Óin, they’re the most vulnerable right now!” Callon ordered. Seconds later several orcs crashed down through the ceilings, making the children scream louder, “I’ve got this!” he swiftly kicked an orc, sliced another’s throat and decapitated a third in succession.

Where are they? Surely they’d be back by now? He worried, but he had no time to think as more orcs moved in. There’s too many of them in here!

Nari caught sight of Bofur running back towards the home, with the weed clutched tightly in his hand; she stepped across a few boats and stopped a few metres behind him.

“Bofur!”

“Wha-?” he stopped so quickly he almost tripped. “Lass, what are ye doing here? I thought ye were back home-”

“There are orcs tracking ye down, we must hurry, go!” she tugged him by the arm and as if taken from a daze he shook his head and nodded, they ran on with Nari leading them.

After they rounded a corner there was a roar above them and two orcs jumped down from the rooftops with weapons drawn, Nari was forced the other way and barely had time to withdraw her sword in time to stop a blow, and Bofur stumbled backwards and fell on his backside as an orc swung at him, dropping the plant next to him accidentally.

She struggled against the orc as it was much larger than her and not relenting; she caught sight of Bofur trying to crawl away as he was without a weapon and the orc grabbed his legs.

“Ohh!” he tried to grab the walkway but could not, and was swung by his feet like he was a doll, he hit the nearby wall and slid down onto a bench. He ended up slipping comically to the side, making the bench and all its good topple over onto him, making him moan in annoyance and surprise.

She stabbed the orc in front of her and ran forward as the other orc raised its axe above its head to kill Bofur, she threw her dagger and stood in surprise as an arrow struck through its chest first, and she looked around to find Legolas not too far away chasing down other orcs.

Nari moved quickly and removed the dagger from the orc’s backside, “Are ye alright Bofur?” she asked, moving the bags and nets off of him, he sat up and adjusted his hat slightly.

“Aye I’m fine,” he nodded, she gave him a hand to stand up and he gladly took it, “Thanks for saving me,”

She shook her head, “It wasn’t me,” making Bofur frown, “Legolas.”

“There must be dozens more of these foul things,” he glanced down at the orc before he walked over and picked the King’s Foil up.

“No doubting that, we have to get a move on,” she tugged him by the arm and they ran on together, “Kíli needs us.”

Tauriel burst through the front door and started slashing some orcs off, and Callon accidentally found himself stabbing an orc at the same time as her through its chest.

“I had him!” they spoke together.

“Ah!” Kíli yelped as an orc approached him and his brother, Tauriel spun around and caught sight of them, she quickly threw a dagger to kill it and Kíli rolled off his bed with a thud.

“Callon, any eyes on Bofur?!” Fíli shouted from across the room, he shoved Bain under the open end of the table, “Get down!”

Out of nowhere, Legolas killed an orc right behind Fíli and Bain, and turned his onslaught to the rest of the orcs. Kíli somehow managed to stand on his feet, grabbing a nearby dagger that had fallen in the fight and gripping the orc by the shoulder, before stabbing it in the neck. But he quickly fell to the ground screaming in overwhelming pain.

Tauriel froze, her eyes staring at Kíli in concern; while Callon chased down an orc that jumped out through the nearby window yelling out to its companions, he threw a dagger killing it, but obviously the message had gone through as there was a roaring from the distance.

The orcs suddenly started retreating, “They’re leaving!” Legolas told Tauriel from the balcony, managing to decapitate and orc with flair and following their path with his eyes.

“You killed them all,” Bain said stunned, he looked at the rest of their home that now stood as a wreck.

“There are others,” Legolas spoke up, heading towards the front door, “Tauriel, come.” But Tauriel stood motionless as she stared at him with watery eyes.

“We’re losing him!” Óin looked up desperately, and Fíli hurried over to his brother’s side, she looked down at them.

“Tauriel.” Legolas called once more, and then exited without looking behind him.

She walked uncertainly after him, stopping just before the door, until a low grunting came from Kíli once again and she glanced at him worriedly.

Nari let Bofur in front of her and kept her sword drawn in case another orc decided to surprise them, and as they neared Bard’s home she noticed a familiar blond head running after some orcs in the distance, to her confusion they seemed to be retreating despite outnumbering the elf.

Bofur yelped as he nearly collided into Tauriel, she only looked down at him, noticing the weed and a small smile of relief spread on her face. Nari moved herself between them and used her sword to separate them.

“What are ye doing here?” Nari demanded.

“We were taking care of the orcs for you,” Tauriel said coolly, “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to take the Athelas now,”

“Nari-” Callon poked his head out the doorway, “She’s on our side.”

“Alright,” she huffed and lowered her sword.

Tauriel leaned forward to Bofur, and she carefully took the weed from his hand, whispering, “Athelas,”

“What are ye doing?” he asked in confusion and worry, looking at Callon who shrugged.

Tauriel spoke softly, “I’m going to save him,” Callon moved out the way as she entered the house, with both Nari and Bofur following closely behind.

She started rubbing the herbs in her palms and then let the broken leaves fall into the dish of water, while in the meanwhile Callon, Fíli and Bofur took hold of Kíli to raise him onto the dining room table, and Óin looked him over once more

“Hold him down,” she instructed as Kíli began to writhe about.

Callon and Óin took his legs, Bofur stood to his left and Fíli to his right and supported his brother’s head as best as he could, Nari moved over to Tauriel’s side in case she was in need of assistance.

The elf examined Kíli’s wound, touching it briefly before scooping up some of herb paste in her palms, she pressed the remedy into his wound and starting chanting, “{Look upon me with eyes of mercy, provide for me a healing hand and may your life-giving powers flow into my body and the depths of my soul, to cleanse, purify and restore this dwarf’s wholeness and strength to serve for your kingdom again},”

Fíli watched her chant words which he did not understand and wrapped his hands around Kíli’s, allowing the sickly dwarf to squeeze his hand and ease his suffering, Bofur glanced around and placed a bowl of walnuts under Kíli’s head to act as a makeshift head rest, and Óin stared in amazement at her.

After a few moments Kíli eventually started closing his eyes a bit, and his body began to relax as he let the elf do her healing, she repeated a particular line from the ritual over once more.

“{To cleanse, purify and restore this dwarf’s wholeness and strength to serve for your kingdom again},”

Nari had never seen this kind of healing before, but she wanted to help and knew that more hands would help the healing process work better, so she placed her hands over Tauriel’s and began chanting the phrase with her.

The men seemed to be holding their breaths as they watched over Kíli, while the dwarf seemed mesmerised with the two women hovering over him, he did not understand the words they were saying but they were beautiful to him nonetheless.

They finished healing him and Kíli dozed off, the memory of pain washed away with exhaustion, and the dwarves relocated themselves to give him space and allow the women to do what they needed to do.

“That was an honour to witness, Elven healing,” Óin breathed out, “Your brother is mighty lucky that she stayed,”

“Yes, it would seem so,” Fíli frowned as he watched Nari, something in the way she looked at his brother nagged him in his gut.

“We should be lucky that Nari came looking for me,” Bofur spoke up, “Those orcs nearly took me out back there.” He shook his head in disbelief, “I could’ve been dead.”

“All we can hope is that the worst may be over with,” Callon said to them, “With the orcs mucking about the place we’ll be lucky if the people don’t try to chase us out,”

“Yes,” Fíli nodded seriously, “Yes, we must remain positive, Kíli is alive and that’s more than I could ever ask for right now,” the others murmured their agreements.

Nari had just finished cleaning the dead skin from the wound and was now binding his wound carefully, while Tauriel cleaned his face with a wetted cloth and gently dabbing away the stubborn dirt and sweat.

Nari spoke quietly to Tauriel, “I hadn’t known of that treatment when I first tried to mend his wound, I knew he should’ve seen a healer before leaving,” she shook her head, looking at Kíli’s sleepy face, happier than what he had been at Eossimar.

“At least he will heal now, that’s all that matters,” she looked at her and gave her a small nod, “No one could blame you for helping him,”

“-iel,” they caught the end of Kíli’s muttering, and he stared at the two of them, clearly dazed.

“Lie still,” Tauriel carefully brushed away the hair that had fallen to his face.

“You cannot be her,” he continued, “She is far away… She is far, far away from me. She walks in starlight in another world; it was just a dream,” he shook his head; Nari leaned over and patted his twitching hand tenderly. “Do you think she could have loved me?”

They looked at each other and stared at Kíli in confusion, both uncertain if he was referring to either of them.

A sudden whirl of wind blew through the town, causing some dust from what remained of the roof to fall down into the house, making everyone look up in confusion. Nari and Tauriel looked back to Kíli and him at them.

Fíli and Óin glanced at each other, shaking their heads and looking to the sky once more; Callon noticed Fíli become stressed all over again and Bofur found himself instinctively looking to Nari.

____________________________________________________________

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[kingofthenorth49]

Made in China

I don’t know about you, but it sure feels like we are living through the start of World War III.  

Now before you scroll past and think my tin foil hat is on too tight this morning, hear me out. It’s not like this doesn’t make sense or anything, if you connect the dots it would appear that the next global conflict will look much different than the previous two.  

Think about it. China has been posturing for years to become the next world superpower, and if you can see through the medias bullshit you can read the overtures that are being made in the Asia region along with the saber rattling in the Middle East, you can see that it didn’t take long for Biden to unravel almost 50 years of progress towards peace.

War is inevitable and necessary to the state, and if you ever read Sun Tzu “Art of War”, a Chinese war treatise from the 6th dynasty you would understand the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. He also said that the outcome of war is pre-decided and gave solid advice on the best way to conduct campaigns to conquer foreign powers.

Now before you get your panties in a bunch, I’m not accusing China of deliberately inducing a world-wide pandemic through the use of a genetically modified pathogen after spending years devaluating the US dollar using printed money (not like we have room to talk, but we also haven’t been on a buying spree like the Chinese have in say, Canada for example.), but if I were President Xi Jinping that’s what I’d do. The best war is one where you risk no resources.

Again, not saying the Chinese are attempting to destabilize the United States, not at all. Just saying if I were going to take over the world that’s how I’d do it, from a far, using disinformation and creating confusion and chaos in the streets of my enemy. Not like it hasn’t been done before.  

See many of you see people like me as conspiracy theorists, people who are to be dismissed because we believe in things others’ think are foolish, things that seem farfetched and impossible to be going on in a frame of present reference. I just see myself as a guy who likes history and reads a lot of books that were written before Google came along and dumbed down our nations. Anyone who has ever read a book on the rise of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party in 1920’s Germany would understand completely. If you were to pick up a couple other books on how Hilter rose to power on the back of that party, you’d understand also how quickly people can be manipulated, and how the media and ideology can quickly create a firestorm of hate that makes it easy for societies to crumble. Read even further on how the German army used deceptive tactics to invade Austria and Poland so quickly they didn’t have a chance to prepare.  

That’s not a conspiracy theory, that’s history and we all know those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.  

I guess watering down history is a good thing, right? Taking down statues, changing historical accounts in the name of political correctness, and not encouraging people to critically examine all aspects of history to learn from them helps us become a better society.  

Let me give you the Cole’s notes version of how quickly things can go off the rails when the wrong ideology gains traction in a society where people intend to do evil. Again, not saying our current situation is remotely commensurate with our current situation, but it’s a good example of how quickly things can go from good to evil.

Here we go.

1933 - The Nazi Party takes power in Germany. Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor (or Prime Minister) of Germany. Nazis temporarily suspend civil liberties.

1934 - Hitler combines the positions of chancellor and president to become “Fuhrer” or leader of Germany. Jewish newspapers are no longer allowed to be sold in the streets of Germany.

1935 - The Nazis intensify the persecution of people that do not agree with their political philosophy. Jews are deprived of their citizenship and other basic rights.

1936 – Nazi's boycott Jewish owned businesses. The Olympic Games are held in Germany; Signs barring Jews are removed until the event is over. Jews no longer have the right to vote.

1938 - German troops annexed Austria. On Kristallnacht, the “night of broken glass,” Nazis terrorized Jews throughout Germany and Austria and 30,000 Jews are arrested. Jews must carry ID cards (papers!) and Jewish passports are marked with a “J”. Jews no longer had businesses, attend plays, concerts etc. (maybe they were unvaccinated??)  All Jewish children are move to Jewish schools. Jewish businesses are shut down; They must sell businesses and hand over securities and jewels. Jews must hand over drivers licenses and car registrations. Jews must be in certain places at certain times.

1939- Germany takes over Czechoslovakia and invades Poland. World War Two begins as Britain in France declared war on Germany. Hitler orders that Jews must follow curfews; Jews must turn in radios to the police; Jews must wear yellow stars of David.

Now I’ll stop there.  

Those are all non-debatable historical facts, no subjectivity in my interpretation, just the facts m’am. Look how quickly one ideology took hold in a country ripe for change. At the time of the 1930’s German’s were desperate for change as they had just came out of world war 1 and were suffering from paying reparations for their conduct during that conflict and when Hilter came along he lit a fire under the German people by blaming the Jews for the loss of WW1.  

Five years. Five years from the time a tyrant took power until he was able to start killing 6 million people.

Now if you are one of those types that believe “it can’t happen again” look no further to all the other genocides over the past 100 years, up to and including the Uighur crisis currently going on in China where they have over 1 million Uighur Muslims in concentration camps and they are mass sterilizing these people to the point it’s actually consider a genocide, as it’s reducing the Muslim population in the western provinces of China though declining birthrates. If these women don’t submit to forced intra-uterine devices or monthly pregnancy tests, they are put in prisons.  

Put in prision because they needed to take a test, shot, or device and wouldn’t?  

Say it ain’t so Joe, say it ain’t so.

Folks, some people are evil. Rotten to the core. They have no soul and are in the most desperate need of getting laid of any person on the planet. That’s reality. You can choose to stick you head in the sand and pretend the boogeyman doesn’t exist, but in truth the boogey man will always exist because humans are nasty evil creatures capable of the most horrendous conduct, and if you think ignoring them or passing laws to prevent them from doing things are going to stop them, well you are just stupid. Sorry, I can’t soften that up any because I owe it to you to be blunt in these times.

Now if you’ve made it this far I think you would agree that something is amiss these days, there’s too many conspiracy theories of the past few years that are now seeming to be true, yet no one wants to talk about where the end game is. I’m not sure what it is, but I have some theories, most involved China or George Soros, but the data indicates more towards the former versus the latter.

Trudeau loves China, he’s said so on many occasions to the point of gushing over their communist form of government. His father was a Marxist, and his mother loved communists. Literally. **bow chica bow wow**

Hunter Biden and the Big Guy are in bed with the Chinese in a different way that Margret and Fidel. We’ve seen the emails, the testimony, and the allegations. For them, it’s about money. Last week the Big Guy shut down the investigation that Trump started into the Wuhan lab. That’s now created a firestorm that will likely make 9/11 look like a traffic accident. Coincidence? I think not.

We recently had two Chinese scientists with ties to the Chinese People’s Army kicked out of our highest security epidemiology lab here in Canada after CSIS had concerns they were passing information back to the Wuhan lab (a lab so highly classified Canadian scientists have a hard time getting security clearances to access it), and Trudeau drew the ire of senior Canadian military personnel when he bullied them into allowing the Chinese to hold winter war games at CFB Petawawa. Why is Trudeau so moonstruck with China?

Dot, Dot, Dot.

Once again, I hope I’m wrong. I really, really do, but go back and walk that timeline again and ask yourself if you now understand why Netanyahu hit Hamas as hard as he did.

Never again.

Can you blame him Comrades?

Now as you sit here in North America today, especially in Canada, does it not seem eerily similar to what has happened before in history? Keep in mind that Jews were loaded onto boxcars under the premise to take them to safety from the angry German peoples.  

I really do hope my tinfoil hat is too tight and it’s cutting off the circulation to my frontal lobe, I want the Canada back I grew up in, and the America I fell in love with. I just hope this really is just a bad bug that’s part of a cyclical pattern of virology and this isn’t the start of a global war to reorganize the planet power structure and de-populate the globe.

The dots just tell a different story.

Jim Out.

[izakaya-jinh]

FIRE WITHIN

PROMPT 4: FERALITY - the quality of being feral. FERAL - (especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication. Word Count: 1559 | MASTERLIST

Visrhianne tossed a vial of shimmering red liquid to Elwyn and clapped her hands impatiently.

“Drink it. All of it.”

Elwyn held the vial up against the faint glow of the dawn with a puzzled frown.

“What is it?”

“Something to wake you up and get the blood flowing. You’ll never find it sold, so don’t ask where I got it. Consider it a home recipe of mine. Now hurry up and drink, then let’s get to sparring.”

“…if you say so.” Elwyn shrugged and downed the contents in a single gulp, then tossed the vial aside. Knocking her fists together, she made a series of stretching motions. As she did, she suddenly felt a tingling sensation at her extremities, followed by a sudden rush of heat throughout her body as if a firestorm were running unchecked within her.

Visrhianne gave her a wink and a grin as her long ears twitched with excitement. With a wooden sparring sword in one hand and a shield in the other, she beckoned tauntingly at Elwyn.

“Bet it feels good, eh? Like nothing you’ve ever had before. Now let’s see if you can keep it under control.”

Elwyn slipped a pair of padded gloves over her hands and flashed her teeth at the Viera. “Try to keep up, old lady.”

As she lunged at Vis, there was a powerful woosh behind her, followed by the feeling of her fists meeting with empty air. At the same time, the ground beneath her fractured with a thunderous boom. Looking around, she saw that there were several yalms between her and where Vis was standing behind her.

Confusion registered on her face as Vis chuckled.

“Now you’re really feeling it, huh. That’s not your mind playing tricks on you. You just aren’t used to that kind of power, so it’s easy to put too much into your moves. But if you’re looking to get stronger, this’ll get your body used to fighting with the extra kick from improving your internal aether flow. Now let’s try that again. And this time, let’s see if you can keep up with your own body.”

Vis readied her shield again as Elwyn prepared for another strike. This time, she checked the distance by which she had overshot her previous attempt and tried to gauge how much power she would need to apply with the extra surge of aether that was coursing through her body.

Another rush of wind followed her as her feet kicked off the ground once more, leaving a clear imprint against the dry, sunbaked earth. This time, she felt her fist just barely scrape past something as she came to a stop only a fulm behind Vis.

“Close, but nope. Are you the Warrior of Light or the Warrior of Not-Quite?” Vis tapped the sparring sword against her shield tauntingly and grinned. “Again!”

Elwyn gritted her teeth. “It’s not as if I had any warning this was going to happen…”

“Doesn’t matter. You think your enemies are going to play nice and warn you in advance? Now come at me!”

Sitting off to the side, their companions watched by the campfire as this scene played out.

Sinah nudged Jacquemin nervously. “Do you really think it’s okay to let them do this? Vis showed me the tincture before, but I’ve never actually seen it used…”

The bard yawned and sipped his coffee. “If Visrhianne provided Elwyn the tincture, then I believe she has the situation well in hand. Let us observe.”

A loud crack suddenly tore through the air, scattering a flock of birds that had been roosting in the nearby trees.

“That’s a hit.” Elwyn dusted off the wooden fragments and debris on her arms.

Vis let out a sharp whistle as she raised the shield to eye-level. What was left of it, at least. Besides the iron frame, all that remained of the shield was a smattering of wooden ‘teeth’ that ringed the edge of the shield. The rest had largely disintegrated in a mess of splinters, chunks, and sawdust that covered both fighters.

“Well… I guess there’s no poking fun at that. But if that’s what a real hit does, this sparring gear won’t do,” Vis muttered. Holding up a hand for a time-out, she tossed the broken equipment aside and stepped over to their mounts. When she returned, she was carrying her proper sword and shield. “Alright, Warrior of Light. Let’s play a little harder.”

Elwyn cracked her neck and rolled her shoulders as she felt the flow of aether agitate within.

“Don’t blame me if you get hurt.”

Vis snorted. “You’re a hundred years too young to talk about hurting me. Now, hop to it.”

A flurry of movement ensued as Elwyn leaped forward and struck, the blow ringing off Vis’ shield followed by a second, louder clang as a kick connected with the solid wall of armor. Vis quickly responded to Elwyn’s strikes with a sudden swing from the side that the younger woman dodged by swiftly bending her body. Another chain of attacks followed almost instantly as Elwyn pounced, dodged, retreated, advanced, and struck again, each time met by Vis’ firm defense.

As she grew more accustomed to the raging flow of aether within, Elwyn found her actions guided less and less with her mind, instead drawing more and more upon her instincts. A more natural, primitive state took over as she relentlessly drove forward against Vis. Yet the Viera weathered her assault without shying away in the slightest.

Taunts and mid-combat banter gave way to grunts and snarls as the sparring grew more intense. If it weren’t for the fact that Elwyn continued to fight unarmed, Sinah and Jacquemin would have thought the battle to be real. Cold sweat formed on Sinah’s palms as the conjurer watched the scene anxiously.

After some time had passed, the two fighters stood across from each other with ragged breaths. Drawing herself into form for another attack, Elwyn glared at Vis, who looked back with calm determination in her eyes.

This time, though, as Elwyn dashed forward and a fierce roar erupted from her throat, something changed in her aether flow. Rushing through her arms and gathering around her fists, a fiery glow coalesced into a pair of crystalline shapes that flew with unmatched speed towards Vis.

The older Viera, armed with hundreds of years of battle-honed senses, felt her ears twitch as they caught a shift in the air moving around her opponent. Realizing the sudden danger, she threw her sword and shield aside, making the split-second decision to roll away. That choice likely saved her life, as Elwyn’s figure flashed past her and a thunderous boom shook the air itself. A rush of wind and sand blew through the camp as the shockwave passed, leaving Vis and the others covered in dust as they regained their composure.

When the dust cleared, Elwyn stood about a dozen yalms away, surrounded by the crumbling remains of what had been a large boulder.

Vis dusted herself off and cautiously approached the other woman, who seemed to be standing in a daze as she gazed at her own handiwork.

“El, you alright?”

There was silence, then a sudden clatter as the crystalline shapes in Elwyn’s hands fell to the ground where they burst into a mist of glowing dust that faded in the wind. Swaying unsteadily, she fell backwards, at which Vis moved forward to catch her. As the footsteps of the others hurrying over drew closer, Vis tore off Elwyn’s gloves and held a pair of fingers against the woman’s wrist.

Sinah knelt beside the two, the Miqote’s large eyes filled with worry as her ears twitched nervously.

“How is she?”

Vis pulled her hand away from Elwyn’s wrist. “Pulse seems fine. Probably just exhausted, but you’ll know better than me, so go on and have a look. I will say, drawing out the body’s potential like that when you aren’t used to it does take a toll.”

Standing behind them, Jacquemin frowned. “At the very end, were my eyes mistaken or did she suddenly arm herself?”

Glancing at Elwyn’s hands, Vis shrugged. “People have been known to lose control from time to time when using this particular tincture. I’ll wager that’s what happened, and she formed her weapons instinctively. Probably more of a surprise she didn’t do it sooner, given she’s never trained quite like this before.”

After she’d examined Elwyn more closely, Sinah breathed a sigh of relief.

“She’ll be alright. Exhausted, like you said, but there’s no immediate danger to her life.” Then, with a stern expression, she looked at Vis. “Even so, I don’t think it’s wise to use that tincture carelessly, Vis! She might be the Warrior of Light, but that doesn’t mean she’s invincible! Not to mention, what would you have done if you hadn’t dodged her in time!?”

Vis threw up her hands in exasperation. “Alright, alright, calm down, girl. We’ll wait and see before we use it again. But I’m just going to say, if she doesn’t train herself up like this, she’s only going to have a worse time in the future against more powerful enemies. Remember, Midgardsormr was able to dispel her blessing of light before. She is going to have to train harder if she wants to keep fighting with or without it.”

-

@seaswolchallenge​

[troywalters658]

9 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MOBILE DEVICES SECURE WHILE TRAVELING

From coffee shops to planes, trains, and cruise ships, we've become accustomed to having ready access to the Internet just about anywhere. The problem is, it's easy to forget how vulnerable that makes us to security threats.

I learned this the hard way recently when traveling from San Jose to Tampa, passing through four cities along the way. Even though I'm well aware of the potential for others to hack into my devices, I'd never had any problems previously. Unfortunately, there's always a first time: When I got back home, Facebook alerted me to some suspicious activity. I had been "Firesheep'd"!

Apparently someone in Chicago (using Firefox and a Windows PC) had logged into my Facebook account via Firesheep, a Firefox extension that can intercept unencrypted cookies from certain Websites on any open Wi-Fi network, making it possible to steal login credentials for sites like Facebook and Twitter, or even access your e-mail.

Think it can't happen to you? Think again. Fortunately, a combination of plain old common sense and some technology can protect your devices--quickly and fairly easily.

HOW YOUR GADGETS MAY BE VULNERABLE

Whether you're traveling with a laptop, netbook, smartphone, iPad, or all of the above, the risks and defenses against them are basically the same, according to Joe Nocera, an information security expert and a principal with PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Many of the security concerns that people think about when they think about their personal computers are applicable in the mobile world." As mobile devices become more sophisticated, they lend themselves to the same types of access to e-mail, passwords, and other secure information that PCs have done in the past.

Because today's devices are so much more powerful and can hold so much more information than ever before, the risks are increasing, says Martin Hack, information security expert and executive vice president of NCP Engineering, a software company that helps businesses with their secure remote access systems. Add to that our tendency to carry both personal and business information around with us on the same device, and our mobile devices have never looked so appealing to hackers, he says.

As specific mobile devices become more popular, they become more of a target for hackers. "Five years ago, the vulnerabilities were Microsoft-based and targeting PCs. Apple tended not to be targeted so often," says Nocera. "But, in the last year and a half or so, we're seeing a shift. More and more often we're seeing either Android- or iPhone-based vulnerabilities being targeted. We predict that by 2014 you'll see those types of vulnerabilities being the most targeted as more and more users go to those mobile devices."

The good news is it's not difficult or even expensive to protect your devices and the information on them. The fixes are simple. The problem, stated quite eloquently in an old Pogo comic strip, is: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

9 TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR MOBILE DEVICES SECURE 1. Make sure your software is up-to-date. The first line of defense, says Nocera, is making sure that all your software is up-to-date. "Almost every release of software patches a number of security vulnerabilities that are out there," he says. Before every trip, or at least every few weeks, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's Web site (or search Google) to see if a software or firmware update is available. If there's a new one, download it, unless there's a massive firestorm of negative reviews from early adopters.

2. Employ strong passwords. "Be sure to use some combination of letters, numbers and/or special characters of 8 characters or more," says Jeremy Miller, director of operations for Kroll Fraud Solutions. "Avoid using dictionary words. Instead, [use] acronyms for things like favorite songs, restaurants or other items known only to you. And change the password frequently--at least once every six months." If you're just not feeling clever enough to create your own passwords, programs like RoboForm will do it for you.

3. Don't mess with the security settings. Nocera notes that most of the default browser settings in Android, iPhone, and Blackberry phones are fairly secure out of the box. "I recommend not going in to change browser security settings--they're pretty good already," he says.

4. Avoid unencrypted public wireless networks. Such Wi-Fi networks require no authentication or password to log into, so anyone can access them--including the bad guys. In some cases, bad guys set up an open network to snare unsuspecting people. Encrypted networks, on the other hand, are those that require an ID or password for access--you'll find such networks at many hotels and coffee shops that offer Wi-Fi services. These networks have two different types of security--WEP (wired equivalent privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi protected access); the second is most secure. Even encrypted networks, though, have risks--it's possible for bad guys to gain access to encrypted networks at a hotel or café, for instance, so be cautious about the sorts of things you do on such networks.

Besides avoiding connecting to unencrypted networks, turn off Wi-Fi when you're not using it. This will prevent you from automatically connecting to networks (and it will extend your device's battery life).

5. Paying to access a Wi-Fi network doesn't mean it's secure. Access fees do not equal security. Just because you pay a fee to access a Wi-Fi network doesn't mean that the network is secure.

6. URLs beginning with 'https:' are safer (but not foolproof). Whenever you're accessing a site where you'll be sharing personal or confidential information--your bank's site, for example--you want to make sure that you're doing so securely. The s in https means that you're connected to the site via the Secure Socket Layer (SSL). In layman's terms, this means that all data transmitted to that particular Website over the Internet is encrypted.

SSL is not foolproof though: If you're on an unencrypted network connection, you may still be subject to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, a form of eavesdropping where the bad guy makes a connection independently with two parties and then "gets in the middle," making both believe that they are talking directly to each other.

These types of attacks are rare, but to guard against them, make sure you're both connected to a secured network and that Websites use https when you're entering sensitive information.

In addition, says Nocera, most e-mail service providers have both a clear text option (that sends unencrypted data) and an encryption (SSL) option. "Make sure you have the SSL option enabled," he says.

7. Use VPN. If you have access to a VPN (virtual private network), use it. A VPN provides secure access to an organization's network and allows you to get online behind a secure layer that protects your information.

8. Turn off cookies and autofill. If your mobile device automatically enters passwords and login information into Websites you visit frequently, turn that feature off. It's convenient, but it can also be a privacy threat. To get back some of the convenience that autofill offers, you can try third-party apps, available for most platforms, that can manage saved passwords with a higher level of security. Mac OS X, for instance, comes with a built-in password manager--Keychain. KeePass is a free, open-source password manager for some versions of Windows. For iOS and Android smartphones, there's LastPass, 1Password, and SplashID. Using them is not as secure as turning off autofill altogether, but it's one way to strike a good balance. In the end, a little inconvenience can go a long way toward added security.

9. Watch your apps! Apps are great, and many are free, so it can be tempting to download with abandon. But, Nocera cautions, you should be selective about the apps you download, particularly in the Android market, because "the Android app market is a little bit more open," without the strict developer guidelines found in Apple's App Store. Do some due diligence before downloading apps. Make sure that you trust the developer and have taken the time to review some of comments.

TaintDroid is an Android tool that can identify apps that transmit private data and notify users that a third-party application is requesting private information. However, it's not an app that's offered through the Android Market. Instead, users have to manually compile and build the app using the framework provided by an app analysis company.

IF YOU STILL GET HACKED... If you do everything right and still have your information stolen, what should you do? The damage can often be repaired simply by changing your password (to one much stronger) and sending a message via the network that was affected, explaining what happened. What if one of your devices gets stolen? Be sure that all of your mobile devices have a remote wipe or autowipe feature. For Apple's iPhone and iPad, there's Apple's MobileMe service. GoogleApps offers a solution for Android as well. If your device is lost or you know there's been a breach, you can quickly and remotely perform a factory reset from any computer connected to the Internet, wiping out all of the device's data and even locking it indefinitely.

[kamamo1]

Ok so my Barry Allen relationship post blew up again, and thanks I guess, so I'm compelled to talk about this more. So here's more analysis on Barry's love interests from the comics that most people tend to forget.

Barry swings from kinda of being a dork/flustered/oblivious about flirting/relationships to being cool as a cucumber, calm, emotionally mature and knows what he wants... So his love interests are all over the place

Zatanna - often flirted with him, they kissed and had wild adventures during one of her shows, Barry was the first one she showed her new outfit too when she was trying to redefine herself, which lead them to make out in the Watchtower, Barry calls her Tanna, and Barry said once that when he looked at her he forgot the face of every girl he met before. They might have been lovers but they both hesitant on starting a full relationship, probably because the writer conveniently remembered Barry was seeing someone else in his personal comic. They need to interact again even if its strictly platonic because it was a fun dynamic

Daphne Dean - was a childhood sweetheart of Barry's and they used to play games as kids with Barry dressed up as the Flash. They were the talk of the town apparently and while they kept in touch, Daphne went on to be a famous actress and Barry headed off to Central City.

They have an on and off relationship, Daphne's PR tries to capitalize on the childhood romance for Daphne's image and she usually goes along with to a certain extent but only till it hits her that 'yeah I'm actually still in love with him' and puts her foot down, Barry usually remains oblivious to all this. Barry helps her out with kidnappers, and old stalker from their childhood, and she helped him out with an issue with Golden Glider. Their flirting ranged from remenicing 'the good old days' to later acknowledging that 'yes I am flirting with you and you are flirting with me' no hesitation

Dinah Lance - Mostly out of the JLA Year One run from Post Crisis. Pre-Crisis they were mostly just teammates, Barry knew her from Black Canary Golden Age comics, and called her pretty bird or bird lady-but then most of her teammates did.

They flirted back and forth in JLA Year One, but Dinah was hesitant to start anything because she didn't want to be like her mother and have an affair with another hero. They kissed before realizing Dinah loves being Black Canary too much and Barry loves being both Flash and Barry, but the romance was still there even though they kept it platonic. I just wish they would interact again because they had a fun friendship.

Meena Dhawan - I wish another writer would pick this character up because I have not liked anything out of the new Flash run, which is a shame bec I want to care about this character. Meena was one of the new speedsters out of the Joshua Williamson's first Flash arc where he tried to do what Manapul did but worse.

She is a scientist who is helps out the people who got caught in the SpeedForce storm and of course Barry gets all heart eyes about it. They offhandedly flirt and then kiss in a spam of two issues where Barry then reveals his identity which is kinda a big deal because his secret identity has always been super important to him in the past, and then Meena is seemingly killed by Godspeed, who callously says that Barry shouldn't even care because they barely knew each other. Meena comes back in a weird way, everyone's weary at first and then it revealed she is working for the bad guys and the last time I checked she is in prison so yeah...

Jessica Cruz - I didn't expect writer to try to go in a romantic direction with these two because they started out with a pretty solid friendship. Jessica is thrown into the superhero world due to the Power Ring and Barry helps her out in fights/control/ talks her down and gets ice cream. So it was like a mentor/student dynamic except not really because they're equal standing characters, kinda going back to when Barry had the same dynamic with Firestorm and Elongated Man.

Jessica saves Barry's life at the cost of her own, but dont worry she's fine! They dance around and then go on a date, and it's kinda cute before plot happens. An alternative reality reveals that they had three kids together, an older daughter named Nora, and twins Jason and Jenny. Nora takes after her father in regards to powers and the twin take after Jessica's powers as well, but their emotions connected to their powers overwhelms them sometimes. The kids are adorable and Barry/Jessica with the kids are even more adorable

Patty Spivot - originally just a friend and coworker, showed up around the late 70s, the time Barry has been married to Iris for awhile. They were just work buddies, and Barry mentioned once about her and a man named Daniel so it's not like she had a secret crush on him. They take turns buying donuts, complain about work, etc. <--And look a completely platonic relationship between a slightly older man and a younger woman with no weird undertones! Then Geoff Johns happens and he implies that Patty and Barry knew eachother when Barry started out at the lab, and that they danced around eachother before Barry and Iris started dating.

Then in New 52, Barry and Patty are dating, and it had it's cute moments but it felt like writers were spinning their wheels because they had to tease out the Barry/Iris relationship, and honestly if your heart isn't in it, you should have just kept it platonic.

Fiona Webb - <---Barry's fiancee and would have his second/third wife. Her real name was Beverly Lewis, and had to be put in witness protection after she learned too much about her former employer. Barry meets her a year after Iris' death when he is moving on with his life, and moving into Utopia Towers as her next door neighbor.

Their first meeting goes like this: Barry thinks about the lonely nights ahead of him and stops midthought when he sees her with a 'yiyiyi'. He says it looks like she walked out of a dream, flusteredly tried to introduce himself but she kinda brushed him off. Fiona acts cold to Barry at first but she eventually warms up to him after he helps her out with the issue of her former employer. They became friends and have a little friend group with their other neighbor Mack Nathan and his son. They dance around eachother a lot, but eventually go on a lot of romantic dates. Barry calls her 'Green Eyes' and she doesn't take any of his bs.

Their relationship is on and off due to Barry's relationship with Z and Daphne and Fiona relationship with the Senator she works for. The Senator is conveniently the new villain that's been targeting the criminals of Central City, so he kidnaps her and Barry has to rescues her. They're together again after that whole fiasco, but have to deal with drama of criminals coming after them because Fiona is still in witness protection and Barry makes enemies as part of CCPD. There was no big proposal scene, Barry casually asks her how she feels about June Weddings and she says why wait and they plan the wedding pretty quick. I think it was stated it was three years after they met?

So they have a quick wedding, Firestorm mentions he's upset that the Justice League wasn't invited but to be fair its all pretty sudden. Barry's friends from work come, Ralph also attends, Mack Nathan etc, Wally tries to sneak in late. Barry is determined not to be late like always so he heads out to the church, almost forgets the ring but has a good laugh about it until surprise!!! Eobard Thawne comes back from being missing for years.

Thawne has Barry chase him all over the world putting people in danger so Barry cant catch up to him, while he does his evil monologue. Fiona is getting extremely frustrated and embarrassed, thinks she's being stood up. Thawne reveals he planning on killing Fiona and Barry freaks out. Just as Fiona walks out the door crying Thawne races to put his hand through her head and Barry stops him by grabbing at his neck. Barry instantly goes over comfort Fiona, not realizing what happened.

Due to the audience of the whole scene he can't reveal he's actually Barry and Fiona is still super upset. Thawne is revealed to be dead, the Flash is put on Trial for murder, Barry Allen is missing/presumed dead, and Fiona has a breakdown due to all this trauma conga line. Barry just wants to take her away with him but with the upcoming Trial he realizes he can never have a normal life again after this.

The trial eventually takes a turn for the worse, Barry's lawyer Cecile tells him to reveal his identity so that the court knows that he was only trying to save his fiancee from the fate of his first wife, but Barry refuses, stating that if he goes to prison then at least Fiona won't be in more danger because of him. Its obvious through this arc that Barry and Fiona still love eachother but both are in a real bad place right now.

And I have to say this was some interesting drama that DC never resolved or followed through with, and just outright ignored, which is a shame because Barry and Fiona was another interesting relationship that fell to the wayside due to poor writing or just a general lack of interest in the Flash's supporting cast

[sebeth]

Crisis On Infinite Earths #1

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

  I loathe reboots. That said, Crisis on Infinite Earths is my all-time favorite “big event” comic book series. The art, the writing, the character moments, the long term-impact - no other “big event” from any company has come close to achieving the levels of success of Crisis.

I re-read this series annually.  And I continue to love it.  Each re-read seems to add more detail to the story.

Let’s dive into DC’s original Multiverse.

We begin with a recap of the creation of the Mutliverse: “In the beginning there was only one. A single black infinitude. But the light grew, and the infinitude shuddered and the darkness finally screamed, as much in pain as in relief. For in that instant, a Multiverse was born. A Multiverse of worlds vibrating and replicating…and a Multiverse that should have been one, became many.”

We switch to Pariah - possibly the most emo, pessimistic character in comics.

“How longer must I suffer for my sins…before I may be spared the witnessing of these horrors?”  - You were an extremely naughty boy if your punishment is to witness death and destruction over and over.

Earth-3, the home of the Crime Syndicate, is in its final death throes.  The Crime Syndicate, despite being villains, are doing their best to halt the destruction.  

Ultraman is fierce in these pages: “I’ve changed the course of mighty oceans, don’t tell me my super-strength can’t save my adopted planet.”

The above-quote proves that while Ultraman may be a villain, he is still a Superman.

Alexander Luthor, the sole super hero on this planet, is also attempting to save the planet.  Alexander witnesses the death of Superwoman. Luthor heads home to spend his final moments with Lois Lane.  

Lois: “Alexander, I think I can die peacefully, knowing I’m with you. But our son is so young. He’s been cheated of living and knowing love. Alex, must he perish too?”

Luthor and Lois send their infant son to Earth-1.   The Luthor baby’s ship is very similar in appearance to the rocket that transported baby Kal-El to earth.

“This is a prototype, large enough for only one. We will die, but our son shall live.”

Power Ring and Ultraman are the final remaining members of the Crime Syndicate. The duo realizes there is nothing left to do.  

Ultraman goes out like a boss: “What I have done all my life.  I fight to the very end!”

Once again proof that, at his core, Ultraman was a Superman.

Lois and Alexander share a final embrace: “Lois, our time together has been all too brief, but you’ve given me a love this old scientist never thought he’d know.”

“And you’ve given me more love than I had any right to expect. My husband. I love you!”

 Luthor’s son lands on the abandoned satellite headquarters of the Justice League.

The Monitor wants the Luthor child.  Good thing Alexander sent him to Earth-1 instead of letting him die on Earth-3.

The Monitor sends the Harbinger to assemble his team:  King Solovar of Earth-1′s Gorilla City, Dawnstar from the 30th century, Firebrand from 1940′s Earth 2, Blue Beetle from the Charlton Earth, Psycho-Pirate from present day Earth 2, Arion of Atlantis from 45,000 years ago, and Firestorm and Killer Frost from present day Earth 1.    

An few notes during the search:

The Harbinger duplicate searching for Arion is possessed by a shadowy figure.

Harbinger approaches Roger Hayden, the current Psycho-Pirate, in an asylum: Hayden urges Harbinger to “Find Halstead – the first Psycho-Pirate. He was better’n me. He knew how to handle all those emotions…Why don’t you just leave me alone? I don’t want to. You’ll give me those headaches all over again. You don’t know what it’s like, do you? The psycho-pirate affects emotions in others but those emotions hurt me. Please, go away…I’m not well.”

Harbinger slaps the Medusa Mask on Hayden and spirits him out of the institution.

All of Harbinger’s “recruitment” scenes were essentially abductions but the Psycho-Pirate’s is noteworthy because you have a mentally ill man being kidnapped over his protests.

One last note of the recruitment scenes – Firestorm and Killer Frost are enemies. The Psycho-Pirate uses his abilities to cause Killer Frost to fall in love with Firestorm so she will accompany the group: “You feel love now, Killer Frost, don’t you? Love for man, love for earth, and especially love for your enemy.”

Firestorm is uncomfortable with the situation. Me too.

We go to the Monitor’s headquarters where the above-mentioned figures are waiting.  Also in residence are Earth 1′s Geo-Force, Cyborg, Psimon, Doctor Polaris, Green Lantern (John Stewart) along with present day Earth-2′s Superman and Obsidian.  I’m assuming these guys were recruited during “Crisis” tie-in issues.

This is a very odd group. It’s easy to see why some were chosen - Arion, Superman, Green Lantern, and Firestorm are obvious for their power levels, Dawnstar is the best tracker in the DC Universe, and Obsidian’s abilities give him an edge against the Anti-Monitor’s shadow demons.  The others are not so obvious at first glance.  

Monitor ruminates to himself: “Already another Earth has perished and five heroes I needed are gone. Thus I’ve dispatched your replicants to seek out others as replacements.”

We’re never told the name of the Earth or of the five deceased heroes.  There is no editor’s footnote telling us to check out “issue #” so I don’t think it happened in a tie-in.  Crisis happened in the 1980’s and editors were all over footnotes urging you to buy “Issue # of Title X” to discover the full details of an event.

The five deceased heroes remain a mystery – who died and who were the replacements?

I’m fairly confident in stating Dawnstar was an original intended recipient – the depth and scope of her tracking abilities is unique in the DC universe. As for the others…who knows?

The heroes and villains await on the station.  Most are keeping to themselves with a few exceptions. Killer Frost is lovey-dovey with Firestorm much to his dismay. Geo-Force and Cyborg are standing next to each other.

Superman and Obsidian are conversing. Both heroes are from the same Earth. Firebrand is also from Earth 2 but originates in the World War II era: “I know Obsidian. The Squadron recently met him and his friends but Superman looks so old, hardly the Man of Steel I know so well. Well, I guess everybody ages.”

I love Obsidian staying close to Superman. Not only is Clark from Obsidian’s home planet, but Clark began his heroic career shortly before World War II and has worked for decades with Obsidian’s father, the original Green Lantern. It makes logical sense for Obsidian to be glued to Superman’s side.

Psimon attempts a truce with his “dear friends” Cyborg and Geo-Force. Cyborg tells him to shove it.

King Solivar keeps to himself: “The humans stare at me then turn away. My presence here is uncomforting to them. Unlike us apes, they have not yet learned to look beyond the form to the soul that lives inside.”

Solivar’s must be feeling insecure. Dawnstar is from the 31st century and John Stewart is a Green Lantern – diverse life forms are nothing new to them. Superman’s been around the block and seen many unusual life forms. Cyborg has a teammate that can turn into any alien form so I don’t see Victor being phased by a sentient ape.

Psimon warns of an impending attack – cue the shadow demons and a big fight at the Monitor’s base.  A few heroes have a bit of luck against the demons but are on the ropes until the Monitor releases an extremely intense light burst.  

Solivar saves Dawnstar and Dawny responds with “You’re an ape, but you can talk!”

This is the one bit that felt out of character.  Dawnstar wouldn’t be fazed by a talking ape. 31st Century people – she’s seen way more unusual things than a talking ape.

“And now, let me properly introduce myself.  I am…the Monitor.  And I have summoned you here because your universes are about to die!” - What a drama queen!

Final thoughts:

Nice set-up issue.  It achieved what would take 3 to 6 issues in modern times.

Gorgeous art by George Perez.

Pariah is annoying.

I loved that the Crime Syndicate (of all people) went out as heroes.

Harbinger was much more powerful in her debut.  Compare this to the Superman/Batman issue where she’s killed off-panel by a Doomsday clone.

Considering light is the Shadow Demon’s main weakness, I’m surprised the Monitor didn’t recruit the first Dr. Light.  Light is scum but that didn’t stop the Monitor from recruiting Psimon, Killer Frost, the Psycho-Pirate and Doctor Polaris.

I really miss pre-New 52 DC. Firebrand!  All-Star Squadron!  Obsidian!  Older Earth-2 Superman!\

Rest In Peace:

Earth-3

The Crime Syndicate

Alexander Luthor

Lois Lane Luthor

[thedcdunce]

Captain Boomerang

“It's not a bloody children's toy. It's a refined and elegant weapon which, in the hands of a master like yours truly, can lop yer bloody head off!” - Captain Boomerang

Real Name: George “Digger” Harkness

Aliases:

Mirror Master

George Green

Gender: Male

Height: 5′ 9″

Weight: 167 lbs (76 kg)

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Brown

Abilities:

Boomerang Mastery

Weaknesses:

Terminal Illness

Equipment:

Boomerangs

Base of Operations: Central City, Missouri

Universe:

Earth-One

New Earth

Parents:

W.W. Wiggins; father

Betty Harkness; mother

Marital Status: Single

Citizenship: Australian

Occupation: Professional Criminal

First Appearance: The Flash #117 (December, 1960)

Abilities

Boomerang Mastery

Weaknesses

Terminal Illness: In Convergence, it is revealed he suffers from cancer.

Equipment

Boomerangs:

Explosive Boomerang: A boomerang that explodes.

Collapsible Boomerang: A boomerang that collapses so that it can be easily concealed.

Lightning Boomerang: A lightning-fast boomerang that even knocked out the Flash.

Rocket Boomerang: A large boomerang capable of launching into space.

Razor Boomerang: A boomerang capable of cutting through bone and flesh when thrown correctly.

Personality

In his psychological profile, Simon LaGrieve states that George Harkness is perhaps the most well-adjusted member of the Suicide Squad. He is perfectly content with who he is, but Harkness is "an unprincipled sociopath with little or no moral sense of right and wrong." This extends to sexual harassment of women, and vocal racist tendencies. He has little regard for human life, as seen in the way he casually betrayed Mindboggler to her death over petty differences.

History

George "Digger" Harkness, aka Captain Boomerang was a recurring enemy of the Flash. He devised altered boomerangs which could produce astonishing effects and used them ruthlessly. He became a staple member of the Rogues Gallery, a group of villains dedicated to opposing Flash.

Early life

The illegitimate son of an American toy-maker, W.W. Wiggins, and an Australian woman, Betty Harkness, George Harkness was raised in poverty in the small town of Kurrumburra, Australia.  His stepfather, Ian, hated the boy and made his life miserable.

In school one day, Harkness crafted a boomerang.  He discovered he had great skill with the aboriginal weapon and often used it for mischief with his best friend, Mick Wentworth. He further honed his skills while spending some time hiding from the law in the Australian bush.

When Harkness was eighteen, he and Wentworth robbed a general store and were able to make their escape with the aid of Harkness's boomerang. However, this incident caused Harkness's stepfather to kick him out of the house. His mother gave him a plane ticket to Central City and told him to get in touch with Wiggins.

Wiggins had been searching for a spokesman for his company's latest product, a toy boomerang.  Under the alias "George Green", Harkness auditioned for and got the job. Wiggins outfitted him with a costume and gave him the name "Captain Boomerang."

Silver Age Career

Harkness, however, had other plans for his new alter ego. He began a string of jewelry thefts. This alerted the attention of the Flash, and the Scarlet Speedster caught him in the act during one of his heists. However, Captain Boomerang fooled the speedster by claiming that he was being impersonated. He even brought the Flash to his apartment and introduced him to actors posing as his parents, stating that they would starve if he was convicted of the robberies and lost his job as Wiggins's spokesman. The next time that Boomerang encountered the Flash, he knocked him out with one of his boomerangs and tied the unconscious speedster to his "Rocket Boomerang", which he sent hurtling high up into the Earth's atmosphere. However, on the descent back to ground, the Flash released himself and captured the villain.

Once, he planted special getaway boomerangs in every jail within one hundred miles of Central City, where they would remain invisible until he concentrated his brain waves to materialize them. One year later, he had the chance to use one of them. He was being transported to the state pen, but an anonymous phone call said that there was a bomb in the patrol wagon that he was being transported in. The police evacuated the wagon and put Captain Boomerang into temporary custody at the police station. However, he used one of his getaway boomerangs to escape. As he escaped, he hurled a boomerang at Barry Allen for rubbing him the wrong way. Barry quickly changed into the Flash, and tried to apprehend Boomerang by creating air gusts, pushing the villain in front of him. However, the Captain contorted his body into the shape of a boomerang, which caused him to hurtle back towards the Flash, knocking him down. All of this had been recorded by Boomerang's father and put into a scrapbook entitled Flash -- This is your Death! Boomerang set Flash up in a machine, that sent the hero hurtling like a boomerang into another dimension, filled with terrible monsters. However, Flash stayed in the shape of a boomerang, knowing that he would be returned to his sender. Foiled, Boomerang and his father attempt to get away with a special flying boomerang. Flash then creates a waterspout as they fly over a lake, bringing them back down, where Flash takes them to police headquarters.

Legends

Amanda Waller recruited Captain Boomerang to her new Suicide Squad, in exchange for a pardon and prison release. He was forced to wear an explosive bracelet that would detonate if he disobeyed orders. They attacked Brimstone at Mount Rushmore. Blockbuster died in front of him. Boomerang distracted the monster with projectiles while Deadshot made the kill. Boomerang was furious when he realized that they were all supposed to die, and Rick Flag explained that every one of them is expendable including himself. Waller tried to keep Boomerang locked up, but Flag insisted on honoring their deal and released him. Boomerang immediately returned to the streets and embarked on a crime spree in New York City, where he battled Changeling and The Flash. G. Gordon Godfrey captured Boomerang and promised to execute him on live television. Boomerang threatened to expose the Suicide Squad unless they rescued him. Waller sent Deadshot to kill Boomerang, but Flag stopped him. Bronze Tiger chased Godfrey and Enchantress took down the Warhounds while Flag released Boomerang. Boomerang thanked him, and Flag punched Boomerang in the face.

Suicide Squad

Captain Boomerang is forced to continue serving with the Suicide Squad, but he still has to wear an explosive bracelet because Waller does not trust him. It is immediately established that the other Squad members do not like working with Boomerang, because of his loud racist and sexist attitudes. Boomerang sexually harasses his teammate Plastique, so Mindboggler uses her powers to embarrass him in front of the group. They are sent to destroy the terrorist group Jihad in Qurac, and Boomerang is told to neutralize their speedster Jaculi. Boomerang is used to dealing with the Flash, so he easily defeats Jaculi and kicks the terrorist off a roof to his death. Boomerang sees that Rustam is about to kill Mindboggler, and decides to let her die as punishment for humiliating him. When Belle Reve is attacked by the Female Furies, Boomerang chooses to simply hide and avoid conflict as others are dying. Boomerang is sent undercover to discredit the racist vigilante William Hell, and he infiltrates the Aryan Empire. Deadshot is forced to shoot an apple off of his head, and he does so with his eyes closed. He is part of the team sent by the President to arrest Firestorm. In this fight he is easily knocked out by Batman. Waller decides to let Boomerang live outside the prison, and he is given an apartment in New Orleans. They call Boomerang in as backup when they are fighting the People's Heroes in Russia, and he uses an exploding boomerang to defeat Sickle. He also knocks out Enchantress to stop her killing Deadshot, and says this is because he was cold and wanted to go indoors. Captain Boomerang returns to a life of petty crime and branches out to Gotham with Mirror Master. Both men were apprehended by the Batman. After Scudder died, Digger started impersonating Scudder as the Mirror Master. Warden Economos sends the team to destroy Manhunters during Millennium. Boomerang tests the explosive bracelets by telling Slipknot they do not work, and Slipknot blows his arm off trying to escape. He is nearly killed by Manhunters when he runs out of ammo, but he survives the encounter with Deadshot. They do not receive public credit for this mission. Waller sends Boomerang undercover with Black Orchid and Vixen to take down drug czar Xavier Cujo. Cujo tries to execute Boomerang, but Boomerang talks his way out of it. They get to their weapons and fight their way out, with Vixen killing Cujo. Boomerang tries to steal a large package of cocaine to sell for himself, but Black Orchid drags him away.

His career as Mirror Master was cut short when he was caught and brought to Waller, who put an end to it, and rescinded the benefits Harkness had been given, such as his apartment in New Orleans and his status as a voluntary member of the Squad. Harkness remained with the Squad until it was disbanded.

Identity Crisis

Harkness found himself an obsolete villain in the modern world of supervillains. Regularly going up to the supervillain satellite looking for jobs, asking favors from the Calculator, he was at the end of his rope looking for a job to put him on the map again. During this time, Harkness finally reached out to the son he abandoned, Owen Mercer. The two began to bond. Digger was killed by Jack Drake, father of Tim Drake. Digger had been sent by the real killer to attack Jack Drake, only the killer double crossed Digger and sent Drake a warning and a pistol to defend himself. Digger managed to kill Drake but not before he was shot himself. The sudden loss of Harkness caused Mercer to take up his father's mantle, and become the second Captain Boomerang.

Brightest Day

Harkness was one of twelve heroes and villains raised by the white light for mysterious reasons. Imprisoned in Iron Heights for crimes he committed when he was alive, Harkness makes a call to The Rogues requesting help in escaping the prison and that he become a Rogue again. Captain Cold denies helping him and tells Harkness he has to prove that he is still a Rogue by breaking out of Iron Heights himself and by taking on The Flash. Due to the exposure to the Black Ring, Harkness discovered he could manifest black construct boomerangs in times of duress. Utilizing the boomers which are able to explode on contact, he escaped from Iron Heights and sought out The Flash in an effort to win favor with The Rogues once again.

Convergence

Pre-Zero Hour Harkness is in Gotham when it was taken by Brainiac and is trapped for a year. He is recruited by pre-Zero Hour Amanda Waller to join the Suicide Squad. Harkness betrays the Suicide Squad after revealing he has cancer and is killed by Waller.

Fun Facts

"Digger" is a slang word for "soldier" for local Australians.

[agentmarymargaretskitz]

(A while ago, @misscrazyfangirl321 prompted me to create this. Recently, I got a brainwave to write a little more of it and I’m just going for it after a kinda cruddy evening. Takes place in an alternate Season 2 where Mick never rejoined the team, Ray died at the Oculus, and Leonard lived)

Getting kidnapped by someone who looked like they walked right off a movie set for some futuristic sci-fi flick was unexpected. Of all the days she could have forgotten her pepper spray, it had to be on that day. Not that it would have helped with the helmet her kidnapper wore. She didn’t even stand a chance before he knocked her out.

When she woke up on the spaceship, handcuffed to a railing, Lily thought of all the stories she had read on the news about women who went missing. Fear that she would become some unsolved true crime story struck her soon after. If she was going to die, then she wanted to know why. She asked her kidnapper, and he told her. 

At first, she didn’t want to believe that she wasn’t supposed to exist. Then Lily remembered the last time she’d seen her father, back when the aliens had invaded Central City. He had treated her as if he had never seen her before, and it had hurt. It made sense that he came from a timeline where she didn’t exist, encountered his past self, and said something that lead to her happening. He had been a huge part of her life, but she was just a stranger to him.

Offering to join forces with her kidnapper, this Chronos, was initially a play at survival. If she stayed out of time and worked to save history, then it was more time to live and plan out her next moves. Maybe she could even guarantee her existence if she did enough. But there was a bitterness inside her when she thought about how she was an aberration, a product of history not going the way it was supposed to.

If helping Chronos brought her face to face with her father, she was going to take the chance to ask him some questions about what had happened that brought her into existence.

~

Striking the deal with Lily Stein to let her live and work with him to stop the Legends from the mess they were making of history turned out to be one of his better ideas. There was plenty of Haircut in her with her determination and intellect, not to mention a relatively sunny attitude. She picked up information about dealing with the timeline quickly and made herself useful in how to rectify damage that had been dealt to a time period. Chronos figured she was probably only working with him to survive, but keeping her alive was a means to an end. 

But he didn’t mind having her on the ship with him. He was usually a lone wolf, yet he got along with her. Somehow, Lily (or Junior, as he’d nicknamed her) found a chink in his armor to befriend him. More of Mick Rory started to come back in to mix with the bounty hunter persona of Chronos. The strange part about it was he didn’t mind it happening at all.

When his ship landed in the same time period as the Legends, he ordered Junior to stay put and monitor from inside the ship. It ended up being a good move when he encountered the Legends. A fight broke out, ending with Snart and one of the new members, Amaya Jiwe, kicking his ass. As the Legends dragged him back to the Waverider, he spat a remark about how it was their fault for creating the aberrations in time, that they lacked precision in their correction. To his surprise, Stein was the one who responded.

“We had to destroy the Time Masters, even if they were keeping these aberrations in check. But we intend to fix them.”

The professor didn’t even know his own daughter was listening through the damn comm in his helmet. Hell, even Mick didn’t think she was listening until he heard it click off. The kid raised an eyebrow at the professor once he said that, but his rectification of ‘almost all of them’ was missed when Junior stopped listening. Moments later, his ship flew overhead and weapons were fired at the Legends. In the chaos, Mick made his escape to his ship and took over the controls to pilot them somewhere they could regroup.

After that aberration is corrected, a change occurred in Junior. She became colder and sharper. Her positive attitude diminished nearly completely. Eventually, she wanted to be be trained to fight, claiming she was sick and tired of being stuck on the ship monitoring and planning. Mick suspected she was starting to want to seek some kind of revenge on the Legends. Still, he started to teach her what he knew. If she got good enough, then she could have his back when they inevitably fought the Legends again.

~

“We’ve got bad news.”

“How bad?” Sara sighed as she and Nate wandered past another shack on the plains. The latest aberration was located in Oklahoma 1934. Dust storms were supposed to be ravaging the Great Plains, except history now said they didn’t. Something had affected the soil so it didn’t become...well, dust. They figured it was something from the future, like the virus that had caused a zombie outbreak in the Civil War.

Things had gotten worse in the past few months. Not only did they have Mick coming after them constantly for revenge, but a new group of enemies had showed up. When the Legends did find Rip in the sixties, this new Legion of Doom had snatched him away and brainwashed him to work with them. To top it all off, Stein’s suggestion of having his daughter help connect the amulet with the Waverider was derailed when they returned to 2017 to learn she had gone missing.

“Not only did Gideon pick up speedster activity,” Leonard’s voice floated through the comms. “But she also picked up another timeship close by. So Mick’s here to try and fix this problem now too, not to mention try and kill us again.”

“Fantastic,” Sara groaned, pinching her nose.

“Hey, we might not run into them?” Nate offered as the brush on their path became a little greener.

“Don’t say that,” Sara muttered. Not only would he jinx them, but it reminded her too much of something Ray might say. It had been months since he’d given his life at the Oculus. Nate was similar to their departed teammate in a lot of ways, and Sara could only imagine how well those two would have gotten along.

“We just need to find what’s causing this and get out of here before we cross one of them again,” Jax said.

“Yeah,” Sara stopped as she saw the grass actually looking greener on the other side of a fence. “We might have found it.”

She got herself over the fence, following the green towards a small shack. Nate followed her, steeling up. Pushing the door open, they were met with a strange silvery contraption with three prongs buried in the ground. A tube above the prongs glowed leaf green.

Half the work was done. “Len, we found-”

A clang rung out behind her. Whirling around, she saw Nate’s hand in front of her face. Beyond that, there was a familiar figure in a suit of armor, rifle in hand. Sara inhaled quickly, realizing how close she was to getting shot in the head. But she was still alive and was going to fight her way out of here if she had to.

“Get that out of the ground,” she ordered Nate. “Len, Amaya, get the Waverider here now. Stein, Jax, I need back-up.”

Sara flicked out her batons and formed her staff. She managed to keep Mick distracted for long enough until the Waverider hovered above them. Firestorm came out first, followed by Leonard and Amaya. The latter went over to help Nate while Leonard took a place beside Sara and Firestorm to hold off Chronos until Nate and Amaya could get the thing out of the ground. For a while, it looked like they could pull it off.

“Give it up, Mick!” Leonard shouted as he froze Mick’s rifle. “There’s something worse out there that is an actual threat to reality!”

“I know about the Legion,” Mick’s voice rumbled from inside. “We intend to make sure they get what’s coming to them next.”

Jax frowned. “We?”

“I brought a friend.”

Behind them, Nate shouted out. Those fighting Mick turned to see him and Amaya lying on the ground. Between them was a figure picking up the pronged device. They were dressed in armor like Chronos, but the helmet and design were different. The figure tilted their head at them all for a moment.

“Hello, Legends,” a modulated female voice regarded. “I’ve been waiting quite a while to meet you.”

She threw something into the air. Sara didn’t see what it was before a blinding flash exploded from it. A second later, she felt her consciousness slip away.

~

With the Legends all unconscious, Mick summoned his timeship and took hold of the device they’d found. He’d seen it in the Vanishing Point before. Apparently it was used in the 22nd century to cultivate sustainable life in areas plagued by drought. Now that they had it, the plains would deteriorate to the state they should be in, the dust storms could ravage the people trying to make a living there, and Steinbeck would write the Grapes of Wrath.

“You did good back there,” he muttered as he piloted the ship into the temporal zone while his companion undid her mask.

“I did say I would help you,” Lily reminded him, brushing some dust from the lenses of the mask. “So, this Legion of Doom...do we have a plan?”

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Just like Fire ch. 3

"And all the people say! You can't wake up, this is not a dream. You're part of a machine, you are not a human being. With your face all made up, living on a screen. Low on self esteem, so you run on gasoline" - Halsey (Gasoline)

"Uh who are you?" Claire asked. She had spent two months of boredom in the Center already and today she had opened the door to her dorm room and standing in front of it was a tall man in a dark black suit with penetrating brown eyes.

"You may call me, Kurt, I want to us to be friends," the man said flanked by two guys that looked like agents and the Director.

"Claire, Kurt is from the government. He is very interested in you, and would like to help you control and use your powers." The Director said, unusually fidgety.

"My powers.."

"To help the government. You would be doing is a big favor. Saving lives, making the world a better place. You'll be our secret weapon against our enemies." Kurt smiled broadly.

"I'm only 13.” Claire said, sitting on her bed. She disliked the way "Kurt" was staring at her. She knew it was probably stupid, but the guy made her uncomfortable. He was too suave, too friendly to be a government agent.

"Never too young to start serving your country." Kurt chirped.

"Um, we already signed you up,” the Director continued. 

"You what?" Claire's amber eyes blazed angrily. She already had been sign to this place without her permission, she wasn't going to the government too!

"Well you seemed so bored here. I.. I thought you would like a little work. Be useful." Director stammered looking between her and Kurt, “Kurt is very eager to start, and the program is all going to be focused on you."

"We're calling it, Project Firestorm" Kurt announced proudly.  "Please," Director leaned closer to her "Trust me."

Claire bristled. Last time she trusted someone, her parents, they left her.

But she did like the Director somewhat. He never yelled at her when she got frustrated and burn the furniture, or when she got in a fight with a kid that used his telekinesis to hit her with a cup and always let her stop testing when she asked, and use her free time to watch tv.

Besides it's not like she had anything else to do here.

"Okay, I'll do it.” 

The Director beamed happily at Kurt and Kurt smiled at her. He lead her to a limo outside.

"Driver, take her to headquarters. I'll meet you later, Claire, I need to settle conditions with the the Director." Kurt said. 

Claire looked absentmindedly out the car. She had no idea what she was getting into, she was slightly nervous but she tried to calm down. A whole program dedicated to her. And Project Firestorm sounded like such a cool name.

Once the car stopped, the driver led her to a dirty warehouse, but the inside was a different story. The place was gleaming white, the hallway seemed a mile long with what seemed like thousands of rooms on each side with scientists and other smart people rushing around.

"Go to the first room on the left" the driver nodded and left her alone so she did as she was told and walked to a empty room.

There stood a scientist with a silver suit. He was thin, rigid and reminded Claire of an icicle. Sounded like one too, cracked and screechy.

"So you're our new weapon. Hmm.." He looked her up and down, examining her faded "I love rock n roll" shirt and jeans.

"Uh me? I...I um. Sure. I guess so. Yes, yes I am. Claire Selton." Claire mumbled, holding out her hand. 

He ignored her hand, "Forget your old name, know what forgot your entire life. From now on your name is Volcana." the man said. 

Claire felt panicky by what the guy was saying: Forget her life? "Um excuse me. What do you mean about forgetting my life?"

"Use your powers" he continued on as if she hadn't spoken "The Director said you could do a lot. Do it. Everything you know.” 

"I thought you wanted me to forget"

She felt a sharp slap on her cheek, "Don't test me." The man hissed "Use your powers"

Normally she would have set the guy's clothes on fire for daring to hit her, but he was under Project Firestorm. Everyone here was. She didn't feel she should argue right now. So she just did as she was told. From the first trick of setting the floor on fire to the fire breathing she had been practicing yesterday. "Your files didn't lie. You do I have a tremendous aptitude for this,” He murmured sagely.

"My files?" The man glared at her, as if he would like to take off her mouth.

“The Center has everyone on file. And since we help support it, they let us see the files for any meta humans we can use for our projects" he rattled on as if he told this to people every day. "Now Volcana, have you ever killed someone?" Claire paused a little unsettled by the new name and the question before answering "No.”

"Well I would like you to try to kill this dummy. With your powers. Burn it to the ground. Blast it with a fireball. Your choice.”  Two scientist wheeled out a test robot the size of a man.  "Go!” Icicle man commanded.  Claire hesitated for a second but decided to blast with a fireball. The robot sailed a few feet back before flopping on the ground, sparking uselessly, in ashes. 

They pulled out several more robots, some that moved, some that shot at her. But all fell to the same death by fire. 

Then the wheeled out a real man. He looked average. Cropped blonde hair, broad shoulders, average height. But he was tied to a chair and gagged. Terrified. He kept shaking his head, moving desperately and sweating. 

"Kill him.” 

"I..I can't. He's just a guy.. I couldn't" Claire shook her head, feeling faint at the sight. She couldn’t think of anything, no fire, just the poor man’s terrified eyes.  "He's a enemy of the state!" The man pulled her hair back and slapped on a shiny black collar.  "Every time you disobey orders, you get a severe electrical shock," the man casually informed.

Claire felt a pain go through her system, hard, burning and fast. She fell to the ground, screaming. 

"And I will continue to shock you until you do your job." the man said calmly as the shock wore off and she got to her knees panting "Now kill him.” 

Before she could answer, she knelt to the ground, screaming in pain as the shock burned more near her throat, she felt like she was losing air. 

Once it wore off, she thought about the man. Burning, burning in the chair, engulfed in flames. She slowly opened her clenched eyes and forced herself to see the reality. 

The man screaming, knocking the chair and himself to the ground until he stopped moving. The scientists used water to douse him. Claire could see the body, scarred and burned beyond recognition, and threw up. 

"Get it together!" The man screamed "You are a weapon, Volcana. You're going to be killing a lot of people from now on. Get use to it and focus!!" "I don't want to!” 

"Ugh useless." The man groaned, "Show her the discipline room, she better see what happens before she thinks of misbehaving." 

The scientist drag Claire to the discipline room, Claire tried to stand but still wanted to stop and throw up. 

The man, the poor poor man. The locked her into a chair in front of a bucket of water. One scientist stood behind her and another stood in front of her with a fire extinguisher pointed at her face. Then sprayed the retardant. 

The foam got into her nose and eyes and mouth and she felt the burning sensation in her neck again. The air in her throat disappearing fast and none was coming in. Just foam. She hacked and breathed desperately, when her face was shoved into the water. 

The coma came off but he held her there. The burning in her lungs burned more and she felt her heart pump furiously. 

"I'm going to die." she thought, "They're trying to kill me.”

The man lifted her head out of the water, letting her gasp for oxygen when she got sprayed again. 

This repeated over and over until Claire felt she was going to faint again. She was brought up to air once more and saw Kurt sitting in front of her now. "What the hell?" She screamed, "I don't understand. I thought I was going to help you. Not kill people!" 

"You are helping by killing people. You are our weapon now." Kurt said, patronizingly patting her head.  "But I don't want to.”

"You will. Claire, your abilities are magnificent and we must use it to our advantage." Kurt insisted, his voice self assured that she would do what he said. And a sucking feeling in Claire’s stomach told her he was right.  But she wouldn’t without a fight.  "But I don't want to be called Volcana or be disciplined or shot at or....." 

"Claire, YOU don't understand. You are better than most meta-humans and thus you are better than humans. You don't need to be lowered to their standards. You shouldn't want to. You are above them. You are a weapon. And you shall be treated as such here. So those things you had before like family, entertainment, and such. You don't actually need them. All you need is your mission and our commands. You don't need humans and humans don't want you.” 

His voice changed from its confident tone to a softer one, “The Director mentioned that your parents left you for that, correct?" 

Claire stiffened, annoyed by the traitorous lump in her throat.  "Cadmus wants you. We want you. We do. So listen to us. Trust us. This will be your new life." 

[sinrau]

By now, you’ve probably heard that Donald Trump announced he wants to…delay the election. Cue a firestorm. So. How should you read this?

Is it just a stunt? A diversion, from the many, many ways Trump’s Presidency has failed — from 150,000 dead, to the 18th straight week of more than a million filing for unemployment? Or is it something darker? It’s all of that, and more. When an authoritarian — or an aspiring one — makes pronouncements like this, they don’t just serve one function. There’s no need for the binary logic of pundits.

Trump’s call to postpone an election is indeed a stunt and a misdirection — but it’s also just what it appears to be: an authoritarian delegitimizing democracy .

How dangerous is that? It’s very, very, very dangerous.

It’s deeply — deeply — naive to say something like: “Trump can’t postpone the election because he doesn’t have the power to!” Delaying an election is an abuse of power, the kind authoritarian collapses are made of, and Trump’s whole Presidency has been one long abuse of power, leading up to this, the big one. The Constitution? Don’t kid yourself. Trump doesn’t care about it much, from emoluments to aiding enemies to protecting people’s rights. Power, abusing it, is what you can get away with in a collapsing society. The question is: “can Trump get away with delaying or thwarting the election?”

And the answer to that is…well, first let me put that in more context. The pundits at this moment are busy trying to calm the Twitter masses — by saying that Trump “can’t” postpone the election. “Can’t” is a big word, especially coming from pundits about Trump. These are the same folks who’ve been wrong — catastrophically, for Americans — about every single thing Trump’s done. They’re the ones who scoffed at the idea he’d build camps, throw people in them, purge the government, raid towns, and so forth. Are they wrong again?

The short answer is: yes, but. Again, it’s not binary .

Those of us who’ve survived authoritarianism will tell you: this is exactly how authoritarians work . Stepwise. One step at a time. The point of the authoritarian’s game is to make it slowly possible for the unthinkable to come true. One day, he calls immigrants and refugees vermin, tomorrow, he’s built concentration camps, then he needs a Gestapo to run them, and then that Gestapo is turned on “real” Americans. Sound familiar? It should. It’s the story of the last four years of American political history: the stepwise corrosion of democratic institutions, and their replacement by authoritarian fascist ones.

What authoritarians want to do is change the future. And they do that by grooming a society — as someone very intelligent put it to me on Twitter. Just as abusers groom their victims — slowly transgressing a boundary here, then one there, making what ultimately become profound abuse seem not just normal, but inescapable — so authoritarians work upon a society. They groom people to become inured, impotent, for abuses of power to be normalized, for yesterday’s transgression to become merely something to shrug at, because today’s is so much worse.

By calling for an election to be delayed, that’s exactly what Trump’s doing. Transgressing another boundary. Here we all are now, debating it. Is such a thing possible? Is it even plausible? Of course, that’s exactly what Trump wants. He’s now changed America’s future. The process of grooming a whole society to become habituated to abuses of power goes on, each day more destructive than the last. This is how authoritarians work.

I want you to understand that, so you don’t fall into the pundit’s trap of thinking in a reductive, binary way — either/or. Either he can, or he can’t. No. That’s not how this game is played. It’s more like trying to collapse a building by chipping away at its foundations. Will this be the decisive blow? The next one? When will the whole thing topple over? In other words, more formal ones, we’re speaking about conditional probabilities, nonlinear systems, and political risk becoming true uncertainty. That’s what authoritarians want. When chaos is unleashed, they can do their worst — and get away with it.

The way that pundits will tell you to think about all this is: both houses of Congress need to OK it, and they won’t do that, so we’re all safe. Like I said, these are the same folks that got everything from camps to bans to raids wrong…because your logic doesn’t work. You can never rely on the institutions which let authoritarianism flourish defend you from authoritarianism.

Those of us who’ve survived authoritarianism tend to think about how it works much, much more subtly than American pundits. I think about it like this — and I’d bet that nearly every survivor of authoritarianism thinks along the same lines.

It’s far from impossible to imagine that Trump does end up with the power to delay the election — and even if he doesn’t, by trying to seize that power, he gains enough to manipulate, corrode, and corrupt it.

Let’s imagine that a few short weeks from now, Trump decides that Covid has become enough of a national emergency — even though it’s his own self-created mess — to declare martial law. He’s already announced he wants to do that, too — or have you forgotten — from the steps of a church nonetheless. When they tell you what they’re going to do, believe them. This is how authoritarianism works.

By that point, “ Operation Legend ” will already have put Trump’s shock troops on the streets of major American cities. Which cities? Why, ones in swing states, that lean Democratic. What a coincidence! Of course, it’s not a coincidence at all. This is how authoritarianism works.

Those shock troops will then be doing what they did in Portland — beating moms, abducting people off the streets, gassing mayors. How do you think people will react to that? I’d bet that they’ll either be frightened — in which case they won’t vote enough, and job done. Or they’ll be enraged, and hit back with violence, in which case Trump sends more shock troops, and brutalizes the nation into submission, and job done.

Either way, Trump wins. Maybe he doesn’t win the election in technical, formal terms — we’re not quite there yet in my timeline — but what he does win is the power to terrorize a nation. And a terrorized nation is one that you can do anything to .

At that point, with shock troops fanning out across the country, cities on fire, Covid raging — at that point — is when the crucial question must be asked. Will Congress then give Trump the power to delay the election?

Not now.Then. After Trump has unleashed the dogs of chaos on the nation — even more so than now — throwing everything from Gestapos to abductions to shock troops to a pandemic at people?

You might say: “Of course they’ll stop him!” But I wouldn’t be so sure. Who’s been funding all those concentration camps, and the Gestapo which runs them? The Dems. Who’s impeached Trump for a bribe — but not for crimes against humanity, according to the last living Nuremberg Prosecutor? The Dems.

America’s in this mess because the Dems are not a functioning and robust opposition . They have been employing a strategy of appeasement against American Nazis. It hasn’t worked — because appeasement never does. What’s it resulted in? Trump laughing, and going that much further. The Dems’ idea was to say: “OK, you can have your camps,” and then hope he’d back off, or be shamed into resigning. Trump has no shame, and authoritarians don’t back down, they double down. Hence, four years of appeasement — instead of opposition — from the opposition has led America straight into crisis, too.

( Let me pause for a moment, because a lot of Americans will think I overstate. Let me assure you — go ahead and ask every single one of your friends who’ve survived authoritarianism if they agree with me when I say: “The Dems have appeased Trump, not opposed him properly.” I can all but guarantee you every single one will. Us survivors understand what true opposition is in a way that Americans still don’t. That’s not to be a know-it-all blowhard, it’s to try and teach you something before it’s too late.)

I don’t think it’s in any way implausible to think that after Trump really lashes out with Gestapos, shock troops, abductions, declares a state of emergency, proclaims martial law — that the Dems will agree to postpone the election. I think that it’s eminently possible, if not probable, that they’d agree to do it, as long as Trump threw them a bone. “I promise to leave office by May,” he’d say — and of course not mean a word.

I’ll grant you that may be a slim possibility — but it’s not outside the realm of reason, to me, at least. And it’s such slim possibilities that have shaped American collapse to now.

Does any of that sound fantastical to you? I’d bet for a lot of you what’s happening as you read this is conflict. Your brain says “impossible”, but your gut says “exactly!” Listen to your gut. Your rational mind has no experience in dealing with authoritarianism. It’s a liability, because we’re now outside your experience. Your gut, on the other hand, probably does have experience dealing with bullies, abusers, and control freaks, and it knows, intimately, exactly what’s what, and how these dynamics tend to play out. In a word. That you can’t count on who you think you can count on, both the one who’s abusing you, and the ones who’ve normalized that abuse for so long, too. Your gut is far wiser than your mind right about now — hasn’t it been over the last four years?

Now let’s go one step further. Trump doesn’t manage to delay the election, and the Dems hold fast, for once, in something of a minor miracle, instead of appeasing him. Then what? Then he’s already won something critical, which is delegitimizing the election. “I don’t accept these results!,” he shouts, “I said this election should have been delayed! This wasn’t a fair election! And I’m not leaving office!”

That might make you roll your eyes — you’re a decent and sane person — but the problem is that Trump has an Army of American Idiots still behind him, and some of them are very rich, some control the government, and many control states. Easily enough of them to back him in a bid for becoming…dictator. Worse, he’s stacked the courts. The GOP is his plaything. He’s built his own personal paramilitaries who abduct people off the streets and gas mayors. You might think Trump contesting the results of an election he can’t delay — but has successfully delegitimized amongst his true believers isn’t a big deal — but let me assure you that it is.

Because now Trump can attempt anything. From refuse to leave office, to call for another round of voting, to take the case before the Supreme Court. Anything is possible. Remember when I said that authoritarians flourish in chaos? Here’s the chaos.

Anything is possible now. From an election delay, to no election, to Trump refusing to leave office, to a contested election. Nobody knows — not even Trump, now that he’s rolled the dice. But what I can tell you is that people who glibly dismiss all that are dead wrong. Nobody can say what’s going to happen — all we can say is one thing won’t happen, but that one thing is the most crucial thing of all.

A normal election.

And that, my friends, should give us all pause. Donald Trump wants to be America’s dictator . Your worst fears — the ones they told you to dismiss, when they said it could never happen here — are coming true. They are coming true precisely because sadly, enough Americans, especially powerful ones, couldn’t see it coming, when the whole world could.

Whether or not those fears of democracy dying come true fully — this is already way, way closer to realizing the worst fears sane people have as any nation should ever, ever get.

This is the beginning of a coup . Or the culmination of one that began four years ago. Put it however you like. One thing is eminently clear now. Donald Trump doesn’t want America to be a democracy. He never did. The question now is what kind of country Americans will settle for.

Umair

July 2020

Donald Trump, American Dictator #web #website #copied #toread #highlight #link #news #read #blog #wordpresspost #posts #breaking news# #Sinrau #Nothiah #Sinrau29 #read #wordpress