#no one has tried to fight him since the tower collapsed

[unexpectedbrickattack]

Hiding the rest of this HUGE comic behind a readmore for ur sanity

Hes got the keenest eye for these things!

Now that this is hiding behind a readmore i can justify writing an essay in here. Nothing big tho i am just very chatty :)!

Postgame where Peppino still gets visits every now and again from the bosses of the tower. I already drew one for the noise (lmao) but i wanted to draw each of the main four interacting with him in some way.

Pepperman is a refined and well renowned artist. His art is highly sought after and his advice is not taken lightly. He has many MANY fortunes to pull from to make his visions a reality and to influence anyone to do anything. Except for Peppino.

From the very first fight, Pepperman is immediately, overwhelmingly obsessed with this stout little brawler. He is much much more than what meets the eyes. He is initially extremely offput and annoyed that a human so boldly decided to waltz into his domain, and he expects to be able to steamroll and bully this…beast…out of his place of work. He is refined when he wants to be, but he is quick to use his brute strength to get what he wants if only bc he knows he can do it

And so when he decides to fully charge and thrash this little trembling human, expecting him to skitter away the second he gets struck, he is completely unprepared for when he gets launched to the other end of this room. The human looks so incredibly PISSED, like a bull seeing red, and suddenly this little altercation suddenly became a real actual ‘knock your teeth out’ brawl. This human is only like half his height, but his punches and bashes fucking knock the wind out of him.

And like ! To add insult to injury!!! After he wins the fight! He visibly deflates, the adrenaline seemingly wearing off. Hes just this trembling fuckin whelp again !!! Whimpering as he fucking runs back out through the portal to do god knows what. And Pepperman could not be any more fucking intrigued. Like this no name came in, whooped his fuckin ass, and went about his day. Its unreal

While Peppino is running around climbing the tower, Pepperman is in his room losing his mind. Hes obsessed. No one has challenged him in this way. No one has fought him and WON. He is ALWAYS able to bully people into submission either through brute force or with money, and he got his ass handed to him !! He needs to know more. Its quite literally consuming him.

Cut to the final fight, set up for a rematch; and he knows he is going to get steamrolled again but it is SO exhilarating to get another chance to see this humans form up close again. This time he can try to commit everything to memory. Its all such a blur though, and in a quarter of the time it took to end their first fight, its over. He gets to watch the human fight the gunslinger with his bare hands, no gun necessary, and he doesnt even bat an eye at what looks to be a clone of himself. He is a force of nature tearing through every single defense, and when Pepperman watches the actual final fight with the bizarre little pizza man, its like hes caught in a movie. The rain, the storm, the atmosphere. He wishes he could burn the entire scene into his mind.

So when everything returns to normal, he takes the time to travel for days to come and find this little human named Peppino. The memory is still strong and vivid but eventually, details will start to slip his mind. He needs to find this human, convince him to sit and do some still life sessions with him to help cement the humans appearance in his head. He hasnt had to resort to…asking for permission for anything in a loooong time…he bullies people into doing what he wants but Peppino is not your average person, and if he wants something from this man, he’ll have to meet him at his level.

He...can make an exception for Peppino...he supposes.

[lovelybrooke]

Hey I was wondering if you could do a short story or headcanons (whatever you prefer) about what if the V's managed to snatched the reader during extermination (episode 8) and whats was it like staying there while the hotel is losing their shit because reader is gone?

Here's some ramblings. Also if anyone has any ideas/characterization for the Helluva boss character within the au, specifically characters like Stolas, Ozzie, and Fizz, I would really appreciate them, thank you.

masterlist

I think out of all three, Vox would be the one to take you from the hotel. Vox has control of technology, including phones, and I've implied in the past that Vox keeps an eye on you through their phone, so I don't think it would be too hard for him to just "poof" you into their tower. The only thing keeping him from doing so sooner was Alastor constantly keeping an eye on you. 

So, while you were doing as you're told, keeping yourself locked in your room while the others were fighting, it was the perfect time for Vox to take you. I could totally see him not at all telling the other two what he was planning, so they're both super shocked that Vox actually manned up and took you. 

Vox himself is super happy you're here with them. We've talked about him being a huge fanboy, wanting to know everything about you, but when you're actually with him it's the first time that he realizes that you're just a scared kid. He tries his best to comfort you and make you feel comfortable in this new place, but a part of him is still trying to believe that he's doing this as a way of getting back at Alastor. He doesn't want to admit that you mean something to him, and that he wants to mean something to you too, because in his messed up head, you two are friends. He knows so much about you, of course it makes sense to believe that you actually have a relationship even though the first time you two actually meet is when he kidnaps you. 

Val is 100% weirded out by Vox and his behavior towards you. Val views you as a possession, totally opposite to Vox who wants to connect to you on a personal level. This doesn't mean that he knows nothing about you, he's gotten some stuff on you from Angel. I think your connection to Angel makes Val see you as possession even more, you're not a person but something to flaunt to the other Overlords, especially since you're desired by so many of the others in hell. 

Velvette is one of the only Vee's who I think you could actually make a connection with, at least on come level. Velvette is significantly more chill than the other two, and since she hasn't been spying on you like them, she doesn't feel creepy, y'know. I could actually see her becoming sort of a big sister to you, dressing you up and making you feel special, and for a moment you forget you're being held here against your will. Velvette will definitely rub your closeness to her in Vox and Val faces, much to their annoyance. 

No matter how you look at it, you aren’t staying with them long. Once Alastor learns where you are, he's coming to bring you back to the hotel. In a way, you being with them was the best outcome, since you would have definitely been harmed if you were in the hotel while it was collapsing, so Alastor will spare their lives, at least for now. 

Most of the others wouldn't even know you were gone, but you being with the Vee's definitely leaves an impression on Alastor. He doesn't want them sullying your mind with bad thoughts about him, and because of this he most definitely takes away your phone, just to be extra safe, don't want any more mishaps. 

[no-psi-nan]

Kuboyasu finds out that Saiko doesn't know what Legos are because he's only ever used money as building blocks, so he takes his Lego collection to Saiko's mansion.

Of course, by the time he gets there, Saiko has not only cleared out the 5 nearest toy stores of their Lego supplies but also hired a civil engineering firm to make a huge insane money diorama, a rainforest theme with cash monkeys and coin-encrusted bugs.

Kuboyasu can't help but be impressed by the building techniques, but of course he also insists that Saiko didn't do any of that himself and would completely fail to make anything interesting if it was him.

Naturally Saiko accepts the implicit challenge and they have a build-off.

Kuboyasu tries to make his motorcycle out of his beloved old Legos but he doesn't have enough of them to make it life-sized. Luckily, he manages to goad convince Saiko to let him use some of the new Legos he'd bought.

Meanwhile Saiko is fighting for his life because while he watched the engineers build the cash diorama and remembers the techniques they used to make certain shapes and joins, he just doesn't have the practical experience or dexterity to recreate most of them. He struggles to create something fancy for a good long while, then gives up and decides to just go big with the basic stacks he already knows how to build.

To no one's surprise, Saiko gets himself into trouble trying to make a money Tower of Babel, no matter how much his staff tried to discreetly help him (he had banned interference). He has a tumble off the top of the collapsing tower, and Kuboyasu automatically lunges across the room to catch him.

When Saiko lands in Kuboyasu's arms, their eyes meet and they have a certified yaoi moment. Once Kuboyasu gets back to his senses, he coughs and puts Saiko down gently onto his feet. He tries to brag that since he'd finished his motorcycle and Saiko's creation had collapsed that he'd won their little contest.

But then Saiko points out that Kuboyasu had accidentally knocked over his own motorcycle in his rush, and the Legos were scattered all over the floor. Kuboyasu stares in dismay, then gets pissed off when Saiko smugly points out that his fallen money sculpture has settled into mounds that quite resemble the Andes mountains.

"Andes nuts," replies Kuboyasu grumpily.

They get into a scuffle over this, naturally. Boys will be boys...

[dairy-farmer]

Still~ thinking about Time Travel~☆

Bruce would... wait... ACTUALLY??? EVERYONE would fuckin give a LIMB to "go back and Do It Right"(tm)?

Oh :Dc Oh No~ that's a FANTASTIC thought~☆

Some big Everything's Fucked Event. Like when Superboy Prime PUNCHED REALITY and broke it, bringing Jason back. Maybe some shit head reality warper collecting the seven sacred McGuffins or what have you. But they? Can't stop him.

Some of them last longer then others. But the idiot BROKE reality. And eventually? It resets itself.

But!

Tim died BEFORE the Break. Everyone else died AFTER. It was Heroic, of course, tried to destroy the last object before the reality warper could get it. But the bastard already had 6. He got Tim first.

And... they had all been drifting apart. Strained relationships, traumas upon traumas. Never knowing what to SAY. Wanting to fix things. Always somehow making things worse. Trying to do better. And then?

Tim is just... just GONE.

Then they die, Reality in fragments. Like some fucked up Alice in Wonderland fever dream. And? Wake up at different points in their own history.

Bruce blinks. And there is Tim. Tiny and determined to save him from himself. He's so small.

Bruce is collapsing to his knees and dragging him into a hug before he can think of anything else. His son. His boy. Tim. Warm and perfect, uncertain as he awkwardly hugs him back.

And this time he's a better mentor. Past mistakes always haunting him. Better food, better teaching, better gear. Better body management. Stretching and massages. Bruce is... obsessive, unsurprisingly, over Taking Care of Tim. He can't fail again. HAS to be better.

It's inevitable, that it gets weird. Started OUT invasive, after all. Since sexual wellness IS important to mental and emotional regulation, that has to be scheduled too. What do you mean "you don't"? Robin, it's stress relief.

Of course Bruce will show you. Yes of COURSE he's going to get you toys, show you how to use them. No, no, you're doing it wrong. Not like THAT, like THIS. See how he's doing it?

All so very educational.

But! Oh no! What if Robin wants to DATE? It was a disaster for him last time. Bruce better show him. And obviously if he's already doing THAT, he should show him how to put the moves on someone. And since we're doing THAT, it's only reasonable to follow through. Robin can't patrol distracted! That's not safe!

So he HAS to fuck him.

And really, if he's done it ONCE, he might as well teach him what he knows. Who better, then someone Robin can trust?

Which is what Dick stumbles into. Somehow in the past. With an even MORE neurotic Bruce who's-! Who's-! He'll KILL YO-! Heeeey there Timmy! Just need to talk to Bruce real quick, so... huh?

And that's when it hits Dick like a gut punch? That THIS Tim? No ugliness between them. Is excited to see him. Greets him with a hug. Warm and cute and bouncy. Wants... wants help... practicing...

Dicks eyes shoot to Bruce. Back to Tim. He keeps his Nightwing mask, firmly in place as the part of what he WANTS fight like dogs inside him. He shouldn't. Needs to stop this NOW. It's already WAY out of hand...

Y-Yeah, Timmers, of course he'll help.

What're big Brothers for?

And Tim is terrible at riding him. Gets too overwhelmed and freezes up, again and again. Is so SENSITIVE. It's so cute Dick can barely stand it, as he lifts and sinks him down. Watches him pant and squirm. Let's him cling like Dick is the only thing holding him together.

He's never been harder.

Jason, of course, could really only blink awake in one place. Because his luck is SHIT. Titans Tower. He thinks it's hell. Purgatory maybe. A punishment for what he did here. Goes to face it. Only...

Where's Timbers?

In his room. Having "Me Time". Face down, ass in the air, vibrator set to "Destroy Me". He didn't notice SHIT when the power cut. The world could end but until he's gotten off? Robin's not here right now, leave a message.

Jason decides this is a very fucked up wet dream to have while Dying, but? Screw it.

So he invites himself to the party. Pants open, cock out. Vibrator removed. World rocked.

He fucks Tim's hot little puss just the way he's always wanted too. Deep and with intent to fill it. Then he has his perky little ass, just cause. Fills that too. Eventually realizes this is NOT the afterlife or a dream, but is too busy pounding the best fuck of his life to care.

Cares a LOT more when an Out For Blood Half Kryptonian RIPS the door from the wall, along with the frame and some of the wall itself. While he is balls deep in Robin. Whoooo he may have fucked sopping wet and sloppy. While being a notorious Crime Lord.

Oh, Right.

He should ru-Shit! *sounds of Wrath And Kryptonian Violence*

It DOES bring the family back together. Even if Kon vows to NEVER forgive or forget. Hisses like an outraged cat at the mere mention of Red Hood. But things are great! Then Talia does what she do. Fucks up Bruce's mental health. THIS time however, he was aware it was coming.

And Damian, last Survivor of the Bat Clan, blinks into awareness to Tim offering him his hand. Excited to have a little brother.

Ah. Timothy looks... young. He no longer feels threatened by him, as he once did. Damian grew up. He shakes his hand. Is WELCOMED. Doted on.

Finds himself... Timothy's? Favorite? The baby of the family. None can touch him. One look and Timothy will come snarling to his defense. He need only pout and all will be delivered to his feet. Hilarious, how different it could have been.

But.

He is not blind. He is not the only one back in time. And the changes...

He can not argue that the family is not CLOSER, but must they act like animals? Panting after Timothy? Yet on the other hand... being so doted upon? Has brought up... feelings.

So... awkwardly... he, like a child who's had a bad dream, shuffles into Tim's room in the night. Is welcomed with open arms. Cuddled, fingers running through his hair, as he with fumbling hands explores. Guided in and pulled into Tim's arms, so he can rutt desperately into Tim's body, while Tim sleepily holds him close.

Random sparks of pleasure shooting through Tim's body as Damian manages to thrust just right, every so often. Praising him regardless. Because he's doing so good, is Tim's precious younger brother.

Letting Damian cum himself exhausted before getting himself off. Damian dazed and worshipful, clinging as dozes off. Dick finding them in the morning and pouting because this means no Morning Fuckies. Damian's totally gonna hog Tim's attention.

Being right.

Bat Clan Wars over Timmy Time. Tim playing the mediator. That leading to sharing.

Better More Tim Fucking Time Line!

What say you?

-🐼🐼🐼

all of them using time travel to act on deeply repressed feelings for tim they never acted on before 😍😍😍!!

[lizzie-is-here]

christmas event!

character: bucky x fem!reader

summary: december 16 tends to bring memories for a certain ex-winter soldier

warnings: violence, anxiety attack, trauma, bucky being sad, murder

a/n: was this requested? no. is it on my prompt list? no. but i wrote it on the plane and am literally posting it during my layover so lmao hope y’all enjoy 🫶🫶🫶

Christmas is one of your favorite times of the year. Something about the lights, the snow, and the nostalgia has you setting up decorations right after Halloween.

All credit to him, Bucky tries his best when it comes to Christmas. It’s fun, but it tends to bring back memories of Rebecca and his mom, as well as constant reminders of just how much everything has changed.

But he loves you, so he loves Christmas.

The challenge comes in the week before. It's late in the evening when he turns on the TV. He’s bored, and just wants you home.

You’re running around shopping for ribbon, since you realized last-minute that the ribbon you already had didn’t match your wrapping paper. Bucky doesn’t really get why it matters. He wrapped Sam and Steve’s gifts in trash bags this year.

The TV isn’t offering up much. Endless Hallmark movies that neither of you like and holiday baking shows that you both promised to only watch together.

His eyes almost slip over it.

December 16: the Mysterious Deaths of Howard and Maria Stark

Bucky can’t swallow the lump in his throat. The world knows nothing about his involvement, of course, but that doesn’t make it easier.

The guilt had been eating at him before you came along. You showed him that he didn’t have to be guilty, that he could live and grow. He never even planned to ask you out. Falling in love with you just came along with your friendship.

He knows you would advise against watching the documentary. But you aren’t here. And a little bit of curiosity wouldn’t hurt.

That notion is cured the moment he clicks on the channel. It’s a barely-censored crime scene photo, that, though grainy, is clear enough to see the blood all over the inside of the car.

Two bodies are slumped in their seats.

He can feel Maria fighting against his old arm as he choked her. The way Howard’s nose collapsed in on itself with a single punch. The serum in the trunk, the motorcycle he used to ride away.

Every detail is as clear as day. Each one opens new questions. The ones that Bucky falls asleep in your arms to avoid. The ones he doesn’t even want to think about around you, lest they somehow taint you.

But you aren’t here.

So he spirals.

———————————————————————

“Bucky? I’m back,” you call. You have so many boxes in your arms that you don’t spot him on the couch enveloped in some show.

You frown as you set the boxes on the counter. “Baby?”

No response. Until you peer around the makeshift tower.

“Hey, what’s going on?” you chuckle. “What’re you-“

“No one knows how the Starks died. But many believe that the flimsy cover-up of a car accident is hiding a much more sinister truth. Ms. Stark’s autopsy showed signs of severe bruising around the neck, as well as asphyxiation and a struggle. Some even claim that the Winter Soldier-“

You turn the show off.

“James. Are you okay?” The use of his real name startles him a bit.

“Yeah, I was just…” Bucky can’t offer an explanation. He takes a shaky breath. “Just browsing.”

Offering a sad smile and a weak laugh, you sit next to him. “Browsing the true crime channel?”

He shrugs. His eyes are still on the screen, as if he can see the gorey imagery.

You don’t push further. Instead, you take his hand, lead him to the kitchen, and you start making dinner together.

Bucky really tries to put up good conversation. Your night shouldn’t be a downer just because he chose to watch that stupid show. Yet, he can’t manage more than a few sentences.

You gently set a hand on his arm to grab a plate from behind him, and it just reminds his of how Maria Stark clawed at his metal one so desperately in her last moments.

A motorcycle passes by outside and he can practically see the long ride back to the HYDRA base.

Eventually, he gives up and falls silent.

It’s only later that night, when you’re laying in bed, that he speaks again.

The two of you are intertwined. It’s like Bucky’s convinced that, if he lets you go, he’ll fall right back into that spiral.

It’s heartbreaking. The way he clings to you.

You’ll always want to offer support, but it hurts to see him so consumed by this.

What he says hurts even more.

“I don’t think I’m a good person,” he whispers into your shoulder. His thoughts are too scrambled to hear the way you sniffle.

You pause, gathering yourself before responding.

“Well, I’ve known a lot of bad people,” you begin. “And I’d like to think I know you pretty well. There’s not much crossover there.”

“If you weren’t a good person, if you were ‘bad’, you wouldn’t be worrying about it. Sure, this guilt shouldn’t be on you. You didn’t have control. But it proves my point.”

“You’re not a bad person, Jamie. I promise.”

He can’t express how much it means to him. He’s relieved and still drowning in worry all at once. There’s one more thing.

“And what if you’re wrong?”

Pressing a kiss to his temple, you exhale softly.

“Then we can be bad people together.”

You both fall asleep like that, entwined in every way. Hiding from the world in each others’ arms as endless flurries cover the streets of Brooklyn.

But not before you grab your phone, and send a quick text to a certain Captain that still feels like he owes the brunet for his new suit.

And in the morning, that documentary is nowhere to be found.

[rachaelswrites]

A Super Halloween

Clint Barton x Teen!Avenger!Reader! (platonic obviously)

Word Count: 889

Requested By: Anonymous

Could I request a halloween story? So, I was thinking maybe the reader dresses up as their favourite Avenger, or one they have a close relationship with, and goes out to keep an eye on the kids trick or treating in NYC, when she goes into an alley to help some kid who was getting bullied or something but it was a trap and she gets beat up but the Avenger she's dressed up as comes saves her and takes her back to the tower, patches her up, and they watch scary movies for the rest of the night? Thx

A/N: Thank you for this request! I really enjoyed writing this

Warnings: Mentions of injuries/blood

Halloween was the one time a year you could dress up as a hero in public. Since you were working with the Avengers, you wouldn’t be able to trick or treat in your own gear so you decided to dress up as one of the others, to blend in better. Clint was who you were closest to so you picked him and he helped you get ready. You were supposed to hang around the busy parts of the city to keep an eye on things and be there in case something happened. You were the eyes on the ground for the night.

~~~~~

“Don’t do anything stupid tonight okay?” Clint said, helping you put on the last piece of your costume.

“I know I know,” you said, turning to look in the mirror behind you, “I won’t I promise.”

Clint nodded, trusting your word, “Okay. And you know that if you need back up, call and someone will get there. Tony has a tracker in this suit so don’t worry about that.”

“You think I’ll need back up? I’m sure tonight will consist of middle schoolers beating up younger kids for candy. Not exactly an Avenger worthy fight,” you said.

“And that’s why we sent you,” Clint said, earning a slap to the torso from you, “Alright just go already. You’re running late.”

You grabbed your bag and headed for the door, “See you later!”

~~~~~

Like you expected, most of the night was pretty boring. You had to stop a few older kids from picking on younger ones but other than that, nothing major happened.

You were about to call it for the night when you heard yelling from an alleyway. You rounded the corner and stumbled upon two kids fighting. You ran up to them and pulled them off of each other.

“Hey, knock it off you two,” you said, “Leave each other alone.”

“Why should we listen to you? You’re just a knockoff Avenger,” one of them said.

“And a girl,” the other added.

You rolled your eyes, “Seriously? Just go,” you said, irritated that they were making your night longer.

The two boys looked at each other before the one spoke up, “How about instead of you telling us what to do, we teach you a lesson about interfering in other people’s business?”

You didn’t want to start a fight with these boys so you rolled your eyes again and turned to leave but they grabbed your arm and slammed you against the wall.

You tried to land a few hits in between their punches but they were suddenly ripped off of you and thrown on the ground.

“Go on get outta here before I tell the rest of our team what you two knuckleheads did,” Clint spat, watching the two boys run away. He then turned to face you as you wiped away some blood from your head, “I thought I told you not to do anything stupid/?”

“I didn’t,” you mumbled, pushing yourself off the wall. You winced slightly at the pain coursing through your body as you walked towards Clint, collapsing onto him, “Can you help me please?” you asked.

Clint nodded and decided to hold his joke in until you were cleaned up and knew you were okay. He let you lean all your weight on him as you two hobbled down the street and back to the tower.

~~~~~

Once there, Clint helped you inside and to the kitchen where he lifted you up and placed you on the counter. He went to the freezer and pulled out a bag of frozen fruit and tossed it to you, “Put that on your face.”

You did as he said and watched him leave the room and come back with a first aid kit. He sat it down next to you and opened it. He looked at your face to assess your injuries before pulling out a bunch of things. He reached up with a cleaning wipe and moved the makeshift ice pack from your face, “You’ll probably have bruises in the morning. And that cut on your lip might take a bit to heal but other than that, you’ll survive.”

It took about ten minutes for Clint to fully patch you up and clean everything for you. You poked at the bandaid on your head, making sure you weren’t bleeding. Clint handed you the ice pack again and you held it up to the side of your face, where a bruise was already forming.

“This was the best Halloween ever,” you said sarcastically, “Can’t wait to brag about it at school.”

“Cheer up a little Y/n,” Clint said, ruffling your hair, “It’s only nine. And we’re the only ones here so that means we can have the tv all to ourselves and watch all the scary movies we want to.”

Because all the others hated scary movies, you and Clint had been forced to watch kid’s movies for Halloween so when Clint mentioned getting to watch horror films all night, you jumped off the counter in excitement, forgetting your pain.

“Oh my gosh finally,” you said, there are so many new ones I haven’t been able to see yet. You get popcorn, I’ll get the lounge ready,” you took off for the other room as Clint laughed at you and got the popcorn. 

Taglist

@i-writes-things @thatsamericasass24

Marvel

`

[itsuki-minamy]

"K - RETURN OF KINGS" (Novel)

CHAPTER 9: NEKO'S DREAM (Part 1)

* List of Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

Awashima Seri let out a deep breath as she leaned back on the couch in the living room.

Ever since they were defeated in the decisive battle of Mihashira Tower, Awashima barely took a break. There was a lot to do. Pick up the injured, transport them to the hospital, rearrange shifts to fill in the gaps, contact and inform relevant parties, track down the missing "Dresden Slate" and gather information, while conducting normal activities such as crime patrol, in order to minimize the members' agitation due to defeat. She couldn't show even the slightest hesitation.

"Phew."

Awashima let out another sigh and rubbed her eyes.

"Please rest for a while." If Akiyama hadn't negotiated with a serious expression, Awashima would have kept working. And then she should have collapsed. Not to mention the physical exhaustion, the mental exhaustion was reaching its limit. Awashima still suffered from losing, and there was one thing that worried her more than anything else.

This is the case of Munakata and Fushimi.

It seems that there was an argument between Munakata and Fushimi in the early morning of the 25th. Even if she regretted not being there at that time, now it wasn't a big deal.

The most shocking thing was the fact that Munakata had an argument with someone. What that "King" made was a theory or a statement, even if there was, it would have been an argument, and it was unimaginable that he would fight violently with someone.

No, thinking so, Awashima smiled while she still covered her eyes.

She has only seen Munakata get angry once. How many years ago was that? When Suoh had just become the "Red King". Munakata tried to persuade Suoh and for some reason it turned into a battle.

At that time, Awashima could do almost nothing. When she became a member of the "Scepter 4" clan, she learned the entire history of supernatural powers. Among them, the clash between the predecessor "Blue King" and the "Red King", which is said to be the worst, and the "Kagutsu Incident" at the end. The clash between Munakata and Suoh seemed like a repeat of that.

Even Suoh couldn't have ignored that story. Despite that, that man easily kicked Munakata away. What made Munakata angry was Suoh's irresponsibility.

However, Fushimi is not a "King".

Even as capable as he is, he is just a member of the clan. He is in no way equal to Munakata. It was unthinkable that Munakata would have a fight with him and finally drive him out.

Could that also be because of the injuries he received?

Then...

"What I can do?"

Her gaze moved slowly, and settled into a gothic-style coffee table near the couch.

Awashima's saber was leaning there.

(Reisi Munakata's right-hand man is you, not me.)

The man who once said that to Awashima cut to his own "King". As a result, he saved this country. Habari Jin expected that? A clan member who is most loyal to himself brings death upon himself. Was that the right path for her?

What about Munakata?

Wait, who will be by his side when she drops his "Sword of Damocles"? Could it really be her?

Is it possible for her to kill the Captain...?

"......!"

The doubts that had been suppressed until now spilled over, and Awashima frowned as if she was enduring the pain.

Despite being defeated, Munakata is still alive and well. The Clansman are also desperately searching for the whereabouts of the "Green King". There is still a chance to get the "Slate" back. They did not lose completely.

Still, the second hand of doom is definitely advancing.

When "that moment" comes, she must draw that saber. That was the role of Seri Awashima, the Vice-Captain of "Scepter 4", which she couldn't cede to anyone else.

Lying back on the sofa she tried to catch her breath.

She didn't want to think about it anymore. She remembered that Akiyama took it from her when she tried to remove her PDA from her chest. Because if she does, she'll have to work.

From there, her thoughts turned elsewhere.

No one was able to contact Fushimi. All incoming calls from "Scepter 4" were blocked and in the case of "Homura" it was no different. Contact lost and gone. They have no idea where and what he is doing these days.

One of the reasons she wants him to come back is that Fushimi's disappearance is the cause of half of that hustle. He is a capable man. When it comes to information processing, there's no one better than Fushimi, and there are mountains of jobs that can't be done without Fushimi.

And she on the other hand is just worried about Fushimi.

Fushimi is not a nice person, even by flattery. Rather, to put it bluntly, he has a bad personality. He's the type of person people hate, and Awashima didn't like him either.

Still, there is something about Fushimi that cannot be left alone.

He is sharp as a knife, but has a brittle side like glass. Despite being extremely talented, he is fatally bad at trusting others. Where and what is he doing now that he has jumped from "Scepter 4"? Thinking about it makes her feel uncomfortable. Hopefully he doesn't get desperate and get involved in weird things.

Just as she was thinking about it, there was a knock on the break room door.

"Fu, Vice-Captain! It's hard!"

Awashima sat down heavily. A lot of hard things have happened in the last few days. Just adding one more thing now won't change anything, the voice from the other side of the door pushed away a careless thought.

"The "Jungle" clansman, Douhan Hirasaka has escaped from prison! It is believed that the missing Saruhiko Fushimi guided her!"

++++++++++

Blade proof suit, tactical vest, heeled boots and combat gloves. Even when she got dressed and moved her body, there was nothing unnatural about it. The grenades, flashbangs, and shurikens that Fushimi always kept on hand were nowhere to be found in the cardboard box that Fushimi brought, but it couldn't be helped. Those clothes were just "trial items", and the ones in there were "dangerous goods". In any case, if she went back to the hideout, she could replace it.

Fushimi looked coldly into the rearview mirror as Hirasaka adjusted her equipment in the back seat. There was no light inside the van parked in the dark alley, and the only light was the unreliable interior lights.

While he pretended to manipulate a PDA, Hirasaka also watched Fushimi without letting her guard down.

In a way, that place was dead.

If one of them wanted to, a battle would break out in no time. Other than Fushimi, Hirasaka has no reason to keep him alive. If the freedom that was fortunately obtained was solidified, it would have been better to shut Fushimi's mouth there.

She wondered if she could.

She answered herself that she could do it. Dangerous goods have been seized across the board, but she's got a switchblade in her combat gloves. Make a hole and pick his throat. That would be enough.

"Do not think too much."

Leaning down from the driver's seat, Fushimi stabbed into the nail.

"I took the knife out of your glove. Right now you don't have anything you can stab or cut with."

Hirasaka tried to operate the glove. Shukon, a stupid sound resonated and the knife did not come out. Hirasaka shrugged as she gave him a cool look.

"You have quite a hobby going through women's clothing."

"I never thought of you as a woman, wall-breaker. I tell you, there's no use trying to escape. Next time, I'll sew your whole body to the back seat."

Before she knew it, a knife appeared in Fushimi's palm. When she thought about it, she remembered that this man was also a concealed weapon user.

"Alright."

Hirasaka raised both hands as if she was giving up.

"Cancel the plan to kill the enemy. It's impossible. So what do you want from me?"

Fushimi snorted and waved his hand, and the knife disappeared like a magic trick. Then, he said...

"I'm going to be a ranker. Help me with that."

As expected, she was surprised.

But once she got past the initial shock, a thought came to her: "That must be so.". Fushimi's actions were clearly a rebellion against "Scepter 4". In that case, Fushimi should have given up on the Blue Clan, so it was only natural for him to run to "Jungle".

Hirasaka said...

"If it's the second time, is betrayal something you're good at? Even I frown."

"Don't lie, you say it's wrong because it's against morality. Your parents seem to have seen through your true nature."

Of course, Douhan was not a name given to her by her parents.

But that didn't matter. Hirasaka asked.

"What are my benefits?"

"I got you out of jail."

"Do you want me to return the favor? Unfortunately, I don't remember turning into a crane."

"I know, you can't follow me without millet dumplings."

Saying that, Fushimi blurted out something.

She received it reflexively. Of course, it was not a millet dumpling. It was a wad of rubber-bound bills. 500,000, guessed by touch.

"Is it a deposit?"

"If the mission is successful, I will give you the same reward. In return, all the points earned are mine."

Hirasaka thought fast.

Exchanging points for cash violates the "Jungle" rules. However, there are loopholes in any rule, and even though two people completed the quest, there are often situations where only one person gets points. You can help one without accepting the quest. So if the other checks it with cash, he is effectively buying points with money.

A million per mission, not a bad amount. However, drinking only in "not bad" conditions would not be a business.

"A million, regardless of the difficulty of the mission. That's not worth it."

Fushimi responded flatly.

"I will generate incentives based on the difficulty level. When I rank up, it will come with a bonus."

1,000,000 is the minimum guaranteed amount and the incentive is negotiable. It was perfect, or rather, it was definitely a delightful piece of work. Hirasaka thought for a few seconds and decided that there was no point in throwing it any further. Instead of sticking around and getting concessions, it will be more profitable to stay in a short and long relationship.

"Alright."

Facing Hirasaka, who briefly agreed, Fushimi nodded and started the engine.

Hirasaka asked while she was a bit surprised.

"No way, from now on?"

"What do you think of that 500,000? I already sent you the mission details. It's an easy job, so there's no incentive."

Saying that, Fushimi started the van.

Inside the trembling car, Hirasaka pressed the switch on her neck. A full-face tactical mask covered her head. A glowing green HUD appeared in front of her and various information was projected onto her retina.

"Work.", she murmured into her mask.

Hirasaka is a professional. There is a precise calculation formula behind the action, and it is not moved by emotions.

Still, this situation brought a kind of excitement to Hirasaka. She could work. It was the only thing in her empty life that gave Hirasaka a feeling similar to joy.

Feeling the electricity of "Jungle" running through her body, Hirasaka slowly began to read the details of the mission.

++++++++++

Neko was gone.

After the "Decisive Battle at Mihashira Tower" ended that day, and after she disappeared due to recognition tampering, she never appeared again. It was the same when he returned to School Island, and no matter how many times he called her, never got a single answer.

"Where did she go? No way..."

Shiro smiled and shook his head at Kuro who frowned in concern.

"No. Neko is close, because this island is her home."

Although there was no wind, he felt the rustling of the leaves and the branches of the trees. Neko was close. She was probably close enough to hear their voices.

"Then why doesn't she appear in front of us?"

At Kuro's question, Shiro made a slightly sad face.

"...I wonder if she is afraid of us."

Emotions are everything to her. Anger, sadness, joy and fear. Get closer to comfort and move away from fear. That's how she lived her whole life.

Not long ago, her peace was with Shiro.

It was different now.

Shiro has become an object of fear for her. That's because Shiro has realized the root of Neko's fear.

What Neko fears the most is "Ameno Miyabi".

Her real name. The real me of her. She is terrified of who she really is.

Not that Neko understands why she's afraid of him. Of course, Shiro doesn't know either. If Neko herself doesn't understand how she ended up in that state, no one can.

But at that moment, the image of a scared, trembling and cowering Neko broke his heart.

Shiro looked away from Kuro and slowly looked around him. Somewhere in that field of vision, Neko could be. Maybe not. Using the power of the "King", it is easy to remove the disguise from her. But doing so would not solve anything.

Instead, Shiro raised his voice.

"You should go to Kukuri. She's not scary, right? So, when you've calmed down, can you come back? I want to talk to you, Neko."

There was no answer. The trees were quiet. Kuro lowered his eyes pitifully.

Still, Shiro muttered under his breath.

"...I'll be waiting."

Then he walked away. To the student dormitory, to the place where Shiro was, to the place where Kuro and Neko should return.

++++++++++

"Eeeh?!"

The reason she unintentionally let out a voice was because there was someone in her room, which should have been empty. A student dormitory where the students of Gakuenjima live. After classes were over for the day, Yukizome Kukuri found that "lump" when she returned home humming.

The lump was in her bed. She was using a futon. She knows that she is a person, but she doesn't know who she is. As far as Kukuri knows, however, there is only one person who would likely do such a thing.

That is to say...

"...Wagahai-chan? What are you doing?"

The "lump" collapsed. From the mouth of the futon, from the dark shadow, only a glimpse of blue eyes peeked out.

"...Alright."

"Eh?"

"I'm Neko."

Her voice was tinged with tears.

With a small sigh, Kukuri put her school bag on the ground. As she sat on the bed, the ''lump'' began to move. Kukuri asked kindly.

"Did you fight with Kuro-kun?"

The "lump" moved again. She shook her head. Kukuri continued, placing her palm along the back of the futon.

"So, Shiro-kun?"

She moved a little more this time. She denied it even more than before. Knowing it wasn't a fight between the two of them, Kukuri let her gaze wander through the air.

"Well, then..."

Saying that, Kukuri remembered that she didn't know anything else about Neko.

Both Kuro and Neko live in a different world than Kukuri. The two are not students at the school, but for some reason they are mysterious beings who have settled on that island. Recently, a boy named Isana Yashiro joined them. She knew they weren't ordinary people, but Kukuri didn't quite understand who they were.

When she was searching for the words, the "lump" came to her.

"It's frightening."

"Eh?"

Wide-eyed, Kukuri asked the futon.

"What are you afraid of?"

"......"

The futon moved. as if trembling After a brief silence, she heard a muffled voice.

"Ameno Miyabi."

She had no idea what she was talking about.

"Hmm, I see..."

Kukuri crossed her arms and thought deeply. It's like asking a baby. She didn't understand what Neko meant. She has no way of expressing what she wants to say. Or maybe she doesn't want to say it in the first place. The only way to fill in the missing information is by marking each one.

"Why are you afraid of that?"

After a while, Kukuri asked.

"There is a door."

A door. Is it some kind of metaphor? Kukuri blinked and waited patiently for the word of the ''lump''.

"I hear a voice coming from the door. It's calling me. Her name is Ameno Miyabi..."

Kukuri took a deep breath.

She calling her. Does that mean "Ameno Miyabi" is Neko?

As if she read Kukuri's thoughts, the ''lump'' moved violently.

"No! Wagahai is a cat! It's not like that!"

Neko is an emotional girl. Jumping, crying and laughing, she has seen that kind of thing many times.

However, it was the first time she had seen Neko deny something so desperately.

A conflict was born within Kukuri. She doesn't know much about Neko. She might be safe to say that she doesn't know anything. And yet, is it okay to say something to Neko now? Surely Neko is afraid of a fundamental "something". Also, is she okay if she carelessly touches her?

No.

It is neither good nor bad.

She wanted to do it.

This innocent girl is scared to the point of death. She wrapped in a futon and snuggled up. If so, she would love to help her. Those were Kukuri's true feelings.

"Well, the door is..."

As if groping, Kukuri twisted the words.

"Isn't it possible to throw it somewhere? How about we throw it in the sea or in the mountains?"

Neko shook her head at the trivial idea.

"Impossible..."

"Well, what about opening it? If you try to open it unexpectedly, you might wonder what it is."

Once again, Neko denied.

"No..."

Laughing softly, Kukuri patted Neko's back.

"I see. That's true. You can't open scary things by yourself. Fine, then…"

Kukuri said what came to her mind.

"What if you're with someone?"

"......"

"Kuro-kun or Shiro-kun. If it's those two, can you open it together? That way, it's much less scary than opening it yourself."

The "lump" didn't even move.

Just when she was wondering if she said something wrong, Neko whispered.

"You can stay?"

"Eh?"

"Even if I'm not a cat, will Shiro and Kuro still be together?"

She wished could tell her that it's normal.

But saying that, Kukuri was not irresponsible, nor was she familiar with those two. She doesn't know what kind of people Yatogami Kuro and Isana Yashiro really are.

That's why Kukuri said...

"What do you think, Wagahai-chan? So, do you think those two will break up?"

After a short pause, the "lump" began to move.

Seeing that, Kukuri smiled.

"I see. Good for you."

"......"

The mouth of the futon, from the shadow inside, peered out blue and gold eyes. When she blinked once and opened her eyelids, the tears had already disappeared.

++++++++++

She heard a voice.

From inside the closet. through the door. The voice kept calling her name.

"Ameno Miyabi."

The owner of that voice was not alone.

An old man's voice yelled as if he was crazy.

The voices of a man and a woman cursing the monster and asking it to return the child.

The voice of a young man, intelligent and cold.

But they were all different. She knew it wasn't true.

"Ameno Miyabi."

Actually, it's her voice.

Wagahai's voice. Her voice.

She was the one who made the door and pushed everything through it. She forgot about it. After all, Wagahai is a cat. Cats do not think about anything, do not remember, do not worry, they just need to sleep comfortably in a safe place. Because that's all she wanted, she turned into a cat.

Even though that was all she wanted.

"Ameno Miyabi."

She heard a voice on the other side of the door. She heard her own voice. "Ameno Miyabi" is called "Ameno Miyabi". She was calling Wagahai.

Maybe she could open the door, because she was the one who closed it. Cancel recognition manipulation ability. It's easy because she's done it before with Shiro.

But then she doesn't know what will happen.

What would those two say if she was selfish? Will they accept her as she is?

Or like those people, will they fear her and turn away from her?

If that happens, she is certain that she will never be able to find peace again.

That's the only thing Neko was afraid of.

"Oh."

Her heart jumped a lot, and Neko reflexively jumped high.

With wide blue and gold eyes, she Neko saw him.

On the bedroom ceiling. A green parrot perched on a windswept water tower.

The entire body is covered with hair. A real cat would have curled her fat tail. Fear and chill numbed Neko's judgment.

Suddenly, the parrot spread its wings and screamed.

"Whoa! Stupid cat, scared, scared!"

Her face turned red. Anger overcame fear and Neko threatened Kotosaka with her entire body.

"There's no such thing as scary! Stupid!"

"Whoah, whoah, whoah, whoah!"

Kotosaka laughed triumphantly, and Neko shifted into a battle stance. Just when she thought she was going to catch him, rip off his wings, and dunk him in the sauce, Kotosaka's demeanor changed in an instant.

"Please stop, Kotosaka. I came looking for her today. Don't make her angry."

"Whoah!"

After a sharp cry, Kotosaka fell silent. Sensing a touch of intelligence behind his camera gaze, Neko braced herself.

"Eh?"

Of course, Neko knows the names of the others. Even so, the reason she asked was to delay the main topic, even if it was a bit.

The parrot nodded and answered.

"Right. It's my first time speaking like this, so let me introduce myself again. My name is Hisui Nagare. I am the "Green King". What is your name?"

A name. It's nothing, it was accompanied by the pain of spitting fire.

"Wagahai... I'm Neko..."

"Oh, really?"

Neko froze at the question which he immediately returned to.

"Is your name really Neko? No, that's not the right question. Do you really think your name is Neko?"

"......"

"In that case, I'll teach you. Your name is Ameno Miyabi. The only daughter of Ameno Taichi and Ameno Hinako, who lived on 1-3-21 Higashi Naebara, Naebara City, Kanagawa Prefecture."

Neko certainly remembered the feeling of something entwined under her feet.

"14 years ago. You were 2 years old at the time and miraculously survived the Kagutsu Incident in southern Kanto. Perhaps your super power was awakened at that time."

That grabbed a leg like it was mud, crawled like an ivy and tried to bind Neko's body. She was afraid and wanted to run away, but she couldn't move her body.

Neko knew what that was. The true nature of what she herself had confined and bound.

It's called "past."

"You lost your parents and used your cognitive manipulation to survive. Even so, you were still young, so maybe it was instinctive. You manipulated the perceptions of a couple, and underneath them..." 

"Stop."

Neko said that to Nagare, who was talking about her own "past" with a machine voice that spoke clearly of the record nonchalantly.

Surprisingly, Nagare suddenly stopped speaking. Kotosaka tilted his head curiously.

"You really don't remember. I get it. Apparently, you can even manipulate your own perception."

"I don't know, Wagahai is like that..."

"Of course. You've even sealed the memory of sealing your memory. It's natural that you don't know. I also didn't come here to talk about the past. My origin is in the past, but I always look to the future."

Then Kotosaka spread his wings.

As if he extended.

"I came looking for you. Ameno Miyabi, or simply Neko. We are compatriots."

Neko blinked slowly, looked at Nagare and asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's put it another way. We are comrades."

At those words, Neko violently shook her head. She looked up with her blue and gold eyes like a kitten cowering in fear and threatening her enemies.

"No. I'm not your friend. You bully Kuro and Shiro! I hate those kind of people!"

"You don't like people bullying those two. Is it because they're your friends?"

"That's right! Shiro and Kuro are Wagahai's friends!"

"Even if they know your true identity, will those two still be your friends?"

Like an awl, Nagare's voice accurately pierced Neko's weak and soft parts.

"Ameno Miyabi. Or Neko. That's what you fear the most. Fearing your true identity would be known, you kept your true identity away from yourself. It must have been painful to be called a monster by those you believed in. I feel sorry for you."

Her chest ached as if she had been stabbed. Breathing became rapid and shallow. Not knowing why that happened, Neko's face twisted in pain and fear.

"Is there any guarantee that those two won't do that? Any guarantee that they won't run away from you after finding out who you really are?"

Yes. That was terrifying.

She was sure that she would be fine. That's what she wanted to believe. It was easy and logical to think so. Shiro forgave Neko. She gave him a fake personality and memories, manipulated him conveniently, even so, Shiro told her that she could stay by his side.

But, now, if that didn't happen...

Just thinking about it made her body shudder. Even if she knows it's impossible, it's like there's a physical obstacle and her thoughts stop moving forward.

As if he huddled against Neko's fear, Nagare whispered softly.

"I would not do that."

Neko looked at Nagare.

"Because I already know your true identity. How did you do that? Why did you do that? Because I know more than you do."

"......"

"Neko. Or Ameno Miyabi. We are compatriots. We are friends. If you are a monster, I am a ghost. I died because of that incident, and then I was reborn because of that incident."

Monster. The words that once drove her to loneliness strangely no longer scared Neko.

That's probably because Nagare is telling the truth. It's not because he's blaming himself or cursing, but because he believes he's a true partner.

"But I deny my own words. I am not a ghost, I am a human. You are not a monster either, you are a human. To survive, to pave the way, we will use all the power we have. If that is not human, then all the humans in this world would be inhuman."

With his intellectual tone intact, Nagare's words took on a tinge of warmth. It's as if he was silently revealing his hidden feelings that he had been thinking about for a long time.

Neko muttered in a weak voice.

"I am a cat..."

"Yes. You can also be a cat. That's what it means to be human. It doesn't matter if there is someone who will become the "King". It's okay to have humans turn into cats. It's okay to have a parrot to be your friend. That's the kind of world I'm aiming for."

At those words, Neko's eyes widened.

The first thing that came to her mind was a warm world. No one would harass Neko there. They would not throw stones at her or call her a monster. Because there is a world where everyone has turned into a monster. Manipulate people's memories, spit flames, and fly freely. In a world where everyone is like this, Wagahai, she could still be a cat.

[moonlight-tmd]

wait, about the whole prowlbee revival thing, what was sari's take on the fact her best friend died and got resurrected? as well as when she notices prowl becomes clingy to said best friend

Oh yeah, i completely forgot about Sari.

She was there when Bee fell from the Sumdac Tower, she was inside and had to use the elevator to go down- the windows were made to not shatter so she couldn't break one to fly down/go help.

Still, she couldn't even get close because Bulkhead held her away and blocked her view. She only heard Ratchet say Bee's gone to realize he died. She was close to Prowl's level of grief, even if she tried to hide it. Bee was her first friend she ever made, heck he was her only best friend, no one understood her like Bee did.

The only time she saw Bee afterwards was when they all gathered around the makeshift cryopod (special coffin so his frame won't rust) to say their final goodbye- his servos were placed on his chassis, if you excluded the fact he was grey-lifeless it almost looked like he was recharging. She decided to lay him to rest with his favorite plush- she was the one that gave it to him, it was his favorite out of the whole other bunch he got for himself later on, It was a big iconic minecraft bee plush.

After they buried him she flew to the grave at least once a day to 'talk' and leave flowers. She often bumped into Prowl there, but the ninjabot never said anything. Prowl- she was trying to talk to him when he collapsed on the way out to Bee's grave again.

She didn't know how to handle it- she was still so young and learning. She tried her best to get Prowl to come out and socialize, to get him to cheer up at least a little but with no success.

She aided Team Prime and the Elite Guard in fighting and capturing the Decepticons since for Prowl it would be a guaranteed death to be involved in the mission.

Then one day Prowl called Optimus when they were all talking- everyone could hear him scream about Bee's grave being destroyed. When they arrived there was no one at the scene, only the dug up hole and a shattered tombstone. Bulkhead stayed to clean up while Ratchet, Optimus and Sari scattered to search for Prowl and their deceased friend. They searched all night with no success until Ratchet caught a spark signature- no, two signatures, on his radar somwhere far in the forest at dawn. They were all too worried about Prowl to think it wasn't a threat. But surprise surprise- it was Bumblebee, well and alive.

Sari literally tackle-hugged him, closely followed by Bulkhead who gave all 3 a tight hug. She didn't get to talk with him for too long because he urged Prowl to go to recharge with him few hours after they arrived back at base. The next day is when Bee really got to catch up on everything that has happened.

"Geez, uh- Sorry i died on you like that." He tried to joke a little, knowing full well the impact his death brough to them.

"It wasn't your fault..." Prowl chimed in quietly. It wasn't Bee's fault he fell, it wasn't his fault he offlined... Prowl was pretty sure he was spiralling down again before Bee made an upset face and pointed a digit at him. "No. Stop that. No self-hating. No." He scolded him in a similar way one would scold a puppy for chewing on something. "...Okay." He said while seemingly trying to make himself smaller. Only a second later Bee's expression returned to the bright smile as he looped an arm around Prowl's shoulders and continued the talk.

It might have been hard to spot but Prowl actually smiled a little. Sari didn't think much of it because she was overwhelmed herself. But the more time passed she definitelly did notice something changing with the way Prowl acted with Bee; he was worried when Bee took a little too long to get back, he didn't get mad for his little jokes, but most importantly he was always so close to Bee.

She knew Prowl was still recovering but her old self definitelly crept up on her and told her that something's gonna happen between these 2, just like she suspected when the autobots first appeared on earth.

Sure enough, they ended up together. Everyone except Ratchet was so confused when she exclaimed she won the bet- turns out, Sari and Ratchet made a bet long ago whether Bee and Prowl end up together or not. "To be fair, I didn't know you that well back then." Ratchet explained when Sari said he was the doubter, Prowl did join shortly before they all crashed after all. He didn't really care about the bet, so long as his teammates are happy.

Oh well, Sari defo has some fun and teasing when they all recover and maybe forget Bee ever died. Two lovebirds under the same roof as the chaos child is for sure an interesting combo.

Thank you for sending the ask!

[nicohischierz]

our last summer: ethan edwards

warnings: death and cancer

tani speaks: so i’m not entirely sure as to how cancer works, i tried researching a few things and that’s what i used to make this as accurate as i could. 

every one of them had made the trip down to michigan. the whole team was there for one last summer together.

I can still recall

Our last summer

eddie and y/n met the summer before their freshman year at michigan. you were luke’s best friend and you were ecstatic to meet his new teammates. 

“hi i’m ethan,” eddie introduced himself holding his hand out for the girl to shake. “y/n” you copied him, shaking his hand. 

from that day forth, you and ethan spent a lot of time together. time that rivalled the amount you spent with luke. 

“i’m glad you’re going to michigan y/n, i don’t know what i’d do without you,” ethan whispered as the two of you laid against the grass.

I still see it all

Walks along the Seine

Laughing in the rain

you jumped onto ethan’s back as he came in from his morning run. the hughes lake house was filled with the boys doing various forms of exercise, you preferred to make breakfast instead.

“good morning eddy,” you greeted kissing your boyfriends lips. it has been a year since the two do you met and a year since the two of you started dating. 

although luke and the other freshman would complain about the constant pda. they couldn’t think of a better couple. 

ethan carried you on his back as he ran towards the pool jumping in with you fully clothed. dylan followed after with mackie and soon everyone else was in the pool having a chicken fight.

Our last summer

Memories that remain

a couple days into the summer you started feeling more lethargic quicker. the boys all thought you weren’t getting enough nutrients and kept a close eye on what you ate. 

but when you collapsed in ethan’s arms during your date, he became very worried. ethan rushed you to the hospital, his heart racing as the nurses took you away. they wouldn’t let him see you until ellen came in and demanded to know how you were. 

the nurse at the front desk gave the vague answer “they’re running some tests”. ellen sighed taking a seat in the waiting room with her youngest son, ethan started pacing around the floor. 

he kept mumbling to himself that you were okay, but the sight of you laying in the car seat lifeless haunted his mind. finally, when the nurse came out and called for your family. 

ellen went up to the nurse as she was told what was wrong with you. she nodded before turning back to the boys with tears in her eyes, ellen hugged luke before turning to ethan and hugging him as well. 

We made our way along the river

And we sat down in the grass by the Eiffel tower

after the boys found out you were diagnosed with cancer, they all wanted to spend as much time with you as possible. jack and quinn were back home and they were stuck by your side from the time they landed. 

it was a late night when you and ethan finally had time for just the two of you. you were wrapped in one of his hoodies and a blanket as you leaned against your boyfriend. ethan kissed your head as you fell asleep against him. 

the sound of the lake lulled him to sleep; that’s how ellen found the two of you the next morning. she snapped a quick picture before throwing another cover over the two of you. 

I was so happy we had met

you woke up with a smile on your face as you turned and saw ethan cuddle up beside you. luke opened the door and groaned at the sight of the two of you and walked back out. 

“get dressed you two, ethan has practice!” he yelled walking back down to the rest of the freshman. you and ethan giggled at luke. ethan pushed your hair back and kissed your forehead.

It was the age of no regret

“come on eddy, i think it looks cute,” you told your boyfriend showing him the new 73 on your inner forearm with his initials underneath. 

ethan kissed your tattoo’d arm before kissing your lips “i think you look hot with my number on you,” he whispered. 

Oh, yes

Those crazy years

That was the time of the flower-power

“luke hughes, there is no way i’m going to wear a flowery dress in the middle of winter!” you exclaimed throwing the dress at your best friend. ethan and mark laughed at the two of you. 

you had dragged them out shopping for something to wear during christmas. your chemo therapy had been going well and you were feeling much stronger, so the boys decided to treat you to whatever you wanted. 

“i think this top will look great with your white jeans,” eddy imputed pointing at a cropped red shirt top. you smiled over at your boyfriend and picked the shirt up “thanks eddy, i love it!” 

But underneath

It was a week since you had been out of bed. everything was so painful and you felt cold all the time. “come on baby, trusc made some soup for you and audrey brought those dumplings you like,” eddy told you. 

he brought in a tray of food and placed it in front of you. you smiled up at your boyfriend and patted the spot next to you “can we just stay in bed and cuddle?” you asked. ethan nodded and wrapped you up in  his arms. 

“i’ve got you,” he whispered in your ear. 

We had a fear of flying

Of growing old

A fear of slowly dying

you had completed your chemo treatment and were feeling better than ever. ellen had accompanied you to your doctors appointment as ethan and luke had practice. 

“well the good news is that your cancer is gone, now i’m not saying you are completely healed but this is good y/n,” the doctor explained to you and ellen. 

you and ellen both had smiles on your faces as you walked out the doctors office. the two of you even planned a dinner for everyone to tell them the good news. 

ethan lifted you up when he heard the news and the kiss the two of you shared was full of love and relief. “I love you so much,” the two of you whispered to each other. 

We took our chance

Like we were dancing our last dance

your good news didn’t last long. 

three months later you were admitted back into hospital, your doctor declaring that the cancer came back. but this time it was worse. 

“i don’t want to stay in the hospital. if i’m dying i want to be with the people i love the most,” you demanded tears streaming down your eyes. ethan begged you to stay in the hospital and continue with your treatment. 

“y/n, i can’t lose you.” he whispered as the two of you laid in the hughes backyard. you took in a shallow breathe and looked over at ethan and cupped his face.

“i love you so much eddy,” you whispered before leaning into him. 

ethan held you close as sobs racked his body. ellen heard ethans cries and ran outside, she too joined the boy as she saw her god-daughters lifeless body. 

jim called the ambulance as he consoled his wife and tried hard to keep himself together. you were the daughter he never had and now that you were gone, he knew nothing would be the same again. 

I can still recall

Our last summer

I still see it all

throughout the year, the boys all did things to commerarate you. 

for hockey fights cancer everyone wrote your name down in remembrance of you. on your birthday, they wore patches with your initials on their jerseys. 

and now they were back in michigan for the summer. the first summer without you. they had all planned little things that they could do that reminded them of you. 

the best surprise of it all was meeting jack’s daughter y/n, she was named after his little sister. the michigan boys told her stories of you, about how you were the bravest person they knew. 

ethan knew you were watching over him when he met jack’s daughter. the way she rubbed the tattoo he got for you made him certain that you never truly left any of them. 

“hey little one, you’re going to be just fine,” he whispered.

[thxrnking]

Imperfect - Chapter 2: Learn

Content warning: implied child abuse - a smack is heard and injuries witnessed on a minor.

[Imperfect Masterlist]

Author’s Note - Jack is approximately 14/younger 15, Wanderlust is around older 15/young 16

----

All Wanderlust has to say is ‘red hair’, and his mother, Si’ha Nova, knows exactly who he’s talking about.

Jack Rose, son of the Night Swan.

Wander knows all about her. He’s heard all the horror stories. The kidnappings, the torture, the murder. Every time she’s tried to stretch beyond the reach of her own Map, Wander knows the stories by heart. Father insists on it. One day it will be his duty to protect the Dancerverse and that comes with expectations. Responsibilities.

“Forget the boy.” Father instructs him.

Only he can’t do that. For weeks he tries, but his thoughts are practically haunted by the image of the boy in red, fists raised and ready to fight, until the second Father walked in. Head bowed, almost cowering. That kid was afraid. And they’d left him there. That wasn’t right.

Father refuses to talk about it, shutting it down whenever Wander tries. As far as he’s concerned the situation is dealt with and there are more important things out there to concern themselves with. Mom understands though. She sees what the Traveler doesn’t. She sees the sadness when Wander thinks no one’s looking, the confusion weighing on his shoulders, and the frustration that comes from being refused the answers.

“Your Father is powerful,” she tells her son sorrowfully, “but even he can’t save everyone.”

Maybe not, thinks Wanderlust, but he could have tried.

Weeks turn into months but the memory of what happened refuses to let him go. He can’t leave it like this, he has to go back. Jack’s the son of a power-crazed dictator, he probably doesn’t have a friend in the world. He could even be dead by now!

Father can’t know. He doesn’t understand. So there’s only one thing for it, Wander has to work on his portals. He has to make sure he can get there and back without needing to be rescued by his Father again.

It takes time, more time than he wanted. Tearing a hole in the fabric of the Dancerverse to travel between Maps is apparently easier said then done. It’s more than just creating a secure portal doorway, it’s making sure you’re connecting to the right place, something that Wanderlust really struggles with.

Almost a year passes. Wanderlust isn’t perfect every time but he’s confident that a portal to Swan Tower and back is doable.

A blue line, fritzing and sparking, tears down through the air. As it touches the floor it bursts wide. The portal seems strong, holding its shape, though just to be sure Wanderlust waits, 1, 2, 3, to make sure it won’t collapse in on itself.

It holds.

Wanderlust strides into a sizable bedroom. To one side there’s a large golden four-poster bed covered in luxurious red bedding and purple plush cushions. An ottoman, a chest of drawers, a dresser, and what looks like a privacy divider; the furniture is old and made of what looks to be carved oak. It looks very nice, expensive, and ultimately soulless. This isn’t a room that was made to be lived in.

By the dresser stands Jack, staring in shock at the portal. Jack scowls at the intruder and grabs for a small bronze statue that sits on the dresser, lifting it above his head and ready to throw it.

“Wait!” Wanderlust holds his hands up as the portal snaps shut behind him. “Don’t throw it!”

Jack’s eyes dart around the room, looking back and forth.

“It’s just me” Keeping one hand up, Wander holds the other out. “Please put down the statue.”

A few seconds pass and slowly Jack lowers the statue, keeping it in his hands but no longer threatening to throw it. That’s progress at least.

You can tell it’s been a while. Jack’s grown more than a few inches since last time, almost standing taller than Wander. Meanwhile his face has definitely gained more definition. He’s clearly still a kid, but there’s no doubt this isn’t the same one Wander unwillingly left behind.

“You’re Jack Rose.” Wander says, holding a hand to his chest. “I’m Wanderlust.”

The statue shifts to one hand as Jack raises the other to tap his fingers to the side of his forehead.

Wander stares. He points to Jack before tapping just below his own ear.

“You can hear me?”

Jack nods.

“But you don’t speak.”

Shake.

“Why not?”

The statue raises again and Wander backs away. Stupid question.

“Sorry. I just-” he takes a moment, thinking how to explain, “I’m here because I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

Jack gestures to the room around them. The cold, soulless room that no one would mistake for a child’s bedroom. He then points to himself before he holds his fingers out in an okay.

“I know who your mother is.”

His grip on the statue tightens but Jack merely shrugs with a look of disinterest.

“That can’t be easy.”

Parents are complicated at the best of times. It’s like they’re always at war with their kids, torn between giving them the world and keeping them safe. It’s worse when your parents are crazy powerful beings known throughout the Dancerverse with high expectations and confusing standards. Even then, compared to Jack, Wander won the parent lottery.

“You know, I can easily get you out of here.”

It happens fast. Wander’s barely finished speaking before the statue’s raised and hurled at him with force. He practically has to throw himself down to keep it from hitting him in the chest, watching as it flies overhead and lands with a harsh thunk on the other side of the room.

“Hey! That could have-!”

A flying cushion to the face interrupts him as he moves to stand up. Another one flies at him which Wander catches, standing and frowning.

“Stop throwing things!”

Jack’s by the bed now, a third cushion in his hands when a chilling voice bellows from outside.

“Jack!”

Panic crosses Jack’s face as he drops the cushion, rushing forward and grabbing Wander by the wrist before dragging him to the side of the room. Wanderlust tries to say something but Jack pinches his fingers together in Wander’s face. Shut up. From beyond the door there’s a faint click-click-click as Jack snatches the privacy divider from where it sits and jabs a finger at his intruder. Stay. Down goes the divider to block him from view just in time for Wander to hear the door smash open.

“You shouldn’t be in here.” Feminine, dripping with ice cold detachment and unmistakable resentment. Wander covers his mouth his eyes going wide. Night Swan. “You’re supposed to be-”

She stops before she finishes, her heels clacking much louder now as she crosses the room.

“What’s this doing on the floor?”

The statue!

“I go out of my way to give you luxurious things and you just throw them around like an animal! Why do I even bother? Get over here!”

There’s a soft tread against the floor. Likely Jack doing as he’s told.

The harsh SMACK that cracks through the air makes Wander flinch. She didn’t….

“Clean it up.” Night Swan says. “Then get back to your duties.”

The clacking leaves, echoing into the distance leaving nothing but a painful silence in its wake.

Wander doesn’t move. He can’t. She didn’t. He didn’t just hear that. The privacy divider is pushed out of the way and Jack stands in front of him. The statue is in his hand. One cheek is flushed a bright red with cuts in just about the right position for fingernails.

“She hit you.”

It isn’t a question. Wander reaches for the cheek but Jack’s free hand catches his wrist and holds firm. His lips are a firm line, his eyes looking anywhere but at the blue man before him. Jack throws the arm away and points to the door. A clear message. Leave.

Wander doesn’t wait to be told again, opening a portal as Jack returns the statue to the dresser. As he goes to step through, Wander looks over his shoulder again in time to catch Jack wincing as he touches at his cheek.

He steps through the portal, allowing it to sew itself shut behind him. His hands are shaking, he’s that disgusted by what he just witnessed. That’s not right.

Jack shouldn’t be there. It isn’t safe. It isn’t right but it doesn’t seem like Jack particularly wants to leave. Even so Wander cannot and will not leave him alone to that monster. As long as there’s breath in his body, Wanderlust will make sure Jack Rose has at least one friend in the Dancerverse.

[lycanlovingvampyre]

MAG 189 Relisten

Activity on my first listen: mowing the lawn.

MARTIN: "It’s the final battle, right? We climb the tower, take out the bad guy, figure out how to change the world back, and back in time for tea." No Martin, after this episode there are still 11 left! (Martin seems so stressed.)

MARTIN: "Yeah. They did roll out the red carpet, didn’t they? Must be nice getting the star treatment." JON: "I’d hardly call flooding Oxford Street with blood, the 'star treatment'." Sooo, the "red" carpet was literally blood? (Also, reminds me of The Shining). Martin is so snippy in this one. Been a while since he last did that, like to this extent.

MARTIN: [Amused] "Seriously? Stage fright? The great Archivist, master of all he surveys can’t handle a bit of public attention?" And boyfriend of said master of all he surveys also seems pretty scared and on edge. It fits his character that he gets nervous and is irritated easily because of that. Still, shitty way to treat Jon.

JON: "You don’t need to be sarcastic, okay?" MARTIN: "You’re right, I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, I’m scared too." I'm happy it got to that though. Jon calling him out and Martin realizing, it's wrong and apologizing.

JON: "Yes. Except one of the contestants is also planning to try and murder the judge." MARTIN: "… Um. [Searchingly] Maybe it hasn’t realised?" It has not, Eye's too dumb for it, you're good to go!

Oh no, Martin's getting worked up again... That was an ugly, ugly fight. If it can even be called a fight, it was mostly just Martin being all angry and yelling around. And I'm kind of disappointed that Martin still reacts so annoyed whenever Jon has to make a statement. It's a physical need of Jon and reacting to physical needs like that is horrible. At least the two of them get some space now and Martin can go cool off somewhere.

"The light takes on a crimson tinge as he passes an office dried with gore, and turns away from a back room where three men in fine suits laugh among themselves as they weave their pile of nooses." That's Tim, right? The laughter we can hear in the background, that's his uncredited cameo and neither Alex nor Jon knew about it at the time.

"He takes his place, marvelling again at how comfortable the seat is, how well it seems to fit," Forget the Lonely, join the Eye! We have comfortable chairs!

I don't quite get this statement, what is it a metaphor for? What is that pit? What it it about that minister, who seems to care about people in a way (or at least recognizes their suffering), but is ashamed of being wealthy while others starve?

MARTIN: [Brightly] "All good?" JON: "Yes. Just, uh… Left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth." MARTIN: "Oh great! Fantastic!" Martin is so bad at this xD Why? He could keep it together during MAG 118 when confronting Elias while Melanie searched the office for evidence. He kept Peter on the hook for several months! And now he's, what, too giddy to try to act normal?

Hmm, when Georgie and Melanie pulled Jon into the tunnels there was the same sound effect we hear when Jon smites someone, even if only for a brief moment.

JON: "Likewise, I… oh… Ooo…" MELANIE: "Oh, I know that sound. He’s going pale, right? Five quid says he’s about to collapse again." JON: [Archly] "I am not going to collapse. What do you mean again?" MELANIE: "Oh come on. You do it all the time." Yeah, Jon's "hobbies", getting kidnapped and collapsing. Sounds fun!

JON: [Brokenly] "I do not – I’m just feeling a little bit woozy alright? I ca-can’t quite think straight. Like at, um… um, Martin, you remember?" GEORGIE: "Is this what you were talking about?" MARTIN: "Yeah, if something messes with his connection, he can get a little… vague." JON: "I don’t like being discussed like I’m not here." I mean... Jon tried to tell what happened to him at Salesa’s and couldn't, then asked Martin what it was like. Georgie asks Martin, if this is what he was talking about (It makes sense to ask Martin, cause it was him they have spoken to earlier. How would Jon know what Georgie means, he certainly can't Know it here.) and Martin explains what Jon just couldn't put into words. I wouldn't have seen this as "discussing me like I'm not here". But I understand, there are people out there, who are really bothered by this. Friends of mine are like that. He tries to tell something, doesn't quite know how to proceed, she chimes in and says just straight out what he wanted to say and he get's all angry for being interrupted and having the story told for him. I don't know, I wouldn't mind that, I'd see it as a "Oh good, I don't have to explain everything, others already get it."

MELANIE: "It’s fine, Georgie. You can use the “c” word." MARTIN: "E-Excuse me?" GEORGIE: "Fine. We’ve got, sort of a… cult." Yeah, same Martin. This being a British show I thought it would be the word with an N instead of the L xD

GEORGIE: "When the world started to change, it just didn’t hit me and Melanie. Not, not really." ... Not really!!!^^

MELANIE: "There was nowhere to go back to, so I told her about the tunnels. Turns out, not only were they still here, they actually do a decent job of hiding things. When you aren’t painting a huge target on our backs." Mrrrrrhhh, until know this could have been excused as the Slaughter's influence, but Melanie still want to pin everything on Jon!

GEORGIE: "How could we not? The entire city knows you were there." MELANIE: [Sarcastically] "Everyone is so excited to see the Ceaseless Watcher’s special little boy." [GIGGLES] Okay, the entire city knows, but how did they learn about it? Do... the things here in London speak with actual words and they overheard them talking? Bit unspectacular... I'd like to think that every single screen in London now live-broadcasts Jon, as long as he is in London on the surface.

Heh, Jon laughing at Martin getting owned by Melanie XD Serves him a bit right after this episode ^^''

@a-mag-a-day

[allthelittlecreepycrawlies]

SangYu Ideas, Part One

Mo Xuanyu figures out early that he's in a bad spot. Maybe he overhears their father invoking him as a threat to his older brother. Maybe the other disciples or Xue Yang push him too far. 

Either way, he decides to try his luck following the Nie delegation home after a conference, because Nie Huaisang has always treated him sweetly. Naturally he gets caught almost immediately, but when Nie Huaisang tries to convince him to let them take him back to Koi Tower, Mo Xuanyu has a full on sobbing breakdown in fear of what will happen to him if they do. 

Nie Huaisang sends a letter to Jin Guangyao informing him that if Jin Guangshan wants Mo Xuanyu back, some changes will have to be made to the boy's care.

Of course, Jin Guangshan doesn't give a shit, he just wanted Mo Xuanyu around to hold over Jin Guangyao's head to get his obedience.

So Mo Xuanyu becomes a junior Nie disciple, and thrives.

They don't treat him as a useless idiot or a game piece or a freak. He makes friends. He's a quick book study and finds he really likes scribe work.

And he has a massive crush on his pretty sect leader, but no one minds that, either. Like half his fellow Juniors say they do, too, though he's fairly sure they're not being at all serious.

And if they are, well, he's gotten better at competing for what he wants.

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

SangYu where Mo Xuanyu's got some pretty fucked up notions of things like consent, boundaries, and how to handle possessive feelings. He can't really help it when his best role models are the other members of the demonic cultivation gang. So when he realizes he's caught a serious case of attraction towards a certain sect leader, of course the correct way to handle it is to drug his tea and tie him up while he's sleeping it off, right? 

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

Little part-Sable Yao!Xuanyu collapses and transforms in the gardens one day after yet another beating by the other students. 

When he hears approaching footsteps, he panics, but he's too tired and hurting to scrabble off into the bushes to hide.

Rather than being kicked or swatted away, however, he finds himself gently rubbed between the ears with a fingertip. 

"You're in a bad spot," a voice he recognizes as one of Yao-ge's friends says. "If a servant comes by, you'll be in big trouble for sure." 

He knows that, but it sounds a whole lot scarier coming from another person. 

He tries again to drag himself to his paws and flee, but collapses back on his belly. 

The voice above him makes a hum as if considering something, then there is a sound like the shuffling of clothing before he finds himself carefully picked up off the ground. When he manages to open his eyes, he finds himself staring at a very pretty face. 

The stranger smiles, and if Mo Xuanyu were capable of doing so, he would be blushing all the way to the tip of his tail. 

"There you are," the man says sweetly. "Why don't we go check you for injuries and clean you up, hm? You must be in very bad shape not to have bitten me yet. Or perhaps," he adds with a mischievous glint in those green eyes. "You're more than just a simple sable, yes?" 

Mo Xuanyu freezes. 

The man chuckles, but there is surprisingly no malice in it. "Thought so. But we can wait until you've recovered to get into that," he says, gently tucking Mo Xuanyu into his arms like a treasured pet. The leather falconry glove he wears on one hand and the cold forest smell of his robes are... comforting. Even better are the feeling of long nails expertly scratching just behind his ears and the slow rocking of being carried through the hallways. 

With safety comes the difficulty of staying awake, as his fight or flight instinct gives way to exhaustion. 

Oh, well. 

Oh, well.

For the first time since he arrived at Koi Tower two years previously, Mo Xuanyu closes his eyes and sleeps without fear.

(Please also enjoy the mental image of little sable yao Xuanyu trying to be a fur collar for his new friend during a winter visit. He’s not very good at it, skinny and scruffy as he is, but Huaisang appreciates the effort and rewards him with snacks and kisses on his fuzzy little head.)

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

Another variation on a post-canon where it turns out Mo Xuanyu wasn't totally destroyed. 

A yao sniffing around Mo Manor for a resentful energy powerup gets possessed/mutated by the shards of Mo Xuanyu's soul that still linger.

The resulting creature only has a handful of memories, but that's enough for it -him- to start hunting for the one person it -he- still felt safe with even at the end.

As luck would have it, Nie Huaisang is passing through the area on his way home from meeting with a minor sect leader.

Alone.

When he gets cornered by this nightmarish thing that looks like someone tried to kludge together a wolf, a deer, and a human, he's understandably terrified -if he dies here, who will free da-ge?- but instead of trying to tear his throat out, the creature grabs him by the collar of his robes and drags him off to a cave, where it curls up around him like-

-um, well-

Still frightened and now immensely confused, Nie Huaisang tentatively probes the creature's spiritual energy to try and find out what it's supposed to be-

-and nearly faints from surprise when a familiar signature tinged with the smoky power of demonic cultivation responds. 

[licncourt]

Any recent domestic loustat headcanons?

Always!! Blorbo² rotation time

Since they've been together so long, they've kinda run out of "materials" for their anniversaries (ie wood, gold, pearl, ruby, etc only goes through 60), so Lestat has taken it upon himself to come up with more that are personal to them. For example: 100 is blood, 150 is velvet, 200 is alligator (Louis thinks the last one is basically just leather but Lestat insists it's not because he means the whole alligator, not just the skin)

For all his protests, Louis actually does like some fancy shit. He's not as bougie for the sake of it as his husband, but there are...certain things he enjoys and certain understandings of those preferences with Lestat, enthusiastic giver of extravagant gifts. Rejecting all of Lestat's expensive presents in the Interview era was a principle thing. Now though...he has nothing to prove

They always get season tickets for the theater and have absolutely scathing opinions about almost every show. They've been attending some of these plays for over two centuries. The odds of the current version being the best they've seen is extremely low and also they're just mean

If Lestat's being Too Much, Louis puts on cartoons. All the color and noise and movement wear him out. He doesn't care about the stories, but Dinotrux and Boohbah have the same hypnotic effect on his 18th century peasant brain as shampoo bottles at Walmart

Louis gets overstimulated easily sometimes (downside of vampire senses with his personality) and has very effective earplugs for these occasions. This wouldn't be a problem except Lestat is wearing headphones 25/8 so one of the most common reasons they argue now is just fucking not hearing each other

Once Lestat learns to say his feelings out loud, he thinks saying "I love you" is an all-purpose get-out-of-jail-free card and the thing is it sort of works if he puts his back into it and looks extra cute. The Louis version of this is the sad u,w,u face (usually with big, sparkly, teary eyes) and now that Lestat's given an emotional inch, he collapses like a Jenga tower when confronted with this. Basically they're not above psychological warfare

Sometimes Louis makes Lestat cook with him because he read it was a healthy habit to have in relationships. Obviously they can't eat it, so they donate it as Louis' good deed of the week

Lestat is insanely into holiday decorating and they have That House every Christmas, Halloween, and Easter (those are the only ones Louis will allow decorations for). Louis actually finds it very charming and always dishes out the cash for Lestat to make use of all the decorators and adornments his heart desires

Louis was not a huge fan of Lestat having Mojo, in part because of what an obnoxious dog person he became, but to make it fair he got a couple birds. Anyway, within weeks Louis became a more insufferable bird person than Lestat had ever been about Mojo. He has two lovebirds in a 5' x 5' antique rosewood cage in the shape of a French cathedral and they eat fresh figs and citrus from the farmer's market

Once they tried to have a "night out" by feeding on hammered bar patrons but instead of dancing and making out they just had a drunk couple fight in the parking lot with lots of crying and yelling

[chaospenelope]

More AU nonsense, no spoilers this time!

So I’m having a lot of fun imagining in universe movies that FazEnt would produce to promote their characters.

The first one was actually inspired by “Movin’ Right Along” from the First Muppet Movie. And certain things kinda fleshed a few bits out.

Boo’s Big Break:

The movie starts with Freddy Jr, CheepCheep, Roxanne, and Boo going on one of their world tours. They’re rocking out, getting cheered on, giving out autographs while a news reporter is talking about how they’re going on one of their biggest tours yet and talking to their cohost about how much fun they must be having party in their hotel rooms since they’re all literal RockStars.

Cut to the hotel room as the four dressed in casual clothing shuffle in, even Freddy is looking tired. There’s a fresh pizza box on the table in front the couch that CheepCheep collapses on. She weakly tries to reach for the pizza, but her arm is too short.

“Roooxyyy. Can you feed me a slice, I’m starving.”

Roxanne is washing her face off in the sink so she cannot respond at the moment. Freddy trudges over to help instead.

Boo lets go a heavy sigh as he sits in a seat next to the window, looking out at the city below, the sun had set long ago, he looks up at the towering, lit up buildings with windows dotted with people living their lives, a couple at a dinner table, someone asleep in an armchair, a lone tv and it’s eerie glow. Thinking.

“Boo, are you alright?”

He looks over to see both Roxanne and Freddy looking concerned.

“Huh?”

“I was just asking if you would like some pizza.”

“Oh, uh yeah, in a minute.”

“Is everything alright?”

“I dunno…I was, yeah I’m fine.”

“Boo…”

“I just, why are we here?”

“Cuz the people are always complaining about how we never tour down here.”

“No, I mean, why are we doing this? We started because we loved the music but now…Now it’s all we ever do. We haven’t really gotten a chance to just fall asleep watching tv or, have a nice slow day. It’s always go go go! I haven’t even bowled in a couple years we been so busy.”

“I see…We have been working quite a bit.”

“Well, we have to, don’t we? If we don’t keep up they’ll probably move on to something else.” Roxanne reasoned.

“Is that so bad? When’s the last time you got to drive around without someone filming it? When it was just you and the track?”

“I, I guess it has been a while.”

“Maybe, maybe after this tour is done, we should take a little break…We do have about a week before our show in NewYork, we can spend that time relaxing instead of practicing. It could not hurt, right?”

“A little break in NewYork, yeah, that sounds fun.” Boo stands up and walks over to the door. “I’m, going to go out and get some fresh air.”

He walks out and just goes without really thinking. The streets are mostly empty but the sounds of sirens and dogs aren’t helping much so he walks out further until he reaches a large bridge. He looks out at the rushing water, the noise of the city has dimmed but the whole place is still brightly lit. He looks up at the empty sky.

“Guess I’m the only star here tonight.” He muttered, a weak attempt to cheer himself up. He can’t help but feel guilty, he’s right next to the people he loves the most, how could he be so miserable? What is he missing? What else could he possibly need?

Looking back at the water he spots something strange, a shining light, he looks back just in time to see a car rushing towards him, swerving and squealing. Boo only has one place to go, and without thinking, takes refuge in the water.

Next thing he knows he’s fighting to reach the surface of the water. It keeps throwing him around, only allowing him a few gulps of air, it feels like hours go by before he feels something crash into his head.

He wakes up in a small trailer on a simple cot wrapped in a warm blanket. He shifts slightly as he tries to sit.

“Oh! Grandad he’s finally awake. Hold on now, you shouldn’t be moving too much yet.”

His eyes widened as something big lumbers forward from the shadowed table in one of the nooks. The dim light above him eventually shows him the source of this new voice. An alligator.

“You got an awful nasty bump on your head. Grandad and I did the best we could, but it still probably hurts like a snapper bite.”

The bunny tries to move a bit more, there’s a dull ache but he pushes through.

“What, where am I? Who-.”

“Oh, well, in the swamp, right dab in the middle of it! This is our home. Well, me and my Grandad’s home. I’m Monty. What’s yer name?

“Oh, hello, I’m uh…” This is when he realizes, he doesn’t remember anything.

[pinkhairandpokemon]

📀

Hop (sorry to make you suffer lol)

[Starting video…]

[Three years ago, Hammerlocke Hospital.

Hop is seen in a hospital bed, sound asleep. He looks about 16 here. Nothing but the beeping of machinery fills the room.

What sounds like muffled voices are heard outside the room, followed by the sound of a door clicking. Someone walks inside- a young teen, around Hop’s age likely.

It’s Blake- their hair is light brown in this memory and slightly longer, but it’s definitely them. They’re wearing a white hospital gown like Hop, there’s visible dark bags under their eyes, and there’s a few white bandages plastered across their face and wrapped around one of their forearms.

There’s a look of worry on their face as they slowly make their way over to Hop’s hospital bed. They pull up onto of the metal folding chairs to the side of the bed and sit down, looking over their friend’s unconscious form for a few seconds.

“Hop…?” They speak softly, reaching out to gently nudge him awake. The second their fingers lightly graze his shoulder, the boy jolts awake, eyes flying open.

He looks around, groaning and blinking a few times as his eyes adjust to the pale light emitting from the ceiling panels above him. Eventually, he turns his head, finally noticing Blake.

“…Blake?” he mumbles groggily, pushing himself up with his arms and sitting up.

“You feeling okay…?” They asked.

“I’m f-fine,” Hop placed a hand to his head when he felt the slight thrumming of a headache coming on, but it wasn’t bad enough to be too distracting. He looked around, trying to make sense of what was happening. “Wh-where are we?”

“The hospital…” Blake answered, their gaze falling to the floor.

The hospital…? Right. They fought Chairman Rose… and then Eternatus… and won. Blake caught it. They watched Zamazenta and Zacian leave. Then… Hop didn’t know why, but after the fight, he just… collapsed from exhaustion. He vaguely remembered the same happening to Blake, too. Looks like they woke up before him.

He sighed, his hand falling into his lap as he tried to collect his thoughts, turning to Blake again. “H-How long has it been since the fight?”

“A… couple hours?” Blake pulled out their Rotom-phone, taking a glance at the time. “It- it’s 2:34 AM right now. The Chairman was arrested, and I guess we were brought here…”

Hop’s eyes squeezed shut as the memory of everything that happened came rushing back to him, all at once. Rose interrupting Leon and Blake’s match, the chaos that unfolded afterwards, finding the sword and shield, confronting Rose, the battle- Leon getting hurt trying to protect them-

“Lee!” Hop suddenly gasped. “Where’s- where’s Lee?!”

“He’s fine,” Blake assured him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. “The uh, the nurse said he’s recovering in a room a bit down the hall.”

Still, that didn’t seem to ease Hop’s panic. The image of his older brother and Charizard collapsed on the side of the tower, bruised and bloodied from Eternatus’ attack, flashed in his mind.

“I- I need to go see him-” Hop muttered frantically as he tried to slide out of bed, only to recoil back with a grunt as a sharp pain rung in his side.

“Easy!” Blake protested, grabbing Hop’s arm. “Y-you were hit by a piece of debris during the battle- The doctor said you need to rest!”

“I’m okay Blake, really,” he grumbled, shaking off Blake’s hand a bit more harshly than he intended, before clutching his side and ignoring the pain as he climbed off the bed.

Blake was frozen, stumbling over their words as they watched Hop make his way towards the door. Just as he reached towards the handle, they finally jumped up from their seat to grab his wrist and stop him. “B-but-”

“I said I’m okay!” Hop suddenly snapped, promptly yanking his wrist away. The raise of his tone made Blake flinch back, but to Hop’s surprise, his usually timid and reserved friend only moved to stand between him and the door.

“You’re hurt and tired,” they insisted. “We both are! Believe me, I’m worried about Lee too, but we just need to trust the doctors when they say they’re gonna help him!”

Hop was a bit taken aback at first at how stubbornly Blake held their ground. Considering he’d always known them as being shy and soft spoken, he definitely hadn’t been expecting their reaction. It was crazy how much they’d changed since they’d both left Postwick. He sighed when he realized they were right, though. His side did ache like hell, it probably wasn’t a good idea to go walking around like this just yet.

He slumped defeatedly as he sat back down on his bed. “You’re right. I… I’m sorry I yelled.”

Blake’s determined expression dissolved into one of sympathy. Taking a seat besides Hop, they placed a reassuring hand on his back. “Don’t be. You have every right to be worried, he’s your brother.”

“I just…” Their mouth fell into a frown as their gaze trailed towards the tiled floor. “I don’t… I don’t wanna see anyone else get hurt even more today…”

“Me neither…” Hop mumbled as he nodded along solemnly. A few beats of silence passed as the two sat together, listening to the quiet beeping of the machinery surrounding the bed. To Hop, though, it didn’t really feel like he was there- his mind kept going back to that fight up on the tower, facing down that monstrous dragon in a struggle that seemed hopeless. The desperate screams of him and Blake calling out attacks that only ended up being futile anyways, the roaring of the storm clouds raging above them, the ground shaking violently beneath them every time Eternatus launched an attack… it felt like he was still there, trapped in that moment, where he knew everything, everything he’d ever known and loved was on the line if they didn’t win.

“I…” His voice came out a bit choked as he tried to pull himself back to reality. “That… that really happened, huh…?”

“Yeah…”

“We won.” he breathed out, like he was still in disbelief. “We just… saved the entire region. Maybe even the world.”

Blake’s gaze fell to their hand. “Yeah…”

“We’re just a pair of kids, and we saved the world.”

“We could’ve died.”

Hop let out a chuckle of bewilderment, running a hand through his hair. “And yet by some Arc damn miracle, we didn’t.”

“Well…” Blake sighed. “Another page in our legend, I guess?”

“I guess so…” Hop huffed dejectedly. “We’re literal heroes now.”

There was a second of heavy silence. “I don’t feel like one,” Blake admitted. “I don’t know why.”

Hop bit his lip, nodding along sadly. “You think we’d be basking in the glory of our victory right about now, huh?”

“Yeah…” Blake paused, their hand squeezing into a tight fist as their voice began to waver. “It’s over. We lived. Why do I still feel so scared…?”

His gaze lingered on them for a moment, before Hop finally pulled his best friend into a one-armed side hug, letting them rest their head on his shoulder.

“The adrenaline’s wearing off?” He suggested with a shrug. “I dunno. I’m just glad we’re all alive- more or less.”

“Me too,” Blake mumbled, feeling the weariness starting to tug at their eyes. “Maybe it’s just the shock. Hopefully I’ll feel better in the morning…”

Hop was quiet as he stared off at nothing, his arm still wrapped around Blake’s shoulder. He felt a bit more grounded now, but everything still seemed so… surreal. How close they’d been the death just a few, mere hours ago. The scale of the calamity they’d just barely prevented. He wasn’t going to admit it, but he was scared, too. What was going to happen from here? Who was gonna run the league? Would Leon be okay? Was everyone else okay?

Trying not to let himself spiral in front of his best friend, he took a few deep breaths, subconsciously hugging them tighter. Blake noticed, though, and gently squeezed him back.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay…” they told him, even though they weren’t sure they believed it themself.

“I-I know,” Hop muttered back, now actively fighting back tears at the thought of how he almost lost everything he loved. He inhaled shakily, rubbing the corners of his eyes with his hand. “I kn-know, but…”

“…We might be able to visit Lee’s room in the morning?” Blake suggested, hoping that at least might help get Hop’s spirits up.

“Yeah, that’d be nice…” he replied, stopping another stray tear from pricking through his eye. “I-I don’t know if I’ll be able to fall asleep again, though…”

“Me neither…” Blake seemed to think for a moment, before looking down at their Rotom-phone again. “We could just hang out in here, if that’s alright? I have a bunch of cartoon episodes saved on my phone we could watch.”

The offer brought the slightest of smiles to Hop’s face, the first one he’d had since waking up. “…Sure.” he sniffled. “That’d be nice…”]

[megaman-rockman]

MEGA MAN 5 - PROTO MAN'S TRAP -

For the last post detailing the events of Mega Man 4, click here!

It has been two months since Doctor Wily revealed he was alive, the mad man had fooled everyone by blackmailing Doctor Cossack into attacking the world with remodeled Robots. But now it's obvious, the Doctor is still out there. But what of Proto Man? Mega Man has seen this mysterious robot show up in the midst of battle, was he his friend or enemy?

Soon, he'd find out... Eight Robots suddenly begin to attack the city, their origins unknown. But one thing is for sure, Proto Man is leading them. These eight combat robots, Star Man, Crystal Man, Napalm Man, Gyro Man, Gravity Man, Wave Man and Charge Man, cause destruction like never before. This wasn't just a private challenge, this was a public attack on the world.

At Doctor Light's Lab, the Doctor was watching the destruction unfold from far away. But it was all a distraction, Proto Man swoops down and kidnaps him. Mega Man walks outside to see the Doctor gone... But in his place, a lone yellow scarf slowly falls into his hand.

Proto Man is his only lead to who could be behind this... But Mega Man can't fight back alone. Contacting Doctor Cossack, he agrees to remodel his Mega Buster once again into a stronger version. The Super Mega Buster, but that's not all. The good doctor creates a new support robot to help Mega Man through this adventure, Beat the Bird. Able to swoop in and attack enemies, Beat becomes quite the useful ally to Mega Man.

With everything set, Mega Man, Rush, Eddie and Beat go out to stop Proto Man's army of robots and save Doctor Light. Through out the battles Mega Man finds that the robots are much more advanced than some of the others he had faced before with features such as gravity control, body reconstruction and heavy artillery. The Blue Bomber perceivers and makes it to Proto Man's castle.

There he fights a strange series of robots, with their electronic brains exposed. The Dark Man robots all feature different body configurations, 1's tank like body, 2's shield generation and 3's stun rifle. After defeating them, Mega Man scales the tower to hear an... Off-pitch whistle? Proto Man without his scarf appears, blasting Mega Man and backing him into a corner.

A corrected whistle echoes through out the room as the real Proto Man jumps down, he reveals the Imposter to be Dark Man 4! Giving Mega Man a unique L-Tank, he brings him back to full energy. As it turns out, the true mastermind of the plan is Doctor Wily. He was attempting to frame Proto Man for his actions after he betrayed him! Mega Man's had enough of this and he rushes to Wily's brand new Skull Castle.

Mega Man breaks through the rest of Wily's defenses with the Super Mega Buster, and with Beat's help he destroys Wily's new Wily Machine and Wily Capsule. The mad doctor tries to run away from him but Mega Man chases him down to find Doctor Light trapped in a cage. There Wily pleads for mercy yet again, suddenly the castle begins to explode. Mega Man holds up a collapsing ceiling above him.

Through this moment, Wily finds an out as he makes a break to his UFO to escape. Everything seems hopeless until Proto Man blasts a hole for Mega Man and Doctor Light to escape to. The two of them stare out as Wily's Castle collapses, the Doctor escapes. But little to their knowledge, Proto Man stares silently in the distance... He is officially now one of their allies, no longer having any service to Doctor Wily's world conquering schemes.

That ends Mega Man 5! Proto Man is now an ally to the Blue Bomber and someone he can trust, though in the Japanese games he never learns he is his brother. Quite the contrast from the Ruby Spears cartoon. Though there's one more battle left for us to cover in the NES Mega Man series. Join us next time as we cover the events of the world's 1st annual robot competition!

SOURCES: Hey just one this time!

^ ROCKMAN 5 COMPLETE WORKS WEBSITE.