theotherrookie

[theotherrookie]

"I'm shorter, which makes me sassier." Rook replied with a grin, "It's so the bees can watch! And Alexa will play Lucien's battle theme for the best immersion."

Besides, Lucien had far more junk lying around in the back that he could toss around as he saw fit. Rook ran a hand through her hand, her cheeks taking just a bit of a pink shade.

"Eh, I sure am getting popular. I'd just like for everybody to feel relatively safe whenever they step outside."

Nobody liked bullies and all the pointless fighting would eventually get others hurt in the process.

"Except it won't be as fashionable. Speaking of, we should also bring up that Jack Frost haircut of his. I don't like fighting stereotypes."

As it seemed their priorities were in order, they just had to get to Frosty. Rook waited for Antonio to get ready before she started hovering in place. Frosty wasn't going to go anywhere, so she took a moment to point at that streak of white hair.

"You know, that kinda has character." At least in her opinion. Rook nodded, then looked up. "Let's go."

With that, she took off, reaching Frosty in a few instants. The ice mage looked startled at first, but quickly shrugged it off as he was already on his way back to bed.

"It's you again." he grumbled.

"Yes, you're still trapped in my personal limbo." Rook replied, already contemplating tossing the ice cream at him, "Look who came to visit."

"Great minds think alike and all that, uh?" Rook replied, "I'm sure he will behave. Though you might have to take it outside."

Before Lucien got carried away and tried to toss the counter or something.

"Yes, we could ask. And I appreciate the support." It would have been easier to spread the message if others sided with them. After all, there was no incentive to trust any hunter.

"I bet." Rook said, before smiling, "Really? That's so cool!"

And sweet. It really showed how much of an impact a caring grandfather could have. It was a shame the rest of the family had been so awful in turn.

"The hat is the second step." Rook replied, "I might not be the absolute best shot, but Frosty might get to find out the homing briefcase is real and it's actually an ice cream bowl."

Though she doubted the ice mage was going to be too much of a hassle. Five wasn't there to provoke him and if he tried anything, the pocket would neutralize his magic before he could cause real damage.

"Angsty teenagers, my favorite." Rook mused, "I think we should start with reassuring him that his magic isn't really gone." Rook suggested, "He might hate it, but it's a part of him he would miss if he lost it."

Rook rolled her eyes. She just knew this was going to get introspective quickly.

"Of course. No need to waste energies on a petty argument with a kid, unless it's Willow."

Speaking of angsty youth and such. Rook quietly set her thoughts regarding her double aside to focus on getting both to destination. The pocket allowed them to pass as far as it could, before it suddenly came to a halt. Rook stopped near the edge, raising her arm instinctively.

"Every damn time I come from this direction..." she grumbled, before looking up at Frosty floating by, "Oh, he's up there. Looks like I'll have to show off after all. You good with that? It isn't a big jump."

She offered her free hand.

[theotherrookie]

⚠️ For Rook: If you see her laying face down with her wings out she's not dead, just sunbathing. Do not disturb.

"Yeah, it's how I recharge on slow days. You can talk to me, but from a distance."

That being said, she's going to go do just that.

[theotherrookie]

⚠️ "Like most birbs, you don't want to get on her bad side." - for Rook

⚠️ "Knows all your searches and will judge you for them." - for Willow

⚠️ "Master of disguise. You won't know it's her until it's too late." - for Fae

⚠️ "Will outlift you and put you completely to shame." - for Erica

⚠️"Can and will get into your apartment without you knowing and scare the shit out of you." - for Lucien

Rook nods, "Crows remember who wronged them and so do I."

"Not only I'm aware of your most embarrassing secrets, I have the means to use them against you." Willow says.

"Incorrect." Fae says, "You won't know until it'll be funny to bring it up!"

Erica smiles, "Aw, we're all just doing our best. It's not a competition!"

"I can and I will do so to bring you an egg in these trying times." Lucien adds.

[theotherrookie]

Send “⚠️” plus a warning label for my muse.

(If you cannot see the emoji send “Warning”)

[theotherrookie]

"Great minds think alike and all that, uh?" Rook replied, "I'm sure he will behave. Though you might have to take it outside."

Before Lucien got carried away and tried to toss the counter or something.

"Yes, we could ask. And I appreciate the support." It would have been easier to spread the message if others sided with them. After all, there was no incentive to trust any hunter.

"I bet." Rook said, before smiling, "Really? That's so cool!"

And sweet. It really showed how much of an impact a caring grandfather could have. It was a shame the rest of the family had been so awful in turn.

"The hat is the second step." Rook replied, "I might not be the absolute best shot, but Frosty might get to find out the homing briefcase is real and it's actually an ice cream bowl."

Though she doubted the ice mage was going to be too much of a hassle. Five wasn't there to provoke him and if he tried anything, the pocket would neutralize his magic before he could cause real damage.

"Angsty teenagers, my favorite." Rook mused, "I think we should start with reassuring him that his magic isn't really gone." Rook suggested, "He might hate it, but it's a part of him he would miss if he lost it."

Rook rolled her eyes. She just knew this was going to get introspective quickly.

"Of course. No need to waste energies on a petty argument with a kid, unless it's Willow."

Speaking of angsty youth and such. Rook quietly set her thoughts regarding her double aside to focus on getting both to destination. The pocket allowed them to pass as far as it could, before it suddenly came to a halt. Rook stopped near the edge, raising her arm instinctively.

"Every damn time I come from this direction..." she grumbled, before looking up at Frosty floating by, "Oh, he's up there. Looks like I'll have to show off after all. You good with that? It isn't a big jump."

She offered her free hand.

Rook grinned, "I like the way you think!" They had the same sense of humor, it wasn't all that surprising. "I bet he'll be surprised. But don't expect him to be stunned for too long."

Ever since acquiring his cuffs, Lucien's reflexes had definitely been improving. To think he used to beat himself for not standing his ground against Five, before literally wiping the floor with him just a few months later. Rook was glad he had found something worth fighting for at last.

"Yes, we need something like that. I guess it's a bit like what Simon has set up." Rook said, before nodding, "Sure, send them right ahead. I'm happy to help and if I'm really going to 'claim' this city as my hunting grounds, I better look further than my own little garden."

While she couldn't make promises, she should at the very least try to do better than Five's family ever did. It would be best to curate their PR before he made his comeback in a few months.

Rook then chuckled. "Well, I hope not literally. You'll have to tell me more about your grandpa sometime."

Antonio was obviously very fond of him. She was sure she was in for some really nice stories. But that would have to wait until later. Frosty was waiting to find out whether he would be allowed to walk away like the others, or become a glorified snowball.

"I guess the cats can take Spain or something. Not Denmark, though."

She passed the box over to her left hand, using her power to keep it cool as they retreated back into the pocket. It wouldn't be nice to bring Frosty half melted ice cream, even if he could probably fix it with his own magic.

"Well, let's hope he's going to be nice or this ice cream will become airborne." Rook scoffed, taking a moment to look around the void, "Alright, I left him that way. I tried making it somewhat cozy like when you were here, but Frosty didn't get out of bed much. That's probably what he's doing right now too."

There admittedly wasn't a lot to do and it left one with a lot of time to think. So hopefully Frosty wasn't too lost in his own grief for them to add their own.

Rook once again took the lead while the pocket shifted to provide them with a safe path.

[theotherrookie]

Rook grinned, "I like the way you think!" They had the same sense of humor, it wasn't all that surprising. "I bet he'll be surprised. But don't expect him to be stunned for too long."

Ever since acquiring his cuffs, Lucien's reflexes had definitely been improving. To think he used to beat himself for not standing his ground against Five, before literally wiping the floor with him just a few months later. Rook was glad he had found something worth fighting for at last.

"Yes, we need something like that. I guess it's a bit like what Simon has set up." Rook said, before nodding, "Sure, send them right ahead. I'm happy to help and if I'm really going to 'claim' this city as my hunting grounds, I better look further than my own little garden."

While she couldn't make promises, she should at the very least try to do better than Five's family ever did. It would be best to curate their PR before he made his comeback in a few months.

Rook then chuckled. "Well, I hope not literally. You'll have to tell me more about your grandpa sometime."

Antonio was obviously very fond of him. She was sure she was in for some really nice stories. But that would have to wait until later. Frosty was waiting to find out whether he would be allowed to walk away like the others, or become a glorified snowball.

"I guess the cats can take Spain or something. Not Denmark, though."

She passed the box over to her left hand, using her power to keep it cool as they retreated back into the pocket. It wouldn't be nice to bring Frosty half melted ice cream, even if he could probably fix it with his own magic.

"Well, let's hope he's going to be nice or this ice cream will become airborne." Rook scoffed, taking a moment to look around the void, "Alright, I left him that way. I tried making it somewhat cozy like when you were here, but Frosty didn't get out of bed much. That's probably what he's doing right now too."

There admittedly wasn't a lot to do and it left one with a lot of time to think. So hopefully Frosty wasn't too lost in his own grief for them to add their own.

Rook once again took the lead while the pocket shifted to provide them with a safe path.

Rook laughed at the idea.

"Please, try to record yourself doing that. I want to see Lucien's reaction...and what he's going to throw at you."

It would probably be a pot. So then Lucien would get mad at himself for setting himself up for more jokes.

"It might be best to go for something similar to the legit repertoire. That way it would be dismissed more easily." Rook suggested, "I don't know, it sounds more deceiving."

That would have been in theme with the occasion. But they could worry about it later. It was unlikely they would need it for a while still.

"I mean, I'd rather have anyone hear it first from me, but it's fine if you're talking to someone who could use my help or something like that."

Secrecy was less of a rule and more of a suggestion for the Order now. If she could be of help, then she wouldn't mind having that bit of information shared with a stranger. Besides, if they turned out to be hostile, Errol could have them end up the way the previous lot who had dared attacking her.

"Well, mum usually doesn't need more than her own two hands to get the point across." Rook said, considering the mental image of that wretched circle of miserable idiots getting clobbered, "I didn't get my swing from dad, I'll tell you that much."

At least it was therapeutic for Veronica, who couldn't stand parents who were terrible to their children when she had been deprived of the chance to be with and protect hers.

"Yes, you're a brave kitty." Rook said, before leaning over, "Excuse me, birds were there first. Remember the freaking dinosaurs? You have a long way to go before you can even think about that!"

It was all in good fun, of course. Rook was glad to hear her idea had been accepted and appreciated she was still allowed to contribute. While she had been promised ice cream for helping, the deal didn't have to include a treat for Frosty.

"I can't miss out on that. I've got the keys." Luckily, she wouldn't be long. The ghosts had prepared everything ahead of time and presented Rook with a sealed container as soon as she made her way over.

Rook couldn't help stopping to chat for a little bit, but soon stepped outside.

"I got the bribe. Let's go!"

She didn't waste any more time and headed immediately into the alley where the portal was already waiting for them.

[theotherrookie]

Rook laughed at the idea.

"Please, try to record yourself doing that. I want to see Lucien's reaction...and what he's going to throw at you."

It would probably be a pot. So then Lucien would get mad at himself for setting himself up for more jokes.

"It might be best to go for something similar to the legit repertoire. That way it would be dismissed more easily." Rook suggested, "I don't know, it sounds more deceiving."

That would have been in theme with the occasion. But they could worry about it later. It was unlikely they would need it for a while still.

"I mean, I'd rather have anyone hear it first from me, but it's fine if you're talking to someone who could use my help or something like that."

Secrecy was less of a rule and more of a suggestion for the Order now. If she could be of help, then she wouldn't mind having that bit of information shared with a stranger. Besides, if they turned out to be hostile, Errol could have them end up the way the previous lot who had dared attacking her.

"Well, mum usually doesn't need more than her own two hands to get the point across." Rook said, considering the mental image of that wretched circle of miserable idiots getting clobbered, "I didn't get my swing from dad, I'll tell you that much."

At least it was therapeutic for Veronica, who couldn't stand parents who were terrible to their children when she had been deprived of the chance to be with and protect hers.

"Yes, you're a brave kitty." Rook said, before leaning over, "Excuse me, birds were there first. Remember the freaking dinosaurs? You have a long way to go before you can even think about that!"

It was all in good fun, of course. Rook was glad to hear her idea had been accepted and appreciated she was still allowed to contribute. While she had been promised ice cream for helping, the deal didn't have to include a treat for Frosty.

"I can't miss out on that. I've got the keys." Luckily, she wouldn't be long. The ghosts had prepared everything ahead of time and presented Rook with a sealed container as soon as she made her way over.

Rook couldn't help stopping to chat for a little bit, but soon stepped outside.

"I got the bribe. Let's go!"

She didn't waste any more time and headed immediately into the alley where the portal was already waiting for them.

"So they say. But I don't really care about the timeline, the games work on their own anyway." Rook said, before grinning, "He has been compared to Link so many times. He doesn't like it, so you should do it too."

The worst Lucien could do about it was looking undignified anyway.

"Something like that might work." Rook said, nodding, "I guess it depends on how paranoid the nuisance is."

It wasn't something they could underestimate. Five was a moron and probably wouldn't catch on, but he wasn't the only threat going around.

"Thanks. It's nice to know that." Rook replied with a smile, "Both things, I mean; I can tell you about my magic and I know you will keep the secret. It's nice to be able to say things on my own terms for once."

It hadn't been that way with Rick, who had misused the knowledge to threaten and put her in danger multiple times. Perhaps someday she would work up the courage to tell the rest of the family, especially if it was going to affect the way she was going to age.

"You just know they're going to form a club down there." Rook mused, "Well, now you know why you felt like that and can be friends with Leofric and Thea just fine. And at least you don't act like the shrimp population is conspiring to take over the world."

It was hard to say what prompted Josh to feel that way. Then again, being a deep ocean thing, Rook wasn't sure she even wanted to know.

"Mark knows which are their favorite treats, if you do go shopping for them." Rook said, before standing up, "It was nice pretending to be normal with you for a bit. Next time we could go shopping together or something."

It almost seemed like a given after discovering the ghost phase. Rook could have used a biased opinion on her fashion choices.

Nevertheless, Frosty was their main priority. Rook pulled out her wallet and left some cash on the table, along with an extra. She definitely didn't mind sharing Rick's money with the ghosts.

"We'll see if he needs extra kicking. You can go ahead, I'll go get the ice cream for him then be right with you."

[theotherrookie]

The conversation was bound to get redundant. They had discussed what to do for quite a while and the solution they had agreed on just so happened to be closest to how both Rook and Russell felt about the situation.

"What would these other ways be? If you're talking about my pocket dimension, it isn't designed to hold any of us captive. Five would figure out how to get out and then use it to cause even more trouble."

If there was one thing they didn't want was for Five to start soiling other dimensions with his presence.

"He's the last of a long line of assholes. It's unlikely he's going to change his mind. But that doesn't mean we should be as brutal as him." Rook lifted her shades to look directly at Shade. "It's a group effort and not all of us are comfortable with that."

Errol found he had his own priorities in order and welcomed the sunlight back. The dragon stretched his paws, before curling up around Rook. That was as much warding as he was willing to do at the moment.

"If you had come along, you would have just watched Russell die with the rest of us."

This was getting exhausting already.

"We didn't run into this unprepared. We had protective gear and two great healers on the team. Russell essentially died on the spot. We were all powerless."

It hurt to admit, but things didn't turn out for the best because of their efforts.

"Well, that's our best shot. I'm not big on murder and even if we entertained that for a moment, you might have noticed those like me have a tendency to come back as ghosts. It wouldn't be that much of a final solution either."

Not to mention that ghosts tended to be immune to being stabbed and the likes. They would simply make Five even more difficult to deal with.

"Then there's the solstice, which I can't stop either. But we persuaded his little helpers to get lost. Even if he'll recover, which will still take months, he will be on his own and even he can only do so much against all of us."

So they clearly weren't ignoring the problem. They simply needed a break, which they could finally afford.

[theotherrookie]

"So they say. But I don't really care about the timeline, the games work on their own anyway." Rook said, before grinning, "He has been compared to Link so many times. He doesn't like it, so you should do it too."

The worst Lucien could do about it was looking undignified anyway.

"Something like that might work." Rook said, nodding, "I guess it depends on how paranoid the nuisance is."

It wasn't something they could underestimate. Five was a moron and probably wouldn't catch on, but he wasn't the only threat going around.

"Thanks. It's nice to know that." Rook replied with a smile, "Both things, I mean; I can tell you about my magic and I know you will keep the secret. It's nice to be able to say things on my own terms for once."

It hadn't been that way with Rick, who had misused the knowledge to threaten and put her in danger multiple times. Perhaps someday she would work up the courage to tell the rest of the family, especially if it was going to affect the way she was going to age.

"You just know they're going to form a club down there." Rook mused, "Well, now you know why you felt like that and can be friends with Leofric and Thea just fine. And at least you don't act like the shrimp population is conspiring to take over the world."

It was hard to say what prompted Josh to feel that way. Then again, being a deep ocean thing, Rook wasn't sure she even wanted to know.

"Mark knows which are their favorite treats, if you do go shopping for them." Rook said, before standing up, "It was nice pretending to be normal with you for a bit. Next time we could go shopping together or something."

It almost seemed like a given after discovering the ghost phase. Rook could have used a biased opinion on her fashion choices.

Nevertheless, Frosty was their main priority. Rook pulled out her wallet and left some cash on the table, along with an extra. She definitely didn't mind sharing Rick's money with the ghosts.

"We'll see if he needs extra kicking. You can go ahead, I'll go get the ice cream for him then be right with you."

Rook nodded silently. She knew it was okay to ask, even if it still didn't fully feel right to do.

"I guess you need a strong stomach when you're stuck in a weird time loop. But it's kinda expected from a guy who grew up in the woods."

They got to see what that could do to a man about every other day. Still, Lucien failed to see the resemblance with the hero of time.

"That would definitely sound impressive. Though at this point we might as well make it a code." Rook suggested, "You know, in case you noticed something's wrong."

With so many weirdos going around, it didn't seem like a bad idea.

"Dancing is natural fae behavior, much like singing." Rook joked, "You should see Lucien's garden when he really gets into both activities. It feels like another world."

It was certainly more welcoming than whenever the ring was active. Perhaps she would tell Lucien to be less stingy with his tours around his kingdom and make up for making them attack Antonio.

"Well, it's never nice to think you're going mad for noticing things that others don't. But it should remain just that. The power was passed to me and it can't go back to another branch of the family. It's up to me now, my siblings and their kids are safe from all this nonsense." Rook then smiled, "Aunty Rookie has it all covered."

At least with her around, the chances of her nephew growing up resenting the supernatural were low. The family's monster hunting business didn't need a second active member.

"Well, it isn't really a competition. We both had horrible fathers and society quietly agrees it's our fault for existing." It was Rook's turn to sound disinterested there. "All we can do is run and maybe get some payback. I have Bill now. But if I had the chance, I'd shake your dad's hand the way I did with Cassandra."

The kind of handshake that resonated across the afterlife. She couldn't leave all the fun to her mother, right?

"I'm proud of being one of those people and I hope I can be at peace with it like you someday." Rick had taken enough from her already. "It's interesting how the worst people always dislike dogs. Maybe it's because they know they're guilty of something."

Perhaps she could let Thea participate too, just to see the kind of panic a tiny terror dog could cause.

"Though it'd be ironic to get the local ghost dog population to avenge you." Rook mused, taking a bite off her cookie, "I've always been stubborn. It takes a lot of work to make me change my mind."

For better or for worse. Rook sat back and took a moment to clean her shades. As nice as that had been, it was time to get back to work.

"Ice cream is always nice. Though I'm mainly happy to be able to do normal things." She put her shades back on, "But I guess it's time to pay a visit to our favorite ice kid, uh?"

Hopefully, Frosty wasn't going to make things harder than necessary.

[theotherrookie]

Rook nodded silently. She knew it was okay to ask, even if it still didn't fully feel right to do.

"I guess you need a strong stomach when you're stuck in a weird time loop. But it's kinda expected from a guy who grew up in the woods."

They got to see what that could do to a man about every other day. Still, Lucien failed to see the resemblance with the hero of time.

"That would definitely sound impressive. Though at this point we might as well make it a code." Rook suggested, "You know, in case you noticed something's wrong."

With so many weirdos going around, it didn't seem like a bad idea.

"Dancing is natural fae behavior, much like singing." Rook joked, "You should see Lucien's garden when he really gets into both activities. It feels like another world."

It was certainly more welcoming than whenever the ring was active. Perhaps she would tell Lucien to be less stingy with his tours around his kingdom and make up for making them attack Antonio.

"Well, it's never nice to think you're going mad for noticing things that others don't. But it should remain just that. The power was passed to me and it can't go back to another branch of the family. It's up to me now, my siblings and their kids are safe from all this nonsense." Rook then smiled, "Aunty Rookie has it all covered."

At least with her around, the chances of her nephew growing up resenting the supernatural were low. The family's monster hunting business didn't need a second active member.

"Well, it isn't really a competition. We both had horrible fathers and society quietly agrees it's our fault for existing." It was Rook's turn to sound disinterested there. "All we can do is run and maybe get some payback. I have Bill now. But if I had the chance, I'd shake your dad's hand the way I did with Cassandra."

The kind of handshake that resonated across the afterlife. She couldn't leave all the fun to her mother, right?

"I'm proud of being one of those people and I hope I can be at peace with it like you someday." Rick had taken enough from her already. "It's interesting how the worst people always dislike dogs. Maybe it's because they know they're guilty of something."

Perhaps she could let Thea participate too, just to see the kind of panic a tiny terror dog could cause.

"Though it'd be ironic to get the local ghost dog population to avenge you." Rook mused, taking a bite off her cookie, "I've always been stubborn. It takes a lot of work to make me change my mind."

For better or for worse. Rook sat back and took a moment to clean her shades. As nice as that had been, it was time to get back to work.

"Ice cream is always nice. Though I'm mainly happy to be able to do normal things." She put her shades back on, "But I guess it's time to pay a visit to our favorite ice kid, uh?"

Hopefully, Frosty wasn't going to make things harder than necessary.

"I know. That's what big brothers are for."

There was nothing like a free pastry in a time of need.

"Some of those places are kinda cozy. But, well, Link is like that. If he finds equipment, he will use it. Otherwise, it's time to improvise." She chuckled, "He's always been a bit unhinged, tossing swords and bombs around. Don't take him as an example too much."

Rook grinned. She was always happy to contribute to the most cursed things.

"Glad to make it worse." she replied eagerly, "Well, one major effect is that it will make me hungry."

She would have to make sure to bring a snack next time.

"I mean, he has a boyfriend to impress now." Rook pointed, "If he was insufferable before, he's this close to getting some feathers and do a mating dance like a damn peacock."

It might have sounded rude. But there was a good chance Lucien might take her word for it and somehow put it into practice. The half fae took as much pleasure from doing questionable things as he did getting a reaction out of Russell, after all.

"Oh, they're surprisingly accepting of what I do, even if they aren't too interested in hearing stories from my job anymore. They're growing up and are just busier." Rook explained, "But I bet Andrea will be intrigued. I think he's developing something of a magic sense, even if he hasn't figured me out yet."

The distance certainly helped her keep her cover. It would be addressed in due time, once it would have been clear whether it was going to develop into a permanent ability.

"Some would say it was criminal. I got shot because of him, you know, among the rest." Rook paused, contemplating a thought, "Maybe I could set up a meeting for Bill's birthday. I don't want to deal with him around Christmas in case Five is already being a nuisance again."

It would be satisfying to watch. And after everybody had teamed up to help her with Five, it would be the least to have Rick get what he deserved and chase out anybody who showed up to cause trouble.

"Oh, don't think I'm censoring myself to be nice. I'm just trying to not make a scene." Her spoon was on the verge of being snapped in two. She was very mad. "It's just infuriating. Dad only cares about himself, but they treated you like that because they're fucking stupid."

Though it didn't look like it affected Antonio much anymore. Perhaps she should do the same and not spend her energies on something that couldn't be fixed.

"Well, after what Five did, we'll immediately know if someone is asking around for you." Rook mused, "That way I can summon the girls promptly...and the ghosts and Leofric."

The thought seemed to cheer her up a bit.

"I know that. I had trouble believing it whenever you guys said it for the longest time." Rook replied, reaching for the cookie, "I'm just glad that you're fine and happy with yourself and they can't hurt you anymore."

[theotherrookie]

"I know. That's what big brothers are for."

There was nothing like a free pastry in a time of need.

"Some of those places are kinda cozy. But, well, Link is like that. If he finds equipment, he will use it. Otherwise, it's time to improvise." She chuckled, "He's always been a bit unhinged, tossing swords and bombs around. Don't take him as an example too much."

Rook grinned. She was always happy to contribute to the most cursed things.

"Glad to make it worse." she replied eagerly, "Well, one major effect is that it will make me hungry."

She would have to make sure to bring a snack next time.

"I mean, he has a boyfriend to impress now." Rook pointed, "If he was insufferable before, he's this close to getting some feathers and do a mating dance like a damn peacock."

It might have sounded rude. But there was a good chance Lucien might take her word for it and somehow put it into practice. The half fae took as much pleasure from doing questionable things as he did getting a reaction out of Russell, after all.

"Oh, they're surprisingly accepting of what I do, even if they aren't too interested in hearing stories from my job anymore. They're growing up and are just busier." Rook explained, "But I bet Andrea will be intrigued. I think he's developing something of a magic sense, even if he hasn't figured me out yet."

The distance certainly helped her keep her cover. It would be addressed in due time, once it would have been clear whether it was going to develop into a permanent ability.

"Some would say it was criminal. I got shot because of him, you know, among the rest." Rook paused, contemplating a thought, "Maybe I could set up a meeting for Bill's birthday. I don't want to deal with him around Christmas in case Five is already being a nuisance again."

It would be satisfying to watch. And after everybody had teamed up to help her with Five, it would be the least to have Rick get what he deserved and chase out anybody who showed up to cause trouble.

"Oh, don't think I'm censoring myself to be nice. I'm just trying to not make a scene." Her spoon was on the verge of being snapped in two. She was very mad. "It's just infuriating. Dad only cares about himself, but they treated you like that because they're fucking stupid."

Though it didn't look like it affected Antonio much anymore. Perhaps she should do the same and not spend her energies on something that couldn't be fixed.

"Well, after what Five did, we'll immediately know if someone is asking around for you." Rook mused, "That way I can summon the girls promptly...and the ghosts and Leofric."

The thought seemed to cheer her up a bit.

"I know that. I had trouble believing it whenever you guys said it for the longest time." Rook replied, reaching for the cookie, "I'm just glad that you're fine and happy with yourself and they can't hurt you anymore."

"It doesn't. But you can always ring me up when the weather doesn't cooperate."

She was lucky enough to not be bothered by the cold anymore. It was only fair of her to share.

"Well, I know of mountain huts that double as restaurants and sometimes hostels." Rook said, waving her spoon before taking some more ice cream, "I guess in some way it's a bit like being travelers stopping at a tavern during their quest, except that you're wearing technical gear instead of trusting a single hempen rope with your life."

Then again, an RPG game would expect her to actually fly up instead of taking the long way around. That actually felt more precarious than trusting molding rope somehow.

"That's fine. And while at it, remember that nachos are soup." Rook joked, "There will be no trying, you know. We don't want Lucien to start foraging like we're spending the winter out there. We need supplies."

Even if she wouldn't get close enough to be of help, she would cheer for any attempt at getting them something to grill.

"I appreciate your discretion." Rook replied with a smile, "Well, you could come along and meet them sometimes. That would give me some more material for whatever excuse to be there I'll throw at them. Besides, being my brother makes you an uncle too, right? You have quite a few nephews to meet."

It was unlikely her nephews would fully understand, but they seemed to respond well to the strange friends she brought home.

"I don't think they believed I would get anywhere with my plan. But they were happy to have mum back for more than five minutes and that's the best I could ask for." Unlike Rick. "I think they got along well. Eh, he likes everybody but dad. I should set them up for a meeting sometimes. It wouldn't be fair if I let you have all the fun."

Rick needed some variety in his life, after all. Rook immediately started wondering whether she should have asked at all. She knew Antonio wasn't in such good terms with his family. That kind of topic could be rough to talk about.

She didn't think it was that bad though. "That's–" Rook forced herself to bite her tongue before she could say some very unflattering things. "What the fuck…"

That was just shitty behavior. And what was more frustrating was how she didn't even truly know who she was angry at so she could go off to do some old fashioned vandalizing.

"If they show up, I'll make sure they have the least normal time ever." she promised. Though it felt more like a threat. "And then I'll personally chase them out of the city."

They had practiced that. She just had to do a better job than Five and not kill anybody in the process.

"You deserved better."

[theotherrookie]

"Happy birthday, scaly dork."

"Thanks, fish boy! And a happy late birthday to you." Miles holds up a wrapped present to Josh, smiling widely like usual, "It's those art books you really wanted."

The little spoiler prompts Josh to tear through the paper faster. "Ah! Thanks, Miles. Here." Josh nudges a tiny box closer with the tip of his tail, "Remember that watch your father said he lost at sea?"

"No way!" Miles laughs upon seeing the wristwatch, cleaned and functioning. "Thanks, man. He'll love it."

"Check under it. There are some concert tickets."

"Scissors Sisters! You're coming along, right? You've got to now!"

Josh smiles politely. "We'll see."

[theotherrookie]

"It doesn't. But you can always ring me up when the weather doesn't cooperate."

She was lucky enough to not be bothered by the cold anymore. It was only fair of her to share.

"Well, I know of mountain huts that double as restaurants and sometimes hostels." Rook said, waving her spoon before taking some more ice cream, "I guess in some way it's a bit like being travelers stopping at a tavern during their quest, except that you're wearing technical gear instead of trusting a single hempen rope with your life."

Then again, an RPG game would expect her to actually fly up instead of taking the long way around. That actually felt more precarious than trusting molding rope somehow.

"That's fine. And while at it, remember that nachos are soup." Rook joked, "There will be no trying, you know. We don't want Lucien to start foraging like we're spending the winter out there. We need supplies."

Even if she wouldn't get close enough to be of help, she would cheer for any attempt at getting them something to grill.

"I appreciate your discretion." Rook replied with a smile, "Well, you could come along and meet them sometimes. That would give me some more material for whatever excuse to be there I'll throw at them. Besides, being my brother makes you an uncle too, right? You have quite a few nephews to meet."

It was unlikely her nephews would fully understand, but they seemed to respond well to the strange friends she brought home.

"I don't think they believed I would get anywhere with my plan. But they were happy to have mum back for more than five minutes and that's the best I could ask for." Unlike Rick. "I think they got along well. Eh, he likes everybody but dad. I should set them up for a meeting sometimes. It wouldn't be fair if I let you have all the fun."

Rick needed some variety in his life, after all. Rook immediately started wondering whether she should have asked at all. She knew Antonio wasn't in such good terms with his family. That kind of topic could be rough to talk about.

She didn't think it was that bad though. "That's–" Rook forced herself to bite her tongue before she could say some very unflattering things. "What the fuck…"

That was just shitty behavior. And what was more frustrating was how she didn't even truly know who she was angry at so she could go off to do some old fashioned vandalizing.

"If they show up, I'll make sure they have the least normal time ever." she promised. Though it felt more like a threat. "And then I'll personally chase them out of the city."

They had practiced that. She just had to do a better job than Five and not kill anybody in the process.

"You deserved better."

"I've witnessed a cat man being frozen, that wouldn't be too out of line in terms of accidents." Rook pointed, "But as I said, we're all watching each other's backs."

Sometimes it felt more like a team building exercise than a birthday activity. It was still worth giving it a shot, though.

"I feel we all need to bring something along. There aren't many restaurants on top of mountains." Rook mused, "There probably is. But I'm not that into speedruns to try it. Time is what it is, but it isn't so bad that we can't enjoy ourselves."

She'd rather take her time to make good memories and experiences. Rook was glad to hear the computer was doing well. Perhaps she would wait before offering a free upgrade.

"Well, at least it can't be doubted that you're pulling some real magic with the cursed things you say." Rook said, before smirking, "Though I believe the current theory is that everything is either soup, a sandwich or a wellington."

She clearly saw no reason not to add to the problem in her own way. They had to ensure the paper crane population remained airborne.

"I think I would have left Five without an arm or an ear if he had ruined your tail." She had no trouble admitting that. "Oh, I did. Well, it wasn't properly camping out, but dad used to make us get up at stupid o'clock in the morning so we could go watch him fishing and then maybe have a picnic."

At least until Veronica had been with them. Rook definitely didn't miss those trips. They were the reason behind her aversion to water anyway.

"But our trip will be way better." she promised, "I don't know where exactly we're going yet, but it'll be isolated and then I'll make sure there is no supernatural activity so we actually take a break from having to fix every freaking mess."

She had definitely put a lot of thought into it already. It was far easier than considering what story she would make up for her siblings. Or how far she would go with pretending she couldn't get over there in a blink and chose not to ever visit.

"No, they don't." she confirmed quietly, "We're not supposed to tell. But that aside, the more you know about the supernatural, the more you end up entangled in it and the opposite is also true. So there's a good reason I'm not telling them."

Rick knew and had misused his knowledge plenty of time. So he deserved everything that had come his way.

"They're very supportive of my job. They helped me change my degree without dad knowing and they think it's cool I have supernatural friends. Ezio even met Bill." And was still enthusiastic the way he was known to be. "I just haven't told them yet I have a new family here."

Not that she would have had the time to break the news with the mess going on. She just hoped her siblings would understand.

"It's probably not my place to ask. But seeing as we're on the topic, have you heard from your own?"

[theotherrookie]

"I've witnessed a cat man being frozen, that wouldn't be too out of line in terms of accidents." Rook pointed, "But as I said, we're all watching each other's backs."

Sometimes it felt more like a team building exercise than a birthday activity. It was still worth giving it a shot, though.

"I feel we all need to bring something along. There aren't many restaurants on top of mountains." Rook mused, "There probably is. But I'm not that into speedruns to try it. Time is what it is, but it isn't so bad that we can't enjoy ourselves."

She'd rather take her time to make good memories and experiences. Rook was glad to hear the computer was doing well. Perhaps she would wait before offering a free upgrade.

"Well, at least it can't be doubted that you're pulling some real magic with the cursed things you say." Rook said, before smirking, "Though I believe the current theory is that everything is either soup, a sandwich or a wellington."

She clearly saw no reason not to add to the problem in her own way. They had to ensure the paper crane population remained airborne.

"I think I would have left Five without an arm or an ear if he had ruined your tail." She had no trouble admitting that. "Oh, I did. Well, it wasn't properly camping out, but dad used to make us get up at stupid o'clock in the morning so we could go watch him fishing and then maybe have a picnic."

At least until Veronica had been with them. Rook definitely didn't miss those trips. They were the reason behind her aversion to water anyway.

"But our trip will be way better." she promised, "I don't know where exactly we're going yet, but it'll be isolated and then I'll make sure there is no supernatural activity so we actually take a break from having to fix every freaking mess."

She had definitely put a lot of thought into it already. It was far easier than considering what story she would make up for her siblings. Or how far she would go with pretending she couldn't get over there in a blink and chose not to ever visit.

"No, they don't." she confirmed quietly, "We're not supposed to tell. But that aside, the more you know about the supernatural, the more you end up entangled in it and the opposite is also true. So there's a good reason I'm not telling them."

Rick knew and had misused his knowledge plenty of time. So he deserved everything that had come his way.

"They're very supportive of my job. They helped me change my degree without dad knowing and they think it's cool I have supernatural friends. Ezio even met Bill." And was still enthusiastic the way he was known to be. "I just haven't told them yet I have a new family here."

Not that she would have had the time to break the news with the mess going on. She just hoped her siblings would understand.

"It's probably not my place to ask. But seeing as we're on the topic, have you heard from your own?"

"I'd like to see that. I mean, it'd have to be a really bad spot if you'd have no way to get down."

So perhaps rock climbing wouldn't be such a bad suggestion. It was an activity they all more or less had some experience with.

"I think we'd all enjoy sunbathing for a bit. It's energizing for me and I don't think we could get Willow to get up if she doesn't have a snack first."

She was no expert, but some rest was probably necessary before going down.

"It'd be the shortest sleepover ever. So we could eat or even cook something together, play some games and then you can work your magic."

Quite literally. The sleepover was going right into Rook's bucket list. She would bring it up again as soon as the first chance presented itself.

"Well, I used to build and fix computers for a bit. It was a way to make meets end in the beginning and I kept the skills." Rook explained, "I figured I could make you a nice first machine, so you'd be able to focus on the fun part of gaming."

Veronica had also been happy to see her empty her stash of spare parts, before new boxes had come in a few days later.

"I'm definitely doing things I previously thought were unthinkable and at least dad is paying for them." Rook said, before nodding, "Yes, sparkly vampires can be disintegrated on sight. Fussy vampires go in timeout. Do let me know if you spot the former. I want to hang up the orb and see if it'd work as a disco ball."

Questionable ideas aside, the ice cream was quite nice and the fruit complimented it well. Rook enjoyed a few scoops before slowing down again. That wasn't the time to get a brain freeze.

"You know, I kinda wondered if the crane took off out of concern. I would run too if I heard a maniac bragging about his eelmobile." Unless that was Josh, perhaps. "And you sure meet your share of weirdos."

At least that hunter seemed to be harmless. She had her share of nuisances to deal with already without having to care about those halfway across the world.

"I'm still mad because it feels like some creepy ass trophy thing." Rook snapped, "I'm not even going to think about that. There's a non zero chance that if I don't keep a safe distance, I'm going to be known as the one who slapped a comatose man."

But she had to keep in mind that Five wasn't worth getting worked up about anymore either. Rook took a moment to calm down before considering what indeed she wished to do next.

"Well, I'd really like to do that camping trip. I know it could be complicated to organize, but it'd be nice to go some place quiet, be all together, have some fun..." She shrugged, "I'm a force of nature but I never get to be around nature. It's draining. I was also thinking of visiting my siblings, but I'd rather be with the family that knows me first and make sure Willow will be okay. That's about it."

[theotherrookie]

Errol found he had his own priorities in order and welcomed the sunlight back. The dragon stretched his paws, before curling up around Rook. That was as much warding as he was willing to do at the moment.

"If you had come along, you would have just watched Russell die with the rest of us."

This was getting exhausting already.

"We didn't run into this unprepared. We had protective gear and two great healers on the team. Russell essentially died on the spot. We were all powerless."

It hurt to admit, but things didn't turn out for the best because of their efforts.

"Well, that's our best shot. I'm not big on murder and even if we entertained that for a moment, you might have noticed those like me have a tendency to come back as ghosts. It wouldn't be that much of a final solution either."

Not to mention that ghosts tended to be immune to being stabbed and the likes. They would simply make Five even more difficult to deal with.

"Then there's the solstice, which I can't stop either. But we persuaded his little helpers to get lost. Even if he'll recover, which will still take months, he will be on his own and even he can only do so much against all of us."

So they clearly weren't ignoring the problem. They simply needed a break, which they could finally afford.

There were far worse things that could have been offered. For instance, Errol could have thought of far less playful pranks in return for his nap being interrupted like that.

The dragon cracked one eye open to peer up at Shade, before letting out a huff. Rook better sort this out quickly.

"Well, couldn't you have this conversation a little bit to the side? I was trying to enjoy the weather." There was some more rustling of feathers as Rook reached to retrieve her necklace. Once it was put on and her wings had disappeared, she moved to sit up. "Ah yes, you talked to Russell."

So she didn't have to break the news. But something told her this wasn't going to be any easier.

"Russell is fine. He's a little shaken, but he'll be okay. He doesn't have much of a choice now, does he?"

It was perhaps a bit morbid to say, but it had been rough on everybody.

"Nothing else has happened since then. We've been enjoying the time off, doing normal things. My leg is still a bit sore, but it's better than what Willow is dealing with. Nobody died and Five is out of our hair. I don't get what you're so worked up about."

[theotherrookie]

"Don't chase the rabbit" - for Rook

"I can't believe it! We had the Maths test today. All teachers knew that. But she thinks she's fucking special, uh?" Emma said, pulling her bag straps up.

Davide nodded, throwing his hands up, "Another bad grade is just what I needed—"

"Then next time you're going to do your job and be prepared for my class."

A golden wave of defiance against the teenaged population walked past. Prof Ascari left her disgruntled students behind on her way to her red Mini Cooper. Despite the Union Jack adorning the roof, she was infamously known for 'teaching' Physics to the second year and other unfortunate souls.

After a disastrous surprise test on the last hour of the day, she felt obliged to reverse and drive over a puddle on the way out, almost splashing half of her class.

"Fucking Ascari." Emma snapped, checking her shoes for stains, "Hey, Erika. You've been awfully quiet for the last hour. You good?"

Rook tilted her head, more interested in checking whether it was safe to cross the road. "I'll catch the next bus. See ya."

While a bad grade was never good news, it didn't bother Rook as much. That was a rare week in which both her brother and father weren't home because of their respective jobs, meaning she had all the time to forge the signature or better, pretend there was no grade at all.

Alas, Rick had been so kind as to forget to do groceries before leaving. A pizza sounded like a great idea but even better, the discount store next to the school was having a sale.

Though, while it was none of her business, the cashier couldn't help wondering what Rook planned to make with all those bananas she had bought.

The answer came the next day. Prof Ascari was back to unload her frustrations on a different set of kids and would be at it for a couple of hours in their class on the other side of the building.

After waiting for the janitor to go out for a smoke, Rook quietly sneaked out of the front door and into the parking lot where the red car waited defenseless for its doom.

Pulling the first of three bunches of bananas, Rook squeezed herself in the space between the car's rear and the gate, shoving the load in the exhaust pipe while checking every once in a while that nobody was going to walk by.

Once the pipe was fully loaded, Rook pulled some improvised tools from her backpack to try and get into the car. Though, before that juvenile prank could turn into a criminal act, she realized the door was already unlocked. She managed a small grin.

'Thank you, gremlin population!'

She opened the door and got to work.

Prof Ascari was particularly content with herself that day. She had caused another one of her students to cry and was on her way out.

Rook was lined up to get a sandwich from the vending machines. If she had to use her last Christmas money to survive for a week, she might as well save what she could for later. The professor waited until it was her turn to get in the way.

"Innocenti, I want to see your grade signed tomorrow."

The interruption probably annoyed the rest of the line more than it did Rook. After all, she had the high ground in this.

"My father isn't home today." Rook replied, holding her change up so the other could figure to get out of the way already.

Ascari of course didn't take the hint. "I want it signed by both your parents."

"I'm afraid I can't do that, prof."

"What? Is your mother on vacation too?"

"She's dead."

The silence was broken by Rook shoving her coins in the machine. She left with her ham sandwich while the teacher enjoyed how much of a moron she had made herself look.

But that was just a prelude to the trouble to come. Rook was back in her class and sitting at her desk by the window when Ascari made it back to her car. She unwrapped her sandwich and took a bite while the professor took notice of the bananas abandoned on the backseat.

It took a few minutes before she found the ones in the glovebox, under the seats, stuffed between the pedals, in the trunk and, of course, stuffed in the exhaust pipe. Her little red car had been turned into a banana mobile for the entire school to behold, as Ascari started screaming some nonsense about getting fingerprints and DNA samples from minors to find the culprit.

Emma snapped a picture for the archives. "She's going to be pissed for weeks now."

"Or maybe she'll shove a couple bananas up her ass and cheer up."

Emma laughed despite her best efforts, "Damn it, Erika."

Rook shrugged as she took another bite.

[theotherrookie]

"I'd like to see that. I mean, it'd have to be a really bad spot if you'd have no way to get down."

So perhaps rock climbing wouldn't be such a bad suggestion. It was an activity they all more or less had some experience with.

"I think we'd all enjoy sunbathing for a bit. It's energizing for me and I don't think we could get Willow to get up if she doesn't have a snack first."

She was no expert, but some rest was probably necessary before going down.

"It'd be the shortest sleepover ever. So we could eat or even cook something together, play some games and then you can work your magic."

Quite literally. The sleepover was going right into Rook's bucket list. She would bring it up again as soon as the first chance presented itself.

"Well, I used to build and fix computers for a bit. It was a way to make meets end in the beginning and I kept the skills." Rook explained, "I figured I could make you a nice first machine, so you'd be able to focus on the fun part of gaming."

Veronica had also been happy to see her empty her stash of spare parts, before new boxes had come in a few days later.

"I'm definitely doing things I previously thought were unthinkable and at least dad is paying for them." Rook said, before nodding, "Yes, sparkly vampires can be disintegrated on sight. Fussy vampires go in timeout. Do let me know if you spot the former. I want to hang up the orb and see if it'd work as a disco ball."

Questionable ideas aside, the ice cream was quite nice and the fruit complimented it well. Rook enjoyed a few scoops before slowing down again. That wasn't the time to get a brain freeze.

"You know, I kinda wondered if the crane took off out of concern. I would run too if I heard a maniac bragging about his eelmobile." Unless that was Josh, perhaps. "And you sure meet your share of weirdos."

At least that hunter seemed to be harmless. She had her share of nuisances to deal with already without having to care about those halfway across the world.

"I'm still mad because it feels like some creepy ass trophy thing." Rook snapped, "I'm not even going to think about that. There's a non zero chance that if I don't keep a safe distance, I'm going to be known as the one who slapped a comatose man."

But she had to keep in mind that Five wasn't worth getting worked up about anymore either. Rook took a moment to calm down before considering what indeed she wished to do next.

"Well, I'd really like to do that camping trip. I know it could be complicated to organize, but it'd be nice to go some place quiet, be all together, have some fun..." She shrugged, "I'm a force of nature but I never get to be around nature. It's draining. I was also thinking of visiting my siblings, but I'd rather be with the family that knows me first and make sure Willow will be okay. That's about it."

"Well, know that I will not let you hear the end of it if you get stuck up a tree."

At least until she got her wings stuck in a narrow space again. Getting back into climbing would have been nice, though. It was an activity she had always enjoyed and it'd be an opportunity to get some nice photographs.

"I was thinking more rock climbing. It'd be nice to get away from the city for a bit and as I said, we can go some place warm." Rook said, before adding, "And we'll leave storytime for last or I'll pass out ten minutes in the evening."

They had already tested how effective that could be.

"You can be a honorary duck." She could simply assign the title, apparently. "Oh, it isn't that bad. The hardest part was when the brand new tube of thermal paste turned out to be empty. The chat still quotes some of the things I said over the phone when they were hinting that I made it up to get a refund."

At least it would have been funny to watch. Rook refrained from asking how well the computer was performing, knowing too well she would have ended up shopping for parts for a new build regardless. She briefly glanced back to the corner as well.

"We could always share." she offered, "Maybe. I was very into it at some point when I was a teen. I didn't have much to do, dad didn't let me hang out with anybody after school. That's when I learned to pick locks, but I was already on thin ice for reading some of mum's old books and had to move to things that were easier to hide."

Though she didn't mind as much. Even a bored genius kid could have only so many interests at once.

"I did a bunch of stupid stuff over the years. That was just the last of a long streak." Her biggest regret was the grief she had caused her mother in the process. "I'm glad you didn't end up doing something worse. You know, like Frosty. It would have sucked if you had started snitching to the hunters about any supernaturals who dropped by the library or something like that."

Luckily, they were able to get over the initial clashes and enjoy nice things together. Rook was glad to see her little surprise had been appreciated.

"Yeah. Though I wouldn't recommend skiing on this." She lit up even more at the offer. "You don't have to, but I'm not going to say no!"

The little cat cookie was placed by the cup to be enjoyed for last.

"I don't because it'd be rude. But know that I'm judging you and that there is always somebody assuming you're speaking Spanish."

Rook chuckled as she scooped up some whipped cream.

"Oh, that one would be fun and yeah, you do." She smirked, "As long as Five doesn't show up to mess with it again. It's a real shame I didn't get to thank him for that. He could have done with a little trim."