#(Dark!Jade dealt with a lot of pain and gave in to the darkness when her daughter died yes)

[stxriesfromasharchive]

But not me dreaming about witch!katrina going unhinged and becoming what her mother never believe she could be: a darkcaster. She not only takes revenge and kills her abuser, but tortures her mother and everyone else that has ever hurt her. But she's lost control...and she doesn't care. She's completely lost herself to her own misery and pain that she has no remorse or guilt over who she hurts, becoming a true monster even more dangerous and power than even Darkcaster Jade. And even though Katrina was born with a lack of magical talent, over time deep inside her power simply festered with her pain before it became too much and had to be unleashed.

Years of pain, torment, and suffering fuels her

And she finally feels free.

[katiehepburns]

this Marshmallow still hasn’t fully recovered from her s4 binge watch. my very disjointed and rushed feelings below.

last night, I was a hysterical mess.  now, I am just cussing angry. so so angry.

Overall, I really liked season 4.  The tone and vibe was so s1 VM and the season long mystery arc was well done - it held my interest and engaging.  I enjoyed that it was dark (violent wise - wow, didn’t realize that there would be so many headings) and the humor was fun.   I had many issues with the resolution of the arc though.

The chemistry between Keith and Veronica was perfect.  Their sassy banter and so many feelings.  I always loved their relationship on the show and with Keith’s health scare, the emotional gut punch was platable.   Also loved how Keith was supportive of Logan and was there to cut through Veronica’s BS when it especially when it came to him.

I’ve always loved Logan and Veronica.  They were are always my couple on this show.   There were so many parts of their relationship that I loved in s4 - they were snarky, sweet and domestic with each other.  They had their issues but they were in an adult relationship and worked through their shit together. 

Oh Logan.  I loved how he had evolved so much of the course of the first 3 seasons and the movie.   His character development was amazing.  I love the Logan that we saw in s4.  So I had a lot of issues with Veronica’s treatment of him in s4.  Her constant comments and dismissal of Logan going to therapy and she was borderline cruel to him.  Here he was trying to better himself, work through his many issues, and become a strong and mature version.  Yet, Veronica pushes him to become violent and angry, needling him because she didn’t like this different Logan.  It was so unhealthy and I absolutely hate that Veronica was trying so hard to erode his hard work and push him to react that way.     Wasn’t she the same person who always told him that he needed to grow up and not respond with violence and anger?

Veronica.  She was wonderful flawed, jaded with a wicked sense of humor.  I get that she has alot of issues.  The girl has been through a lot and always been strong and gotten through it.  Still, 15 years later, she’s pretty the same person, just older.  Her character development is stagnant and she’s just middling in neutral.  I really dislike how she treated Logan in so many ways or she was so cruelly dismissive of Weevil without caring about him or trying to understand his feelings.   Also, I feel like with her friendship with Wallace, was almost burdensome to her - where was that wonderful bond?  (Granted, having Percy as pretty much a background player in this season didn’t help).

I f-in hated how the ended this season.  I was bawling hysterically at the end.  Now I am so so angry.  I hate how suddenly this ending is supposed to “save” the show, according to Rob Thomas.  BULLSHIT.

A character with beautiful character development was thrown away to keep with the noir theme of the show? BS.

I mostly hate the message this show is conveying.  That a strong, independent woman who dealt with so many tragedy and pain, who managed to move past it and get a law degree and become a smart PI can’t be happy?  What does that take away from her story?  Her love and (weeps) marriage to Logan was such another layer to a complicated and unique individual.  It was such a opportunity to see her grow and mature and make her three dimensional.  All her relationships on this show (Keith, Wallace, Mac, and Logan, even Lily) helped shaped Veronica and especially give her love and support that she craved and wanted after so much pain.  Being a wife doesn’t detract from who she was.   Why can’t we see her be a fully developed character who still is a badass PI, who works with her dad and fights against the darkness of Neptune, and also be happy with her husband? 

Also, Logan had so much potential outside of being Veronica’s husband.   He could have made a wonderful third (somewhat) unwittingly partner in the PI business.  He was a naval intelligence officer.   Look at his inclusion as being the head of security for Senator Maloof (how awesome was that side storyline?).  Logan being his own realized individual character helped complimented Veronica and also gave an opportunity for the both of them to be their own person and still be happily married as well.

So, the only way that this show can continue and prosper is to kill off Logan, one of it’s most popular characters?  How does this help evolve Veronica’s development? Oh right, because this is “noir,” and keeps with the tone of the show.

It’s stupid.  I am so unbelievably ragey about it that I can’t even write down all my f-in thoughts.

so a few last thoughts:

Cliff and Vinnie were so much fun.  So happy that they came back.

Loved loved Kirby as Nicole.   She was a fabulous character and had a wonderful introduction.  

I have so many mixed feelings with Leo.  (I love Max).  He had fun moments with Veronica (the pizza call back and especially with the whole Logan interaction with him) but the love scene and those vibes with Veronica were just unnecessary.

Dick.  OH DICK. LMAO.

Matty.  Not really sure how to feel about her.  She was fun but do we need another carbon copy of Veronica?

I completely understand why Tina had no interest in returning.  They did Wallace and Weevil dirty in this season.  Also, I like Patton, but Rob overdid it with his character especially when it meant sidelining more of the main characters.

[snffbeebee]

Secrets ( Part 12 )

Word Count - 2,786

Dean looked down at the ground beside and Sam let out a breath, knowing that this was going to be hard for his brother to come back from. He barely got past the first time they lost her. When I opened my eyes, I was on my balcony back home. How the hell did I do that? There was so much going through my head, I could barely see straight. I sat down on the bench and looked at the tacky ring on my finger. For the hell of it, I pulled and it slipped off my finger. I felt an icy cold shiver down my back and it felt like I got the wind knocked out of me. I hesitated, then went inside and set the black stone on my dresser. The moment I let it go, all my emotions hit me all at once. I gave into the rage and trashed my room. I picked things up and just threw them around, breaking every picture that hung on my walls, lamps everything. After a few minutes, the rage turned into devastation. The tears fell as I dropped to the floor, my back against the wall. 

Sam ran his hand over the scruff on his face, when  Dean went straight into his room.

“ This is my fault. “

“ Lucifer killed her, not you. “ Jade put her hand on his cheek, trying to ease his pain.

“ How are you doing? “

 “ I’m completely drained, but I’m me. “

He let out a breath.

“ Because of our daughter. “

“ Do you think she went. “

“ Home, yeah. “ He finished her sentence.

About 2 hours of crying my eyes out, I had nothing left and just went numb. A little while later, I heard the front door close and I watched as Chase came into the room.

“ Tessa. “ He knelled down in front of me.

I shook my head.

“ All of this, Lucifer possessing my Dad, him killing Rebecca, that was all my fault. “

“ That’s where you’re wrong. Because of you, Jessie is gone and Lucifer is. “

“ Back in the cage. “

He moved my face to look at him, and noticed my finger was bare.

“ You got it off. “

“ It just came off. I should have never put that thing on. “

“ If you hadn’t Dean wouldn’t be alive. “

“ That power, it was too much. “ I got out, before the tears I didn’t think I had, started to fill my eyes again.

He didn’t hesitate to pull me close and just hold me against him. My eyes locked on the stone on my dresser and I felt the urge to put it back on.. and that scared the crap out of me. I pulled away from him and got to my feet and he did the same.

“ Tessa. “

“ I need that thing, far from me. “ 

“  Talk to me. Why are you so freaked out?  What you did was amazing. “

“ But that was nothing, that was good...god only knows what bad things I could do with that. “

“ You think you’re gonna end up like Rebecca. “

“ It’s dark and I don’t want to use it. I’m not going to risk anything happening. “

He seen so much emotion on my face and it broke his heart.

“ I’ll take care of it. “ He said softly.

I ran my fingers through my hair and sat down on the bed.

“ Why are you still here? “

“ What? “

I locked my eyes with his.

“ After everything I put you through. “

“ I’m still here because I told you I always would be and I meant that..no matter what happens. “

“ You deserve so much better Chase. “

“ That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m worried about you. “

He could tell by looking at the room and at me, that I was mentally and physically exhausted.

“ Why don’t you try and get some sleep. “

I laid my head onto my pillow and looked at him.

“ You should go, tell everyone that I’m okay. “

“ That’s what this is for. “ He smirked waving his phone, walking out onto the balcony. 

“ Chase, did you find her? Is she okay? “ Sam asked, worried, more than he thought he could ever be.

“ Yeah I found her. She’s freaked out and feeling like this is all her fault. Good news though, she got the ring off. “

“ How? “

“ She said, it just slipped off. Someone needs to come get it, she wants it gone. “

Sam ran his fingers through his messy hair.

“ Aright...She went home didn’t she. “

“ She feels safe here. “

“ We’ll be there in a few hours. “ Sam ended the call.

Chase let out a soft sigh, then closed the sliding doors behind him.

‘ Your Dad. “

He stopped when he seen that I had finally fell asleep. He took the blanket from the bottom of the bed and laid it over me. He couldn’t help but worry about me. He kissed my forehead, then laid down next to me, going over everything that had happened in the past 24 hours. Dean decided to take my car, he needed to be by himself for a while. 

“ Dean, are you okay? You haven’t said much since we got here. “ Jade asked as they stepped into the garage. 

Dean tossed his bag in the backseat of my car and pulled on a soft smile.

“ I’m alright Jay, really. “

He kissed her cheek, then got into the car without another word and drove off. Sam moved the hair from her forehead.

“ He just needs some time babe, come on. “

She let out a breath then got into the car and they headed back home. Chase woke up to hear someone pulling up in the driveway. He glanced at me, still asleep then went downstairs. Dean got out of my car, when Chase stepped onto the porch.

“ How’s she doing? “ Dean asked.

“ She’s in rough shape. but she’s been sleeping for the past few hours. “

Chase took the ring from his pocket and held it out to him.

“ That should stay with you. She’s terrified of it. “ He shook his head.

“ She’s gonna be alright. How are you holding up? “

“ None of this changed how I see her, it just kills me because I don’t know how to help her. “

“ This isn’t the first time we’ve dealt with thing. We can help her, she just needs to let us. “

“ Where is she? “ She asked, as her and Sam got out of the Impala.

“ She’s sleeping in her room. ‘

“ How bad is it? “ Sam asked, scared to hear his answer.

“ I don’t know, but it’s not good. “

They went upstairs and Sam ran his hand over his face when he seen me.

“ So what happens now? “ Chase asked.

“ We wait until she wakes up and go from there. “ Jade stated.

“ She thinks, she’s gonna end up like Rebecca. “

“ Rebecca’s situation was a lot more complicated. She became a Dark Angel because Amara possessed her. Tessa having that ring on would be like having. “

“ The mark Cain. “ Chase said, finishing Dean’s sentence.

“ Which we know how to deal with. “ 

“ And if it’s not? “ Chase asked.

“ Then we will figure something else out. I know this is a lot to deal with, but we are not going to let anything happen to her. “ Jade said as she out her hand softly on his cheek with a smile.

“ Go get some sleep. “ Sam said.

“ I’m gonna stay here, in case she wakes up. “

“ We will figure this out. “ Dean patted his shoulder then shut the door behind them.

Sam and Jade went to bed, and Dean found himself on the front stairs with the black stone. Looking at the tacky ring, brought back everything to him, from the moment him and Sam saved her from that vamp nest, to the Amara being her body. The kisses they shared, the way she made him. He was sure that he would never find anyone who would even come close to her.

“ Dean. “

He looked up to see Castiel.

“ I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to save her. “

“ It’s not your fault Cas. “

“ Just because you couldn’t her alive, doesn’t mean that she’s actually dead. “ Crowley spoke, appearing next to Castiel.

Dean got to his feet and made eye contact with the King of Hell. With the blink of an eye, the three of them were in Purgatory.

“ Dean. “ 

That voice made him take in a deep breath. He turned and seen those baby blue eyes. He just looked at her for a minute, fighting back the tears that he knew were coming.

“ I’m sorry Bex. “ He said almost in a whisper.

Rebecca smiled softly and put her hand on his face and it sent chills down Dean’s spine.

“ Do you realize how easy it is to be here? I don’t have to worry about hurting anyone Dean. This is where I should be. “

When he said nothing, she continued.

“ How is she? “

“ Not sure, she zapped herself home and when we got here, she was sleeping. “

He hesitated.

“ Bex, she sent Lucifer back into the cage, like it was nothing. Not even you could have done that. “

“ Dean that girl also had a hell of a lot more power before she put that ring on. Plus she had a lot more control over it than I ever did. “

Dean took the ring from his pocket and held it out to her.

“ This has her terrified. “

“ Keep it Spitfire, it’s useless here. “ Crowley spoke.

Dean put it on her finger and she smiled softly. He had admit that she looked more calm and comfortable then she had since everything went down hill.

“ I have a bunch of stuff at the bunker, that I want her to have. Oh and no one drives my car but you, got it. “

“ Yeah. “ He said.

She leaned in and put her lips to his for the last time.

“ Goodbye Dean. “

“ Later Bex. “

Dean let out a sigh when Castiel and him were back on the porch.

“ You should get some sleep. I will check in tomorrow. “

“ Thanks Cas. “

When I woke up the next morning, I seen Chase sleeping beside me. I pulled myself off the bed and stood on the balcony. I felt like I hadn’t slept in months and every emotion was  through my head. I seen my car, focused for a minute then I was standing beside it. How did I even do that? 

“ I though you’d like to have her here. “ Dean said from the stairs.

I smiled weakly, then sat down beside him.

“ Thanks. “

He knew by looking at me, that I wasn’t in the best shape.

“ What are you feeling right now? “

I shook my head.

“ I can’t explain it. “

I hesitated, then wanted to try something.

“ But I can show you. “

I looked him in the eyes and hes instantly felt everything.

“ Listen Tessa, you did something not even Bex could have done. Because of you, Lucifer is back in the cage. “

“ But everything leading up to that, was my fault, including Rebecca. “

“ Rebecca killed him way before you, he was going to kill her no matter what so that had nothing to do with you. “

Dean took in a breath and continued.

“ So you can zap places? “

“ Yeah. “

“ Do you trust me? “

“ Of course I do, why? “

“ Take us to Purgatory. “

I hesitated.

“ I’ve never been there. “

I put my hand on his cheek.

“ Think about it. The smell, every little detail. “ I said, tapping into his mind.

I opened my eyes, when I took my hand from his cheek. He looked at me as we stood in Purgatory.

“ What are we doing here? “ I asked, looking around at the foggy woods.

Dean nodded his head and I turned to see Rebecca.

“ Hey Tess. “ She smiled.

“ Hi. “ 

“ Listen, I’m just gonna come straight out with it. You have amazing power and you know that you can’t push it aside. You have never used anything Jessie taught you for anything but good. You’re not me and you never will be, and do you know why? “

I shook my head softly.

“ Because when you put that ring on, you chose the good, I didn’t. “

“ It scares the crap out of me. “ I said, holding back my tears.

She put her hands on my face and looked me in the eyes.

“ I know it does, it did the same to me, but I didn’t let anyone help me. I thought I knew what I was doing, but I didn’t. You have your family that knows a thing of two so let them help you. “

I let out a breath.

“ You can handle this power, you just need to take it day by day, If I could do, so can you. “ She smiled.

I felt this instant wave off calmness and relief come over me.

“ I want you to go back to the bunker. Everything in my room, is yours. There’s a lot of stuff that I think will help you. “

She dropped her hand and smiled softly at Dean.

“ You’re in good hands. “

Right then, I knew that it might take a bit, but I would be alright.

“ I wish I would have gotten to know you better. “

“ I’m sure your parents and Dean have plenty of stories. “ She laughed.

I took in a deep breath and again she smiled at me.

“ You’re going to do amazing things Tessa, you’re a Winchester, it’s what you guys do. “

I hesitated, then hugged her tightly.

“ Thank you Rebecca, for everything. “

“ Anytime. “

I looked at Dean and he nodded his head. I closed my eyes, felt that pull then we were back in front of the house. I didn’t hesitate to hug him tightly.

“ Thank you Dean. “

He held me close and kissed the top of my head. After a minute, I pulled back and looked at him.

“ So listen, I know that I’ve been. “

“ It’s alright. “ He smiled.

I smiled back ,then went inside. When I seen Chase still sleeping, I let out a sigh. I shook my head and sat down next to him. I looked out the balcony doors and thought about everything. Dean sat at the kitchen table and popped the cap off a beer.

“ Please tell me you’ve slept. “ Jade said, coming into the kitchen.

“ I caught a few hours. “ He lied.

She looked at him and seen what looked like relief in his eyes.

“ What happened last night? ‘

Dean set the bottle on the table, hesitating.

“ Crowley took me to Purgatory. “

“ Why? “

“ To see Bex. “

Jade let out a breath and sat down.

“ She’s happy Jade. She doesn’t have to fight any of it anymore. “

Her eyes flooded and she fought the tears. Dean pulled her into a hug and she let out a breath, pulling herself together.

“ She’s not fully gone Jade. “ He said.

“ I well, Tessa brought us to her. She has a lot of stuff at the bunker  that can help her. “

“ What? ‘

“ She wrote everything down. “

“ I didn’t know she had a journal. “

“ She has hundreds. “

“ How is she? “ 

“ She’s in rough shape, but talking to Bex gave her hope. She’ll be alright, she’s strong. Stronger than any of us knew. “

She couldn’t help but smile.

[fireandseaweed]

Eye Have No Eyedea What To Do! || Percy and Z

Z comes to Percy for advice after he blinds Terminus.

It had only been a day since the showdown between the Roman god of boundaries and the eldest demigod son of Hypnos. Legends always spoke of the victory of battle being sweet and well-deserved, but this was not one that Z had wanted nor was he proud to have ended at the top. He hadn’t done it for valor or for honor like the heroes of old. No; he couldn’t even consider himself to have been on the side of good. No good would come to New Rome or its citizens from what he’d done. There would be no warm welcomes or parades in his name. The only metal he’d be feeling would be the handcuffs they affixed around his wrists or the sharp blade that could find his neck if they performed executions here. He wouldn’t be very surprised. Z needed help. Death was not an absolution he wanted to find himself chained to. His first instinct told him to fill Wally in, but he had doubt that the man could do much other than attempt to physically comfort him. He didn’t need arms wrapping around him and telling him things were going to be okay; he needed solutions, both good and bad. That desire led him to the doorstep of the people he knew would be able to provide him unbiased options. He knocked softly with one hand, the other latched around the strap of his satchel.

Percy shifted off of the sofa in his front room and moved towards their door. When he opened it to reveal Z’s face, he had to admit that he was slightly surprised. Raising an eyebrow, Percy smiled at him. “Zed,” he said quietly with a smile slowly trickling across his face, “it is a pleasure to see you, I hope you’re doing well, although you look a little down…” he trailed off gently and shrugged, “is there anything that I can do for you?” he asked with a yawn. He’d slept poorly the previously night, fears and nightmares keeping him awake long into the early hours of the morning before he drifted off into a fitful sleep.

The person that opened the door wasn’t the half of the equation Z had been hoping to see first, but both were extremely welcome faces in a time of unrest. “I need your...advice,” he said immediately after being asked, eyes wide and full of jaded hope that maybe whatever happened next would help alleviate some of the weight that was anchored so harshly on his shoulders. Z’s grip of his satchel tightened, feet shuffled beneath him, and he tried his best to give a smile. It ended up looking more like he was in pain. “I should preface with please don’t be mad at me.”

Raising an eyebrow gently, Percy held the door open for Z. “Come on in,” he said wandering off towards their shared kitchen and pulling down a pair of mugs. “Tea, coffee …. Or hot chocolate, sometimes it is just a hot chocolate kind of morning?” he pulled out a bag of marshmallows and produced some squirty cream. “What do you want?” he paused for a moment as he began to grab tea spoons. “I’m not sure I’m the best advisor, a literal daughter of the goddess of wisdom is probably who you were after, but I’ll listen at least, although I can’t promise not to get mad if this is really terrible. But like, as long as you didn’t kick an elephant or something…”

Z nodded when instructed to come inside. He let his legs carry him through the threshold of the Percy’s home and he stood, awkwardly, in the space between the living area and the kitchen. His fingers flexed around the strap of his satchel. “Coffee, please,” the man replied. Caffeine was certainly counterproductive to what his overall goal was: a night’s rest. However, he’d prefer not having to consciously think about keeping his eyes open when he’s about to share information about a crime. “I believe I’ve committed a felony.” Z immediately reached for his satchel to pull out the piece of parchment that had been given to him by the raven. The ink that waited inside had shifted as time passed, no longer detailing the exact thing whoever sent it wanted Z to do, but the threat still remained. He proposed that it had something to do with them not wanting it to get back to them. All in all, it was rather crafty. That was a major part of the initial problem. “No...no, I’m sure it’s a felony. Felony...committed from blackmail? I don’t think that will hold up in court.”

Frowning gently, Percy pulled down what he needed to make Z’s coffee and began the work of art that was hot chocolate making. If Z wasn’t going to indulge then he certainly would. “Well,” Percy said frowning gently as he tried to imagine exactly what it was that Z could’ve done to get himself in trouble, “I can’t really give you any real advice on what you should do in this situation until I know exactly what it is that you’ve done wrong. Particularly considering that several things which are now felonies in New Rome are pretty dumb and trivial, you might not be in a lot of trouble.” He wondered why Z had warned him not to be mad. He was sure that it was because of something other than a trivial felony that someone could consider it making him mad.

“Right, then.” Z lessened the distance between them and set the paper on the counter for Percy to peruse, all while looking down at his feet. His hands moved to open up his satchel and he pulled out a single opaque jar. The glass itself was foggy, preventing any eyes from seeing its contents. He set it up on the counter as well, but his sights never left the object. “I was given that note with very clear instructions...that I have already completed and I don’t know what to do,” he told the other demigod. “I can’t go to the Senate because I think whoever is blackmailing me might be affiliated with them...or hold some sort of power here in New Rome.”

Taking the paper from the counter, Percy scanned it a frown furrowing his brow. The message seemed intimidating to say the least. The wording was almost similar to that used by the Senate, although that didn’t mean anything. “So they wanted you to do something to remove the pommerian line?” he scratched at his stubble before finishing their drinks and handing a cup of  coffee over to Z. “So, I assume you did something? What did you put Terminus to sleep?” he asked curiously. He topped his hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows before taking a sip. Wiping whipped cream off of his top lip and the hair that sat there. “What exactly did they blackmail you with?” he asked, almost afraid to ask.

As Percy read, Z’s eyes continued to linger solely on the jar. Just thinking about the contents made his chest tighten and his stomach ache, like at any moment he’d turn over and spill yesterday’s meal on Percy’s rather clean floor. That would be the second biggest crime he committed in the past week. “No...Well, yes; I did make him sleep...but it didn’t last very long. Funny thing! I’ve found that I can put a god to sleep, but only for a few minutes at a time.” He paused for a moment. “I was able to hypnotize him. He told me that as long as he could see, the line would be held so I...I removed them—his eyes, I mean. They’re in the mason.” When he attempted to inhale, he realized it was hard to breathe. “They threatened to take my siblings. Both mortal. I don’t know how they knew but they did. They gave me less than four hours.”

The realisation of exactly what had happened hit Percy all at once. Glancing from the note, to the mason jar and then to Z. He took a deep breath and then repeated the exercise. His eyes finally dropped back down to his own drink. Struggling for words, he paused for a second before eventually speaking. “You stole a god’s eyes?” he asked gazing at the mason jar with a sudden tenderness. He’d never been this close to an actually godly body part when it was seperated from its body. “Sorry this is a bit much,” he bit his lip and shook his head, “okay, so they black mailed you into doing this, who exactly is they? And why would they want you to do this? Other than raising the pommerian line of course.” He started pacing back and forth in their tiny kitchen, trying to work it out.

All of the questions Percy posed were ones that Z could not very well answer with any certainty. He wasn’t even sure the word ‘stole’ could be correct, considering steal referred to something possessed and someone’s eyes were part of the body. It was more like he mutilated a god. “I told you everything I know...all I have left is speculation,” he told him, rubbing at his neck. “I’m not even sure if they’ve gone forth and taken Arlo and Harmony anyway. I have no way of knowing anything.” Z looked down, then. “That’s why I came here. I was hoping that you...and Annabeth, of course, would know what to do with all of this.”

Percy wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to having other people come to him for advice. But it seemed to be happening more and more often. Once upon a time he’d have made an excuse and called Annabeth, but who knew what could happen before she got here. “Okay, so just to make sure that I’m following, some anonymous group delivered a message and threatened to hurt your mortal siblings,” he took a breath remembering Gabby and her pudgy smile, her thick dark locks and her bright brown eyes, “effectively blackmailing you into cutting Terminus’ eyes out and in effect removing the pommerian line.” He tried to think like Annabeth and reached into his pocket, pulling out his pen. “Well, Riptide is here,” he said pulling the cap from it and watching it spring into a full celestial bronze sword, “which I’d say seems to support your theory. As you’re not exactly the type to mutilate anything for no reason, let alone the Roman god of boundaries, I’m going to believe you on the blackmailing thing.” He paused for a second. “Do you remember anything else?”

The next minute consisted of Percy listing something within his recap of the items that had been presented to him and Z affirming them with a soft ‘yes’ followed by a nod of his head. It was a lot to take in, he was sure. The fact that the doctor had dealt with all of this in less than twenty-four hours of him coming to Percy now was really an achievement in, and of, itself. He took a step back when the man’s signature pen turned into a beautiful sword, but idly, his neck began to ache. Would he suffer a punishment from a blade crafted like that? “Splendid,” he murmured, eyes wide and rimmed with pink at the tear ducts. “The ink on the page had moved before. It showed images of Arlo and Harmony, but before they flashed away, it seemed like they were looking right at me. I’m not sure if that means anything...It could be nothing.” Something dawned on him and he furrowed his brow. “Also...I hypnotized a lot of people to get to Terminus, borrowed the branch from the Hypnos Cabin, and used it on Terminus so that he wouldn’t remember who took his eyes. I returned the branch though, promise…”

Raising an eyebrow gently, Percy listened carefully to exactly what Z had to say. It was a lot to take in, but someone had taken advantage of a Greek. Someone had forced him to do something in the name of protecting his family and now they had left him to clean up the mess. But everything from the pain in Z’s eyes to the fact that he didn’t look like he’d ever sleep again, it all convinced him that he had to really do something here. “Listen, Z, what you went through wasn’t pretty but it wasn’t your decision. You were doing what you had to to help Arlo and Harmony,” he paused and scratched his chin before pulling out his phone and holding it out for Z. “If you want, you can put their addresses in here and I’ll get my friend Grover to look into them, he’s a lord of the Wild so he can actually find out where they are and if they’re safe a lot faster than we could.” He bit his lip for a moment, before taking the mason and looking at it. “Whoever blackmailed you is probably coming after this next,” he said gingerly, still terrified of seeing Terminus’ eyes floating about.

Words of affirmation left Percy and it took a lot in Z not to simply lose it right there. The last thing he thought he’d receive from anyone was understanding; not even he could offer that to himself. He felt more akin to a monster than a person. What he was capable of, he hoped no one else would ever have to find out. “Yes, of course,” he managed to get out before he wrapped a hand around the phone offered to him. He thought for a moment, eyes closed, as he attempted to peer through his own memories and find out the addresses of his siblings. Once he’d done so, he typed them out and set the phone back on top of the counter. The next problem that hung over his head was the jar. “I figured I would hide them, even from myself, until I knew my siblings were safe and then return them to Terminus.” His face showed a mix of fear and resolution. “I’m not sure what fate would be worse...them finding this, or the Senate.”

Biting his lip, Percy sighed. “I’m not sure how easy returning eyes to a god is going to be, I mean it doesn’t work like that for mortals and demigods so there really is no guarantee that it will work in the same way with divine beings but I guess we never know. I always just assumed that Terminus would be able to regenerate but apparently not…” he frowned gently and stroked his stubble as he considered the situation that they were in. “The Senate for the moment claims to be serving Rome. The Pommerian line stops them from actually having to police the city for any real sort of violent crime, so I guess that means that they would want to return the eyes, but I don’t trust them and neither should you.” He frowned and sighed. “Would you like me to keep them for the moment?” he asked as he took his phone off of Z and saved the details that he would later send to Grover. “I can keep them safe and somewhere that you won’t know the location of…” The idea of actually keeping a god’s eyes was repugnant. But Z was his friend as well as Annabeth’s and he wasn’t going to let a friend in need down. Not now, not ever.

Childishly, Z had clung to the idea that the return would be as smooth as the removal. He’d grab the branch again, approach the god of boundaries, and insert his eyes after hypnotizing him. Terminus would be at a disadvantage without any optics, given that Z could bypass the need to form a visual link if he could simply get close enough to make physical contact. Realizing that such a mission may not even be possible only made him feel worse. He’d not only temporarily disposed of the god, he had potentially done permanent damage. What would become of the Roman’s boundaries without Terminus? What would become of New Rome? “I...I would like that very much,” he said softly, reaching already to fold the letter up and place it in his satchel. “I’m terribly sorry for unloading this on you...especially now. Things are only getting worse here and people on your side are losing a battle and I’m here asking you to put yourself in more danger. I just…” He fought the urge to sink his teeth into his lower lip. “I’m not equipped for any of this. Whoever sent this knew more about what I was capable of than I did. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Not again. This was too much.”

The pain that Percy saw in Z was incredible. It was crippling, heart wrenching. Truly terrible pain that he didn’t possibly know how to comprehend. Seeing that sort of pain and doing nothing about it was something that Percy couldn’t possibly do. He’d never been good at ignoring the suffering of others, especially those who he counted amongst friends. “Don’t apologise, you didn’t deserve to go through any of this. No one deserves to have their family threatened.” He sighed gently, he couldn’t imagine what he would do if he encountered a situation like this. His family was everything to him. “I’ll do what I can to keep this as safe as possible,” he promised, sliding the mason jar closer to him and stashing it in a cupboard for now. He would bury it beneath the lake later. “You won’t have to hurt anyone again, we’ll put things in place that will protect your family. If this happens again we will be ready for it this time.”

“Sorry,” Z muttered a moment after Percy spoke, the word leaving him softly and privately. The word of apology was like a silent prayer, one that was spoken over and over again because each time made him feel smaller. Small was good. Small didn’t get noticed by less than savory forces intent on turning him into a weapon. “Thank you, Percy.” He set his eyes on the other man, trying his best to give him a smile but it looked more like he was bracing himself for something bad to happen. His eyes were already getting misty. Maybe there was a chance for things to turn around. “Thank you so much.”

Stepping around the counter, Percy reached out and hugged Z. It looked like he needed a hug. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do about this, but they would fix this in one way or another. “For what it is worth,” he said quietly with a sad smile, “I forgive you, not that any of this could really be blamed on you, I hope that in time you learn to forgive yourself for the things that you will have to do to survive this world. None of this is going to be easy. But you’re a survivor.” He stepped away and placed an arm on Z’s shoulder. “What else are friends for if not for taking on godly parts and protecting them from the potential forces of evil?” he laughed gently and tried to smile, “No offense, but you’re not exactly qualified in this area. Everything will be fine.”

Among the things Z had expected when approaching Percy and Annabeth’s doorstep, a hug or any sort of equivalent embrace was not among them. He had expected scolding and then solutions. To receive solutions and then affirmation was certainly relieving, but it also seemed to only make him feel more guilty. Z was monstrous and Percy still forgave him. He wasn’t deserving of that. “If I ever doubted your charisma before, I certainly can’t now,” he mused, trying to lighten his tone as he gave the smile a second attempt. His shoulders rose and fell with a heavy breath and he squeezed the strap of his satchel. “The hero business isn’t really my expertise. I’m thankful that there are people here like you and Annabeth, or Jason or, I assume, Reyna and Frank. You do a lot for us...I just hope I don’t become another reason for them to hate us.”

Raising an eyebrow gently, Percy shrugged. “My charisma was never really in doubt though was it,” he said, trying to lighten the mood slightly. Shrugging gently, he tapped the top of the counter top. “Some people are going to hate you regardless of what you do Z, what you have to learn to do is to decide who is worth fighting for and why you are fighting. I fight because of my friends, my family and because after this many years New Rome has become my home, I’m no more a  hero than anyone else who can say the same.”

If Z were of clear conscience and a lack of distress, he wouldn’t have hesitated to dramatically roll his eyes at the man in front of him. Instead, he tipped his head to the side. “I haven’t met a hero of Olympus who didn’t have questionable charisma,” he teased half-heartedly. What Percy said resonated with him, though. He had to pick a side eventually. As much as he cared for being neutral, his reason exploits were going to force him into the fray regardless of whether he fought or stood at the side. “I don’t want to fight.” The words left him so fast, he scrambled to put them back. They hung in the air like a wet blanket cast out to dry. “...I never wanted that, but I don’t have much choice now, do I?” A dead chuckle wisped out of him.

Taking a breath, Percy gazed at Z and wondered how best to put what he was about to say. “Well that makes me feel slightly better,” he admitted before scratching at the hairs on his face. “You don’t have to fight, you can help people in your own way. You’ve got medical training, you’re intelligent, we don’t just need fighters….” he sighed gently. “I fear if whoever this was is willing to go to these lengths to get your assistance now, then they’re going to be willing to do something like this again. That sort of evil can’t be left unchecked. You always have a choice, you can always do the right thing too.” He moved back to his now cold hot chocolate and sipped it before wincing. “Not as good cold,” he explained placing it in the microwave. “I have every faith in you Z.”

Z was thankful to have run into Percy and Annabeth. To have people who are well versed in this world meant there was a foundation to lean on when things caved in. It also meant he had people to look up to, heroes to idolize, who would serve as inspiration to which people like him could draw strength. He wanted to return their favor with as much help as he could. It was why he continued to help Annabeth and why, for the first time today, his heart felt lighter with hope. “I will—do the right thing, I mean,” he said softly, rubbing at his neck again. “Starting with taking up no more of your time, Mister Percy. I...have some things I must attend to. Thank you, again...What you’re doing for me...and the faith you have in me...I’ll never be able to repay, but I will work tirelessly to try.”

[nunuhussain6]

Tape 15 - Side A: THE INVESTIGATION

Quick summary

13 reasons why: Hannah Baker commits suicide and leaves no note. Instead, she leaves 13 tapes to the 13 people that caused her spiral into depression and essentially gave her the final push to commit suicide. The show revolves around Clay Jensen a previous friend of Hannah and one of the 13 “reasons”, he must listen to the tapes and come to terms with Hannah’s death. The show is graphic and unapologetically accurate of modern high school toxicity. In the Netflix adaptation of the novel, the audience is exposed to more than one perspective of the events that conspire.

How does the artifact deal with cultural diversity?

- The diverse cast including 3 black students and a black councillor, 3 south-east Asian characters including a teacher, 2 Hispanic/Latino students. 7/13 “reasons” are not white students/teachers. 

- gender and sexual diversity: Courtney is the adoptive daughter of two dads (she is also lesbian but in the closet), Tony is openly gay 

How does the artifact distort or challenge western values?

- Removal of picture perfect family and friends 

- Openly discusses taboo topics and brings to light the ugly reality of some dysfunctional households uncommonly portrayed in such detail: Justin’s mom is an alcoholic druggie dating a neo-Nazi/white supremacist drug dealer. 

- Equality, safety and privacy are basically non-existent as is in current reality in western countries and the show doesn’t shy away from that topic. 

- Clear divide in class and social hierarchy comparing Justine (poor and white) to Bryce (rich white rapist). The fact that Bryce was rich and supported his friends financially at their times of need, they in return protected him and essentially made him untouchable (until clay risks his life to get a confession.)

- Lack of respect and understanding for mental health. The councillors and teachers alike mentioned how it's important to talk to someone about mental issues yet none of them understood any of the signs Hannah was exhibiting until it was too late. 

- A complete 180-degree transformation from the traditional good Christian home: each character (post-analyzation) had problems at home that led to their inexcusable actions at school.

- The show clearly twisted and revealed the aspect of high school that is talked about in whispers and never shown so graphically 

What values are promoted or degenerated?

- The show in its entirety was anti-values 

- No characters had morals or a set values they abide by the whole duration of the show/their lives

- Justine swore on his mother’s life he would never hurt Jessica and yet he didn’t stop Bryce from raping her nor did he report him. Instead, he covered up the assault and lied to Jessica allowing her to believe that on the day of her party, she and Justin slept together consensually. 

- Zack (a guy who liked Hannah and only wanted to date her with no ill intention and without the idea that she was “easy”) changes his attitude after an incident where Hannah screams at Zack to leave her alone in the cafeteria in front of everyone resulting in his immediate attempt to hurt her. Although his actions are by far the least detrimental comparatively Hannah had reached a stage where even the smallest action was another deathly blow. 

How does the show relate or compare to past generational artifacts?

- The show is simply unlike any other. 

- Its graphic, realistic and highlights a vast amount of mental, societal and educational issues. 

- Previous generational shows had a singular episode discussing an issue the protagonist dealt with which unrealistically would be solved by the end of it. 

- Exp. Full house season 4 episode 8 “shape up” showed the teenage daughter of Danny tannery struggling with body-image issues and showing signs of the start of an eating disorder. Throughout the episode, she is dieting, skipping meals and exercising. Her family’s concern grows and finally, she has a talk with her dad how she feels insecure because of the pool party at her friend house where everyone will be wearing bathing suits. By the end of the episode, she is back to bubbly DJ, eating healthy without a worry on her mind as is for the rest of the show. 

What socio-economic messaging is depicted?

- Essentially, the more money you have the safer you will be, the better life you will be able to live and the more likely you will live comfortably.

- Bryce was rich and therefore was protected by his friends and as a result in the following season when the case goes to trial he will have the best lawyers of the bunch and probably get away with sexually assaulting 2 girls and being a major reason why one of the two committed suicide.

- Hannah’s parents aren’t wealthy, quite the contrary, the are struggling to make ends meet which leads to many fights and tension at home. 

Standards of beauty and sex appeal? 

- As seen in Alex’s hot or not list that was spread along the school: big butts, pretty faces, big lips, ‘easy not a prude’ and curve but not fat body.  A major appeal of the show was “a tight butt” which all the males at liberty high felt entitled to gawk at, talk about and grope. 

- The standards are twisted very similarly to current reality. A girl can’t publicly say she has a lot of sex nor can she say she abstains from it. Every guy that wants to date said girl expects it and is enraged when she won’t, all of which will result in her shaming. The boys are applauded and congratulated while the girl is labelled loose. 

- Returning the idea of “boys will be boys” “boys can’t help themselves” – “Why I’m Taking a Stand Against My School’s ‘Dress Code’” By Marion Mayer

Standards of normalcy/deviance that are depicted?

- The Norms were morally twisted and deviance was the objectification of those actions by Hannah or others. 

- Norms: slut shaming, misogynistic digs and undertone, toxic school environment that included; cyber bullying, physical abuse, sexual assault, alcohol and drug abuse.

- Deviance: the acts of deviance in the show were made out to be Hannah’s creation of the tapes, Hannah making it a big deal that she felt used and hurt, Hannah seeking help and guidance and in the end Hannah taking her own life. This was not only seen as deviant by the world portrayed in the show but in actuality online and within society. Suicide is taboo and deviant even when someone has lost hope and wants the pain to end people still strip them of that right of peace. 

How does this artifact challenge mainstream culture?

- Diverse cast in gender, sexuality, ethnic background

- Breaks typical stereotypes: Courtney is an academically advanced south-east Asian girl adopted by two white male fathers and is in denial of her sexuality. Unlike the typical gay white male that “dresses really well” and shakes his hips while walking ( not that there is anything wrong with that but it is the single depiction of the LGTBQ community on television)

- Multi-perspective story that revolves around students with different backgrounds including upbringing, socio-economic status and home environment. 

- Features sensitive topics

- Paints councillors and school administrators in a bad way 

- Shows the struggle of fitting in. 

Vanity Fair Riverdale and twin peaks

The similarities are uncanny both depicting a goody, goody American town that has suffered mysterious murder. A basic case of deeper darker secrets hidden beneath thick skin

Very realistic depiction of Americas and its fixation on the American dream and the idea of making America great again that has become a twisted nightmare. 

Reflection of current political turmoil in America

What’s the desired aesthetic by current generation proven by the article? 

- Mystery, murder, dark and deep relatable conflicts 

- Paradigm shift from small solvable issues

The walrus – oversharing economy Introspection

Recognising underlying emotion and the reasons for the mask we wear and project to others. 

Connects with Hannah’s last few days of faking normality. 

“They also offer a glimpse behind her social-media mask; as she predicted, she is rather “black and gross,” but also refreshingly sincere.”

The global and the mail: Through the eyes of Generation Z

- Discuses the different generations, their names/label, their life experiences, their parent's influence, the struggles they went through and what they passed on to the following group.

- “It’s hard to define the narrative of any generation, composed as it is of individuals all with their own stories to tell. But this isn’t intended to be definitive, It’s a snapshot in time.”

- Generation Z and their concerns: money, future employment

Their focus: technological advancements, social media and furthering career options for minorities, very PC

- Disinterested in marriage and childbearing before the age of 30.

- Comparatively, they are more focused and logical than the dreamer millennials

- although very liberal and open Generation Z drinks and does drugs less than those before them and are equally sexually active. 

- Contrary to the majority of struggling teens as it paints the current generation as wholeheartedly focused a pure.

Move over millennials here comes Generation Z

 New York times

The article highlights our generation's upbringing: by “relatively small, the jaded generation that came of age in the post-Watergate, post-Vietnam funk of the 1970s, when horizons seemed limited” unlike our generation boundless to exceptions and the impossibility of our dreams.

- technological generation interconnected with their roots, their society and identity.

- Social media is a need and Gen Z are dependent on its use as a fundamental tool of advancement, creation and communication. 

- “When I think of Generation Z, technology is the first thing that comes to mind,” said Emily Citarella, a 16-year-old high school student in Atlanta. “I know people who have made their closest relationships from Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook.”