#(there are 13 Bishop kids)

[alllgator-blood]

I s2g if you add the layers of these comic pages together, it's over 350 layers. THIS is why I don't do full color for my comics lmaooo- ANYWAY EVERYONE HERE HAS AN AU APPARENTLY, SO THIS IS A BRIEF GLIMPSE INTO MINE. I don't know what to call it yet but I'm thinking of calling it "famous prophets" because 1. I like that car seat headrest song, 2. it's about shamura who is prophetic, 3. it's about trying to outrun fate with the Power of Love (and failing. Like the song!!!). It takes place when all the bishops were teens/kids during the age of hundreds of gods at war, and were trying to survive as a family.

I'm really excited to work on stuff for it but it's all gonna be drawn out of order. Maybe I'll write a full explanation of what it's gonna be about when I have a better idea...I want to channel my eldest sibling angst in a productive way, and maybe establish a QPP between shamura and a completely random npc everyone forgets about <3 also kallamar is trans too cause I said so. I'll do a comic about it eventually. Instead of an absence of gender he has TOO much gender. It simply cannot be contained.

I like that nonbinary genders are normalized in cult of the lamb to the point where nobody singles anyone out for being a they/them, it's not like "THIS IS MY SIBLING SHAMURA. THEY ARE NONBINARY AND USE THEY/THEM. ALRIGHT BACK TO KILLING YOU", it's just like "don't you fucking dare make my poor sibling wake up from their nap to kick your ass. Cause they deserve better than this."

But at the same time I like having the freedom to be more specific, and say "shamura is voidpunk and their gender is best described as the feeling that overtakes you during the first snow of the year, when everything outside is deathly quiet". This comic is actually derived from the time I was walking through a forest that's been torn down for a few years, and came out to my little sister as trans. I must've been like 13 or 14 and she didn't really get it as a 10 year old, but it was better than my mom FREAKING OUT about me coming out. So it was a nice little bonding moment between just the two of us. I don't have a good memory so I don't recall how it went unfortunately...

Now, the climate is a little different. My sis tried out transmasculinity for maybe 5-6 years before feeling happier as a woman, my mom is trying to be Based and flaunt her Woke trans children, and my dad remembered "oh yeah trans natives have existed before colonization. Maybe me being transphobic is a product of my culture being erased" and has gotten better about calling me the right thing. I have a mustache (thanks pcos!!) and wear skirts and am not a repressed "tomboy" teenager anymore. But I can't help but wonder what would've happened if I could've been like shamura and just...been nonbinary without people being fucking weird about it. Or been born as a badass war god who will tear you to shreds before you can perceive my birth sex. I know they're fictional but they are my ultimate gender envy GRRRRR BARK BARK BARK

Here is the secret image for this post- I listen to mostly EDM when I draw cause it keeps the energy up, but as I was finishing up shamura's poetry part, I was like THESE ARE JUST KMFDM LYRICS so I made this

[royalteachitchat]

Wow! 👏👏👏 JDEadonWriter on X, put this amazing post out today. Check this out!

Are Meghan Markle's kids FAKE? 🤔

Megnant

1 Size: Bump drastically altering in size, even in a single day 😯

2 Slip: Bump slipped down to her knees in Birkenhead, UK 😯

3 Wobble: Bump wobbled side-to-side as she crossed the street. 😯

4 Clutching: Supporting her bump with her hands overly often. 🤔

5 Popping: audibly popped in a video, and wafted her clothes😯

6 Shape: Bump unnaturally shaped on Netflix🤔

7 Straps: Moonbump straps outlines visible under clothing in several photos. And something snapped, impacting the clothing fabric (video of H&M in London)😯

8 Biology: An absence of swelling of ankles, and other subtle biological (non)signs.🤔

9 Holding: Carrying a (doll?) infant on her bump, instead of on her hip.🤔

10 Squats: Squatting, effortlessly, with her knees together in videos and photos. In heels.😯

Births

11 Announcements: Royal official birth announcements are indirect. One states they are delighted "by the news of the" (not by the actual) birth.🤔

12 Coverup? A medic who certified a birth closed down her practice shortly afterwards.😯

13 Certificates: Questions linger over the birth certificates signatures, etc.🤔

14 Leak: An official Royal twitter account tweet indicated that Meghan’s kids are fake, before being taken down. An innocent prank?😁

15 Recovery: Epidural (ouch!) birth in a bath description anomalies and arriving home too soon afterwards to be quite plausible.🤔

16 Born Of Body?: Meghan allegedly told a friend she was infertile, when at college, and there was a reported alleged hysterectomy before the births.

17 Silence: Meghan is silent on her claimed births, despite always flashing her bump; having a "Capacity for over sharing"; boasting about being a “Mom”, and always talking about herself (apparently) on her feminist podcast. 🤔

Rented Infants

18 Archie Model: The real parents of the infant predominantly shown in Archie photos are identified. 💥

19 Lilibet Model: Parents of the infant shown in Lilibet photos are identified.💥

20 Loan: Mother of “Lilibet” commented on Insta that she does not "loan" her daughter to Meghan any longer.😯

21 Shape-Shifting: Different infants used in photos of both Archie and Lilibet.😯

22 Photoshopping: A litany of incompetently-photoshopped “family” photos. (A huge topic in itself).🤔

Dolls

23 Reborn Doll: Seemingly cradling a doll (a product called Darren) in official photo of Archie 🪆

24 Party Doll: Meghan seemingly cradled a similar doll when gate-crashing a polo match party, begetting astonished looks.😯

25 Bumpy Ride: Meghan seemed to be lugging an inanimate doll on top of her bump through some woods in Canada. Whilst grinning at a hired pap.🪆

26 Twisted: In one photograph, Archie's head is twisted more than 90 degrees 🪆

27 Carrying: A high % of photographs show them carrying the “kids” 🪆

28 Backs-Turned: A high % of Photos are of kids facing away from the camera 🤔

Other Oddities

29 Website: A startling absence of updates of Royal website on Meghan’s offspring.🤔

30 Bishop: Los Angeles christening cleric was not the official Bishop the Harkles claimed he was.🤔

31 Implausible Platitudes: Claiming Archie’s first word was “Crocodile”, and that he demands a Leica camera for his birthday. As tots do...🤔

32 Merch: An uncharacteristic unwillingness to merchandise their kids, for $$$ or PR.🤔

33 Invisible: The Harkles are never seen with their kids. There are hints of "home schooling" (will they ever be allowed out?)😯

34 Family Holidays: Weirdly, the Harkles never take their kids on holiday, and, if they pretend they did, they incompetently photoshop them into pap snaps on Insta.🤔

35 Everything Else: All the stuff I overlooked in this hastily speed-typed list.🤔

🤔🤔🤔

Why does it matter? 🤔

Because rich Prince Harry wants we skint, long-suffering tax payers, to pay for his security expenses; he’s a traitor, and, well, it’s fraud, isn’t it? 💥

Feel free to leave evidence I missed out in the comments. 👍

#MeghanMarkleIsAGrifter

#MeghanMarkleExposed

#WhereAreTheKids

#sussexbabyscam

[erikiara80]

Thinking...

The shape of Lover's Lake in Joyce's room. Will's drawings. Mike the heart, then Joyce and Hopper mourning.

They find Will's fake body in the Quarry, but the reporter says that in 1976 another person drowned there. I think in S5 we'll find out what this and the other references to that year mean.

Reefer Rick's house is near Lover's Lake, where Patrick dies and one of the gates opens.

This makes me think about Fringe. There are many parallels between the two shows, and between Will, El and Peter Bishop.

FRINGE SPOILERS

Walter Bishop, a brilliant scientist, loses his seven year old son Peter, who dies of a rare desease, so he decides to save the Peter of the parallel world he discovered. But when he opens a portal at a lake, he and the boy almost drown, and are saved by an Observer, a man from the future, September (the massacre at the Hawkins Lab happens on September 8, maybe a coincidence, maybe not)

In Fringe, after being erased from existence to save both universes from collapsing, Peter reappers in the same lake where he should've died when he was a kid, where the first portal opened.

It's Olivia's love that brings him back. She couldn't completely forget him.

Other interesting details: in ST there are many mentions of Peter, and parallels between El and Olivia, Subject 13. In Fringe, the name of the executive director at Massive Dynamic is Nina, the name of Walter's lab partner is William Bell, and the name of the child Observer that makes Walter remember Peter in the last season is Michael ("the boy is important"/getting to Mike was the key)

When he saves the two universes, Peter is connected to a Machine, and his consciousness is propelled forward into the body of his future self (->Will says that he's seen into the future, and Nina makes El see/relive the past. Plus The Philadelphia Experiment in TFS). In Fringe, S1, after an accident in Walter and William's lab, where they were conducting experiments on kids, an assistant says that they can't locate Brenner.

Speaking of Brenner and Peter being erased because Walter shouldn't have brought him to Prime Universe, this reminds me of the game in the lab, the two circles and Brenner saying that if you leave your circle (timeline, in ST, world in Fringe?) you lose (here)

Mentions of hearts in the show

Byler and Polivia, and other ST-Fringe parallels

The car crash theory: part I and part II

Possible hints at Will and El's death in the past

[kiko---random-stuff-probably]

Dig a grave - a cotl oneshot

Another chapter about the bishops life before everything.

This time around, Leshy is 5, Heket 11, Narinder 13, Kallamar 30 and Shamura 42. Heket and Leshy do not have the crowns.

Shamura wouldn't had called themself superstitious: to connect a number or a simble to some kind of misfortune was just illogical.

So, the fact that today marked the thirteenth year from when they got the crown and, consequentially, started a war against litterally every god who ever existed wasn't the reason of their uneasiness: visions were the true cause of their state of mind.

From when Narinder got his crown, they kept having vivid images filled with ichor, and most of the times Narinder was the one covered in it.

Obviously, they knew better than just jump straight to conclusions, and after all their visions usually get confused with nightmares and the other way around. So, worrying about what the newest god, aka their own brother, would have done in a distant future was just am useless waste of time.

But still, they kept feeling like something was about to happen. But obviously their crown wasn't going to just answer their questions.

It took a messanger running to them while they were talking to their generals to finally unravel what was the reason for all that anxiety.

A messanger, and a note written by a panicking Kallamar.

Shamura basically ran towards the portal, quickly returning to their home.

They really hoped it wasn't as bad as the letter suggested, but whem they reached their youngest brother room, and saw Narinder holding Leshy as the little kid kept puking out blood, there was no reason to keep denying the truth.

- You're here!- Kallamar was in the room, and Heket was there, too. She also had a bucket nearby and looked pale, but more from her fear for what was happening to her brother then from vomiting her own lunch.

Naridner only then lifted his gaze from Leshy, staring at the eldest with pure horror. Shamura realized only then that the red crown was active, and that Narinder wasn't just helping Leshy stay up: Death was trying his hardest to not let his soul slip. And he couldn't keep doing that much longer.

- Thank the stars, I... we have to talk.- Kallamar quickly turned back to Narinder - Do not let him go- and left the room, as the blue crown morphed into a snake like thing and wrapped itself around the worm's arm, staring at him with concern.

- What is happening?- Shamura kept a calm attitude. They had to, especially when btoh Death and Pestilence were panicking as they kept trying to help the little kid.

- I don't know who exactly, but someone tried to poison our food.-

Shamura was about to add something, but Kallamr was faster than them: - I already ordered to not let anyone who entered in contact with the food, Astaroth and Allocer have the orders of killing anyone who they think may be the culprit. But right now, we have to focus on not letting our brother die.-

Shamura nodded, and crossed their arms.

Kallamar looked on the verge of tears, and problably found the stoic behaviour of the spider frustating at best.

- He and Heket started puking, while neither I or Narinder had any reaction.- Pestilence started fidgeting with his own bracalets - An amateurish attempt at best, if their objective was to kill us. Heket had some minor pain and other attacks of nausea, while Leshy...- the squid started to sob - I tried my best, I swear. But he is reacting badly to any antidocte, and without knowing what exactly he ingested I am basically filling him with random shit just for him to puke it and get worse!-

Shamura could read the irony of the situation: a notorious poisoner like Kallamar was about to lose his brother in the same way he killed so many others.

So, insult added to the injury. If they ever got the chance to put their hands on the culprit, they would had assured them the most slow, and painful death they could think of.

- Heket didn't react strongly to the poison, right?-

- No, she is fine, afraid and all, but still fine. Maybe it was because she puked the poison before it started to work...? I don't know, nothing of this makes sense, I do not want to bury him, he is five, for god's sake...-

- Kallamar, focus. Heket puked as soon as she started eating?-

- No, she was already feeling unwell, after she tried to eat some of the... leftovers you left, and hoenstly this might have been the best horrible idea she ever had. She still has some ichor in her, though.-

Shamura would had usually got upset about discovering that Heket tried to eat some of the godly flesh they got from their last battle, mostly because ichor wasn't surely something any mortal was suppsoed to eat. But somehow, her desire to try absorbe divine essence before she had a crown saved her life.

Shamura was still thinking about the situation, as Kallamar basically snapped back from his spiral of defeatism.

- She still has ichor in her- he repeated, and Shamjra lifted an eyebrow.

As soon as he turned towards the trophy room, Shamura understood what their brother was thinking.

- We can't just feed him ichor! We have zero idea on how his body might react to it! He is still a mortal, do you habe any idea on how blasphemous and irresponsible it is to feed him divine blood?- they grabbed Kallamar's arm, and the squid quickly snapped back.

- Well then, you are the one to tell Narinder to just let him go.-

They stared at each other, but Shamura was the first to look away and let go.

Shamura was standing by the door. Heket was standing beisdes them, as Narinder and Kallamar were basically spoon feeding Leshy with ichor.

- Will he be okay?- Heket muttered, not daring to look away.

Shamura patted her head, not saying anything.

Naridner then let their brother go, causing panic in everyone as he let Leshy lay down.

- He won't die- he quickly stated, wiping off some bloody tears, and Shamura realized only then that they were holding their breath.

They stared at Narinder's bloody claws. And the uneasiness returned.

[cconfusedkat]

Kallamar's background was next!! (All as headcanons)

Shamura and Kallamar are the two Bishops that have one thing in common ,,,, running away from home out of guilt ,,, but their guilts are VERY differently expressed (shamura burnt down their clergy and killed their parents, kallamar ran away from home out of guilt for killing his swim instructor and arguing with his parents)

The second PMV is for Kallamar :-D he's the only one with more colored frames just to make it aware he's always seen the bigger picture compared to the other Bishops, as well as being the one with a little more confidence in his abilities

For the first bit, it was a pretty often thing where his swim instructor threatened to tell his parents about his failing grades as well as breaking the rules of Anchordeep by swimming to the outskirts,, no one was allowed outside of Anchordeep cuz they were afraid of what was on the surface

The Blue Crown had called out to Kallamar for three years, and could never properly reach him until he was the most stressed in his life ,,, crying by his usual hiding spot ,,, upon finding it , it's kept a secret until Kallamar has a major argument with his parents and reveals he is far more powerful than his mother and father and doesn't need them anymore

Kallamar as a kid felt insecure no matter how much praise and reassurance he got for academics and looks. He went for the usage of the blue crown as a last resort to figuring out his problems; that of which, his problems were his parents neglecting him all along"If that's the case, so be it," which Kallamar's father kicks him out of the house ,,, he was gonna runaway regardless so it was just another petty seal of an approval for him to leave his neglectful homeShamura had been waiting at the beach where Kallamar's home was underwater.

The crown's scattered across the lands have been trying to find eachother for thousands of years,,, taking advantage of the young crownbearers to find eachother and create an even more powerful clergy the lands of the old faith had ever seen. Both of them found eachother first, and kallamar somehow had a vision at 13 of a purple spider visiting him one day,, he was almost 18 when meeting Shamura (who had now reached 110 years old)

[mysadblacksoul]

Backslide - 3/13 of the Clancy album

Grab a coffee and let's start this madness

MV

Tyler is wearing the same clothes that he wore in Overcompensate MV to I would assume that this MV takes place right after

Let's break down the signs first

We see the return of Ned Bayou as well as FPA, now standing for Food Petrol Etc.

You can buy 9 buns for $21, love the symbolism

There is a Jim sign omg. Baby is having his own bubblegum business

Of course the Bishops sign with 9 lines marked on it

I could've sworn that the black sign says "Dema Vapes", but looking closely I believe it's "Velma Vapes" lol

What is more, the cones (?) are yellow and I'm pretty sure that the fact that there are 5 of them is not an accident

They sold him bread that went bad lol. Nah for sure it's not the case since he gives the same bread to a child

But I believe that the scene and the lyrics are closely tied with Stressed Out

Now the next scene is interesting

I think that the bad weather is a simple metaphor for feelings of anxiety or fear

We can see that Tyler was contemplating then he was suddenly pulled from his thoughts

This is when the scene changes to normal, right? Exactly on the line It's over my head

Then we move to the scene with the kid

And I really believe that this little lad is personification of Ned

Like he has the same boba eyes lol

No but for real, this is parallel to Chlorine - kid is giving Tyler a cup just like Tyler gave to Ned. Yet he accepts it and drinks whatever is inside and Ned just shudders

Another interesting thing, that could make my point more valid is that the kid literally asks Is that a stain? You should change / Are you doin' good? / Did you solve all of your problems? like he knows Tyler very well and is in a way looking out for him

It's like he's keeping Ned by him - okat I'll stop

It might be a stretch, but the N kinda looks like a mirrored band symbol, do you also see it?

If 0.75c is equivalent to the cost of one bun than Tyler is being ripped off since he paid $21 for the pack instead of $6.75 lmao

Something is really wrong with those buns lmao

Then the mood changes again, but this time is even worse. Like his mental health is declining even more and even faster

The bread is wet, the day is ruined, thanks Mr. Joseph

You killed it Josh, love your creative mind

*funny music stops*

Now let's talk about the way how the MV is looping itself

I would say that it is a demonstration of the twisted circle that is life

Maybe it's a very basic analysis but I think of all the complicated lore-oriented MVs this one is uncomplicated

What is shown here is how our psyche can play tricks on us and how we can complicate a rather simple situation ourselves

If Tyler hadn't had dark thoughts then nothing would have happened to the bread, so he would have just gone and given it to Josh

This shows how our psyche itself can abolish the situation in which we find ourselves

Looping, on the other hand, shows that as long as we don't do anything about it ourselves, we will be stuck in this fishbowl (see what I did there?)

Maybe it's one big AD to check your mental health and a sign to try to get better

Lyrics!

Rat race, place to place, adding weight / Tendencies on repeat, innit? - rat race for sure happened in Dema, and repeat is literaly the loop, innit meand that Clancy is canonicaly British

Benefit from a shoe with no lace - shoe with no lace would make you fall back on the behaviour that you are running from

Take the seat with the crease in it - seat of someone who already tried to change their life, or even who had the same dreams and hopes for better future like Clancy

This could be parallel to When I leave, don’t save my seat/ I’ll be back when it’s all complete from Chlorine

I don't care, you control me / Leading me anywhere - well, all I should say is Dema don't control me and we all know the rest of the story

I don't wanna backslide to where I've started from - he doesn't wanna go back to his back habits as well as doesn't wanna go back to his life before he tried to escape

There's no chance I will shake this again - if he falls back one more time that will be the end of him. His psyche won't take it anymore and his plans will be buried

'Cause I feel the pull, water's over my head - this is parallel to Fall Away And I, I can feel the pull begin. But it also gives me the parallel to Holding On To You MV, the scene with the rope

Strength enough for one more time - like I said, this would be the last attempt to change everything

Reach my hand above the tide - it could indicate that his physical strength is also wearing out

I'll take anything you have / If you could throw me a line - again with the line. But it also can mean that he can endure anything now, he just needs a little helping hand

I should've loved you better - this line can be directed both to himself but also to the person who extends his hand to help. He might not have appreciated both parts before and now regrets it

Do you think that now's the time / You should let go? - This line is like both a request and an apology. As if he wants to say “I'm sorry I treated you badly before but please don't leave me when I need help”

Bad place, on a hundred-dollar bass - this line is also giving me Stressed Out. You can imagine the cheap bass being transported on the bicycle right?

Kinda wishin' that I never did "Saturday" - I think that he doesn't mean the MV irl lol, but the regret of taking part in Bishops' manipulation altogether

Is that a stain? You should change - a play with mentioning Saturday and the lirycs She said that I should change my clothes

Are you doin' good? / Did you solve all of your problems? - like I said before I believe that this is Ned looking out for Clancy, wishing him well

Thanks for asking, in a way, but / Accidentally uncovered a new one yesterday - safe to say that he is not doing better lol

What happened to what I brushed under the rug? - what happened to how well he used to be able to hide his problems and true feelings

I used to be the champion of a world you can't see / Now I'm drowning in logistics - if viewed as a fact that he created this world it now looks like he wants to regain all control over it. Logistics is to take care of the management of planning. And once again we see the mention of drowning

The bridge is acting as an externalization of his myhs and fears that even if he is outside the Dema, the Bishops will still have control over him

The entire song is about both regaining conrol over the world of Dema but also regaining control over himself, his psyche.

The main theme is about not going back to old habits.

The most important thing here is progress and pushing forward.

Because one wrong move can make all the work in vain and we will sink to the very bottom.

Safe to say that I liked it haha

[viaviv124]

Alright you know what time it is, i have a new AU concept.

I would like to apologize beforehand about anything incoherent, the rough concept was a dream of mine and i need to fix it up a bit, but i think my current draft is coherent enough.

ALRIGHT LETS START

So we have these buncha sheep/goat kids around a hill, around 15 of 'em. No parents or other adults there for them and they range between 8 and 13. Every morning, not long after breakfast, a horn sounds. Shamura has immerged and the fight begins. Everyday around the same time the god appears and disappears at the evening and the children try to take them down.

Backstory time, the common folk have started a war with the gods (there's more than the bishops and most of the bishops are still young themselves) and didn't know what they were getting into. Bodies drop left and right, yet the mortals managed to take down a few gods as well. The world is closer to a wasteland in some places, like here. A bunch of lamb and goat kids, that lost their families in the war, gather at this hill, yet when they all got there Shamura was there. A feared upon god. So the children vowed to take them down. Shamura, on the other hand, empathizes with the kids simply because they're so young, not to mention they have young siblings of their own and couldnt imagine them in this kind of situation. They do not wish to harm them and moreso returns every day to humour them. They don't destroy anything the kids built if they can help it and they only kill if absolutely necessary, though in the years they're only responsible for one death among them. At night they disappear so the children have time to rest and make Strategies. But Shamura isn't fully gone, they make sure to get rid of all surrounding threats to grant these kids peace. Sometimes they even sneakily provide food once the kids don't have enough.

Years pass and the children have turned to late teens and young adults and among them only 3 people have died. One death to Shamura and two to illness. One lamb (protagonist and the one we know from the game, i dont have a name yet) has become the leader after the one before died to illness a few years ago and they take their role very seriously. One morning the sheeps and goats get into position and hiding, allthough they still have enough time. Breakfast is being made and handed out. The lamb is hiding with a close friend (the goat from unholy alliance) and after they had taken their food and as their friend is taking theirs whilst chatting with the cook, the lamb's eyes widen. They spot a god in mortal form that has appeared undetected. A black cat with 3 red eyes. And they are looking directly at the lamb.

Cutaway scene because it's another thing i had in mind, Leshy is entering a cave and finds a scared, unresponsive yellow cat. A mortal, all alone, sick. He takes them with him for unknown reasons.

WOO AND THATS IT SO FAR! I'd love to hear y'alls opinions and suggestions because i'm stuck as to where to take this- :')

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

Show Up, Take Photos

The Meghans are global frauds. Every "good" deed, Every word & Every dollar is a GRIFT. "Nigerian girls & women" my arse.💔

Do they really expect us to believe that a global games event could ever be hosted by a country that repeatedly loses track of women & children? Harry and Meghan have the lowest of low in IQs but the rest of the world can see that THIS poverty tourism trip is yet another SUSSEX SCAM.

No country will send disabled athletes or veterans to compete in a country that cannot keep track of school kids. Shame on Nigeria's Defense Minister and all at Invictus who are involved in this fraudulent visit.

"Bring Back our Girls 2.0

"The abduction of the 287 children in Kaduna state on March 7, 2024 near the West African nation’s capital, is one of the largest school kidnappings in the decade since the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Borno state’s Chibok village in 2014 stunned the world. Analysts and activists say the security lapses that allowed that mass abduction remain..."

"One man was shot dead as he tried to save the students, school authorities said"

"The parallels between the two kidnappings have created more worry for parents, as even to this day nearly 100 of the Chibok girls remain missing."

BY CHINEDU ASADU

March 8, 2024

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — "Security forces swept through large forests in Nigeria’s northwest region on Friday in search of nearly 300 children abducted from their school by motorcycle-riding gunmen in the latest mass kidnapping, which analysts and activists blamed on the failure of intelligence and a slow security response.

The abduction of the 287 children in Kaduna state, near the West African nation’s capital, is one of the largest school kidnappings in the decade since the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Borno state’s Chibok village in 2014 stunned the world. Analysts and activists say the security lapses that allowed that mass abduction remain.

The victims of the latest attack — among them at least 100 children aged 12 or under — were surrounded and marched into a forest just as they were starting the school day, said locals in Kuriga town, located 55 miles (89 kilometers) from the city of Kaduna. One man was shot dead as he tried to save the students, school authorities said."

J-P Mauro - published on 03/14/24

"With no word from the abductors, the bishops are calling on the state to identify the kidnappers and save the hostages.

The remote town of Kuriga, in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, is still reeling after dozens of armed extremists kidnapped hundreds of students out of their classes in broad daylight on the morning of March 7. Worried parents are now calling for government intervention, after days without any word from the abductors. As of March 13, the children have yet to be found. 

The AP reports that at least 287 students were abducted – with about 100 of them aged 12 or under – making it one of the largest kidnappings since the 2014 abduction of the Chibok girls, when 275 girls were taken from their school by Boko Haram.

The parallels between the two kidnappings have created more worry for parents, as even to this day nearly 100 of the Chibok girls remain missing. 

The March 7 kidnapping saw children taken from the school just as the day was starting, at around 8 a.m.. They were herded into the forest. It took authorities several hours to respond to the scene and begin a search operation, but it is unclear how deep into the forest the kidnappers went.

Locals have suggested that the abductors belong to a group of bandits who have been terrorizing remote villages in Nigeria’s northwest and central regions.

14-year-old Nigerian girl could declared a martyr. Nigeria is one of the places of most intense suffering for Christians in our day.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi has called on the government to intercede on behalf of the Christian population, which he said is being targeted by these attacks. Bishop Anagbe told OSV: 

“The kidnappings, killings and destroying churches we are experiencing every day are aimed at finishing Christians. We are worried that despite such killings and kidnappings, the government has never arrested anyone. As a church, we now demand that the government act quickly to stop these vices that continue to dishearten people.”

I try hard not to hate anyone, but The Meghans sure know how to push the right buttons. 🤐🤬

Safety 1st: The UK is unsafe but African countries where Nigerian schoolgirls are kidnapped & Zika Zones for childbearing royals are no problem.

Team Sussex: Global Court Jesters

[mxaether]

MITCH MARNER -VS- TORONTO MEDIA/TORONTO FANS/HIMSELF/EVERYONE (a playlist for when you love a thing so much, and it bites you)

track list and selected lyrics for each under the cut ❤️

1. I Want You So Bad I Can't Breathe - OK GO i want you, yeah, i want you/ i want you, yeah, i want you bad/ so bad i can't think straight/ so bad all my bones shake / so bad i can't breathe 2. Careful What You Wish For (the doctor said to) - Jack Harris something is missing/this predisposition/i feel like i'm living inside of my head 3. Who Made You A Monster? - Hael tricking the world to trust you/but everything that you say/is some kind of sordid lie/who taught you how to lie so well? 4. GOSSIP - Maneskin, Tom Morello welcome to the city of lies/where everything's got a price/gonna be your favourite place -- so sip the gossip, drink till you choke/sip the gossip, burn down your throat 5. Don't Be Nice - Watsky false modesty is a guilty habit/some people simply have it/but the fact is i would not have spent a decade doing this/if i did not believe i was at least a tiny bit ridiculously filthy at it 6. JEKYLL & HIDE - Bishop Briggs sweet and then you're sour/changes by the hour/never know which one i'll taste 7. End of It - Friday Pilots Club it's cruel you know/the way they've been treating you lately/get you real messed up on the daily 8. Nowhere Kid - Des Rocs inside of a maze you hide away/where nobody cares who you are/caught in a lie you can't escape 9. All For Us - Labrinth, Zendaya guess you figured my two times two/always equates to one/dreamers are selfish -- i'm taking it all for us, all/doing it all for love 10. Cruel Devotion - Night Club do you want me? tell me true/on my knees and now i'm begging you/loving you is such a cruel devotion 11. Who Are You, Really? - Mikky Ekko i have nothing left to prove/cause i have nothing left to lose/see me bare my teeth for you/who, who are you? 12. Heartbreak Feels So Good - Fall Out Boy is there a word for a bad miracle?/nobody said the road was endless/nobody said the climb was friendless 13. Some People - Dan Mangan cause it's too easy to be righteous when you eat what you've been fed/some people don't question what they've read/some people should 14. SELF-SABOTAGE - Waterparks i'll self sabotage/if you like when we talk i'll dislocate my jaw/what the fuck is wrong with me 15. Matches - Huxlxy bring me the ashes/set me alight/i'd rather burn than say goodbye 16. SICK - Chandler Leighton never let anyone see your guard down/too proud, just stop, keep my frozen/iced out, i'm six feet underground 17. Black Wave - K. Flay shaking in my own cage/what do i believe? i believe/waiting on a black wave/living under bad days 18. Middle Finger - Bohnes you show me love and then spit in my face/making your money off all of my pain 19. still feel. - half-alive when i'm furthest from myself/feeling closer to the stars/i've been invaded by the dark/trying to recognize myself when i feel i've been replaced 20. Rather Die - Barns Courtney i came to kill 'em, now i'm/wipin' the spit from my eyes/i take a beating but i/i'll never give up 21. Lake Effect Kid - Fall Out Boy oh i've got the skyline in my veins, forget your night time/sumer love on a gurney with a squeaky wheel/and joke us, joke us til Lakeshore Drive comes back into focus/i just wanna come back to life 22. Stronger - Kanye West n-now-now that, that don't kill me/can only make my stronger -- do anybody make real shit anymore?/bow in the presence of greatness/cause right now thou hast forsaken us 23. Bulletproof - La Roux, GAMPER & DADONI i won't let you turn around/and tell me now i'm much too proud/all you do is fill me up with doubt/this time, baby, i'll be bulletproof 24. What Do You Want - Nico Vega you can go ahead and hate me/for bringing in news, but you could still choose/ain't going to be a party/but you turn it all down, down, down/say, what do you want?/what do you want from me? 25. I'm Gonna Win - Rob Cantor you've seen me before, you'll see me again 26. Hero - Martin Harrix, JVKE

a thousand voices whisper noise/they plan my fall from grace/whoa-oh, i know/you say you want a hero, you don’t

[officialtrashbin]

Ok ok ok ok ok wrap-up thoughts on the season now that the finale is out:

First of all, DEATHBIT DEATHBIT DEATHBIT

2) ok the subplot with Rogue and Magneto actually grew on me. Like, she’s rejected him ultimately but they still mattered to each other and they still do, it’s just not romantic from her side anymore. I can’t blame magneto for not getting over her rejection I’d never be able to take the psychic damage of losing Rogue

also yeah the age gap was a little weird but I’m living for the drama and the potential for their platonic friendship. I want to make a comment about how their stint is an example of unidentified trauma becoming trauma bonding but then I have to like…write it.

3) I actually think Roberto and Jubilee were super cute and have elected to give their storylines a pass. Like they’re just kids coming into adulthood and have found comfort in each other, that’s good enough for me for now. (Though I’d like to see more of comic-accurate Sunspot being adapted but I digress. It’s only been 1 season.)

Also I think Sunspot awkwardly hanging around the Xmen slowly coming to terms with his speedran adoption is the funniest basis for an arc and have no further comments. Might write a fic later on his Struggles.

4) KURT JOINING THE MOTHERFUCKIN SQUAD BABYYYY and literally just everything about him. Being so supportive of Rogue and holding her and encouraging Gambit and just 😭😭😭😭

5) PHOENIX JEAN PHOENIX JEAN I LOVED JEAN

6) cyclops was one of my least favs in the original, this show put so much respect back on his name. I actually adore him now—plus the scenes with him doting on his grown ass man child is hysterical. Need more of it. I need this guy telling people this Hulk Hogan of a unit is his lil boy.

If Nathan isn’t seen later at a baseball game with Scott in a Summer 01 jersey and the cyborg arm badly painted over I’m committing crimes.

7) I think Storm needed way more screen time. I know there were scenes with her written out due to budget issues (and also them skipping her goodbye to Gambit made me annoyed) but like. The fact that her centric arc was put across two episodes shared with other episodes was irritating.

7.5) In this same vein I missed Bishop, I got so attached!!!! but here’s to hoping he’s kicking ass again in s2!

8) the rate in which I fell in love with these characters all over again is insane. Like harder than the original show in a fraction of the time.

9) Rogue did nothing wrong. 😭

10) Magneto definitely wasn’t right, but it’s interesting to witness how they justified his view point with Genosha and Bastion, and the ripple effect it had on people who didn’t even agree with him in the first place.

11) Cherik lmfao they were SO gay. I’m all for affectionate besties and dudes being shown as having close platonic bonds but this was Very Affectionate Besties with Seductive Grin Bedroom Eyes Charles Every Two Sentences.

12) honestly want a version of this show though where Charles stayed gone. I actually like him! I just think not having him around to help guide everyone made things so much spicier. Magneto was StrugglingTM for Real

13) Gambit’s death was so good, but I definitely figured he’d be coming back somehow because there was no way they were offing him thinking Rogue didn’t choose him.

14) speaking of, I was mostly joking in my shitposts about Death Gambit cause I had my money on a possible Sentinel Gambit with Bastion’s introduction, but the moment they went to Egypt I started clawing up all my old shit posts.

15) ROGUE DID NOTHING WRONG (lots of wrong but you know what? I love her. She can commit wrongs again.)

16) Beast was so good but I also low key wish he had a bit more screen time. His bitterness after Genosha was short-lived, I wish it had been explored more, like Charles talking it out of him or something and reminding him about their goals or…something.

17) Bastion was awesome no notes, hope he comes back as a horseman for the flex

18) hot Magneto no notes

19) hot Apocalypse no notes

20) crop top Gambit no notes

21) “His name was Gambit! Remember it!” Rogue was so beast in this season, it was cathartic watching her beat the shit out of Bastion. Her and Sunspot honestly make for a cool combat duo and I want to see them interact more.

22) DEATH GAMBIT AAAAAAHHHHHG

23) ey yo hold up does this mean Leech and the Morlochs and the perished Genosha mutants are permanently dead??? 💀

24) Logan and Morph were definitely something this season and I adored it, I adored Morph especially. Like Morph really said I Love You even if it was as Jean, I take what I can get

26) Magneto ripping Wolverine’s skeleton out like homie wouldn’t try to kill him with a wooden chair if given the opportunity. If anything now Logan has 0 weaknesses and a personal vendetta he can act upon. Rest in pieces Erik.

27) A goddess, a gravely injured Canadian, and a metaphor for gender identity walk into a bar and all 3 say “ouch” (bad joke. You’re welcome. Don’t worry guys, Storm is there so their arc will be wrapped up in about 12 minutes. Sorry can you tell I’m still mildly salty about her lack of screen time)

28) Rogue launching Cap’s shield is 11/10. Do it again do it again (woulda been top tier humor if the end credits showed him still looking for it frantically as the asteroid got closer)

Mostly that’s all I got. I have various other thoughts including how fucking HYPE seeing my fav duo Cloak and Dagger made me, but these were the key personal takeaways.

[peppershark]

Behind Wolfer: Ride the Paiute Pass Trail with Tom & Hermione

This post is dedicated to @nofear-x who is ten seconds from jumping onto a chestnut quarter horse (packed with snobby cheese and 10 pounds of bacon) and galloping into the mountains with me.

To write Tom and Hermione's sexy, mariticide-themed honeymoon in the High Sierras, I used a combo of trail guides and Google Earth to pick the most likely path the newlywed Riddles would have taken to get their cows into the mountains.

Wilderness cattle grazing was common during the warmer months, and some ranchers still do it, calving in the valleys during January-February, then running their cattle up the trail into the grassy highlands all summer. In the fall, they round up their cows and drive them into the valley again.

A common path into the backcountry would be the current HWY 168 leading from Bishop up into what is now Aspendell. This green, pretty valley would be an ideal spot for Tom to test out Hermione's bearings in chapter 11, in an area wooded enough to be private but far enough from Bishop so nobody would see what cosmic hell Hermione might call down.

I made this map to show where they went once they saddled up. It would be roughly 6-ish miles to get from the east end of the drainage, up through North Lake and to Loch Leven, where the lovebirds go for a swim in chapter 12.

In chapter 13 they'll make their way over Paiute Pass and into Humphrey's Basin. The whole thing is about 12 miles, which doesn't seem that long, but you gain over 4,000 feet of elevation, bringing you to a cloud-scraping height of 12,000 feet.

This is a strenuous hike, and if you're lucky enough to ride, you might take that steep of a pitch at 2-3 miles per hour. Now, the real-life pack outfitters that go from North Lake to Humphrey's Basin aren't clear online about how long that takes, so I'll guess two and a half days since our kids are running cattle and boning at every stop.

Hop over to Google Earth, and you can actually click on photos that will take you into a "street view" of the Paiute Pass Trail, so you can almost ride it yourself.

Here's a picture of what it looks like when you've activated street view mode. Click the little yellow Tom Riddle.

Tell me if you click through and see these sights!

As always, thank you for reading.

[sailingfireshipz]

My 13x07 download ✨️

1. Another Tori & Carver opening, what have I done to endure this level of torture

2. Mouch asking Ritter if he has beta blockers. Not funny, mouchyyyyy, not funny

3. Accountability from Carver. 10th times the charm i guess?

4. Something about Ritter calling Stella his LT just feels riiiiight

5. Bishop rolling up to Stella's scene... chilling. Stella definitely looked spooked even if she put on a front for Kelly.

5a. Stella immediately calling Kelly ❤️ but him calling her Kidd 👎🏽 I get "professionalism, in front of the chief" but he could have called her Stella

6. You ok? 🥹 nooo no she's not Kelly, but she's not going to tell you that because she wants you to not worry. She wants to be strong but for once I want Stella to be ok with not being ok..

7. Novaks whole blood program... idk did she just wake up one day wanting this, or is it connected to her backstory? Felt random & a little out of place with no context on the why

8. I wish I was lying when I say that scene with Stella, Tori & Carver made me want to jump through my TV screen

8a. I get the same vibe from you & Severide, am i right? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 giiiiirl, please be serious? You've never even been around Stellaride in the same vicinity to get that "vibe"

9. You good? Onnnnce again no noooo she's not

9a. I have so much to say about Pascal & Kelly. SO MUCH

10. Ritter & Carver bonding ❤️ Stella admiring her company but also letting them know she's still watching

11. Can't believe Violet went to the funeral, 😂 sometimes a little verbal trauma dumping is necessary

12. Monica's instant mood chang when he asked her to go to her sister's... "This is miami all over again. Who did you piss off this time" 😳 I have theories & they make me nervous because I feel like they're foreshawdowing Stellaride against the Pascals 😟 Kelly's going to have to find a better balance between getting justice & not painting life sized targets on he & Stella's back...

13. Bishop should be scared of us... no kidding

14. I never get tired of Kelly yelling at people. Get tf Back

15. No one else find it interesting that Pascal has committed 2 crimes now? 🫣 at what point does this become problematic? All for protecting family but also you're the reason your family needs constant protecting 🙂

16. Stella words of affirmations & physical touch combo for her hubby. His smile was so wide

17. Flynn weirds me out idk but he met the friend group at Mollys, so I guess he's supposed to be ok 🙇🏽‍♀️

18. The Pascal & Kelly ending scene conflicted with me so much. On the one hand , we asked for him to interact with other ppl outside of Stella & here he is doing that. On the other hand, Pascals' potential influence on Kelly. When Stella left the station, it was morning. Kelly was still there late into the evening... there's a reason Monica acts the way she does with Pascal. There's a reason she left him to come back to Chicago.

Throughly enjoyed this episode however midseason is shaping up to be a potential letdown. I'm over here grasping at straws because I've seen theories that Taylor may not be in 13x08 & Miranda not in 13x09.... 🚮

[thryth-gaming]

Huntober 2024

This idea came up in conversation on one of the Monster of the Week discord servers and I worked this up and have started to do it.

I'll include links to the individual entries below as I go.

My general rules for myself:

I'm making Hero Forge minis ahead of time while thinking of general themes.

I'm doing a mystery and a hunter for whom that mystery could have been an origin story.

I'm taking about an hour to do the hunter and mystery, which means the mystery is bare bones and will often lack mechanics. I'm focusing on cast descriptions and Countdown.

Monster of the Week News

Yes I made the title there a link!

The game has two new supplements on the way and I'm a co-author on both of them. These books both focus on Hunters providing hunter-centric arcs, new hunter and teams playbooks, and advice on gameplay and homebrewing.

The Entries:

1: Nightmares

2: Schools (CW: Suicide)

3: Darkness

4: Cheer (CW: School killings, police brutality, mental illness)

5: Nature

6: City

7: Redemption

8: Transformation (CW: Religious Trauma)

9: Itchy (CW: Body Horror)

10: Bugs

11: Magic (very bare bones, more of a seed than a draft)

12: Science

13: Stars

14: Courage

15: Luck

16: Rural

17: Spirits

18: Storm (CW: Bigotry)

19: Light

20: Grief

21: Creation

22: Ancient (CW: Spiders)

23: Fear

24: Retail

25: Dragon

26: History

27: Disaster

28: Modern

29: Vengeance

30: Secrets

31: Ritual

Hero Forge Minis

(if you find the original posting, then only the first 29 Hero Minis are shown due to limits on Tumblr image attachments)

For the Last two images go here.

Jamie el-Murad - The Spooky (Nightmares)

Megan Cote - The Divine (Schools)

Tartok Kise - The Changeling (Darkness)

Betty Kates - The Wronged (Cheer)

Erik Weathasea - The Mundane (Nature)

Amber Mekonen - The Professional (City)

Kiera Nieves - The Chosen (Redemption)

Róisín MacTiernan - The Flake (Transformation)

Milo Boyd - The Host (Itchy)

Bunny Stevens - The Crooked (Bugs)

Azalea Burns - The Spooktacular (Magic)

Kerry Knight - The Action Scientist (Science)

Z'ivhos - The Visitor (Stars)

Haiden Bates - The Meddling Kid (Courage)

Walter Lynn - The Snoop (Luck)

Kumiko Vlahalli - The Covenant (Rural)

Emma Terreal - The Hex (Spirits)

Noel Bara - The Spell-Slinger (Storm)

Darmont Shale - The Initiate (Light)

Maisy Fisher - The Gumshoe (Grief)

Glory of the Forgotten - The Forged (Creation)

Mercedes Kerr (and The Morrow) - The Pararomantic (Ancient)

Ewa Bagan - The Monstrous (Fear)

Luca Reyes - The Envoy (Retail)

Corranth - The Summoned (Dragon)

Reginlief Bodvardottir - The Exile (History)

Silver Bishop - The Celebrity (Disaster)

Zahra Dines - The Interface (Modern)

Four - The Hard Case (Vengeance)

For the Last two images go here

[krystaldeath]

Cotl Auuuuu

It’s modern time babeyyyy

* This au does take place in modern day but it technically “starts” in the late 90s bc it’s a Narinder and Lamb were childhood best friends au :))

* I honestly have the most ideas for when they’re in high school but I’ll get to that in a bit (also should say this was inspired by that one prom post from redcrowncafe where Lamb talks about their prom date who was an asshole and wishes they knew Narinder then so they could’ve gone with each other. Saw that and thought “okay but what if they did” and that spiraled out of control)

* I’ve yet to say that my personal headcanon for Lamb’s family is that they had two moms, and three younger siblings (a sister about 12 years younger, and 18 years younger twins; one male one amab gender-fluid). The twins don’t show up till Lamb is, well, 18 tho so they won’t come up much yet

* The Bishops (Bishop is just their last name here) are all foster siblings who have shitty foster parents. Shamura stays even a bit into their early 20s because of this since they don’t want to leave their younger siblings alone with those two. The foster parents’ were abusive in multiple ways, and they also kept any money the Bishop’s respective parents might’ve left for their offspring to themselves (spoiler: Shamura’s in particular were LOADED and so when the Bishops are finally away from these two they’re pretty much set for life). It’s after a particularly scary night where a two year old Leshy and a six year old Heket are threatened while Shamura and the parents are arguing that something in Shamura snaps and they begin to plan to murder their foster parents. Yay!

* I don’t have the details but they in fact /do/ kill them. Thing is they’re super smart about it and hardly any evidence can be traced back to them. It is a small town though so there aren’t too many suspects and overall the one who would have the motive and probable method would be Shamura (unless they wanna try and pin it of 13 year old Kallamar or 8 year old Narinder). Thing is, their foster parents? No one liked them. So no one’s gonna point fingers. The police try and press people to give a suspect but no one does. So the case goes cold. But, even though no one liked the two, murder is still frowned upon by most so the siblings move away.

* But BEFORE all that let me explain a bit about Nari and Lamb’s friendship: they met in kindergarten (idk why they’re in the same grade when I hc Lamb to be a year older but shhh) and while Narinder tried to act “cool” and “aloof” Lamb was having none of it and dragged him along on little kid adventures like playing in the mud and pretending to be power rangers. Also almost from the get go Nari had a little crush on Lamb lol. Since Nari and his sibs move away when he’s 8, these two knew each other for 3 years. Idk what all happens in that time. Like I said most of what I’ve thought up for this au (mainly about Narilamb) happens in their high school years. It is thanks to their play dates at each others houses that Lamb figures out that being nonbinary is a thing from Shamura and is like “Wait… Me too???”

* After the move, Nari and Lamb stay connected through letters and phone calls. They also send pictures of all kinds of things, mainly of themselves so the other “won’t forget what I look like!” Neither make many lasting friends, at least, not ones around the same age as them (Lamb befriends Ratau and his buddies. Narinder befriends kind library assistant Forneus and her two twin sons).

* Lamb is loud and proud about who they are, which unfortunately makes them targeted for bullying, though it’s not just for their gender, it’s also because of their - Idk a better word than quirky Sorry - personality and the rumors about their long distance best friend; there’s multiple rumors, like that he doesn’t exist (this comes from those who don’t know much about the whole Bishop family scandal) or that he’s a murderer, just like his older sibling (this comes from those that /do/ know, ofc)

* Btw over the course of these years they’ve been apart Nari’s crush has only grown and Lamb has also gained a crush on Nari themself

* OKAY OKAY OKAY OKAY TIME FOR THE BIT I HAVE THE MOST OF AN IDEA FOR GET READY (it’s super cheesy and corny and honestly feels like a Disney channel original movie but this fandom could use a little more of that imo so let me live)

* So, I know some schools would let Juniors have their own prom. Let’s say Lamb’s school does that. They had been asked by some guy to be his prom date and figured “why not?” and accepted. Thing is the guy asked if they could buy his ticket, and being the nice person (yet to decide if this is also a human au or if they’re still all animals) they are they do so. The guy then just takes the ticket and tells them to get lost. Lamb didn’t like the guy but it still hurt to have their kindness taken advantage of. They tell Narinder all about it and admit they probably won’t even go to the prom, even though they already bought a ticket and outfit. Nari, who Lamb can’t see bc it’s just a phone call, is absolutely SEETHING.

* Now Narinder has a mission: Get a tux, flowers, and other gifts. Convince Shamura to let him go in his truck (yeah he drives a truck in this au, idk it’s just the car I imagined when I thought it up lol) and be away from home for a few of days (it would take about a day to drive there, then he’d want to stay for at least one or two, then another to drive back). Shamura is reluctant (that town holds a lot of bad memories and him being so far away when he’s only 16 is scary), but seeing the determination in his eyes makes them relent.

* He calls Lamb’s moms and lets them know his plan, but wants it to be a surprise. They both agree to convince them to go to prom even if they will be going alone, without letting it slip that they will have a prom date after all.

* Prom night comes around, and Lamb, who is dressed in a tux-dress combo, is confused as to why their moms, who were so insistent that they go, aren’t ready to take them? (Projecting my reluctance to learn to drive onto them here, so that’s why they can’t drive themself). Then the doorbell rings. They answer and see Narinder (who is now like a foot taller wow couldn’t tell that in the photos he sent) in a tuxedo holding a bouquet and corsage. He’s got a nervous smile on his face as he says “I know it’s a little last minute, but will you allow me to accompany you to prom?”

* Almost a full minute passes in silence, making Nari sweat and begin to regret doing all of this. Then he gets jumped by Lamb into a hug that topples them both to the ground as they scream “YES!!!”. Thankfully they aren’t hurt and their formal wear is alright, though they wouldn’t notice otherwise, their focuses only on each other’s laughter and presence.

* When he opens the passenger door for them there’s a basket of treats, jewelry and a black cat plushie. “Ohh, Narinderrrr! You’re making me feel like I’m royalty!” “You are, to me.” *pause as they look at each other in flustered silence* “A-ANYWAYS WERE SHOULD GET GOING RIGHT?” “OH YEAH YOURE RIGHT. Uh, help me up?” He helps them climb into their seat, close the door, and silently screams about how dumb that was (while Lamb is inside internally screams about how sweet that was and oh no they think they’re falling for him)

* They get there (Yeah I realized Nari doesn’t have a ticket but let’s say somehow there was enough for him to buy one at the entrance) and they’re having a good time (only barely noticing the looks they’re getting and the whispers of “Isn’t that one of the Bishop siblings? Figures Lamb would have to settle for a murderer to be their date.”), dancing, eating and drinking the possibly spiked punch. I’m sorry to say some hurt is about to happen

* They have a run in with the guy who tricked Lamb and Nari almost breaks the guys nose before Lamb pulls him away saying it’s not worth it. He’s about to disagree and say something embarrassing again like “maybe /he’s/ not worth it but /you/ are and he hurt you so he deserves to be punched” when a girl “accidentally” spills her whole cup of punch onto Lamb’s outfit. Everyone around them laughs and Lamb, barely blinking back tears, runs out of the building. Narinder growls at them all and runs after Lamb.

* He finds them curled up by a tree outside, and sits down next to them. He tries to comfort them but they sob out “Just take me back home.” He agrees to do so, but tells them to go wash up a bit in the bathroom while he gets something. As they’re washing up he knocks on the door and asks to come in. They let him and see he’s holding a box. He tells them he planned on giving it to them later after Prom for something else he had planned but figured they’d just go now since Lamb didn’t want to stay anymore. He hands it to them and says he’ll be waiting outside.

* Surprise! It’s another outfit :)) It’s a bit more cozy than what they were wearing before, but still fit for “royalty”. And a black crown with a big red jewel inlaid in the middle-front

* They get dressed and marvel in the mirror before going back out. Narinder’s heart skips a beat when he sees them.

* Idk what to put in between so let’s skip ahead to when they’ve arrived at a spot out in the open wilderness where it’s easier to star gaze. He sets up the trunk bed to be comfy and reveals he had a cooler and basket of food for them to have a night picnic under the stars.

* After they’ve eaten some, one thing leads to another, and then Lamb pulls Narinder into a kiss. They both confess and spend the rest of their time cuddling (until Lamb gets a phone call from their very nervous moms because of how late it’s getting and they’re not home yet lol)

* I have more ideas but to sum them up for now: The rest of this AU is just Narilamb long distance relationship angst & fluff. Eventually the Bishops move back to the small town and then it’s not long distance narilamb (and eventual leshycat and whatever else).

* I will say this: Another murder will happen, this time it’s Lamb who commits it. That’s all I’m giving y’all ;))c

[lucky-bishova-42]

Two Hawks and A Widow

(this is a prequel to Malen'kiy Yastreb - it is Natasha's POV during the events of the Hawkeye TV show :) )

“I think they went down this way,” I pant, chasing after an irate Hawkeye down the streets of New York. Up in the distance I can see shadows of the supposed Ronin fighting what looks like the Tracksuit Mafia, “Oh great, not these guys again.”

“I can’t believe this is even happening,” Clint huffs, turning the corner and stopping to scope out the scene a bit more before deciding how to intervene.

“Well if—”

“I don’t want to hear it right now, Natasha,” Clint grumbles, knowing that I was about to point out that this whole thing could’ve been prevented if he would’ve just had a bonfire as soon as we defeated Thanos.

We both fall silent for a moment as we watch the Ronin take down several members of the Tracksuits.

“This person isn’t bad,” I point out, “although they look a little inexperienced. And now that we are closer, they look kinda small.”

I am not gonna lie, I am kinda impressed. They took down at least thirty men so far, despite their amateur fighting style.

“I don’t care what they look like, I am putting a stop to this,” Clint grunts, watching the Ronin start to get slightly overwhelmed with an increasing number of Tracksuits surrounding them, “Stay back until I subdue the Tracksuits.”

I nod and shift back into the shadows, biting back the suggestion that if I help, this would go a lot quicker. But, when he is like this, sometimes it is easier to just let him do what he wants.

Clint quickly disposes of the rest of the Tracksuits and pulls the said Ronin down the alley I was waiting in.

As Clint drags them down, I realize that this person is a LOT smaller than we had originally thought.

I wonder if this person is younger.

He pushes them against the wall rather roughly, and something in my gut almost makes me yell at Clint to be gentler with them.

Clint grabs the hood and rips it off to reveal—

“Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me!” Clint gripes.

He stole the words right out of my mouth.

No wonder this Ronin was so short.

A teenager, who can’t be more than 13, looks up at us with wide eyes.

“I—I— Y-You’re Hawkeye! And you’re Black Widow!” the teen stutters.

“Who the hell are you?!” Clint immediately asks.

“I’m Kate. Kate Bishop,” the girl, Kate, pants, “I—”

“Where the hell did you get this, kid?! How old are you?!” Clint cuts her off.

“Well I—”

“Do you know what you have done?!”

“Easy Clint,” I butt in before Clint can further harass the kid, “Let’s let her catch her breath. She just took out at least 40 guys.”

The girl sends me a grateful smile and continues to try to regulate her breathing. Once both her and Clint calm down a bit, Clint and I are both shocked to find out she is only 14 years old and got the suit at while staking out a black-market auction that was taking place beneath the charity auction her mother was hosting. I suggest that we get off the streets and take the kid somewhere to change out of the suit. She proposes to go to her Dad’s old apartment.

“So, what is a 14-year-old doing at a black-market auction?” I ask as we are walking to the apartment, making sure to keep her on the inside of the sidewalk so she is safe.

“Trying to figure out why my mother’s new fiancé was doing at said black-market auction,” she swiftly replies, “I don’t trust him. He is very suspicious… And loves swords.”

I have to admit, this kid has balls. Not only did she take out a bunch of the Tracksuit goons, she fully put herself into another dangerous situation by attending this black-market auction.

And to be honest, I don’t know if I fully believe she is 14 years old. I could tell she wasn’t lying when she told us, but she is very small for a 14-year-old.

“I see,” I hum, “does your mom know about your lack of trust in him?”

“No,” Kate frowns slightly, then whispers so softly I can barely hear it, “And it’s not like she would believe me anyway.”

“Could you tell your dad?” Clint asks.

Kate looks back at him before looking down, and I notice a shift in her emotions.

“No, um,” she looks briefly up at Clint and me before looking back down at her feet, “he, um, passed away a while ago.”

“Oh,” Clint says, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Kate smiles sadly, pausing for a while before stating, “he left me his apartment. I go there sometimes to hang out.”

We continue to walk in silence for a while.

I can’t help but think there is more to her father’s death. The way her whole posture and demeanor changed was drastic; he obviously meant a lot to her. That is a lot for a young teen to go through.

“Should we call your mother to let her know you are okay?” Clint suggests.

“No, it is okay,” Kate shakes her head, before chuckling, “she probably hasn’t even noticed I am gone yet.”

Clint and I share a quick look, wondering what the kid meant by that, and I can tell he is about to ask her what she means by that. But he is cut off by her announcing that we have reached our destination.

The Tracksuits give Russians a bad rep.

Not only do they conduct shady business, but they are not known to be the brightest bulbs in the shop. Especially when they convince themselves that a 14-year-old is the Ronin and has been for all the bullshit that Clint pulled during the Snap years.

After they manage to burn down Kate’s deceased father’s apartment, we take Kate and the dog she saved to one of my safe houses in the city.

I sit her in the kitchen and help her clean her wounds while Clint goes back to the hotel to check on the kids. I was about to help her with the butterfly bandages when I notice she is already putting them on correctly.

“Wow,” I can’t help but be curious, “you are pretty well versed in this. Do you have a lot of experience?”

Kate’s eyes briefly widen before she schools her expression and shrugs her shoulders.

“Not really,” she chuckles slightly, “Maybe it is just from watching so much Grey’s Anatomy.”

I can tell she is lying. She won’t make direct eye contact with me and her hands are fidgety.

“Huh,” I ponder, “didn’t know they fixed minor wounds on Grey’s Anatomy…”

Kate flashes me a quick smile with a shrug and is about to respond when her cellphone starts to ring. When she pulls out her phone, her mom’s contact is flashing on the screen.  I can see her face shift into panic before she takes a deep breath and looks back up at me.

“Sorry, it’s my mom, I gotta take this.”

“No worries, kid,” I reassure her, “Let me know if she wants me to bring you home.”

Kate smiles in appreciation before getting up to take the phone call in another room.

While she is gone, I take the time to start cleaning up the first aid supplies. As I am putting the last of the band aids back into the kit, my stomach starts to rumble. The kid might be hungry too. I look over to the clock to see it is well past midnight at this point, but I head over to the cabinet anyway. After looking over my options, I pull out a box of Kraft mac n cheese.

My mind briefly gets pulled back to a very different holiday season in a very different state at a very different time in my life.

I wonder how Yelena is doing? Does she ever think about me?

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and start filling up a pot with water.

By the time Kate comes back into the kitchen, I am just finishing mixing the cheese powder into the macaroni. Her face looks slightly blotchy as if she had been crying, but I try not to comment on it. I send her a small smile as she sits back at the table.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, “You must be after kicking Tracksuit ass for over 20 minutes.”

She chuckles softly, and I count it as a win. I sit across from her and give her a bowl.

“Thanks,” she whispers softly, looking down at the bowl, starting to move the macaroni around.

“No problem,” I reply, pausing before asking, “So… what did your mom say?”

“Oh… um…” she hesitates, “she just asked if I was safe and if I had a place to stay tonight.”

Yet again, I know she is lying. But I know it isn’t just because she wants to stay and help me and Clint. There is more going on.

But I decide not to press too much, “Did she not expect you home tonight?”

“Um no… I was going to stay at my Dad’s tonight.”

Another lie.

“Oh, okay,” I let it slide.

“I think I can probably get a key to my Aunt’s place, she is down in Florida for the winter, and I think I could stay there tonight. Or if not, I can stay at Dad’s once the fire is out. Or–”

“Woah kid,” I stop her nervous thought process, “you can just stay here. You are more than welcome to.”

She immediately pauses and looks shocked, “Oh no, I don’t want to inconvenience you. I mean, I already ruined your night, and I have the dog—”

“You won’t be,” I reassure, “Plus, this way I’ll know you are safe from the Tracksuits. They may be dumb, but they are still dangerous.”

This gets a slight chuckle out of her, “You promise it’s okay?”

“I promise kid. Now finish your mac n cheese, its late and we should get some shut eye.”

I swear this kid is the politest teenager I have ever met. After we ate, she cleaned all the dishes I used (which I was planning on just washing in the morning); she woke up early and made her bed, then made ME coffee and breakfast; and all throughout it all kept apologizing for “ruining Christmas.”

Clint met back up with us at the safehouse after dropping the kids off at the airport with Happy (who will be personally escorting them home). He came with me to drop Kate off at her mother’s work, where she is currently interning. Before we left, we both gave her our phone numbers and let her know that this would most likely be fixed by the end of the day. Clint kept emphasizing his was only for emergencies, but I told her to contact me if she ever needs help.

On our way back to the penthouse, Clint and I start to brainstorm plans on how to disassociate Kate’s name from the suit, once he gets it back from the LARPers of course.

“We could just storm in, then have them all arrested? I could contact Hill,” Clint suggests.

“But who knows if all the Tracksuits will be in one place? Plus, just because we have them arrested, doesn’t mean they won’t still think Kate is the Ronin,” I point out.

“True,” Clint sighs.

“And if we contact Hill, that means paperwork,” I groan, “and I am on vacation; NO paperwork for me.”

“I guess you’re right,” Clint concedes, “you are always right.”

“And don’t you forget it, Birdbrain,” I chuckle.

Silence falls over us while we continue thinking.

“Is it bad I kinda miss the kid?” Clint jokes while we continue walking.

I chuckle, “She was entertaining.”

After another block, an idea hits me, and I let a smirk take over my face. Once Clint notices, horror clouds his features.

“Oh no!” He exclaims, “Not that face! No, what ever you are thinking of, no! It’s not gonna work.”

“What happened to I am ‘always right’?” I laugh.

He groans and wipes his face, taking a deep breath, “All right, Nat, what’s your idea?”

“How about some ‘catch-n-release’?”

Well, this turned out to be a shit show.

Not only did we not get anywhere with the Tracksuits, but Kate managed to get herself caught up in this as well. After a lengthy warehouse battle and a precarious car chase, in which Clint’s hearing aid broke, we bring Kate back to the safehouse. She explains to us that the only reason she came was because a Tracksuit answered Clint’s phone when she tried to call him; which earns him a glare from me because I specifically told him to leave his phone here.

After a long talk about safety, I help Kate dress her new wounds as well as redress her old ones.

“Wow,” Clint signs to me as Kate goes to get changed, “I am not gonna lie, she really is an amazing archer.”

 I nod to him, then sign back to him, “No kidding. But she is only a kid, Clint.”

“I know,” he signs back, “but it seems we might not be able to persuade her away to safety. And at least we know she can hold her own.”

“You cannot seriously be trying to convince me to try to let her help.”

“Well let’s be real Nat, if she is with us, at least we will know she won’t be out on her own.”

I sigh.

“Let’s find a place to get your hearing aid fixed.”

Kate recommends a place to get Clint’s hearing aid fixed and the woman who runs the place gets it up and running within 20 minutes. After lunch, we find ourselves following Kate to her mother’s house to try and use her security database to get more intel on Kazi and potentially Kate’s future stepfather.

We don’t have much time to snoop around before Kate’s mother and Kate’s mother’s fiancé come home unexpectedly.

Once her mother comes in, Kate’s demeanor shifts. It’s like she is a completely different teenager than the one we were joking around with earlier. Now she only talks when spoken to and is generally quieter and more drawn into herself.

After introductions, Eleanor suggests we sit down at the table to talk things out.

“Katherine don’t be rude,” Eleanor chastises Kate, “offer your guests refreshments.”

I watch as Kate seems to almost shrink under her mother’s gaze.

“O-Of course,” Kate stutters nervously, “Natasha, Clint, would you like anything to drink?”

“It’s call good, kid,” Clint sends her an easy smile.

Kate sends an uneasy one back.

“I would like my usual, Katherine,” Eleanor interjects, “and Jack would like one as well.”

Kate nods resolutely, “Right away, mom,” and she scurries off into the kitchen.

Clint and I share a look at Kate’s change in behavior.

She almost seems scared.

I am not sure I like this woman.

“So,” Eleanor smiles artificially, “I hope Kate hasn’t been causing you too much trouble.”

“Oh,” I say, “she hasn’t been causing us any trouble at all.”

“Really?” Eleanor is almost shocked, “She can be quite the handful.”

“Hmm,” Clint hums, “No, she has been a big help actually.”

“Well, isn’t that a shock,” Eleanor chuckles, before asking, “So how can I be of help to you?”

“We were really just here to take Kate home,” I lie with a small smile. I have a feeling if we were to tell her anything else, it might not end well; either for Kate or just in general.

“Thank you, then, for making sure she got home safely,” Eleanor acknowledges as Kate comes running back into the room with two whiskey glasses on a tray. Eleanor reaches out and grabs one before sending Kate a steely look, “I am sure Kate won’t cause you any more trouble in the future, right Katherine?”

“Y-yes! Of course!” Kate stammers out quickly.

Okay, I REALLY don’t like this woman. What has she done to Kate to make her this scared?

“If that is all, I can see the two of you out?” Eleanor ‘suggests’ but it feels more like a command.

Clint and I both get up and head to the door, followed by Eleanor. She is talking to Clint, and to be honest, I am not paying any attention. Clint can fill me in later. I am trying to get in eye contact with Kate to make sure she is okay.

I am unfortunately unsuccessful as Clint and I find ourselves back in the elevator on the way back downstairs.

“Well that happened,” Clint breaks the silence.

“Yeah,” I nod, “Eleanor was… not what I was expected.”

“You and me both. She seems like a hard-ass…” Clint agrees, “I am gonna call Laura in a bit to see if she can pull anything on that Sloan Ltd. Company.”

“That sounds good,” I say, and after a brief pause, “Should we invite Kate to the safehouse tonight?”

Clint smirks, “yes, and I have an amazing idea.”

A few hours later, the safe house has slightly more Christmas cheer and Kate is back to being the teenager we met a few days ago. Her and Clint debate the possibility of splitting a wooden arrow and boomerang arrows. Clint teaches her how to flick a quarter and I show her how to tie different knots using tinsel.

“So Clint,” Kate asks, “what was the best shot you have ever took?”

“Ah, let’s see,” Clint puts his finger to his chin pretending to ponder, while sending me a small smile, “it was the one I didn’t take.”

“Woah!” Kate’s eyes light up, “What do you mean?”

I chuckle and sit down on the couch beside Kate as Clint gears up to tell his story.

“Picture this,” Clint starts, “It is almost 20 years ago. I am a new agent and I get sent on a mission to take out this Russian spy who keeps thwarting all of SHIELD’s operations. And when I get there, I had a clear shot at the target. But the target was just someone who wanted out. Someone who wanted to find a different path in life.”

“And I thank every star in the sky that you didn’t release that arrow,” I smile sincerely.

Kate then looks between me and Clint with a soft smile on her face. And after a minute, she responds, “that is the best shot you have ever taken.”

Clint and I chuckle.

We seem to be in this awful pattern where things seem to be going completely fine but then fall apart so rapidly, I can’t keep up. I couldn’t tell you how we ended up on a roof top, fighting Maya and a Widow, Kate almost plummeting to the ground, and in an even more fucked up situation than what we started in.

And don’t get me wrong. I understand Clint is mad and scared; I am too, especially since Maya seemed to be able to find out Laura and the kids’ names; but that is no reason for him to be yelling at Kate like that.

Once he starts, its like her whole body goes on autopilot. Like she has been yelled at like this before.

She listens to his whole rant, tries to argue her side, but ultimately gives up and goes home. After she leaves, he turns to me to continue ranting.

I hold up my hand, “I don’t want to hear it, birdbrain. If you want to scream about it, go ahead, but I will not be listening to it.”

He looks like he is going to start coming at me now so I butt in before he can.

“Save it,” I cut him off, knowing that this won’t get us anywhere and I can’t deal with him when he is like this, “Go cool off and get your head back into the game. There was no need for you to yell at Kate like that. While you finish your temper tantrum, I am gonna go see what I can dig up about that Widow.”

With that, I propel myself down the side of the building and follow in the direction the Widow fled in. I try to put myself back into full Widow mindset to get an idea of where she could have gone.

After about an hour or so of searching, I finally catch up to her. She gets spooked and I end up chasing her through the streets of the city until I corner her in an alley.

When she realizes she can’t get out, she starts to square her shoulders as if to gear up for another fight.

I am getting too old for this.

I put my hands up in a placating matter, “Hey! Listen, I just wanna talk.”

She pauses her actions and almost tilts her head in confusion.

“Widow to Widow,” I add on, “I promise. I am not looking for another fight.”

This seems to work as her body language changes into a slightly less defensive position.

I sigh in relief as she reaches to take off her mask.

Wait! I know this Widow.

“Ana?” I stutter in disbelief.

“Hello, Natalia,” she smiles back uneasily.

I send her a small smile back. I haven’t seen Ana since my last mission for the Red Room. I wonder if she got out before I took it down.

“What are you doing here?” I ask her.

“Listen, if I knew that was you and your friend up there, I swear I would have never taken the job,” she explains, “and I will be letting my employer know I won’t be finishing it—”

“What job?”

“There is a hit out for your friend,” she clarifies, starting to look nervous and upset, “but I swear I didn’t know it was your friend, I promise I am going to back off.”

Of course there is a hit out on Clint. Add it to the list of things we have to deal with.

“It is totally okay, I believe you,” I reassure her, then joke, “you are not the first Widow who has tried to kill us.”

She lets out a soft chuckle.

“Do you know who put out the hit?” I ask.

“Unfortunately, I do not,” Ana looks down, and I know she is telling the truth, “I get my contracts through a third party so I don’t interact directly with the clients.”

“I see,” I hum.

“I can do some digging though,” Ana offers, “it probably won’t be too hard, the system they use is most likely flawed anyways.”

I smile, “that would be great.”

“Anything for a fellow Widow,” she smiles back, “especially one who beat up one of Dreykov’s goons for me.”

I chuckle.

“Are you okay after that fight?” I ask, “I thought I saw you get hit with a bullet.”

She smirks, “It’s just a graze. Nothing I haven’t dealt with before.”

“Here,” I hold my hand out, “let me give you my number.”

She hands me her phone and I quickly put my number into it.

“Here you go,” I say, “And if you ever need anything, please feel free to reach out.”

“Thank you, Natalia,” Ana surprises me by stepping forward and giving me a tight hug which I quickly return.

“I am so glad you got out,” I whisper.

“Me too,” she whispers back, giving me one last squeeze before letting me go. She shoots a grappling hook up the side of the building to our left and sends me a nod, “Just because I am turning down this job, doesn’t mean someone else won’t pick it up. It was a lot of money.”

I nod back.

“Stay safe, Ana.”

“You too, Romanoff.”

And with that, she is gone.

By the time I make it back to the safe house, it is morning and Clint still seems angsty. I inform him of his new current predicament, but he just huffs and turns back to his coffee.

How can a man in his late 30s still act like a teenager?

I roll my eyes and head into the living room.

After a few minutes of debate, I decide to text Kate to make sure she got home okay and is safe. I asked her to text me last night when she got home, but I never got a reply. There is something about this kid that just makes me want to protect her from anything and everything.

Every minute I don’t get a reply, my worry increases. Aren’t kids her age obsessed with their phones?

My phone finally buzzes a full 25 minutes later.

Kate, 9:55: I am home. Sorry I didn’t text last night. Mom wasn’t too happy I was out late and forgot to do chores :/

Something about that text doesn’t sit right with me. I can’t put my finger on it, but why do I get the feeling something else happened last night when she got home?

I unfortunately cannot dissect those thoughts further because Clint comes into the living room and asks for more details about the hit out on him.

“So how did you get this Widow to talk again?” he asks.

I roll my eyes good-naturedly, “I didn’t ‘get her to talk’, I just talked to her… She was in the same year as me in the Red Room.”

“Oh,” he realizes, “I see. I getcha… So, what did she say exactly?”

“Did you even listen to anything I said earlier?” I huff, starting to get annoyed.

“I did! I did!” he defends, “I just… maybe... wasn’t paying attention?”

I huff again and proceed to repeat everything I told him earlier, this time with a slight impatience to my voice. After taking in all the information, properly this time, Clint doesn’t really offer any solutions.

“Well, it isn’t the first time there has been a hit put out on me,” he shrugs.

Again, I roll my eyes.

I go to argue that this is a very different situation than the last times because before he didn’t have a family who counted on him.

But honestly, I am too tired to argue.

“Then what is your plan in dealing with the Tracksuits?” I ask.

“Okay, now picture this…”

Clint walks me through his plan of meeting up with Maya and the Tracksuits to reveal that he, himself, is the Ronin; and how to try and get them off his back before it escalates even further up the chain of command.  

“Now, are you sure you want to go in alone?” I confirm with him, “Because it would really be no trouble, and honestly smarter, if I was to hang out on one of the rooftops nearby.”

“No Nat, I promise,” he turns me down, “I need to do this by myself.”

I nod, understanding where he is coming from, “Okay, but if you end up hurt or killed, I am telling Laura it is your fault; then I am stealing her for myself.”

He laughs.

Clint leaves right after dinner; leaving me alone with the dog Kate had rescued. Knowing all I would do is stare at the dot of his tracker on my map until he comes back, I decide to grab the dog’s leash and take him on a quick walk around the neighborhood.

“Kate still has to name you properly,” I say down to the pup, who looks up at me with a tilted head and a smile, “I wonder if her mother would even let her keep you. Between you and me, I don’t like that woman.”

The dog huffs in agreement.

“Right! It seems like there is more going on with that situation, huh?”

He sends me another cute smile. This time I can’t resist in bending down to pat his head and smiling back.

“Aw. You are a good boy. Maybe Clint or I could keep you and Kate could come visit?”

We continue our walk in a peaceful silence.  Once we reach the safehouse, I feed him and make myself a coffee. 

Clint texts me that he made it to the location and will only text me again if he needs my help or when he is on his way back.

Hopefully he will be okay.

I look up to see that it is already almost 4 a.m. and debate putting down my coffee and getting some rest.

But I can’t bring myself to.

Even though I have been partners with Clint since I was a little over 18, and know he is fully capable of doing this by himself, everything that has happened over the past few years has made me nervous somehow.  

I don’t sit in my worry long; however, as my phone buzzes again.

Ana, 4:03: Hi Natalia, I found out who hired me.

Ana, 4:03: Her name is Eleanor Bishop. She is a rich New York socialite who owns a security company: Bishop Securities.

Oh shit.

My phone buzzes again.

Ana, 4:04: I also found this, I am not sure if it will be helpful or not.

Ana, 4:04:  *video attachment*

Ana, 4:05: Stay safe.

I click on the video and am met with a disturbing sight of Eleanor Bishop having a ‘business meeting’ with Wilson Fisk.

The only guy that Clint and I didn’t want getting involved in this situation.

Well this just got a whole lot more complicated.

I sigh and turn my attention back to the video.

In the video, she openly admits to killing Armand Duquesne III and framing her fiancé, as well as other crimes she dealt for Fisk.

Honestly, I am not that surprised. My gut had been telling me something was off, and this was definitely it.  I can’t even imagine what Kate is going to do when she finds out—

Wait.

What about Kate?

What is gonna happen to Kate? Surely, she cannot stay in that house, her mother killed someone and is working with Kingpin.

And is she safe in that house right now?

I frantically grab my laptop and start running a trace on her phone. It takes a few moments, but when the location pops up, it is surprisingly not at her house.

Wait, is that?

I roll my eyes.

Of course she tracked Clint’s phone and followed him to his meeting with the Tracksuits. I sigh, but ultimately feel somewhat more relieved knowing she is potentially with Clint.

Looking up at the clock, even though it is nearing 5 a.m., it is still the middle of the night in California. I debate back and forth before ultimately pulling up my contacts and hitting dial on a number I never thought I would actually need to use.

Thank you Bruce, in advance.

After a few rings, the woman on the other line picks up, ‘Hello?’

“Hi, is this Jen Walters?”

‘Yes, it is. I swear if this is another prank call—’

“No I promise its not, sorry for the late call, but I need some legal advice?” I say uncertainly, not really knowing how to approach this situation.

‘Okay… do you mind telling me who is calling before I just go offering this advice?’

“Oh! Yes, sorry. My name is Natasha Romanoff,” I rush out, then add, “I am friends with Bruce.”

‘Oh my god! The Natasha Romanoff?’

“Yes,” I chuckle, “that’s me.”

‘I have heard so much about you from Bruce! And can I just say: I can’t believe he fumbled a gal like you!’

This I full on laugh at.

“I love your cousin, but I was never interested in him that way and I had to let him down gently,” I joke, “And let’s just say he wasn’t really my type.”

‘What, nerdy?’ she laughs.

“No, a man,” I chuckle.

She snorts over the phone.

‘I don’t blame ya there,’ she says, ‘So what can I help you with Natasha?’

“It is a bit of a long story…”

I proceed to tell her all about how we met Kate, leaving out any Ronin details, and how Kate’s living situation is not ideal and will most likely turn for the worse once her mother inevitably gets arrested. She tells me there is personally not much she can currently do, but she patches in a Social Worker who creates a case for Kate and we talk options.

Ultimately, when Eleanor gets arrested, Kate will most likely get put into foster care. She only has one living family member in the form of a great aunt, who I am guessing is the one she talked about the night we met, that unfortunately got diagnosed with dementia a few months ago and is now is a care facility in Florida.

I ask if there is another option outside of foster care, because I have heard the horror stories from Clint about his experience, and we all agree that it probably would be better if Kate was with people she knew.

Janine offers up a solution: that I could become an emergency foster placement for Kate.

I thought it would take me longer to decide, but I surprised myself in immediately agreeing to the idea.

‘I can email over some paperwork now if you would like to sign it and send it back,’ Janine, the social worker, informs me, ‘that way we can have everything squared away as soon as possible so whenever Kate needs to stay with you there will be no legal issues.’

‘Yeah,’ Jen adds, ‘And I can help cut through all the red tape stuff and get the process fast tracked, so don’t worry about that.’

“Okay,” I say, “is there anything else that will need to be done?”

‘Not right at this moment,’ Janine assures, ‘but call me if or when Eleanor gets arrested and we can talk more from there.’

“Sounds good,” I reply, “Thank you. Both of you.”

‘Anytime,’ Janine says, ‘Call me if you have any questions.’

‘And feel free to call me too,’ Jen adds, ‘A friend of Bruce is a best friend of mine!’

I chuckle as we all say goodbye and hang up.

Less than 20 minutes later, the paperwork is sitting in my inbox and I go to click on it, but I pause.

Am I really going to do this?

Then I think of Kate.

She truly reminds me of myself at times; like how she seems like she was forced to grow up quicker than she needed to, and how she seems to put everyone else’s safety and wellbeing before her own. She has been such a bright addition to this incredibly shitty situation.

I smile and click open the file.

By the time I sign everything and send it back to Janine, Clint and Kate walk through the safehouse door.

Kate seems so much happier than the last time I saw her; her and Clint are recounting their previous battle and I can’t help but smile.

But my mood dampens when I remember what I am about to tell them.

“Hey Natasha!” Kate smiles over at me brightly, “Wanna hear about how I just saved Clint’s ass, yet again?”

Clint rolls his eyes with a friendly huff, “I had the whole situation under control.”

“Sure you did,” Kate drawls sarcastically.

I send them a soft smile and motion for them to come join me in the living room, “As much as I would love that, I have some information I need to tell you guys.”

Clint catches my eyes and seems to figure out that the information I have is more serious because the grin he had drops off his face, “What’s wrong?”

“Ana, the Widow who was on the rooftop that night, figured out who hired her to kill you,” I announce, looking at Clint.

“Who?” Kate asks, her eyes jumping between me and Clint.

I take Kate’s hand and give it a soft squeeze, “it was your mother, Kate.”

Telling Kate that her mother killed a man, was involved in Kingpin’s business, and put a hit out on Clint was like a punch to the gut.

Initially, Kate did not react. When she did, she started to panic, insisting that we should go home and enjoy Christmas and that she would clean up ‘her own mess.’ We reassured her that we were her partners and weren’t going anywhere. And that the ‘mess’ that we were in was not hers but rather her mother’s (and slightly Clint’s but I didn’t add that) and that it was not her fault.

She has been pretty quiet ever since.

Her and Clint are currently making arrows for tonight while I map out our exit routes. Clint looks up at me then down at Kate with a forlorn look on his face. I send him a soft smile, and get up to go join them.

“What kinda arrow are ya making there, malen’kiy yastreb?” I ask Kate, not even realizing the nickname I let slip out.

Kate just shrugs and looks up to Clint for an answer. Clint smiles softly, “That’s a freeze arrow.”

Kate nods and then goes back to working on her arrow. I swear I hear her sniffle, but I don’t see the presence of tears on her cheeks. I frown up at Clint.

“So Katie-kate,” Clint tries, “How fancy is this party we are going to later?”

“Pretty fancy,” Kate hums.

“Great,” Clint chuckles sarcastically, “time to drag out the ol’ trusty suit and tie.”

Kate chuckles, “My dad also hated to dress up for it.”

I softly smile at Kate when she looks up at us.

“He would’ve loved to meet you guys,” Kate states, “But he would be glad that you guys are here to keep me safe. And that you kept me safe that day…”

I share a look with Clint and we both stay quiet and leave our body language open so Kate will hopefully elaborate more.

“You saved me that day,” Kate looks up at Clint, “the day the aliens came to New York. The Chitari I think they were called?”

My eyes widen slightly and I look over to Clint who seems to be hanging on Kate’s every word.

“Our building got hit pretty hard and there was this big hole in the side. I remember just standing there, almost unable to move, when an alien guy was coming straight for me. But right before it got to me, it got taken out by an arrow. I looked behind to see you, just a regular guy, fighting frickin’ aliens with a stick and a string,” Kate chuckles softly as a tear runs down her face, “I decided that day to start learning how to shoot, because I know it could save my life, or someone else’s, someday.”

She wipes the tear off her face and continues, “Our building ended up collapsing that day. Dad didn’t make it out…”

“I am so sorry, Kate,” I wrap her in a tight hug.

She initially flinches, but gradually starts to lean into it.

“It’s okay,” Kate sniffles pulling back, “it was a while ago.”

“That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt anymore,” Clint says, “But I am glad you survived that day.”

Kate sends us both small smiles, “If I didn’t who would’ve saved your ass today, old man?”

Clint laughs.

After a very long and taxing conversation, where we were basically pleading with Kate to have her stay back so she is safe, we reluctantly are all headed to the Christmas party to find Kate’s mother and hopefully end all of this.

I know if we made her stay back, she would have just ended up following us anyway and potentially creating a MORE dangerous situation. But at least this way, we can have more control over what is going on.

“Kate, remind me again of YOUR tasks and rules for tonight,” I ask her.

“I find my mom, take her somewhere safe, then stay out of sight,” she drones.

“And what else?” I nudge her shoulder.

She sighs heavily, “I will stay out of sight and safe, and not put myself in danger.”

“Correct,” Clint and I hum in unison.

“It is for your own safety kid,” Clint reminds her, “this can get ugly really fast. This is the best way we will know you will be okay, because I am gonna need someone around to bug me about boomerang arrows.”

This earns a chuckle from Kate.

“And only use your bow and trick arrows if necessary,” I tack on then hand her an earpiece, “here put this is your ear. Let us know if/when you need help.”

“And remember the LARPers will be around the party as well if we can’t get to you right away,” Clint adds.

“Okay, got it,” Kate nods resolutely.

“Alright partners,” Clint cheers, throwing an arm around each of us, “Let’s give ‘em hell.”

Ana was right. Another Widow picked up the contract that Eleanor put out to have Clint killed. Luckily, I don’t have to worry about Kate as I chase this Widow through Rockefeller Center.  She had found Eleanor about 10 minutes ago and told Clint and I that she was safe in the kitchen with her.

Although I don’t know if I would use the word ‘safe’ in the same sentence as ‘Eleanor.’

After a long ass, almost playful, fight with this Widow; I explain the situation to her, and she easily backs off.

Then I find myself on the Rockefeller ice rink with Clint taking down what has to be over 200 Tracksuits. And of course they are all wearing red and green suits tonight. Honestly, I can’t blame them for wanting to get into the spirit.

As we take the last one down, Clint and I look over to see Maya fighting Kazi over on the diagonal from us.

“Huh, seems like that alliance fell apart,” Clint observes.

I nod, “Maybe she finally started asking the right questions and didn’t get the answers she wanted.”

“Hmm,” Clint hums, “Well, that is one thing we potentially don’t have to deal with.”

“Yeah,” I agree, stretching my limbs before offering, “let’s go find Kate.”

“Hey kid, we are on our way back up to you,” Clint says over the earpiece as we start towards the building.

We pause when nothing but static comes back over our earpieces.

“Kate?” I try.

Nothing.

We share a nervous look as we pick up our pace and move towards the building faster.  As we enter the building, we pick the fastest route towards the kitchen Kate and her mother are supposed to be hiding in.

Once we get to the kitchen, we find it empty.

Clint sighs, “Oh great.”

I was already uneasy when Kate didn’t answer us back earlier, but now the feeling starts to intensify. I shove down the feeling as I pull out the tracker on my phone.

“The tracker shows she is down the block at… FAO Shwartz?” I inform Clint confusedly.

“Let’s go then,” Clint nods.

As we get closer to the store, we see start to see the flash of police cars. Getting to the store front, we find Kate sitting on the curb with a Police officer standing next to her, and many of them walking about.

Kate is now just dressed in her new suit the LARPers made for her and seems to have some cuts on her face.

Clint nods to me and he goes off to talk to the police officers. I walkover to where Kate is sitting, send the police officer a smile, and sit down next to Kate.

Kate jumps slightly as I sit down before schooling her expression.

“Hey malen’kiy yastreb,” I bump her shoulder with mine.

“Hey,” she replies softly, “sorry I didn’t stay in that kitchen…but my mom left and I wanted to make sure she would be okay, I guess her and Fisk’s deal went south this morning, and I just didn’t know what to do, and—”

“It’s okay, Kate,” I reassure her, sending her a soft smile, “I understand.”

“Mom got arrested,” Kate states in a semi-monotone voice, staring off at the flashing lights.

“I know,” I answer back, softly.

We sit in relative silence for a few moments before she speaks up again.

“I took down Fisk,” she states, in the tone.

I let the smallest bit of surprise take over my features.

Damn, this kid really does have balls.

“Really?” I ask, she hums an affirmative, “That is really impressive, Kate.”

She nods with a half-smile, before letting her features go back to the neutral state it was before.

If she fought Fisk, she probably has more injuries than just those cuts on her face.

I look up to see an ambulance pulling up to the area the police have blocked off. I nudge Kate to get her attention.

“Why don’t we get you checked out really quick?” I point over to the ambulance.

“Oh, I think I am okay,” Kate tries to persuade me.

“Trust me, Kate,” I chuckle as I stand up, “once your adrenaline wears off, you might think differently.”

I hold my hand out for her to take, and she hesitates for a minute before taking my hand.

As she is getting looked over by the paramedic, I keep enough of a distance so that she can have some privacy but close enough that I am here if she needs me.

I hear the paramedic say that she probably has a concussion and broken ribs, and that she strongly suggests Kate goes to the hospital. Kate pretty much refuses, but let’s the paramedic continue to patch her up.

I sigh.

Clint walks back up to me, “How’s the kid?”

“She took Fisk down by herself,” I inform him.

I watch as his eyes widen and his eyebrows rise towards his hairline, “Wow… is she okay?”

I shrug, “she seems to be adamant that she is okay and doesn’t need to go to the hospital.”

Clint chuckles and smirks, “Welp, I can’t say anything without being hypocritical.”

“What did you find out?” I ask him.

“I guess they came here to arrest Eleanor, and when they got here, they also found Fisk unconscious inside the store. But I guess as they were in the process of actually arresting Eleanor, Fisk must’ve woken up and got out somehow.”

“You don’t seem super worried about that,” I notice he still has that easy smirk on his face.

“Well… let’s just say I heard an Echo tell me that she took care of it,” Clint’s smirk widens.

“Ahh, I see…” I smile.

We both look over to see the paramedic finishing up with Kate.

I will need to call Janine and Jen later… I am strangely happy about that.

“Shall we get Kate and head home?” Clint nudges me.

“Yeah,” I smile, “let’s go.”

And with that, we head over to the teen sitting on the back of the ambulance.

[fandomtravelers]

Found family dynamics in shows

Okay I'm a sucker for found family dynamics in shows so I'm going to list all the found family or platonic relationships I know of. In TV shows/series. Just because :) ALSO please add if you know more, because I'm probably missing a whole lot. I JUST WANT MORE.

Here are the ones me and my friends know or have found (some might be father daughter centric and they're all from very random fandoms so excuse that) :

1. Kakashi & Team 7 (Naruto)

2. Anakin & Ahsoka & Obiwan (Clone wars. I know the whole star wars universe too, but I'm focusing on clone wars)

3. Kate Bishop & Clint Barton (Hawkeye)

4. Farah Dowling & Bloom (Fate : Winx)

4. Charming & Emma (Once Upon A Time)

5. Bay Kennish & Daphne Vasquez (Switched at Birth)

6. Cirilla & Geralt (The Witcher)

7. Calliope & Augie (tidelanders)

8. Byakuya & Rukia (Bleach)

9. Sara & Danny (Witchblade)

10. Georgia & Rube (Dead like me)

11. Silco & Jinx, Vander & Vi (Arcane)

12. Andrè & Jane (Painkiller Jane)

13. Jamie & Jonas & Jay (Bionic woman)

14. Dr. Tom & Erica (Being Erica)

15. The pines family (Gravity falls)

16. Tom & Cassie (the inbetween)

17. The Gaang & Team Avatar (Avatar the last Airbender & Legend of korra)

18. Kara & Clark (Supergirl & superman/batman apocalypse)

19. Charlie & Miles matheson (revolution)

20. Arthur & Joan & Auggie & Annie (Covert affairs)

21. Khlyen & Dutch (Killjoys)

22. Guerrero & Ames (Human Target)

23. Adam & Emma (Mutant X)

24. Nolan & Emily "Amanda" (Revenge)

25. Voight & his whole team (Chicago P. D.)

26. Elena & Jeremy (Bitten)

27. Jinggang & Chu hun (double world)

28. Hannibal & Abigail (Hannibal)

29. Dream & Death (The sandman)

30. Jiwoo & Mujin (My name)

31. Buffy & Giles (BTVS)

32. Benedict & his kids (Mysterious Benedict society)

33. The cullen family (twilight)

34. Elijah & Yo Han (the devil's judge)

35. Magnus & Clary (Shadow hunters)

36. Gu xiang & Wen Kexing (Word of honor (Cdrama))

37. Optimus & the human kids (Transformers prime)

38. Mildred & her teachers (Mainly miss hardbroom)

39. Dylan & Lizzie (instinct)

40. Marina & Arturo (A private affair)

41. Moiraine & Lan (Wheel of time)

42. the BAU team (Criminal minds)

43. The SVU team (Law & Order : SVU)

44. Ellie & Joel (TLOU)

45. Barbara & the batfam (Batgirl, batman comics)

46. Carmen & Shadow San (Carmen sandiego)

47. Nile & the rest of the old guard (the old guard)

48. Nick Fury & Maria Hill (secret invasion)

49. Jordan & Garrett (crossing Jordan)

50. America chavez & Doctor strange (Multiverse of Madness)

51. The Eternals (Eternals)

52. Enola & Sherlock (Enola Holmes)

53. NCIS team/family (NCIS)

54. Aizawa & his kids (BNHA)

55. Abigail & Ichabod (Sleepy Hollow)

56. Carol & Kamala (The Marvels)

57. Gojo & his students (JJK)

58. The golden trio (HP)

59. Ryan & Max (The following)

60. ICC team (crossing lines)